Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly referred to as PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have become a significant environmental concern over the past few decades. Known for their persistence in the environment and human body, these substances are often dubbed “forever chemicals.” A recent study conducted by North Carolina State University has shed light on the long-lasting ramifications of PFAS contamination, particularly in the groundwater of Cumberland and Bladen counties in North Carolina. This groundbreaking research highlights not just the health implications but also the alarming persistence these chemicals exhibit when they infiltrate local water systems.
Published in the acclaimed journal Environmental Science & Technology, the NC State study presents startling forecasts about the longevity of PFAS in contaminated groundwater. The researchers employed an innovative methodology that combined data on PFAS levels, groundwater age-dating tracers, and an assessment of groundwater flow rates to project PFAS concentrations. The result? A prediction that it could take upwards of 40 years to fully flush out these chemicals from the adjoining tributaries of the Cape Fear River.
The study examined groundwater samples from two specific watersheds close to the Fayetteville Works fluorochemical plant, a known source of PFAS contamination. David Genereux, the study’s lead author and professor at NC State, articulated the broad repercussions of this contamination. “Over 7,000 private wells stand to be affected,” he explained, elucidating the potential consequences for local residents who rely on these water sources. Additionally, groundwater that carries PFAS flows into tributaries of the Cape Fear River, posing a risk to downstream users, particularly in and around Wilmington.
In a thorough examination, the researchers identified PFAS levels and types in groundwater samples, discovering concentrations of hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and perfluoro-2-methoxypropanoic acid (PMPA) at alarming rates of 229 and 498 nanograms per liter (ng/L), respectively. For context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum contaminant level of only 10 ng/L for HFPO-DA in public drinking water. Such stark discrepancies raise critical questions about the health and safety of water supplies in affected areas.
The researchers also emphasized that the timeframes for groundwater PFAS mitigation could be significantly underestimated. Groundwater contaminated during high-emission years—roughly from 1980 to 2019—poses a long-term challenge, especially if the PFAS compounds are diffusing into low-permeability zones, like clay layers. The complexity of groundwater flow further complicates these efforts, as PFAS can persist hidden from immediate detection.
One of the more disconcerting aspects of the study is its findings on the ongoing atmospheric deposition of PFAS. While emissions have notably decreased since 2019, they are by no means zero. Considering this, Genereux emphasized that even under the best-case scenario—without any new atmospheric contributions—PFAS detected from previous decades will likely continue to leach into surface water for an additional 40 years.
“This presents a multi-decade public health challenge,” Genereux concluded, reiterating that PFAS contamination in groundwater isn’t a problem with a simple, quick fix. The research outlines the necessity for comprehensive long-term strategies to manage and mitigate these pollutants, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and potential intervention measures to protect water quality for future generations.
With the NC State study pointing to the prolonged presence of PFAS in groundwater, the implications for both environmental health and public safety are stark. The insights gathered from this research serve as a vital resource for policymakers, environmentalists, and communities affected by PFAS contamination. While the study forewarns of the challenges ahead, it also underscores the urgency for robust action plans that address both current contamination and prevention strategies to mitigate future risks. Addressing the PFAS crisis is not only about cleaning existing contamination but also preventing subsequent generations from bearing the consequences of past practices.
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