# Assessment of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Surface Waters Used for Urban Water Supply in Brazil

## TL;DR

This study examines the presence of harmful chemicals in Brazilian water sources, finding higher levels during dry seasons and suggesting industrial and domestic pollution as key sources.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into PFAS and PBDE contamination in Brazilian urban water supplies, highlighting seasonal and spatial variability.

## Key findings

- PFAS concentrations were significantly higher during the dry season, indicating point-source contamination.
- PBDE concentrations increased during the rainy season, likely due to surface runoff.
- Short-chain PFAS and Deca-BDEs were prominent, emphasizing the need for monitoring and regulation.

## Abstract

This study assesses the presence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the surface waters of the Itupararanga Reservoir and the Sorocaba River, Brazil. Samples collected during the dry and rainy seasons were analyzed to determine their composition, spatial distribution, and seasonal variability. Results indicate the ubiquitous presence of PFAS, with significantly higher concentrations in the dry season, suggesting point sources of contamination, such as industrial and domestic discharges. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were the predominant compounds, while 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate (6-2FTS) stood out for its abundance in areas with industrial activity. For PBDEs, marked seasonal variability was observed, with higher concentrations during the rainy season, suggesting the mobilization of these compounds by surface runoff. BDE-209 was the most abundant congener, representing over 58% of the total concentration of PBDEs detected. Concentrations of PFAS and PBDEs in the study area are comparable to those reported globally, although there are differences associated with industrial practices and local environmental dynamics. The increased presence of short-chain PFAS and Deca-BDEs highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and the implementation of regulatory measures to mitigate contamination in water sources used for human consumption.