Atmospheric transport and deposition of PFAS in East Antarctica: Evidence from snow transect measurements and a multidecadal record

The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Antarctica has been previously reported; however, the mechanisms of their inland penetration and the interplay between their depositional histories and interhemispheric transport remain unclear. Here, PFAS in snow along a transect across East Antarctica (from Zhongshan Station to Dome A) and depositional records at Dome A were studied to elucidate the sources and transport of PFAS and to reconstruct the historical emission record. Our findings suggest that precursor degradation and sea spray aerosol are the main sources of PFAS and play a pivotal role in the regional and seasonal variability of PFAS accumulation. The half-century depositional records reveal connections between Antarctica and distant sources. We propose the hemispheric and interhemispheric transport of PFAS from source regions to Antarctica, where they are deposited.