Innovative source identification of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) using isotope signatures is intended to identify TFA sources and thus contribute to a long-term reduction in the release of ultra-short-chain PFAS into the environment.
TFA and other ultra-shortchain perfluorinated hydrocarbons (PFAS) are increasingly detected in ground- and surface water. The exact mechanism of TFA generation in the various environmental habitats is known in very few cases. There is still a lot of research to be done to identify TFA sources in order to permanently prevent contamination of the environment and drinking water sources.
The cooperation partner Hydroisotop GmbH has therefore set itself the goal of developing an innovative, highly sensitive analysis method to determine the carbon isotopes (13C/12C) and the oxygen isotopes (18O/16O) of TFA and other PFAS. In addition, an enrichment method for TFA from water samples is developed in order to improve the detection limit of TFA.
For a systematic investigation of degradation pathways that can lead to TFA formation, biodegradation of precursor substances under different redox conditions and the formation of short-chain PFAS and TFA during the oxidative (e.g. ozonation) or electrochemical treatment of contaminated water is simulated in laboratory experiments at TZW and the samples are used for the establishment of methods for TFA source identification.
The results from the project will contribute to the identification of TFA entry pathways and enable improved monitoring. On this basis, targeted prevention measures can be taken. The isotope signature provides an additional meaningful parameter for remediation measures at contaminated sites.
Publications
Trautmann, A. M.; Schell, H.; Schmidt, K. R.; Mangold, K-M; Tiehm, A. (2015): Electrochemical degradation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater. In: Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research 71 (10), S. 1569–1575. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2015.143.
Scheurer, Marco; Nödler, Karsten; Freeling, Finnian; Janda, Joachim; Happel, Oliver; Riegel, Marcel et al. (2017): Small, mobile, persistent. Trifluoroacetate in the water cycle - Overlooked sources, pathways, and consequences for drinking water supply. In: Water research 126, S. 460–471. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.09.045.
