Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS)
date: 11/03/2024
Studying the distribution of PFAS
The occurence and persistence of PFAS at riverbank filtration sites in the Upper Danube basin (PROMISCES)
In a one-year sampling campaign, the PROMISCES project investigated the occurrence and distribution of PFAS at riverbank filtration sites and compared these to two pharmaceuticals and other chemical parameters. The findings of this study show that future legal or industrial changes in these areas could create problems since the results indicate that these compounds are not removed during riverbank filtration.
Reviewing PFAS accumulation in ecosystems (SCENARIOS)
Characterised by their non-biodegradable behaviour and long-term persistence, the major sources of PFAS have been identified as municipal waste disposal sites, landfill sites, wastewater treatment facilities, and biosolids - both in industrialised regions and remote areas. The SCENARIOS project is aiming to improve our current understanding of PFAS accumulation and dilution across one or more trophic levels in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments.
Evaluating the decrease in PFAS in controlled settings (PROMISCES)
In this paper, PROMISCES evaluates experimental conditions for storing and analysing PFAS, to enable scientists to measure these chemicals more accurately. The aim is to come up with better ways to test for PFAS in the future, and avoid underestimating the real levels found.
Evaluating PFAS exposure in a European population (PANORAMIX)
In this exciting publication, PANORAMIX used data from the European Biomonitor Initiative to evaluate the exposure of European teenagers to PFAS mixtures. Their analysis of blood samples revealed that the PFAS exposure may lead to health risks for a large part of this cohort, confirming a previous scientific opinion by EFSA.
In this exciting publication, PANORAMIX used data from the European Biomonitor Initiative to evaluate the exposure of European teenagers to PFAS mixtures. Their analysis of blood samples revealed that the PFAS exposure may lead to health risks for a large part of this cohort, confirming a previous scientific opinion by EFSA.
Improving the detection and testing of PFAS
Developing a faster and cheaper way to detect PFAS (SCENARIOS)
In a demonstration, the SCENARIOS project introduced a novel approach that enables the rapid detection of PFAS. The new technique uses Surface Enhanced Raman (SERS), which provides fast detection at very low limits — down to a single molecule — and combines this with an additive to specifically detect PFAS. This provides an improvement to conventional methods for detecting PFAS which usually require analyses offsite and are very expensive and time consuming (LC-MS/MS chromatography).
Developing an integrated approach to PFAS testing (SCENARIOS)
In the study of PFAS, the effects of the few well-studied PFAS are a stark contrast against the many poor-data PFAS that are available. The SCENARIOS project is addressing this issue by developing an integrated approach for the PFAS testing and assessment to help improve our understanding of the dangers of the large number of poor-data PFAS and their potential risks.
Decontaminating PFAS
Highly efficient and low-energy Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) reactors (SCENARIOS)
The SCENARIOS project tested and demonstrated different configurations of CAP reactors and their potential to degrade PFAS in contaminated water and soil. This demonstration supported the potential of using plasma-catalytic soil remediation as a rapid, highly efficient, low energy and green method for PFAS treatment.
Novel membrane separation systems (SCENARIOS)
In a scientific paper, SCENARIOS also reviewed PFAS treatment and removal using membrane separation systems. The paper explored novel and effective membrane techniques for PFAS separation, the parameters affecting PFAS membrane separation and destruction and an estimation of cost analysis of each treatment technology.
Using invertebrates to convert biohazardous waste (SCENARIOS)
Converting solid organic waste into value-added products such as compost is a low-cost and local-scale option for waste management. However, using contaminated organic waste can be an issue. The use of insect larvae is emerging as a viable solution. In a study by SCENARIOS the project reviews the effects of vermicomposting and insect-based bioconversion on removing pollutants and pathogens.
Chemical treatment of PFAS in groundwater (link) (PROMISCES)
Aquifers are a very important source of drinking water. However, they often suffer from overexploitation and/or chemical contamination. The PROMISCES project addresses both of these issues in two independent sites situated in the north of Spain.
Upgrade and optimisation of advanced wastewater treatment (PROMISCES)
The presence of micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and industrial chemicals in wastewater poses risks to both the environment and human health. While advanced treatment technologies in wastewater treatment plants aim to remove these pollutants, recent findings suggest that they may not effectively eliminate PFAS, indicating a need for source control efforts in areas with elevated concentrations.
Alternatives to PFAS
Alternative Assessment Database (ZeroPM)
ZeroPM and its partners are continuously building a database of alternatives to persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances and PFAS. Because PFAS have multiple uses in products, and often can only be replaced with alternative materials or technologies, the database has been built around use categories of PFAS, rather than listing every single PFAS available. Watch the update and walk through video to find out more and access the database here.
Substitute It Now (SIN) List (ZeroPM)
For thousands of users all over the world Chemsec’s SIN List is the tool, as well as an established standard, for identifying hazardous chemicals in different products and processes. With support from ZeroPM, this will be extended to include further persistent, mobile and toxic chemicals which will make the SIN List an even better starting point for substituting hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. The SIN List was recently updated to include a subset of PFAS, narrowing down the PFAS universe into the most relevant couple of hundred substances. This provides a good starting point for substitution work. Watch the webinar recording to find out more and access the SIN list here.
Chemicals Substitution website (PROMISCES)
Since 2013, Ineris, a public research institute and a partner in the Green Deal Call-funded project PROMISCES, has hosted the Chemicals Substitution website, which provides information to organisations looking for environmentally safer chemical alternatives to existing chemicals of concern.
With support from PROMISCES, the original portal has been updated with information on PFAS and PMT (persistent, mobile and toxic substances). It includes: useful links to websites and tools dedicated to substitution; published reports and technical guidance; and frequently-asked questions and answers about chemical substitution. Find out more.