Composition, source appointment, and biomigration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Fu River of Wuhan, China.

This article investigates the composition, sources, environmental distribution, and biomigration of 20 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Fu River Basin near Tianhe Airport in Wuhan, China. Short-chain PFAS such as perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) predominated in surface water, reflecting a shift toward short-chain substitutes in manufacturing, while perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) remained dominant in sediments, fish, and chicken eggs. Two novel short-chain PFOS substitutes, 6:2 and 8:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), were detected in sediment and fish, raising concerns about their toxicity. The study found that PFAS bioaccumulate in local biota, with PFOS comprising over 80% of PFAS in fish and egg yolks, and estimated dietary exposure levels suggest potential health risks for residents consuming local fish, eggs, and vegetables.