Highlights
- Scientists compiled the largest open-access dataset on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in surface waters worldwide.
- Data spans over 15,000 samples from 149 scientific papers across multiple continents.
- PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and pose health risks.
- The dataset allows researchers to track contamination hotspots and identify global trends.
- This resource will guide policymakers and communities in managing PFAS pollution more effectively.
TLDR
A team led by Zhongbing Chen, Jialin Wei, Yali Tian, and colleagues created a global dataset of PFAS levels in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. By consolidating decades of monitoring data, the work provides a valuable tool for scientists and policymakers to understand and combat the spread of these long-lasting pollutants.
The Problem of Forever Chemicals
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used since the 1950s in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing and firefighting foams. Their strength lies in carbon-fluorine bonds, some of the toughest in chemistry, which make them resistant to heat, oil, and water.
But that durability comes at a cost. PFAS are nearly impossible to break down in the environment. Once released, they accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.” Research links PFAS exposure to health issues such as cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, and developmental problems in children.
Building the World’s Largest PFAS Water Database
To better understand the scope of this global problem, Zhongbing Chen, Jialin Wei, Yali Tian, Yigang Xu, Yupei Ma, Xuewei Wang, Junhui Shao, Qiuliang Li, Lihong Zhang, Jie Li, Shuhong Luo, Qian Sui, Zhiliang Zhu, Tianzhen Hong, Xian Zhang, and Zhenzhen Chen compiled a massive dataset published in Scientific Data.
The dataset brings together results from 149 peer-reviewed studies covering 15,682 water samples collected from rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters worldwide. Each entry records PFAS concentrations, sample location, collection date, and detection methods.
This approach ensures not only scientific transparency but also that future researchers can expand or cross-check the data.
Where PFAS Pollution Hits Hardest
The dataset reveals significant regional differences in PFAS contamination:
- North America and Europe show some of the highest concentrations, reflecting decades of industrial use.
- Asia, particularly China, has rapidly rising PFAS levels, linked to growing manufacturing and textile industries.
- Developing regions often lack monitoring programs, meaning contamination may be underreported.
Importantly, this open database highlights knowledge gaps, allowing future studies to focus on under-sampled areas such as Africa and South America.
Why This Dataset Matters
PFAS pollution is a global challenge that crosses borders through rivers, ocean currents, and atmospheric transport. Yet until now, fragmented data made it difficult to form a clear picture.
This study provides a comprehensive, standardized resource that policymakers, regulators, and environmental groups can use to:
- Identify contamination hotspots.
- Track changes in PFAS levels over time.
- Support international regulations to restrict PFAS production and release.
- Develop clean-up strategies tailored to regional conditions.
Looking Ahead: Data for Action
The authors emphasize that this dataset is not just for academics. It’s designed to inform public health protection and environmental policy.
By making the data open access, the researchers hope to encourage governments and scientists to collaborate on global monitoring networks. Better data could lead to stronger action against PFAS, including stricter limits, improved water treatment technologies, and safer chemical alternatives.
Source: Chen, Z., Wei, J., Tian, Y., Xu, Y., Ma, Y., Wang, X., Shao, J., Li, Q., Zhang, L., Li, J., Luo, S., Sui, Q., Zhu, Z., Hong, T., Zhang, X. & Chen, Z. (2025). A global dataset of PFAS occurrence in surface water. Scientific Data. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05633-1