Occurrence, spatial distribution, and source identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a wind farm in Northwest China.

Authors

Yangyi Zhang, Yijing Zhang, Menglu Wang, Jiayi Hao, Cheng Ma, Dengchao Liu, Hao Chen, Hongwen Sun

Published in

Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987). Pages 129516. Nov 10, 2026. Epub Nov 10, 2026.

Abstract

Although wind energy has proliferated rapidly as a clean energy source, its comprehensive environmental footprint, particularly with respect to emerging contaminants, remains critically understudied. Therefore, this study presents the first comprehensive assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the soils of a wind farm in Northwest China. A total of 20 target PFAS were detected in soil samples, with total concentrations ranging from 0.68 to 9.39 ng/g. Emerging PFAS dominated the contamination profile, with 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate being the primary contributor. Within the wind farm boundary, PFAS concentrations significantly exceeded background levels, with maximum concentrations localized in the eastern and northern sections. At the individual-turbine scale, concentrations were higher on the northwestern leeward side than on the southeastern windward side and typically peaked at approximately 75 m from the turbine base. These spatial patterns are consistent with a possible turbine-related PFAS source, with atmospheric dispersion governed by prevailing winds. To explore this hypothesis, suspect screening and nontarget analysis of wind turbine surface materials and adjacent soils identified six PFAS (representing six structural categories) in both substrates. The Toxicological Prioritization Index model was applied to integrate multiple hazard datasets and prioritize the potential toxicity of the detected PFAS. Further analysis of potential sources and concentration profiles within turbine components provided evidence of fluoropolymer topcoats on turbine blades. This finding highlights the need for further studies on PFAS release from wind power facilities.

PMID:
43009123
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Nov 2026.

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