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

本项目将调查污水处理厂作为河流和沿海水域PER/多氟烷基化物质(PFAS)的潜在主要来源的作用。全氟辛烷基磺酸是一类广泛的化学物质，包括全氟烷基酸，如全氟辛烷磺酸(PFOS)和全氟辛酸(PFOA)，这两种酸都可以在人类和野生动物体内生物积累，并产生一系列不良影响。全氟辛烷磺酸用途广泛，包括用作生产氟聚合物、污渍和防水涂料、不粘锅、消防泡沫等的加工助剂。因此，全氟辛烷磺酸最终进入径流和废水流中。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区水域的扩散源所起的作用。

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.