101
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We ACE, Stickland AD, Clarke BO, Freguia S. The role of suspended biomass in PFAS enrichment in wastewater treatment foams. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121349. [PMID: 38401288 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121349] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Foaming in aerated bioreactors at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been identified as an operational issue for decades. However, the affinity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for air-liquid interfaces suggests that foam harvesting has the potential to become a sustainable method for PFAS removal from sewage. Aerated bioreactors' foams are considered three-phase systems, comprising air, aqueous and solid components, the latter consisting of activated sludge biomass. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of the capability of aerated bioreactors' foams to enrich PFAS, we analysed PFAS concentrations from WWTPs in both the solid and aqueous phases of the collapsed foams (foamate) and underlying bulk mixed liquors. Our findings show that PFAS enrichment occurs not only in the aqueous phase but also in the solid phase of the foamate. This suggests that previous field studies that only analysed the aqueous phase may have underestimated the capability of the aerated bioreactors' foams to enrich PFAS. Fractions of PFOA and PFOS sorbed to the solid phase of the foamate can be as high as 60 % and 95 %, respectively. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing effective foamate management strategies that consider both the aqueous and solid phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Chyi En We
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony D Stickland
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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102
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Gasparini C, Iori S, Pietropoli E, Bonato M, Giantin M, Barbarossa A, Bardhi A, Pilastro A, Dacasto M, Pauletto M. Sub-acute exposure of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA and GenX induces significant changes in the testis transcriptome and reproductive traits. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108703. [PMID: 38705092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently detected in the environment and are linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in humans. Although legacy PFAS have been phased out due to their toxicity, alternative PFAS are increasingly used despite the fact that information on their toxic effects on reproductive traits is particularly scarce. Here, we exposed male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for a short period (21 days) to an environmentally realistic concentration (1 ppb) of PFOA, a legacy PFAS, and its replacement compound, GenX, to assess their impact on reproductive traits and gene expression. Exposure to PFAS did not impair survival but instead caused sublethal effects. Overall, PFAS exposure caused changes in male sexual behaviour and had detrimental effects on sperm motility. Sublethal variations were also seen at the transcriptional level, with the modulation of genes involved in immune regulation, spermatogenesis, and oxidative stress. We also observed bioaccumulation of PFAS, which was higher for PFOA than for GenX. Our results offer a comprehensive comparison of these two PFAS and shed light on the toxicity of a newly emerging alternative to legacy PFAS. It is therefore evident that even at low concentrations and with short exposure, PFAS can have subtle yet significant effects on behaviour, fertility, and immunity. These findings underscore the potential ramifications of pollution under natural conditions and their impact on fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gasparini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - S Iori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - E Pietropoli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Bonato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - M Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - A Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy; Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Pilastro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - M Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
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103
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Wang Q, Gu X, Mo L, Wan N, Wu L, Liu S, Zhang M, Li M, Liu X, Liu Y. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances induce lipid metabolic impairment in fish: Integration on field investigation and laboratory study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108687. [PMID: 38677088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108687] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The biotoxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to aquatic organisms has been widely concerned. However, studies on toxic effects of PFASs are usually evaluated directly by using laboratory exposure rather than laboratory validation based on data obtained in the field. In this study, wild catfish (Silurus meridinalis) was explored on the relationship between PFASs bioaccumulation and lipid disorders. Nine and thirteen lipid metabolites were significantly associated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 6:2/8:2Cl-PFESA (trade name F-53B) exposures, respectively; and the correlated lipid metabolites were the fatty acid (FA) and conjugates, FA esters, steroids, and glycerophosphate subclasses. The effects of PFASs on lipid metabolism of fish and its mechanism were further analyzed through exposure experiments. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) of different sexes underwent PFOS and F-53B exposures for 21 days at 100 ng/L and 100 μg/L. By determining gene expression levels, hepatic lipid contents, and histopathological change, the adverse effects order on lipid metabolism in male or female was 100 μg/L F-53B > 100 μg/L PFOS > 100 ng/L F-53B > 100 ng/L PFOS; the stress response in male was more intensive than that in female. PFOS and F-53B activated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway, promoting the processes of FA and total cholesterol (T-CHO) transport, FA β-oxidation, FA synthesis, and finally induced FA and T-CHO transportation from blood into liver, then accelerated FA to FA ester transformation, and CHO into steroids. Laboratory experiments confirmed the field analysis. This study innovatively explored the adverse effects of PFOS and F-53B on lipid metabolism and their mechanisms at field and laboratory levels, highlighting concerns regarding PFASs health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Wang
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Xueyan Gu
- Physical Education College, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Limin Mo
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China; School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Nannan Wan
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Liu Wu
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China; School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Mingqi Li
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Research Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China.
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104
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Pesonen M, Vähäkangas K. Involvement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds in tumor development. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1241-1252. [PMID: 38478087 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic persistent chemicals, which are used in many industrial and commercial applications. Hundreds of different PFAS have been identified in the environment and they are commonly found also in human blood. Due to the chemical stability and extensive use, PFAS pose a risk for human health and wildlife. Mounting evidence indicates that PFAS-exposure adversely affects many organs including liver, kidney, and reproductive tissues and induces tumors in laboratory rodents. Epidemiological studies show association between PFAS-exposure and some tumors also in humans. Effects of PFAS-exposure are complex and obviously do not depend only on the concentration and the structure of PFAS, but also on age and sex of the exposed individuals. It has been difficult to show a causal link between PFAS-exposure and tumors. Moreover, molecular mechanisms of the PFAS effects in different tissues are poorly understood. PFAS are not directly mutagenic and they do not induce formation of DNA binding metabolites, and thus are assumed to act more through non-genotoxic mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the involvement of PFAS-compounds in tumor development in tissues where PFAS exposure has been associated with cancer in epidemiological and animal studies (liver, kidney, testicle and breast). We will focus on molecular pathways and mechanisms related to tumor formation following PFAS-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Pesonen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy/Toxicology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Kirsi Vähäkangas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy/Toxicology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
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105
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Porseryd T, Larsson J, Lindman J, Malmström E, Smolarz K, Grahn M, Dinnétz P. Effects on food intake of Gammarus spp. after exposure to PFBA in very low concentrations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116369. [PMID: 38640762 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116369] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of highly persistent anthropogenic chemicals widely used in many industries. Therefore, they are, ubiquitously present in various types of environments. Despite their omnipresence, ecotoxicological studies of most PFAS are scarce, and those available often assess the effects of long chain PFAS. In this study, we present the results of an exposure experiment in which wild aquatic amphipod Gammarus spp. was exposed to the short chain perfluorinated substance perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) at very low and environmentally relevant concentrations of 0, 10 and 100 ng/L. The exposure lasted for 12 days, and food intake and non-reproductive behavior were analyzed. Exposure to 10 and 100 ng/L PFBA resulted in a lower consumption of food during exposure but no effect on behavior was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Porseryd
- Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Josefine Larsson
- Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden; Marint centrum, Simrishamn Kommun, Simrishamn, Sweden
| | - Johanna Lindman
- Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Erica Malmström
- Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Katarzyna Smolarz
- Department of Marine Ecosystems Functioning, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mats Grahn
- Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Patrik Dinnétz
- Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
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106
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Cui R, Ye L, Qiao X, Wang S, Zheng K, Yang J, Ge RS, Lin H, Wang Y. Carbon-chain length determines the binding affinity and inhibitory strength of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on human and rat steroid 5α-reductase 1 activity. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110987. [PMID: 38574835 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in animals and humans. There is growing evidence that PFAS exposure adversely impacts neurodevelopment and neurological health. Steroid 5α-reductase 1 (SRD5A1) plays a key role in neurosteroidogenesis by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone or pregnenolone to neuroactive steroids, which influence neural development, cognition, mood, and behavior. This study investigated the inhibitory strength and binding interactions of 18 PFAS on human and rat SRD5A1 activity using enzyme assays, molecular docking, and structure-activity relationship analysis. Results revealed that C9-C14 PFAS carboxylic acid at 100 μM significantly inhibited human SRD5A1, with IC50 values ranged from 10.99 μM (C11) to 105.01 μM (C14), and only one PFAS sulfonic acid (C8S) significantly inhibited human SRD5A1 activity, with IC50 value of 8.15 μM. For rat SRD5A1, C9-C14 PFAS inhibited rat SRD5A1, showing the similar trend, depending on carbon number of the carbon chain. PFAS inhibit human and rat SRD5A1 in a carbon chain length-dependent manner, with optimal inhibition around C11. Kinetic studies indicated PFAS acted through mixed inhibition. Molecular docking revealed PFAS bind to the domain between NADPH and testosterone binding site of both SRD5A1 enzymes. Inhibitory potency correlated with physicochemical properties like carbon number of the carbon chain. These findings suggest PFAS may disrupt neurosteroid synthesis and provide insight into structure-based inhibition of SRD5A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xinyi Qiao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shaowei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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107
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Jovanović M, Müller V, Feldmann J, Leitner E. Analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in raw materials intended for the production of paper-based food contact materials - evaluating LC-MS/MS versus total fluorine and extractable organic fluorine. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2024; 41:525-536. [PMID: 38530104 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2024.2332334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis has become crucial due to their presence in the environment, their persistence and potential health risks. These compounds are commonly used in food contact materials (FCM) as a coating to provide water and grease-repellent properties. One of the pathways for PFAS to enter the human body is either through direct consumption of contaminated food or indirectly through migration from FCM into food. The purpose of this study was to investigate where the initial contamination of paper FCM occurs. We analysed paper material consisting of fresh fibre and secondary materials, intended to produce food packaging for the presence of PFAS. The samples were extracted and analysed for 23 different PFAS substances using the targeted approach with LC tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This analytical technique detects specific, easily ionisable PFAS with high sensitivity. However, one drawback of this approach is that it allows the identification of less than 1% of the PFAS known today. For this reason, we used combustion ion chromatography (CIC) to determine the content of extractable organic fluorine compounds (EOF) and compare it to the total fluorine content. The targeted analysis using LC-MS/MS measured an average sum concentration of PFAS of 0.17 ng g-1 sample. Our research shows that the primary PFAS contamination happens during the recycling process since all of the samples in which the targeted PFAS were measured belonged to the secondary material. The most frequently detected analytes were PFOA and PFOS, detected in 90% and 62% of the samples, respectively, followed by PFBS (in 29% of the samples). CIC showed that measured PFAS via LC-MS/MS amount to an average of 2.7 × 10-4% of total fluorine content, whereas the EOF was under the LOD in all of the measured samples. This result highlights the complexity of the accurate determination of PFAS compounds, displaying what kind of information the chosen methods provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Jovanović
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, TU Graz, Austria
| | - Viktoria Müller
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
- TESLA - Analytical Chemistry, Institute for Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- TESLA - Analytical Chemistry, Institute for Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Erich Leitner
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, TU Graz, Austria
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108
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Starnes HM, Jackson TW, Rock KD, Belcher SM. Quantitative cross-species comparison of serum albumin binding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from five structural classes. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:132-149. [PMID: 38518100 PMCID: PMC11057469 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 8000 chemicals, many of which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Serum protein binding affinity is instrumental in understanding PFAS toxicity, yet experimental binding data is limited to only a few PFAS congeners. Previously, we demonstrated the usefulness of a high-throughput, in vitro differential scanning fluorimetry assay for determination of relative binding affinities of human serum albumin for 24 PFAS congeners from 6 chemical classes. In the current study, we used this assay to comparatively examine differences in human, bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumin binding of 8 structurally informative PFAS congeners from 5 chemical classes. With the exception of the fluorotelomer alcohol 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanol (6:2 FTOH), each PFAS congener bound by human serum albumin was also bound by bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumin. The critical role of the charged functional headgroup in albumin binding was supported by the inability of albumin of each species tested to bind 6:2 FTOH. Significant interspecies differences in serum albumin binding affinities were identified for each of the bound PFAS congeners. Relative to human albumin, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids were bound with greater affinity by porcine and rat serum albumin, and the perfluoroalkyl ether acid congener bound with lower affinity to porcine and bovine serum albumin. These comparative affinity data for PFAS binding by serum albumin from human, experimental model, and livestock species reduce critical interspecies uncertainty and improve accuracy of predictive bioaccumulation and toxicity assessments for PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Starnes
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
| | - Thomas W Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
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109
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Abstract
Ubiquitous environmental exposures increase cardiovascular disease risk via diverse mechanisms. This review examines personal strategies to minimize this risk. With regard to fine particulate air pollution exposure, evidence exists to recommend the use of portable air cleaners and avoidance of outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. Other evidence may support physical activity, dietary modification, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and indoor and in-vehicle air conditioning as viable strategies to minimize adverse health effects. There is currently insufficient data to recommend specific personal approaches to reduce the adverse cardiovascular effects of noise pollution. Public health advisories for periods of extreme heat or cold should be observed, with limited evidence supporting a warm ambient home temperature and physical activity as strategies to limit the cardiovascular harms of temperature extremes. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure can be reduced by avoiding contact with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance-containing materials; blood or plasma donation and cholestyramine may reduce total body stores of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. However, the cardiovascular impact of these interventions has not been examined. Limited utilization of pesticides and safe handling during use should be encouraged. Finally, vasculotoxic metal exposure can be decreased by using portable air cleaners, home water filtration, and awareness of potential contaminants in ground spices. Chelation therapy reduces physiological stores of vasculotoxic metals and may be effective for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Bonanni
- Grossman School of Medicine (L.J.B.), NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
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110
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Yang Y, Liu X, Mu B, Meng S, Mao S, Tao W, Li Z. Lanthanide metal-organic framework-based surface molecularly imprinted polymers ratiometric fluorescence probe for visual detection of perfluorooctanoic acid with a smartphone-assisted portable device. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 257:116330. [PMID: 38677022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) poses a threat to the environment and human health due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and reproductive toxicity. Herein, a lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF)-based surface molecularly imprinted polymers (SMIPs) ratiometric fluorescence probe (Eu/Tb-MOF@MIPs) and a smartphone-assisted portable device were developed for the detection of PFOA with high selectivity in real water samples. The integration of Eu/Tb MOFs as carriers not only had highly stable multiple emission signals but also prevented deformation of the imprinting cavity of MIPs. Meanwhile, the MIPs layer preserved the fluorescence of Ln-MOF and provided selective cavities for improved specificity. Molecular dynamics (MD) was employed to simulate the polymerization process of MIPs, revealing that the formation of multiple recognition sites was attributed to the establishment of hydrogen bonds between functional monomers and templates. The probe showed a good linear relationship with PFOA concentration in the range of 0.02-2.8 μM, by giving the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.98 nM. Additionally, The red-green-blue (RGB) values analysis based on the smartphone-assisted portable device demonstrated a linear relationship of 0.1-2.8 μM PFOA with the LOD of 3.26 nM. The developed probe and portable device sensing platform exhibit substantial potential for on-site detecting PFOA in practical applications and provide a reliable strategy for the intelligent identification of important targets in water environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bofang Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shun Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenquan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Huh SW, Cho SY, Yoon S, Kim D, Park HW, Kang J, Kim KW. Relationship between crustacean consumption and serum perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4. Ann Occup Environ Med 2024; 36:e12. [PMID: 38872633 PMCID: PMC11168942 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are non-aromatic organic compounds, whose hydrogen atoms in the carbon chain substituted by fluorine atoms. PFASs exhibit developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and hormone toxicity. PFASs are used in the production of disposable food packages, aircraft and automobile devices, cooking utensils, outdoor gear, furniture and carpets, aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), cables and wires, electronics, and semiconductors. This study aimed to determine the association between crustacean consumption and serum PFASs. Methods Adult participants (2,993) aged ≥ 19 years were extracted from the 4th cycle data of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). Based on the 50th percentile concentrations of serum PFASs, participants were divided into the low-concentration group (LC) and the high-concentration group (HC). General characteristics, dietary factors, coated product usage, and personal care product usage, an independent t-test and χ2 test were analyzed. The odds ratio (OR) of serum PFAS concentration against crustacean consumption was estimated via logistic regression analysis adjusting for general characteristics, dietary factors, coated product usage, and personal care product usage. Results The OR for the HC of serum PFASs was higher in individuals with ≥once a week crustacean consumption than in those with < once a week crustacean consumption. Estimated ORs were perfluorohexanesulfonic acid 2.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-3.02), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) 1.23 (95% CI: 1.07-1.41), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA) 1.42 (95% CI: 1.17-1.74) in males, and perfluorooctanoic acid 1.48 (95% CI: 1.19-1.84), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid 1.39 (95% CI: 1.27-1.52), PFNA 1.70 (95% CI: 1.29-2.26) and PFDeA 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32-1.54) in females. Conclusions This study revealed the association between the crustacean consumption and concentrations of serum PFASs in general Korean population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Huh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Seong-yong Cho
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Seongyong Yoon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Daehwan Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Jisoo Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Keon Woo Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
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Hu M, Scott C. Toward the development of a molecular toolkit for the microbial remediation of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0015724. [PMID: 38477530 PMCID: PMC11022551 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00157-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly fluorinated synthetic organic compounds that have been used extensively in various industries owing to their unique properties. The PFAS family encompasses diverse classes, with only a fraction being commercially relevant. These substances are found in the environment, including in water sources, soil, and wildlife, leading to human exposure and fueling concerns about potential human health impacts. Although PFAS degradation is challenging, biodegradation offers a promising, eco-friendly solution. Biodegradation has been effective for a variety of organic contaminants but is yet to be successful for PFAS due to a paucity of identified microbial species capable of transforming these compounds. Recent studies have investigated PFAS biotransformation and fluoride release; however, the number of specific microorganisms and enzymes with demonstrable activity with PFAS remains limited. This review discusses enzymes that could be used in PFAS metabolism, including haloacid dehalogenases, reductive dehalogenases, cytochromes P450, alkane and butane monooxygenases, peroxidases, laccases, desulfonases, and the mechanisms of microbial resistance to intracellular fluoride. Finally, we emphasize the potential of enzyme and microbial engineering to advance PFAS degradation strategies and provide insights for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Hu
- CSIRO Environment, Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Colin Scott
- CSIRO Environment, Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Biggeri A, Stoppa G, Facciolo L, Fin G, Mancini S, Manno V, Minelli G, Zamagni F, Zamboni M, Catelan D, Bucchi L. All-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality in the population of a large Italian area contaminated by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (1980-2018). Environ Health 2024; 23:42. [PMID: 38627679 PMCID: PMC11022451 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with many adverse health conditions. Among the main effects is carcinogenicity in humans, which deserves to be further clarified. An evident association has been reported for kidney cancer and testicular cancer. In 2013, a large episode of surface, ground and drinking water contamination with PFAS was uncovered in three provinces of the Veneto Region (northern Italy) involving 30 municipalities and a population of about 150,000. We report on the temporal evolution of all-cause mortality and selected cause-specific mortality by calendar period and birth cohort in the local population between 1980 and 2018. METHODS The Italian National Institute of Health pre-processed and made available anonymous data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics death certificate archives for residents of the provinces of Vicenza, Padua and Verona (males, n = 29,629; females, n = 29,518) who died between 1980 and 2018. Calendar period analysis was done by calculating standardised mortality ratios using the total population of the three provinces in the same calendar period as reference. The birth cohort analysis was performed using 20-84 years cumulative standardised mortality ratios. Exposure was defined as being resident in one of the 30 municipalities of the Red area, where the aqueduct supplying drinking water was fed by the contaminated groundwater. RESULTS During the 34 years between 1985 (assumed as beginning date of water contamination) and 2018 (last year of availability of cause-specific mortality data), in the resident population of the Red area we observed 51,621 deaths vs. 47,731 expected (age- and sex-SMR: 108; 90% CI: 107-109). We found evidence of raised mortality from cardiovascular disease (in particular, heart diseases and ischemic heart disease) and malignant neoplastic diseases, including kidney cancer and testicular cancer. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, an association of PFAS exposure with mortality from cardiovascular disease was formally demonstrated. The evidence regarding kidney cancer and testicular cancer is consistent with previously reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annibale Biggeri
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Stoppa
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Giuliano Fin
- Comitato mamme NO-PFAS, Vicenza, Padua, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Mancini
- Emilia-Romagna Cancer Registry, Romagna Cancer Institute, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) Dino Amadori, Meldola, Forlì, Italy
| | - Valerio Manno
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Minelli
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Zamagni
- Emilia-Romagna Cancer Registry, Romagna Cancer Institute, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) Dino Amadori, Meldola, Forlì, Italy
| | | | - Dolores Catelan
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lauro Bucchi
- Emilia-Romagna Cancer Registry, Romagna Cancer Institute, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) Dino Amadori, Meldola, Forlì, Italy
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Barutcu AR. Assessment of TGx-DDI genes for genotoxicity in a comprehensive panel of chemicals. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38538091 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2335966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TGx-DDI biomarker identifies transcripts specifically induced by primary DNA damage. Profiling similarity of TGx-DDI signatures can allow clustering compounds by genotoxic mechanism. This transcriptomics-based approach complements conventional toxicology testing by enhancing mechanistic resolution. METHODS Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) were utilized to assess similarity of publicly-available per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ToxCast chemicals based on TGx-DDI modulation. TempO-seq transcriptomic data after highest chemical concentrations were analyzed. RESULTS Clustering discriminated between genotoxic and non-genotoxic compounds while drawing similarity among chemicals with shared mechanisms. PFAS largely clustered distinctly from classical mutagens. However, dynamic range across PFAS types and durations indicated variable potential for DNA damage. tSNE visualization reinforced phenotypic groupings, with genotoxins clustering separately from non-DNA damaging agents. DISCUSSION Unsupervised learning approaches applied to TGx-DDI profiles effectively categorizes chemical genotoxicity potential, aiding elucidation of biological response pathways. This transcriptomics-based strategy gives further insight into the role and effect of individual TGx-DDI biomarker genes and complements existing assays by enhancing mechanistic resolution. Overall, TGx-DDI biomarker profiling holds promise for predictive safety screening.
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Heimstad ES, Nygård T, Moe B, Herzke D. New insights from an eight-year study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in an urban terrestrial ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123735. [PMID: 38458514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123735] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analysed in a high number of terrestrial samples of soil, earthworm, bird eggs and liver from red fox and brown rat in an urban area in Norway from 2013 to 2020. PFOS and the long chain PFCAs were the most dominating compounds in all samples, proving their ubiquitous distribution. Other less studied compounds such as 6:2 FTS were first and foremost detected in earthworm. 8:2 FTS was found in many samples of fieldfare egg, sparrowhawk egg and earthworm, where the eggs had highest concentrations. Highest concentrations for both 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS were detected at present and former industry areas. FOSA was detected in many samples of the species with highest concentrations in red fox liver and brown rat liver of 3.3 and 5.5 ng/g ww. PFAS concentrations from the urban area were significantly higher than from background areas indicating that some of the species can be suitable as markers for PFAS emissions in an urban environment. Fieldfare eggs had surprisingly high concentrations of PFOS and PFCA concentrations from areas known to be or have been influenced by industry. Biota-soil-accumulation factor and magnification calculations indicate accumulation and magnification potential for several PFAS. Earthworm and fieldfare egg had average concentrations above the Canadian and European thresholds in diet for avian wildlife and predators. For earthworms, 18 % of the samples exceeded the European threshold (33 ng/g ww) of PFOS in prey for predators, and for fieldfare eggs, 35 % of the samples were above the same threshold. None of the soil samples exceeded a proposed PNEC of PFOS for soil living organisms of 373 ng/g dw.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- NINA-Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- NINA-Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU, The Fram Centre, P. box 6606 Stakkevollan, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway; NIPH-Norwegian Institute for Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Su A, Cheng Y, Zhang C, Yang YF, She YB, Rajan K. An artificial intelligence platform for automated PFAS subgroup classification: A discovery tool for PFAS screening. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171229. [PMID: 38402985 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171229] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Since structural analyses and toxicity assessments have not been able to keep up with the discovery of unknown per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is an urgent need for effective categorization and grouping of PFAS. In this study, we presented PFAS-Atlas, an artificial intelligence-based platform containing a rule-based automatic classification system and a machine learning-based grouping model. Compared with previously developed classification software, the platform's classification system follows the latest Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition of PFAS and reduces the number of uncategorized PFAS. In addition, the platform incorporates deep unsupervised learning models to visualize the chemical space of PFAS by clustering similar structures and linking related classes. Through real-world use cases, we demonstrate that PFAS-Atlas can rapidly screen for relationships between chemical structure and persistence, bioaccumulation, or toxicity data for PFAS. The platform can also guide the planning of the PFAS testing strategy by showing which PFAS classes urgently require further attention. Ultimately, the release of PFAS-Atlas will benefit both the PFAS research and regulation communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Su
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China.
| | - Yingying Cheng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yun-Fang Yang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yuan-Bin She
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
| | - Krishna Rajan
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660, United States.
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Qiao JC, Li ZH, Ma YB, Ma HY, Zhang MY, Zhang XJ, Hu CY. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their mixture with risk of rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. adult population. Environ Health 2024; 23:38. [PMID: 38609943 PMCID: PMC11015572 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known environmental contaminants with immunosuppressive properties. Their connection to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition influenced by the immune system, is not well studied. This research explores the association between PFAS exposure and RA prevalence. METHODS This research utilized data from the NHANES, encompassing a sample of 10,496 adults from the 2003-2018 cycles, focusing on serum levels of several PFAS. The presence of RA was determined based on self-reports. This study used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between individual PFAS and RA risk, adjusting for covariates to calculate odds ratios (ORs). The combined effects of PFAS mixtures were evaluated using BKMR, WQS regression, and quantile g-computation. Additionally, sex-specific associations were explored through stratified analysis. RESULTS Higher serum PFOA (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.98), PFHxS (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.00), PFNA (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98), and PFDA (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.99) concentration was related to lower odds of RA. Sex-specific analysis in single chemical models indicated the significant inverse associations were only evident in females. BKMR did not show an obvious pattern of RA estimates across PFAS mixture. The outcomes of sex-stratified quantile g-computation demonstrated that an increase in PFAS mixture was associated with a decreased odds of RA in females (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.92). We identified a significant interaction term of the WQS*sex in the 100 repeated hold out WQS analysis. Notably, a higher concentration of the PFAS mixture was significantly associated with reduced odds of RA in females (mean OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates potential sex-specific associations of exposure to various individual PFAS and their mixtures with RA. Notably, the observed inverse relationships were statistically significant in females but not in males. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence indicating that PFAS may have immunosuppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Chao Qiao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu-Bo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hui-Ya Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- Management & Checkup Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Meng-Yue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Ahrens AP, Hyötyläinen T, Petrone JR, Igelström K, George CD, Garrett TJ, Orešič M, Triplett EW, Ludvigsson J. Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell 2024; 187:1853-1873.e15. [PMID: 38574728 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study has followed a birth cohort for over 20 years to find factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorder (ND) diagnosis. Detailed, early-life longitudinal questionnaires captured infection and antibiotic events, stress, prenatal factors, family history, and more. Biomarkers including cord serum metabolome and lipidome, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype, infant microbiota, and stool metabolome were assessed. Among the 16,440 Swedish children followed across time, 1,197 developed an ND. Significant associations emerged for future ND diagnosis in general and for specific ND subtypes, spanning intellectual disability, speech disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. This investigation revealed microbiome connections to future diagnosis as well as early emerging mood and gastrointestinal problems. The findings suggest links to immunodysregulation and metabolism, compounded by stress, early-life infection, and antibiotics. The convergence of infant biomarkers and risk factors in this prospective, longitudinal study on a large-scale population establishes a foundation for early-life prediction and intervention in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica P Ahrens
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 702 81, Sweden
| | - Joseph R Petrone
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Kajsa Igelström
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
| | - Christian D George
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Timothy J Garrett
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Matej Orešič
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro 702 81, Sweden; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Eric W Triplett
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA.
| | - Johnny Ludvigsson
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's Hospital and Division of Pediatrics, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
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Haruna I, Obeng-Gyasi E. Association of Combined Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Metals with Chronic Kidney Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:468. [PMID: 38673379 PMCID: PMC11050583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as metals and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has become common and increasingly associated with a decrease in the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which is a marker often used to measure chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are limited studies involving the use of both eGFR and the urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR), which are more comprehensive markers to determine the presence of CKD and the complexity of pollutant exposures and response interactions, especially for combined metals and PFAS, which has not been comprehensively elucidated. Objective: This study aims to assess the individual and combined effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb) exposure on CKD using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Methods: We employed the use of bivariate logistic regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) in our analysis of the data. Results: Logistic regression results revealed a positive association between PFOA and CKD. Our BKMR analysis revealed a non-linear and bi-phasic relationship between the metal exposures and CKD. In our univariate exposure-response function plot, Cd and Hg exhibited a U and N-shaped interaction, which indicated a non-linear and non-additive relationship with both low and high exposures associated with CKD. In addition, the bivariate exposure-response function between two exposures in a mixture revealed that Cd had a U-shaped relationship with CKD at different quantiles of Pb, Hg, PFOA, and PFOS, indicating that both low and high levels of Cd is associated with CKD, implying a non-linear and complex biological interaction. Hg's interaction plot demonstrated a N-shaped association across all quantiles of Cd, with the 75th quantile of Pb and the 50th and 75th quantiles of PFOA and PFOS. Furthermore, the PIP results underscored Cd's consistent association with CKD (PIP = 1.000) followed by Hg's (PIP = 0.9984), then PFOA and PFOS with a closely related PIP of 0.7880 and 0.7604, respectively, and finally Pb (PIP = 0.6940), contributing the least among the five environmental pollutants on CKD, though significant. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that exposure to environmental pollutants, particularly Hg and Cd, are associated with CKD. These findings highlight the need for public health interventions and strategies to mitigate the cumulative effect of PFAS and metal exposure and elucidate the significance of utilizing advanced statistical methods and tools to understand the impact of environmental pollutants on human health. Further research is needed to understand the mechanistic pathways of PFAS and metal-induced kidney injury and CKD, and longitudinal studies are required to ascertain the long-term impact of these environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issah Haruna
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Wei T, Leung JYS, Wang T. Can PFAS threaten the health of fish consumers? A comprehensive analysis linking fish consumption behaviour and health risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170960. [PMID: 38365019 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite being phased out for decades, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are still widely detected in the environment and accumulated in many aquaculture organisms for human consumption. Thus, there is growing concern about whether fish consumption can cause PFAS-associated health impacts on humans since fish is a vital protein source for global populations. Here, we assess the potential driving factors of fish consumption by analysing the aquaculture, demographic and socio-economic data across 31 provinces/municipalities in China, followed by estimating the health risk of PFAS via fish consumption. We found that per capita fish consumption was primarily driven by fish production and total area for freshwater aquaculture, while urbanization rate and median age of consumers were also important. The health risk of PFAS was low (hazard quotient <1) in most provinces, while urban consumers were more prone to PFAS than rural consumers across all provinces. Since PFAS have been phased out worldwide, their health risk to humans through fish consumption would be lower than previously thought. To reduce PFAS intake for the high-risk populations, we recommend that fish should be well cooked before consumption, preferably using water-based cooking methods, and that alternative protein sources should be consumed more as the substitute for fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Jonathan Y S Leung
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Tieyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
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121
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Mollier M, Bustamante P, Martinez-Alvarez I, Schull Q, Labadie P, Budzinski H, Cherel Y, Carravieri A. Blood Kinetics of Lipophilic and Proteinophilic Pollutants during Two Types of Long-Term Fast in King Penguins. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6138-6148. [PMID: 38533664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In vertebrates, fasting is an intricate physiological process associated with strong metabolic changes, yet its effect on pollutant residue variation is poorly understood. Here, we quantified long-term changes in plasma concentrations of 20 organochlorine and 16 perfluoroalkyl pollutants in king penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus during the breeding and molting fasts, which are marked by low and high levels of protein catabolism, respectively, and by strong lipid use. The profile of measured pollutants in plasma was dominated by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, initial relative contribution of 60%). Initial total pollutant concentrations were similar in molting (3.3-5.7 ng g-1 ww) and breeding penguins (range of 4.2-7.3 ng g-1 wet weight, ww). Long-term fasting (25 days) for molting and breeding led, respectively, to a 1.8- and 2.2-fold increase in total plasma pollutant concentrations, although the rate and direction of change were compound-specific. Hexachlorbenzene (HCB) and PFOS concentrations increased in plasma (net mobilization) during both types of fasting, likely due to lipid use. Plasma perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrDA) concentrations increased in breeders (net mobilization) but decreased in molting individuals (net excretion), suggesting a significant incorporation of these pollutants into feathers. This study is a key contribution to our understanding of pollutant variation in blood during long-term fasting in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Mollier
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Ignacio Martinez-Alvarez
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Cedex Talence, France
| | - Quentin Schull
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, IFREMER, IRD, CNRS, Avenue Jean Monnet CS 30171, 34203 Sète, France
| | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Cedex Talence, France
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC (LPTC Research Group), Université de Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Cedex Talence, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 405 Route de Prissé la Charrière, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Alice Carravieri
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 405 Route de Prissé la Charrière, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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122
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Park YT, Chung EY, Chae CH, Lee YH. Association between serum perfluoroalkyl substances concentrations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Korean adults: a cross-sectional study using the National Environmental Health Survey cycle 4. Ann Occup Environ Med 2024; 36:e10. [PMID: 38872635 PMCID: PMC11168940 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in industry and daily life due to their useful properties. They have a long half-life, accumulate in the body, and there is evidence that they are associated with biomarkers of lipid metabolism and liver damage. This may suggest non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by PFAS. However, since there has been no study analyzing the relationship between PFAS and NAFLD in the entire population in Korea. We sought to confirm the relationship between serum PFAS concentration and NAFLD prevalence in Korean adults using the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4. Methods The study was conducted on 2,529 subjects in 2018-2019 among KoNEHS participants. For the diagnosis of NAFLD, the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) was used, and the geometric mean and concentration distribution of serum PFAS were presented. Logistic regression was performed to confirm the increase in the risk of NAFLD due to changes in PFAS concentration, and the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results In both adjusted and unadjusted models, an increased odds ratio was observed with increasing serum concentrations of total PFAS and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the non-obese group. In the adjusted model, the odds ratios for serum total PFAS and PFOS were 6.401 (95% CI: 1.883-21.758) and 7.018 (95% CI: 2.688-18.319). Conclusions In this study, a higher risk of NAFLD based on HSI was associated with serum total PFAS, PFOS in non-obese group. Further research based on radiological or histological evidence for NAFLD diagnosis and long-term prospective studies are necessary. Accordingly, it is necessary to find ways to reduce exposure to PFAS in industry and daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Tae Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Eui Yup Chung
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Chang Ho Chae
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Young Hoon Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
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123
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Kenyon A, Masisak J, Satchwell M, Wu J, Newman L. Uptake of perfluoroalkyl substances PFOS and PFOA by free-floating hydrophytes Pistia stratiotes L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2024; 26:1429-1438. [PMID: 38584457 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2326906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The phytoremediation potential of floating aquatic plants to accumulate and remove two common PFAS from contaminated water was investigated. Free-floating hydrophytes Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes were grown in water spiked with 0.5, 1, or 2 ppm perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) for seven days. Both species were able to accumulate PFOA and PFOS in this time frame, with translocation factors (TF) ranging from 0.13 to 0.57 for P. stratiotes and 0.18 to 0.45 for E. stratiotes, respectively. E. crassipes accumulated a greater amount of PFOA and PFOS than P. stratiotes, with 178.9 ug PFOA and 308.5 ug PFOS removed by E. crassipes and 98.9 ug PFOA and 137.8 ug PFOS removed by P. stratiotes at the highest concentrations. Root tissue contained a higher concentration of PFOA and PFOS than shoot tissue in both species, and the concentration of PFOS was generally significantly higher than PFOA in both E. crassipes and P. stratiotes, with concentrations of 15.39 and 27.32 ppb PFOA and 17.41 and 80.62 ppb PFOS in shoots and roots of P. stratiotes and 12.59 and 37.37 ppb PFOA and 39.92 and 83.40 ppb PFOS in shoots and roots of E. crassipes, respectively. Both species may be candidates for further phytoremediation studies in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Kenyon
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of NY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Masisak
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Michael Satchwell
- Department of Analytical and Technical Services, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jacky Wu
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Lee Newman
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Judson RS, Smith D, DeVito M, Wambaugh JF, Wetmore BA, Paul Friedman K, Patlewicz G, Thomas RS, Sayre RR, Olker JH, Degitz S, Padilla S, Harrill JA, Shafer T, Carstens KE. A Comparison of In Vitro Points of Departure with Human Blood Levels for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). TOXICS 2024; 12:271. [PMID: 38668494 PMCID: PMC11053643 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, and their fluorinated state contributes to unique uses and stability but also long half-lives in the environment and humans. PFAS have been shown to be toxic, leading to immunosuppression, cancer, and other adverse health outcomes. Only a small fraction of the PFAS in commerce have been evaluated for toxicity using in vivo tests, which leads to a need to prioritize which compounds to examine further. Here, we demonstrate a prioritization approach that combines human biomonitoring data (blood concentrations) with bioactivity data (concentrations at which bioactivity is observed in vitro) for 31 PFAS. The in vitro data are taken from a battery of cell-based assays, mostly run on human cells. The result is a Bioactive Concentration to Blood Concentration Ratio (BCBCR), similar to a margin of exposure (MoE). Chemicals with low BCBCR values could then be prioritized for further risk assessment. Using this method, two of the PFAS, PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid), have BCBCR values < 1 for some populations. An additional 9 PFAS have BCBCR values < 100 for some populations. This study shows a promising approach to screening level risk assessments of compounds such as PFAS that are long-lived in humans and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Judson
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.S.); (M.D.); (J.F.W.); (B.A.W.); (K.P.F.); (G.P.); (R.S.T.); (R.R.S.); (J.H.O.); (S.D.); (S.P.); (J.A.H.); (T.S.); (K.E.C.)
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125
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Zhang Y, Sun Q, Mustieles V, Martin L, Sun Y, Bibi Z, Torres N, Coburn-Sanderson A, First O, Souter I, Petrozza JC, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Wang YX, Messerlian C. Predictors of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations among U.S. Couples Attending a Fertility Clinic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5685-5694. [PMID: 38502775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have examined the predictors of PFAS concentrations among pregnant women and children. However, no study has explored the predictors of preconception PFAS concentrations among couples in the United States. This study included 572 females and 279 males (249 couples) who attended a U.S. fertility clinic between 2005 and 2019. Questionnaire information on demographics, reproductive history, and lifestyles and serum samples quantified for PFAS concentrations were collected at study enrollment. We examined the PFAS distribution and correlation within couples. We used Ridge regressions to predict the serum concentration of each PFAS in females and males using data of (1) socio-demographic and reproductive history, (2) diet, (3) behavioral factors, and (4) all factors included in (1) to (3) after accounting for temporal exposure trends. We used general linear models for univariate association of each factor with the PFAS concentration. We found moderate to high correlations for PFAS concentrations within couples. Among all examined factors, diet explained more of the variation in PFAS concentrations (1-48%), while behavioral factors explained the least (0-4%). Individuals reporting White race, with a higher body mass index, and nulliparous women had higher PFAS concentrations than others. Fish and shellfish consumption was positively associated with PFAS concentrations among both females and males, while intake of beans (females), peas (male), kale (females), and tortilla (both) was inversely associated with PFAS concentrations. Our findings provide important data for identifying sources of couples' PFAS exposure and informing interventions to reduce PFAS exposure in the preconception period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Granada 18012, Spain
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain. Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Leah Martin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zainab Bibi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Nicole Torres
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ayanna Coburn-Sanderson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Olivia First
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Irene Souter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02113, United States
| | - John C Petrozza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02113, United States
| | - Julianne C Botelho
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02113, United States
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126
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Phelps D, Parkinson LV, Boucher JM, Muncke J, Geueke B. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging: Migration, Toxicity, and Management Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5670-5684. [PMID: 38501683 PMCID: PMC10993423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PFASs are linked to serious health and environmental concerns. Among their widespread applications, PFASs are known to be used in food packaging and directly contribute to human exposure. However, information about PFASs in food packaging is scattered. Therefore, we systematically map the evidence on PFASs detected in migrates and extracts of food contact materials and provide an overview of available hazard and biomonitoring data. Based on the FCCmigex database, 68 PFASs have been identified in various food contact materials, including paper, plastic, and coated metal, by targeted and untargeted analyses. 87% of these PFASs belong to the perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluorotelomer-based compounds. Trends in chain length demonstrate that long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids continue to be found, despite years of global efforts to reduce the use of these substances. We utilized ToxPi to illustrate that hazard data are available for only 57% of the PFASs that have been detected in food packaging. For those PFASs for which toxicity testing has been performed, many adverse outcomes have been reported. The data and knowledge gaps presented here support international proposals to restrict PFASs as a group, including their use in food contact materials, to protect human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake
W. Phelps
- Independent
Consultant, Raleigh, North Carolina 27617, United States
| | | | | | - Jane Muncke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
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127
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Qin W, Henneberger L, Glüge J, König M, Escher BI. Baseline Toxicity Model to Identify the Specific and Nonspecific Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Cell-Based Bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5727-5738. [PMID: 38394616 PMCID: PMC10993398 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
High-throughput screening is a strategy to identify potential adverse outcome pathways (AOP) for thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) if the specific effects can be distinguished from nonspecific effects. We hypothesize that baseline toxicity may serve as a reference to determine the specificity of the cell responses. Baseline toxicity is the minimum (cyto)toxicity caused by the accumulation of chemicals in cell membranes, which disturbs their structure and function. A mass balance model linking the critical membrane concentration for baseline toxicity to nominal (i.e., dosed) concentrations of PFAS in cell-based bioassays yielded separate baseline toxicity prediction models for anionic and neutral PFAS, which were based on liposome-water distribution ratios as the sole model descriptors. The specificity of cell responses to 30 PFAS on six target effects (activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, oxidative stress response, and neurotoxicity in own experiments, and literature data for activation of several PPARs and the estrogen receptor) were assessed by comparing effective concentrations to predicted baseline toxic concentrations. HFPO-DA, HFPO-DA-AS, and PFMOAA showed high specificity on PPARs, which provides information on key events in AOPs relevant to PFAS. However, PFAS were of low specificity in the other experimentally evaluated assays and others from the literature. Even if PFAS are not highly specific for certain defined targets but disturb many toxicity pathways with low potency, such effects are toxicologically relevant, especially for hydrophobic PFAS and because PFAS are highly persistent and cause chronic effects. This implicates a heightened need for the risk assessment of PFAS mixtures because nonspecific effects behave concentration-additive in mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Qin
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ−Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig 04318, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, Tübingen DE-72076, Germany
| | - Luise Henneberger
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ−Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Juliane Glüge
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ−Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig 04318, Germany
- Institute
of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Maria König
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ−Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ−Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig 04318, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, Tübingen DE-72076, Germany
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128
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Li Y, Zhi Y, Weed R, Broome SW, Knappe DRU, Duckworth OW. Commercial compost amendments inhibit the bioavailability and plant uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in soil-porewater-lettuce systems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108615. [PMID: 38582061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108615] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Compost is widely used in agriculture as fertilizer while providing a practical option for solid municipal waste disposal. However, compost may also contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potentially impacting soils and leading to PFAS entry into food chains and ultimately human exposure risks via dietary intake. This study examined how compost affects the bioavailability and uptake of eight PFAS (two ethers, three fluorotelomer sulfonates, and three perfluorosulfonates) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in commercial organic compost-amended, PFAS spiked soils. After 50 days of greenhouse experiment, PFAS uptake by lettuce decreased (by up to 90.5 %) with the increasing compost amendment ratios (0-20 %, w/w), consistent with their decreased porewater concentrations (by 30.7-86.3 %) in compost-amended soils. Decreased bioavailability of PFAS was evidenced by the increased in-situ soil-porewater distribution coefficients (Kd) (by factors of 1.5-7.0) with increasing compost additions. Significant negative (or positive) correlations (R2 ≥ 0.55) were observed between plant bioaccumulation (or Kd) and soil organic carbon content, suggesting that compost amendment inhibited plant uptake of PFAS mainly by increasing soil organic carbon and enhancing PFAS sorption. However, short-chain PFAS alternatives (e.g., perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA)) were effectively translocated to shoots with translocation factors > 2.9, increasing their risks of contamination in leafy vegetables. Our findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive risk assessment of compost-borne PFAS when using commercial compost products in agricultural lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States.
| | - Yue Zhi
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States; Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Rebecca Weed
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Stephen W Broome
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Owen W Duckworth
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
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129
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Korevaar T, Martin L, Sun Y, Bibi Z, Torres N, Coburn-Sanderson A, First O, Souter I, Petrozza JC, Broeren MAC, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Wang YX, Messerlian C. Association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and thyroid function biomarkers among females attending a fertility clinic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123513. [PMID: 38350534 PMCID: PMC10950513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure was associated with changes in thyroid function in pregnant mothers and the general population. Limited such evidence exists in other susceptible populations such as females with fertility problems. This cross-sectional study included 287 females seeking medically assisted reproduction at a fertility clinic in Massachusetts, United States, between 2005 and 2019. Six long-alkyl chain PFAS, thyroid hormones, and autoimmune antibodies were quantified in baseline serum samples. We used generalized linear models and quantile g-computation to evaluate associations of individual PFAS and their total mixture with thyroid biomarkers. Most females were White individuals (82.7%), had graduate degrees (57.8%), and nearly half had unexplained subfertility (45.9%). Serum concentrations of all examined PFAS and their mixture were significantly associated with 2.6%-5.6% lower total triiodothyronine (TT3) concentrations. Serum concentrations of perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and of the total mixture were associated with higher ratios of free thyroxine (FT4) to free triiodothyronine (FT3). No associations were found for PFAS and TSH or autoimmune antibodies. Our findings support the thyroid-disrupting effect of long alkyl-chain PFAS among a vulnerable population of subfertile females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Spain. University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain. Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - T.I.M. Korevaar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leah Martin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zainab Bibi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Torres
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayanna Coburn-Sanderson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia First
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John C. Petrozza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maarten A. C. Broeren
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Julianne C. Botelho
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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130
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Sen P, Fan Y, Schlezinger JJ, Ehrlich SD, Webster TF, Hyötyläinen T, Pedersen O, Orešič M. Exposure to environmental toxicants is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis, insulin resistance and obesity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108569. [PMID: 38522229 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108569] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Environmental toxicants (ETs) are associated with adverse health outcomes. Here we hypothesized that exposures to ETs are linked with obesity and insulin resistance partly through a dysbiotic gut microbiota and changes in the serum levels of secondary bile acids (BAs). Serum BAs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and additional twenty-seven ETs were measured by mass spectrometry in 264 Danes (121 men and 143 women, aged 56.6 ± 7.3 years, BMI 29.7 ± 6.0 kg/m2) using a combination of targeted and suspect screening approaches. Bacterial species were identified based on whole-genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) of DNA extracted from stool samples. Personalized genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) of gut microbial communities were developed to elucidate regulation of BA pathways. Subsequently, we compared findings from the human study with metabolic implications of exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in PPARα-humanized mice. Serum levels of twelve ETs were associated with obesity and insulin resistance. High chemical exposure was associated with increased abundance of several bacterial species (spp.) of genus (Anaerotruncus, Alistipes, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Dorea, Eubacterium, Escherichia, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Subdoligranulum, and Veillonella), particularly in men. Conversely, females in the higher exposure group, showed a decrease abundance of Prevotella copri. High concentrations of ETs were correlated with increased levels of secondary BAs including lithocholic acid (LCA), and decreased levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In silico causal inference analyses suggested that microbiome-derived secondary BAs may act as mediators between ETs and obesity or insulin resistance. Furthermore, these findings were substantiated by the outcome of the murine exposure study. Our combined epidemiological and mechanistic studies suggest that multiple ETs may play a role in the etiology of obesity and insulin resistance. These effects may arise from disruptions in the microbial biosynthesis of secondary BAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partho Sen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Yong Fan
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jennifer J Schlezinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stanislav D Ehrlich
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3RX, UK
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Oluf Pedersen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Herlev-Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Matej Orešič
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden.
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131
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Reinikainen J, Bouhoulle E, Sorvari J. Inconsistencies in the EU regulatory risk assessment of PFAS call for readjustment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108614. [PMID: 38583295 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108614] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Recognition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as widespread environmental pollutants and a consequent risk to human health, has recently made the European Union (EU) adopt several regulatory measures for their management. The coherence of these measures is challenged by the diversity and the ubiquitous occurrence of PFAS, which also complicates the EU's endeavor to advance justified, harmonized, and transparent approaches in the regulatory assessment of chemical risks. Our study critically reviews the European approach for the risk assessment of PFAS, by applying a comparative analysis of the current and pending regulatory thresholds issued for these chemicals in water bodies, drinking water, and certain foodstuffs. Our study shows that the level of health protection embedded in the studied thresholds may differ by three orders of magnitude, even in similar exposure settings. This is likely to confuse the common understanding of the toxicity and health risks of PFAS and undermine reasonable decision-making and the equal treatment of different stakeholders. We also indicate that currently, no consensus exists on the appropriate level of required health protection regarding PFAS and that the recently adopted tolerable intake value in the EU is too cautious. Based on our analysis, we propose some simple solutions on how the studied regulations and their implicit PFAS thresholds or their application could be improved. We further conclude that instead of setting EU-wide PFAS thresholds for all the environmental compartments, providing the member states with the flexibility to consider case-specific factors, such as regional background concentrations or food consumption rates, in their national regulatory procedures would likely result in more sustainable management of environmental PFAS without compromising the scientific foundation of risk assessment, the legitimacy of the EU policy framework and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Reinikainen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11 FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Elodie Bouhoulle
- Scientific Institute of Public Service, Rue du Chéra 200 B-4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Jaana Sorvari
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11 FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland.
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132
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Mueller R, Salvatore D, Brown P, Cordner A. Quantifying Disparities in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Levels in Drinking Water from Overburdened Communities in New Jersey, 2019-2021. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:47011. [PMID: 38656167 PMCID: PMC11041625 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policymakers have become increasingly concerned regarding the widespread exposure and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While concerns exist about unequal distribution of PFAS contamination in drinking water, research is lacking. OBJECTIVES We assess the scope of PFAS contamination in drinking water in New Jersey (NJ), the first US state to develop regulatory levels for PFAS in drinking water. We test for inequities in PFAS concentrations by community sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS We use PFAS testing data for community water systems (CWS) (n = 491 ) from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) from 2019 to 2021 and demographic data at the block group level from the US Census to estimate the demographics of the NJ population served by CWS. We use difference in means tests to determine whether CWSs serving "overburdened communities" (OBCs) have a statistically significant difference in likelihood of PFAS detections. OBCs are defined by the NJDEP to be census block groups in which: a) at least 35% of the households qualify as low-income, b) at least 40% of the residents identify as people of color, or c) at least 40% of the households have limited English proficiency. We calculate statewide summary statistics to approximate the relative proportions of sociodemographic groups that are served by CWSs with PFAS detections. RESULTS We find that 63% of all CWSs tested by NJDEP from 2019 to 2021 had PFAS detections in public drinking water, collectively serving 84% of NJ's population receiving water from CWSs. Additionally, CWSs serving OBCs had a statistically significant higher likelihood of PFAS detection and a higher likelihood of exposure above state MCLs. We also find that a larger proportion of people of color lived in CWS service areas with PFAS detections compared to the non-Hispanic white population. DISCUSSION These findings quantitatively identify disparities in PFAS contamination of drinking water by CWS service area and highlight the extent of PFAS drinking water contamination and the importance of PFAS remediation efforts for protecting environmental health and justice. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12787.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Mueller
- Department of Economics, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, USA
| | | | - Phil Brown
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alissa Cordner
- Department of Sociology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, USA
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133
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Lasters R, Groffen T, Eens M, Bervoets L. Dynamic spatiotemporal changes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and eggs of private gardens at different distances from a fluorochemical plant. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123613. [PMID: 38423274 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Homegrown food serves as an important human exposure source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), yet little is known about their spatiotemporal distribution within and among private gardens. This knowledge is essential for more accurate site-specific risk assessment, identification of new sources and evaluating the effectiveness of regulations. The present study evaluated spatiotemporal changes of legacy and emerging PFAS in surface soil from vegetable gardens (N = 78) and chicken enclosures (N = 102), as well as in homegrown eggs (N = 134) of private gardens, across the Province of Antwerp (Belgium). Hereby, the potential influence of the wind orientation and distance towards a major fluorochemical plant was examined. The ∑short-chain PFAS and precursor concentrations were higher in vegetable garden soil (8.68 ng/g dry weight (dw)) compared to chicken enclosure soil (4.43 ng/g dw) and homegrown eggs (0.77 ng/g wet weight (ww)), while long-chain sulfonates and C11-14 carboxylates showed the opposite trend. Short-term (2018/2019-2022) changes were mostly absent in vegetable garden soil, while changes in chicken enclosure soils oriented S-SW nearby (<4 km) the fluorochemical plant were characterized by a local, high-concentration plume. Moreover, soil from chicken enclosures oriented SE and remotely from the plant site was characterized by a widespread, diffuse but relatively low-concentration plume. Long-term data (2010-2022) suggest that phaseout and regulatory measures have been effective, as PFOS concentrations nearby the fluorochemical plant in soil and eggs have declined from 25.8 to 2.86 ng/g dw and from 528 to 39.4 ng/g ww, respectively. However, PFOS and PFOA concentrations have remained largely stable within this timeframe in gardens remotely from the plant site, warranting further rapid regulation and remediation measures. Future monitoring efforts are needed to allow long-term comparison for multiple PFAS and better distinction from potential confounding variables, such as variable emission outputs and variability in wind patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lasters
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
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134
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Bizzotto EC, Libralato G, Breda S, Siciliano A, Scanferla P, Vighi M, Marcomini A. Toxicity and bioaccumulation of the fluorosurfactant cC 6O 4 in the earthworm Eisenia foetida (Savigny, 1826). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170677. [PMID: 38354802 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170677] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic C6O4 (cC6O4, CAS number 1190931-27-1) is a perfluoralkyl ether PFAS used as a polymerization aid in the synthesis of fluoropolymers and produced in Italy since 2011 as substitute of PFOA. To date, available ecotoxicological information on cC6O4 is related to regulatory requirements and limited to data on aquatic organisms, while the information on the effects for terrestrial organisms is completely lacking. This work reports the first ecotoxicological data of cC6O4 on terrestrial invertebrates: short- and long-term toxicity of cC6O4 on Eisenia foetida (Savigny, 1826), exposed to spiked soil under laboratory conditions, was investigated evaluating the earthworm survival and growth (observed after 7, 14 and 28 days of exposure), and reproduction (observed after an exposure period of 56 days). Furthermore, also bioaccumulation was investigated (28 days of exposure); overall results are discussed in comparison with literature data available for legacy PFAS. cC6O4 did not cause significant mortality on earthworms, for any of the tested concentrations and exposure periods (NOEC: > 1390 mg/kg d.w.), while the reproduction (measured as juveniles production) appears to be a more sensitive endpoint (EC50: 10.4 mg/kg d.w., EC10: 0.8 mg/kg d.w.). The observed adverse effects occur at levels significantly higher than realistic soil concentrations and cC6O4 appears to be less toxic than PFOA and PFOS. As for bioaccumulation, the results indicate a negligible bioaccumulation potential of cC6O4, whose Biota-Soil Bioaccumulation Factors (BSAF) are significantly lower than all other considered PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Chiara Bizzotto
- Foundation Ca' Foscari University, Ca' Dolfin, Calle Larga Ca' Foscari Dorsoduro 3859/A, Venice 30123, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Breda
- Foundation Ca' Foscari University, Ca' Dolfin, Calle Larga Ca' Foscari Dorsoduro 3859/A, Venice 30123, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Petra Scanferla
- Foundation Ca' Foscari University, Ca' Dolfin, Calle Larga Ca' Foscari Dorsoduro 3859/A, Venice 30123, Italy
| | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, 30172 Venice-Mestre, Italy
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135
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Heinsberg LW, Niu S, Arslanian KJ, Chen R, Bedi M, Unasa-Apelu F, Fidow UT, Soti-Ulberg C, Conley YP, Weeks DE, Ng CA, Hawley NL. Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in a community-based sample of infants from Samoa. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141527. [PMID: 38401869 PMCID: PMC10997188 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants with documented harmful health effects. Despite increasing research, little attention has been given to studying PFAS contamination in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa. Using data and biosamples collected through the Foafoaga o le Ola ("Beginning of Life") Study, which recruited a sample of mothers and infants from Samoa, we conducted an exploratory study to describe concentrations of 40 PFAS analytes in infant cord blood collected at birth (n = 66) and infant dried blood spots (DBS) collected at 4 months post-birth (n = 50). Of the 40 PFAS analytes tested, 19 were detected in cord blood, with 10 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-PF3ONS); and 12 analytes were detected in DBS, with 3 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFHxS, and PFOS). PFAS concentrations were generally lower than those reported in existing literature, with the exception of PFHxS, which was detected at higher concentrations. In cord blood, we noted suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.006) associations between higher PFHxS and male sex; higher PFPeA and residence in Northwest 'Upolu (NWU) compared to the Apia Urban Area (AUA); lower PFUnA and 9Cl-PF3ONS and greater socioeconomic resources; lower PFOA and higher parity; higher PFDA and higher maternal age; and lower PFUnA, PFTrDA, and 9Cl-PF3ONS and higher maternal BMI. In DBS, we found suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.025) associations between lower PFBA and residence in NWU versus AUA; lower PFBA and PFHxS and higher maternal age; and higher PFBA and higher maternal BMI. Finally, we observed associations between nutrition source at 4 months and DBS PFBA and PFHxS, with formula- or mixed-fed infants having higher concentrations compared to exclusively breastfed infants. This study represents the first characterization of PFAS contamination in Samoa. Additional work in larger samples is needed to identify potentially modifiable determinants of PFAS concentrations, information that is critical for informing environmental and health policy measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey W Heinsberg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shan Niu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Kendall J Arslanian
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Ruiwen Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Megha Bedi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Folla Unasa-Apelu
- Obesity, Lifestyle and Genetic Adaptations Study Group, Apia, Samoa.
| | | | | | - Yvette P Conley
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Daniel E Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Carla A Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Nicola L Hawley
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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136
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Burdeau JA, Stephenson BJK, Aris IM, Preston EV, Hivert MF, Oken E, Mahalingaiah S, Chavarro JE, Calafat AM, Rifas-Shiman SL, Zota AR, James-Todd T. First trimester plasma PER- AND Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and blood pressure trajectories across the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108628. [PMID: 38583297 PMCID: PMC11196104 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increases risk of high blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy. Prior studies did not examine associations with BP trajectory parameters (i.e., overall magnitude and velocity) during pregnancy, which is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVES To estimate associations of multiple plasma PFAS in early pregnancy with BP trajectory parameters across the second and third trimesters. To assess potential effect modification by maternal age and parity. METHODS In 1297 individuals, we quantified six PFAS in plasma collected during early pregnancy (median gestational age: 9.4 weeks). We abstracted from medical records systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measurements, recorded from 12 weeks gestation until delivery. BP trajectory parameters were estimated via Super Imposition by Translation and Rotation modeling. Subsequently, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was employed to estimate individual and joint associations of PFAS concentrations with trajectory parameters - adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, income, parity, smoking status, and seafood intake. We evaluated effect modification by age at enrollment and parity. RESULTS We collected a median of 13 BP measurements per participant. In BKMR, higher concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was independently associated with higher magnitude of overall SBP and DBP trajectories (i.e., upward shift of trajectories) and faster SBP trajectory velocity, holding all other PFAS at their medians. In stratified BKMR analyses, participants with ≥ 1 live birth had more pronounced positive associations between PFOS and SBP velocity, DBP magnitude, and DBP velocity - compared to nulliparous participants. We did not observe significant associations between concentrations of the overall PFAS mixture and either magnitude or velocity of the BP trajectories. CONCLUSION Early pregnancy plasma PFOS concentrations were associated with altered BP trajectory in pregnancy, which may impact future cardiovascular health of the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Burdeau
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Briana J K Stephenson
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Izzuddin M Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emma V Preston
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ami R Zota
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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137
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Boyd RI, Shokry D, Fazal Z, Rennels BC, Freemantle SJ, La Frano MR, Prins GS, Madak Erdogan Z, Irudayaraj J, Singh R, Spinella MJ. Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid Alters Pro-Cancer Phenotypes and Metabolic and Transcriptional Signatures in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. TOXICS 2024; 12:232. [PMID: 38668455 PMCID: PMC11054796 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The potential effects of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a recently emergent human and environmental health concern. There is a consistent link between PFAS exposure and cancer, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Although epidemiological evidence supporting PFAS exposure and cancer in general is conflicting, there is relatively strong evidence linking PFAS and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). However, no mechanistic studies have been performed to date concerning PFAS and TGCTs. In this report, the effects of the legacy PFAS perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and the newer "clean energy" PFAS lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSi, called HQ-115), on the tumorigenicity of TGCTs in mice, TGCT cell survival, and metabolite production, as well as gene regulation were investigated. In vitro, the proliferation and survival of both chemo-sensitive and -resistant TGCT cells were minimally affected by a wide range of PFOS and HQ-115 concentrations. However, both chemicals promoted the growth of TGCT cells in mouse xenografts at doses consistent with human exposure but induced minimal acute toxicity, as assessed by total body, kidney, and testis weight. PFOS, but not HQ-115, increased liver weight. Transcriptomic alterations of PFOS-exposed normal mouse testes were dominated by cancer-related pathways and gene expression alterations associated with the H3K27me3 polycomb pathway and DNA methylation, epigenetic pathways that were previously showed to be critical for the survival of TGCT cells after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Similar patterns of PFOS-mediated gene expression occurred in PFOS-exposed cells in vitro. Metabolomic studies revealed that PFOS also altered metabolites associated with steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism in TGCT cells, consistent with the proposed ability of PFAS to mimic fatty acid-based ligands controlling lipid metabolism and the proposed role of PFAS as endocrine disrupters. Our data, is the first cell and animal based study on PFAS in TGCTs, support a pro-tumorigenic effect of PFAS on TGCT biology and suggests epigenetic, metabolic, and endocrine disruption as potential mechanisms of action that are consistent with the non-mutagenic nature of the PFAS class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raya I. Boyd
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Doha Shokry
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Brayden C. Rennels
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Sarah J. Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Michael R. La Frano
- Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Zeynep Madak Erdogan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Michael J. Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.I.B.); (D.S.); (Z.F.); (B.C.R.); (S.J.F.)
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Jonker MTO. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water (2008-2022) and Fish (2015-2022) in The Netherlands: Spatiotemporal Trends, Fingerprints, Mass Discharges, Sources, and Bioaccumulation Factors. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38501493 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic synthetic chemicals of concern, which have been detected in nearly all environmental compartments. The present study provides a data analysis on PFAS concentrations in the Dutch inland and coastal national waters and fish sampled from 2008 to 2022 and 2015 to 2022, respectively. Although the fish database is relatively small, the water database is unique because of its temporal dimension. It appears that PFAS are omnipresent in Dutch water and fish, with relatively small spatial differences in absolute and relative concentrations (fingerprints) and few obvious temporal trends. Only perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) aqueous concentrations in the rivers Rhine and Scheldt have substantially decreased since 2012. Still, PFOS concentrations exceed the European water quality standards at all and fish standards at many locations. Masses of PFAS entering the country and the North Sea are roughly 3.5 tonnes/year. Generally, the data suggest that most PFAS enter the Dutch aquatic environment predominantly through diffuse sources, yet several major point sources of specific PFAS were identified using fingerprints and monthly concentration profiles as identification tools. Finally, combining concentrations in fish and water, 265 bioaccumulation factors were derived, showing no statistically significant differences between freshwater and marine fish. Overall, the analysis provides new insights into PFAS bioaccumulation and spatiotemporal trends, mass discharges, and sources in The Netherlands. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-11. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel T O Jonker
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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139
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Zhou T, Li X, Liu H, Dong S, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Li J, Nghiem LD, Khan SJ, Wang Q. Occurrence, fate, and remediation for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge: A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133637. [PMID: 38306831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133637] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Addressing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination is an urgent environmental concern. While most research has focused on PFAS contamination in water matrices, comparatively little attention has been given to sludge, a significant by-product of wastewater treatment. This critical review presents the latest information on emission sources, global distribution, international regulations, analytical methods, and remediation technologies for PFAS in sludge and biosolids from wastewater treatment plants. PFAS concentrations in sludge matrices are typically in hundreds of ng/g dry weight (dw) in developed countries but are rarely reported in developing and least-developed countries due to the limited analytical capability. In comparison to water samples, efficient extraction and cleaning procedures are crucial for PFAS detection in sludge samples. While regulations on PFAS have mainly focused on soil due to biosolids reuse, only two countries have set limits on PFAS in sludge or biosolids with a maximum of 100 ng/g dw for major PFAS. Biological technologies using microbes and enzymes present in sludge are considered as having high potential for PFAS remediation, as they are eco-friendly, low-cost, and promising. By contrast, physical/chemical methods are either energy-intensive or linked to further challenges with PFAS contamination and disposal. The findings of this review deepen our comprehension of PFAS in sludge and have guided future research recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xuan Li
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Huan Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Shiman Dong
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, Turin 10123, Italy
| | - Zehao Zhang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Zhenyao Wang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Jibin Li
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Stuart J Khan
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Qilin Wang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
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140
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Madrigal JM, Troisi R, Surcel HM, Öhman H, Kivelä J, Kiviranta H, Rantakokko P, Koponen J, Medgyesi DN, Kitahara CM, McGlynn KA, Sampson J, Albert PS, Ward MH, Jones RR. Prediagnostic serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of papillary thyroid cancer in the Finnish Maternity Cohort. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:979-991. [PMID: 37902275 PMCID: PMC11286200 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurs globally through contaminated food, dust, and drinking water. Studies of PFAS and thyroid cancer have been limited. We conducted a nested case-control study of prediagnostic serum levels of 19 PFAS and papillary thyroid cancer (400 cases, 400 controls) in the Finnish Maternity Cohort (pregnancies 1986-2010; follow-up through 2016), individually matched on sample year and age. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for log2 transformed and categorical exposures, overall and stratified by calendar period, birth cohort, and median age at diagnosis. We adjusted for other PFAS with Spearman correlation rho = 0.3-0.6. Seven PFAS, including perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (EtFOSAA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were detected in >50% of women. These PFAS were not associated with risk of thyroid cancer, except for PFHxS, which was inversely associated (OR log2 = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97). We observed suggestive but imprecise increased risks associated with PFOA, PFOS, and EtFOSAA for those diagnosed at ages <40 years, whereas associations were null or inverse among those diagnosed at 40+ years (P-interaction: .02, .08, .13, respectively). There was little evidence of other interactions. These results show no clear association between PFAS and papillary thyroid cancer risk. Future work would benefit from evaluation of these relationships among those with higher exposure levels and during periods of early development when the thyroid gland may be more susceptible to environmental harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Madrigal
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Heljä-Marja Surcel
- Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Hanna Öhman
- Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha Kivelä
- Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare /Environmental Health Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Panu Rantakokko
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare /Environmental Health Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jani Koponen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare /Environmental Health Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Danielle N. Medgyesi
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary H. Ward
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Rena R. Jones
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, Maryland, USA
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141
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Tang L, Yu X, Zhao W, Barceló D, Lyu S, Sui Q. Occurrence, behaviors, and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in typical municipal solid waste disposal sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 252:121215. [PMID: 38309069 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121215] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become a crucial environmental concern owing to their exceptional persistence, ability to bioaccumulate within ecosystems, and potential to adversely affect biota. Products and materials containing PFASs are usually discarded into municipal solid waste (MSW) at the end of their life cycle, and the fate of PFASs may differ when different disposal methods of MSWs are employed. To date, limited research has focus on the occurrence, behaviors, and fate of PFASs emitted from various MSW disposal sites. This knowledge gap may lead to an underestimation of the contribution of MSW disposal sites as a source of PFASs in the environment. In this review, we collated publications concerning PFASs from typical MSW disposal sites (i.e., landfills, incineration plants, and composting facilities) and explored the occurrence patterns and behaviors of PFASs across various media (e.g., landfill leachate/ambient air, incineration plant leachate/ash, and compost products) in these typical MSW disposal sites. In particular, this review highlighted ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl acids and "unknown"/emerging PFASs. Additionally, it meticulously elucidated the use of non-specific techniques and non-target analysis for screening and identifying these overlooked PFASs. Furthermore, the composition profiles, mass loads, and ecological risks of PFASs were compared across the three typical disposal methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review regarding the occurrence, behaviors, and fate of PFASs in typical MSW disposal sites on a global scale, which can help shed light on the potential environmental impacts of PFASs harbored in MSWs and guide future waste management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xia Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Wentao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Council for Scientific Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Shuguang Lyu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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142
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Rotchell JM, Austin C, Chapman E, Atherall CA, Liddle CR, Dunstan TS, Blackburn B, Mead A, Filart K, Beeby E, Cunningham K, Allen J, Draper H, Guinn BA. Microplastics in human urine: Characterisation using μFTIR and sampling challenges using healthy donors and endometriosis participants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 274:116208. [PMID: 38489903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are found in all environments, within the human food chain, and have been recently detected in several human tissues. The objective herein was to undertake an analysis of MP contamination in human urine samples, from healthy individuals and participants with endometriosis, with respect to their presence, levels, and the characteristics of any particles identified. A total of 38 human urine samples and 15 procedural blanks were analysed. MPs were characterised using μFTIR spectroscopy (size limitation of 5 μm) and SEM-EDX. In total, 123 MP particles consisting of 22 MP polymer types were identified within 17/29 of the healthy donor (10 mL) urine samples, compared with 232 MP particles of differing 16 MP polymer types in 12/19 urine samples from participants with endometriosis. Healthy donors presented an unadjusted average of 2589 ± 2931 MP/L and participants with endometriosis presented 4724 ± 9710 MP/L. Polyethylene (PE)(27%), polystyrene (PS)(16%), resin and polypropylene (PP)(both 12%) polymer types were most abundant in healthy donor samples, compared with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (59%), and PE (16%) in samples from endometriosis participants. The MP levels within healthy and endometriosis participant samples were not significantly different. However, the predominant polymer types varied, and the MPs from the metal catheter-derived endometriosis participant samples and healthy donors were significantly smaller than those observed in the procedural blanks. The procedural blank samples comprised 62 MP particles of 10 MP polymer types, mainly PP (27%), PE (21%), and PS (15%) with a mean ± SD of 17 ± 18, highlighting the unavoidable contamination inherent in measurement of MPs from donors. This is the first evidence of MP contamination in human urine with polymer characterisation and accounting for procedural blanks. These results support the phenomenon of transport of MPs within humans, specifically to the bladder, and their characterisation of types, shapes and size ranges identified therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M Rotchell
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom; College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, United Kingdom.
| | - Chloe Austin
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Chapman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A Atherall
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona R Liddle
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy S Dunstan
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Blackburn
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Mead
- School of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom; Department for Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Filart
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Beeby
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Cunningham
- Hull and East Yorkshire Endometriosis Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Allen
- Department for Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Draper
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom; Hull and East Yorkshire Endometriosis Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara-Ann Guinn
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
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143
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Hansen S, Xu S, Huber S, Alvarez MV, Odland JØ. Profile of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, source appointment, and determinants in Argentinean postpartum women. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170096. [PMID: 38224894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170096] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals with potential adverse health effects. Information concerning PFAS concentrations in relation to pregnancy is scarce in South America and non-existent in Argentina. AIM We aimed to investigate an extended maternal PFAS profile herein serum concentrations in a regional and global view, source appointment, and determinants in Argentinean women. METHODS A cross-sectional study with a sampling period from 2011 to 2012 included 689 women from Ushuaia and Salta in Argentina. Serum samples collected two days postpartum were analyzed by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray negative ionisation tandem-quadrupole mass-spectrometry. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) following absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) was used for PFAS source appointments. Determinants of PFAS were explored through a MLR approach. A review of previous studies within the same period was conducted to compare with present levels. RESULTS Argentinean PFAS concentrations were the lowest worldwide, with PFOS (0.74 ng/mL) and PFOA (0.11 ng/mL) as the dominant substances. Detection frequencies largely aligned with the compared studies, indicating the worldwide PFAS distribution considering the restrictions. The PCA revealed region-specific loading patterns of two component groups of PFAS, a mixture of replaced and legacy substances in Ushuaia and long-chain in Salta. This might relate to a mix of non-diet and diet exposure in Ushuaia and diet in Salta. Region, age, lactation, parity, household members, migration, bottled water, and freshwater fish were among the determinants of various PFAS. CONCLUSION This is the first study to monitor human PFAS exposure in Argentina. Maternal PFAS concentrations were the lowest observed worldwide in the same period. Exposure contributions are suggested to be affected by restrictions and substitutions. Given the limited population-based studies and the emergence of PFAS, it is essential to conduct further monitoring of PFAS in Argentina and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solrunn Hansen
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Sandra Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of General Hygiene I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119992 Moscow, Russia; School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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144
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Battisti I, Trentin AR, Franzolin E, Nicoletto C, Masi A, Renella G. Uptake and distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances by grafted tomato plants cultivated in a contaminated site in northern Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170032. [PMID: 38220022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170032] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent and mobile pollutants raising alarming concerns due to their capability to accumulate in living organisms and exert toxic effects on human health. We studied the accumulation of different PFAS in the leaves and fruits of tomato plants grown on a PFAS-polluted soil in North-East Italy. Tomato plants were grafted with different rootstocks characterized by different vigor, and irrigated with PFAS-polluted groundwater. Leaves and fruits of the first and sixth truss were analyzed at full plant maturity. All tomato varieties accumulated PFAS in leaves and fruits, with the highest concentrations detected in the most vigorous rootstock and reflecting the PFAS concentration profile of the irrigation water. PFAS with a chain length from 4 to 8 C atoms and with carboxylic and sulfonic functional groups were detected in plant leaves, whereas only carboxylic C4, C5, and C6 PFAS were detected in tomato fruits. A general trend of decreasing PFAS concentrations in fruits upon increasing height of the plant trusses was observed. Calculation of the target hazard quotient (THQ) showed increasing values depending on the plant vigor. The hazard index (HI) values showed values slightly higher than 1 for the most vigorous plants, indicating potential risks to human health associated with the consumption of contaminated tomato fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Battisti
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Trentin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - Emma Franzolin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - Carlo Nicoletto
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - Antonio Masi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Renella
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, Italy
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145
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Burrows SA, Shon JW, Peychev B, Slavchov RI, Smoukov SK. Phase transitions of fluorotelomer alcohols at the water|alkane interface studied via molecular dynamics simulation. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2243-2257. [PMID: 38351894 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01444d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Fluorosurfactants are long-lasting environmental pollutants that accumulate at interfaces ranging from aerosol droplet surfaces to cell membranes. Modeling of adsorption-based removal technologies for fluorosurfactants requires accurate simulation methods which can predict their adsorption isotherm and monolayer structure. Fluorotelomer alcohols with one or two methylene groups adjacent to the alcohol (7 : 1 FTOH and 6 : 2 FTOH, respectively) are investigated using the OPLS-AA force field at the water|hexane interface, varying the interfacial area per surfactant. The acquired interfacial pressure isotherms and monolayer phase behavior are compared with previous experimental results. The results are consistent with the experimental data inasmuch as, at realistic adsorption densities, only 7 : 1 FTOH shows a phase transition between liquid-expanded (LE) and 2D crystalline phases. Structures of the LE and crystalline phases are in good agreement with the sticky disc and Langmuir defective crystal models, respectively, used previously to interpret experimental data. Interfacial pressure of the LE phase agrees well with experiment, and sticky disc interaction parameters indicate no 2D LE-gas transition is present for either molecule. Conformation analysis reveals 7 : 1 FTOH favors conformers where the OH dipole is perpendicular to the molecular backbone, such that the crystalline phase is stabilized when these dipoles align.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Burrows
- Centre for Sustainable Engineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Jang Won Shon
- Centre for Sustainable Engineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Boyan Peychev
- Centre for Sustainable Engineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Radomir I Slavchov
- Centre for Sustainable Engineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Stoyan K Smoukov
- Centre for Sustainable Engineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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146
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Chen Y, Yang Y, Cui J, Zhang H, Zhao Y. Decoding PFAS contamination via Raman spectroscopy: A combined DFT and machine learning investigation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133260. [PMID: 38128230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, density function theory (DFT) is employed to compute Raman spectra of 40 important Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as listed in Draft Method 1633 by U.S. Environmental Protection Agent. A systematic comparison of their spectral features is conducted, and Raman peaks and vibrational modes are identified. The Raman spectral regions for the main chemical bonds (such as C-C, CF2 & CF3, O-H) and main functional groups (such as -COOH, -SO3H, -C2H4SO3H, and -SO2NH2) are identified and compared. The impacts of branching location in isomer, molecular chain length, and functional groups on the Raman spectra are analyzed. Particularly, the isomers of PFOA alter the peak locations slightly in wavenumber regions of 200 - 800 and 1000 - 1400 cm-1, while for PFOS, spectral features in the 230 - 360, 470 - 680, and 1030 - 1290 cm-1 regions exhibit significant difference. The carbon chain length can significantly increase the number of Raman peaks, while different functional groups give significantly different peak locations. To facilitate differentiation, a spectral database is constructed by introducing controlled noise into the DFT-computed Raman spectra. Subsequently, two chemometric techniques, principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), are applied to effectively distinguish among these spectra, both for 40 PFAS compounds and the isomers. The findings demonstrate the promising potential of combining Raman spectroscopy with advanced spectral analysis methods to discriminate between distinct PFAS compounds, holding significant implications for improved PFAS detection and characterization methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangxiu Chen
- College of Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanjun Yang
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jiaheng Cui
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- College of Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yiping Zhao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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147
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Liu Z, Liu S, Xiao F, Sweetman AJ, Cui Q, Guo H, Xu J, Luo Z, Wang M, Zhong L, Gan J, Tan W. Tissue-specific distribution and bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl acids, isomers, alternatives, and precursors in citrus trees of contaminated fields: Implication for risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133184. [PMID: 38064944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133184] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The ingestion of fruits containing perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) presents potential hazards to human health. This study aimed to fill knowledge gaps concerning the tissue-specific distribution patterns and bioaccumulation behavior of PFAAs and their isomers, alternatives, and precursors (collectively as per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFASs) within citrus trees growing in contaminated fields. It also assessed the potential contribution of precursor degradation to human exposure risk of PFASs. High concentrations of total target PFASs (∑PFASstarget, 92.45-7496.16 ng/g dw) and precursors measured through the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay (130.80-13979.21 ng/g dw) were found in citrus tree tissues, and short-chain PFASs constituted the primary components. The total PFASs concentrations followed the order of leaves > fruits > branches, bark > wood, and peel > pulp > seeds. The average contamination burden of peel (∑PFASstarget: 57.75%; precursors: 71.15%) was highest among fruit tissues. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and translocation potentials of short-chain, branched, or carboxylate-based PFASs exceeded those of their relatively hydrophobic counterparts, while ether-based PFASs showed lower BAFs than similar PFAAs in above-ground tissues of citrus trees. In the risk assessment of residents consuming contaminated citruses, precursor degradation contributed approximately 36.07% to total PFASs exposure, and therefore should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Shun Liu
- The Seventh Geological Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Yichang 443100, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrew J Sweetman
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | | | - Hao Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ziyao Luo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mingxia Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Linlin Zhong
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jay Gan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wenfeng Tan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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148
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Wu L, Qiu J, Li A, Ji Y, Yan G, Meng F. Detection and dietary risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in shellfish products from the coasts of Bohai Sea and South China Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141424. [PMID: 38346518 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141424] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Artificial per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely distributed in the environment and are potentially harmful to human health. This study assessed the matrix effect of different shellfish on LC-MS analysis and the recoveries of PFASs in purified extracts purified by adding ENVI-Carb graphitized carbon black. Total 76 samples were collected from coastal cities of the Bohai Sea and South China Sea in China. Results showed that the signal response of perfluorocarboxylic acid increased with the length of fluorocarbon chains. ENVI-Carb can mitigate the shellfish matrix effects for analysis of PFASs. Ten PFASs components were detected in shellfish samples at concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 8.5 ng/g wet weight. The PFOA and PFHxS were the dominant components, and PFOA, PFTrDA and PFNA were detected at high rates of 58-93%. The highest levels of ∑PFASs were accumulated in clams, while the lowest levels were found in mussels. The dietary risk assessment indicated that PFASs potentially threaten human health via consumption of clam products in the Bohai Sea region. This study will improve the understanding of the contamination status and the dietary risk of PFASs in shellfish products along the coasts of Bohai Sea and South China Sea in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Wu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Ying Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Fanping Meng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266100, China
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149
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Crawford KA, Hartmann N. Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:39-45. [PMID: 38216812 PMCID: PMC10907454 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards ("skis") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings. RECENT FINDINGS Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Program, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
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150
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Gupta S, May FP, Kupfer SS, Murphy CC. Birth Cohort Colorectal Cancer (CRC): Implications for Research and Practice. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:455-469.e7. [PMID: 38081492 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) epidemiology is changing due to a birth cohort effect, first recognized by increasing incidence of early onset CRC (EOCRC, age <50 years). In this paper, we define "birth cohort CRC" as the observed phenomenon, among individuals born 1960 and later, of increasing CRC risk across successive birth cohorts, rising EOCRC incidence, increasing incidence among individuals aged 50 to 54 years, and flattening of prior decreasing incidence among individuals aged 55 to 74 years. We demonstrate birth cohort CRC is associated with unique features, including increasing rectal cancer (greater than colon) and distant (greater than local) stage CRC diagnosis, and increasing EOCRC across all racial/ethnic groups. We review potential risk factors, etiologies, and mechanisms for birth cohort CRC, using EOCRC as a starting point and describing importance of viewing these through the lens of birth cohort. We also outline implications of birth cohort CRC for epidemiologic and translational research, as well as current clinical practice. We postulate that recognition of birth cohort CRC as an entity-including and extending beyond rising EOCRC-can advance understanding of risk factors, etiologies, and mechanisms, and address the public health consequences of changing CRC epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Gupta
- Section of Gastroenterology, Jennifer Moreno San Diego VA Medical Center, San Diego, California; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, California.
| | - Folasade P May
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sonia S Kupfer
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Caitlin C Murphy
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
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