Relationship between industrial discharges and contamination of raw water resources by perfluorinated compounds. Part I: Case study of a fluoropolymer manufacturing plant.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been recognized as global environmental pollutants. They are used in various applications and high levels have been found in water bodies located near highly industrialized sites. In the present study, 10 PFCs were quantitatively determined in water samples collected in the vicinity of a fluoropolymer manufacturing plant and in drinking water resources located downstream. The release of PFHxA and PFNA to the receiving river was estimated at 10 and 4.5 tons/year, respectively. PFHxA (0.058-0.156 µg/L), PFNA (0.013-0.035 µg/L) and PFOA (0.007-0.025 µg/L) were predominant and prevalent in all the studied drinking water resources, confirming with the composition profile the impact of the industrial park release.