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Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s11356-022-21588-x
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Title (Primary) Combining target analysis with sum parameters—a comprehensive approach to determine sediment contamination with PFAS and further fluorinated substances
Author Guckert, M.; Scheurer, M.; Schaffer, M.; Reemtsma, T.; Nödler, K.
Source Titel Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year 2022
Department ANA
Volume 29
Issue 57
Page From 85802
Page To 85814
Language englisch
Topic T9 Healthy Planet
Supplements https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-022-21588-x/MediaObjects/11356_2022_21588_MOESM1_ESM.docx
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Keywords PFAS; Precursors; Target analysis; TOP assay; Extractable organofluorine (EOF); Sediment; Fluorine mass balance analysis
Abstract Recent studies aiming at a fluorine mass balance analysis in sediments combined the determination of extractable organic fluorine (EOF) with target analysis. They reported high fractions of unidentified organic fluorine (UOF) compounds, as the target analysis covers only a limited number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). For this reason, in this study, a comprehensive approach was used combining target analysis with an extended PFAS spectrum, the EOF and a modified total oxidisable precursor (TOP) assay, which includes trifluoroacetic acid, to determine the PFAS contamination in sediments (n=41) and suspended solids (n=1) from water bodies in Northern Germany (Lower Saxony). PFAS are ubiquitous in the sediments (detected in 83% of the samples). Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were found in 64% of the samples; perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) were detected less frequently (21%), with the highest concentration observed for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Levels of precursors and substitutes were lower. Applying the TOP assay resulted in an increase in PFCAs in 43% of the samples analysed. In most cases, target analysis and the TOP assay could not account for the EOF concentrations measured. However, as the fraction of UOF decreased significantly, the application of the TOP assay in fluorine mass balance analysis proved to be an important tool in characterising the PFAS contamination of riverine sediments.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=26345
Guckert, M., Scheurer, M., Schaffer, M., Reemtsma, T., Nödler, K. (2022):
Combining target analysis with sum parameters—a comprehensive approach to determine sediment contamination with PFAS and further fluorinated substances
Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 29 (57), 85802 - 85814 10.1007/s11356-022-21588-x