Does Wastewater Reveal Our Exposure to Perfluorinated Substances?

A new method now makes it possible to detect and accurately measure a wide range of perfluorinated substances in wastewater. These compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and resist natural degradation. They are found in everyday objects such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, or fire-fighting foams. Their presence in water and soil raises concerns, as some are linked to health issues such as thyroid disorders, liver damage, or increased cancer risks.

Researchers have developed a technique capable of identifying 35 types of these substances, including recent variants designed to replace those already banned. By analyzing wastewater samples from southwestern England over three days, they observed varying quantities depending on the compounds. For example, some molecules reached daily loads of up to 45 kilograms per day for a treatment plant, while others remained at much lower levels. The results indicate that the immediate risks to human health and the environment appear to be low, but their assessment remains complex due to their persistence and ability to accumulate in the food chain.

The study highlights a major challenge: these substances adhere to the glass and plastic materials used in laboratories, which can distort measurements. Despite this, the method used, combining two types of filters to capture pollutants, offers unprecedented precision. It paves the way for better monitoring of population exposure, although uncertainties remain about the long-term effects of these ubiquitous chemicals. Monitoring them in wastewater could become a key tool for assessing the invisible dangers that surround us.

Content References

Official Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-026-06421-5

Title: A new multi-residue method for PFAS analysis in wastewater for environmental and public health risk assessment

Journal: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Dalia Elabbadi; Harry Elliss; Megan Robertson; John Bagnall; Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern