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A first global production, emission and environmental inventory for perfluorooctane sulfonate.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>15/01/2009
<mark>Journal</mark>Environmental Science and Technology
Issue number2
Volume43
Number of pages7
Pages (from-to)386-392
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This study makes a new estimate of the global historical production for perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (POSF), and then focuses on producing a first estimate of the global historical environmental releases of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The total historical worldwide production of POSF was estimated to be 96 000 t (or 122 500 t, including unusable wastes) between 1970−2002, with an estimated global release of 45 250 t to air and water between 1970−2012 from direct (manufacture, use, and consumer products) and indirect (PFOS precursors and/or impurities) sources. Estimates indicate that direct emissions from POSF-derived products are the major source to the environment resulting in releases of 450−2700 t PFOS into wastewater streams, primarily through losses from stain repellent treated carpets, waterproof apparel, and aqueous fire fighting foams. Large uncertainties surround indirect sources and have not yet been estimated due to limited information on environmental degradation, although it can be assumed that some POSF-derived chemicals will degrade to PFOS over time. The properties of PFOS (high water solubility, negligible vapor pressure, and limited sorption to particles) imply it will reside in surface waters, predominantly in oceans. Measured oceanic data suggests 235−1770 t of PFOS currently reside in ocean surface waters, similar to the estimated PFOS releases. Environmental monitoring from the 1970s onward shows strong upward trends in biota, in broad agreement with the estimates of use and emissions made here. Since cessation of POSF production by 3M in 2002, a reduction in some compartments has been observed, although current and future exposure is dependent on emission routes, subsequent transport and degradation.