Research conducted by the Marine Conservation Society and the University of Portsmouth has revealed that sewage discharges are a significant source of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution in marine environments.
PFAS also known as ‘forever chemicals’ are a complex group of nearly 15,000 substances used in consumer products around the world since the 1950s. They can be found in many day to day items such as cosmetics and non-stick pans due to their stable nature whereby they do not break down after long periods of time, resulting in PFAS being found in ecosystems around the globe.
Significant increases after storm overflow
The report titled “Insights into PFAS contaminants before and after sewage discharges into a marine protected harbour” documents the methods of seawater sampling from Langstone Harbour in Hampshire, England before and after sewage discharges from a storm overflow. Langstone Harbour is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and forms part of the Ramsar site of Langstone and Chichester Harbour Special Protection Area.
Researchers discovered that PFAS concentrations increased significantly following sewage discharges. Analysis showed eight different PFAS compounds in the water following sewage discharges, compared to just one before. Banned substances like Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were found, both exceeding annual average environmental quality standards.
Credit: Ben Wicks
One particular PFAS, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), was found in seaweed at levels over 6,000 times higher than in the surrounding water. This suggests that seaweed may act as reservoirs for PFAS, potentially affecting marine species that feed on them. The paper raises concerns about the health of marine ecosystems and the potential impacts of industries using seafood products.
Lead author Professor Ford explained: “These seaweeds could potentially be acting as a reservoir for these forever chemicals around our coasts. High concentrations of PFAS compounds in macroalgae might be harmful for marine life which graze on seaweeds and as a result provide a trophic link up the food chain.
“Toxicity studies in the laboratory and human epidemiological studies of those drinking PFAS contaminated water have highlighted these chemical compounds can impact the immune, nervous and reproductive systems as well as being carcinogenic and cause birth defects.
“It is important that we get these chemicals banned as we are still seeing the impacts of persistent chemicals contaminants – like PCBs – impacting wildlife which were banned decades ago which is why it is so important we act faster.”
A ban on PFAS
The Marine Conservation Society states “Rather than expecting consumers to know which products include [PFAS], we think PFAS pollution needs to be stopped at source. We’re calling for a ban on PFAS where viable alternatives exist.”
“We need the UK Government to properly protect our environment from this preventable pollution,” said Dr. Francesca Ginley, Chemicals Policy and Advocacy Manager
A Southern Water spokesperson said: “Monitoring the health of rivers and seas is led by the Environment Agency. We ensure our wastewater treatment works comply – and regularly go above and beyond – any regulations placed on them.”
A spokesperson for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it recently announced a review on how best to manage chemicals, including the risks posed by PFAs.
“On water pollution, we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water Bill, which will strengthen regulation including new powers to ban the payment of bonusses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers,” they added.