Spatio-seasonal distribution, precursor transformation, and ecological risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in port sediments: Insights from a subtropical urban harbor
Abstract
This study conducted a comprehensive investigation of 39 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface sediments of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan, during both dry and wet seasons. A total of 26 PFAS were detected, with concentrations ranging from 0.155 to 125.4 ng/g dry weight (dw). Higher concentrations were observed in estuaries compared to port entrances, suggesting that riverine discharge is the primary source. Among the PFAS, emerging compounds—particularly 2-(N-methyl perfluoro octane sulfonamido) ethanol (EtFOSE) and its analogs—accounted for 45–99 % of the total PFAS load. Median concentrations of traditional PFAS (PFCAs and PFSAs) were lower than those of emerging PFAS. Seasonal differences and strong correlations between precursors and degradation products (e.g., EtFOSE–NEtFOSAA, 6:2 FTSA–PFHxA) indicated potential in-situ transformation and mobilization during storm events. PFAS concentrations positively correlated with total organic carbon, suggesting organic matter-driven partitioning. Principal component analysis distinguished industrial, consumer product-related, and historical sources. Ecological risk assessment indicated moderate risks in estuarine areas, largely driven by PFOS and precursor compounds. These findings highlight the complex interplay between source input, hydrological events, and geochemical behavior of PFAS urban and harbor systems, offering valuable insights for pollution control, sediment management, and future environmental risk assessme…
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Recent studies on PFAS distribution across water-sediment compartments have mainly focused on either specific pollution sources or large watersheds, with limited attention to diffuse urban sources.
“Despite recent studies that have advanced the understanding of PFAS distribution across watersediment compartments in various settings, including in harbours [23], large river deltas [24], and urban waterways [25], these studies have mainly focused on either specific pollution sources or large watersheds, with limited attention to diffuse urban sources.”
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- Authors
- Chen, C.-F., Dimaongon, N. G., Ju, Y.-R., Chen, C.-W., Lim, Y. C., Wang, M.-H., & Dong, C.-D.
- Affiliations
- National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (TW)
- National United University (TW)
- Corresponding author
- Dong, Cheng-Di
- Venue
- Regional Studies in Marine Science
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2026-01
- Volume
- 93
- Pages
- 104651
- ISSN
- 2352-4855 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4416422828
- Cited by
- 2
- References
- 66
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2
- FWCI
- 0.60
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Regional Studies in Marine Science (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Science and Technology Council (NSTC 112\u20132222-E-992\u2013003-MY2, NSTC 113\u20132221-E-992\u2013021-MY3)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Environmental Chemistry and Analysis
- Keywords
- per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, port sediments, Kaohsiung Harbor, seasonal variation, PFOS, precursor transformation, river discharge, storms, organic carbon partitioning, environmental risk assessment, emerging PFAS, estuaries
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