Poster session
Atmospheric deposition is an important pathway for PFAS to enter soil, surface water and groundwater, but their persistence and mobility complicate source identification. Understanding these pathways is crucial for safeguarding drinking water production, as PFAS poses risks to human health. This study investigated atmospheric PFAS deposition in two drinking water production locations located 135 km apart, highlighting its potential impact in the contaminating soil, surface water, and groundwater. Aerosol and deposition samples were collected along with meteorological data at both locations. To link the deposition of PFAS fluxes to surface water and groundwater contamination, water samples were collected from hydrologically isolated heathland pools. PFAS concentrations were analysed in all samples, and tracer ions (Na+, Mg2+) were measured in aerosols to explore associations with sea-spray aerosols (SSA). PFAS concentrations in aerosols were consistent between the two sites, with 12 of 14 PFAS detected at both locations. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) were most abundant PFAS compounds, followed by PFBA, PFOA, PFOS, and 6:2 FTS. The PFAS composition of deposition fluxes were similar to aerosol concentrations, suggesting relatively unbiassed atmospheric removal of PFAS by deposition. A unique PFAS fingerprint was identified for future source tracing, while the absence of 6:2 FTS in deposition samples highlighted its distinct atmospheric behaviour. PFAS patterns in heathland pools matched those in aerosol and deposition samples, confirming atmospheric deposition as a the main contamination source. PFPeS, PFHxS, PFHpS, and branched PFOA were present in water samples, but lacking in aerosol and deposition samples. This absence is likely due to historical deposition and accumulation processes, highlighting the potential impact of legacy PFAS inputs. Soils and surface waters may act as both sinks and secondary sources of PFAS, releasing contaminants into groundwater and perpetuating risks. Wind data indicated a potential HFPO-DA source northwest of one location, while PFAS levels were not linked to SSA tracer ions at either location. Consistent results between the two locations indicate that the bulk of PFAS contamination is linked to diffuse, rather than local, sources. The findings of this study highlight the important role of atmospheric deposition as a source of diffuse PFAS contamination to soils, surface waters and groundwater and emphasize that historical PFAS input and accumulation processes should be taken into account when assessing risks and mitigation strategies to protect drinking water supplies and public health.
How to cite: Hockin, A., Amato, E., van Leeuwen, J., and Hartog, N.: Atmospheric deposition as a diffuse source of PFAS contamination of soils, ground and surface water resources, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-1703, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-1703, 2025.
Trifluoroacetate (TFA) is an emerging contaminant that originates from various human sources. The degradation of fluorinated gases in the atmosphere leads to an ubiquitous input through precipitation. Degradation of agricultural pesticides and pharmaceuticals in waste water add to the amount of TFA pollution. Once released into the environment, the TFA molecule is nearly conservative due to its negative charge, high solubility in water, and absence of degradation pathways. Consequently, TFA concentrations in the environment are constantly increasing, following the industrial production of fluorinated precursor substances. Previous studies suggested accumulation of TFA in plants or retention in organic soil. This knowledge, however, is based on a small number of samples or laboratory labelling experiments. Catchment-scale studies are so far missing. In particular, hydrological processes controlling adsorption and desorption are poorly understood. We therefore analyzed a two-year dataset of weekly major ion and isotope tracers together with TFA in the mountainous Dreisam catchment (Black Forest, Germany). We sampled precipitation, the discharge of three nested catchments and a hillslope spring. A balancing approach suggested that TFA was not permanently retained in forested headwaters. In agricultural parts, we found a surplus of TFA which added up to an annual input of 11 kg km-2 on arable land. Major ions suggested that previously retained TFA was flushed from soils under wet conditions following large precipitation events. This was true both for agricultural and non-agricultural areas. These findings indicate that TFA concentrations in soils may be higher than average concentrations found in rain or streamflow. Therefore, future research should focus on the unsaturated zone.
How to cite: Frenzel, I., Nöltge, D., Müller, M., and Lange, J.: Assessing Trifluoroacetate Accumulation and Transport in Agricultural and Forested Areas in a Mountainous Catchment, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-5921, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-5921, 2025.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, C7F15COOH), have been widely used in industry due to their high stability and heat resistance. Their release during manufacturing and treatment processes has led to contamination of aquatic systems and groundwater. While PFOA is generally resistant to degradation under typical aqueous environments, it can be degraded in the presence of catalysts or strong oxidizing / reducing agents. Previous studies have reported that PFOSA derivatives could be transformed into PFOA and shorter-chain PFCAs in the presence of montmorillonite under sunlight irradiation. The Fe3+-containing material mentioned above are widely distributed in natural environments, indicating that the potential for PFOA to undergo photocatalytic degradation facilitated by natural media. This study aims to investigate the potential role for photocatalytic transformation of PFOA using various forms of Fe3+ found in natural environments (structural iron in clay minerals, magnetite, goethite, etc.) under both 254 nm UV light and natural sunlight conditions (including UV radiation of 290-400 nm). When 50 μM PFOA and 500 μM Fe3+-containing montmorillonite were exposed to 254 nm UV light for 3 days at pH 7, a defluorination ratio of 18.2 % was achieved. Future studies will aim to investigate the photocatalytic behavior of structural iron containing clay minerals under natural sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic reaction between PFOA and nontronite (22.3 wt%), which contains approximately ten times higher structural iron (Fe3+) content than montmorillonite (2.3 wt%) will be investigated. To further understand the potential of PFOA phototransformation under natural conditions, reaction mixtures will be prepared with various forms of naturally occurring Fe3+ media, such as iron oxides to simulate environmental conditions.
How to cite: Ko, J. and Nam, K.: Study on photocatalytic transformation characteristics of PFOA in the presence of structural iron containing clay minerals and iron oxides, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-7586, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7586, 2025.
Environmental and health concerns surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered increasing attention in recent years. The persistence and high mobility of PFAS present significant challenges in understanding their fate and transport in the environment. To address these challenges and gain insights into the contamination status at large catchment scale, as part of the EU Horizon 2020-project, we further developed the regionalized emission model system “MoRE”, to make it capable of quantifying PFAS emissions via multiple pathways across the Upper Danube Basin(Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary).
The model operates on an annual temporal scale from 2015 to 2021 and with a spatial resolution of 526 sub-catchments in the size of 354 ± 352 km2. General input data were sourced from a combination of open-access databases and local ministry records. Hydrological information was obtained using the Wflow model developed by Deltares, while PFAS concentrations were derived from a comprehensive database integrating data from a 1.5-year monitoring campaign conducted across various environmental compartments within the investigated catchment, as well as additional information from previous studies.
The model accounts for multiple emission pathways, including point sources such as urban wastewater treatment plants and industrial dischargers, and diffuse pathways, such as atmospheric deposition, groundwater flow, surface runoff, and soil erosion. Validation of the model against observational data from multiple river monitoring stations demonstrated pleasing performance, particularly for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). These results underscore the model’s effectiveness in predicting in-stream PFAS loads and concentrations. However, the underestimation of certain substances suggests the presence of unaccounted emission sources.
Key findings reveal that diffuse pathways, especially those associated with inhabitants and legacy contaminated spots (e.g.former firefighting foam applications and municipal landfills), contribute substantially to overall PFAS inputs. Furthermore, point-source emissions from industrial facilities, especially a PFAS production site, significantly influence PFAS concentrations, particularly for "replacement compounds" like ADONA and GenX.
By identifying key contamination hotspots and evaluating potential risks in the context of proposed regulatory thresholds and scenario evaluations, this study provides helpful insights for the water management sector. The model can guide targeted monitoring, inform decision-making for remediation efforts, and support the development of more effective regulatory frameworks to mitigate PFAS pollution at regional and catchment scales.
How to cite: Liu, M., Kittlaus, S., ten Velden, C., Meijers, E., Boisgontier, H., Hartgring, S., and Zessner, M.: Modelling PFAS Emission and Transport at Large-Catchment Scale with a Regionalised Approach, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-8778, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-8778, 2025.
Rapid urbanization rates in combination with climate change may lead to increasing urban runoff volumes and pollutant loads. Many organic pollutants are transported sorbed to particles. Therefore, high discharge events present a major pathway for pollutant transport in rivers. In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained growing attention due to their persistent nature, ubiquitous occurrence, and toxicity. Many studies have focused on the transport of PFAS in rivers in the aqueous phase, often overlooking particle-facilitated transport, which is particularly relevant for PFAS precursors (i.e. polyfluoroalkyl substances that can degrade into perfluoroalkyl end-products) due to their generally strong sorption affinity to solids.
In this study, particle-facilitated PFAS transport, including precursor compounds of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA), is investigated during high discharge events in contrasting river catchments in southwest Germany. Additionally, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are analyzed. 29 high discharge events were sampled at eight different rivers over 1.5 years. Concentrations of PFAS precursors (∑PFCA,ox) on the suspended river sediments measured by a chemical oxidation assay (dTOP assay) were between 33.9 ± 0.4 and 100.9 ± 10.6 µg kg-1, while PAH (∑PAH16) concentrations ranged from 0.07 – 3.92 mg kg-1. No apparent correlation was found between ∑PFCA,ox and ∑PAH16. While PAH have been shown to correlate with urban pressure strongly, PFAS precursors appear to exhibit an elevated ubiquitous signal in the environment, as they were detected in a remote river catchment at concentrations comparable to those in more urbanized areas. Further source apportionment included the sampling of stormwater overflows from residential and highway areas. PFCA precursor concentrations were more variable and generally higher than those observed in river samples, suggesting that, similar to PAH, one potential source is urban particles and street debris being washed into the river during heavy rainfall events.
PFAS precursor concentrations on suspended sediments in the rivers were more or less independent of the event, likely since rivers act as integrators of numerous small streams and inflows. This was particularly true for the Neckar River, the largest stream investigated, and also holds for PAH. By combining sediment yield data or online turbidity measurements with information on suspended sediment loading, it is possible to estimate the contaminant flux of PFAS precursors. The Neckar River alone transports approximately 1.7 kg year-1 of PFAS precursors through the city of Tübingen, ultimately carrying them towards the North Sea, where they may degrade into stable PFCA over time.
How to cite: Renner, D., Fabregat-Palau, J., Rügner, H., Ebner, M., and Grathwohl, P.: Particle-Facilitated Transport of PFAS and their Precursors in Contrasting River Catchments, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-8881, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-8881, 2025.
The Red River is one of the most important watercourses in northern Vietnam, providing water for agriculture, industries and domestic uses. Given the proximity of metropolitan areas, agricultural and industrial zones, the Red River is under strong anthropogenic influence and susceptible to contamination by persistent substances, such as Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Being highly resistant to extreme heat and repellent to both water and oil, PFAS have been widely used in aqueous firefighting foam and in various consumer goods, e.g. cooking wares, food packaging, textile[1], [2]. However, epidemiological studies have suggested that PFAS can induce cancers, toxic effects, and other health problems [3], [4]. Hence, PFAS have been listed as priority substances by several regulatory agencies and added as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by the Stockholm Convention.
Being a member state of the Stockholm Convention, Vietnam has restricted the usage of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in the industrial sector (Decree 82/2022/ND-CP). However, PFAS are until now not included in the national environmental quality standards and a deficit of PFAS research effort makes their occurrence in the Red River unknown. Therefore, the aim of this research is to apply a targeted approach (54 PFAS) along with the Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay (TOPA) in water samples collected in the Red River in June and September 2023 and estimate their flux towards the ocean. After the solid phase extraction on mixed mode Weak Anion Exchange cartridges, samples were analyzed by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry Orbitrap ExplorisTM 120.
While twenty-one PFAS were detected in samples from June (from 3.0 to 109 ng.L-1), it was only twelve for September samples (from < limit of quantification to 9.2 ng.L-1). Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was the most predominant PFAS in samples from both sampling campaigns. An exception was reported in one sample in June where the 6:2-Fluorotelomersulfonic acid (6:2-FTS) concentration reached up to 99.9 ng.L-1. The concentrations of PFOA and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the two most extensively targeted PFAS, were well below the European and American standard limits, contributing to less than 10% of the PFAS burden. Besides the legacy perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), emerging PFAS analogs could also be quantified in water samples namely the fluorotelomer sulfonic acids and the ether sulfonic acids. The occurrence of emerging PFAS suggests they are being used as substitutes for the regulated PFOA and PFOS in industrial and commercial applications. TOPA consistently demonstrated significantly higher PFAS concentrations, up to one order of magnitude, implying the presence of non-targeted or unknown PFAS besides the 54 selected ones. Positive correlations (p < 0.05) between certain PFAAs and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) suggest either common sources for both DOC and PFAAs or the preferential binding of PFAAs to DOC. The estimated average riverine flux of PFAS varied from several kg to ton.yr-1, depending on the flow variability and estimation approach (targeted or TOPA).
References
[1] Schmidt et al. (2019), doi: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2019.110491
[2] Evich et al. (2022), doi: 10.1126/science.abg9065
[3] Fenton et al. (2021), doi: 10.1002/ETC.4890
[4] Kim et al. (2021), doi: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2021.116929
How to cite: Vu, T. K., Riboul, D., Martinot, P., Guigue, C., Bui, V. H., Malleret, L., and Fauvelle, V.: Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances: A first glimpse of the “forever chemicals” in water samples from Red River, Vietnam, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11000, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11000, 2025.
The continuous release of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from the transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) precursors presents a significant and often overlooked challenge in contaminated soils. In south-western Germany a large-scale agricultural topsoil contamination PFAS was discovered, which is known as the Rastatt case, and was traced back to the past application of paper sludge as soil amendment. In this study, 40 PFAS were monitored in eight topsoil samples from Rastatt according to the EPA 1633 method. Additionally, non-target screening was performed to identify PFAS precursors. FTMAPs, diPAPs, and diSAmPAP were identified and accounted for > 80% of the total PFAS burden, which ranged from ~ 280 to 9,700 ng PFAS g-1. These levels were confirmed by both, non-target screening (semi)quantifications and chemical oxidation of precursors (TOP assay) in order to close the fluorine mass balance against extractable organic fluorine (EOF). Notably, in some organic carbon rich samples, repeated oxidation was needed to achieve a complete fluorine mass balance, highlighting the need to include EOF as quality assurance of TOP assays and (semi)quantifications derived from non-target screening approaches.
Batch microcosm incubations were additionally set up to assess short-chain PFAS production over time. The linear increase of short-chain PFAS concentrations in solution, in combination with TOP estimates, allows to derive respective production rate constants and, therefore, estimate contamination time scales. This methodology may potentially apply to other precursor-driven contaminant sources such as those present in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) sites. Contamination time scales in the assessed locations indicate that leaching of short-chain PFAS to groundwater resulting from ongoing precursor transformation will continue for decades. The variability in time scale estimates across the eight examined soils encouraged the examination of specific soil properties affecting PFAS production rates, particularly assessing the role of certain phosphatase enzymatic activities and microbial biomass carbon. FTMAPs, diPAPs, and diSAmPAP all contain a phosphate moiety which is hydrolyzed during biotransformation processes. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the positive role of both acid phosphomonoesterase activities and, in lesser extent, microbial biomass carbon on the production of short-chain PFAS in soils. Nonetheless, further research on isolated bacteria strains is needed to elucidate the role of phosphatases as well as other enzymatic activities in the decay of P-containing PFAS precursors.
How to cite: Fabregat-Palau, J., Zweigle, J., Renner, D., Zwiener, C., and Grathwohl, P.: Assessment of PFAS contamination in soils: non-target identification of precursors, fluorine mass balance and microcosm studies , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11049, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11049, 2025.
PFAS compounds have emerged as a major concern, due to their effects on human health, widespread occurrence, complex physico-chemical behaviour, very low biodegradability and lack of removal/degradation technologies that could be effective for the very diverse members of this huge family of molecules. Unlike other organic compounds released in environment by anthropogenic activities, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls or pesticides, PFAS compounds concentration in the environment is at the parts-per-billion (ppb) and parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. As a consequence, the microbial communities of most environmental compartments were not exposed to high doses of PFAS, their adaptation strategies largely remain to be explored. They could give useful clues for a better description of the impacts of these molecules and for the development of models of their fate in environment including the biological compartment. Here, 4 different soils presenting contrasting physico chemical properties were artificially contaminated by a mixture of 4 PFAS molecules (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFBS), in concentrations fixed at 10 mg.kg-1 each and incubated. The impact of PFAS addition was monitored on carbon mineralization activity, enzymatic activities, and evolution of the structure and composition of bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities during 70 days of incubation. The PFAS concentrations were not significantly modified during the incubation, but the mixture of PFAS molecules affected the structure and activity of soil microbial communities differently depending on the type of soil.
How to cite: Battaglia-Brunet, F., Crampon, M., Norini, M.-P., Thouin, H., Charron, M., Tris, H., and Beskoski, V.: Impact of a mixture of PFAS molecules on the activity and structure of soil microbial communities, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11533, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11533, 2025.
In France, two-thirds of the water withdrawn for drinking water supply comes from groundwater (OFB, 2017), hence monitoring PFAS is essential to document spatial distribution, dynamics and anticipate potential impacts on water quality.
A good monitoring resolution in term of spatial extend, frequency, analytic performance is crucial to better understand sources, pathways and potential impacts. We propose a focus on the regulatory groundwater monitoring for France, where an increasing number of PFAS compounds have been regulated for monitoring, going from 6 in 2015 to 20 in 2022, in compliance with the European Drinking Water Directive (Directive 2020/2184). However, as PFAS represent a family of more than 10,000 compounds, it is necessary to assess the total PFAS contamination, beyond the list of regulated parameters.
The concept of the “total PFAS” is not yet clearly defined and is open to question. Measurement by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) provides access to adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF), i.e. the total measurement of fluorinated organic compounds, without the need to identify each individual compound. It is a fast, inexpensive method that gives an indication of the overall level of contamination. However, it can also include substances other than PFAS (e.g. fluorinated pharmaceuticals). Methodological and analytical developments under the framework of the H2020 PROMISCES project (GA No 101036449) will contribute to the deployment of this approach in water monitoring.
At the French level, we analysed the available data on PFAS concentrations in groundwater (from the ADES[1] database) from different perspectives.
In terms of spatial contamination, PFAS occurrences were mapped in relation to different hydrogeological contexts and pressures (emission sources, aquifer types, density of use,…). These groundwater occurrence maps are of interest for the implementation of health monitoring of water intended for drinking water supply, both from the point of view of geographical sectors and water ressources, but also for the analysis of the contexts to be targeted. This will support decision making for drinking water supply where health risk is of primary interest.
In terms of time, the first PFAS analyses are reported for the period 2009-2011. In the whole dataset, the more densely monitored parameters (> 30,000 analyses) are PFOA, PFOS, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFDS, and PFHxS.
Quantification rates vary considerably between the different molecules analysed. PFOS is the compound with the highest quantification frequency (17.8%). It is also the most frequently researched compound (about 38,000 analyses). Other compounds researched with the same intensity (about 35,000 analyses) have lower quantification frequencies: PFHxA (12.3%), PFOA (11.2%), PFHxS (10.5%), PFBS (7.8%), PFHpA (7.1%), PFBA (5.4%). For the dataset considered, 12 of the 20 compounds were found, on average, less than 3 times out of 100.
Our work highlights that PFAS are widely observed in French groundwaters. Quantification rates are among the highest reported for micropollutants at the national level. Given the potential time-delay effect, due to stock effect, in the soil and unsaturated zone is suspected, and the documented adverse effects on human health, careful monitoring of these compounds is essential in the near future to support decision-making.
How to cite: Lions, J., Togola, A., Henriot, A., and Lopez, B.: PFAS Monitoring in groundwater: Current status and challenges in France, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15524, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15524, 2025.
Posters virtual: Thu, 1 May, 14:00–15:45 | vPoster spot A
EGU25-2175 | ECS | Posters virtual | VPS10
Enhancing PFAS Degradation through Far-UVC Photolysis Coupled with Electrochemical Oxidation and UV-Advanced Reduction ProcessesThu, 01 May, 14:00–15:45 (CEST) | vPA.20
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a significant and persistent threat to water quality worldwide, posing major challenges due to their chemical stability, resistance to conventional treatment methods, and documented health risks. These contaminants, once released, persist in the environment for extended periods and have been detected in drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and even human blood. Conventional remediation techniques, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, ion-exchange resins, and reverse osmosis, often struggle with shorter-chain PFAS compounds and merely shift contamination from one medium to another. As climate change intensifies rainfall and extreme weather, PFAS transport through runoff becomes increasingly likely, heightening the need for advanced treatment solutions.
In response to this pressing need, our work investigates an innovative remediation approach employing far-UVC radiation (222 nm) delivered by krypton chloride (KrCl*) excimer lamps. Unlike conventional low-pressure UV (LPUV) systems, which typically emit at 254 nm, or vacuum UV (VUV) systems at 185 nm, far-UVC at 222 nm offers a unique balance of high photon energy and minimal absorption by water. This balance enables deeper penetration into the water matrix and provides the potential for enhanced PFAS photolysis and subsequent defluorination. Preliminary findings indicate that certain PFAS, previously resistant to direct UV photolysis, may be more susceptible under far-UVC irradiation, thereby opening a promising new pathway for their degradation.
While direct photolysis at 222 nm shows considerable promise, integrating far-UVC treatment with electrochemical oxidation (EOP) and UV-advanced reduction processes (UV-ARP) can further enhance PFAS degradation. EOP effectively removes dissolved organic matter (DOM), which often competes with PFAS for reactive species, thus reducing the overall efficiency of PFAS degradation. Meanwhile, UV-ARP generates highly reactive hydrated electrons (eaq−) capable of breaking down PFAS. Although adding sulfide ions is one way to produce eaq−, applying a sufficiently negative potential at a GAC cathode can also generate eaq− without introducing sulfur species. This approach requires careful consideration of competing hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), which may be thermodynamically unfavorable at a GAC cathode. By combining EOP with in situ eaq− generation in UV-ARP, PFAS can be more effectively targeted and degraded without adding extra chemicals. This integrated treatment aims to meet or surpass stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, ultimately facilitating the development of a portable, cost-effective, chemical-free, point-of-use water treatment system. Such a system would be especially valuable for communities experiencing environmental vulnerabilities, such as those in Puerto Rico studied by the PROTECT Center at Northeastern University, where limited infrastructure, contaminated water sources, and heightened susceptibility to adverse health outcomes underscore the urgency for sustainable PFAS remediation solutions.
By advancing the understanding of PFAS photolysis under far-UVC radiation and harnessing the combined power of EOP and UV-ARP, this work endeavors to provide an innovative solution. In doing so, it seeks not only to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical application but also to enhance the resilience of water treatment systems against emerging contaminants and the challenges posed by a changing climate.
How to cite: Arekhi, M., Ehsan, M. F., and Alshawabkeh, A.: Enhancing PFAS Degradation through Far-UVC Photolysis Coupled with Electrochemical Oxidation and UV-Advanced Reduction Processes, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-2175, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2175, 2025.
EGU25-12081 | ECS | Posters virtual | VPS10
Spatio-Temporal Variability of PFAS Compounds in Groundwater in the Veneto Region, Italy (2013–2023)Thu, 01 May, 14:00–15:45 (CEST) | vPA.21
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of anthropogenic organic chemicals that have emerged as persistent environmental contaminants. In 2013, widespread contamination of surface water, groundwater, and drinking water was identified in three provinces of the Veneto Region, northern Italy, significantly impacting nearly 30 municipalities. The contamination was mainly caused by industrial discharges of fluorinated chemicals into local water bodies from a chemical manufacturing facility and other industrial activities. While the production and use of PFAS chemicals have since been regulated in the region, concerns remain regarding the long-term persistence of PFAS in groundwater due to their environmental stability. This study analyzes groundwater monitoring data collected over a 10-year period (2013–2023) to evaluate temporal trends and spatial variability in PFAS concentrations across the region. The dataset contains concentrations of key PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and other prevalent species, collected from multiple groundwater monitoring wells. We used statistical methods to analyze temporal patterns and geostatistical methods for spatial mapping of contamination hotspots. Preliminary findings indicate heterogeneous spatio-temporal trends among various PFAS compounds, with some exhibiting significant variations over time and location, while others remained relatively stable. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of PFAS in groundwater, aiding in developing future monitoring strategies and mitigation efforts.
How to cite: Younas, A., Aruffo, E., Lanuti, P., Tariq, M., and Di Carlo, P.: Spatio-Temporal Variability of PFAS Compounds in Groundwater in the Veneto Region, Italy (2013–2023), EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12081, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12081, 2025.
