What is the environmental impact of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and its precursors?
Label:chem
Topic
TFA is highly soluble in water and can be deposited onto land and surface waters via wet deposition during precipitation events. It can accumulate in aquatic systems and persist in the environment, with the potential for bioaccumulation. TFA is classified as an ultra-short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) and is considered environmentally persistent, stable, and mobile.
Answer
The study highlights that TFA concentrations in Antarctic ice cores have been increasing steadily, indicating ongoing accumulation in environmental sinks. This suggests that anthropogenic sources, particularly the atmospheric degradation of HFCs and u-HFCs, are contributing to the rising levels of TFA. The environmental pathways for the breakdown and removal of TFA are few and poorly understood, indicating a need for further research to mitigate its long-term environmental impact.
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