A new study has uncovered alarmingly high levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' in the Solent strait off the southern coast of England. The research found that pollution in some samples exceeded safe thresholds for coastal waters by 13 times, with treated sewage from water utility plants identified as a major contributor.
Sources of Contamination
The chemicals are believed to enter the environment through wastewater treatment plants, sewage outflows, historic landfills, and nearby military sites. The study specifically pointed to treated effluent from Southern Water plants in Portsmouth and Fareham as a key source. In addition, researchers mapped 194 combined sewer overflow outfalls and over 500 historic landfills that may also contribute to the pollution.
Impact on Marine Life and Ecosystems
Pfas were detected throughout the marine food chain, including in fish, seaweed, and invertebrates. Some samples from marine wildlife, such as the livers of harbour porpoises, contained individual chemicals above existing legal limits. Moreover, many samples failed a newer European Union test for combined toxicity, which considers the cumulative effect of multiple Pfas compounds. The study warns that all but seven of English surface waters would fail this combined test, along with several remote lochs in Scotland.
Calls for Action
Professor Alex Ford, a biologist at the University of Portsmouth and co-author of the study, emphasized the need for a blanket ban on Pfas as part of the government's water reform agenda. 'If there was an oil spill in the Solent, industry would have to pay for restoration, but that doesn't happen with sewage,' he said. He added that water companies lack the capacity to treat these compounds, so they should be banned at source.
A spokesperson for Southern Water agreed on the necessity of new legislation to restrict or ban certain chemicals, stating that 'the most sustainable solution is to meet the problem at source.'
Government and EU Responses
The European Union is moving towards a comprehensive Pfas ban, with limited exceptions for critical uses like medicine. The UK government has promised to consult on setting limits for these chemicals and to conduct further testing, as outlined in its Pfas plan published in February. However, environmental groups argue that more urgent action is needed. Calum Duncan, head of policy at the Marine Conservation Society, which funded the study, said: 'It's not good enough to plan to have a plan. We urgently need action.'
