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.