PFAS Contamination and Mitigation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Research Trends and Global Contributions

Abstract

Per

and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 581 publications from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2015 to November 2024, to assess research trends and developments related to PFAS. The findings reveal a significant increase in research output, with the number of published articles rising from just 7 in 2015 to 134 in 2024, indicating a growing global awareness of PFAS contamination. "Environmental Science" emerges as the leading discipline, accounting for 44.8% of total publications, followed by Chemistry at 15%. The United States is the foremost contributor, with 216 publications and 11,213 citations, followed by China and Sweden. Common PFAS compounds, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), have been widely detected in various ecosystems, including surface water, groundwater, and soil. These substances pose significant risks to aquatic organisms and human health due to their persistence and potential for bioaccumulation. The analysis highlights effective treatment methods for PFAS removal, such as adsorption and photocatalysis, which are crucial for mitigating environmental contamination. Prominent journals like "Science of the Total Environment" and "Environmental Science and Technology" play vital roles in disseminating research findings, while the "National Natural Science Foundation" of China is identified as a key funding source supporting numerous studies. Overall, the research underscores the need for innovative strategies and integrated management plans to combat PFAS pollution effectively. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance understanding of PFAS behavior in ecosystems and to develop effective remediation techniques, ultimately protecting water quality and public health from the multifaceted challenges posed by PFAS contamination.