Occurrence and persistence of perfluorooctanesulfonate and other perfluorinated surfactants in groundwater at a fire-training area at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, USA [supplementary files] | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

HERO ID

6707650

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Occurrence and persistence of perfluorooctanesulfonate and other perfluorinated surfactants in groundwater at a fire-training area at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, USA [supplementary files]

Author(s)

Moody, CA; Hebert, GN; Strauss, SH; Field, JA

Year

2003

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

Journal of Environmental Monitoring
ISSN: 1464-0325
EISSN: 1464-0333

Volume

5

Language

English

URL

http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/em/b2/b212497a/map.pdf
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Relationship(s)

is a supplement to 3005562 Occurrence and persistence of perfluorooctanesulfonate and other perfluorinated surfactants in groundwater at a fire-training area at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, USA

Abstract

Various formulations of fire-extinguishing materials, including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), were used as part of fire-training exercises conducted at Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB) in northeastern Michigan from the 1950s until the base was decommissioned in 1993. As a result of past fire-training exercises, AFFF-laden wastewater containing fuels, solvents, and other materials directly entered groundwater without prior treatment. Perfluorinated surfactants are key components in some AFFF formulations. In this study, groundwater was analyzed for perfluoroalkanesulfonates and perfluorocarboxylates. Perfluoroalkanesulfonates were directly detected using negative-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Derivatized perfluorocarboxylates were detected using electron impact gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Groundwater from wells around fire-training area FTA-02 at WAFB contained four perfluorinated surfactants ranging in concentration from 3 to 120 microg L(-1): perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS); perfluorohexanesulfonate; perfluorooctanoate; and perfluorohexanoate. This is the first report demonstrating that PFOS, recently shown to be toxic to organisms ranging from zooplankton to primates, is still present in groundwater in measurable quantities five or more years after its last known use.

Keywords

Alkanesulfonic Acids; Fluorocarbons; Surface-Active Agents; Water Pollutants, Chemical; perfluorooctane sulfonic acid; 9H2MAI21CL; Index Medicus; Environmental Monitoring; Animals; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Michigan; Alkanesulfonic Acids -- analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical -- analysis; Fluorocarbons -- analysis; Surface-Active Agents -- analysis