Spatial distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waters from Central and South Florida

Abstract

Per-and poly uoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are notoriously persistent pollutants that are found ubiquitously present in aquatic environments. They pose a big threat to aquatic life and human health given the bioaccumulation feature and signi cant adverse health effects associated. In our previous study, PFAS were found in surface waters from Biscayne Bay and tap waters from the West coast of South Florida, at levels that arouse human health and ecological concerns. Considering that Florida supports millions population as well as treasured, sensitive coastal and wetland ecosystems, we have expanded the PFAS monitoring study on the occurrence, composition, spatial distribution, and potential sources encompassing tap waters from counties on the East coast of South Florida and Central Florida, and surface waters from Tampa Bay, Everglades National Park adjacent canals, Key West, including Biscayne Bay area. A total of 30 PFAS were analyzed based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PFAS were detected in all tap water (N = 10) and surface water samples (N = 38) with total concentrations up to 169 ng L − 1 . Higher PFAS concentrations (> 60 ng L − 1 ) are mostly observed from polluted rivers or coastal estuaries in Biscayne Bay, and sites nearby potential points sources (military airbases, wastewater facilities, airports, etc.). Our ndings on current PFAS contamination levels from diverse aquatic environments provide additional information for the development of more stringent screening levels that are protective of human health and the environmental resources of Florida, which is ultimately anticipated as scienti c understanding of PFAS rapidly growing.

Environmental Remediation of Perfluoroalkyl Substances: Current and Emerging Strategies

“…These plants served approximately 53% of the population and identified twelve specific PFAS analytes, including six C5-C10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), four C4-10 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), and two fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTS) -namely, 6:2 and 8:2 FTS. In Florida, Li et al (2022) reported the ubiquitous presence of PFAS in both tap water (N = 10) and surface water samples (N = 38). The total concentrations in these samples reached as high as 169 ng L −1 , with notably elevated levels (> 60 ng L −1 ) observed in areas near sources such as military airbases, wastewater facilities, and airports, as well as in polluted rivers or coastal estuaries like Biscayne Bay.…”