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Pang H, Dorian B, Gao L, Xie Z, Cran M, Muthukumaran S, Sidiroglou F, Gray S, Zhang J. Remediation of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soil using gas fractionation enhanced technology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154310. [PMID: 35257781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated a gas fractionation enhanced soil washing method for poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal from contaminated soil. With the assistance of gas fractionation, PFAS removal was increased by a factor of 9, compared to the conventional soil washing method. Pre-extraction (pre-treatment) of the soil with water before gas fractionation enhanced PFAS removal from soil. The optimum extraction time varied based on the soil particle size, since it will change the swelling time of the soil. The influence of various operational conditions such as water to soil mass ratio (W:S ratio), gas type in fractionation, gas flowrate, fractionation time and soil pre-treatment condition have been studied to identify the critical influencing factors. Among various W:S ratios (2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10) studied, higher W:S ratio resulted in better PFAS removals, but PFAS removal began to plateau as the W:S ratio increased. PFAS removal could be improved by repeated treatment with low water consumption. Air, oxygen, and ozone generated by air and oxygen were used, in which ozone generated by oxygen achieved the highest PFAS removals of 55.9%. Among different fractionation times (10 min, 20 min and 30 min), a fractionation time of 20 min achieved better total PFAS removal for studied soil, because PFOS was the dominant species in the total PFAS. However, the removal of some PFAS species, such as PFHxS, would be increased with extended fractionation time. With constant fractionation time (10 min), PFAS removal performance improved with the increasing gas flowrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiao Pang
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia; Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3000, Australia
| | | | - Li Gao
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia; South East Water Corporation, PO Box 2268, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia
| | - Zongli Xie
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Private Bag 10, Clayton South MDC, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - Marlene Cran
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Shobha Muthukumaran
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Fotios Sidiroglou
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Stephen Gray
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.
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Szabo D, Moodie D, Green MP, Mulder RA, Clarke BO. Field-Based Distribution and Bioaccumulation Factors for Cyclic and Aliphatic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in an Urban Sedentary Waterbird Population. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8231-8244. [PMID: 35678721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The field-based distribution and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in residential Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) from an urban lake (Melbourne, Australia). The concentrations of 46 aliphatic and cyclic PFASs were determined by HPLC-MS/MS in serum and excrement from swans, and water, sediment, aquatic macrophytes, soil, and grass samples in and around the lake. Elevated concentrations of ∑46PFASs were detected in serum (120 ng mL-1) and excrement (110 ng g-1 dw) were strongly related indicating a potential noninvasive sampling methodology. Environmental concentrations of PFASs were consistent with a highly impacted ecosystem and notably high concentrations of perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS, 67584-42-3; C8HF15SO3) were detected in water (27 ng L-1) and swan serum (16 ng mL-1). In the absence of credible putative alternative sources of PFECHS input to the lake, we propose that the use of high-performance motorsport vehicles is a likely source of contamination to this ecosystem. The BAF of perfluorocarboxylic acids increased with each additional CF2 moiety from PFOA (15.7 L kg-1 ww) to PFDoDA (3615 L kg-1 ww). The BAF of PFECHS was estimated as 593 L kg-1 ww, which is lower compared with that of PFOS (1097 L kg-1 ww).
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Damien Moodie
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia 3001
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
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Mifkovic M, Pauling J, Vyas S. Computational protocol for predicting 19 F NMR chemical shifts for PFAS and connection to PFAS structure. J Comput Chem 2022; 43:1355-1361. [PMID: 35665946 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are robust "forever" chemicals that have become global environmental contaminants due to their inability to degrade using traditional techniques. In addition to the persistent nature of PFAS, the structural and functional diversity in PFAS creates a unique challenge in identification and remediation. Their identification is further complicated by the absence of standards for many PFAS. This work is aimed at developing a protocol for computing and establishing accurate 19 F NMR chemical shifts for PFAS using density functional theory (DFT), which can aid in the identification of PFAS. The impact of solvation and basis sets was evaluated by comparing the computed data with the experimental measurements. Results showed the addition of dispersion corrections in the methodology improve the accuracy of calculated NMR parameters within 4 ppm of the experimental values. Adding a second diffuse function and additional polarization did not improve the accuracy, likely because of the electronegativity of fluorine which does not allow the electron density of fluorine atoms to be polarized. The inclusion of various implicit solvation (DMSO, chloroform, and water) yielded negligible differences in accuracy, and were overall less accurate than the gas phase calculations. The most accurate methodology was then applied to more environmentally relevant PFAS, and the impact of helical nature on the NMR signatures was evaluated. The implication of this work is to be able to improve the identification of structurally diverse PFAS using the 19 F NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleigh Mifkovic
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
| | - Jessica Pauling
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
| | - Shubham Vyas
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
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Bygd MD, Aukema KG, Richman JE, Wackett LP. Microwell Fluoride Screen for Chemical, Enzymatic, and Cellular Reactions Reveals Latent Microbial Defluorination Capacity for -CF 3 Groups. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0028822. [PMID: 35435713 PMCID: PMC9088286 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00288-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity to defluorinate polyfluorinated organic compounds is a rare phenotype in microbes but is increasingly considered important for maintaining the environment. New discoveries will be greatly facilitated by the ability to screen many natural and engineered microbes in a combinatorial manner against large numbers of fluorinated compounds simultaneously. Here, we describe a low-volume, high-throughput screening method to determine defluorination capacity of microbes and their enzymes. The method is based on selective binding of fluoride to a lanthanum chelate complex that gives a purple-colored product. It was miniaturized to determine biodefluorination in 96-well microtiter plates by visual inspection or robotic handling and spectrophotometry. Chemicals commonly used in microbiological studies were examined to define usable buffers and reagents. Base-catalyzed, purified enzyme and whole-cell defluorination reactions were demonstrated with fluoroatrazine and showed correspondence between the microtiter assay and a fluoride electrode. For discovering new defluorination reactions and mechanisms, a chemical library of 63 fluorinated compounds was screened in vivo with Pseudomonas putida F1 in microtiter well plates. These data were also calibrated against a fluoride electrode. Our new method revealed 21 new compounds undergoing defluorination. A compound with four fluorine substituents, 4-fluorobenzotrifluoride, was shown to undergo defluorination to the greatest extent. The mechanism of its defluorination was studied to reveal a latent microbial propensity to defluorinate trifluoromethylphenyl groups, a moiety that is commonly incorporated into numerous pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals. IMPORTANCE Thousands of organofluorine chemicals are known, and a number are considered to be persistent and toxic environmental pollutants. Environmental bioremediation methods are avidly being sought, but few bacteria biodegrade fluorinated chemicals. To find new organofluoride biodegradation, a rapid screening method was developed. The method is versatile, monitoring chemical, enzymatic, and whole-cell biodegradation. Biodegradation of organofluorine compounds invariably releases fluoride anions, which was sensitively detected. Our method uncovered 21 new microbial defluorination reactions. A general mechanism was delineated for the biodegradation of trifluoromethylphenyl groups that are increasingly being used in drugs and pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison D. Bygd
- Microbial Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kelly G. Aukema
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jack E. Richman
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lawrence P. Wackett
- Microbial Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Kulkarni PR, Adamson DT, Popovic J, Newell CJ. Modeling a well-characterized perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) source and plume using the REMChlor-MD model to account for matrix diffusion. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2022; 247:103986. [PMID: 35279484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.103986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Two of the most important retention processes for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater likely are sorption and matrix diffusion. The objective of this study was to model concentration and mass discharge of one PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), with matrix diffusion processes incorporated using data from a highly chemically- and geologically-characterized site. When matrix diffusion is incorporated into the REMChlor-MD model for PFOS at this research site, it easily reproduces the field data for three key metrics (concentration, mass discharge, and total mass). However, the no-matrix diffusion model produced a much poorer match. Additionally, after about 40 years of groundwater transport, field data and the REMChlor-MD model both showed the majority (80%) of the measured PFOS mass that exited the source zones was located in downgradient low permeability zones due to matrix diffusion. As such, most of the PFOS mass is not available to immediately migrate downgradient via advection in the more permeable sands at this site, which has important implications for monitored natural attenuation (MNA). Plume expansion over the next 50 years is forecasted to be limited, from a 350-m plume length in 2017 to 550 m in 2070, as matrix diffusion will attenuate groundwater plumes by slowing their expansion. This phenomenon is important for constituents that do not degrade, such as PFOS, compared to those susceptible to degradation. Overall, this work shows that matrix diffusion is a relevant process in environmental PFAS persistence and slows the rate of plume expansion over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jovan Popovic
- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, CA 93041, USA.
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56
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Yin C, Pan CG, Xiao SK, Wu Q, Tan HM, Yu K. Insights into the effects of salinity on the sorption and desorption of legacy and emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on marine sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118957. [PMID: 35124123 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted extensive attention since this century due to their wide distribution, persistence, bioaccumulation/biomagnification potential, and (eco)toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the sorption kinetics, sorption isotherms and desorption behaviors of legacy and emerging PFASs with different chain lengths and functional end groups onto marine sediments at four different salinities (0, 10, 20, and 30 practical salinity units (psu)). Results revealed that the sorption of PFASs onto sediment can be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. PFASs sorption was influenced by both compound-specific and solution-specific parameters. The distribution coefficient (Kd) for PFASs were increased with the increase of perfluorocarbon chain length and salinity, suggesting that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were involved in the adsorption process. 6:2 FTSA showed the lowest adsorption among PFASs with eight carbon atoms (6:2 FTSA, PFOA and PFOS). The increase of perfluorocarbon chain length of PFASs and salinity would result in the decrease of desorption rate of PFASs from sediment. In addition, PFCAs were desorbed more easily from the sediment than the PFSAs with the same perfluorocarbon chain length at all salinity groups. The present study demonstrated that salinity can apparently influence the fate of PFASs in aquatic environment and provided valuable data for modeling the fate of PFASs in real environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519080, PR China.
| | - Shao-Ke Xiao
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Qi Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Hong-Ming Tan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519080, PR China
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Mattias S, Kikuchi J, Wiberg K, Lutz A. Spatial distribution and load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in background soils in Sweden. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133944. [PMID: 35150699 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative, and have adverse health effects, but very little is known about PFAS in the terrestrial environment and factors influencing their distribution. This paper presents one of the first comprehensive studies investigating PFAS (n = 28) in background forest soils (n = 27) on national scale across Sweden. The results showed that 16 of 28 target PFAS were present and all sites contained at least three PFAS compounds, with total concentrations ranging between 0.40 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 6.6 ng/g dw. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) showed the highest detection frequency of 89% and a median concentration of 0.39 ng/g dw. The PFOS loads (ng/m3) showed a distinct spatial distribution, with a significant exponential increase from north to south (R2 = 0.55; p < 0.001) and west to east (R2 = 0.35; p < 0.01). In some parts of Sweden, the compound 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA) had a higher median concentration (1.4 ng/g dw), but was in comparison to PFOS more impacted by local sources. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed regional clustering of PFAS compositional profiles, indicating that PFAS soil background concentrations are functions of spatial variations at local, regional, and countrywide scale. Such spatial trends have not been observed previously and it could not be deduced whether they are indicative of trends on a global scale, or country-specific and better explained by proximity to densely populated urban areas. An interpolation and extrapolation raster map created from the results was used to calculate the average total PFAS load on Swedish soils. Estimated total load in the top 10-cm soil layer was 2.7 ± 2.4 tons for PFOS and 16 ± 14 tons for ∑PFAS, indicating that soil carries a considerable legacy of past PFAS release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sörengård Mattias
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden.
| | - Johannes Kikuchi
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden; Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI), SE-581 93, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Ahrens Lutz
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden.
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Adsorption of perfluorooctanoic acid from water by pH-modulated Brönsted acid and base sites in mesoporous hafnium oxide ceramics. iScience 2022; 25:104138. [PMID: 35402881 PMCID: PMC8987376 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly appearing in drinking water sources globally. Our work focuses specifically on the adsorption of the legacy perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) using mesoporous hafnium oxide (MHO) ceramic synthesized via a sol-gel process. Experiments were performed at varying pH to determine the effect of surface charge on adsorption capacity of PFOA by MHO, and to postulate adsorption behavior. At pH 2.3, the adsorption capacity of PFOA on MHO was 20.9 mg/g, whereas at a higher pH of 6.3, it was much lower at 9.2 mg/g. This was due to increased coulombic attractions at lower pH between the positively charged conjugate acid active sites on MHO surface and negatively charged deprotonated PFOA anion in solution. After adsorption, the solid MHO was regenerated via calcination, reducing the amount of toxic solid waste to be disposed since the adsorbent is regenerated, and the PFOA is completely removed. The adsorption capacity of PFOA by MHO was determined to be 20.9 mg/g at pH 2.3 As pH increased, the adsorption capacity of MHO decreased due to Coulombic repulsions MHO could be regenerated via calcination to limit the amount of toxic waste produced
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Barhoumi B, Sander SG, Tolosa I. A review on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in microplastic and food-contact materials. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112595. [PMID: 34929191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic, paper and cardboard are widely used as food contact materials (FCMs), due to its numerous favourable characteristics. However, they are usually coated with hazardous substances, such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs, with its functional properties of oil- and water-repellency, can migrate from FCMs into the food and cause potential risk to human health. There are also increasing concerns about the harm that FCMs can cause to the environment. These concerns include accumulation of non-degradable plastics in the environment, generation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, and release of PFASs from FCMs. While many reviews have been conducted on PFASs in the environment, including their occurrence, fate, toxicity, biodegradation, migration in ecosystems and remediation technologies, a systematic review of PFASs in FCMs and MPs is currently lacking. In addition, our knowledge of the PFAS sorption processes on MPs is rather limited, and in particular their desorption processes. Thus, this review aims to (1) review the presence of various classes of PFASs in FCMs and their migration into food, (2) review the PFASs in MPs and summarize the sorption mechanisms, and factors that influence their sorption behaviour on MPs in the aquatic environment, and (3) identify the current research gaps and future research directions to predict the risks associated with the presence and sorption of PFASs in FCMs and MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badreddine Barhoumi
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of, Monaco.
| | - Sylvia G Sander
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of, Monaco; GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
| | - Imma Tolosa
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of, Monaco.
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Gui SY, Chen YN, Wu KJ, Liu W, Wang WJ, Liang HR, Jiang ZX, Li ZL, Hu CY. Association Between Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:855348. [PMID: 35400049 PMCID: PMC8988915 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.855348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large body of emerging evidence suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affect birth outcomes in various pathways, but the evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the epidemiological evidence on PFAS exposure and birth outcomes. Methods Three electronic databases were searched for epidemiological studies through February 13, 2021. We used random-effects meta-analysis for eight birth outcome indicators to calculate summary effect estimates for various exposure types. The risk of bias and the overall quality and level of evidence for each exposure-outcome pair were assessed. Results The initial search identified 58 potentially eligible studies, of which 46 were ultimately included. Many PFAS were found to have previously unrecognized statistically significant associations with birth outcomes. Specifically, birth weight (BW) was associated with PFAS, with effect sizes ranging from −181.209 g (95% confidence interval (CI) = −360.620 to −1.798) per 1 ng/ml increase in perfluoroheptanesulfonate (PFHpS) to −24.252 g (95% CI = −38.574 to −9.930) per 1 ln (ng/ml) increase in perfluorodecaoic acid (PFDA). Similar patterns were observed between other PFAS and birth outcomes: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with birth length (BL) and ponderal index (PI), PFOS and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) with head circumference (HC), PFHpS with gestational age (GA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and PFHpS with preterm birth (PTB). Additionally, PFDA showed a statistically significant association with small for gestational age (SGA). The level of the combined evidence for each exposure-outcome pair was considered to be “moderate”. Conclusion This study showed that PFAS exposure was significantly associated with increased risks of various adverse birth outcomes and that different birth outcome indicators had different degrees of sensitivity to PFAS. Further studies are needed to confirm our results by expanding the sample size, clarifying the effects of different types or doses of PFAS and the time of blood collection on birth outcomes, and fully considering the possible confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue-Nan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ke-Jia Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huan-Ru Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zheng-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ze-Lian Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ze-Lian Li
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Cheng-Yang Hu
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Huang S, Sima M, Long Y, Messenger C, Jaffé PR. Anaerobic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in biosolids by Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127699. [PMID: 34799154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic incubations were performed with biosolids obtained from an industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances- (PFAS) free, laboratory-generated, biosolids that were spiked with PFOA. Biosolid slurries were incubated for 150 days as is, after augmenting with either Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 or ferrihydrite, or with both, Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 and ferrihydrite. Autoclaved controls were run in parallel. Only the biosolids augmented with both, Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 and ferrihydrite showed a decrease in the PFOA concentration, in excess of 50% (total, dissolved, and solid associated). Higher concentrations of PFOA in the biosolids spiked with PFOA and no previous PFAS exposure allowed to track the production of fluoride to verify PFOA defluorination. The buildup of fluoride over the incubation time was observed in these biosolid incubations spiked with PFOA. A significant increase in the concentration of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) over the incubations of the filter cake samples from the industrial WWTP was observed, indicating the presence of a non-identified precursor in these biosolids. Results show that anaerobic incubation of PFAS contaminated biosolids, after augmentation with Fe(III) and Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 can result in PFAS defluorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Matthew Sima
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Ying Long
- The Chemours Company, Chemours Discovery Hub, 201 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Courtney Messenger
- The Chemours Company, Chemours Discovery Hub, 201 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Peter R Jaffé
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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Evich MG, Davis MJB, McCord JP, Acrey B, Awkerman JA, Knappe DRU, Lindstrom AB, Speth TF, Stevens CT, Strynar MJ, Wang Z, Weber EJ, Henderson WM, Washington JW. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment. Science 2022; 375:eabg9065. [PMID: 35113710 PMCID: PMC8902460 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg9065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 195.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past several years, the term PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has grown to be emblematic of environmental contamination, garnering public, scientific, and regulatory concern. PFAS are synthesized by two processes, direct fluorination (e.g., electrochemical fluorination) and oligomerization (e.g., fluorotelomerization). More than a megatonne of PFAS is produced yearly, and thousands of PFAS wind up in end-use products. Atmospheric and aqueous fugitive releases during manufacturing, use, and disposal have resulted in the global distribution of these compounds. Volatile PFAS facilitate long-range transport, commonly followed by complex transformation schemes to recalcitrant terminal PFAS, which do not degrade under environmental conditions and thus migrate through the environment and accumulate in biota through multiple pathways. Efforts to remediate PFAS-contaminated matrices still are in their infancy, with much current research targeting drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Evich
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Mary J. B. Davis
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - James P. McCord
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Brad Acrey
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Jill A. Awkerman
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Detlef R. U. Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Andrew B. Lindstrom
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment
| | - Thomas F. Speth
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
| | - Caroline T. Stevens
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Mark J. Strynar
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eric J. Weber
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - W. Matthew Henderson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - John W. Washington
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
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63
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PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020044. [PMID: 35202231 PMCID: PMC8878656 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their wide applicability over a vast range of industrial, professional and non-professional uses. However, increasing evidence indicate that these compounds represent also a serious concern for both wildlife and human health as a result of their ubiquitous distribution, their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulative potential. In light of the adverse effects that have been already documented in biota and human populations or that might occur in absence of prompt interventions, the competent authorities in matter of health and environment protection, the industries as well as scientists are cooperating to identify the most appropriate regulatory measures, substitution plans and remediation technologies to mitigate PFAS impacts. In this review, starting from PFAS chemistry, uses and environmental fate, we summarize the current knowledge on PFAS occurrence in different environmental media and their effects on living organisms, with a particular emphasis on humans. Also, we describe present and provisional legislative measures in the European Union framework strategy to regulate PFAS manufacture, import and use as well as some of the most promising treatment technologies designed to remediate PFAS contamination in different environmental compartments.
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64
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Fabregat-Palau J, Vidal M, Rigol A. Modelling the sorption behaviour of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and perfluoroalkane sulfonates in soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149343. [PMID: 34418616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A simple parametric model was developed to predict the sorption of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in soils. Initially, sorption and desorption solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd and Kd,des respectively) of eight PFASs (five perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, PFCAs, and three perfluoroalkane sulfonates, PFSAs) in seven soils with organic carbon (OC) content ranging from 1.6 to 41% were quantified using batch experiments. The information obtained helped to fill the gaps in a literature-based database of Kd values of PFASs, which was lacking data on soils with high OC content. The overall dataset finally comprised 435 entries. Normalized sorption coefficients for the soil OC and mineral fraction contents (KOC and KMIN respectively) were deduced for each PFAS by correlating the corresponding Kd values obtained under a wide range of experimental conditions with the fraction of organic carbon (fOC) of the soils. Furthermore, the sorption mechanisms in each phase were shown to depend mainly on PFAS chain length. The dependence of KOC and KMIN values on PFAS chain length defined the basic equations to construct the model for predicting PFAS sorption, applicable to both PFCAs and PFSAs with chain lengths ranging from 3 to 11 fluorinated carbons. The validation of the proposed model confirmed its ability to predict the Kd of PFASs based only on the soil OC and silt+clay contents and PFAS chain length. Therefore, it can be used in the first stages of a risk assessment process aiming at estimating the potential mobility of PFASs in soils after a contamination event. SYNOPSIS: This study develops a new parametric model to predict the sorption of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Fabregat-Palau
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Vidal
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rigol
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Arslan M, Gamal El-Din M. Removal of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) by wetlands: Prospects on plants, microbes and the interplay. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149570. [PMID: 34399352 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) represent a large family of synthetic organofluorine aliphatic compounds. They have been extensively produced since 1940s due to enormous applications as a surface-active agent, and water and oil repellent characteristics. PFASs are made to be non-biodegradable, therefore, many of them have been found in the environment albeit strict regulations have been in place since 2002. PFASs are extremely toxic compounds that can impart harm in both fauna and flora. Recent investigations have shown that wetlands might be useful for their removal from the environment as a passive and nature-based solution. To this end, understanding the role of plants, microbes, and their combined plant-microbe interplay is crucial because it could help design a sophisticated passive treatment wetland system. This review focuses on how these components (plants, microbe, substrate) can influence PFASs removal in wetlands under natural and controlled conditions. The information on underlying removal mechanisms is mostly retrieved from laboratory-based studies; however, pilot- and field-scale data are also presented to provide insights on their real-time performance. Briefly, a traditional wetland system works on the principles of phytouptake, bioaccumulation, and sorption, which are mainly due to the fact that PFASs are synthetic compounds that have very low reactivity in the environment. Nevertheless, recent investigations have also shown that Feammox process in wetlands can mineralize the PFASs; thus, opens new opportunities for PFASs degradation in terms of effective plant-microbe interplay in the wetlands. The choice of plants and bacterial species is however crucial, and the system efficiency relies on species-specific, sediment-specific and pollutant-specific principles. More research is encouraged to identify genetic elements and molecular mechanisms that can help us harness effective plant-microbe interplay in wetlands for the successful removal of PFASs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arslan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada.
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66
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Mondejar ME, Avtar R, Diaz HLB, Dubey RK, Esteban J, Gómez-Morales A, Hallam B, Mbungu NT, Okolo CC, Prasad KA, She Q, Garcia-Segura S. Digitalization to achieve sustainable development goals: Steps towards a Smart Green Planet. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 794:148539. [PMID: 34323742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Digitalization provides access to an integrated network of unexploited big data with potential benefits for society and the environment. The development of smart systems connected to the internet of things can generate unique opportunities to strategically address challenges associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure an equitable, environmentally sustainable, and healthy society. This perspective describes the opportunities that digitalization can provide towards building the sustainable society of the future. Smart technologies are envisioned as game-changing tools, whereby their integration will benefit the three essential elements of the food-water-energy nexus: (i) sustainable food production; (ii) access to clean and safe potable water; and (iii) green energy generation and usage. It then discusses the benefits of digitalization to catalyze the transition towards sustainable manufacturing practices and enhance citizens' health wellbeing by providing digital access to care, particularly for the underserved communities. Finally, the perspective englobes digitalization benefits by providing a holistic view on how it can contribute to address the serious challenges of endangered planet biodiversity and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Mondejar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 403, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ram Avtar
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Heyker Lellani Baños Diaz
- Plant Protection Division, Head of Agricultural Pests Group, National Center for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA), Apartado 10, San José de las Lajas, Provincia Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Rama Kant Dubey
- Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Jesús Esteban
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Gómez-Morales
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, 550 N3rd St, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Brett Hallam
- School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Nsilulu Tresor Mbungu
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Chukwuebuka Christopher Okolo
- Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 23, Ethiopia; Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Althanstr, 14, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Kumar Arun Prasad
- Department of Geography, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Qianhong She
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore; Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 637141, Singapore
| | - Sergi Garcia-Segura
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States.
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67
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Uriakhil MA, Sidnell T, De Castro Fernández A, Lee J, Ross I, Bussemaker M. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance remediation from soil and sorbents: A review of adsorption behaviour and ultrasonic treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 282:131025. [PMID: 34118624 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are xenobiotics, present at variable concentrations in soils and groundwater worldwide. Some of the current remediation techniques being researched or applied for PFAS-impacted soils involve solidification-stabilisation, soil washing, excavation and disposal to landfill, on site or in situ smouldering, thermal desorption, ball milling and incineration. Given the large volumes of soil requiring treatment, there is a need for a more environmentally friendly technique to remove and treat PFASs from soils. Sorbents such as granular/powdered activated carbon, ion exchange resins and silicas are used in water treatment to remove PFAS. In this work, PFAS adsorption mechanisms and the effect of pore size, pH and organic matter on adsorption efficacy are discussed. Then, adsorption of PFAS to soils and sorbents is considered when assessing the viability of remediation techniques. Sonication-aided treatment was predicted to be an effective removal technique for PFAS from a solid phase, and the effect of varying frequency, power and particle size on the effectiveness of the desorption process is discussed. Causes and mitigation strategies for possible cavitation-induced particle erosion during ultrasound washing are also identified. Following soil remediation, degrading the extracted PFAS using sonolysis in a water-organic solvent mixture is discussed. The implications for future soil remediation and sorbent regeneration based on the findings in this study are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Angaar Uriakhil
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Tim Sidnell
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK
| | | | - Judy Lee
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Ian Ross
- Tetra Tech, Quay West at MediaCityUK, Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Manchester, England, M17 1HH, UK
| | - Madeleine Bussemaker
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK.
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68
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Huang D, Xiao R, Du L, Zhang G, Yin L, Deng R, Wang G. Phytoremediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances: A review on aquatic plants, influencing factors, and phytotoxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126314. [PMID: 34329029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of emerging organic contaminants which are persistent to normal physicochemical treatments. The widespread use of PFASs has caused significant environmental issues. The bioaccumulation and distribution of PFASs within plant compartments have revealed great potentials for phytoremediation. In this review, the roles of aquatic plants in the process of PFASs remediation were highlighted. Moreover, there were different underlying mechanisms of PFASs uptake between terrestrial and aquatic plants. On the other hand, a wide range of influencing factors for bioaccumulation and translocation of PFASs within plant compartments are also presented and discussed. In response to exposure of PFASs, corresponding phytotoxic effects has affected the growth and metabolism of plants, which could provide beneficial guides of the phytotoxic tolerance for plant species selection in applications of phytoremediation. Finally, the discussion about whether phytoremediation is a viable option for PFASs removal and further research priorities are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Ruihao Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Li Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Gaoxia Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - LingShi Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Rui Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Guangfu Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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69
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McDonough AM, Bird AW, Freeman LM, Luciani MA, Todd AK. Fate and budget of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in three common garden plants after experimental additions with contaminated river water. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117115. [PMID: 33957512 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become ubiquitous contaminants in the environment. Contamination of the terrestrial ecosystem can occur from the release of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used in firefighting operations. Following soil contamination with AFFF, studies report root uptake and translocation of PFAS to other plant organs, typically favouring the short chain moiety. This body of experimental work often focuses on edible organs and generally lacks entire PFAS budgets. Here, we calculate short chain (≤6 carbons) and long chain (≥6 or ≥ 7 carbons) PFAS concentrations and respective budgets for terrestrial multimedia mesocosms (plants, soil and lysimeter) of three common agricultural plants (tomato, lettuce and beet) following irrigation with low level PFAS (<1 μg L-1) contaminated river water (short chain: 167 ng L-1; long chain 526 ng L-1). Total net recoveries were strong, ranging between 91% and 118% of added PFAS across all media. While soil was the largest receptor of PFAS in general (∼70% and 115%), there was considerable mobility to various media, including vegetation (∼3% and 20%) and leachate (∼1%). Translocation of short chain PFAS to tomato flowers resulted with biomagnified concentrations (maximus >4000 ng g-1) and accounted for 1.4% of PFAS additions. While smaller tomato fruits had higher concentrations of short chain PFAS, larger fruit had more total PFAS mass. This work provides a detailed description of the fate of short and long chain PFAS when added to relatively uncontaminated terrestrial agricultural systems. We show low-level PFAS concentrations from real-world irrigation sources can affect various receptors across the multimedia landscape. This is most evident in tomato flowers and fruit where biomagnification and high total masses of short chain PFAS occurred which could have implications for pollinators and consumption, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M McDonough
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, 125 Resources Road, MP9 3V6, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Adam W Bird
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, 125 Resources Road, MP9 3V6, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay M Freeman
- SLR Consulting, 300 Town Centre Blvd, L3R 5Z6, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A Luciani
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, 125 Resources Road, MP9 3V6, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron K Todd
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, 125 Resources Road, MP9 3V6, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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70
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Sharifan H, Bagheri M, Wang D, Burken JG, Higgins CP, Liang Y, Liu J, Schaefer CE, Blotevogel J. Fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the vadose zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145427. [PMID: 33736164 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a heterogeneous group of persistent organic pollutants that have been detected in various environmental compartments around the globe. Emerging research has revealed the preferential accumulation of PFASs in shallow soil horizons, particularly at sites impacted by firefighting activities, agricultural applications, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the vadose zone, PFASs can sorb to soil, accumulate at interfaces, become volatilized, be taken up in biota, or leach to the underlying aquifer. At the same time, polyfluorinated precursor species may transform into highly recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl acids, changing their chemical identity and thus transport behavior along the way. In this review, we critically discuss the current state of the knowledge and aim to interconnect the complex processes that control the fate and transport of PFASs in the vadose zone. Furthermore, we identify key challenges and future research needs. Consequently, this review may serve as an interdisciplinary guide for the risk assessment and management of PFAS-contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Sharifan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Majid Bagheri
- Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Joel G Burken
- Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | | | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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