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Advanced Detection of Microplastics and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Sediments from the Narragansett Bay Watershed
Summary
Researchers developed and validated methods for detecting two classes of emerging contaminants — microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — in sediments from Narragansett Bay. The work addresses a key gap in environmental monitoring capabilities for these persistent pollutants in coastal sediment.
Sediments underlay most waterbodies and make up a vital part of aquatic habitats. Due to their physical and chemical properties, sediments can act as a sink for many types of contaminants. Sediments must be routinely assessed for their possible interaction with emerging contaminant classes. But the identification of emerging contaminants in sediments is often hindered by a lack of analytical standards or standardized methods. The research herein develops methods for the detection of two classes of emerging contaminants from sediment, namely microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These methods are then used to analyze sediments within the Narragansett Bay watershed, Rhode Island, USA.