Legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the West River and North River, south China: Occurrence, fate, spatio-temporal variations and potential sources

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of global concern. Studies in Pearl River, south China have focused on the delta area, while the upstream contributions are unclear. Here, we systematically investigated the fate, trends and potential sources of 57 PFASs in river water, sediment and fish of the North and West Rivers of the Pearl River system. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2Cl-PFESA) were frequently found compounds in waters, sediments and fish, suggesting their wide usage in this area and potential for bioaccumulation. Waters showed a higher ∑PFASs in the wet season compared to the dry season, but sediments did not. The North River contributed higher PFAS loads to the Pearl River Delta. Our results also reflect the current shift in PFAS usage from legacy substances to alternatives. This study, for the first time, reports data on PFASs in two upstream rivers of the Pearl River and on alternative PFASs such as PFESA in this area, which can better the understanding of their use, fate, risk assessment and further controls and management. [Display omitted] •Legacy and alternative PFASs were investigated in two river systems, South China.•PFOA, PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA were the most frequently detected compounds.•PFAS profiles in surface water differed between rivers and sampling seasons.•Legacy PFASs are being replaced by alternative PFASs at Pearl River Basin.