PFAS in the Snow

Different Disturbance Types Effect on PFAS in the Snow on Campus

Julian Champlin is working on a study looking at how foot travel and plowing effects PFAS concentrations in the snow at Ithaca College

Abstract

There are forever chemicals in snow, even in the most remote regions (Zhou et al. 2024). This is cause for emerging concern as snow can act a reservoir for PFAS chemicals, that then are at risk of being redistributed into the ecosystem (Zhou et al. 2024). This can lead to issues in every region of the world, including the Finger Lakes region of New York. PFAS data for snowfall in Tompkins County is lacking, with no data surrounding PFAS in the snow in the region. Not only that, but there is a lack of information on how directly different disturbances of the snow affect PFAS content. This is vital information for the city of Ithaca as well as Ithaca College as it could have an impact on how we deal with snow on the roads and walkways on campus.

Project Goals

Julian's goal is to learn if the use of our plows on campus is causing more PFAS release into the snow. This information could effect how Ithaca College as well as other colleges and cities think on the use of plows and salt.