PFAS, Coliform, and E. coli Data from Freshwater Canals, Brackish Water in Biscayne Bay, and Ocean Salt Water from Miami Beaches, Florida, USA, July 2023

This package contains data on levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Coliform, and E. coli from samples collected at 15 water sampling sites in and around Biscayne Bay, Florida on 2023-07-27 as part of the Coastal Ecosystem-Research Experience for Teachers (CE-BIORETS) program. The sites included waterways leading to Biscayne Bay (freshwater canals), Biscayne Bay directly (marine brackish water), and ocean water from Miami beaches (marine salt water). A total of 500 mL of surface water was collected (at approximately 30 cm depth) from each site. Samples were run through a Solid Phase Extraction process (SPE) and then dried using a Nitrogen Evaporator. Extracts were then analyzed by Liquid Chromatography-Triple quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine the quantity of each of the different PFAS (ng/L) present in the sample. The same sites were selected for Coliform and E. coli colony forming units’ detection, and samples were collected at the same time as the PFAS samples. Samples were analyzed by pouring 100 mL of collected water into the wells on a ColiPlate. The 15 plates were incubated for 1 day at 37°C to determine if Coliforms and E. coli were detected. Data collection for this project is complete.