PFAS in Mass: Where and Why Water Is Threatened

Presenter

Abigail Dawn Leahey

Campus

Fitchburg State University

Sponsor

Chris Picone, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Fitchburg State University

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A38, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a growing public health crisis in New England. They are a broad group of synthetic chemicals used for their non-stick, non-stain and heat resistant properties. In recent years, contamination of PFAS in Massachusetts water supplies has been discovered. This review will provide a brief overview of PFAS toxic properties, environmental impacts and health problems arising from exposure. Geographic patterns of high PFAS concentrations in MA water supplies will be assessed. Certain towns in the Nashua and Merrimack River Watersheds have exceptionally high surface and groundwater PFAS concentrations compared to other regions. In order to understand why some areas of MA have higher concentrations than others, potential sources of PFAS contamination will also be explored. For example, I will compare PFAS concentrations upstream and downstream to industries permitted to discharge waste. The most important sources of PFAS contamination are still being examined, but some known contributors are wastewater treatment plants, industrial waste output, landfills, and history of fire fighting events in some areas. Finally, an assessment of current cleanup methods will be discussed.

Keywords

Pollution, Water quality, endocrine disruptor, PFAS

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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