Sponsored by:
Texas Association of Environmental Professionals (TAEP)
TAEP is the premier organization for environmental
professionals in the State of Texas. The goals of TAEP include
the advancement of the environmental profession and the
establishment of a forum to discuss important environmental
issues. TAEP members receive a 10% discount. Please call
713.522.6300 for the code.
Published: 2024
Authors: Brian A. Schumacher, John H. Zimmerman, Alan C. Williams, Christopher C. Lutes, Chase W. Holton, Elsy Escobar, Heidi Hayes, Rohit Warrier
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in various industrial products; however, they pose serious health risks. In this study, soil, soil gas, and groundwater samples were collected at a PFAS manufacturing facility in New Jersey, USA, to determine the presence and distribution of PFASs from the soil surface to groundwater and at various distances from the presumed source. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) were detected in soil (< 0.26–36.15 ng/g) and soil gas (160–12,000 E µg/m3), while perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were found in soil (4.3–810 ng/g), soil gas (<0.10–180 µg/m3), and groundwater (37–49 µg/L). FTOH and PFCA concentrations decreased as the distance from the presumed source increased, suggesting that PFCAs are likely to migrate in groundwater, whereas FTOHs primarily move in the vapor phase. The presence of PFAS in the groundwater, soil, and soil gas samples indicate its potential for vapor intrusion; thus, some PFAS may contribute to indoor air inhalation exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the quantification of volatile PFAS in soil gas at a PFAS manufacturing facility.