Identifying PFAS from water samples collected from the North Shore Channel and the North Branch Chicago River using EPA method 537.1
Location
SU-215
Department
Environmental Science
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pollutants of concern because they accumulate in the environment and do not break down. PFAS can cause cancer and other health concerns in humans and animals. Across the country concentrations of PFAS have been detected in both waterways and drinking water. Although PFAS have been detected at many sites there are gaps in the sampling data, it is not specifically known as to whether or not there are PFAS in Chicagoland waterways. The objective of this project was to assess the presence of PFAS in samples collected from the North Shore Channel (NSC) and North Branch Chicago River (NBCR). We utilized EPA’s method 537.1 for sampling and concentrating PFAS. Concentrating PFAS is necessary for detection because they occur at concentrations of parts per trillion. We had to modify the EPA method because the high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) instrument that we had access to was different from what the EPA specified. We successfully isolated and positively identified one PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid, and found evidence to suggest the possible presence of another, perfluorohexanoic acid. Concentrations were higher in the NSC downstream from the O’Brien Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) than in the NBCR above the confluence at the NSC, but we were unable to determine exact concentrations. Our results indicate that the process is valid and that PFAS are present in these waterways. Further research needs to be conducted in order to positively identify the presence of perfluorohexanoic acid
Faculty Sponsor
Kenneth Nicholson
Faculty Sponsor
John Kasmer
Faculty Sponsor
Greg Anderson
Identifying PFAS from water samples collected from the North Shore Channel and the North Branch Chicago River using EPA method 537.1
SU-215
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pollutants of concern because they accumulate in the environment and do not break down. PFAS can cause cancer and other health concerns in humans and animals. Across the country concentrations of PFAS have been detected in both waterways and drinking water. Although PFAS have been detected at many sites there are gaps in the sampling data, it is not specifically known as to whether or not there are PFAS in Chicagoland waterways. The objective of this project was to assess the presence of PFAS in samples collected from the North Shore Channel (NSC) and North Branch Chicago River (NBCR). We utilized EPA’s method 537.1 for sampling and concentrating PFAS. Concentrating PFAS is necessary for detection because they occur at concentrations of parts per trillion. We had to modify the EPA method because the high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) instrument that we had access to was different from what the EPA specified. We successfully isolated and positively identified one PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid, and found evidence to suggest the possible presence of another, perfluorohexanoic acid. Concentrations were higher in the NSC downstream from the O’Brien Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) than in the NBCR above the confluence at the NSC, but we were unable to determine exact concentrations. Our results indicate that the process is valid and that PFAS are present in these waterways. Further research needs to be conducted in order to positively identify the presence of perfluorohexanoic acid