Fertility-linked chemical found in nearly all UK rivers

A chemical linked to fertility problems has been found in 31 of 32 major rivers tested across the UK, raising concern over widespread environmental exposure.

The substance, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), is part of a group known as PFAS – or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they can take more than 1,000 years to break down in the environment.

TFA is thought to impair reproduction and child development, and some experts are calling for it to be officially classified as toxic for reproduction.

Alistair Boxall is  professor of environmental science at the University of York.

The researcher said: “This molecule is everywhere.

“We will all be drinking water containing TFA every day – so we’ll be exposed throughout our lifetime.

“It’s that long-term, low level exposure that is the big concern.”

Researchers analysed samples from 32 rivers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, finding TFA present in 98 per cent of them.

The study included five rivers in Wales, three in Northern Ireland, 13 in Scotland and 11 in the north of England.

The highest concentration was recorded in the River Kelvin in Glasgow at 78,464 nanograms per litre – the second-highest level of TFA contamination ever reported in a river globally.

The only river without detectable TFA was the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness to the Moray Firth.

Recent European studies have found TFA in wine, food and human blood. In Germany, levels in drinking water have increased fourfold over the past two decades.

Authorities there have asked the European Chemicals Agency to classify TFA as toxic for reproduction and harmful to the environment, citing research showing it affects foetal development in rabbits and rats.

If adopted, the classification could influence how products containing TFA are controlled.

Germany currently holds the record for the highest TFA level ever detected, with a 2016 sample from the Neckar River measuring 140,000 nanograms per litre.

TFA is a breakdown product of PFAS used in products such as pesticides and refrigerants in air conditioners.

It has also been found in a range of everyday items, including cereal, bread, pasta, personal care and cleaning products.

The study, funded by environmental charity Fidra, warns that TFA is persistent, with no viable method of removing it from the environment.

Concentrations are expected to rise.

The research team wrote: “The widespread detection of TFA in UK water samples provides compelling evidence of the presence of TFA and PFAS in UK waterways.

“These data should be further analysed to try and establish the drivers of TFA contamination in UK surface waters and routes for source control should be prioritised.”

“We urgently need a PFAS restriction to prevent further contamination of forever chemicals.”

There are currently no rules or regulations in place in the UK to identify or reduce TFA levels in the environment or drinking water.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which monitors water quality in England and Wales, has recently commissioned its own research.

Ann Bunting, principal inspector at the DWI, said: “The information signposted by the University of York suggests that TFA can be formed from the degradation of PFAS-containing pesticides.

“It is important that the fate of pesticides and other chemicals in the environment is understood, in order to protect drinking water sources.”

A spokesperson for Water UK, which represents the UK’s water companies, said: “We want to see PFAS, including TFA, banned and the development of a national plan to remove it from the environment which should be paid for by manufacturers.”