Screening PFAS in stormwater (2024-2025)

PFAS, i.e. per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are a large group of substances of so-called perpetual chemicals that when dispersed in the environment have a very long half-life and they pose a risk to both human health and the environment. Known point sources include fire training sites, as PFAS have been used in fire-fighting foams to extinguish fires, as well as waste facilities and landfills. There is also a more diffuse spread of pollution from our cities as PFASs are found in a variety of products such as waterproofing agents, cleaning products, paper packaging, vehicle lubricants and more. Diffuse pollution often occurs in stormwater, which carries pollutants and is often channelled into nearby lakes and rivers without any prior treatment.

The aim of this project is to identify which PFAS substances are transported by stormwater from areas with different land uses. Water samples will be taken from standing water in approximately 40 stormwater treatment facilities (e.g. stormwater ponds, wetlands, underground sedimentation tanks, compact treatment plants, stormwater wells) around Sweden (Växjö, Luleå, Stockholm, Östersund, Linköping, Norrköping).

The catchment areas to which the facilities are connected will include areas potentially containing PFAS (e.g. runoff from landfills, airports, contaminated sites), as well as various typical urban areas including roads, residential areas, commercial areas and industrial areas.

The project with a budget of 650 000 SEK is funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the results will be presented in a report at the end of the project.