Revisiting the “forever chemicals”, PFOA and PFOS exposure in drinking water

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), known as the most detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various environmental compartments, have been associated with plastic pollution and endocrine dysfunction. Over the past 180 years (1839–2019), numerous emerging contaminants have been identified, with PFOA and PFOS receiving considerable attention based on scientific evidence and publications. Between 2018 and 2019, PFOA and PFOS experienced a relatively high increase rate of 18.8% and 13.6%, respectively. While developed countries have made progress in establishing stringent guidelines, developing and underdeveloped countries often lack regulations and mechanisms to address emerging PFAS. Furthermore, advancements in PFAS removal technologies are needed to improve their efficacy and feasibility. The establishment of regulatory compliances, along with exposure assessment and risk characterization, is essential for providing precautionary advice on water source protection, water supply security, health risks, treatment efficiency, and contamination forecasting. However, a more comprehensive approach and database for evaluating exposure and risks are still imperative to effectively combat PFAS contamination in drinking water. Therefore, this review aims to enhance environmental monitoring and management practices in response to the global crisis of PFAS contamination. The analysis of Needs, Approaches, Benefits, and Challenges (NABC) is grounded in the current trends of PFAS in the environment and human exposure through drinking water.

Global Lake Health in the Anthropocene: Societal Implications and Treatment Strategies

“…Apart from direct toxic reactions, hazardous substances can also cause additional problems; there is, for example, a high risk that antibiotic resistance increases when antibiotics are released into the environment (Ben et al., 2019). Many regional and global regulations have been implemented to decrease the spread but despite legislation, more and more hazardous substances become detectable in lakes all around the world and in drinking water (Morin‐Crini et al., 2022), in particular in low‐income countries (Wee & Aris, 2023).…”

Electrochemical Reduction of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): An Experimental and Theoretical Approach

“…An important group of PFAS is the perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), in which perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has the most severe environmental concern . Several strategies have been adopted to remove and destroy PFOA from water.…”

An Atomic and Molecular Insight into How PFOA Reduces α-Helicity, Compromises Substrate Binding, and Creates Binding Pockets in a Model Globular Protein

“…Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the ubiquitous and “forever” class of chemicals, which number over 7000 compounds, have been found in human blood, human breast milk, neonates, and children. − The association of PFAS compounds with adverse human health outcomes has emerged as a major societal and governmental health concern. − PFAS-associated toxicity includes reproductive effects (decreased fertility), elevated levels of blood pressure, late onset of development in children, risk for cancers, and complications due to compromised immunity. PFAS is also a known obesogen.…”

“…While BLG secondary structure was found to be affected by the addition of surfactants and other ligands, the role of nano-curcumin unearthed in the protein:protein interactions provides valuable information in food technology. , Functional roles attributed to BLG include that of ligand transport, neonatal vision and brain development, modulation of immune responses, and potential enhancement of cell proliferation. , Despite its ban in 2019, PFOA continues to pervade the biome via its persistent presence in soil, water, animals, burn sites (for firemen training), and plants, even though significant efforts have been made for their removal from soil and water using various technologies. Their entry into the food chain occurs directly through ingestion of PFAS-contaminated water, food, and beverages that in turn may have been in contact with PFAS-containing substances. − …”