The occurrence, sources, and health risks of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pm 2. 5 in Shihezi, a typical inland arid industrial city
By Jinfeng Xiao, Yongchao Sun, Jianjiang Lu, Li Cao, Yujun Yan, and Weijun Li
Atmos. Pollut. Res.
January 19, 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2026.102897
Due to their ecological distribution and health risks, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), globally emerging pollutants, have become a research focus in environmental science. Perfluoroalkyl acids have attracted particular attention due to their high emissions and persistence. To investigate PFAS pollution patterns in atmospheric particulate matter in industrial cities of arid inland regions, this study selected Shihezi as the research area. PFAS in PM2.5 were separated using methanol ultrasonic extraction, followed by qualitative and quantitative analysis via UHPLC-MS/MS. Pollution sources were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), and human respiratory exposure risks were assessed using risk quotient values. The concentration of ∑PFAS exhibits a seasonal distribution pattern of summer > spring > autumn > winter. The pollutant composition was dominated by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) accounting for a relatively lower proportion. Perfluoro-hexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) were identified as the predominant species. PCA results indicated that PFAS sources in PM2.5 could be categorized into three groups. PFBA, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) emerged as core contributing factors, corresponding respectively to industrial emissions of short-chain PFAS, fluorochemical product usage sources, and historical residues/long-range transport sources. Health risk assessment results suggest that PFAS in PM2.5 pose no significant health risk to humans via respiratory exposure. This study provides foundational data to support pollution control of PFAS in industrial cities in arid inland regions.
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