Global distribution potential and regional environmental risk of F-53B

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed increases in emissions and environmental contamination by F-53B, a chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate used as a mist suppressant in the Chinese electroplating industry. In this study, based on a national industrial survey and statistics, we estimated the annual release of F-53B across China during the period 2006-2015. We evaluated the global transport and distribution of F-53B using the Globo-POP model, and assessed its environmental risk in regions of China using the EUSES model. Our calculations indicate that approximately 10-14 metric tons (t) of F-53B are released annually into the environment, mainly in East China. Our Globo-POP calculations demonstrate that a limited fraction (0.02-0.50%) of the cumulative F-53B emissions can reach the Arctic via oceanic advection. Despite its low long-range transport potential, F-53B can accumulate in Chinese local waters. Our EUSES calculations predict that the F-53B concentration in fresh water (South China) currently approaches 0.7 mg/L and will reach 2.3 mg/L by 2020 in the region surrounding chromium-plating plants if its use remains uncontrolled. Such an increase in concentration implies a potential risk to aquatic environments. This study highlights the risk if F-53B is proposed to be used as a substitute for perfluorooctanesulfonic salt-based mist suppressants.

Keywords: Emissions inventory; Environmental risk; F-53B; Long-range transport.