Soils are impacted globally by several anthropogenic factors, including chemical pollutants. Among those, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of concern due to their high environmental persistence, which are therefore also called "forever chemicals" in public discourse. However, their effects on soil structure and function have been largely ignored. A recent study by Dr. Baile Xu and his colleagues at Freie Universität Berlin showed that PFAS impact microbially-driven processes in soil, including soil respiration, litter decomposition, and soil structure, as well as soil pH. These findings of significance in the fields of Soil Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, and Global Changes were released in Soil Ecology Letters.
PFAS: Forever chemicals, forever trouble?
PFAS contamination in soil and sediment: Contribution of sources and environmental impacts on soil biota - ScienceDirect
Multi-Site PFAS Health Study
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PFAS 'forever chemicals' are everywhere. Here's what you should know about them : NPR
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - HEER Office
Another Study Points to Dangers of PFAS; Fetal Exposure Causes Altered Metabolic, Liver Function
Scientists say PFAS contamination should be presumed at over 57,000 US sites
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