Legacy and novel PFASs in wastewater, natural water, and drinking water: Occurrence in Western Countries vs China

A critical examination of the occurrence of PFASs in wastewater, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water is presented. Given the ongoing shift towards substitutes of legacy PFASs and the rising role of China as global leader in PFASs production, background and hotspot concentrations of PFASs in the aquatic environment of China and Western Countries (mostly the E.U., the U.S., and Canada) are reported and critically compared for the first time, with special attention to short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids, novel substitutes like perfluoroether carboxylic and sulphonic acids, and emerging PFASs like 6:2 FTAB. Data on PFASs concentrations in the examined matrices show that i) concentrations of total PFASs and of selected perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are generally higher in China, except for PFOS, and that ii) short-chain and novel PFASs are replacing their long-chain homologues but are rarely monitored. Recommendations are provided to help prioritize the PFASs to be investigated that can end up in the environment.