Effectiveness of household water purifiers in removing perfluoroalkyl substances from drinking water

Drinking water is one of the major exposure routes to Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). These chemicals are scarcely removed by the conventional process in water purification plants. In the present study, four models of pitcher-type water purifiers (A-D) were tested to evaluate their removal effect on six PFASs including PFOS and PFOA. All of the water purifiers removed PFASs, but the efficiency was dependent on the models. Model C was most effective; more than 90% of all PFASs were removed through the recommended life of the filter cartridge. Model D was least effective; its removal efficiency declined below 50% by the end of the cartridge's life. When compared by the carbon chain length of PFASs, the removal efficiency was "C-12 > C-10 > C-8 > C-6" in all models. This study clearly demonstrates that household water purifiers are effective in decreasing the exposure to PFASs through drinking water.