The evolution and research hotspots of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs): Health risks, environmental behavior, and collaborative effort

Abstract

To systematically analyze the development trajectory and knowledge structure of health risk research on perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 655 articles published between 2014 and 2024 in the Web of Science Core Collection, using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix. The results reveal a global research landscape characterized by a China–U.S. dual-core structure, with limited participation from low-income countries and international collaboration predominantly centered around China–U.S. partnerships. Research themes have shifted from environmental behavior analysis to health risk assessment, with molecular toxicological mechanisms and advanced degradation technologies emerging as new frontiers. Four major knowledge clusters were identified: (1) the multi-source nature of exposure pathways, (2) multi-organ toxicological effects, (3) challenges in the accuracy and standardization of detection technologies, and (4) bottlenecks in multi-type treatment approaches. Given the current geographical imbalances and technological gaps, this study recommended to establish an international mutual recognition system for portable detection devices to address monitoring gaps, advocate for the inclusion of C9-C14 long-chain perfluorinated chemicals in the Stockholm Convention, and establish a cross-border technology transfer fund to accelerate the standardization of degradation processes, thereby providing a cross-border cooperation pathway for global emerging pollutant management.