Hydrologic and Water Quality Studies of PFAS in Pennsylvania
PFAS chemicals detected in many rivers and streams across Pennsylvania
USGS-led study also analyzed potential contaminant sources
PFAS in US Tapwater Interactive Dashboard
Sampling results and data on potential PFAS sources
Tap Water Study Detects PFAS 'forever chemicals' Across the US
USGS estimates at least 45% of tap water could have one or more PFAS
First-of-its-Kind Survey of PFAS in Pennsylvania Surface Waters
In collaboration with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian PFAS Capability Team
Lake Erie PFAS Surface Water Sample Collection
USGS is working with federal, state, and local partners to monitor and evaluate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Pennsylvania's groundwater and surface waters. A recent study sampled tap water in Pennsylvania (and other states) and detected PFAS chemicals in some samples.
Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) are emerging anthropogenic contaminants, classified as a water pollutant, manufactured and used commercially in the U.S. since the 1940s. As a group, PFAS contain more than 4,000 different compounds that are saturated with fluorine, some as carboxylic acids (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]) and some as sulfonic acids (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS]). The primary use of the chemicals is in firefighting foams for hydrocarbon fires with so called Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), the manufacture of non-stick coatings, the manufacture of stain resistant and waterproof fabric, metal plating, food packaging, paints, and surfactants. Scientific studies indicate PFAS can affect multiple systems in the human body and have effects such as hormone level interference, increased cholesterol levels and risks of certain cancers.
Pennsylvania Water Science Center is working with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and experts across the Nation to develop and implement rigorous and innovative techniques to detect PFAS at low levels and determine the magnitude and spatial distribution of environmental PFAS contamination.
Current Pennsylvania PFAS Projects include:
- Standardization of PFAS Sampling Techniques for Surface Water
- PFAS in Pennsylvania Streams and Lakes
- Seasonality of PFAS in Pennsylvania Surface Water
- Willow Grove, Horsham & Warminster - Groundwater flow and PFAS in wells - Report
- Letterkenny Army Depot PFAS Monitoring
Contaminants in groundwater near former Navy bases in southeastern Pennsylvania
Contaminants in Groundwater near Superfund sites in Pennsylvania
Improving Understanding and Coordination of Science Activities for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian PFAS Capability Team
Pennsylvania Statewide Surface Water-Quality Monitoring Network - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances Sampling Preparation
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) detected in Source Waters and Treated Public Water Supplies
USGS is working with federal, state, and local partners to monitor and evaluate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Pennsylvania's groundwater and surface waters. A recent study sampled tap water in Pennsylvania (and other states) and detected PFAS chemicals in some samples.
Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) are emerging anthropogenic contaminants, classified as a water pollutant, manufactured and used commercially in the U.S. since the 1940s. As a group, PFAS contain more than 4,000 different compounds that are saturated with fluorine, some as carboxylic acids (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]) and some as sulfonic acids (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS]). The primary use of the chemicals is in firefighting foams for hydrocarbon fires with so called Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), the manufacture of non-stick coatings, the manufacture of stain resistant and waterproof fabric, metal plating, food packaging, paints, and surfactants. Scientific studies indicate PFAS can affect multiple systems in the human body and have effects such as hormone level interference, increased cholesterol levels and risks of certain cancers.
Pennsylvania Water Science Center is working with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and experts across the Nation to develop and implement rigorous and innovative techniques to detect PFAS at low levels and determine the magnitude and spatial distribution of environmental PFAS contamination.
Current Pennsylvania PFAS Projects include:
- Standardization of PFAS Sampling Techniques for Surface Water
- PFAS in Pennsylvania Streams and Lakes
- Seasonality of PFAS in Pennsylvania Surface Water
- Willow Grove, Horsham & Warminster - Groundwater flow and PFAS in wells - Report
- Letterkenny Army Depot PFAS Monitoring