Guidelines for the design of monitoring networks for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface and underground water bodies

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are molecules highly resistant to thermal degradation, biodegradation, hydrolysis and consequently highly persistent substances in the environment, also considering the fact that they are highly soluble in water.

These compounds are not naturally present in nature; their presence comes from human activity, mostly from industrial production processes, disposal operations or from the release into the environment deriving from numerous products that contain them. Their widespread presence and their bioaccumulation in humans and in the environment make some of these substances very toxic. For this reason, ISPRA with SNPA started the activities to monitor the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface and underground water bodies. This report shows the results of a preliminary survey at national level that will allow the Regions to plan the monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Water Framework Directive and as part of the activities of the Management Plans for Hydrographic Districts.

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Download the publication (pdf - 7 mb) Errata corrige published on 5/04/2023