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Joerss H, Apel C, Ebinghaus R. Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water and sediment of the North and Baltic Seas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:360-369. [PMID: 31181522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Along with the phase-out of legacy long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) and their precursors, attention has been drawn to emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This study is aimed at investigating the importance of selected emerging PFASs as pollutants in European coastal environments and a possible transition from legacy long-chain PFCAs and PFSAs to replacement compounds. Therefore, the spatial distribution of 29 PFASs was analysed in surface water and sediment of the North and Baltic Seas sampled in 2017. Levels of the replacement compound HFPO-DA were approximately three times higher than those of its predecessor PFOA in surface water from the North Sea, which is characterised by the influence of point sources and constant exchange with open water. Reanalysis of sample extracts from the last decade showed that HFPO-DA had already been present in 2011, when it had not yet been in focus. In the Baltic Sea with a limited water exchange and dominance of diffuse sources, the proportion of HFPO-DA was negligible, whereas long-chain PFCAs and PFSAs still contributed to ∑PFASs with about 30%. The emerging cyclic compound perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS), which has not yet been reported in European coastal environments, was detected in 86% of the Baltic Sea samples. Influenced by sediment characteristics in addition to source-specific contributions, the spatial distribution of PFASs in surface sediments was more variable than for water samples. The linear isomer of the long-chain legacy substance PFOS was the predominant compound found over the entire study area. Of the emerging PFASs, 6:6 and 6:8 perfluoroalkyl phosphinic acids (PFPiAs) were identified close to potential industrial inputs and in sedimentation areas. The results show that particular emerging PFASs play a relevant role in the investigated coastal environments and that a shift to replacements is dependent on sources and geographical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Joerss
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Christina Apel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ralf Ebinghaus
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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Niu Z, Na J, Xu W, Wu N, Zhang Y. The effect of environmentally relevant emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on the growth and antioxidant response in marine Chlorella sp. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:103-109. [PMID: 31146223 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (6:2 Cl-PFAES), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoic acid (HFPO-DA) and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS) are emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) that are being applied to replace phased-out PFASs, which have high persistency, high bioaccumulation potential and high toxicity. Recently, these emerging PFASs were observed in estuary and marine areas with a pollution level of ng/L. In this study, three levels (10 ng L-1, 100 ng L-1 and 1000 ng L-1) for these PFASs were selected to investigate the response of marine Chlorella sp. to 14 days of exposure. The growth of Chlorella sp. was significantly inhibited by each PFAS over time. Treatments with 1000 ng/L exposure caused the most severe reduction in growth for each PFAS treatment. For the first half of the experimental period (from Day 0 to Day 6), the influence of each PFAS was not significant (p > 0.05). However, treatments with all concentrations of 6:2 Cl-PFAES, HFPO-DA and 1000 ng L-1 PFECHS significantly reduced the growth of Chlorella sp. from Day 8. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in Chlorella sp. were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when exposed to 6:2 Cl-PFAES, HFPO-DA and PFECHS. The catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities in Chlorella sp. were significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by each PFAS. The glutathione (GSH) contents in Chlorella sp. were significantly increased by each PFAS. However, the increases in GSH concentration in Chlorella sp. were low. The inhibition of algal growth was primarily due to the reduction of the activities of CAT and POD. PFECHS had the lowest toxicity among the three PFASs, and it induced less oxidized damage to Chlorella sp. In conclusion, as alternatives to phased-out PFASs, the emerging PFASs are not safe in aquatic environment, and attention should be paid to the management and restriction of these emerging PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jing Na
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wei'an Xu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Wang Y, Shi Y, Cai Y. Spatial distribution, seasonal variation and risks of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in urban surface water in Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 673:177-183. [PMID: 30986677 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, we investigated the occurrence, spatial distribution and seasonal variation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including one group of emerging PFASs, the chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs), in urban surface water (river and lake) samples from October 2013 to September 2014 (except during the frozen period) in Beijing, China. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were the dominant compounds, with average concentrations of 12.79 and 9.90 ng/L, respectively. For Cl-PFESAs, only C8 Cl-PFESA could be detected, and its concentration ranged from <MLQ to 6.93 ng/L. Higher concentrations of ∑PFASs were observed in the northern and eastern regions of Beijing. The highest and lowest levels of ∑PFASs were found in summer and winter, respectively. For C8 Cl-PFESA, there were no significant differences in the concentrations among different sampling sites. Additionally, risk assessments indicated that the studied PFASs at present levels might pose a low risk to aquatic organisms (green algae, Daphnia sp. and fish). However, further studies should be conducted on the combined risk from PFASs or the risk to other sensitive species in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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Chen H, Zhang L, Li M, Yao Y, Zhao Z, Munoz G, Sun H. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in precipitation from mainland China: Contributions of unknown precursors and short-chain (C2C3) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 153:169-177. [PMID: 30711792 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A nationwide survey was conducted on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in precipitation across mainland China. Twenty-two PFASs, including precursors to perfluoroalkyl acids (pre-PFAAs), were investigated in thirty-nine precipitation samples collected from twenty-eight cities. Trifluoroacetate (TFA), perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were ubiquitous in precipitation. TFA displayed the highest concentrations (8.8-1.8 × 103 ng/L), which were particularly elevated in coastal cities. 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acid, an alternative to PFOS, was detected for the first time in precipitation at a frequency of 43%. Polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid were also occasionally detected. PFAS fluxes in the northeastern area (C4C12; 2.0 × 102-3.4 × 103 ng/m2/d) with major PFAS manufacturing facilities were higher than those in the southwestern area (63-1.7 × 103 ng/m2/d). Using total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay, the occurrence of unknown pre-PFAAs was for the first time uncovered in precipitation with maximum estimated fluxes of C6 and C8 pre-PFAAs at 3.1 × 103 and 4.3 × 103 ng/m2/d, respectively. The relative contribution of ultrashort-chain PFCAs (C2C3) ranged from 22% to 91% of ∑PFASs, while unknown pre-PFAAs accounted for 6%-56% of the total molar concentrations of PFASs. This bears critical concerns on underestimation of PFAS mass load from precipitation to surface environment ascribed to monitoring data solely on known PFASs. Unknown precursors of PFAAs in the atmosphere are yet to be identified for their chemical structures and relevant environmental risks as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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55
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Li J, Wu N, Li W, Niu Z. Distribution, partitioning behavior and positive matrix factorization-based source analysis of legacy and emerging polyfluorinated alkyl substances in the dissolved phase, surface sediment and suspended particulate matter around coastal areas of Bohai Bay, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:34-44. [PMID: 30529939 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations and spatial occurrences of 17 legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 4 emerging PFAS in the coastal water-dissolved phase, surface sediment phase and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the coastal areas of Bohai Bay were investigated. In addition, the partition behaviors of PFAS in the water-SPM system and water-sediment system and the potential sources of PFAS in the marine environment were revealed. The total concentrations of PFAS (∑PFAS) in the water-dissolved phase, surface sediment and SPM were 20.5-684 ng/L, 2.69-25.0 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 4.39-527 ng/g dw, respectively. The level of PFAS contamination in the coastal areas of Shandong Province was higher than that in other areas. The average partition coefficients (log Kd) of PFAS in the water-SPM system and water-sediment system were 1.56-3.57 and 0.72-2.95, respectively. Long-chain PFAS and PFECHS (perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate) have a higher log Kd than that of short-chain PFAS. PFAS with short carbon chains were mainly detected in the water-dissolved phase, but long-chain PFAS mainly occurred in the surface sediment and SPM phases. Source analysis based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model found that erosion inhibitor factories, aqueous film-forming foam factories, metal plating plants, fluoropolymer chemical manufacture and food contact materials were the main sources of PFAS in Bohai Bay. These results improved our understanding of the partitioning behavior and sources of PFAS in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wenpeng Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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56
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Li R, Munoz G, Liu Y, Sauvé S, Ghoshal S, Liu J. Transformation of novel polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as co-contaminants during biopile remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 362:140-147. [PMID: 30236934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are commonly deployed to extinguish hydrocarbon fuel fires, resulting in petroleum hydrocarbons coexisting with PFASs in contaminated soil. Nutrient-amended and aerated biopiles used for petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation could cause unintended transformation of polyfluorinated substances into perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs). The study sought to examine environmental behaviors of PFASs in engineered treatment facilities by monitoring AFFF-derived PFASs under three nutrient conditions. The influence of nutrient levels on degradation kinetics and efficiency was found to vary between the two chemical classes and among individual PFASs. A high number of compounds including the zwitterionic polyfluoroalkyl betaines that have aged in the field for two years were continuously biotransforming in lab reactors, demonstrating their slow kinetics and environmental persistence. The low yield to PFCAs implies that the processes such as the formation of bound residues or irreversible sorption might play a major role in reducing detectable levels of zwitterionic PFASs. The high persistence of betaines was further confirmed by the behaviors of a freshly spiked sulfonamide betaine. The study demonstrated complex chemical dynamics in AFFF-impacted soils and the challenges for predicting the fate of PFASs in soil biopiling facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C3, Canada; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C3, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yanan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Subhasis Ghoshal
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C3, Canada.
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57
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Wang Y, Shi Y, Vestergren R, Zhou Z, Liang Y, Cai Y. Using hair, nail and urine samples for human exposure assessment of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:383-391. [PMID: 29709855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive samples present ethical and practical benefits for investigating human exposure to hazardous contaminants, but analytical challenges and difficulties to interpret the results limit their application in biomonitoring. Here we investigated the potential for using hair, nail and urine samples as a measure of internal exposure to an array of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in two populations with different exposure conditions. Paired urine-serum measurements of PFASs from a group of highly exposed fishery employees displayed strong correlations for PFASs with three to eight perfluorinated carbons (ρ > 0.653; p < 0.01). Consistent statistical correlations and transfer ratios in nails and hair from both populations demonstrated that these non-invasive samples can be used as a measure of internal exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and C8 chlorinated polyfluoralkyl ether sulfonic acid (C8 Cl-PFESA). Contrastingly, the infrequent detections and/or lack of consistent transfer ratios for perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid and short-chain PFASs in hair and nail samples indicate passive uptake from the external environment rather than uptake and internal distribution. Collectively, the study supports the use of urine samples as a valid measure of internal exposure for a range of short- and medium-chain PFASs, while the validity of nail and hair samples as a measure of internal exposure may vary for different PFASs and populations. The ubiquitous detection of C8 Cl-PFESA in all sample matrices from both populations indicates widespread exposure to this contaminant of emerging concern in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Robin Vestergren
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, 114 27 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE 10691, Sweden
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China.
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58
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Stefanac T, McCrindle R, McAlees AJ, Riddell N, Brazeau AL, Chittim BC. Characterization of Nine Isomers in Commercial Samples of Perfluoroethylcyclohexanesulfonate and of Some Minor Components Including PFOS Isomers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:9937-9945. [PMID: 30063347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical fluorination of 4-ethylbenzenesulfonyl halides produces a mixture of compounds that has found extensive use as an erosion inhibitor in aircraft hydraulic fluids. This paper reports a study of the composition of commercial samples of this material from two industrial scale manufacturers in terms of the structures and relative concentrations of their components, the major of which is perfluoroethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS). Fractionation of one of these mixtures by column chromatography produced fractions in which all significant components were of sufficient purity to allow assignment of their structures by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Assessment of the relevant signals in the 19F NMR spectra of the commercial mixtures by integration revealed the presence of 14 constituents at levels ≥0.5% in terms of molar contributions. Ten of these involve five pairs of geometric isomers, including cis- and trans-PFECHS which accounted for between 55% and 60% of the components present. Three constituents were determined to be isomers of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), two branched and the other linear PFOS itself. The availability of samples of the various components also allowed us to identify the compounds responsible for the peaks observed when the commercial samples were analyzed by LC/MS using either C18 or perfluorophenyl stationary phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Stefanac
- Wellington Laboratories Incorporated , Research Division , Guelph , Ontario N1G 3M5 , Canada
| | - Robert McCrindle
- Wellington Laboratories Incorporated , Research Division , Guelph , Ontario N1G 3M5 , Canada
- Department of Chemistry , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario N1G 2W1 , Canada
| | - Alan J McAlees
- Wellington Laboratories Incorporated , Research Division , Guelph , Ontario N1G 3M5 , Canada
| | - Nicole Riddell
- Wellington Laboratories Incorporated , Research Division , Guelph , Ontario N1G 3M5 , Canada
| | - Allison L Brazeau
- Wellington Laboratories Incorporated , Research Division , Guelph , Ontario N1G 3M5 , Canada
| | - Brock C Chittim
- Wellington Laboratories Incorporated , Research Division , Guelph , Ontario N1G 3M5 , Canada
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Liu Y, Qian M, Ma X, Zhu L, Martin JW. Nontarget Mass Spectrometry Reveals New Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Fish from the Yangtze River and Tangxun Lake, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:5830-5840. [PMID: 29659273 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nontarget high-resolution mass spectrometry (Nt-HRMS) has been proven useful for the identification of unknown poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in commercial products and water, but applications to biological samples are limited. China is the major PFAS-manufacturing nation; thus, here, we adapted our Nt-HRMS methods to fish collected from the Yangtze River and Tangxun Lake to discover potentially bioaccumulative PFASs in aquatic organisms destined for human consumption. In addition to traditional PFASs, over 330 other fluorinated analytes belonging to 10 classes of PFASs were detected among the pooled fish livers, including 6 sulfonate classes, 2 amine classes, 1 carboxylate class, and 1 N-heterocycle class. One class was detected in samples from both locations, 8 classes were detected exclusively in Tangxun Lake fish, and 1 class was detected exclusively in Yangtze River fish, 10 km downstream of a fluorochemical manufacturing site where we first reported these substances in wastewater 3 years ago. Overall, 4 of the PFAS classes (>165 analytes) are reported for the first time here. Wider monitoring and toxicological testing should be a priority for understanding the health risks posed to people and wildlife exposed to these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Liu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicity, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta Canada , T6G 2G3
| | - Manli Qian
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory , Wuxi AppTec , Suzhou , China , 215104
| | - Xinxin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin , China , 300071
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin , China , 300071
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicity, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta Canada , T6G 2G3
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden , 10691
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60
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Wang J, Shi Y, Cai Y. A highly selective dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction approach based on the unique fluorous affinity for the extraction and detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances coupled with high performance liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1544:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Kaboré HA, Vo Duy S, Munoz G, Méité L, Desrosiers M, Liu J, Sory TK, Sauvé S. Worldwide drinking water occurrence and levels of newly-identified perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 616-617:1089-1100. [PMID: 29100694 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade or so, concerns have arisen with respect to the widespread occurrence of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the environment, food, drinking water, and humans. In this study, the occurrence and levels of a large range of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in drinking water (bottled and tap water samples) from various locations around the world. Automated off-line solid phase extraction followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze PFASs of various chain lengths and functional groups. In total, 29 target and 104 suspect-target PFASs were screened in drinking water samples (n=97) from Canada and other countries (Burkina Faso, Chile, Ivory Coast, France, Japan, Mexico, Norway, and the USA) in 2015-2016. Out of the 29 PFASs quantitatively analyzed, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C4/14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C4, C6, C8), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g., 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylate (5:3 FTCA)) were recurrently detected in drinking water samples (concentration range: <LOD to 39ngL-1). Tap water samples from Canada showed noteworthy differences depending on their source; for instance, ∑29PFASwas significantly greater in those produced from the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River ecosystem than those produced from other types of sources (14 versus 5.3ngL-1, respectively). A suspect-target screening approach indicated that other perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FBSA, FHxSA), perfluoroethyl cyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), ultrashort chain (C2-C3) PFSAs (PFEtS, PFPrS), and two additional PFSAs (PFPeS (C5) and PFHpS (C7)) were repeatedly present in tap water samples (concentration ranges: <LOD to 4.0ngL-1). To the authors' best knowledge, this constitutes the first observation of a cyclic perfluoroalkane sulfonate (PFECHS) and C4-C6 perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FBSA, FHxSA) in drinking water. According to the newly updated US EPA health advisory for PFOS and PFOA (70ngL-1), the drinking water samples collected in the present monitoring would not pose a health risk to consumers as regards PFAA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann A Kaboré
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, QC, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, QC, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrook Street West, Montreal H3A 0C3, QC, Canada
| | - Ladji Méité
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement, Unité de Formation et de Gestion des Sciences et Gestion de l'Environnement, Université Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Ivory Coast
| | - Mélanie Desrosiers
- Centre d'Expertise en Analyse Environnementale du Québec, Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, 2700 Einstein Street, Quebec City G1P 3W8, QC, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrook Street West, Montreal H3A 0C3, QC, Canada
| | - Traoré Karim Sory
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement, Unité de Formation et de Gestion des Sciences et Gestion de l'Environnement, Université Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Ivory Coast
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, QC, Canada.
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Xu L, Shi Y, Li C, Song X, Qin Z, Cao D, Cai Y. Discovery of a Novel Polyfluoroalkyl Benzenesulfonic Acid around Oilfields in Northern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:14173-14181. [PMID: 29218982 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b04332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The existence of more than 3000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on the global market has prompted the identification and hazard characterization of hitherto unknown PFASs. In the present study, a novel PFAS, sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), was identified using Orbitrap MS/MS in water samples around a suspected application area, Daqing Oilfield, China. The peak OBS concentration was 3.2 × 103 ng/L in a sample taken near the oil well with the longest production history in Daqing. The concentrations of OBS and contribution to the sum of PFASs in surface waters displayed considerable variation among the three sampling areas (mean levels at 6.9, 50, and 5.6 × 102 ng/L with mean percentages at 9.8%, 45%, and 69% in the background, new and old oilfield areas respectively) confirming that the density of oil wells and the oil production history are important factors influencing OBS contamination in the studied areas. A preliminary assessment of acute toxicity and environmental fate indicates that OBS exhibits similar toxicity and environmental persistence to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The widespread occurrence of OBS, in conjunction with its potential hazard properties, underscores the need to further study on the bioaccumulation and potential for human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
| | - Chuangxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
- Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology , Qingdao 266520, China
| | - Xiaowei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhanfen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
| | - Dong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University , Wuhan 430056, China
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63
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Xiao F. Emerging poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in the aquatic environment: A review of current literature. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 124:482-495. [PMID: 28800519 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) comprise a group of synthetic organic surfactants with a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. A few PFASs such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are now known to be ubiquitously present in the aquatic environment. They have become a global concern because of the toxicity and bioaccumulative properties. With the increasing availability of high-resolution mass spectrometers, many novel PFASs have been identified. Studies published between 2009 and 2017 have discovered 455 new PFASs (including nine fully and 446 partially fluorinated compounds), 45%, 29%, 17%, and 8% of which are anions, zwitterions, cations, and neutrals, respectively. They have been identified in natural waters, fish, sediments, wastewater, activated sludge, soils, aqueous film-forming foams, and commercial fluoropolymer surfactants. This article integrates and critically evaluates what is known about these newly identified PFASs. It discusses the different aspects of detection methodologies. It also surveys the removal of these compounds during conventional and advanced drinking-water and wastewater treatment, predicts the relevant physicochemical properties by means of four software programs, and identifies major knowledge gaps. Notably, a number of these newly identified PFASs are potential precursor compounds of PFOS and PFOA. Studies are critically needed to understand the removal and transformation of these compounds in natural and engineered environmental systems and their contribution, if any, to the secondary formation of PFOS and PFOA in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States.
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64
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Munoz G, Desrosiers M, Duy SV, Labadie P, Budzinski H, Liu J, Sauvé S. Environmental Occurrence of Perfluoroalkyl Acids and Novel Fluorotelomer Surfactants in the Freshwater Fish Catostomus commersonii and Sediments Following Firefighting Foam Deployment at the Lac-Mégantic Railway Accident. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:1231-1240. [PMID: 28056502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED On July 6th 2013, an unmanned train laden with almost 8 million liters of crude oil careened off the rails downtown Lac-Mégantic (Québec, Canada). In the aftermath of the derailment accident, the emergency response entailed the deployment of 33 000 L of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) concentrate that contained proprietary fluorosurfactants. The present study examines the environmental occurrence of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and newly identified per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the benthic fish white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) and sediments from Lake Mégantic and Chaudière River. In sediments, PFAAs displayed relatively low concentrations (∑PFAAs = 0.06-0.5 ng g-1 dw) while the sum of fluorotelomer-based PFASs was in the range < LOD-6.2 ng g-1 dw. Notably, fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaines (8:2-FTAB and 10:2-FTAB), fluorotelomer betaines (9:3-FTB, 11:3-FTB and 9:1:2 FTB) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2-FTSA) were ubiquitously identified in the sediment samples surveyed. Levels of PFAAs remained moderate in fish muscle (e.g. , PFOS 0.28-2.1 ng g-1 wet-weight), with little or no differences when comparing 2013 or 2014 fish samples with 2011 archived samples. In contrast, n:2-FTSAs emerged in the immediate weeks or months that followed the accident, as did several betaine-based PFASs (8:2-FTAB, 10:2-FTAB, 9:3-FTB, 11:3-FTB, 7:1:2 FTB and 9:1:2 FTB), observed for the first time in situ. Fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonate (10:2-FTSAS) and fluorotelomer sulfoxide amido sulfonate (10:2-FTSAS-sulfoxide) were also occasionally reported after the AFFF spill. With time, levels of betaine-based PFASs gradually decreased in fish, possibly indicating attenuation by biodegradation of the fluorine-free moiety, supported by the observation of likely metabolites such as n:3-fluorotelomer carboxylates and n:2-fluorotelomer sulfonamides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Munoz
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC Research Group, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec, Canada , H3C 3J7
| | - Mélanie Desrosiers
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec (CEAEQ), Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC), 2700 Einstein Street, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada , G1P 3W8
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec, Canada , H3C 3J7
| | - Pierre Labadie
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC Research Group, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
- CNRS, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC Research Group, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC Research Group, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
- CNRS, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC Research Group, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Jinxia Liu
- McGill University , Department of Civil Engineering, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada , H3A 0C3
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal , C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec, Canada , H3C 3J7
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