Artificial Sweeteners Flood Waterways, Mirroring PFAS Persistence

Global Study Reveals Widespread Contamination and Calls for Stricter Regulations

A growing reliance on diet beverages is leading to an alarming increase in artificial sweeteners in the environment. Unlike traditional sugars, these compounds resist breakdown, finding their way into wastewater and ultimately into rivers and lakes worldwide.

Researchers Draw Parallels with Persistent Chemicals

Scientists at the University of Technology Sydney have identified a concerning similarity between artificial sweeteners and PFAS chemicals due to their poor biodegradability. Their extensive investigation of treatment facilities and waterways across 24 nations pinpointed sucralose, acesulfame, saccharin, and cyclamate as the most prevalent artificial sweeteners globally.

Professor of environmental technology **Qilin Wang** highlighted the persistent nature of these substances in comments to IPS. He stated, “Sweeteners such as Sucralose are incredibly persistent. Because of their chemical stability, they can survive both conventional and advanced purification processes, so that they end up in rivers, lakes and coastal waters and can affect aquatic ecosystems.”

Urgent Need for Enhanced Water Treatment

The research team is advocating for more stringent regulations and improved wastewater purification methods to combat this escalating issue. The chemical stability of sweeteners like sucralose means they can elude current treatment processes, contaminating vital aquatic habitats.

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that about 90% of Americans have traces of artificial sweeteners in their urine, indicating widespread human consumption and excretion (USGS, 2023). This statistic underscores the scale of the challenge faced by water treatment systems.