Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment.
Marina G Evich1, Mary J B Davis1, James P McCord2
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Athens, GA 30605, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 3, 2022
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants due to global production and release. Current remediation efforts for these persistent chemicals are limited, especially for drinking water.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals of significant environmental concern.
- Their widespread production and use have led to global contamination.
- PFAS are synthesized via direct fluorination and oligomerization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the environmental presence and challenges associated with PFAS.
- To highlight the global distribution and persistence of these compounds.
- To underscore the nascent stage of PFAS remediation technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of PFAS synthesis and release pathways.
- Analysis of PFAS environmental transport and transformation mechanisms.
- Assessment of current remediation strategies, focusing on drinking water.
Main Results:
- Over a megatonne of PFAS is produced annually, entering end-use products.
- Fugitive releases during manufacturing, use, and disposal cause global distribution.
- Volatile PFAS transform into recalcitrant compounds that accumulate in biota.
Conclusions:
- PFAS contamination is a growing global issue.
- The persistence and bioaccumulation of PFAS pose significant environmental risks.
- Effective remediation strategies for PFAS-contaminated sites are still under development.
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