Identifying the nonpoint source of perfluorinated compounds using a geographic information system based approach

Abstract

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been detected in a wide range of places. They have also been reported to come from nonpoint sources, but the origin of these sources has not been identified. In the present study, we attempted to characterize the nonpoint source of PFCs in the Hayabuchi River, Japan, which runs through an urban area, using a geographic information system (GIS) and statistical analysis. We also estimated annual PFC loads from nonpoint sources in Japan as a whole, determining a magnitude comparable to that from sewage treatment plants (STPs); the range was a few tons per year for each PFC. Perfluorinated compound pollution in river water was found to increase when the river received drainage from an area with a high proportion of commercial and/or transportation land use. It was also found that more PFCs were discharged from the watersheds where train stations are located. This result could be interpreted as the use of land for commercial and transportation purposes is prevalent in close proximity to train stations, and that the effluents from those areas contain high concentrations of PFCs. These findings suggested that train stations could be indicators of nonpoint sources of PFCs. © 2009 SETAC.