PFAS Monitoring Survey Study of Selected Sites on the River Brosna and River Shannon 2021 - 2022
Summary: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water and oil resistance, chemical and heat stability, friction reduction and surfactant properties. They can be found in many everyday products, including outdoor clothing and also in fire-fighting foams but can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency commissioned a sampling study of PFAS in surface water and sediment from the River Brosna and River Shannon between June 2021 and February 2022. Samples were taken at 15 locations over four monitoring rounds. A total of 120 water and 26 sediment samples were taken.
PFAS were detected in water or sediment samples taken from four locations along the River Brosna and in sediment at one location from the River Shannon. This monitoring data suggests that PFAS are present in the River Brosna, from the first sampling point RB_SW06 (upstream of Mullingar town, Co. Westmeath) as far downstream as RB_SW03 (Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath).
This study can conclude that the investigated stretch of the River Brosna is a potential hotspot for PFAS, in particular for PFOA. Further monitoring and investigation has been carried out in this area since the completion of this project and will continue as necessary under the Water Framework Directive.
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