The PFAS roadmap-Navigating a path together to improved management
Lokesh P Padhye1,2,3,4,5, Melanie Kah6,5, Erin M Leitao7,8,5
1The New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States of America.
Sustainability Science and Technology
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Managing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. This roadmap outlines expert recommendations for addressing PFAS challenges across their entire lifecycle, from source to destruction.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are diverse, persistent environmental contaminants with significant health concerns.
- Despite extensive research, effective PFAS management remains challenging due to their ubiquitous nature and properties like persistence and potential toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive roadmap for PFAS management by synthesizing expert perspectives.
- To identify critical knowledge gaps and recommend science and technology advancements for addressing PFAS challenges.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary roadmap featuring 15 topics from world-renowned researchers and practitioners.
- Analysis of the entire PFAS lifecycle, including sources, fate, monitoring, regulation, remediation, and destruction.
Main Results:
- The roadmap covers diverse facets of PFAS issues, offering an overview of the current knowledge status.
- Highlights key themes such as monitoring, fate prediction, source control, and remediation strategies (capture and destruction).
Conclusions:
- Numerous scientific and technological advancements show promise for PFAS management.
- No single solution exists; multifaceted strategies and sustained collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industry, and communities are essential for long-term success.
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