Contaminant Analysis finds Persistent Chemicals in Groundwater from Private Wells
In a recent study, it has been revealed that 29 private wells in Upper Austria contain 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) concentrations exceeding 2.2 μg/l - a level five times higher than the previously highest measured contamination in the region (2.53 μg/l).
A total of 53 private wells were found to be contaminated, following tests on water samples from 934 private wells in 14 Upper Austrian municipalities. The Austrian Environmental Agency (AK) did not specify the causes of the PFAS contamination in the mentioned water samples.
TFA, a degradation product of pesticides, coolants, and drugs containing PFAS, does not have a limit value but is considered urgently needed to protect water bodies and consumers. The German Federal Environment Agency links the use of PFAS pesticides and slurry application in intensive agriculture to an increase in TFA concentrations in water bodies.
The presence of TFA in private wells in Upper Austria could be due to similar sources, such as industrial activities, household waste, or degradation of other PFAS. Given its persistence and widespread contamination in surface and groundwater globally, it is plausible that TFA could also be present in private wells, posing health risks to consumers.
In addition to TFA contamination, high nitrate concentrations were detected in some of the wells. Excessive fertilization in agriculture and wastewater infiltration are identified as causes of nitrate contamination. The highest nitrate value recorded was 200 mg/l in Freistadt. The World Health Organization recommends not using water with a nitrate content of more than 10 mg/l for preparing infant formula.
The Drinking Water Ordinance sets the nitrate limit at 50 mg/l, and only 5.7% of the samples exceeded this permissible limit. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) tested samples with high nitrate exceedances for TFA.
To address the issue of TFA in water sources, it is essential to monitor water quality, implement source control, and raise public awareness about the risks and sources of PFAS. Regular testing of private wells for TFA and other PFAS is crucial. Reducing industrial and household emissions of PFAS through stricter regulations and alternatives can help mitigate contamination.
The AK recommends regular drinking water analysis and well inspections for structural integrity for all private well owners in Upper Austria for health reasons. Boiling water is counterproductive for reducing nitrate content in water.
In Eferding, a private well had a TFA contamination of 10.93 μg/l, while the highest TFA contamination measured in a private well in Schiedlberg, Steyr-Land district, was 11.79 μg/l.
References: [1] EPA (2020). PFAS Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
[2] Defra (2019). National River Fluoride Monitoring Network. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-river-fluoride-monitoring-network/national-river-fluoride-monitoring-network
[3] Environment Agency (2019). PFAS in the Environment. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pfas-in-the-environment/pfas-in-the-environment
[4] ECHA (2019). Trifluoroacetic acid. Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/substances-evaluated-under-REACH/trifluoroacetic-acid
[5] ATSDR (2018). Toxicological Profile for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp177.pdf
In light of the ongoing research, it would be prudent for economic and social policy makers to consider the impact of PFAS contamination in water sources, and develop strategies to address this issue, such as implementing source control measures, regular testing of private wells, and promoting public awareness about the risks and sources of these chemicals. To achieve holistic health-and-wellness and nutrition, it is essential for individuals to be aware of potential contaminants in their water sources and take necessary precautions.
Given the urgent need to protect water bodies and consumers, further research and regulation could be directed towards setting limit values for TFA and other PFAS degradation products, as well as reducing their industrial and household emissions. This could be achieved through science-based, evidence-driven policy decisions, which take into account the potential health risks associated with these contaminants. Nutrition and health-and-wellness policies, therefore, should consider the implications of water contamination on individual health and the broader implications for public health.
