Current understanding of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in aquatic environment in Vietnam

Per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants of global concern because of their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Despite growing international attention, knowledge of PFAS contamination in Vietnam remains fragmented, particularly regarding aquatic organisms that represent important exposure pathways for human populations. This review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of current evidence on PFAS occurrence in Vietnamese aquatic organisms while critically evaluating spatial research coverage, contamination characteristics, knowledge gaps, and future research priorities. Available studies consistently report PFAS occurrence in freshwater and coastal organisms, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) generally dominating contamination profiles. PFAS concentrations are highest in metabolically active tissues such as liver and blood, whereas edible muscle tissues typically contain lower but widespread residues, indicating chronic environmental exposure. However, existing studies remain geographically limited, involve relatively few species, rarely assess trophic transfer and temporal trends, or human exposure using harmonized methodologies. The synthesized evidence highlights the urgent need for systematic monitoring, standardized analytical approaches, and the integration of PFAS into national environmental monitoring and chemical management programs to support evidence-based risk assessment and regulatory decision-making in Vietnam.