Pine Needles for the Screening of Perfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFASs) along Ski Tracks

Perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) are today considered persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative contaminants. Perfluorooctansulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are currently listed as priority substances under the UNEP global convention for the regulation of POPs. A previous study reported higher levels of PFASs in pine needles near ski areas. Their application as stain repellents in modern outdoor clothes and in ski waxes is assumed to be a potential source. Pine trees (Pinus mugo in Slovakia and Pinus sylvestris in Norway) were chosen for sampling in ski resorts. Relative distributions, overall concentrations, trend estimates, elevation patterns, and distance from primary sources were assessed. PFOA was the predominant PFAS constituent in pine needles from Slovakia (8–93%). In Norway, the most-abundant PFAS was perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA: 3–66%). A difference in product composition (particularly in ski waxes) and differences in Norwegian and Slovakian regulations are considered ...