Using large amounts of firefighting foams releases per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into estuarine environments: A baseline study in Latin America

Author(s)

Pozo, Karla ; Moreira, Lucas Buruaem ; Karaskova, Pavlina ; Pribylova, Petra ; Klanova, Jana ; de Carvalho, Maysa Ueda ; Maranho, Luciane Alves ; Abessa, Denis Moledo de Souza

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 182, p. 8-pg., 2022-07-26.

Abstract

We analyzed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used to extinguish a major fire in a petrochemical terminal from the Port of Santos (Brazil). Eight AFFFs from seven known commercial brands and one unknown sample (AFFF-1 to AFFF-8) were evaluated. 17 PFAS were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (LC/MS). The concentrations of Sigma 17 PFAS in the AFFFs ranged from 500 to 9000 ng/g, with prevalence of short chain PFAS (similar to 85 %), followed by long chain PFAS. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), included in the global treaty of the Stockholm Convention, were also detected. We estimated that at least 635.96 g of PFAS were introduced in the estuary, representing a massive input of these substances. This investigation reports the PFAS composition of AFFFs used in firefighting in the GRULAC Region (Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries). (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/08471-9 - Whole transcriptome analysis of benthic organisms as models to estimate toxic effects of contaminated sediments in marine environments
• Grantee: Lucas Buruaem Moreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - BIOTA - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 20/00068-8 - Whole transcriptome analysis of benthic organisms as models to estimate toxic effects of contaminated sediments in marine environments
• Grantee: Lucas Buruaem Moreira
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants