Worldwide trends in tracing poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment

Numerous poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been manufactured and distributed on the world market. Research on PFAS has highlighted their global distribution and impacts on ecosystems and human health. Following regulations and public concern, PFAS production has shifted toward novel molecules in recent years. New classes of PFAS have been identified in the environment and are gaining worldwide attention. The development of an efficient strategy for identification and quantification of emerging PFAS is essential for risk assessment. This review presents and discusses the most recent analytical method development for PFAS in air, water, abiotic solid matrices and biological matrices, and addresses non-target approaches. Various methods are covered including sampling, pre-treatment (enrichment, extraction and clean-up) and instrumental analysis, and their applications, advantages, shortcomings and future needs are explored.