First-Time Author Publishes Important PFAS Data

We’re thrilled to announce the publication of a significant new paper, “Temporal Dataset of Emerging and Legacy PFAS Concentrations (ng/L) in 11 Inland Watersheds (Lakes, Rivers, Islands) and Median PFAS Concentrations Across 14 Seas and Oceans Over Multiple Time Periods.” This marks a major milestone, as it’s the first publication for our talented colleague, Md Shah Nawaz Arafin, alongside co-author Roger B. Tipton. We couldn’t be prouder of Arafin’s accomplishment and the crucial data this paper brings to the scientific community!

Understanding the PFAS Problem

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They’re found in everything from water-repellent fabrics to firefighting foams. The troubling aspect of PFAS is their persistence in the environment and in our bodies; they don’t break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Growing concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts have made understanding their presence and movement in water systems a critical area of research.

What This New Paper Reveals

This paper provides an invaluable resource: a comprehensive temporal dataset of PFAS concentrations. This means it tracks how PFAS levels change over time, offering insights into both “emerging” (newer) and “legacy” (older, more well-known) PFAS compounds.

Here’s a breakdown of what the dataset covers:

11 Inland Watersheds: The study meticulously collected data from a variety of inland water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and even islands. This diverse sampling provides a clearer picture of PFAS distribution in different freshwater environments.
14 Seas and Oceans: Going beyond inland waters, the paper also presents median PFAS concentrations across a wide range of marine environments. This broad scope highlights the global reach of PFAS contamination.
Multiple Time Periods: By examining data over various timeframes, researchers can begin to understand trends in PFAS concentrations, which is vital for assessing the effectiveness of mitigation efforts and predicting future environmental impacts.

Why This Dataset Matters

The data presented by Arafin and Tipton is more than just a collection of numbers; it’s a powerful tool for researchers, policymakers, and environmental agencies. This dataset will:

Support further research: Provide a baseline for future studies on PFAS transport, fate, and ecological effects.
Inform risk assessments: Help better evaluate the potential risks of PFAS to human health and ecosystems.
Guide policy decisions: Aid in the development of more effective regulations and strategies for managing PFAS contamination.
Track changes over time: Allow for monitoring of whether PFAS levels are increasing or decreasing in different environments.

A Bright Future for PFAS Research

We’re incredibly proud of Md Shah Nawaz Arafin for this significant first publication. His dedication and hard work have yielded a valuable resource that will undoubtedly contribute to our collective understanding of PFAS. This paper is a testament to the exciting and impactful research being conducted here, and we eagerly anticipate Arafin’s future contributions to the field.

You can access the full dataset and paper here: Arafin, Md Shah Nawaz ; Tipton, Roger B. (2025), “Temporal Dataset of Emerging and Legacy PFAS Concentrations (ng/L) in 11 Inland Watersheds (Lakes, Rivers, Islands) and Median PFAS Concentrations Across 14 Seas and Oceans Over Multiple Time Periods”, Mendeley Data, V1, doi: 10.17632/zs77m26gb2.1