Fate, transport, and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil system: A review

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer applications, resulting in their widespread occurrence in soils. Evidence indicates that PFAS contamination exhibits clear patterns across different land uses, with generally higher concentrations in urban areas than in rural and natural environments, alongside a gradual shift from legacy long-chain compounds toward short-chain and alternative PFAS. The environmental behavior of PFAS in soils is influenced by both molecular characteristics and soil physicochemical conditions, which together regulate retention, mobility, and persistence. This review integrates distribution patterns, controlling factors, and remediation approaches to provide a structured overview of PFAS fate in soil systems. Remediation technologies are discussed according to their functional roles, highlighting their applicability and limitations under different environmental scenarios. Overall, this synthesis supports a more systematic understanding of PFAS contamination and management in soils.