Distribution of lithium and fluorine containing compounds in the Hungarian section of the Danube River

Due to the increasing production and recycling of lithi-um batteries over the world, we can calculate with in-creasing fluorine contamination in the aquatic environ-ment and drinking water reservoirs. This study was con-ducted to qualification and quantification of five parame-ters; elemental lithium, inorganic fluoride, total adsorba-ble organic fluorine, and selected per- and polyfluoroal-kyl substances - perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluo-rooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) - along the Hungarian section of the Danube River. On the basis of these analyt-ical data, the study aimed to assess the potential envi-ronmental risks posed by fluorine-containing com-pounds. These compounds are introduced into the river through tributaries and emissions from wastewater treat-ment plants, as well as factories producing lithium-ion batteries and wrapping paper along the Danube River banks. Concentrations were determined by applying the following analytical techniques: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, combustion ion chromatog-raphy, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. Considering the measured analytical data, it was estab-lished, that the total lithium level in the River varied in concentration range of 1-5 µg/L. Concentration of inor-ganic fluoride amounted to 28-76 µg/L, while the total adsorbable organofluorine was 0.22-12.5 µg/L. The PFOA and PFOS concentrations remained relatively sta-ble, within a narrow range of 0.7-2.3 ng/L and 0.7-1.7 ng/L, respectively.