The release and fate of organofluoro 'forever chemicals' from wastewater treatment works

本项目将调查废水处理厂作为河流和沿海沃茨全氟烷基化物质（PFAS）的潜在主要来源的作用。全氟辛烷磺酸是一组广泛的化学品，包括全氟烷基酸，如全氟辛烷磺酸和全氟辛酸，这两种物质都可以在人类和野生动物体内生物累积，并产生一系列不利影响。PFAS用于多种用途，包括作为加工助剂用于制造含氟聚合物、防污和防水涂料、不粘锅、消防泡沫等。该项目将调查污水处理厂作为这些化学品的来源，相对于一系列影响集水沃茨的扩散源的作用。

This project will investigate the role of wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) as potential major sources of per/polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) to rivers and coastal waters. PFAS are a broad group of chemicals including the perfluoroalkyl acids such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), both of which can bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife and give rise to an array of adverse effects. PFAS are used for a variety of purposes, including as processing aids in the manufacture of fluoropolymers, stain & water repellent coatings, non-stick pans, firefighting foams etc. PFAS therefore end up in runoff and wastewater streams. The project will investigate the role of WWTWs as sources of these chemicals relative to an array of diffusive sources impacting catchment waters.