Occurrence of perfluorinated organic acids in the North and Baltic seas. Part 1: distribution in sea water

Theobald, N; Caliebe, C; Gerwinski, W; Hühnerfuss, H; Lepom, P

HERO ID

1289778

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

21301978

HERO ID 1289778
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Occurrence of perfluorinated organic acids in the North and Baltic seas. Part 1: distribution in sea water
Authors Theobald, N; Caliebe, C; Gerwinski, W; Hühnerfuss, H; Lepom, P
Journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume 18
Issue 7
Page Numbers 1057-1069
Abstract <strong>PURPOSE: </strong>Due to their high water solubilities and mobilities, persistent, polar perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) such as perfluorinated carboxylates and sulfonates are likely to end up in the oceans. In part 1 of this study, their distribution in North and Baltic Sea water is reported, being of special interest because these seas are surrounded by highly industrialized countries with high population densities.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>A combination of solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used after optimisation to determine nine PFCs with chain lengths of C(4) to C(10) in water samples at ultra-trace levels.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The observed concentration distribution and gradients were explained by oceanographic mixing processes and currents. The big rivers were identified as major input sources. At the mouth of the river Elbe, concentrations of 9 ng/L were observed for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and 8 ng/L for perfluorooctylsulfonate (PFOS); all other PFC concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 1.7 ng/L. At coastal stations, concentrations decreased to 3.8 ng/L (PFOA) and 1.8 ng/L (PFOS), dropping to 0.13 and 0.09 ng/L, respectively, towards the open sea. Along the Dutch coast, high perfluorobutylsulfonate concentrations (3.9 ng/L) were observed as regional characteristics. In the Baltic Sea, fairly even PFC distributions with low gradients were observed. Again, PFOA and PFOS were the major compounds (up to 1.1 and 0.9 ng/L).<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>The results underline the necessity to include PFCs in marine monitoring programs. Water was found to be a good matrix for monitoring environmental levels, sources, and transport pathways of PFCs.
Doi 10.1007/s11356-011-0451-2
Pmid 21301978
Wosid WOS:000293637800002
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79961167388&doi=10.1007%2fs11356-011-0451-2&partnerID=40&md5=8cb471a0c36c9c7a573f2dc0082d6b9d
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Baltic Sea; North Sea; Perfluorinated compounds; PFC; PFOA; PFOS; Sea water
Is Qa No