Perfluoroalkyl substances in the surface water and fishes in Chaohu Lake, China.

Abstract

The concentration and composition of 13 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water and fishes in Chaohu Lake, China, were systematically studied in October 2019. Results showed that the PFASs composition has changed greatly. The concentration levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the surface water of Chaohu Lake have decreased significantly compared with past years. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) has become the dominant component, and it was mainly come from industrial wastewater. The highest concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was measured in the lake inlet of the Baishitian River (southwest part), which mainly received domestic sewage. Different types of wastewater lead to varying compositions of PFASs in the lake water. PFOA and PFBS were homologous in some areas of Chaohu Lake, which reflected the unbalanced promotion of prohibition and substitution of long-chain PFASs around Chaohu Lake. On the basis of the risk quotient and tolerable daily intake assessment, drinking water and eating fish from Chaohu Lake do not lead to apparent PFAS risk, but PFOS in fish has evident bioaccumulation and biomagnification effects. PFOS-based human daily intake of Channa argus accounts for 22.4% of the tolerable daily intake. Thus, the risk caused by PFOS needs close attention. This study is useful for enhancing people's understanding of the environmental behavior and the risk of PFASs in Chaohu Lake.