Ahrens, Lutz
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Research article2014Peer reviewed
Codling, Garry; Halsall, Crispin; Ahrens, Lutz; Del Vento, Sabino; Wiberg, Karin; Bergknut, Magnus; Laudon, Hjalmar; Ebinghaus, Ralf
Per- and polyfluoroallcyl substances (PFAS) were measured systematically in a snowpack in northern Sweden to determine chemical behaviour during seasonal melt. Average PFAS concentrations were generally low, but displayed a wide range with median (range) concentrations of PFOA and PFOS of 66.5 pg L-1 (ND-122) and 20.5 pg L-1 (2.60-253) respectively. Average concentrations of the shorter chain, C4 and C5 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), were similar to 10-fold higher. Differences in the PFAS concentrations and profile were observed between surface snow and deeper layers, with evidence of PFAS migration to deeper snow layers as melt progressed. Chemical loads (ng m(-2)) for C4-9 PFCAs decreased gradually as melt progressed, but increased for C-4, C6-8 PFSAs and the longer chain C10-12 PFCAs. This enrichment in the diminishing snowpack is an unusual phenomenon that will affect PFAS elution with meltwater and subsequent entry to catchment surface waters. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs); Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS); Snow; Fate; Atmospheric deposition
Environmental Pollution
2014, Volume: 191, pages: 190-198
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
SDG3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Forest Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.04.032
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/60428