Occurrence of a “forever chemical” in the atmosphere above pristine Amazon Forest

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173918
• Publication Date: 2024-06-12T18:21:19Z
• Authors: Ivan Kourtchev; Bruna G. Sebben; Sebastian Brill; Cybelli, G.G. Bar...; Bettina Weber; Rosaria R. Ferreira; Flávio Augusto Fa...; Cléo Q. Dias-Junior; Olalekan A.M. Pop...; Jonathan Williams; Christopher Pöhlker; Ricardo H.M. Godoi
• Keywords: Air Pollutants; Fluorocarbons; Rainforest; Atmosphere; Caprylates; Brazil; Environmental Monitoring

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals", are a class of man-made, extremely stable chemicals, which widely used in industrial commercial applications. Exposure some PFAS is now known be detrimental human health. By virtue long residence times, they detected the environment, including remote locations such Arctics, where origin poorly understood. It has been suggested that may transported through contaminated waters, leading accumulation coastal areas, can aerosolised via sea spray, thereby extending their geographical distribution far beyond original source regions. The aim this work investigate, for first time, whether chemicals" could areas considered pristine, from sites. This study was performed at Amazonian Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO), unique site situated middle Amazon rainforest, restricted PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), observed with concentrations reaching up 2 pg/m3. A clear trend increasing concentration sampling height air masses south over Manaus had highest concentrations. Atmospheric lifetime estimations, removal mechanisms supported by measurements two heights (320 42 m above rainforest), spikes indicated long-range transport PFOA pristine rainforest. Potential sources, activities urban were explored, historical fire management practices considered. research presents atmosphere Remarkably, even natural appreciable levels detected. provides valuable insights into anthropogenic chemical" ecosystem should raise awareness potential environmental implications.