This study provides a comprehensive review of analytical methods used to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and evaluates their global occurrence in both tap and bottled water. It examines the challenges of quantifying PFAS at ultra-trace levels, including issues such as sample contamination, poor recovery, filtration loss, and sorption to containers. EPA and international regulatory limits on PFAS are reviewed, with attention to the difficulty of meeting newly updated advisory thresholds, particularly those from the U.S. EPA. Global occurrence data are compiled, revealing regional disparities in monitoring coverage and regulatory action. The study recommends expanding the scope of targeted PFAS compounds, standardizing analytical methods across laboratories, enhancing detection technologies such as solid-phase extraction and LC-MS/MS, and implementing stringent quality control measures to improve accuracy and comparability in PFAS monitoring efforts.

A comprehensive assessment of PFAS contamination was conducted in a full-scale drinking water system in Guangzhou, China. Using target, suspect, and non-target screening, the research identified a wide range of PFAS—including several newly reported compounds—present throughout the water treatment and distribution process. PFAS concentrations in tap water remained consistent across three seasons. Critically, the study revealed that conventional treatment methods (biological pretreatment, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration) were largely ineffective, leading to similar PFAS levels in both treated and tap water. These findings highlight the urgent need to develop and deploy more effective technologies for PFAS removal.

This study investigates the occurrence, removal, and health risks of 56 PFAS in raw and produced drinking water from 18 locations across the Netherlands, using both surface and groundwater sources and multiple treatment technologies. Ultrashort-chain PFAS were found at the highest concentrations, with surface water-derived drinking water generally showing higher PFAS levels than groundwater. The study evaluates the removal efficiency of various treatment processes and assesses health risks based on European guidelines. While most produced drinking water met the new EU regulatory standards, some exceeded provisional guideline values, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and improved treatment, especially for ultrashort-chain PFAS.

The report provides a global overview of progress, challenges, and solutions in achieving universal access to safe drinking water. It documents that billions remain without safely managed water and that progress is too slow to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6.1. The report highlights the health, economic, and social impacts of unsafe water, the need for investment in infrastructure and governance, and the importance of context-appropriate treatment and management strategies. It calls for urgent, coordinated action from governments, donors, and communities to accelerate progress, address inequalities, and ensure resilient, sustainable water services for all.

This journal article reviews current knowledge about water's essential role in human physiology, health, and disease prevention. It highlights how hydration affects performance, cognition, thermoregulation, kidney and gastrointestinal function, cardiovascular health, and aging. The authors note that water intake patterns are shifting globally due to increased caloric beverage consumption, contributing to obesity and chronic disease. They emphasize the lack of standardized methods for assessing hydration status or fluid intake and advocate for further research, including population-level studies and improved metrics like water intake per calorie consumed. The review concludes that more focused attention on water intake is crucial for advancing nutrition and public health policy.

A novel, sustainable approach to drinking water purification is proposed through the integration of riverbank filtration (RBF)—a natural pretreatment method—with one-step reverse osmosis (OSRO). RBF effectively removes many contaminants and stabilizes water quality, creating an ideal feed for RO, which acts as a strong barrier against particles, pathogens, and emerging pollutants. The OSRO concept is presented as a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution capable of producing chlorine-free, biologically stable drinking water. Artificial bank filtration (ABF) is also discussed as a viable alternative, along with the potential for incorporating renewable energy and decentralized systems. The perspective emphasizes that combining natural and engineered processes is key to achieving sustainable, high-quality drinking water in the face of evolving contamination challenges.

This study investigates the performance of loose nanofiltration (LNF) membranes for advanced drinking water treatment, focusing on the selective removal of natural organic matter (NOM) while allowing beneficial mineral salts (especially calcium and magnesium) to pass through. Using treated surface water from China, the authors systematically analyze how membrane properties—such as molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), pore size distribution, and surface charge—affect the rejection of NOM and mineral salts. Results show that LNF membranes with an MWCO around 1000 Da and high surface negative charge achieve high NOM rejection (>70%) and low mineral salt rejection (<30%), making them promising for producing biologically stable and mineral-balanced drinking water. The findings provide guidance for designing high-performance LNF membranes and optimizing water treatment processes.

The study highlights the growing global challenge of pharmaceutical residues contaminating water resources, driven by increased drug production and use, especially during health crises like COVID-19. These contaminants, originating from hospitals, households, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries, persist in water due to their chemical stability and the limitations of conventional treatment methods. The article critically examines current biological and nanotechnological water treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for integrated and advanced solutions to effectively remove pharmaceutical residues. Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of clean water for all will require innovation, regulatory enforcement, and the adoption of these advanced treatment technologies.