Understanding PFAS in New Jersey Soils: Key Insights from a Statewide Survey
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," are synthetic compounds widely used in consumer products and industrial applications. Their resistance to heat, water, and oil makes them useful, but also means they persist in the environment. A recent PFAS Soil Survey Report provides a detailed look at how these substances are distributed across soils in New Jersey.
Purpose of the Survey
The study set out to measure PFAS levels in both urban and rural soils across multiple counties. By doing so, researchers aimed to establish a baseline understanding of PFAS presence and distribution, highlighting areas of concern and informing future regulatory or remediation actions.
Methodology
Soil samples were collected from a wide range of counties—including Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Monmouth, Sussex, and more—and tested for multiple PFAS compounds. The survey focused on detecting not only legacy PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, but also emerging replacements and precursors, giving a comprehensive view of contamination patterns.
Samples were analyzed using sensitive laboratory methods capable of detecting concentrations as low as fractions of a nanogram per gram.
Key Findings
Widespread Detection: PFAS were present in soils across nearly all surveyed counties, with both rural and urban areas affected.
Higher Urban Concentrations: Urban soils generally showed higher total PFAS (Ʃ PFAS) values compared to rural sites. For example, Hudson County urban sites recorded totals as high as 32 ng/g.
Notable Compounds: PFOS and PFOA were among the most consistently detected PFAS, often at concentrations well above other analytes.
County Variability: Some counties, like Monmouth, showed a wide range of contamination values (from less than 2 ng/g to nearly 24 ng/g), suggesting localized sources of pollution.
Emerging PFAS: Newer compounds such as HFPO-DA (a GenX chemical) and ADONA were detected, though typically at lower concentrations.
Implications
The findings underscore that PFAS contamination is not limited to industrial hot spots—it is a broad issue affecting soils statewide. The higher levels in urban soils likely reflect historical industrial use, wastewater discharge, and atmospheric deposition. The detection of emerging PFAS points to ongoing challenges as industries transition to alternatives.
Recommendations
While the report is largely descriptive, its results point toward several critical needs:
Continued Monitoring: Establishing long-term soil monitoring programs will help track trends and evaluate remediation efforts.
Regulatory Frameworks: Policymakers may need to consider soil-specific PFAS guidelines, in addition to existing water standards.
Public Awareness: Communities, especially in higher-concentration areas, should be informed of the risks and ongoing efforts to address contamination.
Conclusion
The PFAS Soil Survey provides a vital snapshot of chemical persistence in New Jersey’s environment. By documenting where and in what concentrations these substances occur, the report lays the groundwork for stronger environmental protections and public health safeguards. While much remains to be done, this baseline study marks a critical step toward tackling the PFAS challenge.
The full report with graphs and maps is available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection here.
