PFAS chain length affects environmental persistence and water treatment effectiveness

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," are among the most persistent contaminants found in water systems worldwide. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them highly resistant to degradation, allowing them to remain in the environment for long periods. While PFAS are often treated as a single group of pollutants, growing evidence suggests that differences in their molecular structure can significantly influence both their environmental behavior and their response to treatment technologies.