The Emerging Threat of PFAS Contamination in Canada

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or 'forever chemicals,' are a group of over 12,000 synthetic compounds prized for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Developed in the 1940s, these chemicals have been integral to products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and food packaging. However, their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them extraordinarily persistent in the environment, earning them the moniker 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down naturally and can linger for centuries.

In Canada, PFAS contamination is widespread, detected in air, water, soil, wildlife, and human blood across all provinces and territories. Government monitoring reveals PFAS in 99% of tap water samples in some regions, with hotspots near military bases, airports, and industrial sites due to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) use. Remote Arctic communities face elevated exposures through traditional foods like seal and fish, where bioaccumulation amplifies risks. Health Canada reports links to liver damage, immune suppression, developmental delays in children, and increased cancer risks, prompting calls for urgent action.

Canadian universities are stepping up as leaders, leveraging their research prowess to detect, mitigate, and advocate against PFAS spread. Their interdisciplinary approaches combine chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and policy to address this crisis holistically.

University of Waterloo's Pioneering Water Systems Project

The University of Waterloo is at the forefront, heading a multi-university team funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to tackle PFAS in drinking water. Launched in 2022, this initiative focuses on detecting novel PFAS variants, understanding their transformation in water systems, and developing cost-effective treatments. Collaborators include experts from chemistry, civil engineering, and biology, exemplifying true interdisciplinary collaboration.

Professor Eric Croiset and team employ advanced analytical tools like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify emerging short-chain PFAS replacements, which are more mobile and harder to remove. Early findings highlight contamination in Ontario's Great Lakes region, informing policy. This project not only advances remediation tech like granular activated carbon but also trains the next generation of researchers through graduate programs. For those pursuing careers in environmental engineering, research jobs at Waterloo offer hands-on impact.

UBC's Breakthrough in PFAS Destruction Technology

At the University of British Columbia (UBC), chemical engineers have developed an innovative all-in-one system to capture and destroy PFAS. Led by Associate Professor Johan Foster, the technology pairs activated carbon filtration with a patented catalyst derived from agricultural waste. PFAS bind to the carbon, then UV light activates the catalyst to mineralize them into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide and fluoride ions—achieving over 85% PFOA removal in tests, scalable to 90%.

This low-energy method works in low-light conditions, ideal for remote Canadian communities. Supported by NSERC, it addresses AFFF hotspots at airports and bases. Collaborations with Universität Bremen add international expertise. UBC's spin-off, ReAct Materials, eyes commercialization, potentially revolutionizing wastewater treatment. Students interested in green chemistry can explore higher ed jobs in sustainable materials.

Complementing this, UBC researchers also pioneered burnt wood chips from forestry waste to adsorb PFAS, offering a simple, eco-friendly filtration option for households and small systems.

University of Toronto's Focus on Food Packaging and Safer Alternatives

The University of Toronto (U of T) addresses PFAS entry via consumer products. A 2023 study detected these chemicals in Canadian takeout packaging, migrating into food—especially greasy items like fries and pizza. Professor Miriam Diamond's team found PFAS in 46% of samples, urging phase-outs by 2025.

In July 2025, U of T engineers unveiled a PFAS-free non-stick coating using siloxane polymers, matching Teflon's performance without health risks. This interdisciplinary effort spans materials science and toxicology. Along with Western University, Brock, and Toronto Metropolitan University, U of T received Ontario funding in 2024 to study PFAS impacts on Great Lakes ecosystems.

Photo by LEDC on Unsplash

Trent University and Indigenous Partnerships on Freshwater Foods

Trent University's collaboration with First Nations investigates PFAS bioaccumulation in freshwater food webs. Launched in December 2025, researchers sample fish, mussels, and water in Curve Lake First Nation territories, using isotopic analysis to trace contamination sources. Professor Cindy Chu emphasizes community-led design, ensuring Indigenous knowledge informs science.

This project highlights equity, as northern and Indigenous Canadians face higher exposures via country foods. Findings will guide safer harvesting practices and policy.

Government Support and Broader University Initiatives

Canada's State of PFAS Report (March 2025) documents ubiquity, with declines in legacy PFAS (PFOA -52%, PFOS -67%) but rises in replacements like PFBA. Universities contribute via CHMS biomonitoring and Northern Contaminants Program.

• Carleton University: Surveys household PFAS exposure.
• McGill University: Wastewater epidemiology for trends.
• University of Alberta: Early PFAS acid studies.

NSERC and provincial funds fuel these efforts, fostering PhD training.

Interdisciplinary Strategies Driving Innovation

Canadian universities excel in breaking silos. Waterloo's team unites engineers, chemists, and ecologists; UBC blends waste valorization with catalysis. U of T integrates policy analysis. Robert Bilott, via University Affairs (Feb 2026), urges ethics curricula considering lifecycle impacts and community studies.

Challenges include funding gaps and data on mixtures. Solutions: cross-disciplinary centers, industry partnerships.

Challenges, Impacts, and Future Outlook

PFAS hotspots burden health systems; firefighters show 2-3x serum levels. Universities push for bans, like Health Canada's 30 ng/L guideline.

Future: Scale treatments, monitor substitutes, advocate globally. Universities train experts via higher ed career advice.

Photo by Dora Dalberto on Unsplash

Careers in PFAS Research and Actionable Insights

Opportunities abound in remediation, policy. Check university jobs or higher ed jobs.