The impact of PFAs on Agriculture:
Can we protect crops without harming the environment and health?
European agriculture has made significant progress in the regulation of plant protection products with the aim of ensuring food safety and environmental sustainability. Directive 91/414(https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/desarrollo-rural/temas/programas-ue/Directiva_91-414-CEE_tcm30-72998.pdf) marked a milestone by reviewing and excluding active substances (AS) with health and environmental risks, as well as harmonizing their application in the different Member States. As a result, on June 14, 2011, Regulation (EC) 1107/2009(https://www.boe.es/doue/2009/309/L00001-00050.pdf) replaced this regulation, eliminating approximately 74% of the previously authorized active substances.
However, despite these efforts, it is estimated that between 60-70% of European agricultural soils are not in a healthy condition due to pollution and overexploitation, in addition to the effects of climate change. To reverse this situation, the European Green Pact has set the ambitious goal of achieving healthy soils by 2050, driving the proposed Soil Monitoring Act, set for July 5, 2023. This regulation will provide a legal framework to assess soil quality in all Member States, identify sources of contamination and establish sustainable agricultural practices.
One of the established problems is the presence of PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “everlasting chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment. Certain herbicides and fungicides belonging to the trifluoromethyl groups, such as Flufenacet (herbicide) and Flutolanil (fungicide), have been found to degrade into TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), products that are being evaluated by the European Commission.
This situation raises serious concerns in key vegetable-producing regions such as potatoes in Europe, in countries such as Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, northern France and England, where the use of these products could be compromising soil and water quality.
This blog explores the problems associated with PFAs in agriculture, their impact on soil and human health, the evolution of European regulations and, above all, sustainable alternatives to these inputs.
The objective of this blog is to provide clear information based on scientific evidence for farmers, technicians and agronomic advisors, promoting alternative, effective and environmentally friendly solutions.
1. TFA-emitting pesticides: PFASs "hidden" in the field.
In modern agriculture, certain pesticides incorporate fluorine atoms in their chemical composition. This is the case of Flufenacet and Flutolanil, phytosanitary products widely used in crops as relevant as cereals or potatoes. We focus on these two active ingredients as they are in the process of evaluation in the EU to withdraw/ban them. These inputs are not the only ones that produce PFAs, a more complete list of active substances that produce them is available below:
| Beflubutamid | Cyflufenamid | Cyflumetofen | Diflufenican |
| Flazasulfuron | Flonicamid | Fluazifop-P | Fluazinam |
| Flubendiamide | Flufenacet | Flumetralin | Fluometuron |
| Fluopicolide | Fluopyram | Flurochloridone | Flutianil |
| Flutolanil | Gamma-Cyhalothrin | Isoxaflutole | Lambda-Cyhalothrin |
| Mefentrifluconazole | Metaflumizone | Oxathiapiprolin | Oxyfluorfen |
| Penoxsulam | Penthiopyrad | Picolinafen | Prosulfuron |
| Pyridate | Pyriofenone | Pyroxasulfone | Sulfoxaflor |
| Tau-Fluvalinate | Tefluthrin | Tembotrione | Tetraconazole |
| Trifloxystrobin | Triflusulfuron |
Table 2: *Information on active substances with PFAS compounds authorized in Europe has been extracted from the PAN Europe report: “PFAS Pesticides in European Agriculture”, published in November 2023. Available at:https://www.pan-europe.info/…/PFAS%20Pesticides%20report%20November%202023.pdf
Flufenacet: Persistent herbicide with neurological developmental effects.
Flufenacet is a pre-emergence herbicide used for the control of annual weeds in cereals (wheat, barley), potato and corn in some countries. It belongs to the acetanilide family and has been the subject of studies in the EU that have confirmed its role as a precursor of TFA in soil, but it also has other risks:
Main environmental and health risks:
1
European models have shown that Flufenacet can generate more than 10 µg/L of TFA in leachate at a depth of 1 meter, increasing the risk of water contamination.
2
Recent studies suggest that Flufenacet may act as an endocrine disruptor, affecting early neurological development.
3
Currently, its renewal in the EU has not been approved for 2024, reflecting concerns about its environmental and toxicological impact.
Flutolanil: Potato fungicide with immunotoxic potential.
Flutolanil is a systemic fungicide of the anilide group, widely used in potato cultivation for the control of black scab (Rhizoctonia solani), but with serious risks associated with its use:
Main environmental and health risks:
1
It is a persistent to very persistent compound in soil and highly prone to leaching, increasing the risk of water contamination.
2
EFSA has confirmed that Flutolanil forms TFA as a metabolite, highlighting its hazardousness.
3
Possible immunotoxic effects have been reported, in addition to the lack of data on the toxicity of its metabolites in treated foods.
4
In the field, Flutolanil and its metabolite M-11 can reach surface waters, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
5
Its renewal in the EU is also under review and has not been approved for 2024.
| ACTIVE SUBSTANCE | TYPE OF PESTICIDE (MAIN USE) | PERSISTENCE IN SOIL | METABOLITE TFA | TOXICOLOGICAL RISKS | REGULATORY SITUATION (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLUFENACET | HERBICIDE (ACETAMIDE) | VERY PERSISTENT (VP) | YES (RELEVANT TFA) | ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR | NO RENEWAL |
| FLUTOLANIL | FUNGICIDE (ANILIDE) | PERSISTENT | YES (TFA CONFIRMED) | IMMUNOTOXICITY | NON-RENEWAL PROPOSED FOR 2024 |
Table 1. Comparative summary of the characteristics of the herbicide Flufenacet and the fungicide Flutolanil, both with the problematic trait of generating TFAs.
Current data reinforce the need to seek safer and more sustainable alternatives for the control of weeds and diseases such as Rhizoctonia in potato crops, without compromising soil health and water quality. In the following sections, we will explore innovative solutions that allow effective and sustainable crop protection without resorting to compounds with long-term negative effects.
2. Soil and water contamination by TFA: A growing environmental challenge.
TFA is not only found in agricultural soils, but also in groundwater, rivers and even human blood. In the most recent studies, TFA concentrations have been found to be considerably higher than those of any other pesticide, metabolite or PFAS compound, underscoring the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need to address it.
Evidence of widespread contamination:
Switzerland
550 of 550 (100%) groundwater samples contained TFA in 2022/2023.
Belgium - Flanders
In addition, a study conducted in Wallonia (southern Belgium) found TFA in 93% of tap water samples, confirming the dissemination of the contaminant even in treated water.
which exceeds the 0.1 µg/L limit for pesticide metabolites in drinking water by more than 120 times.
Challenge for water companies:
The water utilities water utilities have warned that removing TFA from drinking water is technically technically complicated and costly. The best strategy is prevent their entry into water resources through source control control at sourceThis underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the use of polluting pesticides. reduce the use of polluting pesticides..
Impact on soil and crops:
Although TFA is highly soluble and moves with water, it can persist in the soil profile long enough to be taken up by plants. TFA residues have been detected in crops and plant foods, albeit at low concentrations. However, the greatest concern lies in groundwater: TFA resists conventional water treatment, making it difficult to remove and posing risks to human health.
Figure 2: Schematic depicting the environmental fate of PFAs. Available at: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/ebook/pfas-forever-chemicals-perfluoroalkyl-toxicology/155899/
3. Risks to human and environmental health: A growing challenge.
Impact on human health.
Although TFA was initially considered to be of low acute toxicity, new scientific evidence suggests that its long-term effects may be more serious than previously thought.
In 2023, one of the indirect producers of TFA-generating pesticides proposed to classify TFA as reproductive toxicant (category 1B), following studies that showed reproductive harm in animals. This finding implies that, like other PFASs, TFA could affect fertility and fetal development.
Some of the potential risks are highlighted below:
Figure 3: Toxicological effects of PFAs on the human body. Available at: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/ebook/pfas-forever-chemicals-perfluoroalkyl-toxicology/155899/
Flufenacet
Flufenacet has been identified by EFSA as an endocrine disruptor, with evidence that it may affect thyroid hormones and brain development in toxicological studies. This is of particular concern for children’s health, as it may contribute to neurological or developmental problems.
Flutolanil
Flutolanil, on the other hand, has shown signs of immunotoxicity, suggesting that it could affect the immune system. Although conclusive data in humans are lacking, these findings call for caution, especially when it comes to prolonged exposure to this compound.
PFAs
This concern is compounded if we consider the toxic effects that PFAS compounds can have on human biology. The image shows the main areas of the human body affected by PFASs, with different levels of scientific certainty.
Among the most evident effects are neurotoxicity (alteration of neurotransmission), endocrine disruption (affecting the thyroid and sex hormone axis), and immunotoxicity (immunosuppression and chronic inflammation).
Damage to the liver (steatosis and risk of NAFLD), kidney (renal cancer), pancreas, male reproductive system and possible effects on fetal development are also reported.
Ecological impact and persistence: Long-term risks.
The use of these pesticides not only affects treated crops, but also poses a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability:
Toxicity to aquatic organisms
Flufenacet is highly toxic to aquatic plants, and its runoff can contaminate water bodies, putting fish and aquatic invertebrates at risk. Studies in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have shown that chronic exposure to Flutolanil causes liver damage, endocrine disruption and reproductive problems. In addition, environmentally relevant concentrations of this fungicide cause neurological dysfunction and loss of vision in fish larvae, affecting their survival.
Impact on pollinators and soil biota
It is feared that Flutolanil may also affect the immunity of bees and other beneficial insects, making them more vulnerable to disease. In the soil, the combination of TFA with other pesticides could disrupt the balance of microorganisms and earthworms, which are essential for soil fertility.
Although Flufenacet and Flutolanil do not accumulate significantly in the food chain (due to their relative polarity), their persistent metabolites such as TFA continue to accumulate in the environment, especially in water, sediments and soils. This raises serious questions about long-term effects on ecosystems, as wild organisms continue to be continuously exposed to these compounds.
Persistence of TFA in ecosystems:
Although Flufenacet and Flutolanil do not bioaccumulate significantly in the food chain, their metabolite TFA does persist in the environment, accumulating in water, soil and plant tissues. Their presence in crops poses the risk of a possible entry into the food chain, with as yet unknown effects on higher organisms.
4. European regulations and possible restrictions.
A step towards environmental and human protection
Residues from the manufacture of pesticides that generate TFA are also pollutants. This dispersion again puts human health at risk, as contamination can arrive indirectly through contaminated drinking water and, to a lesser extent, through residues in food. It is therefore crucial to apply the precautionary principle, considering potentially harmful effects in order to minimize risks and protect both human health and the environment.
Growing scientific and public concern about the impact of TFA has led to significant regulatory action at the European level. The European Commission, together with several EU countries, has begun to take concrete steps to address this challenge, seeking solutions that reduce exposure and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
In December 2024, they formally proposed not to renew the authorization of the active substances Flufenacet and Flutolanil in the EU. This decision, still pending in the PAFF Standing Committee, is based on EFSA reports:
Flufenacet
EFSA has confirmed unacceptable risks due to its endocrine disrupting potential and the high probability of TFA contamination of aquifers.
In fact, the German Environmental Agency had already identified Flufenacet as a major source of TFA in Germany in 2017.
Flutolanil
EFSA also noted serious data gaps on metabolites in food, in addition to risks to workers, wild mammals, aquatic organisms and bees. Given its potential to generate TFA in the environment, non-renewal is proposed to protect health and the environment. Non-renewal could result in a ban on their use from 2025, with a limited grace period.
For the first time, pesticides containing PFASs are being recognized as part of a broader problem. Approximately one in eight active substances authorized in the EU is a PFAS (37 substances in total), including those that generate TFA or other persistent fluorinated products. Examples of these pesticides include Flufenacet, Flutolanil, Diflufenican and Fluazinam. The European Commission is evaluating measures to phase out these substances from the market. In addition, the proposed global restriction of PFASs under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation) would also include pesticides, which could accelerate the phase-out of these compounds.
These measures seek to curb the “invisible rain” of TFA, protecting both ecosystems and human health in the long term.
5. Alternative Solutions and Sustainable Strategies.
The road to greener management
With the possibility of pesticides such as Flufenacet and Flutolanil being restricted, it is crucial that farmers begin to adopt sustainable strategies to maintain productivity without compromising the environment. If the classification of TFA as a relevant metabolite is confirmed under European legislation, this would prevent the approval of pesticides that generate it, further increasing the need for responsible alternatives.
Fortunately, there are several viable options to control weeds and diseases in a safer and more efficient manner. This scenario underscores the urgency of taking proactive measures, seeking solutions that will ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for agriculture and the environment.
Integrated Weed Management (IWM)
EIF is a strategy that combines several management practices to reduce reliance on persistent chemical herbicides. Some of the alternatives include:
Crop rotation: Alternating crops that suppress winter weeds, such as rye or mustard, helps reduce the need for herbicides.
Mulches: Post-harvest mulches can be shredded or incorporated into the soil, helping to control weeds before the next planting.
Mechanical tillage: Techniques such as false seeding and mechanical weeding (rotary hoeing) are effective in controlling weed seedlings without the need for chemicals.
Selective herbicides: If herbicide is required, products without PFAS groups and with less risk of leaching can be chosen.
Electric weeding: In countries such as Germany, technologies are being tested that apply electricity to weeds to eliminate them without using chemicals, thus reducing the environmental impact.
These practices allow for effective weed control and a significant reduction in herbicide use, achieving similar or better yields than traditional methods.
Control of black scab(Rhizoctonia solani) in potato.
Flutolanil has traditionally been used to control black scab on potatoes, but there are biological and cultural alternatives that offer more sustainable solutions:
Biopesticides
Various strains of microorganisms, such as Bacillus spp. y Pseudomonas spp.act as competitors of the fungus R. solani in the rhizosphere of the plant, reducing the incidence of the disease. The fungi Trichoderma spp. fungi are also effective, creating a natural barrier against the pathogen.
An innovative example is the product RootDei Biocontrol®(https://biocontroltechnologies.com/en/rootdei-biocontrol/)(recently introduced to the industry), which uses the unique T34 strain of Trichoderma asperellum for in-furrow application to protect roots and, at the same time, improve the yield of marketable tubers. In addition, this product helps to reduce the incidence of other soil pathogens. T34 has been proven to be a residue-free treatment (see more details here(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32005R0396)). Such solutions not only eliminate toxic residues, but also promote overall soil health.
Agronomic practices:
Crop rotation is essential to reduce R. solani inoculum. Incorporating cereals or legumes into the rotation allows sclerotia of the fungus to decay, improving soil health.
Healthy and properly treated seeds: Inspect and discard seeds with symptoms of black scab and treat the seed with natural products, such as mustard flour or potassium-rich ash, has antifungal effects.
Low impact fungicides:
Crop Protection through Technology and Innovation
Innovative technologies are playing a key role in sustainable agriculture:
Soil solarization: Covering the soil with clear plastic under the sun can “pasteurize” the soil, eliminating pathogens and weeds before planting.
Precision agriculture: Tools such as drones and sensors make it possible to map weed infestations and apply treatments in a localized manner, reducing the use of inputs and improving efficiency.
These technologies, together with agroecological approaches, seek to replace reliance on persistent chemicals with natural and physical solutions.
In addition, the transition to more sustainable practices is supported by European policies. The EU’ s Farm to Fork Strategy seeks a 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030, further reinforcing the need to adopt greener alternatives.
Adopting these practices will not only reduce the release of TFA and other contaminants, but also improve soil health and increase the resilience of agricultural ecosystems. In fact, many farmers who are already implementing these solutions are experiencing positive results, such as reduced costs and sustainable yields.
6. Conclusions
The issue of TFA-emitting pesticides highlights the urgent need to redirect our agricultural practices towards more sustainable models. In the potato growing regions of central Europe, the intensive use of products such as Flufenacet and Flutolanil has resulted in widespread contamination of water resources with persistent chemicals, known as “everlasting chemicals”. The presence of TFA has been documented in soils, aquifers, and even bottled waters, posing considerable risks to both ecosystems and human health.
Despite these challenges, regulatory action is underway. European authorities have begun to recognize the magnitude of the problem and are moving towards banning these substances, seeking to protect both groundwater and public health.
For farmers and technical advisors, this regulatory change should not be perceived as a threat, but as an opportunity to innovate in agricultural management. Integrated pest and weed control strategies, combined with new biological tools (such as RootDei Biocontrol® and other bioinputs), offer effective solutions to maintain productivity without compromising the environment. Producing profitably and cleanly is possible, and by reducing the use of persistent pesticides, our farms will become more sustainable and resilient.
In addition, this approach contributes to the preservation of soil and drinking water, two essential resources for life. As an agricultural sector, eliminating PFASs from our farming systems is a crucial step in responding to the current ecological alert and ensuring a viable future for the next generations in the European countryside.
7. References
- Arp, H.P.H. et al. (2024). The Global Threat from the Irreversible Accumulation of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA). Environmental Science & Technology, 58(45), 19925-19935.
- PAN Europe (2024). Forever Chemical Found Even in Pristine Mineral Waters – Press Release, 3 Dec 2024.
- EurEau (2024). PFAS in pesticides: Will Europe finally move? – News, 4 Dec 2024.
- PAN Europe (2024). High concentrations of TFA in drinking water call for ban on PFAS-containing pesticides – Press Release, 15 Nov 2024.
- FOEN Switzerland (2024). Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in groundwater – National Groundwater Monitoring NAQUA.
- Health & Environment Alliance (2024). Joint letter calling for a ban of flufenacet – Press, 12 Nov 2024.
- PAN Europe (2024). PAN Letter to SCoPAFF on flutolanil (PFAS pesticide) .
- ZeroPM (2024). Regulatory Watch Update Dec 2024 – Non-renewal of flufenacet & flutolanil .
- Teng, M. et al. (2019). Chronic Toxic Effects of Flutolanil on the Liver of Zebrafish. Chem. Res. Toxicol, 32(6), 995-1001.
- Yang, Y. et al. (2024). Flutolanil at env. relevant levels induces neuro-visual disruptions in zebrafish larvae. J. Hazard. Mater. 469, 134108.
- PAN Europe (2023). Ban PFAS pesticides and TFA – Campaign Brief
- PAN Europe (2023). Europes Toxic Harvest: Unmasking PFAS Pesticides Authorised in Europe
- Sturm et. al. (2023). Trifluoracetat (TFA): Grundlagen für eine effektive Minimierung schaffen – Räumliche Analyse der Eintragspfade in den Wasserkreislauf. Environment Bundesampt
- Lein (2023). PFAS: The “New” Forever Chemicals. UC DAVIS Veterinary Medicine
