Document Type : Review
Authors
1
Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran,
3
Department of Department of Planning, Environmental Management, and HSE, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran.
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as emerging pollutants with high persistence and potential health risks, have increasingly gained attention. Due to their specific properties, these substances are resistant to degradation in the environment and can remain for extended periods. PFAS are utilized in various industries, such as the production of water-resistant textiles, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and fire-fighting foams. They enter the environment through numerous pathways, including industrial wastewater and the food chain, causing issues such as endocrine disorders, reduced immune function, and pregnancy risks. Neglecting this matter can bring about irreparable consequences for food security, human health, and sustainable development.
This study emphasizes the necessity of sustainable management of PFAS, highlighting that without swift actions, these compounds pose a serious threat to ecosystems. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the permissible level of PFAS in drinking water is 70 ng/L, and concentrations above this limit can result in hormonal disruptions . PFAS concentrations vary widely in different environments: 300 to 125,000 ng/L in leachate, 0.01 to 460,000 µg/Kg in soil, and 0.2 to 500,000 µg/Kg in biosolids. Thermal methods are effective in removing PFAS from soil but are costly and environmentally disruptive, while biological approaches like phytoremediation are more eco-friendly. For water, advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and ion exchange are among the most effective methods, capable of removing more than 90% of PFAS. Strategies such as reducing PFAS production by 30–40% over the next decade could significantly contribute to safeguarding ecosystem health and sustainability.
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