Empa researches water pollution by trifluoroacetic acid

(CONNECT) Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the University of Bern have carried out a study to demonstrate the formation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the atmosphere and the contamination of water bodies with this substance via precipitation. According to a press release, the FOEN tested samples of precipitation and surface waters for the presence of TFA over a period of three years. In parallel, Empa developed a model for the atmospheric input of TFA. Trifluoroacetic acid is one of the per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) that are considered hazardous to health.

The FOEN analyses and Empa models were compared with data on water samples and pollution collected since 1984. "We are modelling the known precursors of TFA, their degradation pathways and intermediates as well as the deposition of the TFA formed in this way, both via precipitation and directly on surfaces," Empa researcher Stephan Henne is quoted as saying in the press release. "We can calculate for each location in Europe how much TFA is released into the environment there in a given month."

The study shows that the concentrations of TFA have multiplied over the past decades. TFA are produced from the decomposition of hydrofluorocarbons, which are used as coolants and propellants. Another source is the degradation products of pesticides. It is not yet known what harmful effects the occurrence of TFA may have on the human body. Further research is required for this, according to the press release. The current study has been published in the journal "Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics". ce/ww