Li, X. and Zhao, Z. and Zi, J. and Huang, Y. and Liu, S. and Chen, C.-E. (2025) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Snow, River, and Drinking Waters from a Typical Rural Area of Shandong, China. Exposure and Health: 141622.
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PFAS_Shandong_MS_toEH-clean.pdf - Accepted Version
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Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of global environmental concern because of their persistence and potential threats to ecosystems and human health. In China, most studies have centered on industrial and urban areas, while PFAS contamination in rural regions is not well understood. To fill this gap, this study explored the occurrence, distribution, and partitioning characteristics of PFAS in snow, river, tap water, and well water in a rural area in Shandong Province, northern China. Among the 72 targeted PFAS, 13 were detected, with total concentrations varying from 4.21 to 453 ng/L. Short-chain PFAS were predominant in the samples, which is in line with their increasing global prevalence. Atmospheric deposition, domestic discharges, and seasonal snowmelt were identified as potential key contributors to PFAS contamination. The sole detection of perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) in tap water indicates the influence of water treatment processes. In well water, the predominance of perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), 3:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (3:3FTCA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) reflects the mobility and persistence of short-chain PFAS in subsurface environments. These findings show the complexity of PFAS transport and transformation in rural settings and emphasize the need for further research on their sources, environmental behaviors, and potential health risks. Understanding PFAS contamination in rural China is crucial for formulating pollution mitigation strategies and reducing human exposure risks.