Health risk of Human Exposure to Perfluorinated Compounds (PFASs) in Hyeongsan River, Pohang

The aim of this study was to assess human health risks of exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) by ingestion of water from the Hyeongsan River in Pohang. Ingestion primarily acquired PFBS, PFNA, PFOS, and PFOA, but PFAAs rather than its precursors. Human exposure to PFASs was affected by the physicochemical properties of compounds, the emission sources, and the flow rate. The upstream and midstream waters were influenced by PFCAs due to the domestic sewage, whereas the downstream water contained high levels of PFBS and PFOS due to the presence of an industrial complex. Exposure levels decreased in the midstream; this result suggests a dilution effect due to the increasing flow rate. Exposure levels to PFBS were high exposure because they have a low octanol–water partition coefficient and high aqueous solubility. PFOS at the industrial complex exceeded the WHO allowable level; this result suggests that ingestion may cause non-carcinogenic toxicity. To our knowledge, this is the first assessment of the risk of PFAS ingestion in Pohang. The result will provide a useful reference for future regulations and policies to manage PFAS sources, purify river water, and prevent human exposure.