Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the marine environment: An overview and prospects
Qi Wang1, Yetong Shao2, Kenneth M Y Leung3
1State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519080, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals known for their excellent persistence and surface activity. PFAS can be readily transported through waterways into the ocean, which serves as their primary global sink. This review summarizes recent studies on PFAS in the marine environment and outlines some key directions for future research. Certain PFAS may pose significant risks to human health through seafood consumption. Furthermore, marine predators such as cetaceans may be at high risk of PFAS exposure due to the biomagnification of PFAS in marine food webs. The ban on legacy PFAS has led to a dramatic increase in detecting various emerging PFAS. However, potential risks associated with these emerging PFAS remain largely underexplored. This review highlights critical research needs: tracing ultra-short-chain PFAS in the marine environment, establishing environmental quality standards to protect marine ecosystems and human health, and investigating toxicological effects and mechanisms of emerging PFAS.
