From industry to consumer use: unraveling PFAS sources, bioaccumulation, and fluxes in a year-long catchment monitoring study

Abstract This study simultaneously determined the sources, bioaccumulation, and fluxes of 15 PFAS in surface water, sediment, and wild fish from the Wuhan section of the Yangtze River (WYR) at various locations during summer and winter. The results showed that the average concentrations of Σ 15 PFAS in water, sediment and wild fish were 11.56 ng/L, 0.37 ng/g dw, and 11.91 ng/g dw, respectively. Source analysis using the Unmix model identified metal plating (41%) as the largest contributor among the three main sources. The annual load of PFAS in the WYR was estimated to be up to 7.15 t/a, and the WYR contributed 2.72 t/a to the Yangtze River. Health risk based on fish muscle suggested relatively low risk under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reference values, although the estimated weekly intake of the sum of PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS exceeded the tolerable intake value established by European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). Our results provide data to address gaps in the understanding of PFAS sources, fluxes, and risk in the WYR, underscoring the need for further management of PFAS use and production in the area.