Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in biota and remediation strategies: Toxicological and biochemical perspectives

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become prominent environmental pollutants because of their widespread adoption in various industries. Despite their known persistence, bioaccumulation, detoxifying mechanisms, enzymes and non-enzymes activity, and toxicity behaviour remained poorly understood. The accumulation of "forever chemicals" has been found in water, plants, finfish, and shellfish. They pose adverse effects that might lead to risk and damage. A considerable amount of various PFAS have been identified in biota, raising concern about environmental standards. The current study has investigated the impacts of PFAS on plants, finfish, and animals based on environments and levels. PFAS can interfere with important biological functions. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), toxicity, and possible cell damage might result from exposure. Exposure to PFAS has been implicated in metabolic pathways and oxidative stress. Their effects on the environment alter metabolic pathways, lead to detoxification processes for ROS, C and N, and change the activities of enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD) and non-enzymes (MDA, AsA, and GSH). Metabolic processes in breathing creatures depend on the TCA cycle. This article highlights distinct ways the impact of PFAS contamination in water, plants, finfish, and shellfish, which is shown in different model diagrams. Contributes to a deeper understanding of PFAS removal techniques for environmental sustainability.