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 in aquatic sediments: Global distribution, partitioning behavior, and ecological consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
This global review found PFAS contamination widespread in aquatic sediments — with Africa showing the highest mean concentrations — and identified that suspended particulate matter and porewater are underappreciated PFAS exposure pathways for benthic organisms. Like microplastics, PFAS are persistent pollutants that co-occur in aquatic systems and share transport and bioaccumulation pathways, making their sediment dynamics critical context for understanding combined plastic-associated chemical burdens.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants that accumulate across aquatic compartments, which include sediments, pore water, surface water (including microlayers), suspended particulate matter (SPM), fish, and other biota, causing long-term ecological impacts. This review analyzes the global distribution of PFAS in aquatic sediments, partitioning behavior across aquatic compartments, and ecological consequences of PFAS on sediment-dwelling organisms. PFAS in sediments are widespread globally, with the highest mean concentration (274.1 ng/g) found in the African continent, in addition to localized hotspots showing increased average levels in other continents. SPM consistently retains higher PFAS levels than sediments, while porewater concentrations exceed those of surface water (SPM > sediment, porewater > surface water), revealing overlooked exposure pathways. Sediment-bound PFAS exposes benthic organisms through dermal contact, ingestion, and trophic transfer, with bioaccumulation influenced by organism traits, sediment properties, and environmental factors. Although ecological risk quotient (RQ) values are generally low (RQ < 0.1), localized hotspots and species-specific sensitivities highlight the need for site-specific monitoring. Regulatory frameworks in the EU and United States remain focused on drinking and surface waters, lacking sediment-specific standards and leaving a critical policy gap. Thus, this review suggests sediments as an important yet underexplored reservoir of PFAS, indicating the importance of incorporating sediment compartments into monitoring, ecological risk assessment, and regulatory frameworks.
More Papers Like This
Analysis and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the global aquatic environment: perspectives and combined risks with microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provided a comprehensive overview of PFAS fate, transport, and toxicity in global aquatic environments, with particular attention to analytical challenges for ultrashort-chain compounds. The authors also addressed combined risks from PFAS and microplastics co-occurring in water, noting synergistic contamination concerns.
Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines PFAS, the persistent 'forever chemicals' widely used in consumer products, and their growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. Evidence indicates that PFAS accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupt hormones, and can alter how other pollutants behave in the environment. The research is relevant to microplastic concerns because PFAS are commonly found in plastic products and can leach from microplastics into water.
Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment: Uptake, Bioaccumulation and Impact on Plants, Animals and Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review documents that PFAS compounds have been detected in virtually every environmental compartment and human matrix, causing reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, metabolic disruption, and immune effects across aquatic organisms, terrestrial animals, and humans. PFAS and microplastics share key exposure pathways and are frequently co-contaminants, as plastic surfaces sorb and transport PFAS into food chains and human bodies.
Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment: Uptake, Bioaccumulation and Impact on Plants, Animals and Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review documents that PFAS compounds have been detected in virtually every environmental compartment and human matrix globally, driving reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and metabolic and immune effects across aquatic organisms, terrestrial animals, and humans. PFAS and microplastics frequently co-occur as plastic surfaces adsorb and transport PFAS through food webs and into human tissues, compounding total chemical body burden.
From Sources to Environmental Risks: Research Progress on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in River and Lake Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the sources, distribution, and environmental risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in rivers and lakes worldwide, highlighting these highly persistent synthetic chemicals as critical emerging contaminants that accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and pose significant biological toxicity.
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.