Cited by 34Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances researchPharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental ImpactsUrban Stormwater Management Solutions

PFAS River Export Analysis Highlights the Urgent Need for Catchment-Scale Mass Loading Data

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Byrne, Patrick, Mayes, William M., James, Alun L., Comber, Sean, Biles, Emma, Riley, Alex L., Runkel, Robert L.·2024·Environmental Science & Technology Letters

Abstract

Abstract Source apportionment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) requires an understanding of the mass loading of these compounds in river basins. However, there is a lack of temporally variable and catchment-scale mass loading data, meaning identification and prioritization of sources of PFAS to rivers for management interventions can be difficult. Here, we analyze PFAS concentrations and loads in the River Mersey to provide the first temporally robust estimates of PFAS export for a European river system and the first estimates of the contribution of wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) to total river PFAS export. We estimate an annual PFAS export of 68.1 kg for the River Mersey and report that the yield of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the catchment is among the highest recorded globally. Analysis of river and WwTW loads indicates approximately one-third of PFOA emitted from WwTWs is potentially stored in the catchment and approximately half of PFOS transported by the River Mersey may not originate from WwTWs. As governments move toward regulation of PFAS in WwTW effluents, our findings highlight the complexity of PFAS source apportionment and the need for catchment-scale mass loading data. This study indicates that strategies for reducing PFAS loading that focus solely on WwTW effluents may not achieve river water quality targets.

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  1. ■ NOTE ADDED AFTER ASAP PUBLICATION The version of this paper that was published ASAP February 19, 2024, was missing a Supporting Information file (excel file with supporting tables). This was added, and the revised version was reposted February 23, 2014. Environmental Science & Technology Letters pubs.acs.org/journal/estlcu Letter https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00017 Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 2024, 11, 266-272

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Authors
Byrne, P., Mayes, W. M., James, A. L., Comber, S., Biles, E., Riley, A. L., & Runkel, R. L.
Affiliations
  • Liverpool John Moores University (GB)
  • University of Hull (GB)
  • Environment Agency (GB)
  • University of Plymouth (GB)
  • United States Geological Survey (US)
Corresponding author
Byrne, Patrick
Venue
Environmental Science & Technology Letters
Published
2024-02-19
Volume
11
Issue
3
Pages
266-272
ISSN
2328-8930 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4391942481
Cited by
34
References
41
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 1
FWCI
4.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Environmental Science & Technology Letters (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Repository@Hull (Worktribe) (University of Hull) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Repository@Hull (Worktribe) (University of Hull) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Liverpool John Moores University (submittedVersion)
Funders
Liverpool John Moores University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Engineering › Urban Stormwater Management Solutions
Keywords
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, source apportionment, wastewater treatment plants, PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid, Mersey River, river water quality, PFAS regulation

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