Multi-compartment levels and distributions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances surrounding fluorochemical manufacturing parks in China: A review of the current literature

Fluorochemical manufacturing parks (FMPs) are important point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) emissions to the surrounding environment. With legacy PFASs being phased-out and restricted in developed countries, China has emerged as one of the world's leading producers of PFASs. However, the occurrence and distribution patterns of PFASs emitted from FMPs in China remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap may lead to an underestimation of the contribution of FMPs as a source of PFASs in the environment. In this study, we collected pertinent data from published studies of PFAS emissions from FMPs and explored the occurrence patterns and distribution characteristics of PFASs across various media, including surface water, groundwater, tap water, sediment, soil, air, dust, plants, and animals. Seventeen classes of PFASs containing 80 compounds were identified in different media around FMPs, with concentrations significantly greater than in other suspected PFAS-contaminated sites. Notably, the levels of ultra-short-chain and emerging PFASs in the areas surrounding some FMPs were comparable to those of legacy PFASs, highlighting an increasing prevalence for the use of PFAS alternatives. In terms of spatial distribution, there was a decline in the PFAS concentration in most environmental media as the distance from FMPs increased. In addition, the distribution patterns of PFASs were associated with PFAS characteristics, the properties of different media, migration pathways, and other relevant aspects. This information will provide valuable insights into the current contamination situation regarding PFASs surrounding FMPs and will have profound implications for the effective implementation of PFAS management at FMPs.