Distribution of select per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at a chemical manufacturing plant

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in various industrial products; however, they pose serious health risks. In this study, soil, soil gas, and groundwater samples were collected at a PFAS manufacturing facility in New Jersey, USA, to determine the presence and distribution of PFASs from the soil surface to groundwater and at various distances from the presumed source. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) were detected in soil (< 0.26–36.15 ng/g) and soil gas (160–12,000 E µg/m3), while perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were found in soil (4.3–810 ng/g), soil gas (<0.10–180 µg/m3), and groundwater (37–49 µg/L). FTOH and PFCA concentrations decreased as the distance from the presumed source increased, suggesting that PFCAs are likely to migrate in groundwater, whereas FTOHs primarily move in the vapor phase. The presence of PFAS in the groundwater, soil, and soil gas samples indicate its potential for vapor intrusion; thus, some PFAS may contribute to indoor air inhalation exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the quantification of volatile PFAS in soil gas at a PFAS manufacturing facility. Volatile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose an inhalation exposure risk to occupants of buildings overlying a contaminated soil or groundwater source. Many PFAS compounds are volatile and semivolatile, and partition between atmospheric particulate matter, mists, and the vapor phase. PFAS were found in groundwater, soil, and soil gas at a manufacturing facility in New Jersey, USA. With PFAS presence in the vapor phase, the potential for vapor intrusion has been recognized and PFAS should; thus, be considered as a potential hazard during contaminated site assessments.