Emerging Contaminants (Jan 2020)
Inventory and action plan for PFOS and related substances in Suriname as basis for Stockholm Convention implementation
Abstract
Within the framework of the Stockholm Convention implementation in Suriname, the first inventory of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been developed. The major stocks of PFOS are firefighting foams with minor stocks in pesticides (ant baits) and possibly carpets. The inventory of firefighting foams assessed the import, current stocks and major use sites and recent releases. Considerable amount of PFOS and potentially PFOS containing firefighting foams are stored at the military base, the oil company and small firefighting departments throughout the country. The total amount of stored PFAS firefighting foam in Suriname is estimated to be at least 275.6 tonnes, where the major stockpile of 206 tonnes is at the oil storage facilities. For some of these foams PFOS content is confirmed and for others it is not clear if the foam contains PFOS or other per- or polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). The upper estimate of PFOS content is 4133 kg in these foams. Additionally, PFOS or other PFAS has also been discovered in fire extinguishers in institutions. The total amount of PFOS related substance EtFOSA imported with the pesticide sulfluramid was 75 kg. The imports were banned in 2014 and is controlled. A considerable amount of synthetic carpets are in stores even produced before 2003 where main use of PFOS from 3 M took place possibly containing PFOS related substances. A compilation of potentially PFOS contaminated sites has been made. Potentially contaminated sites result from firefighting foam use, dumpsites and sulfluramid use. The airport where firefighting foam was applied is above a major drinking water reservoir, where an urgent assessment is needed. Due to the lack of analytical capacity for PFOS and precursors, drinking water, firefighting foam or impacted carpets, could not been analysed.An action plan for the control of PFOS and other PFAS has been developed considering the synergy of the Stockholm Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) addressing this emerging pollution issue for developing countries.
