PFOS at Malmö Airport - Investigation of dispersion and design of measures
Perflourated substances, PFOS being one of the most known, have been widely used for over 50 years in different household products and industrial applications, such as an additive in hydraulic oils and in fire fighting foam. PFOS doesn't degrade in the environment and large exposure of PFOS can have negative effect on animals and humans.
In Sweden, Swedavia early decied to cease with fire fighting foam containing PFOS, and started studies of the historical dispersion of PFOS from their fire pratice areas in Sweden.
WSP has at the Malmö airport, sampled and risk assessed the dispersion of PFOS från the airport area to adjacent surface waters and fish, game and to a municipal WWTP including sludges. On basis of this, WSP has recommended a prohibation of fishing and other limitations. Furthermore, WSP has designed a treatment plant which is planned to be operating by 2011 treating PFOS contaminated water.