Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Soils and Groundwater: Environmental Effects and Remediation

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of anthropogenic compounds that have attracted attention worldwide as contaminants of high concern. Over several decades, they have been used in an array of formulations for the manufacture of several commercial products such as firefighting foams, food packing, stain repellents, and non-stick cookware. Their broad usage is related to unique properties such as chemical-thermal stability and hydrophilic-lipophilic nature imparted by chemical composition.

PFAS have been associated with adverse health effects and dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation and environmental persistence, enhancing the risk to human and environmental health. Consequently, managing PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater is crucial to prevent further exposure and ensure the safety of groundwater and food supplies. PFAS contamination in soil can occur through several pathways, including direct release from industrial sites, landfills, and firefighting training areas. They can also be transported to groundwater and freshwater bodies via leaching and runoff, further increasing the potential environmental impact.

This Research Topic aims to critically analyze the mechanisms of PFAS transmission through soil and water systems and to evaluate the efficacy of existing remediation technologies alongside the development of novel approaches. This includes exploring the chemical behavior that complicates conventional treatment methods and identifying breakthroughs that promise more effective degradation or removal of PFAS compounds. Addressing these challenges could significantly enhance the safety of affected ecosystems and human populations reliant on groundwater resources.

Occurrence and Distribution:
• Monitoring and quantifying PFAS in soil, sediments, and groundwater.
• Spatial and temporal trends in PFAS concentrations across different regions and ecosystems.

Transport and Pathways:
• Mechanisms governing the transport of PFAS in the environment, including surface runoff and leaching.
• Role of environmental factors and conditions on PFAS mobility and transformation.

Environmental and Ecological Impact:
• Hazard and exposure pathway risk assessments associated with PFAS contamination in the soil and groundwater.

Analytical Methods and Challenges:
• Development of innovative analytical techniques for sensitive and accurate detection of PFAS.
• Addressing challenges in differentiating between various PFAS compounds and understanding their complex mixtures.

Remediation and Mitigation Strategies:
• Conventional biological, chemico-physical, and thermal remediation strategies.
• Advances in technologies and methodologies for the removal or degradation of PFAS from contaminated environments.
• Policy frameworks and regulatory approaches for managing PFAS contamination and mitigating risks.

PFAS pollution and One Health
• Exposure pathway from environmental ecosystems to animal health, crop quality, and ultimately human health.
• PFAS in animal meat and vegetables.

All article types are welcome, with an emphasis on original research, reviews, and perspectives.

Distinguished Prof Ravi Naidu is CEO and managing director of crcCARE which is an independent Centre of Excellence, funded by the Australian Government. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject

Keywords: PFAS, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, persistent contamination, remediation, soil, sediment, technologies, distribution, pathway, transport, emerging contaminant, pollution, groundwater, One Health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.