Ren-Shou Yu

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), while possessing desirable properties for human society, have increasingly raised concerns due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicity. One of the major challenges with PFASs is the inconsistent adoption of regulatory strategies by authorities across different countries and regions, making it difficult to address the issue on a global scale. To obtain a global overview of PFAS regulatory patterns, this study utilized the most recent PFAS regulatory databases across different jurisdictions, both local and global. Among all geographic regions, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and European Union (EU) Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) encompass the most jurisdictions for PFASs. However, most PFASs are without regulation under the current regulatory status. We also assessed the regulatory ecotoxicity status of PFASs under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of the USEPA. The results showed that 36.3% of PFASs are of Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products, or Biological materials (UVCB) and classified as E;P (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic), followed by 31.3% as P (persistent) and 13.2% as P;S (persistent and toxic). We highlight the regulatory patterns, industrial applications, and categorization of PFASs under different regulatory frameworks. The need for international cooperation and harmonized regulatory standards to mitigate PFAS pollution is also addressed. A coordinated effort involving regulatory agencies, industry, researchers, and the public will be essential to facilitate harmonized regulations of PFASs and ensure a sustainable and healthy environment.

This study investigates the scope of global marine microplastic pollution and its implications on marine ecosystems and human health. We first delve into how plastic enters the ocean, with an emphasis on the accumulation of plastic along coastlines, particularly the formation and impact of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). Through a concentration map of marine microplastics across five continents, the global distribution of microplastic pollution is revealed. Furthermore, the effects of microplastics on marine wildlife are explored, as well as their potential entry into the human food chain, posing potential public health risks. The results of our research underscore the serious threats of microplastic pollution to global marine ecosystems and human health, emphasizing the need for more scientific research and policy measures to address this challenge.