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Groundwater contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs) has become a growing worldwide environmental issue. The current review comprehensively evaluates the global perspective of PFAS pollution in groundwater. Data from 224 recent research articles covering various land use and source types were reviewed, including industrial facilities, landfills, biosolids applications, and firefighting training sites. The bibliographic analysis shows an exponential increase in publications on PFAS pollution in groundwater in the last five years, with more than 50% coming from the USA, followed by Australia, Canada, China, and Sweden. The recent groundwater PFAS pollution research provides insight into the analytical techniques, absorbing materials, treatment strategies, field tests, and enhanced natural attenuation. Nevertheless, the current review identified significant research gaps in the areas of precursor characterization, subsurface behavior, model validation with field data, and long-term and sustainable solutions. Moreover, a global cross-disciplinary approach is required to reduce and regulate PFASs' risks to humans and the ecological system. This review presents a case study of PFASs in Saudi Arabian groundwater, revealing elevated levels of PFOA and PFOS and highlighting the need for region-specific studies and remediation strategies. The review results will guide global efforts to protect drinking water supplies from life-threatening contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive depletion of groundwater resources and significant climate change have exerted immense pressure on global groundwater reserves. Owing to the rising global demand for drinking water, as well as its use in agriculture and industry, there is an increasing need to evaluate the capacity and effectiveness of underground water reservoirs (aquifers). Recently, GIS has gained significant attention for groundwater exploration because of its ability to provide rapid and comprehensive information about resources for further development. This study aims to assess and map the groundwater potential of a large basin located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Techniques such as GIS and AHP were employed in this study. To perform the delineation for the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ), seven thematic layers were prepared and analyzed. These layers include geology, slope, land use, lineament densities, soil characteristics, drainage density, and rainfall. These variables were carefully considered and examined to identify and categorize areas based on their respective groundwater potentials. The assigned weights to each class in the thematic maps were determined using the well-known analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. This methodology considered the characteristics of each class and their capacity to influence water potential. The results' precision was verified by cross-referencing it with existing information about the area's potential for groundwater. The resulting GWPZ map was classified into the following five categories: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The study revealed that approximately 42.56% of the basin is classified as having a high GWPZ. The low and moderate potential zones cover 36.12% and 19.55% of the area, respectively. Very low and very high potential zones were found only in a limited number of areas within the basin. This study holds global importance as it addresses the pressing challenge of depleting groundwater resources. With rising demands for drinking water, agriculture, and industry worldwide, the effective evaluation and management of underground water reservoirs are crucial. By utilizing GIS and AHP techniques, this study provides a valuable assessment and the mapping of groundwater potential in a large basin in southern Saudi Arabia. Its findings and methodology can serve as a model for other regions, supporting sustainable water resource management globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]