EPA Research Partner Support Story: Determining scope of PFAS contamination

Partner: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Challenge: Determining the scope of PFAS contamination
Resource: Water, soil and sediment analyses
Project Period: 2015 – Present

A concern of New Jersey DEP is the ongoing presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water resources of southwestern New Jersey. New Jersey DEP reached out to EPA ORD when they were faced with relatively high contaminant levels of a specific PFAS (perfluorononanoic acid, PFNA). New Jersey DEP continues to study the potential routes PFAS might be following in finding its way into these water resources. The chief questions are where the contamination is originating and whether it is getting into the water through direct discharge or through the air. The goals of this study are to confirm that PFAS contamination is occurring, establish specific PFAS source signatures, and evaluate the potential for impacts due to air deposition.

“EPA ORD’s studies have provided critical information needed to develop PFAS human health risk assessments. In particular, we appreciate your foresight in initiating studies of PFNA several years before it was widely recognized as a potential concern. Also, we especially thank you for your ongoing willingness to share your knowledge of PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) in general, to answer all of our questions about your studies, and to continue working with us on identifying PFAS sources.” – New Jersey DEP Research and Environmental Health, Division of Science, Gloria B. Post, PhD, DABT

EPA ORD has provided nine data reports to NJ DEP since February 2019 identifying and quantifying PFAS in samples collected from various environmental media within the sampling area, including soils, vegetation, surface waters and groundwater wells. ORD analysis of results has shown promising methods for identifying source signatures and evaluating the effects of air deposition. For example, analysis of water and soil has found unique signatures of some manufactured PFAS and that by looking at the ratios of different PFAS, it is possible to identify a source signature that helps determine the contaminant’s origin. Findings of the source identification project were published in the journal Science by EPA and NJDEP authors in June 2020. Results from a study on the effectiveness of point-of-entry granular activated carbon treatment for local residents was also published, in ES&T Letters.

New Jersey DEP has requested that ORD continue to work with them to analyze water, sediment, and soil samples for PFAS and their byproducts. NJDEP has recently conducted sampling at a manufacturing facility within the study area to continue investigations of the source of various PFAS. ORD will collaborate with New Jersey DEP to evaluate the data.