‘Perpetual Chemicals’ Pollute Water Sources Throughout Africa

New research on “forever chemicals” seems to come to light weekly, uncovering their presence in soil, drinking water, and our bodies, as well as marine life. Scientifically known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these chemicals are termed “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature in the environment. They pose a range of health hazards: they harm aquatic life, hinder plant health, and can result in severe health complications in humans, potentially being extremely hazardous.

In a recent study, researchers Patrick Ssebugere, Ashirafu Miiro, and Oghenekaro Nelson Odume reviewed existing literature across various African nations to identify the continent’s hotspots for these forever chemicals. They shared their findings with The Conversation Africa.

How significant is the issue of ‘forever chemicals’ in Africa based on your findings?

Our results suggest that while the issue is less reported compared to industrialized countries, forever chemicals contamination is a widespread and pressing environmental concern throughout Africa.

Our research identified PFAS contamination in 11 African nations: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali, and Tunisia, with South Africa exhibiting the highest concentration levels. These countries were selected based on the scientific studies examined, and other nations may also have unreported PFAS contamination.

The European Union has set a range of PFAS thresholds for vulnerable areas like rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and certain regions within the studied countries exceed those limits.

What are the hotspots?

Major sources of PFAS contamination include industrial discharges and commercial agricultural activities. Furthermore, many wastewater treatment facilities, which are often outdated and poorly regulated, serve as significant pollution sources, allowing PFAS-laden wastewater to infiltrate aquatic ecosystems.

Key hotspots identified include South Africa’s Vaal River, heavily contaminated due to industrial waste, and Kenya’s Nairobi River, significantly affected by urban development and industrial runoff.

Lake Victoria is a notable concern—it is Africa’s largest lake and feeds into the Nile River, which flows through 11 countries and supports over 300 million people.

Why is this concerning?

PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment, leading to their accumulation in living organisms and their progression up the food chain. For humans, consuming contaminated fish or water increases the risk of kidney disease, reproductive health issues, miscarriages, and developmental problems in children.

Additionally, these chemicals disrupt ecosystems, influencing aquatic biodiversity and food webs.

What measures can be taken?

Addressing PFAS contamination requires a comprehensive approach.

Strengthening regulations: African nations should adhere to international agreements such as the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty aimed at eradicating persistent organic pollutants. All 11 countries mentioned are signatories, but the weak enforcement of these regulations highlights the necessity for stricter actions to hold producers accountable for PFAS usage and promote safer alternatives.

Advancing wastewater treatment: Techniques like adsorption and advanced oxidation have shown effectiveness in removing PFAS from wastewater. It is crucial for treatment facilities in the examined countries to enhance their systems with these technologies promptly.

Increasing public awareness: Governments and NGOs should educate the public about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to PFAS-containing products, such as non-stick cookware, and advocate for safer options.

Enhancing research and funding: There is a need for more research to monitor PFAS levels in Africa and evaluate their effects. Additional studies will be vital in developing affordable PFAS removal technologies tailored to African conditions.

Patrick Ssebugere, Senior lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Makerere University; Ashirafu Miiro, PhD candidate, Rhodes University, and Nelson Odume, Associate professor, Rhodes University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.