From Legacy POPs to PFAS: A Systematic Review of Persistent Organic Contaminants in Soils and Waters of Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

This systematic review will synthesise published data (2000–2026) on legacy persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, HCH/lindane, DDT, HCB) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils, sediments, surface water, groundwater and drinking water of Central and Eastern European countries. While legacy POPs have been monitored in the region for decades, PFAS data remain scarce, and no review has yet linked the two contaminant groups at regional scale. The review will (1) summarise reported concentrations, spatial patterns and temporal trends; (2) identify the main sources and land uses associated with contamination; (3) compare measured levels with national and EU guideline values, including the PFAS limits of the recast Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184; and (4) map evidence gaps by country, matrix and compound. Searches will cover Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and grey literature. Screening and quality assessment will be performed by two independent reviewers, following PRISMA 2020. Data will be synthesised narratively and, where at least five comparable studies exist, by random-effects meta-analysis. Expected outcomes include an evidence gap map for the region and recommendations for PFAS monitoring and management informed by lessons from legacy POPs.