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Climate change and the water quality threats posed by the emerging contaminants per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics
Summary
This review examined how climate change amplifies the risks posed by PFAS and microplastics in freshwater and marine environments, including enhanced mobilization, altered transport, and increased human exposure pathways. The authors found that both contaminant classes are released at higher rates under warming scenarios and that microplastic breakdown generates greenhouse gases that further accelerate climate change.
Climate change affects how the emerging contaminants per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics impact human health and the environment. The known and implied effects from PFAS compounds and microplastics are reviewed, followed by an overview of their occurrence, transport, degradation in fresh water and ocean water, and health impacts. PFAS and microplastics releases are increasing as a result of climate change, and the breakdown of microplastics is releasing greenhouse gases, which in turn augments climate change. Strategies are presented for reductions in the release of these emerging contaminants.