Perfluorinated alkyl substances: Sewage treatment and implications for receiving waters

This study comprises a detailed analysis of data for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) over 600 wastewater treatment works effluents (WwTW) as well samples upstream downstream each discharge effluent into its receiving water. has allowed an investigation not only the effectiveness removal perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds during but also implications compliance with environmental quality standard (EQS) set PFOS under Water Framework Directive. It is shown that contain concentrations exceed annual average EQS by factor between 1.1-fold 40-fold. The corresponding factors PFOA are 2-fold 22-fold. presence high upstream, means quarter third individual found to reduce concentration fluorocarbons in river point. elevated studied suggest inputs these perfluoro aquatic environment ubiquitous therefore difficult address from simply setting permit conditions WwTW. freshwater based on several worst-case accumulation coefficients large safety factors, which, when combined, result sub ng/L EQS. Consequently, use biota derived may be more realistic measure risk. prudent, assess controls implemented last few years before considering widespread end-of-pipe treatment. • Effluent levels 1.1 40 times. Elevated exist sewage works. Up downstream. possible PFAS rivers permits.