Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Total PFAS concentrations in source water ranged from 10.84 to 41.05 ng/L (dry season), nd to 62.60 ng/L (normal), and 6.77 to 29.00 ng/L (wet), indicating seasonal variability with dry season peaks; this informs monitoring frequency and source water management. • • Lake-type water sources had significantly higher PFAS concentrations than river-type sources (p < 0.05), suggesting that stagnant water bodies accumulate PFAS; this necessitates targeted remediation strategies for lake sources. • • PFBS, PFOA, PFHxA, PFBA, and PFOS were the dominant congeners across all seasons, with PFOS and PFOA being legacy compounds; their consistent presence underscores the need for regulatory focus on these specific PFAS. • • Ecological and health risk assessments showed hazard quotients below 1, indicating acceptable risks; however, the potential for mixture effects and future contamination warrants continuous monitoring and risk management.
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern in China, and drinking water is a major exposure pathway. This study investigated 17 PFAS in surface water from 12 drinking water sources along the Hubei section of the Yangtze River mainstream during dry, normal, and wet seasons. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 10.84 to 41.05 ng/L (dry), nd to 62.60 ng/L (normal), and 6.77 to 29.00 ng/L (wet). Predominant compounds were PFBS, PFOA, PFHxA, PFBA, and PFOS. Lake-type sources exhibited significantly higher concentrations than river-type sources, and dry and normal seasons showed higher levels than wet season. Compared to other Chinese sources, PFAS levels in Hubei were moderate, with fluorochemical plant inputs and population density as likely influencing factors. Ecological and health risk assessments indicated acceptable risks. In four selected water supply systems, PFAS distribution from source to tap was examined; PFOA, PFBA, PFHxA, and PFBS were dominant, and secondary water supply did not significantly introduce or remove PFAS. Health risks from tap water were within acceptable limits.
1. Introduction
The widespread use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in industrial and consumer products has led to their ubiquitous presence in water bodies, posing potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Drinking water is a primary exposure route, yet comprehensive assessments of PFAS contamination in Chinese water sources, particularly along the Yangtze River, remain limited. Existing studies often focus on localized areas or single seasons, lacking a systematic evaluation of seasonal and spatial variations and the efficiency of water treatment processes in removing PFAS.
This study addresses these gaps by conducting a multi-seasonal survey of 17 PFAS in 12 drinking water sources along the Hubei section of the Yangtze River, analyzing their sources, ecological and health risks. Furthermore, it tracks PFAS through four water supply systems from source to tap, providing critical data on the effectiveness of conventional treatment and secondary supply in mitigating PFAS exposure. The findings offer actionable insights for water authorities to prioritize monitoring and implement targeted removal strategies, thereby safeguarding public health.
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GAO Pan, YAN Chunmiao, ZHANG Zhaojun, YI Chuan, XU Chunyan, LING Haibo (2026). Distribution and Risk Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Source Water to Tap Water in the Hubei Section of the Yangtze River Mainstream. Environmental Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025100102
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dominant PFAS congeners in the Hubei section of the Yangtze River, and how do their concentrations vary seasonally?
The dominant congeners are PFBS, PFOA, PFHxA, PFBA, and PFOS. Total PFAS concentrations range from 10.84 to 41.05 ng/L in dry season, nd to 62.60 ng/L in normal season, and 6.77 to 29.00 ng/L in wet season. Dry and normal seasons show significantly higher concentrations than wet season, likely due to reduced dilution and increased anthropogenic inputs.
How do PFAS concentrations differ between lake-type and river-type water sources, and what are the implications for source water management?
Lake-type sources have significantly higher PFAS concentrations than river-type sources (p < 0.05). This is attributed to longer water residence times and accumulation in lakes. For lake sources, enhanced monitoring and potential treatment upgrades are necessary to mitigate PFAS levels, whereas river sources may benefit from upstream pollution control.
What are the potential sources of PFAS contamination in the study area, and how do they influence spatial distribution?
Fluorochemical plant inputs and population density are identified as primary factors. Higher concentrations near industrial areas and densely populated regions suggest localized emissions. Spatial analysis indicates that sources near the Yangtze River's industrial zones contribute significantly, necessitating source-specific management strategies.
Are the PFAS levels in drinking water sources within acceptable risk limits for human health?
Yes, the health risk assessment indicates that the hazard quotients for PFAS in source water and tap water are below 1, suggesting acceptable risks. However, the cumulative risk from multiple PFAS and potential future contamination warrant continuous monitoring and risk management to ensure long-term safety.
Does the conventional water treatment process effectively remove PFAS from source water to tap water?
The study found that secondary water supply does not significantly introduce or remove PFAS. The concentrations in tap water are similar to those in source water, indicating that conventional treatment (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection) is not effective in removing PFAS. Advanced treatment technologies such as activated carbon or ion exchange may be required for effective removal.
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