The Discharge Characteristics of Perfluoroalkyl Substances from the Effluents of the Sihwa National Industrial Complex into Public Waters

The discharge characteristics of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) from the Sihwa National Industrial Complex were investigated, and the effect of industrial site effluents on nearby stream water was investigated. The concentrations of the three types of PFASs in industrial site effluent had the highest PFOS. The concentration of inflow water from public wastewater treatment plants was higher in wastewater than in sewage(PFOS↑). The removal rates of PFASs in the public wastewater treatment plant were measured at PFHxS 26.13%, PFOS 27.68%, and PFOA 25.40%. Okgucheon and Gunjacheon that reused treated wastewater were higher than the concentration of PFASs in Jeongwangcheon that were not reused. Considering the long-term persistence of non-biodegradable and human health risks, it is necessary to manage them comprehensively and promptly from generation source management to discharge regulations into public waters by establishing effluent discharge standards for PFASs.