Forever chemical trifluoroacetic acid detected in England’s rivers and groundwater, raising fertility concerns

In a first-ever survey, the Environment Agency sampled 99 water sites in England and detected trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in almost all of them, including both surface water and groundwater sources that feed drinking supplies. The most elevated groundwater reading was recorded near Finchingfield, North Essex, while the River Ancholme in Lincolnshire showed the highest surface-water concentration. About 40% of surface-water samples surpassed 2,200 ng/l, the threshold that would breach the EU’s PFAS limit if TFA were the sole contaminant.

The chemical, a member of the persistent PFAS family, has been linked to fertility and developmental harm in animal tests, prompting the European Chemicals Agency to label it a presumed reproductive toxicant. Experts such as Alistair Boxall and Hans Arp note that while current levels may not yet pose immediate health risks, the trend appears upward and the substance will remain in the environment for thousands of years. No UK limits exist for TFA in drinking water, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate is only beginning a research programme to assess risks, with findings expected next year.