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New Paper!

Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract

Is there a fingerprint for AFFF-related PFAS contamination in the environment? 
The comprehensive meta-analysis by Nikola Krlovic et al. consolidates current knowledge on PFAS occurrence and contamination profiles from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) discharges across soil and groundwater.
Key insights:

  •  PFOS tends to dominate AFFF-impacted soils (~75% of detected PFAS on average), while groundwater shows higher shares of short-chain PFCA/PFSA.
  • 6:2 FTS and congeners dominate where fluorotelomer-based AFFFs were used exclusively.
  • FHxSA and its precursors emerge as relevant fingerprinting compounds—but are often not included in routine monitoring.
  • Chemical descriptor analysis suggests AFFF-related PFAS share constitutional similarities, yet no unique cluster separates them from other PFAS.
    Expanding the analytical panel at AFFF-impacted sites is critical to move toward a robust fingerprint.
     

    Read the full OpenAccess paper here:
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772416626001956