Distribution levels of PFASs in water environment and ecological risk assessment surrounding typical chemical industrial parks of China

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Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exhibit environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity, seriously threatening ecosystems and human health. Fluorochemical industrial parks, as major sources of PFASs emissions, are urgent to investigate the pollution characteristics of PFASs in their water environment. Therefore, this study systematically monitored the PFASs concentrations, spatial distribution, and composition characteristics in surface water bodies near a typical fluorochemical industrial park of China and assessed ecological risks. Results indicate that PFASs pollution in this park is at a moderate level compared to other industrial sites domestically and internationally. The total concentration of PFASs peaks at 4691 ng/L 1 km downstream of the chemical industrial park’s discharge point, and then decays exponentially with increasing distance, confirming industrial discharge as the primary source of PFASs in the water body. Short-chain PFASs are the primary pollutants in the aquatic environments surrounding fluorochemical industrial parks. The Phase II wastewater treatment plant in the park achieves 50%-80% removal efficiency for long-chain PFASs, while the removal rates for short-chain PFASs remain below. The low removal efficiency of short-chain PFASs indicates that short-chain PFASs from industrial activities are a primary concern, necessitating targeted management of secondary environmental risks. This work provides scientific basis for PFASs pollution control and risk management in the industrial park.