A new study has uncovered high levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' in the Solent strait off the coast of southern England. The research found contamination in soil, water, and throughout the marine food chain, including at protected environmental sites. In some samples, pollution levels were 13 times above the safe threshold for coastal waters, while others, though below legal limits for individual chemicals, failed tests for combined toxicity.
Sources of Contamination
The chemicals are believed to have entered the environment from wastewater treatment plants, sewage outflows, historic landfills, and nearby military sites. The study identified treated effluent from Southern Water plants in Portsmouth and Fareham as a key source. Researchers also mapped 194 combined sewer overflow outfalls and over 500 historic landfills that may contribute to the pollution.
Impact on Wildlife
Some samples from marine wildlife, including the livers of harbour porpoises, contained individual chemicals above existing safe legal limits. Many more failed a newer European Union test for combined toxicity, which considers the relative potency of Pfas mixtures. Researchers noted that all but seven of English surface waters would fail this combined test, along with several remote lochs and burns in Scotland.
Professor Alex Ford, a biologist at the University of Portsmouth and co-author of the study, stated: 'If there was an oil spill in the Solent, industry would have to pay for habitat restoration, but that doesn't happen with sewage.' He added that water companies lack the capacity to treat these compounds, emphasising the need for a ban at source.
Call for Action
The Marine Conservation Society, which funded the study, urged the government to take swift action. Calum Duncan, head of policy at the charity, said: 'It's not good enough to plan to have a plan. We urgently need action and we have this once-in-a-generation opportunity with the water reform process to get on and do that.'
A Southern Water spokesperson agreed on the need for new legislation to restrict or ban certain chemicals, noting that tackling Pfas is a challenge for society as a whole. The EU is moving towards a blanket Pfas ban, with possible exceptions for medicine and other critical uses. The UK government has said it will consult on setting limits for the chemicals, but critics argue the pace is too slow.
