FATE AND TRANSPORT OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES IN A TROPICAL CATCHMENT-RESERVOIR SYSTEM

Abstract

This thesis presents the distribution and fate of selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in a tropical catchment-reservoir system. The spatial and temporal distribution of 22 PFASs with different fluorine carbon chain length and functional group including perfluorooctane sulfonamides in water and sediments and their correlation with environmental factors were investigated in a one-year monthly sampling campaign. In addition, the multi-compartment distribution of the selected PFASs between water, suspended particles, benthic sediments and pore water were examined. Distribution coefficients (KD) between different compartments were determined and compared with lab-derived values. A discrepancy between field and lab-derived KD values were observed. As a result, controlled lab sorption and desorption experiments were conducted to investigate the impacts of PFASs properties, sediment organic carbon and sorption hysteresis on the distribution between dissolved and solid phase. The information obtained contributes to the understanding and modelling of the fate of different PFASs in aquatic environment.