Concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in selected rivers and streams in Massachusetts, 2020
Water samples collected from 27 rivers and streams in Massachusetts were analyzed to characterize the presence and concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (collectively known as PFAS) in surface waters across the Commonwealth. Sampling sites were selected in urban rivers where PFAS were expected to be present, such as those that receive treated municipal wastewater, and in rural rivers that were not known to be affected by municipal wastewater. The samples were collected three times in 2020 from 64 sites, and were analyzed for 24 PFAS, 18 of which are included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Method 537.1.
Samples were collected when the instantaneous flow of the rivers and streams were at base-flow condition to minimize PFAS input or dilution from stormwater runoff and overland flow. The analyses detected PFAS in samples from all 27 rivers and streams. The number of PFAS detected in each sample ranged from 2 to 16. Concentrations of individual PFAS ranged from no detectable concentrations (less than 1.74 nanograms per liter) to 109 nanograms per liter. Samples from sites associated with wastewater treatment facilities in urban areas had a larger number and variety of PFAS present, and at higher concentrations, than in samples from the more rural rivers. This report includes a summary of the chemical data and physical properties of both environmental and quality-control samples, and a description of procedures for the collection and processing of the samples.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2022 |
|---|---|
| Title | Concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in selected rivers and streams in Massachusetts, 2020 |
| DOI | 10.3133/dr1160 |
| Authors | Jennifer G. Savoie, Denise M. Argue |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Data Report |
| Series Number | 1160 |
| Index ID | dr1160 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | New England Water Science Center |
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Environmental and Quality-Control Data for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Measured in Selected Rivers and Streams in Massachusetts, 2020 (ver. 2.0, May 2023)
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Environmental and Quality-Control Data for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Measured in Selected Rivers and Streams in Massachusetts, 2020 (ver. 2.0, May 2023)
This data release includes concentrations of 24 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and physical properties of water-quality samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at 64 selected sites in rivers and streams in Massachusetts over three rounds of sampling. The samples were collected from August to November 2020 when streamflow conditions were below normal (also considered to b - Connect