Chapter 1 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment: issues and challenges
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Ravi Naidu
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a diverse group of organofluorine surfactants extensively utilized since the 1930s due to their unique properties, including thermal stability, oil, and water repellence. However, their widespread use, particularly in firefighting foams, has led to significant soil and groundwater contamination globally. Stringent regulations have been implemented in many developed countries due to growing concerns about their human and environmental health impacts. Despite efforts to regulate PFAS, there are over 4,000 identified constituents, presenting challenges in analysis, exposure assessment, and remediation. Advanced analytical techniques are required to detect ultra-trace levels of PFAS across various environmental matrices. PFAS contamination sources are diverse, including industrial waste and agricultural runoff, with pathways of exposure encompassing ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. Growing evidence suggests adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer and developmental issues. Remediation of PFAS-contaminated sites remains a significant challenge, necessitating urgent development of effective and environmentally friendly treatment technologies. This chapter serves as an introductory gateway into the book, offering a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of PFAS dynamics in the terrestrial environment, emphasizing the need for continued research, effective regulation, and cost-effective and risk-based remediation efforts to address the challenges posed by these persistent chemicals.
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a diverse group of organofluorine surfactants extensively utilized since the 1930s due to their unique properties, including thermal stability, oil, and water repellence. However, their widespread use, particularly in firefighting foams, has led to significant soil and groundwater contamination globally. Stringent regulations have been implemented in many developed countries due to growing concerns about their human and environmental health impacts. Despite efforts to regulate PFAS, there are over 4,000 identified constituents, presenting challenges in analysis, exposure assessment, and remediation. Advanced analytical techniques are required to detect ultra-trace levels of PFAS across various environmental matrices. PFAS contamination sources are diverse, including industrial waste and agricultural runoff, with pathways of exposure encompassing ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. Growing evidence suggests adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer and developmental issues. Remediation of PFAS-contaminated sites remains a significant challenge, necessitating urgent development of effective and environmentally friendly treatment technologies. This chapter serves as an introductory gateway into the book, offering a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of PFAS dynamics in the terrestrial environment, emphasizing the need for continued research, effective regulation, and cost-effective and risk-based remediation efforts to address the challenges posed by these persistent chemicals.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Foreword VII
- Preface IX
- Contents XI
- List of contributors XIII
- Chapter 1 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment: issues and challenges 1
- Chapter 2 PFAS: an overview of their physicochemical properties and implications 13
- Chapter 3 Sources of PFAS in the environment 61
- Chapter 4 Occurrence, nature, and extent of PFAS contamination in the environment 83
- Chapter 5 Analytical techniques for perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 143
- Chapter 6 Nontarget screening approaches for PFAS and their applications on contaminated sites 169
- Chapter 7 Dynamic transport, sorption, and desorption of PFAS in water-saturated and unsaturated soils 201
- Chapter 8 From contamination to clarity: evaluating the role of groundwater modeling in managing and remediating PFAS plumes 319
- Chapter 9 Assessment of environmental risk 337
- Chapter 10 Biomonitoring and health effects of PFAS exposure 399
- Chapter 11 Bioaccumulation of legacy and novel PFAS in the environment 495
- Chapter 12 Toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plants and microbes 519
- Chapter 13 PFAS treatment and remediation 567
- Chapter 14 A zero PFAS future: transitioning away from forever chemicals 599
- Chapter 15 Regulatory perspectives on PFAS 615
- Index 631
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Foreword VII
- Preface IX
- Contents XI
- List of contributors XIII
- Chapter 1 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment: issues and challenges 1
- Chapter 2 PFAS: an overview of their physicochemical properties and implications 13
- Chapter 3 Sources of PFAS in the environment 61
- Chapter 4 Occurrence, nature, and extent of PFAS contamination in the environment 83
- Chapter 5 Analytical techniques for perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 143
- Chapter 6 Nontarget screening approaches for PFAS and their applications on contaminated sites 169
- Chapter 7 Dynamic transport, sorption, and desorption of PFAS in water-saturated and unsaturated soils 201
- Chapter 8 From contamination to clarity: evaluating the role of groundwater modeling in managing and remediating PFAS plumes 319
- Chapter 9 Assessment of environmental risk 337
- Chapter 10 Biomonitoring and health effects of PFAS exposure 399
- Chapter 11 Bioaccumulation of legacy and novel PFAS in the environment 495
- Chapter 12 Toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plants and microbes 519
- Chapter 13 PFAS treatment and remediation 567
- Chapter 14 A zero PFAS future: transitioning away from forever chemicals 599
- Chapter 15 Regulatory perspectives on PFAS 615
- Index 631
