Tracking Water Pollution from Multiple Sources of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

A common practice around the world for waste management of biosolids is land application, including on farm fields. High levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in biosolids, resulting in significant environmental contamination. Our research documents the spread of PFAS away from highly contaminated sludge-spread land in Fairfield, Maine, via surface water to nearby towns and the public drinking water supply. Fish Brook, a stream adjacent to sludge-spread fields, contains extremely PFAS high levels (1,775-2,245 ng/L) and contaminates Messalonskee Stream in the adjacent city of Waterville. PFAS were detected along the entire length of over 5 miles of Messalonskee Stream at levels ranging from 28-318 ng/L. PFAS were also detected in a stream flowing from another sludge-spread hot spot into China Lake, the source of the public drinking water supply for the city of Waterville and portions of four neighboring towns. Treated tap water had the same PFAS contamination as untreated source water from China Lake. Filtration of contaminated drinking water by a water bottle filling station and a countertop water filter were somewhat effective at removing PFAS. The Kennebec River, which flows through Fairfield and Waterville, contained PFAS at levels lower than in the streams and that varied seasonally (higher in fall than spring); stream contamination did not consistently vary seasonally. Using contaminated stream water for snow-making at a local ski area led to detectable PFAS in artificial snow. PFAS contamination of race course snow due to fluorinated ski wax use was reduced over 400-fold after fluorinated wax use was restricted. Other local sources of PFAS emissions may also contribute to environmental PFAS in our study area.