Priority perfluoroalkyl substances in surface waters - A snapshot survey from 22 developing countries.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• The Stockholm Convention aims to control Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
• Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOS and PFOA, are listed under the convention.
• Global monitoring is crucial for tracking POPs and assessing environmental changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a baseline for PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS) concentrations in surface waters globally.
• To assess regional variations in PFAS levels under the UNEP/Global Monitoring Plan 2.
• To provide data for future trend assessments of POPs in the environment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 144 surface water samples from 22 countries (2017-2019).
• Utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).
• Quantified perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Main Results:

• PFAS were detected across all analyzed regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, GRULAC).
• Concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 6.23 ng L^-1 for the studied PFAS.
• A statistically significant difference in PFOA concentration was observed between the Asia Pacific region and the Africa and GRULAC regions.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a valuable baseline dataset for PFAS in surface waters.
• Regional differences in PFOA levels highlight varying contamination patterns.
• The findings support ongoing global efforts to monitor and manage POPs under the Stockholm Convention.