PFAS in the GCC: Towards environmental sustainability and public health protection

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present a growing environmental and health concern globally. This study examines the state of PFAS research and management in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Sultanate of Oman. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, including English-language literature without temporal constraints up until November 2023. The search specifically targeted primary research studies employing descriptive or observational methodologies that were published in peer-reviewed journals. The review focused on studies investigating PFAS in both human and environmental contexts within the GCC region. The NIH Quality Assessment Tools and PRISMA guidelines were employed to evaluate the quality of the included studies and report the results. Despite some progress in understanding PFAS, considerable knowledge gaps exist, particularly in wastewater treatment processes and environmental monitoring. The study underscores the need for enhanced research, monitoring, and regulatory strategies to address the environmental sustainability challenges posed by PFAS, ensuring the protection of public health and ecosystems in the GCC region.