We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impacts of treatment extent on Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) discharge in wet-weather flows
AI summary Read the abstract
PFAS occurrence, composition, and precursor contributions were studied in wastewater treatment plant effluents and stormwater discharges across six Iowa cities using targeted analysis. Nine PFAS compounds were detected across sites, with PFAA precursors representing a significant portion of PFAS load in stormwater, highlighting the inadequacy of conventional treatment for PFAS removal.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent environmental contaminants associated with adverse human health effects. Wastewater treatment plants and stormwater are known sources of PFAS in aquatic environments, but the composition and fate of PFAS in urban sewer systems remains poorly understood, particularly for perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors. To address this uncertainty, we studied PFAS occurrence, composition, and PFAA precursor contributions in wastewater treatment plants and stormwater discharges across six Iowa cities. Using targeted analysis, 9 PFAS were quantified in wastewater and 13 PFAS were quantified in stormwater. The TOP assay was used to estimate unidentified precursors. Wastewater influent contained 41.9 - 342.3 ng/L total PFAS, and effluent contained 16.5 - 330.1 ng/L total PFAS. Precursors constituted 50 - 100% of influent PFAS and 4 – 58% of effluent PFAS. Total stormwater PFAS concentrations reached 85.3 ng/L, with up to 79% of the mass as PFAA precursors. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were the most common terminal PFAAs, suggesting that precursors with six and eight perfluorinated carbons (e.g., 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomers) are common in wastewater and stormwater. PFAS composition and removal removal varied across wastewater treatment plants and sampling events, as influenced by sources and hydrological conditions. Higher wastewater flows were often associated with more abundant precursor PFAS in wastewater effluent. This study emphasizes the substantial presence of unidentified precursor PFAS in urban water discharges. Recognizing the ubiquity of precursors highlights the importance of quantifying total PFAS beyond just targeted monitoring. Overall, this research underscores the necessity for an improved understanding of PFAA precursor fate and transport to guide regulations and protective strategies for human and environmental health.
More Papers Like This
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater streams: occurrence and current treatment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) occurrence in wastewater streams from point and non-point sources, synthesizing 55 papers to characterize concentration variability in wastewater treatment plant effluents and drinking water treatment plant effluents. The authors found total PFAS concentrations in WWTP effluents ranging from 16.8 to 11,870 nanograms per liter depending on industry type and treatment process, and noted that PFAS frequently increase in concentration from influent to effluent due to transformation of precursor compounds during treatment.
Occurrence, Concentration, and Distribution of 35 PFASs and Their Precursors Retained in 20 Stormwater Biofilters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 35 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their precursors in 20 urban stormwater biofilter systems, revealing complex fate and transport behaviors that suggest current biofilter designs are insufficient to fully capture these persistent chemicals before they enter waterways.
Determination of household wastewater PFAS composition and concentrations via sub-sewershed analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed residential wastewater from three sub-sewersheds over seven consecutive days and found higher PFAS concentrations and more analyte types than in tap water, suggesting households are a primary source. Daily total PFAS ranged from 10–49 ng/L, with more affluent neighborhoods contributing more per capita, in the first study to estimate household PFAS discharge upstream of treatment plants.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Urban Stormwater Runoff: Insights from a Roadside Rain Garden
AI summary Read the abstract
This study quantifies PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance) concentrations in urban stormwater runoff, tracing how these persistent synthetic chemicals accumulate in city drainage systems. Researchers identified multiple PFAS compounds across sampled sites, with levels varying by land use and infrastructure type. The results highlight stormwater as a significant pathway for PFAS to enter surface water and potentially drinking water supplies.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Canadian municipal wastewater and biosolids: Recent patterns and time trends 2009 to 2021
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 42 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across 27 Canadian wastewater treatment plants from 2009 to 2021, finding that while long-chain PFAS like PFOA declined following industrial phase-outs, PFOS levels remained stubbornly persistent and short-chain replacement PFAS concentrations consistently increased.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.