Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and global water resources: an in-depth review of existing regulatory frameworks worldwide
By M. Ibrahim, Y. Li, H. A. Danjaji, and Y. Wang
Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
February 5, 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s13762-024-06256-6
At the global level, the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants has identified certain Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as priority for further assessment due to their persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic characteristics. In the present study, we adopted a state-of-the-art and systematic review to identify and critically assess PFAS regulatory policy and implementation at global, regional, and micro levels, as well as the proclamation and implementation of strategic action plans on PFAS international policies. This review absorbed data from peer-reviewed scholarly databases, grey literature, and government and non-governmental websites. A total of 10,395 PFAS-related documents were discerned, of which only 4,079 contain information on PFAS laws, regulations, policies, and national assembly bills. After discarding data from non-reliable and unclear sources, we found 364, 109, 242, 176, 577, 62, and 46 documents discussing PFAS occurrences, policy-making, and implementation in Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica, respectively. The paper highlights major factors affecting worldwide PFAS policy-making and implementation, including political instability, social inclusion, economic plight, and scientific and technical uncertainties. Overall, this review provides comprehensive overview of the state of PFAS policy worldwide, and highlights needs for further research and collaboration to effectively tackle the potential impacts of PFAS pollution.
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