Leaching Magnitude and Environmental Entry of Chemicals Associated with Crumb Rubber Infill Used in Artificial Turf Fields

This study presents a transferable geospatial framework for estimating the potential release of crumb rubber-associated chemicals from artificial turf fields to nearby water bodies. New York City’s (NYC’s) 297 artificial turf fields were mapped in ArcGIS and overlaid with sewer infrastructure to classify drainage pathways. Drainage volumes were estimated from annual rainfall and field areas, and potential chemical loads were extracted from published literature. 77 NYC fields contain crumb rubber, 44 of which are associated with pathways that may discharge untreated drainage directly to the environment. Modeled loads were highest for select phthalates and metals, including zinc and lead. 6PPD-quinone and 1,3-diphenylguanidine (1,3-DPG) were also identified as contaminants of concern, whereas PAH loads were comparatively low. Brooklyn and Manhattan have higher-burden fields due to field density, surface area, and drainage configurations. Six water bodies across NYC were identified as potential contamination hotspots, 3 of which had 2 orders of magnitude higher leachate load than the lowest receiving water body (240 kg vs 1 kg) due to the proximity of turf fields and the direct, untreated drainage to these water bodies. The novel framework establishes a screening method for prioritizing field locations, motivating contaminant monitoring, and evaluating alternative infill materials.