Partitioning of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) between water and sediment

Laboratory partitioning experiments were conducted to elucidate the sorption behaviour and partitioning of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs). Three different sediment types were used and separately spiked with perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) at low environmentally realistic concentrations. PFOA, PFOS and PFOSA were mainly distributed in the dissolved phase at low suspended solid concentrations, indicating their long-range transport potential in the marine environment. In all cases, the equilibrium isotherms were linear and the organic carbon normalised partition coefficients (KOC) decreased in the following order: PFOSA (log KOC = 4.1 ± 0.35 cm3 g−1) > PFOS (3.7 ± 0.56 cm3 g−1) > PFOA (2.4 ± 0.12 cm3 g−1). The level of organic content had a significant influence on the partitioning. For the sediment with negligible organic content the density of the sediment became the most important factor influencing the partitioning. Ultimately, data on the partitioning of PFCs between aqueous media and suspended solids are essential for modelling their transport and environmental fate.

► The partitioning of PFOA, PFOS and PFOSA between water and sediment was evaluated.
► The log KOC was 4.1 cm3 g−1 for PFOSA, 3.7 cm3 g−1 for PFOS and 2.4 cm3 g−1 for PFOA.
► PFOA, PFOS and PFOSA were present in the dissolved phase at low SPM concentration.
► The organic content and density of the sediment influencing the partitioning.