UNSaFE project tackles PFAS in UK rivers

November 03, 2025

A groundbreaking four-year national research project — UNSaFE (Understanding the Scale, Sources, Fate and Effects of PFAS pollution) — is set to uncover how toxic forever chemicals (PFAS) move through the environment, harm ecosystems, and threaten public health.

Led by experts from Brunel University London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the initiative is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Environment Agency and Earthwatch are key partners, helping to engage thousands of volunteers across Britain to monitor PFAS levels in rivers, lakes, and streams nationwide.

What are PFAS and why are they dangerous?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of human-made chemicals used in everyday items — from non-stick cookware and food packaging to waterproof clothing and firefighting foams.

Their durability, once praised, now poses a serious environmental threat. Dubbed “forever chemicals,” PFAS resist natural breakdown and can linger in soil and water for decades. Over time, they accumulate in fish, wildlife, and human bodies, climbing the food chain.

Scientific studies link PFAS exposure to a range of health problems, including liver and thyroid damage, immune system suppression, and reproductive disorders. Globally, there may be over 15,000 PFAS variants, but only a small fraction have been properly tested or monitored.

In the United Kingdom, research reveals that over 90% of surface waters near wastewater treatment plants exceed safe limits for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — one of the most common PFAS compounds.

Mapping the spread of PFAS in UK waterways

The UNSaFE study will be the most comprehensive investigation to date into PFAS contamination in the UK’s freshwater ecosystems.

Focusing initially on the Thames River Basin, researchers will collect samples of water, sediment, and aquatic organisms to trace how PFAS chemicals enter and move through the environment.

At Brunel University London, Dr. Thomas Miller’s team will study how PFAS compounds build up in aquatic species — from small invertebrates to fish — and identify which ones pose the highest ecological risk.

The project will target 24 priority PFAS compounds currently regulated in the European Union, using advanced AI tools, genomic sequencing, and innovative laboratory methods to detect contamination and assess biological effects.

These insights will help scientists establish evidence-based safety standards and inform future environmental protection policies.

Citizen science: communities leading the charge

One of the most inspiring elements of the UNSaFE project is its citizen science approach. Partnering with Earthwatch, the program will recruit over 3,000 volunteers nationwide to test and record PFAS levels in local rivers, lakes, and streams.

This large-scale, community-driven effort will produce an unprecedented national dataset on PFAS pollution and empower local communities to take action in protecting their waterways.

Safeguarding the future: cleaner rivers, healthier ecosystems

The ultimate goal of UNSaFE is to equip policymakers with the strongest scientific evidence yet to curb PFAS pollution across the UK.

By understanding how these chemicals spread and affect wildlife, researchers hope to drive tougher environmental regulations and promote sustainable chemical management practices.

As scientists embark on this vital mission, the message is clear: reducing PFAS in UK rivers isn’t just about cleaning up pollution — it’s about protecting the foundation of Britain’s ecosystems and the health of future generations.