New information regarding “forever chemicals” appears to surface on a weekly basis, highlighting their presence in soil, drinking water, our bodies, and marine organisms. Scientifically referred to as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they resist degradation in the environment. They are associated with various health risks: they affect fish, hinder plant growth, and may lead to serious health concerns in humans, including being highly dangerous.

In a recent study, researchers Patrick Ssebugere, Ashirafu Miiro, and Oghenekaro Nelson Odume examined existing literature from several African countries to identify the continent’s hotspots for these forever chemicals. They shared their findings with The Conversation Africa.

How critical is the issue of ‘forever chemicals’ in Africa based on your findings?

Our findings suggest that while PFAS contamination is underreported compared to industrialized nations, it remains a prevalent and pressing environmental issue throughout Africa.

The investigation reveals PFAS contamination in 11 African nations: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali, and Tunisia, with South Africa evidencing the highest concentrations. The listed countries are derived from the scientific research reviewed, and it is likely that other nations also have unreported PFAS contamination.

The European Union has set a set of PFAS thresholds for sensitive areas like rivers, lakes, and wetlands, with some regions in the countries analyzed exceeding these limits.

What are the hotspots?

The primary sources of PFAS contamination include industrial discharge and agricultural practices. Also, numerous wastewater treatment facilities, often outdated and poorly managed, contribute significantly to pollution, enabling the entry of PFAS-laden waste into aquatic environments.

Significant hotspots identified include South Africa’s Vaal River, where industrial waste plays a major role in pollution, and Kenya’s Nairobi River, which is severely affected by urbanization and industrial runoff.

Lake Victoria is particularly alarming—it is Africa’s largest lake and feeds the Nile River, which flows through 11 countries and supports over 300 million people.

Why is this a concern?

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down in the environment, leading to their accumulation in organisms and the food chain over time. For humans, consuming contaminated fish or water raises the risk of kidney disease, reproductive issues, miscarriages, and developmental problems in children.

Moreover, these chemicals are detrimental to ecosystems, impacting aquatic biodiversity and food webs.

What actions can be taken?

Tackling PFAS contamination necessitates a comprehensive strategy.

Enhancing regulations: African nations should align with international frameworks like the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate persistent organic pollutants. While all 11 countries mentioned are signatories, the weak enforcement of these regulations indicates a pressing need for stricter measures to ensure accountability among producers and to promote safer alternatives.

Improving wastewater treatment: Techniques like adsorption and advanced oxidation have been shown to effectively remove PFAS from wastewater. It is vital for treatment plants in the investigated countries to update their systems to include these technologies promptly.

Raising public awareness: Governments and NGOs should educate the public on the risks associated with prolonged exposure to products containing PFAS, including non-stick cookware, and to advocate for safer alternatives.

Advancing research and funding: Increased research is needed to monitor PFAS trends in Africa and to evaluate their impacts. Future studies will be crucial in developing cost-effective PFAS removal technologies tailored for the African context.

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.