An alarming study by the University of York, in collaboration with environmental charity Fidra, has uncovered shockingly high levels of Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) – a persistent ‘forever chemical’ in UK rivers.
The chemical, used in everyday household products and industrial processes, was found in 98% of 54 sampling sites across the UK, with some readings ranking among the highest ever recorded globally.
This study provides a stark insight into the extent of pollution in the UK’s freshwater systems, revealing a growing chemical threat that could have long-term consequences for public health and the environment.
Alistair Boxall, Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York, commented: “Sadly, I am not at all surprised by these results.
“TFA is a very mobile chemical that doesn’t seem to be removed by drinking water treatment systems, so it is likely that levels in drinking water will be similar to those we found in some of the rivers.”
What are forever chemicals?
TFA is one of over 10,000 substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), widely dubbed forever chemicals due to their resistance to environmental breakdown.
These compounds are highly mobile in water and persist for decades, making them particularly concerning for ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
PFAS are increasingly associated with severe health effects. Research links some of the more studied compounds in this class to increased risks of cancer, liver damage, fertility issues, and bioaccumulation in wildlife.
North Yorkshire and Scotland are among the worst affected
North Yorkshire emerged as one of the most polluted areas in England. Researchers sampled 12 sites across the River Foss, River Ouse, and River Derwent, detecting an average concentration of 990 nanograms per litre.
Even more troubling was the River Kelvin in Glasgow, where levels of TFA soared to a staggering average of 23,968 nanograms per litre — the highest of any site in the study.
The highest individual concentration found during the research was recorded in Glasgow at 78,464.2 nanograms per litre, marking the second-highest level of TFA ever reported in surface water worldwide.
An invisible threat to drinking water
Because of TFA’s mobility and resilience, current water treatment systems are largely ineffective at removing it.
Scientists warn that this means levels in drinking water could mirror those found in UK rivers — posing a potentially invisible threat to public health.
While there are methods to extract TFA from water, they are prohibitively expensive and impractical on a wide scale.
As a result, experts are urging a shift towards preventative strategies that stop such chemicals at the source.
UK rivers in a global context
The average TFA concentration across UK rivers in this study was 2,211 nanograms per litre, placing the country among the most contaminated globally.
These figures exceed levels previously recorded in Germany, Sweden, and other parts of the European Union, where stricter PFAS regulations are already being considered or enforced.
This research adds to mounting evidence that the UK may be lagging behind other nations in managing the risk posed by these hazardous substances.
Calls for proactive policy change
Environmental advocates and scientists are now calling for urgent regulatory reform to address the widespread PFAS contamination in UK rivers.
Campaigners argue that the country must shift from a reactive approach to a proactive stance that includes tighter chemical controls and improved monitoring.
The European Union is currently advancing proposals for a universal ban on all PFAS chemicals, with France and Denmark already implementing significant restrictions.
Experts believe the UK should align with these efforts to stem the flow of pollution at its source.
