We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in contaminated coastal marine waters of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea: a baseline study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented PFAS 'forever chemical' contamination in Saudi Arabian Red Sea coastal waters for the first time, finding the highest levels near lagoons that receive treated sewage and likely aqueous firefighting foam runoff. The contamination poses potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health through consumption of local seafood.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are today considered important constituents of the continuously growing substance group of persistent contaminants of emerging environmental concern (PCEC). Here, we report for the first time the concentrations of 12 relevant PFASs in 28 marine water samples from the Saudi Arabian coastal waters of the Red Sea. The sum levels of 12 PFASs (Σ12 PFAS) in surface seawater ranged from -1. For the reference background site of this study, Σ12 PFAS levels ranged from <LOQ to 10.9 ng/L. The highest PFAS levels have been found in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab, two lagoons continuously receiving treated sewage effluents. PFHxA, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTS were the most prevalent PFASs with relatively high concentrations. Discharge of municipal and industrial wastewaters is considered an important source of PFASs. The pattern of PFASs observed here suggests that the usage of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is a potential additional source for these compounds in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab lagoons. However, a systematic elucidation of local PFASs sources is needed. Contamination of the Red Sea waters with PFASs poses a potential imminent risk to the marine environment of the Red Sea and ultimately may even affect the health of human consumers through the consumption of local seafood.
More Papers Like This
Baseline evaluation of sediment contamination in the shallow coastal areas of Saudi Arabian Red Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a broad contamination survey of coastal sediments along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea, measuring levels of PAHs, heavy metals, and plastics. The study found detectable contamination across all sites, providing important baseline data for a region where such environmental monitoring has been limited.
Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in the Bay of Marseille (NW Mediterranean Sea) and the Rhône River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — persistent synthetic chemicals — across 62 surface water sites in the Rhône River and Marseille Bay, finding that PFOS exceeded European safety limits in over 80% of samples and that river discharge can carry PFOS contamination into the bay at concentrations above regulatory thresholds.
Impact of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on the marine environment: Raising awareness, challenges, legislation, and mitigation approaches under the One Health concept
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), often called 'forever chemicals,' are contaminating marine environments and interacting with other pollutants including microplastics. PFAS accumulate in marine food chains and can combine with microplastics to amplify toxic effects on ocean wildlife and ultimately human health through seafood consumption. The authors call for stronger regulations and cleanup strategies under a One Health approach that connects ocean, animal, and human well-being.
Polymer-dependent accumulation of PFASs on microplastics in Xiamen Bay: field evidence and laboratory partitioning
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that "forever chemicals" (PFASs), which are linked to health problems like cancer and immune issues, tend to stick to microplastic pieces floating in coastal waters—especially foam plastic like polystyrene, which soaked up more of these chemicals than other plastic types, and even more so after sun exposure broke it down further. This matters because it suggests plastic litter in the ocean isn't just a physical pollution problem—it can also act like a sponge that concentrates toxic chemicals, potentially making its way up the food chain to the seafood we eat.
Determination of the long-term chemical impact of human-related activities on the Red Sea coastal marine environment utilizing complementary mass spectrometric techniques and novel chemometric tools
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used complementary mass spectrometric techniques including HRMS and targeted analysis to characterize the chemical pollution profile of the Red Sea coastal environment from multiple contaminant classes. Results documented pharmaceutical residues, industrial chemicals, PFAS, PAHs, and PCBs accumulated in seawater and sediments, reflecting decades of human activity in the region.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.