Compostos per- e polifluoroalquilados (PFAS) em águas de abastecimento: tecnologias de remoção e impactos para os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável

Francieli Inês Grigolo , Cristiane Lisboa Giroletti , Leila Franciele Pereira Mayer , Jean Carlo Salome dos Santos Menezes , Ana Paula Testa Pezzin e Patrícia Devantier Neuenfeldt

Resumo
Os compostos per- e polifluoroalquilados (PFAS) constituem uma classe de contaminantes emergentes caracterizados por elevada persistência, mobilidade e resistência à degradação, representando um desafio crescente para a segurança hídrica e a saúde pública. Sua presença em águas de abastecimento tem sido amplamente documentada em diversos países, sendo agravada pela ineficácia dos processos convencionais de tratamento na remoção desses compostos. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura científica sobre a ocorrência de PFAS em sistemas de abastecimento, seus efeitos toxicológicos, as tecnologias disponíveis para sua remoção e os desafios regulatórios envolvidos, com destaque para aspectos críticos e lacunas ainda existentes. Técnicas como nanofiltração, osmose reversa, adsorção por carvão ativado e resinas de troca iônica demonstram eficiências variadas, dependendo das características da água e do tipo de PFAS presente. Entretanto, os altos custos operacionais, a geração de rejeitos e a complexidade tecnológica limitam sua ampla adoção, especialmente em países em desenvolvimento. A ausência de regulamentação específica, a baixa capacidade analítica de muitos laboratórios e a falta de transparência nas cadeias produtivas intensificam a exposição populacional e dificultam a gestão integrada desses poluentes. À luz dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), os PFAS comprometem diretamente metas dos ODS 3, 6 e 12, relacionadas à saúde, acesso à água potável e consumo responsável. Conclui-se que o enfrentamento da crise dos PFAS exige fortalecimento da governança ambiental, adoção do princípio da precaução e investimento em tecnologias acessíveis e eficazes, além de políticas públicas que integrem ciência, regulação e justiça ambiental.

Palavras-chave
PFAS; Contaminantes emergentes; Tratamento de água; Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável.

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) in drinking water: Removal technologies and impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) constitute a class of emerging contaminants characterized by high persistence, mobility, and resistance to degradation, posing a growing challenge to water security and public health. Their presence in water supplies has been widely documented in several countries, aggravated by the ineffectiveness of conventional treatment processes in removing these compounds. This article reviews the scientific literature on the occurrence of PFAS in water supply systems, their toxicological effects, available technologies for their removal, and the regulatory challenges involved, highlighting critical aspects and remaining gaps. Techniques such as nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, activated carbon adsorption, and ion exchange resins demonstrate varying efficiencies, depending on the water characteristics and the type of PFAS present. However, high operating costs, waste generation, and technological complexity limit their wide spread adoption, especially in developing countries. The lack of specific regulations, the low analytical capacity of many laboratories, and the lack of transparency in production chains intensify population exposure and hinder the integrated management of these pollutants. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), PFAS directly compromises SDGs 3, 6, and 12 targets related to health, access to safe drinking water, and responsible consumption. It is concluded that addressing the PFAS crisis requires strengthening environmental governance, adopting the precautionary principle, and investing in accessible and effective technologies, and public policies that integrate science, regulation, and environmental justice.

Keywords
PFAS; Emerging contaminants; Water treatment; Sustainable Development Goals.

DOI
10.21438/rbgas(2025)123201


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ISSN 2359-1412