Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals – entry pathways, accumulation factors, degradation pathways and approaches to the removal of these compounds from processes and the ecosystem

Abstract

Main entry pathways of per- and polyfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs) into the environment are industrial wastewater and PFC containing waste as well as fire extinguishing systems. Through the water cycle, the compounds accumulate in plants and animals and finally in humans. Various methods have been tested to remove these substances from the environment. Adsorption methods are an effective and efficient method for the rehabilitation of PFC-contaminated areas. The treatment of the existing PFC damage in Germany is carried out in various ways by the environmental offices. While the environmental offices of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia have already commissioned feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of their contaminated areas and are already operating pilot plants for the rehabilitation of the affected areas. For Baden-Wuerttemberg there are still in discussion of the amount and transfer of the renovation costs.