New research about “forever chemicals” seems to surface weekly, highlighting their infiltration in soils, drinking water, our bodies, and marine ecosystems. Scientifically referred to as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these chemicals are termed “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to environmental degradation. They present a variety of health hazards: they adversely affect fish, impede plant life, and are linked to significant health issues in humans, some of which can be extremely hazardous.
In a recent study, researchers Patrick Ssebugere, Ashirafu Miiro, and Oghenekaro Nelson Odume analyzed existing literature from various African nations to identify hotspots for these persistent chemicals on the continent. They shared their findings with The Conversation Africa.
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How critical is the problem of ‘forever chemicals’ in Africa according to your research?
Our findings demonstrate that although less documented than in industrialized countries, the prevalence of forever chemical contamination is a pressing environmental issue throughout Africa.
Our investigation reveals PFAS contamination in 11 African nations: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali, and Tunisia, with South Africa exhibiting the highest levels. The listed countries are based on reviewed scientific research, and it is likely that other countries also have unreported PFAS contamination.
The European Union has set a threshold for PFAS in sensitive areas like rivers, lakes, and wetlands; some regions in the countries we reviewed have exceeded these thresholds.
What are the identified hotspots?
Key sources of PFAS contamination include industrial discharge and commercial agricultural practices. Furthermore, numerous wastewater treatment facilities, often outdated and ineffectively regulated, contribute significantly to pollution, allowing PFAS-contaminated waste to seep into aquatic environments.
Key hotspots recognized include the Vaal River in South Africa, where industrial waste significantly contributes to pollution, and the Nairobi River in Kenya, which is severely affected by urban development and industrial runoff.
Lake Victoria is particularly alarming—it is Africa’s largest lake and feeds into the Nile River, which flows through 11 countries and supports over 300 million people.
Why is this alarming?
PFAS, referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their durability in the environment, can accumulate in living organisms over time, ascending the food chain. For humans, ingestion via contaminated fish or water heightens the risks of kidney disorders, reproductive challenges, miscarriages, and developmental issues in children.
These chemicals also disrupt ecosystems, impacting aquatic biodiversity and food webs.
What actions can be implemented?
Tackling PFAS contamination necessitates a comprehensive approach.
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Enhancing regulations: African countries should adhere to international agreements such as the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty focused on the elimination of persistent organic pollutants. All 11 countries mentioned are signatories; however, lax enforcement demonstrates the need for more stringent regulations to hold producers accountable for PFAS usage and promote safer alternatives.
Improving wastewater treatment: Methods such as adsorption and advanced oxidation have been shown to effectively remove PFAS from wastewater. It is crucial that treatment facilities within the studied nations upgrade their infrastructure to adopt these technologies promptly.
Raising public awareness: Governments and NGOs should educate the public about the dangers of long-term exposure to products containing PFAS, like non-stick cookware, and advocate for safer alternatives.
Boosting research and funding: Increased research is essential to monitor PFAS trends in Africa and evaluate their impacts. Additional studies will be pivotal in developing cost-effective PFAS remediation technologies appropriate for African contexts.
Patrick Ssebugere, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Makerere University; Ashirafu Miiro, PhD Candidate, Rhodes University, and Nelson Odume, Associate Professor, Rhodes University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original piece.
