Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used for industrial and commercial applications, are of worldwide concern due to their ubiquitous and persistent existence, possible toxic effects, and bioaccumulation potential. A good understanding of their environmental occurrence and fate can help assess the human exposure risk of PFAS. In this chapter, we summarized (1) the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of PFAS, (2) the occurrence of PFAS in the waters, wastewater treatment plants, air, soil, and sediments, as well as in the biota and human beings, and (3) their fates regarding the environmental behaviors, such as phase partitioning, migration, and transformation. We suggested that it is still challenging to develop global monitoring considering more targeted PFAS compounds. Future work needs to understand the interactive toxicity of PFAS mixtures and the interactions with other natural and anthropogenic stressors.
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