Paper product production identified as the main source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Norwegian lake: Source and historic emission tracking

Abstract The entirety of the sediment bed in lake Tyrifjorden, Norway, is contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A factory producing paper products a fire station were investigated as possible sources. Fire emissions dominated eight carbon perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA), perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS), from aqueous film forming foams. Factory contained PFOS, PFOS precursors (preFOS SAmPAP), long chained fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTS), carboxylic acids (PFCA). Concentrations profiles sediments biota indicated that originating main source pollution lake, while no clear indication was found. Ratios linear-to branched-PFOS increased with distance factory, indicating isomer can be used to trace point source. dated core higher concentrations older two different PFAS have been at referred here Scotchban FTS mixture. Modelling, based on concentrations, 42–189 tons Scotchban, 2.4–15.6 mixture, emitted. Production may major source, has generally overlooked. It hypothesized fibres released such facilities are important vectors for transport aquatic environment.