Identification of point source dischargers of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the United States

Abstract

Drinking water contamination with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses a health risk for communities across the country. The vast majority of the water systems across the United States lack both the technology and the funds to filter out PFAS. Release of PFAS with industrial wastewater from a variety of facilities is a significant contributor to PFAS contamination of drinking water. Here, we provide a screening-level analysis of the potential for environmental PFAS releases from contaminated sites, active industrial sites, wastewater treatment plants, and waste disposal sites (including active and inactive landfills) nationwide. With specific case studies from the US states of Michigan and California, we examine how testing has identified a large number of diverse PFAS sources. Testing results alongside the list of potential sources can be used to inform state-or local-level investigations as well as aid in the development of effluent guidelines and industrial pretreatment programs.

Surface-Encapsulated Bismuth Molybdate-Layered Silicate Hybrids as Sorbents for Photocatalytic Filtration Membranes

“…In fact, the specific adsorption capacity of 191.83 μmol/g during filtration measured herein exceeds that of other extant sorbent-based filters under flow conditions in the literature, with the next best being 171.87 μmol/g for powdered activated carbon (Table S3). It may be useful to further tailor the surface modifications of these sorbent particles for more specific purposes, such as sequestering per-polyfluoroalkyl compounds . Also, as the synthesis and deposition of these polymer-encapsulated Lap-BMO particles is simple, it presents a relatively straightforward and low-cost means to upgrade existing water filtration membranes to tackle molecular entities in the water stream.…”

“…It may be useful to further tailor the surface modifications of these sorbent particles for more specific purposes, such as sequestering perpolyfluoroalkyl compounds. 53 Also, as the synthesis and deposition of these polymer-encapsulated Lap-BMO particles is simple, it presents a relatively straightforward and low-cost means to upgrade existing water filtration membranes to tackle molecular entities in the water stream. Finally, considering that the total weight percent of BMO in polymer-modified Lap-BMO is a mere 13.46% (with 9.23 and 2.1 wt % of Bi and Mo per BS-C sample), this represents a cheap and efficient means of producing highly adsorbent photocatalysts.…”

PFAS are forever? The state of the science and research needs for analyzing and treating PFAS‐laden water

“…Determination of PFAS sources is vital to protect drinking water sources. In this topical collection, Andrews et al (2021) analyze the potential for environmental PFAS releases from contaminated sites, currently active industrial sites, and waste disposal sites. EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database and specific case studies from Michigan and California demonstrate how PFAS source identification programs can provide crucial information for determining PFAS sources and therefore aid in developing effluent guidelines and pretreatment programs.…”

Detection and Tertiary Treatment Technologies of Poly-and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Wastewater Treatment Plants

“…Regulation worldwide has targeted the lowering of PFA concentrations in water resources as well as their impact. The United States Environmental Agency and US Geological Survey have released a report in conjunction that highlights the identification of PFA concentrations before and after drinking water treatment (Andrews et al, 2021). Furthermore, EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) targeted six PFA substances and recommended a Lifetime Health Advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFAS present in drinking water (Kurwadkar et al, 2022).…”