Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of global concern. Studies in Pearl River, south China have focused on the delta area, while the upstream contributions are unclear. Here, we systematically investigated the fate, trends and potential sources of 57 PFASs in river water, sediment and fish of the North and West Rivers of the Pearl River system. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2Cl-PFESA) were frequently found compounds in waters, sediments and fish, suggesting their wide usage in this area and potential for bioaccumulation. Waters showed a higher ∑PFASs in the wet season compared to the dry season, but sediments did not. The North River contributed higher PFAS loads to the Pearl River Delta. Our results also reflect the current shift in PFAS usage from legacy substances to alternatives. This study, for the first time, reports data on PFASs in two upstream rivers of the Pearl River and on alternative PFASs such as PFESA in this area, which can better the understanding of their use, fate, risk assessment and further controls and management.

聚和全氟烷基物质 (PFAS) 是全球关注的污染物。华南珠江地区的研究主要集中在三角洲地区，而上游的贡献尚不清楚。在这里，我们系统地调查了珠江水系北部和西部河流的河水、沉积物和鱼类中 57 种全氟和多氟烷基物质的归宿、趋势和潜在来源。全氟辛酸 (PFOA)、全氟辛烷磺酸 (PFOS) 和 6:2 氯化多氟烷基醚磺酸盐 (6:2Cl-PFESA) 经常在水域、沉积物和鱼类中被发现，表明它们在该领域的广泛使用和生物积累的潜力。与旱季相比，雨季水域的 ∑PFASs 更高，但沉积物没有。北河为珠江三角洲贡献了更高的 PFAS 负荷。我们的结果还反映了当前 PFAS 使用从传统物质转向替代品的转变。本研究首次报告了珠江两条上游河流中PFASs和该地区PFASs等替代PFASs的数据，可以更好地了解它们的使用、归宿、风险评估和进一步的控制和管理。