Perfluoroalkyl substances in waters along the Grand Canal, China. (July 2017) - Piao, H.T.
Abstract: The Grand Canal, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the longest canal in the world. It is an important trunk line of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China. The contamination status and spatial distributions of perfluoroalky substances (PFASs) in waters of the Grand Canal were investigated. The total concentrations of PFASs (∑PFASs) range from 7.8 ng/L to 218.0 ng/L, with high ∑PFASs occurring in the southern part of the Grand Canal which is located in a highly urbanized and economically developed region. The dominance of PFOA showed a decreasing trend toward north while shorter chain homologue proportions increased in the northern part of the Canal which mainly traverses underdeveloped and rural areas in Eastern China. Positive correlations were observed between ∑PFASs and the population density as well as GDP per capita. Intersection with large rivers may affect the contamination levels and composition of PFASs in the water of the Grand Canal near the intersection sites. Highlights: Perfluorinated alkylated substances in waters of the Grand Canal are investigated. Concentrations and contributions of PFASs differ in different sections of the Canal. Intersections with large rivers affect contamination levels and composition of PFASs. Abstract : The impacts of urbanization and economic development on concentrations and compositions of PFASs in waters of different sections of the Grand Canal are discussed.