PFAS in the textile industry: Sources, fate, detection, and pathways toward sustainable remediation and regulation
By Md Nahid Pervez, Aswin Kumar Ilango, Tao Jiang, Md Eman Talukder, Mohammad Nazmul Ehsan, Yingjie Cai, and Yanna Liang
Chem. Eng. J.
September 15, 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.168183
Eliminating environmental pollution caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a matter of critical importance. Although PFAS have long been used in textiles for their water- and oil-repellent, stain-resistant, and thermally stable properties, there is growing concern about their lingering effects and the potential harm they may cause to humans and the environment. While numerous studies have been conducted on PFAS contamination in the waste products of other sectors, the textile industry, a major user of these chemicals, has received surprisingly little attention. This review offers a comprehensive critical overview of the most recent research on PFAS in the textile industry, integrating its sources, distribution, fate, quantification methods, global legislation, and remediation solutions. We reviewed the PFAS concentrations in textiles in a systematic manner, encompassing the manufacturing process, aging, washing, drying, waste disposal, and wastewater treatment facilities. To move forward, we shared our thoughts on the sustainable management of PFAS-contaminated textiles by categorizing their uses. While most PFAS laws have targeted water and soil, the textile industry has been notably unregulated. This review stimulates our understanding of PFAS in the textile industry and informs future research directions.
Topics: