More than 500 samples taken from 300 bodies of water in the Finger Lakes show relatively low levels of forever chemicals called PFAS. A group of undergraduate students at Cornell University screened and mapped samples from lakes, tributaries, ponds and even persistent puddles for 24 common chemicals. The results show surface water seems to dilute the chemicals to low levels, relieving fears of more widespread contamination.
“There was definitely relief knowing that generally we’re not seeing elevated levels across the region,” said Alex Van Den Hende, who first created the map’s infrastructure with mentorship from Damian Helbling, professor of civil and environmental engineering. “We saw that relief in the public’s response but also concern that there is in fact contamination– that maybe you’re not immediately affected, but there’s potential for more significant impacts in the future.”
But the map also shows hot spots, mainly in standing bodies of water near airports and fire training stations, where de-icing fluids and fire extinguishing foams containing PFAS are used. They found those areas generally do not harm other waterways. Cornell professors say the data provides a baseline to track changes as new industries establish themselves in the region.
Regional data on PFAS contamination in water often consists of a small number of samples taken at long intervals. Helbling said the students’ Finger Lakes dataset is unique in its breadth of sites and samples taken over time.
