Fluorinated Alkyl Surfactants

Fluorinated alkyl substances, which include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), constitute a diverse class of chemicals that occur in a wide range of products. Concern about the presence of fluorinated alkyl substances in the environment has increased since PFOS and related fluoroalkyl substances were detected in blood plasma of nonoccupationally exposed humans and in animal tissues collected from around the globe, including sparsely populated regions that have no apparent sources. PFOS was also found to exhibit both bioaccumulative and toxic properties. This review focuses on the analysis and occurrence of fluorinated alkyl substances that have been observed in the environment. Although fluorinated alkyl substances were identified and quantified in groundwaters, surface waters, wastewaters, and air samples, little is known about their transport or behavior in the environment. Numerous laboratory and field experiments are still needed to elucidate these processes. Additionally, techniques for efficiently treating wastewaters containing fluorinated alkyl substances must be found to prevent their release into the environment.