The Effect of Stormwater Runoff on PFOA Concentrations in Passaic River Tributaries and the Role of Stormwater Management
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Gregory Pope
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 12:45 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 1:44 PM
Description
Stormwater runoff is a key mechanism for the transportation of pollutants into surface water bodies, particularly in urbanized areas with a high percentage of impervious surface cover. Included in these stormwater pollutants are per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic compounds that have gained attention for their persistence in the environment and adverse effects on human health. While green infrastructure (GI) has been proposed as a method for managing stormwater runoff and removing stormwater pollutants, its efficacy in reducing PFAS contamination in stormwater remains understudied. This study aims to investigate the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a member of the PFAS group, in the Second and Third Rivers of Montclair, New Jersey after precipitation events. Water samples will be prepared and analyzed using solid phase extraction (SPE) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). PFOA concentrations of samples taken after precipitation events are expected to be above 4 ppt, the EPA’s proposed Maximum Contamination Level for drinking water. These findings will be used in conjunction with literature to determine the best stormwater management practices to mitigate PFAS contamination of surface freshwater in Montclair.
The Effect of Stormwater Runoff on PFOA Concentrations in Passaic River Tributaries and the Role of Stormwater Management
Stormwater runoff is a key mechanism for the transportation of pollutants into surface water bodies, particularly in urbanized areas with a high percentage of impervious surface cover. Included in these stormwater pollutants are per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic compounds that have gained attention for their persistence in the environment and adverse effects on human health. While green infrastructure (GI) has been proposed as a method for managing stormwater runoff and removing stormwater pollutants, its efficacy in reducing PFAS contamination in stormwater remains understudied. This study aims to investigate the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a member of the PFAS group, in the Second and Third Rivers of Montclair, New Jersey after precipitation events. Water samples will be prepared and analyzed using solid phase extraction (SPE) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). PFOA concentrations of samples taken after precipitation events are expected to be above 4 ppt, the EPA’s proposed Maximum Contamination Level for drinking water. These findings will be used in conjunction with literature to determine the best stormwater management practices to mitigate PFAS contamination of surface freshwater in Montclair.