MANTRA ASTHANA

XII
D
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of

gratitude to my Chemistry teacher “Ms. Monika
Maurya” for appropriate guidance and support in
completing my Project.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the
Principal sir “Dr. Sangeeta Arora ” for providing
me with all the facility that was required.

Name – MANTRA ASTHANA

Grade – XII
Year-2025-26
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that MANTRA ASTHANA, a student of
class XII has successfully completed the project titled-
PFAS and Forever Chemicals: The Chemistry Behind the
Crisis under the guidance of “Ms. Monika Maurya”
during the year 2025-26, in partial fulfillment of
Chemistry Practical Examination conducted by AISSCE,
New Delhi.
It is further certified that this project is the individual
work of the candidate.

DATE: CHEMISTRY TEACHER

SIGNATURE:

EXTERNAL EXAMINER’S PRINCIPAL’S

SIGNATURE: SIGNATURE:
 INDEX
S. No TOPIC Signature

1 Aim of Project

2 Introduction

3 Objective

4 Case studies

5 Theory

6 Experiment-1

7 Experiment-2

8 Health and
environmental impact
Bibliography/Sources

9 PFAS- Free Future

10 Bibliography/Sources
 AIM
The aim of this project is to explore the
chemistry of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances), widely known as "forever
chemicals," by examining their unique molecular
structure, chemical stability, and resistance to
environmental degradation. It further seeks to
analyze the widespread presence of PFAS in
consumer products, their long-term
accumulation in ecosystems and the human
body, and the associated health risks.
Additionally, the project aims to evaluate current
scientific efforts and policy measures aimed at
removing or replacing PFAS to mitigate their
global impact.
Introduction
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
(PFAS) are a large group of man-
made chemicals that have been used
in industry and consumer products
worldwide since the 1940s. Known
for their water, heat, and stain-
resistant properties, PFAS are used
in items ranging from non-stick
cookware to firefighting foam.
Their extraordinary chemical
stability, however, has made them
nearly impossible to degrade,
earning them the name "forever
chemicals."
 Objective
The primary objective of this project is to
conduct an in-depth investigation into the
chemical composition and behaviour of PFAS
compounds, focusing on the unique carbon-
fluorine bonds that give them their remarkable
stability. It aims to uncover how this stability
contributes to their widespread use across
various industries and how it simultaneously
poses significant environmental and health risks
due to their persistence in ecosystems and the
human body. The project also seeks to evaluate
global case studies and current research to better
understand how scientists and policymakers are
working to regulate, replace, or safely dispose of
PFAS. Through this project, an informed
perspective is developed regarding the scientific,
ethical, and environmental challenges presented
by these "forever chemicals," with the hope of
contributing to broader awareness and change.
Case Studies
1. The Michigan Water Crisis (2018): High
concentrations of PFAS were discovered in the water
supplies of several towns in Michigan, leading to
widespread public concern, health screenings, and
state-funded cleanup efforts. This case became a
national symbol of how pervasive PFAS
contamination can be, even in highly developed
regions with regulatory oversight.
2. 3M and DuPont Legal Cases: Two major chemical
manufacturers, 3M and DuPont, were found
responsible for discharging PFAS waste into rivers
and groundwater sources for decades. Legal
investigations revealed they had internal research as
early as the 1970s that indicated PFAS could be toxic,
but this information was not disclosed to the public.
These companies faced lawsuits, resulting in multi-
million-dollar settlements and new regulatory
frameworks.
3. The Veneto Region Contamination (Italy): In one of
Europe’s largest PFAS pollution incidents, industrial
activities in the Veneto region led to the contamination
of groundwater across several towns. Local residents
reported elevated levels of PFAS in their blood, and
authorities were forced to supply alternative drinking
water sources while long-term health impacts were
studied.
4. Australia’s Firefighting Foam Scandal: In
multiple regions across Australia, PFAS used in
firefighting foams at military bases and airports
leached into nearby communities’ water supplies.
This resulted in public outrage, lawsuits, and
government-funded blood testing and health
monitoring programs, illustrating the global reach
of PFAS-related contamination.
5. The Netherlands Schiphol Airport
Study: Research conducted around Schiphol
Airport revealed elevated PFAS levels in soil and
surface water due to firefighting foam usage. The
findings led to new safety protocols and
restrictions on the use of fluorinated foams, as
well as a broader examination of PFAS risks in
aviation industries.
6. Toxic Free Future Report (USA, 2021): This
comprehensive research revealed that PFAS were
present in a range of everyday consumer products
including food packaging, waterproof clothing,
and cosmetics. The report emphasized how
consumers unknowingly contribute to PFAS
pollution and called for stricter labelling and
legislative action to limit PFAS in non-essential
items. ** Leading manufacturers of PFAS have
faced multiple lawsuits and regulatory penalties
for failing to disclose the environmental and health
hazards associated with PFAS exposure.
7. Rajasthan PFAS Detection (2023):
A recent study by the Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE) identified significant PFAS
contamination in groundwater samples from industrial
zones in Rajasthan, especially around textile and
chemical manufacturing clusters. The alarming
presence of these chemicals highlighted poor waste
management and raised concerns about water safety
for local communities dependent on groundwater.
8. Ganga River Basin Study (2021):
Environmental surveys led by IIT researchers and
pollution control boards detected traces of PFAS in
segments of the Ganga River. Sources were linked to
untreated discharges from tanneries, textile units, and
urban waste. These findings emphasized the urgent
need for stricter effluent controls and modern
wastewater treatment facilities along one of India’s
most sacred rivers.
9. Bangalore Lakes Contamination (2022):
Studies found elevated PFAS levels in several urban
lakes in Bangalore, attributed to unchecked industrial
runoff and sewage outflows. The contamination not
only threatened aquatic life but also posed risks to
local residents who consume fish from these lakes.
The findings prompted public pressure and policy
discussions around upgrading wastewater
infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.
 Theory
PFAS consist of carbon chains fully or partially bonded
with fluorine atoms. The carbon-fluorine bond is one of
the strongest in organic chemistry, making PFAS
extremely resistant to heat, water, and chemical
degradation. These chemicals do not easily break down
in nature, leading to bioaccumulation in wildlife and
humans. Studies link long-term exposure to PFAS with
various health problems including cancer, liver damage,
thyroid disease, and immune dysfunction. PFAS are
amphiphilic, meaning they possess both hydrophobic and
lipophobic characteristics, which makes them effective in
repelling oil and water. Their presence in the
environment has sparked global interest in understanding
their fate and transport in soil, air, and aquatic systems.
Additionally, new branches of research are investigating
advanced oxidation and nanotechnology-based methods
to break these strong carbon-fluorine bonds for
remediation purposes.
 Experiment-1
Due to the complex and hazardous
nature of PFAS, laboratory
experimentation on actual PFAS
substances is restricted. However, we
can simulate related principles to
understand their properties.
Requirements:
• Non-stick Teflon-coated cookware
sample
• Water droplets
• Microscope or magnifying lens
• Soap solution
• Stopwatch
• Safety gloves and goggles
Procedure:
1. Place the Teflon-coated cookware under a microscope.
2. Drop a small amount of water onto the surface and
observe the behavior of the droplet.
3. Compare this to a droplet on a normal metallic surface.
4. Apply soap solution to both surfaces and observe the rate
of absorption or spread.
5. Record the time taken for the water or soap to spread on
each surface.

Observation:
The water and soap droplets remained beaded on the
Teflon surface and showed minimal spread, confirming the
water-repellent (hydrophobic) and oil-resistant nature of
the PFAS-based coating. On the regular surface, water was
absorbed more quickly, indicating lack of fluorine-based
resistance.

Result:
The experiment demonstrated the key property of PFAS:
their ability to repel water and resist chemical interaction
due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This very stability,
while useful industrially, contributes to their persistence in
the environment and human body.
 Experiment-2
Testing PFAS Resistance in Fabric Coatings
Requirements:
• Two fabric samples (one water-resistant, one untreated
cotton)
• Water spray bottle
• Colored dye solution (optional, for visibility)
• Dropper
• Stopwatch
• Absorbent paper
• Gloves and goggles

Procedure:
1. Place both fabric samples on a
flat surface.
2. Spray or drop equal amounts
of colored water on both
samples simultaneously.
3. Observe how each fabric
reacts: whether it absorbs the
liquid or causes it to bead and
roll off.
4. After one minute, blot both
surfaces with absorbent paper.
5. Compare the degree of wetness
and staining on each sample.
Observation:
The PFAS-coated fabric caused the water droplets
to bead and slide off the surface, leaving minimal
moisture and no visible staining. The untreated
cotton absorbed the water rapidly, becoming
saturated and visibly stained.
Result:
This experiment highlighted the superior
hydrophobic and stain-resistant behavior of
PFAS-coated fabrics. While the untreated cotton
readily absorbed the dyed water, the treated
fabric repelled the droplets effectively. This
demonstrates the functionality of PFAS in
textiles—prolonging durability and cleanliness.
However, the long-lasting nature of these
coatings also implies that PFAS residues can
persist through laundering cycles, potentially
entering wastewater systems and contributing
to long-term environmental pollution.
 Health and
Environmental Impact
Long-term exposure to PFAS has been associated with:
• Kidney dysfunction and liver enzyme abnormalities
• Reproductive issues, including decreased fertility
• Interference with vaccine response and immune
development
• Bioaccumulation in the food chain, especially in fish
and livestock
• Environmental toxicity affecting aquatic ecosystems
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Immune system suppression
• Hormonal imbalance
• Developmental effects in children
• Increased risk of certain cancers
These chemicals have been found in soil, air, water, and
even in human and animal blood samples globally,
highlighting their pervasive nature. In some regions,
PFAS levels in drinking water have exceeded safe limits
by hundreds of times, prompting emergency
interventions. Wildlife studies have shown PFAS
accumulation in marine mammals and birds, indicating
long-range environmental transport and serious
ecological risks.
PFAS-Free Future
• Phasing out PFAS in non-essential uses
• Developing biodegradable alternatives
• Implementing stricter environmental
regulations
• Investing in research for advanced
filtration and remediation technologies
• Educating industries and consumers about
PFAS risks and safer alternatives
• Establishing national and global PFAS
monitoring databases
• Encouraging extended producer
responsibility (EPR) for PFAS-containing
products
• Promoting green chemistry in product
design to prevent PFAS use at the source
• Supporting international treaties and
collaborative policies to limit PFAS
manufacturing and trade
 Conclusion
PFAS represent a major environmental and
chemical challenge of our time. While their
chemistry gives them unique properties useful
in various industries, it also makes them
persistent pollutants with serious health
consequences. Understanding their molecular
behaviour, environmental impact, and the
urgent need for regulatory action is crucial.
Through increased scientific awareness and
innovation, a safer and more sustainable
future can be envisioned.
Bibliography
Ø Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Reports
Ø Journal of Environmental Science
& Technology
Ø World Health Organization (WHO)
Reports on PFAS
Ø Articles from The Guardian,
National Geographic, and Scientific
American
NAME- MANTRA ASTHANA

CLASS- XII

SECTION- D