Per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread contaminants known for high resistance to degradation, toxicity, and significant rates of bioaccumulation. Evidence indicates that various factors, such as compound structure and environmental characteristics, strongly influence the uptake, distribution, and transport of PFAS. Previous studies have reported PFAS bioaccumulating in both aquatic and terrestrial environments; however, few have compared both within the same site. This study measured, characterized, and compared PFAS concentrations in an aquatic and terrestrial system impacted by aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) on the Savannah River Site (SRS). Results indicated distinct differences in PFAS concentrations and compositions among aquatic and terrestrial species, taxonomic groups, and trophic levels. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the dominant PFAS subgroup in surface water, sediment, and topsoil. Sum (Σ) PFAS concentrations of 26 compounds were higher in aquatic than terrestrial species. We observed biodilution among aquatic organisms, with levels in invertebrates exceeding those of fish, and biomagnification in terrestrial species, with levels in vultures exceeding those of passerines, followed by invertebrates. Most long chain compounds were present in both systems, specifically in terrestrial system we found positive relationships between δ 15 N and concentrations of subgroup PFCAs, perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs), fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTSs), and perfluorinated sulfonamides (FOSAAs). Linear regressions between individual PFAS concentrations and δ 15 N demonstrated positive relationships for perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS) in aquatic and perfluorododecanesulfonic acid (PFDoS) in terrestrial systems, suggesting potential biomagnification. Our findings fill gaps in understanding the movement of PFAS, evaluating their ecological risks, and developing environmental management strategies for these contaminants.
Parsons et al. (Fri,) studied this question.