A recent study by Kyoto University has revealed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sludge samples from 34 wastewater treatment plants across Japan, raising concerns over widespread environmental contamination.
According to the study, published on Wednesday, the findings suggest that these harmful chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, are likely pervasive in sewage sludge throughout Japan.
Since 2023, multiple cases of PFAS contamination exceeding national safety levels have been reported in water sources in Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo Metropolis.
Notably, many of the affected sites are located near U.S. military bases and Japanese Self-Defense Forces facilities, leading to growing suspicion that these installations may be a source of the pollution.
Local civic groups have repeatedly called for access to environmental surveys inside the U.S. bases, but their requests have yet to be approved.
PFAS could lead to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer.
PFAS contamination detected in sewage sludge across Japan, U.S. military bases suspected
China's science and technology sector made rapid progress in 2025, with the country's scientific and technological strength reaching a new level and a host of achievements emerging, said Yin Hejun, minister of science and technology on Thursday.
During a group interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Yin offered an overview of China's sci-tech development and achievements in 2025.
"China's sci-tech sector has witnessed rapid development, with its scientific and technological strength ascending to new heights. The country has climbed to the 10th position in the global innovation ranking. China's gross domestic research and development spending in 2025 exceeded 3.92 trillion yuan (about 568 billion U.S. dollars), with the spending intensity reaching 2.8 percent. Basic research investment approached 280 billion yuan (about 41 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 7.08 percent of the total -- topping 7 percent for the first time and hitting a historic high," said the minister.
Yin also highlighted the bounty of breakthroughs in China's sci-tech sector over the past year.
"A flourishing array of scientific and technological achievements has emerged. Humanoid robots dazzled audiences at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, evolving from performing Yangge folk dance and twirling handkerchiefs last year to turning somersaults and starring in comedy skits this year, showcasing a versatile repertoire of skills. China's open-source large language models now lead the world, and new breakthroughs have been made in chip research and development. Moreover, and innovative drugs have seen robust growth. A total of 76 innovative drugs were approved last year, with cross-border out-licensing deals exceeding 130 billion U.S. dollars. Technology has empowered industries across the board, significantly improving people's quality of life," he said.
The fourth session of the 14th NPC kicked off on Thursday and is set to conclude on March 12.
China's scientific and technological strength reaches a new level in 2025: minister
