The impact of PFAS on the public health and safety of future food supply in Europe: Challenges and AI technologies solutions of environmental sustainability
Ioannis Pantelis Adamopoulos 1 2 3 * , Antonios Valamontes 4 , John T. Karantonis 5 , Niki Fotios Syrou 6 , Ioanna Damikouka 1 , George Dounias 1
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1 Department of Public Health Policy, Sector of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, GREECE2 Hellenic Republic, Region of Attica, Department of Environmental Hygiene and Public Health Inspection, Athens, GREECE3 Department of Public Health Policies MSc program, School of Social Science, Hellenic Open University, Patra, GREECE4 University of Maryland, Munich Campus, Tegernseer Landstraße, München, GERMANY5 Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA6 Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, Trikala, GREECE* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants extensively used in industrial and consumer applications. Their accumulation in European agricultural soils through industrial discharges, biosolid applications, and contaminated irrigation water poses an unprecedented threat to food security, soil health, and water quality. Despite extensive laboratory research, no full-scale, long-term validated PFAS soil remediation study exists, leaving critical gaps in mitigation strategies. Existing approaches–including mobilization, immobilization, and degradation techniques–have demonstrated effectiveness in controlled environments but lack real-world validation in dynamic agricultural settings. This study proposes an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven remediation framework that integrates real-time detection tools, predictive modeling, and adaptive remediation technologies to overcome these challenges. Unlike static remediation strategies, the proposed AI-assisted system dynamically optimizes remediation interventions based on contamination patterns, soil composition, and environmental conditions. Machine learning algorithms and statistical models enable precise contamination tracking, predictive PFAS migration modeling, and automated remediation decision-making, offering a scalable and responsive solution for sustainable agricultural management. This study underscores the urgent need for large-scale, policy-backed field trials to validate AI-driven PFAS remediation technologies, bridging the gap between scientific advancements and real-world implementation. By transitioning AI-assisted mitigation from theory to an adaptive, field-deployable framework, this research ensures scalable solutions for sustainable food security, environmental resilience, and long-term public health protection.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 9, Issue 2, 2025, Article No: em0288

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16289

Publication date: 23 Apr 2025

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Article Downloads: 31

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