E&E Seminar: “Occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Surface Waters of the Chicago Area Waterway System” by Gordon Getzinger (Loyola University Chicago)
April 1, 2025
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Location
SELE 4289
Calendar
Download iCal FilePlease join us April 1, 2024 at 12:30 in SELE 4289 for and E&E Seminar featuring "Occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Surface Waters of the Chicago Area Waterway System" by Gordon Getzinger (Loyola University Chicago).
Host: Rachel Poretsky
Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of organic contaminants occurring ubiquitously in aquatic environments owing to their wide-spread consumer and industrial use and the recalcitrance of carbon-fluorine bonds toward environmental transformations. PFAS accumulate in sediments and biota and are known to cause ecological and human health effects. PFAS use in industry and consumer goods leads to their occurrence in treated wastewater and residual biosolids. Furthermore, recent research indicates that stormwater may transport PFAS from urban landscapes into aquatic ecosystems. Considering potential future regulations on levels of PFAS in wastewater discharges, knowledge of PFAS sources in urban aquatic environments is essential for determining efficacy of any proposed discharge limits or ambient water quality standards. The Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) presents a unique opportunity for studying the sources and fate of PFAS in urban aquatic systems because the CAWS surface waters are highly impacted by treated wastewater effluent, combined sewer overflows, and stormwater runoff. However, there are currently few data available on levels of PFAS in the CAWS. Therefore, we conducted a monitoring campaign in major CAWS waterways with varying degrees of stormwater runoff and wastewater influence. Samples were analyzed using solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for >30 PFAS of regulatory concern. This presentation will explore relationships between PFAS occurrence and probable PFAS sources and evaluate PFAS concentrations considering current ecological health guidelines.
Date posted
Nov 14, 2024
Date updated
Mar 24, 2025