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Reconstructed trends of PFAS in sediment cores in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA.
Citation:
Cashman, M., M. Cantwell, J. Sullivan, A. Robuck, AND D. Katz. Reconstructed trends of PFAS in sediment cores in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. North Atlantic Chapter, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 27th Annual Meeting, NA, Virtual, April 05 - 07, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
Poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in commercial and industrial applications for decades. Their demonstrated persistence and bioaccumulative properties have resulted in widespread environmental distribution. Our current understanding of PFAS fate in the marine environments is significantly limited by analytical techniques that identify a discreet subset of PFAS compounds. In this study, researchers analyze a dated sediment core for 24 PFAS compounds to understand historic PFAS trends in the environment. A Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay is also used to identify the presence of PFAS precursors. These data help to better understand historic trends of PFAS use and reveal long-term use and accumulation of particular PFAS compounds in the environment. The TOP Assay indicates the presence of undetected PFAS compounds due to a lack of analytical standards. These findings are helpful for researchers and policymakers that are interested in the fate of PFAS in the environment.
Description:
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively in commercial and industrial applications for decades. Their demonstrated persistence and bioaccumulative properties have resulted in widespread environmental distribution. Our current understanding of PFAS fate in the marine environment is significantly limited by analytical techniques that identify a discreet subset of PFAS compounds. A dated sediment core collected from Narragansett Bay, RI, was analyzed for 24 terminal PFAS compounds. After initial PFAS quantification, a modified Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay was used to transform PFAS precursors into quantifiable PFAS compounds. PFAS sediment concentrations were compared pre- and post-TOP assay to better understand temporal PFAS distribution in Narragansett Bay. Data showed temporal trends of PFAS accumulation preserved within the sediment record ranging from <1–17.76 ng/g sediment. Compounds including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxA, and PFHpA showed significantly higher concentrations post-TOP assay. These data show that environmental PFAS concentrations are well preserved in the sediment record, and that many PFAS precursors present in the environment are undetected in initial sediment analysis. This suggests that existing PFAS detection methods for marine sediments may underestimate total PFAS concentrations.
