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Establishing the presence and mitigations of perfluoro octane sulphonic acid (PFOS) in the Ugandan market

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
  • 2National Food Safety Foundation (NFSF), the Affiliated Institution of the Food Safety Associates Limited, Kampala, Uganda
  • 3Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
  • 4Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda

Res.J.chem.sci., Volume 14, Issue (3), Pages 1-12, October,18 (2024)

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the presence of perfluoro octane sulphonic acid (PFOS)-containing chemicals and products imported and used in Uganda’s environment and to evaluate the performance of the legal and institutional frameworks used to reduce their presence in the environment. The study called for an interaction with public officials and private-sector business individuals, and the performance of a content analysis of the legal and institutional framework to govern the management at the source, movement and distribution, disposal at waste disposal sites, and management of waste products. Results indicate several PFOS-containing chemicals and products from countries that historically used PFOS for commercial and industrial processes. There are inadequacies observed in import management, waste collection, and waste disposal methods from sources to waste dumping sites. The weak legal and institutional frameworks and poor collection, handling, and disposal methods risk populations to exposure to PFOS. The results indicate poorly structured organization plans of the country, for the entry, movement, distribution, and disposal of emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment for low-income and developing countries like Uganda. There is a need to establish Public-Private Sector partnerships, structure specialized administrative units, and purchase specialized equipment for PFOS analysis.

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