Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed “forever chemicals,” have emerged as a pervasive contaminant in rivers, including the Hillsborough River. These synthetic chemicals are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, from non-stick cookware and water-repellent clothing to firefighting foams. Due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS do not easily break down in the environment, making them highly persistent. They also bioaccumulate, a process where a substance, such as a contaminant like a pesticide or heavy metal, accumulates in a living organism over time due to persistent exposure.
PFAS reach rivers through various pathways, including:
- Industrial discharges from manufacturing facilities.
- Municipal wastewater treatment plants, which are not designed to remove PFAS.
- Stormwater runoff from urban areas, airports, and military bases where firefighting foams have been used.
- Leachate from landfills and biosolids applied to agricultural land.
Once in river systems, PFAS can travel long distances and accumulate in sediments, aquatic life, and drinking water sources.
PFAS pose risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health:
- Studies show that PFAS can impair reproduction and growth in fish and amphibians.
- They accumulate in the food web, affecting predators and potentially reaching humans through fish consumption.
- In humans, PFAS exposure has been linked to thyroid disorders, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Monitoring efforts have increased, but gaps remain. Many countries are only beginning to set limits on PFAS concentrations in water. In April 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS.
Addressing PFAS contamination in rivers requires:
- Improved detection and monitoring technologies.
- Upgrades to wastewater treatment systems.
- Phase-outs or restrictions on PFAS use.
- Coordinated policies across jurisdictions.
As awareness grows, tackling PFAS pollution is becoming a concern in river health planning. To protect water quality and ecosystem integrity for future generations, both prevention and remediation will need to be a focus.
