Work

Distribution of legacy, precursor and emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental waters in South Africa and their potential health risk to the population

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The present study focused on the distribution of legacy, precursor and emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water samples obtained from 48 sites in 8 provinces in South Africa and assessed their potential health risks. Twenty-six targeted PFASs were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), after solid phase extraction (SPE). The detected sum PFAS (∑PFASs) concentrations was 18153.6 ng L-1, with PFCAs as the dominant group of PFASs across the sites and the shorter chain PFASs more prominent than their long chain counterpart. Of the different PFAS classes detected, the precursor 8:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) was among the prominent PFAS with a sum concentration of 1042.1 ng L-1. In comparison, the most dominant legacy PFAS was PFBA, with sum concentration of 8174.8 ng L-1. The emerging PFAS, 6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) recorded 292.8 ng L-1. Seasonally, the concentrations were higher in wet season than dry season. The higher concentrations detected were from sites close to industrial areas, catchments receiving discharges from WWTP (domestic and industrial waste) and agricultural activities. PCA analysis showed that most of the sites may have similar sources of PFASs pollution. Furthermore, the hazard quotient to humans from contaminated surface water was between 0.1-1.0 for PFOA which indicated low risk and 1.1-10 for PFOS, indicating a moderate risk. For the rest of the compounds, no significant risk was observed as the hazard quotient was less than 0.1. Compared to other studies around the world, the concentrations detected in the present study were higher than the concentrations reported in Kenya, Uganda and Vietnam, but lower than those reported in Australia, Brazil, Germany and China.

Source: Emerging contaminants

DOI: 10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100534

Authors: Bulelwa Batayi, Cornelius Rimayi, Peter Daso, Jonathan Okonkwo

Institutions: Tshwane University of Technology, University of Bath

Language: English

Topic: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100