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EXTRACTION OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES FROM MUSCLE TISSUE SAMPLES OF FISH IN THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES**

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made 'forever chemicals,' meaning they do not naturally break down once they enter the environment. They often enter a water supply through improper waste disposal or human activity, where they may accumulate within the bodies of aquatic life. This research aims to analyze fish flesh samples from the Chattahoochee River via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the presence of PFAS. Currently, the goal of this project is to develop a method of preparing the flesh samples for analysis. To do this, non-Chattahoochee test samples will be deliberately injected with a known mixture of PFAS. Organic solvents will be used to extract the PFAS from the fish, which will then be derivatized for detection via GC-MS. This analysis, when compared to the original mixture of PFAS injected into the sample, will show the reliability of the method. It will also be used to determine the loss of PFAS during the preparation, derivatization, and analysis process. This development will ultimately yield a reliable method for flesh sample analysis and allow the true PFAS content to be extrapolated from the Chattahoochee flesh sample data. Once the method is refined, the samples from Chattahoochee River fish can be analyzed to determine the presence, identity, and amount of PFAS in the flesh. Since fish of varying species and catch locations will be tested, this data will not only illustrate the overall severity of PFAS pollution in the Chattahoochee River, but also help determine which species and parts of the river have been impacted the most.

Acknowledgements

Columbus State University Department of Chemistry

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