Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of synthetic organofluorine compounds characterized by carbon chains that are fully or partially fluorinated, conferring exceptional thermal, chemical, and surfactant stability. As a research topic, PFAS encompasses their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, complex transport and transformation pathways, and emerging toxicological profiles, including interactions with lipid metabolism, endocrine signaling, and immune function. Investigations address analytical challenges in ultra-trace detection, structural diversity (e.g., legacy vs. replacement PFAS), mixture effects, and the development of remediation technologies and regulatory frameworks, making PFAS a central focus in environmental chemistry, exposure science, and risk assessment.
A group of man-made chemicals are accumulating across the River of Grass—raising questions about potential impacts to water quality and ongoing restoration efforts.
Environment
Oct 16, 2025
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24
Wetlands act as nature's kidneys: They trap sediments, absorb excess nutrients and turn pollutants into less harmful substances. Now, the list of pollutants wetland plants can remove includes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ...
Environment
Oct 14, 2025
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139
A new paper in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry indicates high levels of exposure to "forever chemicals" in the environments of many tree swallow bird groups in the United States. Despite this, chemical exposure did ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 8, 2025
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47
Rice University researchers, in collaboration with international partners, have developed the first eco-friendly technology to rapidly capture and destroy toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in water. The findings, recently ...
Environment
Oct 7, 2025
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302
The EU's environment commissioner said on Monday she has tested positive for "toxic" forever chemicals after undergoing screening to raise awareness of the health risks linked to the man-made pollutants.
Environment
Sep 29, 2025
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27
Sea foam is a common sight along the coastline as breaking waves churn up air and algae. Now, a study in Environmental Science & Technology reports that sea foam from several beaches along North Carolina's coast contains ...
Environment
Sep 24, 2025
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39
PFAS are fluorinated compounds found in many everyday products, such as outdoor clothing and cookware like Teflon pans. This is because PFAS are durable, heat-resistant and dirt-repellent. Their stability is precisely what ...
Nanomaterials
Sep 23, 2025
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162
One way people ingest a group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS is through consuming produce, dairy and meat products that have been exposed to contaminated soil and irrigation water. Some guidance is available on how growers ...
Ecology
Sep 18, 2025
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25
Toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," are in everything from Band-Aids and clothing to water and floss. However, new research reveals they are potentially even more widespread ...
Environment
Sep 10, 2025
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141
In Alaska's Brooks Range, rivers once clear enough to drink now run orange and hazy with toxic metals. As warming thaws formerly frozen ground, it sets off a chemical chain reaction that is poisoning fish and wreaking havoc ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 9, 2025
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