Elevated PFAS Contamination Detected in Bottled Water

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, and Hainan University in Haikou revealed widespread PFAS contamination in bottled water, with 63 % of the samples tested containing target PFAS compounds. This research was published in ACS ES&T Water.

However, the study shows that methods like boiling and/or using activated carbon filtration, such as with a typical 'jug' water filter, can significantly reduce PFAS concentrations in drinking water, with removal rates ranging from 50 % to 90 % depending on the specific PFAS and treatment method.

Our findings highlight the widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water and the effectiveness of simple treatment methods to reduce their levels. Either using a simple water filtration jug or boiling the water removes a substantial proportion of these substances.

Stuart Harrad, Study Co-Author and Professor, University of Birmingham

He added, “While current PFAS levels in most water samples are not a major health concern, ongoing monitoring and regulation are crucial to protect public health. We provide valuable data on the presence of PFAS in drinking water alongside practical solutions to mitigate consumer exposure via drinking water. This is a significant step towards ensuring safer drinking water for communities worldwide.”

Bottled water from various countries contained varying levels of PFAS, with natural mineral water containing higher concentrations than purified water, but the concentrations were generally lower than regulatory agencies' health advisory limits.

Increased awareness about the presence of PFAS in both tap and bottled water can lead to more informed choices by consumers, encouraging the use of water purification methods. Our findings also suggest that the potential health risks of PFAS in drinking water may be influenced by lifestyle and economic conditions, highlighting the need for future research to further explore these factors from a socio-economic perspective.

Yi Zheng, Study Co-Author and Professor, Southern University of Science and Technology

The researchers found no significant difference in target PFAS concentrations between glass and plastic bottles or still and sparkling bottled water, except for comparisons between natural mineral and purified water.

In tap water samples from Shenzhen, China, average PFOS concentrations exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L, as set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 2024, despite most individual PFAS concentrations being well below health-based reference values.

The study involved 112 bottled water samples purchased from local shops and online supermarkets in the UK and China, including 89 still and 23 sparkling waters in plastic or glass bottles, sourced from 87 brands across 15 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Fourteen tap water samples were collected from homes in Shenzhen, China, and forty-one from homes in Birmingham, Worcester, Coventry, and Derby, in the UK. South Staffordshire Water and Severn Trent Water supplied the samples.

PFAS, known for their water and stain-repellent properties, are widely used in industries, firefighting foams, and consumer goods like personal care products, waterproof clothing, and school uniforms. While some PFAS have been banned, others remain in use, and their harmful effects are still under investigation.

These chemicals are known to enter the body through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation and have been linked to various health risks, including reduced immune response to vaccines, liver damage, low birth weight, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Journal Reference:

Barton, S. et. al. (2024) Fluoro-Electrochemistry Based Phytoplankton Bloom Detection and Enumeration; Field Validation of a New Sensor for Ocean Monitoring. ACS ES&T Water. doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00530