Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and ubiquitous in the Finnish aquatic environment. To date, little is known about PFAS contamination in groundwater, the main drinking water source in Finland. The novel research and methodological approach of EMERGING-FLOW will provide fundamental new understanding about the mechanisms and rates of PFAS transfer in groundwater and surface water, retention in aquifers and ultimate delivery to the Baltic Sea. The project goals will be achieved through a unique combination of field investigation, groundwater age-dating tracers and numerical modelling. This in-depth PFAS study takes place in the Vantaa River watershed (Southern Finland), where the highest PFAS concentrations in Finland have been observed. EMERGING-FLOW addresses a critical knowledge gap on PFAS transport in the subsurface and project results will guide decision-making regarding mitigation actions and drinking water treatment.

2024

2028