Occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tidal salt marsh creeks

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous global contaminants where the ocean plays a critical role in global PFAS cycling. Large estuarine systems are conduits for anthropogenic contaminants, but little is known regarding PFAS in small tidal creek systems. Surface waters from seven tidal creeks were analyzed for 16 target PFAS including legacy and replacement PFAS. Mean total PFAS ranged from 139.4 to 12,293.8 ng/L in terrestrial influenced upland sampling sites and 33.9–176.3 ng/L in tidal creek mouth sites. Nine PFAS were negatively correlated with salinity and positively correlated with DOC (p < 0.05), indicating that the source of PFAS is predominantly terrestrial. Mean total PFAS of upland sites also had a strong positive relationship with percent impervious surface (R2 = 0.99), indicating the importance of human land use influencing PFAS occurrence. Results of this study will inform future investigations of tidal creeks and their role in PFAS dynamics at the land-sea interface.

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Source https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25004072
Author Mead, Ralph
Last Updated December 12, 2025, 20:06 (UTC)
Created December 12, 2025, 20:06 (UTC)
Dataset Type Article
Publication Title Marine Pollution Bulletin
Publication Year 2025