(UNSaFE) UNderstanding the Scale, Sources, Fate and Effects of PFAS pollution

Almost 15,000 different per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are currently estimated to exist. In total, 63 PFAS have been detected in the environment globally, which is likely a major underestimate, given the size of this chemical class. For humans, these chemicals have already been linked to several health issues but the risk for environmental health remains poorly understood. Importantly, the C-F bond chemistry confers significant and molecule-specific recalcitrance to natural degradation, as well as concerning potential for accumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms. For one substance alone, perfluoro-octanoic acid, over 90% of all receiving waters downstream of wastewater treatment plants tested in the UK exceeded the environmental quality standard.
The aim of UNSaFE is to rapidly close the significant knowledge gaps that exist regarding the scale of exposure, sources, fate, and biological effects of large numbers of PFAS in UK waters.  In order to meet the aim, our objectives include: (a) to combine and integrate qualitative and quantitative analytical approaches for biota and water field monitoring for large numbers of PFAS; (b) to co-develop and co-deliver large a 'catchment-to-country' PFAS monitoring programme with academia, government (Environment Agency) and large-scale organised citizen science initiatives (Earthwatch); (c) to establish and predict how PFAS structure governs their environmental behaviour (i.e., persistence, bioaccumulation, mobility and fate); (d) to more fully understand PFAS Modes of Action (MoA) using multi-omics data across species; and (e) to establish evidence-driven and ecologically-relevant thresholds for sensitive species. This project directly addresses the scope of Highlight Topic D.
Importantly, and given the number of PFAS that may potentially exist in water, the project aligns closely with the NERC Digital Strategy 2021-2030 by focusing specifically on integrating and applying new, scalable and fit-for-purpose technologies to generate multidimensional data to better understand the environmental impacts of PFAS. This is embedded and integrated across environmental data acquisition and new advanced computing approaches towards building a readily scalable and unique capacity for assessment of PFAS on a national scale. We have a unique opportunity in UNSaFE to engage >150 community groups through UK-wide "Water Blitz" activities to evaluate the opportunities and robustness of citizen science-led monitoring. Several benefits exist for national capability enhancement including: the integration of novel low-cost 3D-printed multifunctional passive samplers with untargeted analytical methods using high resolution mass spectrometry as well as the total organic fluorine assay and advanced in silico identification tools that are enhanced specifically for PFAS; application of new approach methodologies (NAMs); molecular profiling through comparative systems biology approaches;  Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enforced quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) models to quantify both exposure and hazard; and development and validation of novel source apportionment tools such as inverse modelling to identify and estimate how much and exactly where PFAS enter the aquatic environment.
Most importantly, this project will involve critical comparisons between new technologies and standard regulatory risk assessment strategies to ensure more rapid and reliable translation for regulators. When used together, the tools and technologies in UNSaFE will rapidly enhance the prioritisation of PFAS-related compounds for risk assessment, monitoring capability and direct future mitigation strategies. By bringing together these key academic and research institutions with the Environment Agency and the general public to this field, we envisage a step-change in ability to assess how PFAS can impact our environment and inform proactive management of further uses to limit further impacts.