PFAS surveillance in abiotic matrices within vital aquatic habitats throughout Florida
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that are resistant to degradation and thus persistent in the environment. The presence, uptake, and accumulation of PFAS is dependent upon the physiochemical properties of the PFAS and matrix, as well as the environmental conditions since the time of release. The objective of this study was to measure the extent of PFAS contamination in surface water from nine vulnerable aquatic systems throughout Florida (in 2022). At most locations, elevated concentrations of PFAS were identified around areas of increased human activity, such as airports, military bases, and wastewater effluents. The results from the present study highlight the ubiquitous presence of PFAS in vital Florida waterways and filled an important gap in understanding the distribution of PFAS in dynamic, yet vulnerable, aquatic environments.
Surface water collection locations in Florida, USA. CH = Charlotte Harbor (n = 13 sites), CR = Crystal River (n = 18 sites), FB = Florida Bay (n = 10 sites), IRL = Indian River Lagoon (n = 31 sites), OK = Lake Okeechobee (n = 20 sites), PL = Port St. Lucie (n = 13 sites), SQ = Sarasota Bay (n = 30 sites), TB = Tampa Bay (n = 16 sites), WS = Wakulla Springs (n = 10 sites). Map created using ArcGIS Pro 3.0.0. |
The average ΣPFAS ± standard deviation in surface water at all
sampling locations.
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Percent of the total PFAS found in surface water at each sampling
location. Figure excludes compounds found in <70 % of all samples. Sample
locations listed in alphabetical order: CH = Charlotte Harbor, CR = Crystal
River, FB = Florida Bay, IRL = Indian River Lagoon, OK = Lake Okeechobee,
PL = Port St. Lucie, SQ = Sarasota Bay, TB = Tampa Bay, WS =
Wakulla Springs.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from the Indian River Lagoon.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Tampa Bay.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Lake Okeechobee.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Port St. Lucie.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Wakulla Springs.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve Matlacha Pass.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Sarasota Bay.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Florida Bay.
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∑PFAS concentrations in surface water from Crystal River.
Full citation: Griffin EK, Hall LM, Brown MA, Taylor-Manges A, Green T, Suchanec K, Furman BT, Congdon VM, Wilson SS, Osborne TZ, Martin S. PFAS surveillance in abiotic matrices within vital aquatic habitats throughout Florida. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2023 Jul 1;192:115011.
For more information about this study or if you would like a copy of the publication, please email Dr. Bowden at [email protected].
For more information about this study or if you would like a copy of the publication, please email Dr. Bowden at [email protected].