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Research article2016Peer reviewed

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in river and ground/drinking water of the Ganges River basin: Emissions and implications for human exposure

Sharma, Brij Mohan; Bharat, Girija K.; Tayal, Shresth; Larssen, Thoriorn; Becanova, Jitka; Karaskova, Pavlina; Whitehead, Paul G.; Futter, Martyn N.; Butterfield, Dan; Nizzetto, Luca

Abstract

Many perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They have been widely used in production processes and daily-use products or may result from degradation of precursor compounds in products or the environment. India, with its developing industrialization and population moving from traditional to contemporary lifestyles, represents an interesting case study to investigate PFAS emission and exposure along steep environmental and socioeconomic gradients. This study assesses PFAS concentrations in river and groundwater (used in this region as drinking water) from several locations along the Ganges River and estimates direct emissions, specifically for PFOS and PFOA. 15 PFAS were frequently detected in the river with the highest concentrations observed for PFHxA (0.4 -4.7 ng L-1) and PFBS (

Keywords

Perfluoroalkyl substances; Ganges River; Emissions; Groundwater; Human exposure

Published in

Environmental Pollution
2016, Volume: 208, number: Part B, pages: 704-713
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

    Sustainable Development Goals

    SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
    SDG11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
    SDG3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Environmental Sciences

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.10.050

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/83122