Environmental impacts of F-gases and trifluoroacetic acid: Potential threats to aquatic ecosystems and management strategies

Abstract

This study examines the environmental impacts of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent and toxic compound formed as a degradation product of fluorinated gases (F-gases) commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. TFA is highly mobile, resistant to biodegradation, and accumulates in aquatic ecosystems, posing significant risks to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Using environmental modeling, this research simulates TFA accumulation patterns and evaluates its ecotoxicological thresholds on aquatic organisms. The findings reveal that current regulatory frameworks underestimate the long-term ecological risks associated with TFA, including its bioaccumulation potential and toxicity to sensitive aquatic species. The study highlights the urgent need for greener refrigerant technologies, stricter environmental regulations, and globally coordinated monitoring strategies to mitigate TFA's environmental threats. Recommendations include transitioning to natural refrigerants such as CO₂, ammonia, and hydrocarbons, developing next-generation cooling systems, and establishing maximum permissible concentration limits for TFA in water quality standards. Enhanced monitoring programs are necessary to track TFA accumulation in aquatic ecosystems and assess its long-term effects on biodiversity and public health. This research contributes to closing critical knowledge gaps regarding TFA's persistence and impacts, emphasizing the need for international collaboration and proactive measures to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and ensure sustainable environmental management.