Distribution and seasonal variations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in streams within the Changwon region

Jeong, Chari; Jang, Heewon; Jeon, Junho

doi:2025.30.2.240367

Environmental Engineering Research 2025;30(2): 240367 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2024.367

Distribution and seasonal variations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in streams within the Changwon region

Chari Jeong¹, Heewon Jang¹, and Junho Jeon^1,2

^†

¹Department of Environmental Engineering, Changwon national University, Changwon, Korea
²School of Smart & Green Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon, Korea

Corresponding Author: Junho Jeon ,Tel: +82 10 4965 5369, Fax: +82 55281301, Email: jjh0208@changwon.ac.kr

Received: June 19, 2024; Accepted: August 21, 2024.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the distribution and seasonal variations of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) concentrations in local streams within the Changwon area, aiming to quantify the total PFAS load entering Masan Bay. Using solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges for pretreatment, we analyzed 36 types of Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), Perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs), and precursor compounds via liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The study observed varying concentration levels across different streams, with notable detections of Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) at quantifiable levels. Except for the Sogye Stream (SGC), PFCA-based compounds comprised over 50% of the total PFAS detected, predominantly featuring shorter-chain compounds with fewer than eight carbon atoms. Seasonal trends indicated that PFAS concentrations were lowest during the high rainfall period in summer and peaked in winter and spring. The Nam Stream (NC) contributed the highest PFAS inflow into Masan Bay, attributed to its elevated flow rates, while Sum B had high concentrations but lower emissions due to its limited flow. The total annual PFAS discharge was estimated at 1.9 kg. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted management and comprehensive countermeasures to protect environmental health.

Keywords: Changwon-si | LC-HRMS | Masan bay | Ocean inflows | PFAS