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Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden
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Researchers tested artificial turf fields from Stockholm, Sweden, for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and found non-extractable fluorine was widespread in both plastic and rubber components. The findings suggest PFAS contamination in artificial turf is more extensive than previously recognized, raising environmental and public health concerns about runoff from these fields.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently used in the production of rubber and plastic, but little is known about the identity, concentration, or prevalence of PFAS in these products. In this study, a representative sample of plastic- and rubber-containing artificial turf (AT) fields from Stockholm, Sweden, were subjected to total fluorine (TF), extractable organic fluorine (EOF) and target PFAS analysis. TF was observed in all 51 AT samples (range: 16-313, 12-310, and 24-661 µg F/g in backing, filling, and blades, respectively), while EOF and target PFAS occurred in <42% of all samples (<200 and <1 ng F/g, respectively). A subset of samples extracted with water confirmed the absence of fluoride. Moreover, application of the total oxidizable precursor assay revealed negligible perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) formation across all three sample types, indicating that the fluorinated substance(s) in AT are not low molecular weight PFAA-precursors. Collectively, these results point towards polymeric organofluorine (e.g. fluoroelastomer, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride), consistent with patent literature. The combination of poor extractability and recalcitrance towards advanced oxidation suggests that the fluorine in AT does not pose an imminent risk to users. However, concerns remain surrounding the production and end-of-life of ATs, as well as the contribution of filling to environmental microplastic contamination.
More Papers Like This
Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found widespread non-extractable fluorine contamination in artificial turf samples from Stockholm, indicating the presence of PFAS compounds that could not be fully identified or quantified. Artificial turf fields are a known source of both microplastic rubber particles and toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances entering the environment.
Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden
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Researchers found widespread non-extractable fluorine — indicative of PFAS compounds — in artificial turf fields across Stockholm, with total fluorine detected in all 51 samples tested, raising concerns about PFAS contamination in synthetic turf materials and potential exposure for athletes and nearby ecosystems.
Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden
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This is a duplicate entry for the study on PFAS contamination in artificial turf from Stockholm. The research documents widespread fluorinated compounds in synthetic turf materials alongside microplastic rubber particles. See ID 46939 for context.
Spreading of microplastics from artificial turf via stormwater
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This Swedish study investigated microplastic dispersal from artificial turf football fields via stormwater runoff, finding that rubber infill granules from these fields are a major pathway for microplastic contamination of nearby water bodies — particularly significant given the popularity of artificial turf in Sweden.
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This Swedish study examines how rubber granulate from artificial turf football fields is released into the environment through stormwater runoff, and discusses the growing environmental concern as synthetic turf installations increase across Sweden. The report evaluates the scale of microplastic pollution from this widespread source.
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