Spatial and temporal distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected after an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) spill

Author(s)

Miranda, Daniele A. ; Abessa, Denis M. S. ; Moreira, Lucas B. ; Maranho, Luciane A. ; Oliveira, Lauriney G. ; Benskin, Jonathan P. ; Leonel, Juliana

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 204, p. 7-pg., 2024-06-04.

Abstract

In 2015, > 460,000 L of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and fire suppressors containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were used to combat a fire at a petrochemical fuel storage terminal in the Port of Santos (Brazil). Sediments from seven sites were sampled repeatedly from 2 weeks to 1 year after the fire (n = 30). Sigma(15)PFAS concentrations ranged from 115 to 15,931 pg g(-1) dry weight (dw). Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most frequently detected compound with concentrations ranging from 363 to 4517 (average = 1603) pg g(-1)dw to <47.1 to 642 (average = 401) pg g(-1) dw, followed by perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (from 38.8 to 219 (average = 162) pg g(-1) dw after 15 days and from <20.8 to 161 (average = 101) pg g(-1) dw one year later). Together, the hydrodynamics and fire events documented in the region were important features explaining the spread of PFAS. (AU)

• 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
• 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