What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been widely used for over 70 years and are now found in 99% of humans. These synthetic chemicals accumulate in the body, particularly in the liver, damaging cells and increasing the risk of cancer, birth defects, and potentially 800 other diseases. Despite their known health risks, PFAS are still used in many consumer products, including Teflon cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Their extreme durability makes them resistant to natural degradation, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
The first PFAS, Teflon, was discovered accidentally in 1938 by Roy Plunkett, leading to the development of over 4,700 related compounds. These chemicals act as surfactants, helping mix substances like oil and water, and are highly resistant to conventional pollution treatments such as ozone, bacteria, and heat.
Although scientists and campaigners like the Royal Society of Chemistry are pushing for the removal of PFAS from consumer goods, historical contamination remains a major challenge. Conventional water and soil treatment methods can capture PFAS, but breaking them down has proven difficult. Until recently, incineration was the only viable option, but new technologies are emerging to degrade these persistent pollutants safely and sustainably. The race is on to develop effective solutions to eliminate PFAS and mitigate their long-term impact.
Photo by Onur Uslu / Pexels
Pollution Extent
With an estimated 53,000 tonnes of PFAS pollution worldwide—and another 42,000 tonnes produced annually—their widespread use and environmental persistence make them a significant concern.
In early 2023, the Forever Pollution Project identified nearly 23,000 sites across Europe contaminated with PFAS. This extensive cross-border investigation, conducted by 16 European newsrooms, also uncovered an additional 21,500 sites likely contaminated due to past or ongoing industrial activities. The findings highlight the widespread presence of PFAS pollution throughout Europe.
There is a large and fast-growing need for a technology to destroy PFAS wastes sustainably
Mantisonix, a spinout from the University of Surrey, has developed a robust technology for sustainable PFAS destruction, based on ultrasound irradiation.
Strict Regulations
Globally, regulations on PFAS in drinking water are becoming increasingly stringent due to their persistent nature and potential health risks. In the European Union, the recast Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184/EU) mandates that by 2026, member states must ensure total PFAS concentrations do not exceed 0.5 micrograms per litre (µg/L), with individual PFAS limited to 0.1 µg/L.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on establishing enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water, focusing on compounds like PFOA and PFOS. While specific federal standards are under development, several states have proactively set their own limits, often ranging from 0.01 to 0.07 µg/L for individual PFAS compounds.
The United Kingdom currently lacks statutory standards for PFAS in drinking water. However, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has issued precautionary guidance, recommending a threshold of 100 nanograms per litre (ng/L) for the sum of 48 individual PFAS. This guideline is non-binding but serves as a reference for water companies to ensure water quality.
