51
|
Liu T, Hu LX, Han Y, Dong LL, Wang YQ, Zhao JH, Liu YS, Zhao JL, Ying GG. Non-target and target screening of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in landfill leachate and impact on groundwater in Guangzhou, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157021. [PMID: 35777559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Landfills are the main destination of many urban wastes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and PFAS may leach out from the waste and contaminate the surrounding groundwater. Here we investigated the occurrence of PFAS in leachate and surrounding groundwater from three landfills in Guangzhou, China by using a combined target and non-target approach. Non-target screening showed that a total of 651 PFAS with 96 classes were identified, including 17 legacy PFAS and 637 emerging PFAS. The quantitative target analysis of some PFAS revealed that the average removal rate of PFAS from the raw leachates were ranged between 62 % and 99 %. Statistical analysis and source analysis suggested that landfill leachate was a major source of PFAS in the groundwater within the landfills and downstream sites. The results from the combined target and non-target analyses demonstrated that PFAS in landfills could leach into the surrounding groundwater, and may affect the sustainable use of groundwater as a source of drinking water and pose a potential risk to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yu Han
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liang-Li Dong
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Hui Zhao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jian-Liang Zhao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Pütz KW, Namazkar S, Plassmann M, Benskin JP. Are cosmetics a significant source of PFAS in Europe? product inventories, chemical characterization and emission estimates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1697-1707. [PMID: 35959763 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00123c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, emission of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the use of cosmetics in the European Economic Area (EEA; not including Lichtenstein and Iceland) was estimated for the first time. Using the European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients (CosIng) ∼170 structures containing at least -CF2- or -CF3 were identified as ingredients in cosmetics on the European market. These structures were then cross referenced against the Cosmetic Database "CosmEthics" to identify PFAS-containing products. Among these products, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and C9-15 fluoroalcohol phosphate were the most frequently listed PFAS ingredients. Thereafter, a sample of 45 cosmetics spanning 5 product categories was purchased in Sweden and characterized for total fluorine (TF), extractable organofluorine (EOF), and target PFAS. Using measured concentrations, the share of PFAS-containing products in each product category, sales data from Cosmetics Europe, as well as other parameters and assumptions, the annual emission of PFAS from cosmetics after use was estimated. Annual EEA-wide TF and EOF-based emissions ranged from ∼17-38 000 kg F per year and 37-5100 kg F per year, respectively, representing combined emission to wastewater and solid waste (low to high emission scenario). Sum perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) emissions were considerably lower (21 kg ∑PFCAs per year; high scenario). While TF- and EOF-based emissions are significant, they are considerably lower than estimates of TF emission from washing of PFAS-coated textiles in the EU. This work provides the first estimate of PFAS emissions from cosmetics and highlights the importance of using a multi-platform analytical approach for PFAS emission estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahla Namazkar
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Sörengård M, Bergström S, McCleaf P, Wiberg K, Ahrens L. Long-distance transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Swedish drinking water aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119981. [PMID: 35988673 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) at firefighting training sites (FFTS) has been linked to PFAS contamination of drinking water. This study investigated PFAS transport and distribution in an urban groundwater aquifer used for drinking water production that has been affected by PFAS-containing AFFF. Soil, sediment, surface water and drinking water were sampled. In soil (n = 12) at a FFTS with high perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) content (87% of ∑PFAS), the ∑PFAS concentration (n = 26) ranged from below detection limit to 560 ng g-1 dry weight. In groundwater (n = 28), the ∑PFAS concentration near a military airbase FFTS reached 1000 ng L-1. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the military FFTS as the main source of PFAS contamination in drinking water wellfields >10 km down-gradient. Groundwater samples taken close to the military FFTS site showed no ∑PFAS concentration change between 2013 and 2021, while a location further down-gradient showed a transitory 99.6% decrease. Correlation analysis on PFAS composition profile indicated that this decrease was likely caused by dilution from an adjacent conflating aquifer. ∑PFAS concentration reached 15 ng L-1 (PFOS 47% and PFHxS 41% of ∑PFAS) in surface river water (n = 6) and ranged between 1 ng L-1 and 8 ng L-1 (PFHxS 73% and PFBS 17% of ∑PFAS) in drinking water (n = 4). Drinking water had lower PFAS concentrations than the wellfields due to PFAS removal at the water treatment plant. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring PFAS concentrations throughout a groundwater aquifer, to better understand variations in transport from contamination sources and resulting impacts on PFAS concentrations in drinking water extraction areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Sörengård
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philip McCleaf
- Uppsala Water and Waste Ltd., P.O. Box 1444, SE-751 44, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Huang X, Wei X, Liu H, Li W, Shi D, Qian S, Sun W, Yue D, Wang X. Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in municipal solid waste landfill leachates from western China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:69588-69598. [PMID: 35578077 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Landfill leachate has been documented as a significant source of trace organic pollutants, comprising an expansive family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study presents the findings on the distribution of 13 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) in leachates from 6 municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in western China. The total concentrations of 17 PFAS in sampled leachates ranged from 1805 to 43,310 ng/L, and 15 compounds were detected in all samples. The short-chain compounds perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS, mean mass fraction 23.1%) and perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA, mean mass fraction 20.6%) were dominant. There were higher PFAS concentrations in leachates from operating landfills (mean: 12,194 ng/L) compared to closed landfills (mean: 2747 ng/L), but there was no significant difference between young (< 10 years) and old landfills (> 10 years). Moderate to weak correlations were observed between PFAS concentrations and leachate properties, e.g., TN, NH4+-N, TOC, and pH. This is the first report on the distribution of PFAS in landfill leachates from western China. The results have identified landfill leachate as an underestimated source of PFAS in the environment and have contributed to a more comprehensive evaluation on PFAS presence across China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Huazu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Department of Ecological Sciences and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Dezhi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Shenhua Qian
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Department of Ecological Sciences and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Atmospheric and Hydrologic Science, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, USA
| | - Dongbei Yue
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Zhang H, Chen Y, Liu Y, Bowden JA, Townsend TG, Solo-Gabriele HM. Do PFAS changes in landfill leachate treatment systems correlate with changes in physical chemical parameters? WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 151:49-59. [PMID: 35926281 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found at relatively elevated concentrations in landfill leachates. Some landfill facilities treat physical-chemical parameters of their leachates using on-site leachate treatment systems before discharge. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether changes in physical-chemical parameters of leachate at on-site treatment systems (including bulk measurements, oxygen demanding components, and metals) were associated with concentration changes in PFAS. Leachates were evaluated at 15 on-site treatment facilities which included pond systems, aeration tanks, powdered activated carbon (PAC), sand filtration, reverse osmosis (RO) and combination treatment processes. Results show that most physical-chemical parameters and PFAS were significantly reduced in RO systems (over 90 %). For pond systems, statistically significant correlations (rs > 0.6, p < 0.05) were observed between ∑26PFAS changes and the changes in pH, alkalinity, ammonia, and some metals. Significant correlations were also found between ∑8PFAAs precursors changes and specific conductivity (SPC), pH, alkalinity, ammonia, and metals changes. For aeration tank systems, significant correlations (rs > 0.6, p < 0.05) were observed between ∑26PFAS changes and changes in total dissolved solids and zinc, and between the changes of ∑8PFAAs precursors and field pH. These correlations are believed to be associated with rainfall dilution and precipitation of calcium carbonate and other metals as leachate is introduced to the atmosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hekai Zhang
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Yutao Chen
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Lauria MZ, Naim A, Plassmann M, Fäldt J, Sühring R, Benskin JP. Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2022; 9:666-672. [PMID: 35966456 PMCID: PMC9367005 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently used in the production of rubber and plastic, but little is known about the identity, concentration, or prevalence of PFAS in these products. In this study, a representative sample of plastic- and rubber-containing artificial turf (AT) fields from Stockholm, Sweden, was subjected to total fluorine (TF), extractable organic fluorine (EOF), and target PFAS analysis. TF was observed in all 51 AT samples (ranges of 16-313, 12-310, and 24-661 μg of F/g in backing, filling, and blades, respectively), while EOF and target PFAS occurred in <42% of all samples (<200 and <1 ng of F/g, respectively). A subset of samples extracted with water confirmed the absence of fluoride. Moreover, application of the total oxidizable precursor assay revealed negligible perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) formation across all three sample types, indicating that the fluorinated substances in AT are not low-molecular weight PFAA precursors. Collectively, these results point toward polymeric organofluorine (e.g., fluoroelastomer, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride), consistent with patent literature. The combination of poor extractability and recalcitrance toward advanced oxidation suggests that the fluorine in AT does not pose an imminent risk to users. However, concerns surrounding the production and end of life of AT, as well as the contribution of filling and blades to environmental microplastic contamination, remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Z. Lauria
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ayman Naim
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Environment and Health, Nacka Municipality, Granitvägen 15, 131 81 Nacka, Sweden
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Fäldt
- Department
of Environment and Health, City of Stockholm, Fleminggatan 4, 104 20 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roxana Sühring
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B
2K3, Canada
| | - Jonathan P. Benskin
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Xiao J, Huang J, Wang Y, Qian X, Cao M. Evaluation of the ecological impacts of short- and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids on constructed wetland systems: Perfluorobutyric acid and perfluorooctanoic acid. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128863. [PMID: 35650717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contamination of aquatic system has attracted widespread attention in recent years. From both plant and microbial perspectives, the ecological risk of CWs by comparing PFASs with different chain lengths have not been fully understood. In this study, the influences of perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as typical of short- and long-chains on the ecological effect of CWs have been specifically studied. The results showed that plants produced oxidative stress response and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in leaves were stimulated by 17.23-28.13% and 10.49-14.17% upon 10 mg/L PFBA and PFOA exposure. Under the high level of PFBA and PFOA stress, the chlorophyll content was reduced by 15.20-39.40% and lipid peroxidation was observed in leaves with the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) at 1.20-1.22 times of the control. Dehydrogenase (DHA) exhibited the most sensitivity in the presence of PFBA and PFOA with an inhibition ratio of over 90%. The biotoxicity of PFOA was higher than that of PFBA in terms of the inhibition degree of several substrate enzymes. The information of Illumina Miseq sequencing indicated that the diversity and structure of microbial community in CWs were significantly altered by PFBA and PFOA addition and led to an enrichment of more PFASs-tolerant bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiao
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Juan Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiuwen Qian
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meifang Cao
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Smith SJ, Wiberg K, McCleaf P, Ahrens L. Pilot-Scale Continuous Foam Fractionation for the Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from Landfill Leachate. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:841-851. [PMID: 35603039 PMCID: PMC9112282 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of concern for their ubiquity in the environment combined with their persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic properties. Landfill leachate is often contaminated with these chemicals, and therefore, the development of cost-efficient water treatment technologies is urgently needed. The present study investigated the applicability of a pilot-scale foam fractionation setup for the removal of PFAS from natural landfill leachate in a novel continuous operating mode. A benchmark batch test was also performed to compare treatment efficiency. The ΣPFAS removal efficiency plateaued around 60% and was shown to decrease for the investigated process variables air flow rate (Q air), collected foam fraction (%foam) and contact time in the column (t c). For individual long-chain PFAS, removal efficiencies above 90% were obtained, whereas the removal for certain short-chain PFAS was low (<30%). Differences in treatment efficiency between enriching mode versus stripping mode as well as between continuous versus batch mode were negligible. Taken together, these findings suggest that continuous foam fractionation is a highly applicable treatment technology for PFAS contaminated water. Coupling the proposed cost- and energy-efficient foam fractionation pretreatment to an energy-intensive degradative technology for the concentrated foam establishes a promising strategy for on-site PFAS remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne J. Smith
- Department
of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750
07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department
of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750
07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philip McCleaf
- Uppsala
Water and Waste AB, P.O.
Box 1444, SE-751 44 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department
of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750
07 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Liu Y, Mendoza-Perilla P, Clavier KA, Tolaymat TM, Bowden JA, Solo-Gabriele HM, Townsend TG. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash co-disposal: Influence on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentration in landfill leachate. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 144:49-56. [PMID: 35306465 PMCID: PMC10536760 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash is often managed through co-disposal with unburned wastes in landfills, a practice previously reported to result in enhanced leaching of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals) in landfill leachate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of co-disposed unburned wastes on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in MSWI ash landfill leachate. Leachate was collected from four landfills containing MSWI ash, either as a sole waste stream or co-disposed of with sewage sludge and MSW screenings. Samples of ash and unburned materials were collected and assessed separately for leachable PFAS in the laboratory. All samples were analyzed for 26 PFAS. Results showed that greater ash content was associated with lower leachate PFAS concentrations. The pure ash monofill exhibited the lowest PFAS in landfill leachate (290 ng L-1) while the landfill contained a large amount of unburned waste had the highest PFAS (11,000 ng L-1). For laboratory leaching tests, average ∑26PFAS concentration in lab ash leachate (310 ng L-1) was 10 and 24 times lower than observed in lab sewage sludge leachate (3,200 ng L-1) and lab MSW screenings leachate (7,500 ng L-1), respectively. Leachate from the ash-only landfill had ∑26PFAS concentration similar to what was measured in the ash itself. On the contrary, ∑26PFAS concentration in co-disposal landfill leachates were similar to those in PFAS-rich unburned waste itself, regardless of the percentages of landfilled unburned wastes. We hypothesize that leachate generated in co-disposal scenarios preferentially flows through PFAS-rich unburned materials and that biotransformation of precursors enhanced by unburned waste degradation further contributes to higher concentrations of terminal PFAS in ash co-disposal sites. Landfill operators should expect PFAS in leachates to be higher when PFAS-rich unburned wastes are disposed of alongside MSWI ash, even if the unburned fraction is small.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Paola Mendoza-Perilla
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kyle A Clavier
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Thabet M Tolaymat
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- University of Miami, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Kazwini T, Yadav S, Ibrar I, Al-Juboori RA, Singh L, Ganbat N, Karbassiyazdi E, Samal AK, Subbiah S, Altaee A. Updated review on emerging technologies for PFAS contaminated water treatment. Chem Eng Res Des 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
61
|
Buckley T, Karanam K, Xu X, Shukla P, Firouzi M, Rudolph V. Effect of mono- and di-valent cations on PFAS removal from water using foam fractionation – A modelling and experimental study. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
62
|
Helmer RW, Reeves DM, Cassidy DP. Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) cycling within Michigan: Contaminated sites, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:117983. [PMID: 34954365 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) from public and private sources in Michigan compiled for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (influent, effluent, biosolids), contaminated sites, and landfill leachates reveal complex cycling within the natural and engineered environment. Analysis of 171 contaminated sites in Michigan by source release indicate four dominant PFAS sources - landfills, aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), metal platers, and automotive/metal stamping - account for 75% of the contamination. Diverse chemical signatures were observed for leachates collected from 19 landfills (mostly type II municipal) with the dominant PFAS ranging from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to shorter-chained compounds, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). Analysis of PFAS carbon chain length as a function of landfill age shows the transition of C8s in leachate from older landfills to C4s and C6s in younger landfills, consistent with the phasing out and replacement of C8s. PFAS mass flux in leachate for landfills studied range between 5 - 2,000 g/yr and are highest for active landfills, which generate greater leachate volumes and contain fresh PFAS wastes. Detailed study of 10 WWTPs with industrial pretreatment programs indicate numerous chemical transformations across the plants that yield effluent PFAS concentrations as much as 19 times greater than influent, attributed to transformations of unmeasured precursors in the influent to measured, stable PFAS in the effluent. PFOA, PFHxA, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), PFBA, and PFBS show the greatest increases across the plant ranging from 20% to nearly 2,000%. PFOS concentrations decreased across 6 WWTPs, consistent with a strong tendency to adsorb onto biosolids. Estimated mass of discharge of (mostly unregulated) PFAS from WWTPs to receiving waters range from 40 g/yr to 128 kg/yr.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross W Helmer
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5241, USA; Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, 525W. Allegan St, Lansing, MI, 48933, USA
| | - Donald M Reeves
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5241, USA.
| | - Daniel P Cassidy
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5241, USA
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
McMahon PB, Tokranov AK, Bexfield LM, Lindsey BD, Johnson TD, Lombard MA, Watson E. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Groundwater Used as a Source of Drinking Water in the Eastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2279-2288. [PMID: 35113548 PMCID: PMC8970425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, 254 samples were collected from five aquifer systems to evaluate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) occurrence in groundwater used as a source of drinking water in the eastern United States. The samples were analyzed for 24 PFAS, major ions, nutrients, trace elements, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pharmaceuticals, and tritium. Fourteen of the 24 PFAS were detected in groundwater, with 60 and 20% of public-supply and domestic wells, respectively, containing at least one PFAS detection. Concentrations of tritium, chloride, sulfate, DOC, and manganese + iron; percent urban land use within 500 m of the wells; and VOC and pharmaceutical detection frequencies were significantly higher in samples containing PFAS detections than in samples with no detections. Boosted regression tree models that consider 57 chemical and land-use variables show that tritium concentration, distance to the nearest fire-training area, percentage of urban land use, and DOC and VOC concentrations are the top five predictors of PFAS detections, consistent with the hydrologic position, geochemistry, and land use being important controls on PFAS occurrence in groundwater. Model results indicate that it may be possible to predict PFAS detections in groundwater using existing data sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter B. McMahon
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Bldg. 53, MS 415, Lakewood, Colorado, 80225, United States
| | - Andrea K. Tokranov
- U.S.
Geological Survey, 10 Bearfoot Rd., Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, United States
| | - Laura M. Bexfield
- U.S.
Geological Survey, 6700 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113, United States
| | - Bruce D. Lindsey
- U.S.
Geological Survey, 215 Limekiln Road, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070, United States
| | - Tyler D. Johnson
- U.S.
Geological Survey, 4165 Spruance Road, San Diego, California 92101, United States
| | - Melissa A. Lombard
- U.S. Geological
Survey, 331 Commerce Way, Pembroke, New Hampshire 03275, United States
| | - Elise Watson
- U.S.
Geological Survey, 4165 Spruance Road, San Diego, California 92101, United States
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Dasu K, Xia X, Siriwardena D, Klupinski TP, Seay B. Concentration profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in major sources to the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113879. [PMID: 34619593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A review of published literature was conducted to present the concentrations and composition profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from significant sources to the environment. The major sources of PFAS to the environment are categorized under direct and indirect sources. The characteristic compounds and concentrations are summarized as found from direct sources such as manufacturing facilities, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) applications, metal coating operations, and textile and paper coating operations; and from indirect sources such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The major findings are: 1) among the aqueous matrices for which data were reviewed, groundwater impacted by AFFF contamination showed the highest median concentrations for both perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), while the second-highest median concentrations were associated with landfill leachates for PFOA and metal-plating sources for PFOS; 2) many of the unknown polyfluorinated precursors present in AFFF-impacted sites could potentially convert to persistent PFAS by abiotic or biotic transformation, and therefore could act as the long-term source of contamination to the environment; 3) part per billion (ppb) concentrations of PFAS were detected in water bodies surrounding fluorochemical manufacturing plants; 4) in consumer products such as textile, paper, and personal care products, PFOA concentrations were an order of magnitude higher compared to other PFAS; 5) biotransformation products such as fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are detected in landfill leachates and WWTP effluents; and 6) many studies have shown increased PFAA concentrations in WWTP effluents compared to influents. This work provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the PFAS concentration and composition trends of select non-polymeric PFAS in different sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA.
| | - Xiaoyan Xia
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | | | | | - Brannon Seay
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Liu S, Zhao S, Liang Z, Wang F, Sun F, Chen D. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in leachate, fly ash, and bottom ash from waste incineration plants: Implications for the environmental release of PFAS. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148468. [PMID: 34252761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a family of chemicals widely distributed in daily use consumer products. Most of these products become municipal solid wastes (MSWs) after they have been used. In the present study, we examined different types of PFASs in leachate, fly ash and bottom ash produced from three MSW incineration plants in southern China. High PFAS levels were found in leachate (mean concentration 215 ng/mL, range 21.4-682 ng/mL) from the incineration plants, which indicated large amounts of PFASs in the wastes leached out. The average quantities of PFASs annually discharged from the leachates of the three plants were estimated to be approximately 384 kg (Plant A), 47.3 kg (Plant B), and 2.82 kg (Plant C). Relatively lower levels of PFASs in fly ash (mean 16.4 ng/g, range 1.46-87.6 ng/g) and bottom ash (mean 14.6 ng/g, range 3.11-77.4 ng/g) indicated that high-temperature incineration destroyed most of the PFASs. The wide array of PFASs concentrations in all three matrices illustrated that some PFASs-containing industrial wastes were still entered into local MSW. In general, short chain PFASs, including perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), were the primary PFASs in leachate samples. In addition, PFOS was the predominant PFASs in fly ash samples. The results showed that leachate, fly ash, and bottom ash from MSW incineration plants are important vectors of PFASs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shiyi Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhihong Liang
- The Pearl River Water Resources Research Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510611, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Feiyun Sun
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Application and Environmental Pollution Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Da Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Ng C, Cousins IT, DeWitt JC, Glüge J, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lohmann R, Miller M, Patton S, Scheringer M, Trier X, Wang Z. Addressing Urgent Questions for PFAS in the 21st Century. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12755-12765. [PMID: 34519210 PMCID: PMC8590733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), fundamental obstacles remain to addressing worldwide contamination by these chemicals and their associated impacts on environmental quality and health. Here, we propose six urgent questions relevant to science, technology, and policy that must be tackled to address the "PFAS problem": (1) What are the global production volumes of PFAS, and where are PFAS used? (2) Where are the unknown PFAS hotspots in the environment? (3) How can we make measuring PFAS globally accessible? (4) How can we safely manage PFAS-containing waste? (5) How do we understand and describe the health effects of PFAS exposure? (6) Who pays the costs of PFAS contamination? The importance of each question and barriers to progress are briefly described, and several potential paths forward are proposed. Given the diversity of PFAS and their uses, the extreme persistence of most PFAS, the striking ongoing lack of fundamental information, and the inequity of the health and environmental impacts from PFAS contamination, there is a need for scientific and regulatory communities to work together, with cooperation from PFAS-related industries, to fill in critical data gaps and protect human health and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ng
- Departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Juliane Glüge
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway, and Institute for Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 TromsH, Norway
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Mark Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science and U.S. Public Health Service, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Health and Environment Program, Commonweal, Bolinas, California 94924, United States
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, Kgs Nytorv 6, DK - 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Stevenson ED, Kleinman MT, Bai X, Barlaz M, Abraczinskas M, Guidry V, Watson J, Chow J. Critical review on PFOA, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2021; 71:1265-1276. [PMID: 34609253 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2021.1975995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Stevenson
- Department of Meteorology and Measurement, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael T Kleinman
- Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Xuelien Bai
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Morton Barlaz
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, NC, USA
| | - Michael Abraczinskas
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Virginia Guidry
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Raleigh, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology Section, NC, USA
| | | | - Judy Chow
- Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Borthakur A, Wang M, He M, Ascencio K, Blotevogel J, Adamson DT, Mahendra S, Mohanty SK. Perfluoroalkyl acids on suspended particles: Significant transport pathways in surface runoff, surface waters, and subsurface soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126159. [PMID: 34229412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126159] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eroded particles from the source zone could transport a high concentration of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) to sediments and water bodies. Yet, the contribution of suspended particles has not been systematically reviewed. Analyzing reported studies, we quantitatively demonstrate that suspended particles in surface water can contain significantly higher concentrations of PFAAs than the sediment below, indicating the source of suspended particles are not the sediment but particles eroded and carried from the source zone upstream. The affinity of PFAAs to particles depends on the particle composition, including organic carbon fraction and iron or aluminum oxide content. In soils, most PFAAs are retained within the top 5 m below the ground surface. The distribution of PFAAs in the subsurface varies based on site properties and local weather conditions. The depth corresponding to the maximum concentration of PFAA in soil decreases with an increase in soil organic carbon or rainfall amount received in the catchment areas. We attribute a greater accumulation of PFAAs near the upper layer of the subsurface to an increase in the accumulation of particles eroded from source zones upstream receiving heavy rainfall. Precursor transformation in the aerobic zone is significantly higher than in the anaerobic zone, thereby making the aerobic subsurface zone serve as a long-term source of groundwater pollution. Collectively, these results suggest that suspended particles, often an overlooked vector for PFAAs, can be a dominant pathway for the transport of PFAAs in environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annesh Borthakur
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Meng He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katia Ascencio
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Shaily Mahendra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Chen J, Miao Y, Gao Q, Cui Z, Xiong B. Exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate in vitro perturbs the quality of porcine oocytes via induction of apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117508. [PMID: 34261219 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widely used artificial surfactant with potential toxicity to humans and animals. However, little is known about the impact of PFOS on the female germ cell development. Here, we report that PFOS exposure weakens oocyte quality by disturbing oocyte meiotic competency and fertilization ability. Specifically, PFOS exposure impaired cytoskeleton assembly including spindle organization and actin polymerization to cause the oocyte maturation arrest. In addition, PFOS exposure also impaired the mitochondrial dynamics and function, resulting in the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage as well as generation of apoptosis. Lastly, PFOS exposure compromised the distribution of cortical granules (CGs) and their component ovastacin, leading to the failure of sperm binding and fertilization. Altogether, our study illustrates that oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is a major cause for the deteriorated quality of porcine oocytes exposed to PFOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhaokang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Björklund S, Weidemann E, Yeung LW, Jansson S. Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and unidentified organofluorine in leachate from waste-to-energy stockpile - A case study. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130380. [PMID: 33823356 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a diverse group of chemicals used in consumer products, which will inevitably end up in waste streams. Landfills are widely recognized secondary point sources of PFASs, but other types of waste management sites have received less attention. Therefore, in a case study presented here we investigated releases of PFASs from temporarily stored waste by determining quantities of 34 PFASs in leachate from a Waste-to-Energy stockpile (45 000 ± 2000 tonnes) during five months in 2019. We also measured extractable organofluorine (EOF) to account for PFASs not included in the target list. The mean total concentration of the 34 PFAS (Σ34PFAS) was 211 ± 31 ng/L, and short-chain (C4-C7) perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) accounted for 56-60% of the total. Moreover, we found that Σ34PFAS only accounted for 12% ± 4% of EOF detected in the leachate. Our results demonstrate that waste stockpiles are previously unexplored sources of PFASs in the environment, and the dominance of short-chain PFCAs is consistent with observed profiles of contaminants in landfill leachates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Björklund
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden; Industrial Doctoral School, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Energi AB, Box 224, SE-901 05, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Leo W Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-70182, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Stina Jansson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Schaefer CE, Drennan D, Nickerson A, Maizel A, Higgins CP. Diffusion of perfluoroalkyl acids through clay-rich soil. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2021; 241:103814. [PMID: 33901839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion through a water saturated silty clay soil column was measured for six perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). An aqueous pore diffusion model, which incorporated linear adsorption parameters measured independently in batch tests and a tortuosity factor determined independently using a bromide tracer test, was used to describe the experimental diffusion data. The diffusion model substantially underpredicted PFAA diffusion through the soil column for the more strongly sorbing PFAAs (most notably PFOS). Instead, application of a diffusion model that included a surface diffusion-like process provided substantially improved prediction of PFAA diffusion through the soil. The ratio of the observed pore diffusion coefficient to the observed surface diffusion coefficient ranged from 13 (for perfluorohexane sulfonate) to 0.88 for PFOS. These results suggest that surface diffusion serves a potentially important role for strongly sorbing PFAAs in clay-rich soils, and highlights the need for additional studies into the coupled adsorption and diffusion of PFAAs in low permeability media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6th Floor, Edison, NJ 08837, United States of America.
| | - Dina Drennan
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way # 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States of America
| | - Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States of America
| | - Andrew Maizel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States of America
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Menger RF, Funk E, Henry CS, Borch T. Sensors for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A critical review of development challenges, current sensors, and commercialization obstacles. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 417:129133. [PMID: 37539085 PMCID: PMC10398537 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.129133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of compounds that have become environmental contaminants of emerging concern. They are highly persistent, toxic, bioaccumulative, and ubiquitous which makes them important to detect to ensure environmental and human health. Multiple instrument-based methods exist for sensitive and selective detection of PFAS in a variety of matrices, but these methods suffer from expensive costs and the need for a laboratory and highly trained personnel. There is a big need for fast, inexpensive, robust, and portable methods to detect PFAS in the field. This would allow environmental laboratories and other agencies to perform more frequent testing to comply with regulations. In addition, the general public would benefit from a fast method to evaluate the drinking water in their homes for PFAS contamination. A PFAS sensor would provide almost real-time data on PFAS concentrations that can also provide actionable information for water quality managers and consumers around the planet. In this review, we discuss the sensors that have been developed up to this point for PFAS detection by their molecular detection mechanism as well as the goals that should be considered during sensor development. Future research needs and commercialization challenges are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth F Menger
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Emily Funk
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, 1370 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, 1370 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Thomas Borch
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, 1170 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Charbonnet JA, Rodowa AE, Joseph NT, Guelfo JL, Field JA, Jones GD, Higgins CP, Helbling DE, Houtz EF. Environmental Source Tracking of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances within a Forensic Context: Current and Future Techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7237-7245. [PMID: 33983714 PMCID: PMC9724633 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The source tracking of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is a new and increasingly necessary subfield within environmental forensics. We define PFAS source tracking as the accurate characterization and differentiation of multiple sources contributing to PFAS contamination in the environment. PFAS source tracking should employ analytical measurements, multivariate analyses, and an understanding of PFAS fate and transport within the framework of a conceptual site model. Converging lines of evidence used to differentiate PFAS sources include: identification of PFASs strongly associated with unique sources; the ratios of PFAS homologues, classes, and isomers at a contaminated site; and a site's hydrogeochemical conditions. As the field of PFAS source tracking progresses, the development of new PFAS analytical standards and the wider availability of high-resolution mass spectral data will enhance currently available analytical capabilities. In addition, multivariate computational tools, including unsupervised (i.e., exploratory) and supervised (i.e., predictive) machine learning techniques, may lead to novel insights that define a targeted list of PFASs that will be useful for environmental PFAS source tracking. In this Perspective, we identify the current tools available and principal developments necessary to enable greater confidence in environmental source tracking to identify and apportion PFAS sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Charbonnet
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- Biochemical and Exposure Science Group, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
| | - Nayantara T Joseph
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-0001, United States
| | - Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-7301, United States
| | - Gerrad D Jones
- Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-0001, United States
| | - Erika F Houtz
- Arcadis, 100 Montgomery Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California 94104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Kabiri S, McLaughlin MJ. Durability of sorption of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in soils immobilized using common adsorbents: 2. Effects of repeated leaching, temperature extremes, ionic strength and competing ions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144718. [PMID: 33536123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent use of aqueous film-forming foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in firefighting has led to severe contamination of soil and aquifers at training sites, which makes remediation of such sites a necessity. We investigated the persistence of binding of PFASs to a mixed-mode remediation agent including repeated leaching, and the effects of competing ions and temperature extremes. The sorbent (RemBind®) was added to PFAS-contaminated soils and standard leaching procedures - the U.S. EPA Multiple Extraction Procedure and the U.S. EPA Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework were applied to quantify desorption of PFASs from remediated and unremediated soils. Possible desorption by competing anions such as orthophosphate (H2PO4-) and humic acid (HA) were assessed, and effects of temperature extremes and ionic strength were also investigated. These are the main environmental factors that could potentially affect desorption of PFASs over time at a typical site. Desorption of PFASs from unremediated soils was related to C-chain length with short-chain PFASs easily desorbed and leached. PFASs with carboxylic head groups leached faster than those with a sulfonic acid head group. The sorbent retained PFASs strongly and reduced desorption and leaching from remediated soils by 92 to 99.9%. There were no detrimental effects on desorption of PFASs from temperature extremes or changes in ionic strength. In remediated soils, effects of competing ions were also absent or minimal. However, in unremediated soils increasing concentrations of orthophosphate and HA increased leaching of some long-chain PFASs. While short-term laboratory desorption experiments cannot exactly mimic long-term field conditions, these results provide site owners and regulatory authorities with a high level of confidence that PFASs binding by RemBind® is predicted to be persistent in the long term. However, to give the greatest level of confidence, these simulations should be validated under field conditions for at least several years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Singh RK, Brown E, Mededovic Thagard S, Holsen TM. Treatment of PFAS-containing landfill leachate using an enhanced contact plasma reactor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124452. [PMID: 33243646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A bench-scale plasma reactor was used to degrade poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfill leachate samples obtained from three different locations. In the leachate samples before treatment, five long-chain, six short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and eight PFAA precursors were detected in a wide concentration range (~102 to 105 ng/L; total oxidizable precursors (TOP) ~106 ng/L). The concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) plus perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) ranged between 2000 and 3000 ng/L. Plasma-based water treatment of 500 mL samples resulted in faster removal rates for longer-chain than shorter chain length PFAAs. Both PFOS and PFOA were removed to below United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) health advisory concentration level (HAL) concentrations (<70 ng/L) in 10-75 min; 90% PFOA and PFOS removal was achieved in 10 min. Long-chain and short-chain PFAAs were removed by >99.9% and 10-99.9%, respectively. The removal rate constant (kPFOA+PFOS) for combined PFOA and PFOS ranged between 0.20 and 0.34 min-1. Overall, 60 ± 2% of the TOP concentration and 34 ± 2% of the TOC were removed. No effect of non-PFAS co-contaminants (e.g., total initial organic carbon concentration ~2000 mg/L) on the degradation efficiency was observed. Short-chain PFAA removal efficacy was enhanced by adding a cationic surfactant (cetrimonium bromide). Overall, the results indicate that plasma-based technology may be a viable technology for the treatment of PFAS-contaminated landfill leachates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kamal Singh
- Plasma Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth Brown
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Selma Mededovic Thagard
- Plasma Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Thomas M Holsen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Le ST, Kibbey TCG, Weber KP, Glamore WC, O'Carroll DM. A group-contribution model for predicting the physicochemical behavior of PFAS components for understanding environmental fate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142882. [PMID: 33127153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The factors controlling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) environmental fate remains the subject of considerable debate and study. As surfactants, PFAS readily partition to interfaces, a property that controls their transport and fate. A group contribution model is developed to predict the extent to which PFAS partitions to the air-water interface. Langmuir adsorption and Szyszkowski equation parameters were fitted to literature air-water surface tension data for a range of PFAS and conventional hydrocarbon surfactants. This approach enabled the prediction of the impact of the hydrophilic head group, and other molecular components, on PFAS interfacial partitioning in instances when PFAS data are unavailable but analogous hydrocarbon surfactant data are available. The model was extended to predict a range of parameters (i.e., solubility, critical micelle concentration (CMC), KD, Koc and Kow) that are used to predict PFAS environmental fate, including long-range PFAS transport and in multimedia models. Model predictions were consistent with laboratory and field derived parameters reported in the literature. Additionally, the proposed model can predict the impact of pH and speciation on the extent of PFAS interfacial partitioning, a potentially important feature for understanding the behaviors of some ionizable PFAS, such as fluorinated carboxylic acids. The proposed model provides a conceptually straightforward method to predict a wide range of environmental fate parameters for a wide range of PFAS. As such, the model is a powerful tool that can be used to determine parameters needed to predict PFAS environmental fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song-Thao Le
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Tohren C G Kibbey
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Kela P Weber
- Environmental Sciences Group, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - William C Glamore
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Denis M O'Carroll
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Ali AM, Langberg HA, Hale SE, Kallenborn R, Hartz WF, Mortensen ÅK, Ciesielski TM, McDonough CA, Jenssen BM, Breedveld GD. The fate of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in a marine food web influenced by land-based sources in the Norwegian Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:588-604. [PMID: 33704290 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00510j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the Arctic, their sources and fate in Arctic marine environments remain unclear. Herein, abiotic media (water, snow, and sediment) and biotic media (plankton, benthic organisms, fish, crab, and glaucous gull) were sampled to study PFAS uptake and fate in the marine food web of an Arctic Fjord in the vicinity of Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic). Samples were collected from locations impacted by a firefighting training site (FFTS) and a landfill as well as from a reference site. Mean concentration in the landfill leachate was 643 ± 84 ng L-1, while it was 365 ± 8.0 ng L-1 in a freshwater pond and 57 ± 4.0 ng L-1 in a creek in the vicinity of the FFTS. These levels were an order of magnitude higher than in coastal seawater of the nearby fjord (maximum level , at the FFTS impacted site). PFOS was the most predominant compound in all seawater samples and in freshly fallen snow (63-93% of ). In freshwater samples from the Longyear river and the reference site, PFCA ≤ C9 were the predominant PFAS (37-59%), indicating that both local point sources and diffuse sources contributed to the exposure of the marine food web in the fjord. concentrations increased from zooplankton (1.1 ± 0.32 μg kg-1 ww) to polychaete (2.8 ± 0.80 μg kg-1 ww), crab (2.9 ± 0.70 μg kg-1 ww whole-body), fish liver (5.4 ± 0.87 μg kg-1 ww), and gull liver (62.2 ± 11.2 μg kg-1). PFAS profiles changed with increasing trophic level from a large contribution of 6:2 FTS, FOSA and long-chained PFCA in zooplankton and polychaetes to being dominated by linear PFOS in fish and gull liver. The PFOS isomer profile (branched versus linear) in the active FFTS and landfill was similar to historical ECF PFOS. A similar isomer profile was observed in seawater, indicating major contribution from local sources. However, a PFOS isomer profile enriched by the linear isomer was observed in other media (sediment and biota). Substitutes for PFOS, namely 6:2 FTS and PFBS, showed bioaccumulation potential in marine invertebrates. However, these compounds were not found in organisms at higher trophic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aasim M Ali
- Department of Contaminants and Biohazards, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen NO-5817, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
78
|
MacGillivray AR. Temporal Trends of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Delaware River Fish, USA. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:411-421. [PMID: 32940944 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in a variety of industrial and household products. Human and wildlife exposure to PFAS is widespread. Increasing evidence suggests adverse effects of PFAS to human health and the environment. Human health risks from exposure through drinking water and fish consumption are areas of concern. Therefore, understanding occurrence and exposure risk is important to protect water resources. PFAS was investigated in fish fillet from the Delaware River over a 15-y period (2004-2018). The sample period coincided with actions to reduce or eliminate the release of certain PFAS to the environment. Elevated levels of perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA) were initially observed in tidal fish fillet. While significant decreases in PFNA and PFUnA concentrations were observed in fish fillet from the tidal river during the timeframe of the study, changes in concentrations of other PFAS in tidal and nontidal fish were less substantial. In 2018, fish fillet continued to be contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) at levels exceeding recommended regional risk advisory limits on fish consumption. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:411-421. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
|
79
|
Cleary RS, Karnjanapiboonwong A, Thompson WA, Lasee SJ, Subbiah S, Kauble RK, Andraski BJ, Anderson TA. Emerging and Historical Contaminants Detected in Desert Rodents Collected Near a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Site. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:727-734. [PMID: 32187702 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4715] [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: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to determine contaminant presence, concentrations, and movement from a low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) burial disposal site to ecosystems in the surrounding area, a study was developed to assess concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and tritium. To complete this assessment small mammals, vegetation, soil, and insect samples were collected from areas within and adjacent to the Beatty, Nevada, LLRW site and from a reference area located approximately 3 km south of the LLRW site. Samples underwent analysis via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, or scintillation spectroscopy depending on the analyte of interest. Small mammal tissues showed maximum concentrations of over 1700 ng/g for PFAS, 1600 ng/g for PCBs, and 10 000 Bq/kg for tritium. The primary contaminants found in soil samples were PCBs, with maximum concentrations exceeding 25 ng/g. Trace amounts of PFAS were also detected in soils and insects. Only qualitative data were obtained from vegetation samples because of the complex matrix of the dominant plant species (creosote bush; Larrea tridentata [Sessé & Moc. ex DC.] Coville). Overall, these data indicate the presence of various anthropogenic contaminants in the ecosystem surrounding the LLRW area, but additional analyses are necessary to confirm the sources and migration pathways of PFAS and PCBs in this hyperarid environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:727-734. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Cleary
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - William A Thompson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Steven J Lasee
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Seenivasan Subbiah
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Todd A Anderson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Xu C, Liu Z, Song X, Ding X, Ding D. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in multi-media around a landfill in China: Implications for the usage of PFASs alternatives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141767. [PMID: 32889473 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To date, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmental media surrounding landfills have not attracted much attention. In this study, six legacy PFASs, six short-chain analogues and five emerging alternatives were investigated in groundwater, surface water and sediment samples taken in the vicinity of a valley-type landfill, which had been in operation for over 20 years. Total PFAS concentrations of 110-236 ng/L, 17.3-163 ng/L and 7.91-164 ng/g dw were detected in the surface water, groundwater and sediment samples, respectively. Overall, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant PFAS in surface water, but elevated concentrations of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were detected in the surface water samples taken adjacent to the landfill, suggesting that the landfill contributed to these compounds. PFBA was the dominant PFAS in the groundwater and sediments. The concentrations of long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (C8-C12) in the sediment samples correlated significantly with the TOC, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 contents. The partitioning behaviors of PFCAs in the water-sediment system varied depending on the CF2 moiety units. For the long-chain PFCAs, positive correlations between the average LogKd and the number of CF2 moieties were found to be statistically significant, whereas negative correlations were observed for the short-chain PFCAs (C4-C7). The ratios of short-chain analogues and emerging alternatives versus their respective legacy PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in surface water suggested an increasing trend of short-chain analogues, such as PFBA. The potential health risks of PFOS and PFOA, determined by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI), were found to be negligible via the drinking groundwater exposure pathway, but more comprehensive studies on the human health risks of PFASs from landfills are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Song
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Da Ding
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Bolan N, Sarkar B, Yan Y, Li Q, Wijesekara H, Kannan K, Tsang DCW, Schauerte M, Bosch J, Noll H, Ok YS, Scheckel K, Kumpiene J, Gobindlal K, Kah M, Sperry J, Kirkham MB, Wang H, Tsang YF, Hou D, Rinklebe J. Remediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soils - To mobilize or to immobilize or to degrade? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123892. [PMID: 33113753 PMCID: PMC8025151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals, which are introduced to the environment through anthropogenic activities. Aqueous film forming foam used in firefighting, wastewater effluent, landfill leachate, and biosolids are major sources of PFAS input to soil and groundwater. Remediation of PFAS contaminated solid and aqueous media is challenging, which is attributed to the chemical and thermal stability of PFAS and the complexity of PFAS mixtures. In this review, remediation of PFAS contaminated soils through manipulation of their bioavailability and destruction is presented. While the mobilizing amendments (e.g., surfactants) enhance the mobility and bioavailability of PFAS, the immobilizing amendments (e.g., activated carbon) decrease their bioavailability and mobility. Mobilizing amendments can be applied to facilitate the removal of PFAS though soil washing, phytoremediation, and complete destruction through thermal and chemical redox reactions. Immobilizing amendments are likely to reduce the transfer of PFAS to food chain through plant and biota (e.g., earthworm) uptake, and leaching to potable water sources. Future studies should focus on quantifying the potential leaching of the mobilized PFAS in the absence of removal by plant and biota uptake or soil washing, and regular monitoring of the long-term stability of the immobilized PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yubo Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Marina Schauerte
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julian Bosch
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Noll
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kirk Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jurate Kumpiene
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Kapish Gobindlal
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Sperry
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 USA
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Liu Y, Robey NM, Bowden JA, Tolaymat TM, da Silva BF, Solo-Gabriele HM, Townsend TG. From Waste Collection Vehicles to Landfills: Indication of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Transformation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:66-72. [PMID: 37850075 PMCID: PMC10581401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste contain diverse and significant amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and these compounds may transform throughout the "landfilling" process from transport through landfill degradation. Fresh vehicle leachates, from commercial and residential waste collection vehicles at a transfer station, were measured for 51 PFAS. Results were compared to PFAS levels obtained from aged landfill leachate at the disposal facility. The landfill leachate was dominated by perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs); 86% of the total PFAS, by median mass concentration), while the majority of PFAS present in commercial and residential waste vehicle leachate were PFAA-precursors (70% and 56% of the total PFAS, by median mass concentration, respectively), suggesting precursor transformation to PFAAs during the course of landfill disposal. In addition, several PFAS, which are not routinely monitored-perfluoropropane sulfonic acid (PFPrS), 8-chloro-perfluoro-1-octane sulfonic acid (8Cl-PFOS), chlorinated polyfluoroether sulfonic acids (6:2, 8:2 Cl-PFESAs), sodium dodecafluoro-3H-4,8-dioxanonanoate (NaDONA), and perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS)-were detected. Potential degradation pathways were proposed based on published studies: transformation of polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (diPAPs) and fluorotelomer sulfonic acids (FTS) to form PFCAs via formation of intermediate products such as fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Nicole M Robey
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Thabet M Tolaymat
- National Risk Management Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Bianca F da Silva
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental, Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
An Overview of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment: Source, Fate, Risk and Regulations. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12123590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The current article reviews the state of art of the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) compounds and provides an overview of PFASs occurrence in the environment, wildlife, and humans. This study reviews the issues concerning PFASs exposure and potential risks generated with a focus on PFAS occurrence and transformation in various media, discusses their physicochemical characterization and treatment technologies, before discussing the potential human exposure routes. The various toxicological impacts to human health are also discussed. The article pays particular attention to the complexity and challenging issue of regulating PFAS compounds due to the arising uncertainty and lack of epidemiological evidence encountered. The variation in PFAS regulatory values across the globe can be easily addressed due to the influence of multiple scientific, technical, and social factors. The varied toxicology and the insufficient definition of PFAS exposure rate are among the main factors contributing to this discrepancy. The lack of proven standard approaches for examining PFAS in surface water, groundwater, wastewater, or solids adds more technical complexity. Although it is agreed that PFASs pose potential health risks in various media, the link between the extent of PFAS exposure and the significance of PFAS risk remain among the evolving research areas. There is a growing need to address the correlation between the frequency and the likelihood of human exposure to PFAS and the possible health risks encountered. Although USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) recommends the 70 ng/L lifetime health advisory in drinking water for both perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFO) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is similar to the Australian regulations, the German Ministry of Health proposed a health-based guidance of maximum of 300 ng/L for the combination of PFOA and PFOS. Moreover, there are significant discrepancies among the US states where the water guideline levels for the different states ranged from 13 to 1000 ng L−1 for PFOA and/or PFOS. The current review highlighted the significance of the future research required to fill in the knowledge gap in PFAS toxicology and to better understand this through real field data and long-term monitoring programs.
Collapse
|
84
|
Langberg HA, Arp HPH, Breedveld GD, Slinde GA, Høiseter Å, Grønning HM, Jartun M, Rundberget T, Jenssen BM, Hale SE. Paper product production identified as the main source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Norwegian lake: Source and historic emission tracking. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 273:116259. [PMID: 33450507 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The entirety of the sediment bed in lake Tyrifjorden, Norway, is contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A factory producing paper products and a fire station were investigated as possible sources. Fire station emissions were dominated by the eight carbon perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), from aqueous film forming foams. Factory emissions contained PFOS, PFOS precursors (preFOS and SAmPAP), long chained fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTS), and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA). Concentrations and profiles in sediments and biota indicated that emissions originating from the factory were the main source of pollution in the lake, while no clear indication of fire station emissions was found. Ratios of linear-to branched-PFOS increased with distance from the factory, indicating that isomer profiles can be used to trace a point source. A dated sediment core contained higher concentrations in older sediments and indicated that two different PFAS products have been used at the factory, referred to here as Scotchban and FTS mixture. Modelling, based on the sediment concentrations, indicated that 42-189 tons Scotchban, and 2.4-15.6 tons FTS mixture, were emitted. Production of paper products may be a major PFAS point source, that has generally been overlooked. It is hypothesized that paper fibres released from such facilities are important vectors for PFAS transport in the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Håkon A Langberg
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway; Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gijs D Breedveld
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway; Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo, Norway
| | - Gøril A Slinde
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Åse Høiseter
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway; Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege M Grønning
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway; DMR Miljø Og Geoteknikk, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Morten Jartun
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sarah E Hale
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Meegoda JN, Kewalramani JA, Li B, Marsh RW. A Review of the Applications, Environmental Release, and Remediation Technologies of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8117. [PMID: 33153160 PMCID: PMC7663283 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pollutants that have demonstrated a high level of environmental persistence and are very difficult to remediate. As the body of literature on their environmental effects has increased, so has regulatory and research scrutiny. The widespread usage of PFAS in industrial applications and consumer products, complicated by their environmental release, mobility, fate, and transport, have resulted in multiple exposure routes for humans. Furthermore, low screening levels and stringent regulatory standards that vary by state introduce considerable uncertainty and potential costs in the environmental management of PFAS. The recalcitrant nature of PFAS render their removal difficult, but existing and emerging technologies can be leveraged to destroy or sequester PFAS in a variety of environmental matrices. Additionally, new research on PFAS remediation technologies has emerged to address the efficiency, costs, and other shortcomings of existing remediation methods. Further research on the impact of field parameters such as secondary water quality effects, the presence of co-contaminants and emerging PFAS, reaction mechanisms, defluorination yields, and the decomposition products of treatment technologies is needed to fully evaluate these emerging technologies, and industry attention should focus on treatment train approaches to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay N. Meegoda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Jitendra A. Kewalramani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Brian Li
- Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA;
| | - Richard W. Marsh
- Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Di Battista V, Rowe RK, Patch D, Weber K. PFOA and PFOS diffusion through LLDPE and LLDPE coextruded with EVOH at 22 °C, 35 °C, and 50 °C. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 117:93-103. [PMID: 32818812 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.07.036] [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: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) through 0.1 mm and 0.75 mm LLDPE and 0.1 mm and 0.75 mm LLDPE coextruded with ethyl vinyl alcohol (denoted as CoEx) at room temperature (23 °C), 35 °C, and 50 °C is examined. These tests had negligible source depletion throughout the monitoring period, indicating limited contaminant partitioning and diffusion through the LLDPE. At 483 days, 23 °C receptor PFOA and PFOS concentrations, cr, were <8 μg/L (cr/co < 3.2 × 10-4) for all tests, and at 399 days elevated temperature receptor concentrations were < 0.4 μg/L (cr/co < 1.6 × 10-5) at 35 °C and <0.5 μg/L (cr/co < 2.0 × 10-5) at 50 °C for both PFOA and PFOS. LLDPE partitioning coefficient, Sgf was 0.9-1.4 (PFOA) and 2.8-5.3 (PFOS) based on sorption tests at 23 °C. Based on the best estimates of permeation coefficient, PgCoEx, for CoEx was consistently lower than PgLLDPE. For PFOA, CoEx had PgCoEx < 0.26 × 10-16 m2/s at 23 °C, <11 × 10-16 m2/s (35 °C), and < 10 × 10-16 m2/s (50 °C) while LLDPE had PgLLDPE < 3.1 × 10-16 m2/s (23 °C), <13 × 10-16 m2/s (35 °C), and <19 × 10-16 m2/s (50 °C). For PFOS, CoEx and LLDPE had PgCoEx < 0.55 × 10-16 m2/s and PgLLDPE < 3.2 × 10-16 m2/s (23 °C), PgCoEx < 8.3 × 10-16 m2/s and PgLLDPE < 40 × 10-16 m2/s (35 °C), and PgCoEx < 8.2 × 10-16 m2/s and PgLLDPE < 52 × 10-16 m2/s (50 °C). These values are preliminary and may change (e.g., decrease) as more data comes available over time. The Pg values deduced for PFOA and PFOS are remarkably lower than those reported for other contaminants of concern, excepting BPA, which exhibits similar behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Di Battista
- GeoEngineering Centre at Queen's - RMC, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - R Kerry Rowe
- GeoEngineering Centre at Queen's - RMC, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - D Patch
- Environmental Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, Canada.
| | - K Weber
- Environmental Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Robey NM, da Silva BF, Annable MD, Townsend TG, Bowden JA. Concentrating Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate Using Foam Separation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12550-12559. [PMID: 32865409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Large volumes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated wastewaters, such as municipal solid waste landfill leachates, pose a challenge for PFAS treatment technologies in practice today. In this study, the surfactant properties of PFAS were exploited to concentrate the compounds in foam produced via the bubble aeration of landfill leachate. The effectiveness of the foaming technique for concentrating PFAS varied by compound, with a mean removal percentage (the percent difference between PFAS in leachate before and after foam removal) of 69% and a median removal percentage of 92% among the 10 replicate foaming experiments. This technique appears to be similarly effective at sequestering sulfonates and carboxylate PFAS compounds and is less effective at concentrating the smallest and largest PFAS molecules. The results of this study suggest that for the pretreatment or preconcentration of landfill leachates, foaming to sequester PFAS may provide a practical approach that could be strategically coupled to high-energy PFAS-destructive treatment technologies. The process described herein is simple and could feasibly be applied at a relatively low cost at most landfills, where leachate aeration is already commonplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Robey
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Bianca F da Silva
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Michael D Annable
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Chen J, Tang L, Chen WQ, Peaslee GF, Jiang D. Flows, Stock, and Emissions of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in California Carpet in 2000-2030 under Different Scenarios. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6908-6918. [PMID: 32352763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we present a holistic analysis of the stock and emissions of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in California carpet in 2000-2030. Our high estimate is that, in 2017, the total PFAS accumulated in in-use carpet stock and landfilled carpet are ∼60 and ∼120 tonnes, respectively, and the resultant PFAS emissions are ∼800 and ∼100 kg, respectively. Among the three subclasses (side-chain polymers, PFAA, and nonpolymeric precursors), side-chain polymers dominate the in-use stock and landfill accumulation, while nonpolymeric precursors dominate the resultant emissions. Our low estimate is typically 8-15% of the high estimate and follows similar trends and subclass breakdowns as the high estimate. California's new Carpet Stewardship Regulations (24% recycling of end-of-life carpet) will reduce the landfilled PFAS by 6% (7 tonnes) at the cost of increasing the in-use stock by 2% (2 tonnes) in 2030. Aggressive PFAS phase-out by carpet manufacturers (i.e., reduce PFAS use by 15% annually starting 2020) could reduce the in-use PFAS stock by 50% by 2030, but its impact on the total landfilled PFAS is limited. The shift toward short-chain PFAS will also significantly reduce the in-use stock of long-chain PFAS in carpet by 2030 (only 25% of the total PFAS will be long-chain). Among the data gaps identified, a key one is the current area-based PFAS emission reporting (i.e., g PFAS emitted/area carpet/time), which leads to the counterintuitive result that reducing the PFAS use in carpet production has no impact on the PFAS emissions from in-use stock and landfills. Future technical studies should either confirm this or consider a mass-based unit (e.g., g PFAS emitted/g PFAS used/time) for better integration into regional substance flow analysis. Other noticeable data gaps include the lack of time-series data on emissions from the in-use stock and on leaching of side-chain polymers from landfills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Chen
- Environmental Engineering Department, Montana Tech, Butte, Montana 59701, United States
| | - Linbin Tang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Chen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
- Xiamen Key Lab of Urban Metabolism, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Graham F Peaslee
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Daqian Jiang
- Environmental Engineering Department, Montana Tech, Butte, Montana 59701, United States
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Kang Q, Gao F, Zhang X, Wang L, Liu J, Fu M, Zhang S, Wan Y, Shen H, Hu J. Nontargeted identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in human follicular fluid and their blood-follicle transfer. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 139:105686. [PMID: 32278886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The female reproductive toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised concerns, but knowledge about their human preconception exposure is limited. In this study, 15 emerging PFAS were identified in follicular fluid samples from healthy women by using high-resolution mass spectrometry, and Cl-substituted perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs) including 4:2, 5:2, 6:2, and 8:2 Cl-PFESAs, 4:4 C8 perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (PFESA), C8 perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylate (PFECA), and C8 polyether PFECA (Po-PFECA) were detected in over 50% of 28 follicular fluid samples. Ten legacy PFAS were also detected, and the geometric mean concentration of PFOS was the highest (4.82 ng/mL), followed by PFOA (4.60 ng/mL), 6:2 Cl-PFESA (1.09 ng/mL), PFHxS (0.515 ng/mL), PFNA (0.498 ng/mL), and C8 PFECA (0.367 ng/mL). The blood-follicle transfer efficiencies for PFCAs decreased with increasing chain length (0.96 for PFHpA, 0.56 for PFTriDA), and the transfer efficiencies of C8 PFECA (0.78) was significantly higher than that of PFOA (0.76). The transfer efficiencies of 4:2 Cl-PFESA (0.73), 6:2 Cl-PFESA (0.75) and 8:2 Cl-PFESA (0.91) were significantly higher than that (0.70) of PFOS (p = 0.028, 0.026 and 0.002, respectively). This study constitutes the first report of the human oocyte exposure to emerging PFAS and their blood-follicle transfer abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Kang
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fumei Gao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Fu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Shiyi Zhang
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yi Wan
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huan Shen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jianying Hu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Hamid H, Li LY, Grace JR. Aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds in landfill leachate-sediment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136547. [PMID: 31958722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Consumer products containing fluorotelomer polymers are a source of fluorotelomer compounds to the environment following their disposal at landfills. The fate and transformation of fluorotelomer compounds are unknown in landfill leachates. This study investigates the aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosms using batch tests. Spiked 8:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTS and their known biotransformation products were quantified in sediment-leachate and headspace over 90 days under aerobic conditions. 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS biotransformation was slow (half-life >>30 d) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosm, suggesting persistence of fluorotelomer compounds under the conditions investigated. Significant volatilization (>20%) of 8:2 FTOH was observed in the microcosm headspace after 90 days. C6 - C8 and C4 - C6 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the most abundant products for 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS, respectively. PFCAs accounted for 4-9 mol% of the initially spiked parent compounds at 90 days. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the single most abundant product of 8:2 FTOH (>2.8 mol% at 90 days). The unaccounted mass (20 to 35 mol%) of the initially spiked parent compounds indicated formation of fluorotelomer intermediates and sediment-bound residue. Overall the findings suggest that aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds acts as a secondary source of long- and short-chain (≤C7) PFCAs in the environment. Partitioning of semi-volatile fluorotelomer compounds (e.g., 8:2 FTOH) to the gas-phase indicates possible long-range transport and subsequent release of PFCAs in pristine environments. Short-chain fluorotelomer replacements (e.g., 6:2 FTS) result in a higher abundance of short-chain PFCAs in landfill leachate. Future research is needed to understand the long-term exposure effects of short-chain PFCAs to humans, aquatic life and biota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - John R Grace
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Solo-Gabriele HM, Jones AS, Lindstrom AB, Lang JR. Waste type, incineration, and aeration are associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl levels in landfill leachates. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 107:191-200. [PMID: 32304853 PMCID: PMC8335518 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many consumer products which will be ultimately disposed in landfills. Limiting environmental contamination and future exposures will require managing leachates from different types of landfills, each with different PFAS levels depending upon the source of the waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of waste type and on-site treatment on PFAS levels in landfill leachates. Eleven PFAS species (7 carboxylic acids, 3 sulfonic acids, and 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid) were evaluated in leachates from municipal solid waste (MSW), construction and demolition (C&D), MSW ash (MSWA), and a mixture of MSWA and MSW with landfill gas condensate (MSWA/MSW-GC). Leachates were also analyzed before and after on-site treatment at two of these facilities. Results indicate that MSWA leachate had significantly lower PFAS levels relative to other leachate types. Lower total PFAS concentrations in MSWA leachates were correlated with an increase in incineration temperature (R2 = 0.92, p = 0.008). The levels of PFAS in untreated C&D and untreated MSW leachate were similar. The levels of targeted PFAS species in MSW leachate for one of the facilities evaluated increased after on-site landfill treatment presumably due to the conversion of PFAS precursors in the untreated leachate sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146-0630, USA.
| | - Athena S Jones
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146-0630, USA.
| | - Andrew B Lindstrom
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Johnsie R Lang
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 100 ORAU Way, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Cui J, Gao P, Deng Y. Destruction of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) with Advanced Reduction Processes (ARPs): A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3752-3766. [PMID: 32162904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Advanced reduction processes (ARPs) have emerged as a promising method for destruction of persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water due to the generation of short-lived and highly reductive hydrated electrons (eaq-). This study provides a critical review on the mechanisms and performance of reductive destruction of PFAS with eaq-. Unique properties of eaq- and its generation in different ARP systems, particularly UV/sulfite and UV/iodide, are overviewed. Different degradation mechanisms of PFAS chemicals, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), and others (e.g., short chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), per- and polyfluoro dicarboxylic acids, and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids), are reviewed, discussed, and compared. The degradation pathways of these PFAS chemicals rely heavily upon their head groups. For specific PFAS types, fluoroalkyl chain lengths may also affect their reductive degradation patterns. Degradation and defluorination efficiencies of PFAS are considerably influenced by solution chemistry parameters and operating factors, such as pH, dose of chemical solute (i.e., sulfite or iodide) for eaq- photoproduction, dissolved oxygen, humic acid, nitrate, and temperature. Furthermore, implications of the state-of-the-art knowledge on practical PFAS control actions in water industries are discussed and the priority research needs are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junkui Cui
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Panpan Gao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yang Deng
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Wang B, Yao Y, Chen H, Chang S, Tian Y, Sun H. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the contribution of unknown precursors and short-chain (C2-C3) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids at solid waste disposal facilities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135832. [PMID: 31831231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The emission of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from municipal solid wastes (MSW) disposal raises concerns for their potential of long-term release and risks. In this study, the occurrence of PFASs was investigated in ambient air and leachate from seven MSW disposal facilities including three landfills, two incineration plants, and two MSW transfer stations in Tianjin, China. Mass loads of PFASs (≥C4) released to the atmosphere were estimated at 0.007-0.97 kg/y/site, which were much lower than those to leachate (0.04-1.3 kg/y/site), while emission to the atmosphere at landfills was more considerable. With total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay, unknown C4-C12 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs)-precursors were found contributing 10-97 mol% in leachate and accounting for additional 15%-43% mass loads. Using IC-Ba/Ag/H cartridges, trifluoroacetic acid (C2) and perfluoropropionic acid (C3) were recovered in leachate for TOP assay (62%-78%) and determined at dominant levels of 19-81 μg/L, which accounted for mass loads of 0.08-2.6 kg/y/site. Unknown C2-C3 PFAA-precursors contributed 12-93 mol% with mass loads of 0.10-3.0 kg/y/site. Overall, unknown C2-C12 PFAA-precursors remained contributing 0.35-68 mol% in biochemically treated leachate. This study emphasizes that the profiles of unknown PFAA-precursors released during MSW disposal are to be identified, which is essential for their environmental risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- 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.
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Shuai Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ying Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Ke Y, Chen J, Hu X, Tong T, Huang J, Xie S. Emerging perfluoroalkyl substance impacts soil microbial community and ammonia oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113615. [PMID: 31759679 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Legacy perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are gradually phased out because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, long-distance transport and ubiquity in the environment. Alternatively, emerging PFASs are manufactured and released into the environment. It is accepted that PFASs can impact microbiota, although it is still unclear whether emerging PFASs are toxic towards soil microbiota. However, it could be assumed that OBS could impact soil microorganisms because it had similar chemical properties (toxicity and persistence) as legacy PFASs. The present study aimed to explore the influences of an emerging PFAS, namely sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), on archaeal, bacterial, and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) communities and ammonia oxidation. Grassland soil was amended with OBS at different dosages (0, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg). After OBS amendment, tolerant microorganisms (e.g., archaea and AOA) were promoted, while susceptive microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and AOB) were inhibited. OBS amendment greatly changed microbial structure. Potential nitrifying activity was inhibited by OBS in a dose-dependent manner during the whole incubation. Furthermore, AOB might play a more important role in ammonia oxidation than AOA. Overall, OBS influenced ammonia oxidation by regulating the activity, abundance and structure of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms, and could also exert influences on total bacterial and archaeal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchu Ke
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Zhejiang Environmental Monitoring Center, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Tianli Tong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jun Huang
- School of Environment, Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOC), State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shuguang Xie
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Kim Lazcano R, de Perre C, Mashtare ML, Lee LS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in commercially available biosolid-based products: The effect of treatment processes. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2019; 91:1669-1677. [PMID: 31260167 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in a variety of consumer and industrial products and are known to accumulate in sewage sludge due to sorption and their recalcitrant nature. Treatment processes ensure safe and high-quality biosolids by reducing the potential for adverse environmental impacts such as pathogen levels; however, they have yet to be evaluated for their impact on the fate of PFAS. The objective of this study was to compare PFAS concentrations in four commercially available biosolid-based products that received different types of treatments: heat treatment, composting, blending, and thermal hydrolysis. Seventeen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were quantified using liquid chromatography with tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry followed by screening for 30 PFAA precursors. Treatment processes did not reduce PFAA loads except for blending, which served only to dilute concentrations. Several PFAA precursors were identified with 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diesters in all samples pre- and post-treatment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Heat treatment and composting increased perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations. Only dilution from blending with non-PFAS material decreased PFAA concentrations. Thermal hydrolysis process had no apparent effect on PFAA concentrations. PFAS sources are a greater driver of PFAS loads in biosolid-based products than treatment processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rooney Kim Lazcano
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Chloé de Perre
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael L Mashtare
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Environmental & Ecological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Environmental & Ecological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Knutsen H, Mæhlum T, Haarstad K, Slinde GA, Arp HPH. Leachate emissions of short- and long-chain per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) from various Norwegian landfills. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1970-1979. [PMID: 31411188 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00170k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Restrictions on the use of long-chain per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) has led to substitutions with short-chain PFASs. This study investigated the presence of four short-chain PFASs and twenty-four long-chain PFASs in leachate and sediment from ten Norwegian landfills, including one site in Svalbard, to assess whether short-chain PFASs are more dominant in leachate. PFASs were detected in all sites. Short-chain PFASs were major contributors to the total PFAS leachate concentrations in six of ten landfills, though not in Svalbard. In sediment, long-chain PFASs such as perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and PFOS-precursors were dominant. Short-chain PFAS leachate concentrations ranged from 68 to 6800 ng L-1 (mean: 980 ± 1800; median: 360 ng L-1), whereas long-chain concentrations ranged from 140 to 2900 ng L-1 (mean: 530 ± 730; median: 290 ng L-1). Sediment concentrations, which contained mainly long-chain PFASs, ranged from 8.5 to 120 μg kg-1 (mean: 47 ± 36; median: 41 μg kg-1). National release from Norwegian landfills to the environment was estimated to be 17 ± 29 kg per year (median: 6.3 kg per year), which is in the same range as national emissions from the US, China and Germany after normalizing the data to a per capita emission factor (3.2 ± 5.5 mg per person per year). Results from this study are compared with previous and current studies in other countries, indicating a general trend that short-chain PFASs are dominating over long-chain PFASs in landfill leachate emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Knutsen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trond Mæhlum
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), P.O. Box 115, N-1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Ketil Haarstad
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), P.O. Box 115, N-1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Gøril Aasen Slinde
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway. and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Zou H, Cui W, Wang ZL, Wang Z. The hitchhiker's guide to core samples: Key issues and lessons learned. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 685:867-885. [PMID: 31247435 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Core samples may be used as valuable geochronometers for storing historical pollution footprints of organic pollutants. A number of studies have used core samples to evaluate temporal depositions, loading inventories, and effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures. However, in order to get a reliable estimation, certain prerequisites must be satisfied to rule out various confounding factors such as biomixing and melting. This review aims to understand when core samples can or cannot be used as natural archives for organic pollutants. First, we systematically review existing studies of organic pollutants in soil, sediment and ice cores and possible factors that may influence post-depositional fate of chemicals. Then, building on field evidence, model simulation and laboratory leaching tests findings, we discuss issues of post-depositional downward movement in detail. To assist future core sample studies, we summarize lessons learned on study design in the context of sampling design, data analysis, and data reporting. In particular, the combination of a careful study design and appropriate numerical model(s) will help to elevate core samples as a more reliable tool for retrospective understanding of chemical pollution. This review is an initial step toward a better and more accurate use of core samples, and further interdisciplinary cooperation is needed to develop standardized protocols, guidelines and tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, PR China
| | - Wanqi Cui
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, PR China
| | - Zhong-Liang Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering (IfU), ETH Zurich, John-von-Neumann-Weg 9, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Zhang Y, Moores A, Liu J, Ghoshal S. New Insights into the Degradation Mechanism of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by Persulfate from Density Functional Theory and Experimental Data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:8672-8681. [PMID: 31290654 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Thermally activated persulfate is a promising oxidant for in situ remediation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), yet a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanism is still lacking. In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental data to map entire reaction pathways for the degradation of PFOA by persulfate, with specific considerations on the influence of pH. The DFT results showed that the rate-limiting step was the first electron abstraction from PFOA, yet the generation of SO4•- from the decomposition of persulfate contributed a large part of the free energy of activation (ΔG‡) for the overall reaction. The subsequent steps did not contribute to the ΔG‡. For the electron abstraction from PFOA, we investigated reactions using protonated and deprotonated species of PFOA and SO4•- and showed that the reaction of anionic PFOA with HSO4• was most favorable with a ΔG‡ of 7.2 kJ/mol. This explains why low pH (<3.5) is a sine qua non condition for the degradation of PFOA by persulfate. The overall ΔG‡ derived theoretically based on the pathway involved HSO4• was consistent with the ΔG‡ determined experimentally. This study provides valuable insight into remediation strategies that include persulfate as an oxidizing agent for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec H3A 0C3 , Canada
| | - Audrey Moores
- Center for Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec H3A 0B8 , Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec H3A 0C3 , Canada
| | - Subhasis Ghoshal
- Department of Civil Engineering , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec H3A 0C3 , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Hepburn E, Northway A, Bekele D, Currell M. Incorporating perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) into a geochemical index for improved delineation of legacy landfill impacts on groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:1198-1208. [PMID: 30970485 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Historical, or 'legacy' landfills are commonly unlined and can therefore pose risks to human health and the environment via the discharge of leachate to sensitive groundwater and surface waters. Characterising the impacts on groundwater from legacy landfills located within urban re-development precincts is therefore of growing importance worldwide and is difficult using conventional indicators. At Australia's largest urban re-development precinct, Fishermans Bend, seven known legacy landfills exist, as well as numerous other contamination sources (e.g. historical industrial spillages). Conventional landfill leachate indicators (e.g. ammonia-N and bicarbonate) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) were measured in 36 bores to distinguish leachate-impacted groundwater from non-impacted areas. Whilst eleven bores showed clear leachate impacts based on conventional indicators, others did not show clearly identifiable leachate signals, particularly those installed near landfills thought to have accepted a larger component of non-putrescible waste (e.g. industrial, construction and/or demolition waste). A new index for detection of legacy landfill leachate impact on groundwater was therefore developed, incorporating perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) as a proportion of PFAA (PFOA/∑PFAA) into an existing method based on leachate to native cation ratios, ('L/N ratios'). Significant differences between the means of the leachate-impacted versus non-impacted bores were found using the 'modified L/N ratio' (p = .006), whereas no significant differences were found between the means of the two groups using the standard L/N ratio (p = .063). The modified L/N ratios also showed a statistically significant difference between the means of the bores impacted by municipal waste versus those impacted by non-putrescible waste (p = .003), indicating they are a much more sensitive indicator of both the existence and type of landfill leachate impact on groundwater than previously reported. This new index may prove particularly useful in complex urban areas where multiple potential contamination sources exist, and land use histories are either unknown or complicated. CAPSULE: Conventional methods for leachate detection in groundwater surrounding legacy landfills have been analysed and further developed via the inclusion of perfluoroalkyl acids, to better understand contaminant sources, fate and transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hepburn
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Anne Northway
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - Dawit Bekele
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Australia
| | - Matthew Currell
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Hepburn E, Madden C, Szabo D, Coggan TL, Clarke B, Currell M. Contamination of groundwater with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from legacy landfills in an urban re-development precinct. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 248:101-113. [PMID: 30784829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater surrounding legacy landfills is currently poorly constrained. Seventeen PFAS were analysed in groundwater surrounding legacy landfills in a major Australian urban re-development precinct. Sampling locations (n = 13) included sites installed directly in waste material and down-gradient from landfills, some of which exhibited evidence of leachate contamination including elevated concentrations of ammonia-N (≤106 mg/L), bicarbonate (≤1,740 mg/L) and dissolved methane (≤10.4 mg/L). Between one and fourteen PFAS were detected at all sites and PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA and PFBS were detected in all samples. The sum of detected PFAS (∑14PFAS) varied from 26 ng/L at an ambient background site to 5,200 ng/L near a potential industrial point-source. PFHxS had the highest median concentration (34 ng/L; range: 2.6-280 ng/L) followed by PFOS (26 ng/L; range: 1.3-4,800 ng/L), PFHxA (19 ng/L; range: <LOQ - 46 ng/L) and PFOA (12 ng/L; range: 1.7-74 ng/L). Positive correlations between ∑14PFAS, PFOA and other perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (e.g. PFHxA) with typical leachate indicators including ammonia-N and bicarbonate were observed. In contrast, no such correlations were found with perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) (e.g., PFOS and PFHxS). In addition, a strong positive linear correlation (R2 = 0.69) was found between the proportion of PFOA in the sum of detected perfluorinated alkylated acids (PFOA/∑PFAA) and ammonia-N concentrations in groundwater. This is consistent with previous research showing relatively high PFOA/∑PFAA in municipal landfill leachates, and more conservative behaviour (e.g. less sorption and reactivity) of PFCAs during subsurface transport compared to PFSAs. PFOA/∑PFAA in groundwater may therefore be a useful indicator of municipal landfill-derived PFAA. One site with significantly elevated PFOS and PFHxS concentrations (4,800 and 280 ng/L, respectively) appears to be affected by point-source industrial contamination, as landfill leachate indicators were absent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hepburn
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Casey Madden
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRE), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Timothy L Coggan
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRE), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Bradley Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRE), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Matthew Currell
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|