Occurrence, distribution, sources and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water environment of Ningxia, northwestern China

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered increasing attention from regulatory authorities and the public because of their widespread presence in global water systems. However, data on PFAS in the aquatic environment of northwestern China, including Ningxia, are scarce. Surface water, sediment, and groundwater samples were analyzed to investigate the occurrence, spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment, and human health risks associated with PFAS in the water environment of this region. In surface water, concentrations of the 19 PFAS ranged from 3.28 to 234.86 ng/L in the dry season and from 1.31 to 54.55 ng/L in the wet season. Eight PFAS were detected in the sediment and 17 in the groundwater. Their total concentrations ranged from Not Detected (ND) to 7.001 ng/g in sediment and from ND to 34.17 ng/L in groundwater. Positive Matrix Factorization analysis indicated that wastewater discharges from textile mills and other fluorine-containing manufacturers may be the primary source of PFAS in both surface and groundwater. The data from the human health risk assessment indicated that perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonate have significant adverse effects on human health in Ningxia, according to the latest health advisory issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) / Water environment / Occurrence / Source apportionment / Health risk assessment

Highlight

	● Conduct the first systematic study into PFAS in Ningxia’s water environment.
	● Highest surface water PFAS concentration (3.28–234.86 ng/L) occurred in dry season.
	● 6:2 FTS had the highest concentration with a lower detection frequency.
	● Surface water and sediment PFAS were moderate-to-high compared to other areas.
	● RQs of PFDA, PFOA and PFOS were high according to the latest EPA health advisory.

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