Research and analysis

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): sources, pathways and environmental data: summary

Published 26 August 2021

Applies to England

1. Chief Scientist’s Group research summary

This project reviewed environmental monitoring data on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in English rivers, estuaries and groundwater to evaluate PFAS use, sources and environmental pathways. The findings will help inform a future PFAS monitoring strategy.

1.1 Background

PFAS are a large group of synthetic organofluorine chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s. The carbon-fluorine bond is very strong. Consequently PFAS can resist chemical attack and withstand high temperatures and are sometimes referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.

PFAS have oil and water repellent properties, having been developed for use as surfactants and stain repellents. They have a very wide range of consumer and industrial applications. Their stability and resistance to degradation results in almost indefinite environmental contamination, leading to long-term continuous exposure of people and wildlife. There is worldwide concern of the adverse impact arising from PFAS use on human health and the environment.

1.2 Approach

The project identified PFAS uses and sources by reviewing regulatory registration databases from the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) programme and the European Chemicals Agency. The project team held discussions with UK manufacturers of PFAS, evaluated information from UK trade sector surveys, and reviewed relevant scientific literature.

The report also reviewed Environment Agency environmental monitoring data for PFAS in English rivers, estuaries and groundwater, including data from other national scale environmental surveillance monitoring programmes. Monitoring data is included for surface water, groundwater, biota (freshwater and marine fish and otters) and estuarine sediments. A future monitoring strategy for PFAS is proposed for 2021 and beyond.

1.3 Results

The report identified that approximately 100 individual PFAS are supplied to the UK market in amounts greater than 1 tonne per year. However, this may not include all PFAS as registration is not required for PFAS manufactured or imported below the threshold of 1 tonne per year.

The research shows that 10 PFAS are being widely detected in the English aquatic environment, with the number of PFAS being detected varying slightly between freshwater and groundwater. Uses of PFAS and potential sources releasing to the environment were identified.

1.4 Conclusions

Monitoring data for rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters suggests it is likely that PFAS is widely present in English surface waters and groundwater.

The project identified those PFAS that are most likely to be relevant in the UK. This information will be used to improve the Environment Agency’s monitoring abilities and analysis of water samples for PFAS collected from 2021 onwards.

Several knowledge gaps were identified including the need for additional information on current use of PFAS across several trade sectors, including cosmetics, textiles and food packaging. A lack of knowledge regarding some environmental pathways such as atmospheric release and deposition, and additional environmental monitoring gaps were also identified. Measures are proposed to address the most critical evidence gaps.

1.5 Project details

This summary relates to information from the following project:

Title: Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): sources, pathways and environmental data

Project manager: Mark Sinton, Environment and Business Directorate

This project was delivered by the Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides scientific knowledge, tools and techniques to enable us to protect and manage the environment as effectively as possible.

Enquiries: research@environment-agency.gov.uk

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