Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Surface water ∑PFAS concentrations ranged from 30.04 to 105.26 ng/L (mean 59.64 ng/L, median 51.43 ng/L), indicating moderate contamination; PFOA, GenX, and PFBA were dominant, with GenX showing a significant increase compared to prior studies, suggesting shifting industrial usage patterns. • • Sediment ∑PFAS concentrations were low, ranging from ND to 0.59 ng/g (mean 0.14 ng/g, median 0.11 ng/g), with PFOA and PFOS as main contaminants; this indicates limited partitioning to sediment but potential long-term accumulation risk. • • Source apportionment identified industrial wastewater discharge and sewage treatment plant effluents as primary sources, providing actionable targets for regulatory interventions to reduce PFAS loading. • • Risk quotients indicated low ecological risk for aquatic organisms for most PFAS, but the presence of short-chain and novel PFAS (e.g., GenX) at elevated levels necessitates further toxicological assessment to ensure environmental safety.
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of 27 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface water and sediment of the Fuchun River, a tributary of the Qiantang River Basin. Surface water samples were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Total PFAS concentrations (∑PFAS) in surface water ranged from 30.04 to 105.26 ng/L, with mean and median values of 59.64 ng/L and 51.43 ng/L, respectively. The dominant compounds were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). Concentrations generally decreased from upstream to downstream, consistent with previous studies. Notably, GenX levels were significantly elevated compared to earlier reports. In sediment, ∑PFAS concentrations ranged from not detected (ND) to 0.59 ng/g dry weight, with mean and median values of 0.14 ng/g and 0.11 ng/g, respectively. PFOA and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were the primary sediment contaminants. Source apportionment indicated that industrial wastewater discharge and sewage treatment plant effluents were the main sources of PFAS in the river. Risk assessment using risk quotients suggested low ecological risks to aquatic organisms for most detected PFAS. However, the presence of short-chain and novel PFAS warrants further investigation due to potential unknown risks.
1. Introduction
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their unique surfactant and stability properties. Their environmental ubiquity and potential adverse health effects, including thyroid disruption and reproductive toxicity, have raised global concern. However, conventional water treatment processes are often ineffective in removing PFAS, leading to their accumulation in aquatic environments. The Fuchun River, a critical drinking water source in the Qiantang River Basin, faces contamination pressures from industrial and municipal discharges. Previous studies have reported PFAS presence, but comprehensive assessments of emerging substitutes like GenX and their ecological risks remain limited.
This study addresses the gap by conducting a systematic survey of 27 PFAS in surface water and sediment of the Fuchun River, employing high-resolution mass spectrometry for accurate quantification. The research not only delineates the spatial distribution and compositional profiles but also performs source apportionment and risk assessment. The findings provide critical baseline data for environmental management and highlight the emergence of GenX as a contaminant of concern, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and regulatory updates to safeguard water quality and ecosystem health.
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WANG Xinyu, YANG Chenglong, DING Hao, CHEN Feng, YE Yonggen, ZHANG Feng, SHI Yali, CAI Yaqi (2026). Pollution Characteristics and Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Qiantang River Basin (Fuchun River). Environmental Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010608
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dominant PFAS compounds in the Fuchun River surface water, and how do their concentrations compare to historical data?
The dominant PFAS in surface water are PFOA, GenX, and PFBA. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 30.04 to 105.26 ng/L (mean 59.64 ng/L). Notably, GenX concentrations have increased significantly compared to earlier studies, indicating a shift in industrial usage toward this replacement compound.
What are the primary sources of PFAS contamination in the Fuchun River, and what implications do they have for pollution control?
Source apportionment identified industrial wastewater discharge and sewage treatment plant effluents as the main sources. This suggests that targeted regulations on industrial discharges and upgrades to wastewater treatment processes are critical to reduce PFAS inputs into the river.
What is the ecological risk of PFAS in the Fuchun River, and are there any compounds of particular concern?
Risk quotients indicated low ecological risk for most PFAS to aquatic organisms. However, the presence of short-chain and novel PFAS, especially GenX at elevated levels, poses unknown risks that require further toxicological studies to fully assess their environmental impact.
How do PFAS concentrations in sediment compare to those in water, and what does this imply for the environmental fate of PFAS?
Sediment concentrations were much lower (ND to 0.59 ng/g) compared to water, with PFOA and PFOS as dominant. This indicates that PFAS in this river are primarily in the dissolved phase, but sediment can act as a secondary source over time, necessitating consideration in risk management.
What analytical method was used, and how reliable are the measurements for trace-level PFAS detection?
The study employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS), which provides high sensitivity and selectivity for PFAS quantification. This method allows accurate detection at ng/L levels in water and ng/g levels in sediment, ensuring robust data for environmental assessment.
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