Non-targeted analysis supports widespread characterization efforts for PFAS in industrially impacted New Jersey
Citation:
McCord, J., K. Miller, AND M. Strynar. Non-targeted analysis supports widespread characterization efforts for PFAS in industrially impacted New Jersey. 2020 SETAC North America Annual Meeting, Virtual, November 15 - 19, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
The overall objectives of this project included a confirmation of ongoing surface and groundwater contamination from current and historical source discharges in NJ, establishing specific PFAS source signatures originating from different industrial sites, and identification of new PFAS using advanced analytical techniques. Non-targeted analysis was applied to water samples collected in southern New Jersey, revealing the existence of a series of novel chlorinated polyfluorinated ether acids and related PFAS species originating from an industrial PFAS manufacturer in the region. Concentrations in ground water were established using PFNA as a spike-in reference and estimates exceeded the state health targets for PFOA/PFNA. 1. Non-targeted analysis was also used to estimate the effectiveness of traditional activated carbon point-of-entry water treatment systems for removal of the emerging species, which was found to reduce the abundance of PFAS species identified in the sampling by >90%. 1. NJ DEP is currently undertaking legal action against Solvay for PFAS releases in the region, acquiring authentic standards for accurate quantification, and requesting toxicity testing information on the discovered species. This research is of significant relevance to the state of NJ and to the affected local communities.
Description:
Per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) are an environmentally persistent and high interest class of chemical pollutants with a rapidly expanding roster. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has been a workhorse technique supporting non-targeted approaches to sample analysis, compound discovery, and chemical characterization across a range of media and unique circumstances. Concerns over the potential human health impact from long-term exposure to legacy PFAS has resulted in the development of numerous novel replacement species in recent years. Environmental-monitoring activities have been crucial in identifying the existence and environmental spread of emerging compounds in environmental media, such as water and soil. New Jersey has shown nationally elevated levels of PFAS, motivating additional examination of environmental samples to identify potential emerging PFAS contamination. While examining surface and ground water in southern New Jersey we were able to detect and characterize a chlorinated, perfluorinated ether (ClPFPECA) and determine its likely origin from discharge of Solvay Specialty Polymers, a local fluoropolymer manufactures. Several homologous compounds, as well as dechlorinated degradants/byproducts were identified as widespread contaminants in the region. Water from local potable wells was analyzed by non-targeted analysis to monitor the relative concentration of the emerging contaminants when subjected to activated carbon treatment systems. The systems appeared to be equally effective at removing emerging and legacy contaminants in the affected waters. Raw feedstocks were acquired and characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry to determine the source materials, additional trace contaminants, and to provide better quantitative estimates of environmental PFAS levels.
