Showing 1-15 of 27
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Assessing contamination and risk profiles of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances across various types of water in South Africa: trends over the past decade (2014–2024)
Science
23 Jun 2025 | Emerging Contaminants
Across South Africa, surface waters and wastewater often contain PFOA and other PFAS at levels as high as 420 ng/L, creating serious ecological risks even though indirect human exposure through irrigated crops is currently minimal, underscoring the need for tougher regulation and better water treatment.
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Distribution pattern, source apportionment and health risk assessment of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water treatment plants in South Africa
Science
26 May 2025 | Environ Toxicol Chem
Testing of drinking‑water plants in five South African provinces revealed measurable PFAS, sometimes climbing to hundreds of nanograms per litre, with one Northern Cape facility exceeding safety thresholds.
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Target and non-target screening of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish liver samples from the River Nile in Sudan: A baseline assessment
Science
24 Dec 2024 | Mar. Pollut. Bull.
PFAS contamination in fish livers from the Nile River, particularly downstream of a Sudanese Dam, is significant, with some levels exceeding international safety standards, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and research into environmental and food safety risks in the region.
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Exploring Perfluoroalkyl Substances Contamination in Human Breast Milk: First Ghanaian Study
Science
29 Nov 2024 | Chemosphere
Human breast milk in Ghana contains detectable levels of PFAS, including PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, and PFOS, highlighting potential exposure risks to infants through breastfeeding, especially for PFOS and PFOA.
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Drinking water quality parameters in Africa and the United States: Implications for public health
Science
12 Aug 2024 | Eng. Sci. Technol.
This study highlights significant disparities between water quality in Africa and the United States, with Africa facing high levels of microbiological and chemical contaminants due to inadequate infrastructure, while the U.S. contends with challenges like PFAS contamination and lead from aging pipes despite advanced treatment technologies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and policy improvements in both regions.
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PFAS in Nigeria: Identifying data gaps that hinder assessments of ecotoxicological and human health impacts
Science
21 Apr 2024 | Heliyon
This review examines the impact of PFAS in Nigeria, highlighting their persistence and health risks, and recommends strengthening regulations and increasing collaborative research and education for improved management and healthier communities.
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Occurrence, bioaccumulation and trophic dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in two tropical freshwater lakes
Science
14 Feb 2024 | Environ Pollut
PFAS were measured in different fish species in two lakes in Nigeria, identifying the presence of novel PFAS, diSAMPAP and 9CL-PF3ONS, and documenting the role of urbanization on PFAS in the environment for the first time in Africa.
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Global ocean contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A review of seabird exposure
Science
18 Apr 2023 | Chemosphere
Seabirds had higher levels of PFOS exposure – often exceeding toxicity reference values in places like the Baltic Sea and the San Francisco Bay – in the late 1990s and early 2000s, consistent with the phase-out of PFOS-based chemicals.
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Predictors of serum- per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations among infants in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa
Science
1 Apr 2023 | Environ Res
Location of residence was an important determinant of PFAS concentrations in West African infants, which were generally lower than in most Western countries.
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How Widespread Are These Toxic Chemicals? They’re Everywhere.
News
23 Feb 2023 | The New York Times
While concern about PFAS compounds, also known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly, has largely focused on people, the pollutants have also been detected in wildlife.
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More than 110 experts raise alarm over WHO’s ‘weak’ PFAS limits for drinking water
News
19 Nov 2022 | The Guardian
Independent scientists raise concerns about apparent industry influence and distortions of the science in WHO guidelines.
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Occurrence and infant exposure assessment of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in breast milk from South Africa
Science
2 Nov 2021 | Chemosphere
Infant sex was correlated to PFAS exposure in newborns and showed widespread contamination.
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Air monitoring with passive samplers for perfluoroalkane substances in developing countries (2017-2019)
Science
9 Jun 2021 | Chemosphere
41 developing countries were sampled, with Zambia showing exceptionally high levels of PFAS.
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Concentrations and human exposure assessment of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in farmed marine shellfish in South Africa
Science
1 Jun 2021 | Chemosphere
Short-chain PFAS were more prevalent than long-chain PFAS in farmed shellfish.
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Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Ugandan waters of Lake Victoria: Spatial distribution, catchment release and public exposure risk via municipal water consumption
Science
27 Apr 2021 | Sci Total Environ
PFAS were likely recycled from the industrially contaminated water and into municipal drinking water.