Prevalence of PFAS Contaminants in Surface & Groundwater in the Capital Region

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a set of nearly 5,000 man-made chemicals that have widespread application in the manufacturing of consumer items and materials. PFAS chemicals are notable for their fluoropolymer coatings, which are resistant to water, heat, and oil. This is from the strong carbon-fluorine bond that comprises PFAS chemicals. PFAS can persist in the environment and within organisms when emitted as manufacturing byproducts. They can contaminate aquatic environments and groundwater, where human consumption may occur. If consumed, PFAS can build up in the body, leading to multiple health issues, including cancers and developmental problems during pregnancy. In the Capital Region, PFAS are of interest as there are several sites denoted as PFAS-contaminated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Along the Mohawk River, the EWG's PFAS contamination map indicates at least three sites of drinking water above the maximum contaminant level of 4 and 10 ppt, depending on the chemical. Sampling in 2017 by the towns of Waterford and Colonie found PFAS concentrations of 1-3 parts per trillion (ppt) in the Mohawk River, following contaminant concerns. . To measure for PFAS contaminants in the surface and groundwater in the Capital Region, access points on the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, alongside home wells were selected for a 6-week sampling campaign. On the final day of testing, four more surface water access sites were sampled in addition to the main six. Five different groundwater wells in the area were selected for the study via a volunteer survey for weekly testing. Five tests outside of the weekly sequence were conducted on other wells during the same timeframe. Tests were conducted using Water Test Kits for PFAS, a product manufactured by Cyclopure. The test kit has the user fill a small cup-like device with 250 milliliters of the desired water sample, then draining through the base of the cup. A filter extraction disk removes PFAS contaminants. The test is then sealed and sent to Cyclopure, where absorbed PFAS are recovered via standard solid phase extraction (SPE). Results were then returned by email. Hudson River sites contained measurements of PFAS, PFOS, and 10:2 FTS in the range of 1-3 ppt, with increasing measurements moving downstream. Mohawk River sites contained the same three contaminants in addition to PFBA, PFPeA, and PFHxA, with similar measurements. Groundwater results almost unanimously measured non-detect.