Currently I am developing a global 3D ocean simulation for perfluoroctanoic sulfonate (PFOS), a compound that is part of the class of perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). PFASs have raised concerns because of their toxic properties and widespread occurence in drinking water and other environmental media. PFOS is consistently detected in seawater and wildlife of remote ocean locations.
I combine measurements with hydrology and census data to develop a spatially resolved historical release inventory of PFOS. Historic PFOS releases to the ocean are estimated to amount to several thousand metric tons, and the importance of emerging use regions in Asia and Latin America has increased since 2000.
