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Li M, Hu J, Cao X, Chen H, Lyu Y, Sun W. Nontarget Analysis Combined with TOP Assay Reveals a Significant Portion of Unknown PFAS Precursors in Firefighting Foams Currently Used in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39250774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Firefighting foam is a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution, yet the PFAS profiles in foam formulations, particularly in China, remain unclear. Here, using target and nontarget analyses, we investigated 50 target PFAS in firefighting foams currently utilized in China, identified novel PFAS, and discovered new end products through a total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. We identified a total of 54 PFAS compounds (spanning 34 classes and containing seven novel PFAS) with total PFAS concentrations of 0.03-21.21 mM. Among seven novel PFAS, four PFAS met persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity criteria, and another PFAS had the highest ToxPi score among the identified 54 PFAS. Moreover, the predominant PFAS varied significantly in the studied foams and differed markedly from those used in other countries. After the TOP assay, nontarget analysis uncovered 1.1-55.5% more PFAS precursors and 8.25-55.5% more fluorine equivalents compared to traditional target analysis combined with TOP assay. Specifically, three double-bond perfluorinated alcohols were identified for the first time as end products of the TOP assay. This study provides crucial information for pollution control and risk assessment associated with PFAS in firefighting foam applications and emphasizes the importance of combining nontarget analysis with TOP assay in uncovering unknown PFAS precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Li
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Jingrun Hu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
- Institute of Yellow River Delta Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Integrity, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Yitao Lyu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing 100871, China
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2
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Cheng Y, Deng B, Scotland P, Eddy L, Hassan A, Wang B, Silva KJ, Li B, Wyss KM, Ucak-Astarlioglu MG, Chen J, Liu Q, Si T, Xu S, Gao X, JeBailey K, Jana D, Torres MA, Wong MS, Yakobson BI, Griggs C, McCary MA, Zhao Y, Tour JM. Electrothermal mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances for soil remediation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6117. [PMID: 39033169 PMCID: PMC11271446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants that can easily accumulate in soil, posing a threat to environment and human health. Current PFAS degradation processes often suffer from low efficiency, high energy and water consumption, or lack of generality. Here, we develop a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process to remediate PFAS-contaminated soil. With environmentally compatible biochar as the conductive additive, the soil temperature increases to >1000 °C within seconds by current pulse input, converting PFAS to calcium fluoride with inherent calcium compounds in soil. This process is applicable for remediating various PFAS contaminants in soil, with high removal efficiencies ( >99%) and mineralization ratios ( >90%). While retaining soil particle size, composition, water infiltration rate, and cation exchange capacity, REM facilitates an increase of exchangeable nutrient supply and arthropod survival in soil, rendering it superior to the time-consuming calcination approach that severely degrades soil properties. REM is scaled up to remediate soil at two kilograms per batch and promising for large-scale, on-site soil remediation. Life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis demonstrate REM as an environmentally friendly and economic process, with a significant reduction of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission, water consumption, and operation cost, when compared to existing soil remediation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bing Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Phelecia Scotland
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucas Eddy
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arman Hassan
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karla J Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin M Wyss
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jinhang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tengda Si
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shichen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Carbon Hub, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khalil JeBailey
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Debadrita Jana
- Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark Albert Torres
- Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael S Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Boris I Yakobson
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Yufeng Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Corban University, Salem, OR, USA.
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- NanoCarbon Center and the Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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3
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Savvidou P, Dotro G, Campo P, Coulon F, Lyu T. Constructed wetlands as nature-based solutions in managing per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Evidence, mechanisms, and modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173237. [PMID: 38761940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as newly regulated micropollutants, characterised by extreme recalcitrance and environmental toxicity. Constructed wetlands (CWs), as a nature-based solution, have gained widespread application in sustainable water and wastewater treatment and offer multiple environmental and societal benefits. Despite CWs potential, knowledge gaps persist in their PFAS removal capacities, associated mechanisms, and modelling of PFAS fate. This study carried out a systematic literature review, supplemented by unpublished experimental data, demonstrating the promise of CWs for PFAS removal from the influents of varying sources and characteristics. Median removal performances of 64, 46, and 0 % were observed in five free water surface (FWS), four horizontal subsurface flow (HF), and 18 vertical flow (VF) wetlands, respectively. PFAS adsorption by the substrate or plant root/rhizosphere was deemed as a key removal mechanism. Nevertheless, the available dataset resulted unsuitable for a quantitative analysis. Data-driven models, including multiple regression models and machine learning-based Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), were employed to predict PFAS removal. These models showed better predictive performance compared to various mechanistic models, which include two adsorption isotherms. The results affirmed that artificial intelligence is an efficient tool for modelling the removal of emerging contaminants with limited knowledge of chemical properties. In summary, this study consolidated evidence supporting the use of CWs for mitigating new legacy PFAS contaminants. Further research, especially long-term monitoring of full-scale CWs treating real wastewater, is crucial to obtain additional data for model development and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Savvidou
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Dotro
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Campo
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Lyu
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom.
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4
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Farajollahi S, Lombardo NV, Crenshaw MD, Guo HB, Doherty ME, Davison TR, Steel JJ, Almand EA, Varaljay VA, Suei-Hung C, Mirau PA, Berry RJ, Kelley-Loughnane N, Dennis PB. Defluorination of Organofluorine Compounds Using Dehalogenase Enzymes from Delftia acidovorans (D4B). ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:28546-28555. [PMID: 38973860 PMCID: PMC11223199 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Organofluorine compounds have been widely used as pharmaceuticals, agricultural pesticides, and water-resistant coatings for decades; however, these compounds are recognized as environmental pollutants. The capability of microorganisms and enzymes to defluorinate organofluorine compounds is both rare and highly desirable to facilitate environmental remediation efforts. Recently, a strain of Delftia acidovorans (D4B) was identified with potential biodegradation activity toward perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other organofluorine compounds. Genomic analysis found haloacid and fluoroacetate dehalogenases as enzymes associated with Delftia acidovorans. Here, defluorination activity of these enzymes toward different fluorinated substrates was investigated after their recombinant expression and purification from E. coli. Using an electrochemical fluoride probe, 19F NMR, and mass spectrometry to monitor defluorination, we identified two dehalogenases, DeHa2 (a haloacid dehalogenase) and DeHa4 (a fluoroacetate dehalogenase), with activity toward mono- and difluoroacetate. Of the two dehalogenases, DeHa4 demonstrated a low pH optimum compared to DeHa2, which lost catalytic activity under acidic conditions. DeHa2 and DeHa4 are relatively small proteins, operate under aerobic conditions, and remain active for days in the presence of substrates. Significantly, while there have been many reports on dehalogenation of monofluoroacetate by dehalogenases, this study adds to the relatively small list of enzymes reported to carry out enzymatic defluorination of the more recalcitrant disubstituted carbon in an organofluorine compound. Thus, DeHa2 and DeHa4 represent organofluorine dehalogenases that may be used in the future to design and engineer robust defluorination agents for environmental remediation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Farajollahi
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
| | - Nina V. Lombardo
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
- UES
a BlueHalo Company, 4401
Dayton-Xenia Rd., Dayton, Ohio United States 45432-1894
| | - Michael D. Crenshaw
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
- UES
a BlueHalo Company, 4401
Dayton-Xenia Rd., Dayton, Ohio United States 45432-1894
| | - Hao-Bo Guo
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
- UES
a BlueHalo Company, 4401
Dayton-Xenia Rd., Dayton, Ohio United States 45432-1894
| | - Megan E. Doherty
- Department
of Biology, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado United States 80840-5002
| | - Tina R. Davison
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
- UES
a BlueHalo Company, 4401
Dayton-Xenia Rd., Dayton, Ohio United States 45432-1894
| | - Jordan J. Steel
- Department
of Biology, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado United States 80840-5002
| | - Erin A. Almand
- Department
of Biology, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado United States 80840-5002
| | - Vanessa A. Varaljay
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
- The
Ohio State University, Infectious Diseases
Institute, Columbus, Ohio United States 43210-1132
| | - Chia Suei-Hung
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
| | - Peter A. Mirau
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
| | - Rajiv J. Berry
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
| | - Patrick B. Dennis
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 2179 12th Street, WPAFB, Ohio United States 45433-7131
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5
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Yan PF, Dong S, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. A review of the occurrence and microbial transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171883. [PMID: 38531439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been extensively used for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fuel fires at military sites, airports, and fire-training areas. Despite being a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), our understanding of PFAS occurrence in AFFF formulations and AFFF-impacted environments is limited, as is the impact of microbial transformation on the environment fate of AFFF-derived PFAS. This literature review compiles PFAS concentrations in electrochemical fluorination (ECF)- and fluorotelomer (FT)-based AFFFs and provides an overview of PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. Our analysis reveals that AFFF use is a predominant point source of PFAS contamination, including primary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl substances as AFFF components), secondary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl transformation products of primary precursors), and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Moreover, there are discrepancies between PFAS concentration profiles in AFFFs and those measured in AFFF-impacted media. For example, primary precursors constitute 52.6 % and 99.5 % of PFAS mass in ECF- and FT-based AFFFs, respectively, whereas they represent only 0.7 % total mass in AFFF-impacted groundwater. Conversely, secondary precursors, which constitute <1 % of PFAS in AFFFs, represent 4.0-27.8 % of PFAS in AFFF-impacted environments. The observed differences in PFAS levels between AFFFs and environmental samples are likely due to in-situ biotransformation processes. Biotransformation rates and pathways reported for AFFF-derived primary and secondary precursors varied among different classes of precursors, consistent with the PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. For example, readily biodegradable primary precursors, N-dimethyl ammonio propyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (AmPr-FASA) and n:2 fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonate (n:2 FtTAoS), were rarely detected in AFFF-impacted environments. In contrast, key secondary precursors, perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) and n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (n:2 FTS), were widely detected, which was attributed to their resistance to biotransformation. Key knowledge gaps and future research priorities are presented to better understand the occurrence, fate, and transport of AFFF-derived PFAS in the environment and to design more effective remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
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6
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Sugihara N, Nishimoto Y, Osakada Y, Fujitsuka M, Abe M, Yasuda M. Sequential C-F Bond Transformation of the Difluoromethylene Unit in Perfluoroalkyl Groups: A Combination of Fine-Tuned Phenothiazine Photoredox Catalyst and Lewis Acid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401117. [PMID: 38380969 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
A sequential process via photoredox catalysis and Lewis acid mediation for C-F bond transformation of the CF2 unit in perfluoroalkyl groups has been achieved to transform perfluoroalkylarenes into complex fluoroalkylated compounds. A phenothiazine-based photocatalyst promotes the defluoroaminoxylation of perfluoroalkylarenes with (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) under visible light irradiation, affording the corresponding aminoxylated products. These products undergo a further defluorinative transformation with various organosilicon reagents mediated by AlCl3 to provide highly functionalized perfluoroalkyl alcohols. Our novel phenothiazine catalyst works efficiently in the defluoroaminoxylation. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that the catalyst regeneration step is crucial for the photocatalytic aminoxylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Sugihara
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nishimoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (ICS-OTRI), Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuko Osakada
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (ICS-OTRI), Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Yamadagaoka 1-1, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mamoru Fujitsuka
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (ICS-OTRI), Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Makoto Yasuda
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (ICS-OTRI), Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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7
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Ayodele A, Obeng-Gyasi E. Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:983. [PMID: 38473344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050983] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderonke Ayodele
- 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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8
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Khan JA, Kim J, Irawan S, Permatasar KA, Verdin PG, Cai B, Yekeen N. Application of foam assisted water-alternating-gas flooding and quantification of resistivity and water saturation by experiment and simulation to determine foam propagation in sandstone. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25435. [PMID: 38333865 PMCID: PMC10850597 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Foam flooding by Foam Assisted Water-Alternating-Gas (FAWAG) is an important enhanced oil recovery method that has proven successful in experimental and pilot studies. The present study is carried out to monitor the movement of the foam front once injected into the porous medium. This study aims to investigate applications of resistivity waves to monitor foam propagation in a sandstone formation. In the present lab-scale experiments and simulations, resistivity measurements were carried out to monitor the progression of foam in a sand pack, and the relationships between foam injection time and resistivity, as well as brine saturation, were studied. The brine saturation from foam simulation using CMG STAR is exported to COMSOL and calculated true formation resistivity. A diagram was produced summarizing the progression of foam through the sand pack in the function of time, which enabled us to establish how foam progressed through a porous medium. A surfactant and brine mixture was injected into the sand pack, followed by nitrogen gas to generate the foam in situ. As foam progressed through the sand pack, resistance measurements were taken in three zones of the sand pack. The resistance was then converted into resistivity and finally into brine saturation. As foam travels through the sand pack, it is predicted to displace the brine initially in place. This gradually increases each zone's resistivity (decreases the brine saturation) by displacing the brine. Also, an increase in the surfactant concentration results in higher resistivity. Finally, a comparison of three different surfactant concentrations was evaluated in terms of resistivity results, water saturation, and foam propagation monitoring to obtain the optimum surfactant concentration involved in foam flooding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Akbar Khan
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
| | - Jong Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, 010000, Astana Kazakhstan
| | - Sonny Irawan
- School of Mining & Geosciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan City, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Baoping Cai
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
| | - Nurudeen Yekeen
- Petroleum Engineering Department, Edith Cowan University, Australia
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9
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Ghorbani Gorji S, Gómez Ramos MJ, Dewapriya P, Schulze B, Mackie R, Nguyen TMH, Higgins CP, Bowles K, Mueller JF, Thomas KV, Kaserzon SL. New PFASs Identified in AFFF Impacted Groundwater by Passive Sampling and Nontarget Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1690-1699. [PMID: 38189783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06591] [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: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water systems impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) typically addresses a few known PFAS groups. Given the diversity of PFASs present in AFFFs, current analytical approaches do not comprehensively address the range of PFASs present in these systems. A suspect-screening and nontarget analysis (NTA) approach was developed and applied to identify novel PFASs in groundwater samples contaminated from historic AFFF use. A total of 88 PFASs were identified in both passive samplers and grab samples, and these were dominated by sulfonate derivatives and sulfonamide-derived precursors. Several ultrashort-chain (USC) PFASs (≤C3) were detected, 11 reported for the first time in Australian groundwater. Several transformation products were identified, including perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfinates (PFASis). Two new PFASs were reported (((perfluorohexyl)sulfonyl)sulfamic acid; m/z 477.9068 and (E)-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,5,6,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooct-6-ene-1-sulfonic acid; m/z 424.9482). This study highlights that several PFASs are overlooked using standard target analysis, and therefore, the potential risk from all PFASs present is likely to be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Pradeep Dewapriya
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Bastian Schulze
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Mackie
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Thi Minh Hong Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | | | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
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10
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Rather RA, Xu T, Leary RN, Zhao D. Aqueous and solid phase photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate by carbon- and Fe-modified bismuth oxychloride. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140585. [PMID: 38303393 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140585] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we prepared and tested a carbon-modified, Fe-loaded bismuth oxychloride (Fe-BiOCl/CS) photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Structural analyses revealed a (110) facet-dominated sheet-type BiOCl crystal structure with uniformly distributed Fe and confirmed carbon modification of the photocatalyst. The presence of d-glucose facilitated the growth control of BiOCl particles and enhanced the adsorption of PFOS via added hydrophobic interaction. Adsorption kinetic and equilibrium tests showed rapid uptake rates of PFOS and high adsorption capacity with a Langmuir Qmax of 1.51 mg/g. When used for directly treating PFOS in solution, Fe-BiOCl/CS was able to mineralize or defluorinate 83% of PFOS (C0 = 100 μgL-1) under UV (254 nm, intensity = 21 mW cm-2) in 4 h; and when tested in a two-step mode, i.e., batch adsorption and subsequent photodegradation, Fe-BiOCl/CS mineralized 65.34% of PFOS that was pre-concentrated in the solid phase under otherwise identical conditions; while the total degradation percentages of PFOS were 83.48% and 80.50%, respectively, for the two experimental modes. The photoactivated electrons and/or hydrated electrons and superoxide radicals primarily initiated the desulfonation of PFOS followed by decarboxylation and defluorination, through a stepwise chain-subsiding mechanism. The elevated photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the effective separation of e-/h+ pairs facilitated by the (110) interlayer electrostatic field, Fe doping, and the presence of oxygen vacancies. This work reveals the potential of carbon-modified and Fe-co-catalyzed BiOCl for concentrating and degrading PFOS and possibly other persistent organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayees Ahmad Rather
- Department of Civil, Construction, And Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
| | - Tianyuan Xu
- School of Resource and Geoscience, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Rodney Nelson Leary
- Department of Civil, Construction, And Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Dongye Zhao
- Department of Civil, Construction, And Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
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11
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Murphy CC, Zaki TA. Changing epidemiology of colorectal cancer - birth cohort effects and emerging risk factors. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:25-34. [PMID: 37723270 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00841-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are increasing worldwide, suggesting broad changes in the epidemiology of CRC. In this Review, we discuss the changes that are becoming evident, including trends in CRC incidence and mortality by age and birth cohort, and consider the contributions of early-life exposures and emerging risk factors to these changes. Importantly, incidence of CRC has increased among people born since the early 1950s in nearly all regions of the world. These so-called birth cohort effects imply the involvement of factors that influence the earliest stages of carcinogenesis and have effects across the life course. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that early-life exposures are important risk factors for CRC, including exposures during fetal development, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Environmental chemicals could also have a role because the introduction of many in the 1950s and 1960s coincides with increasing incidence of CRC among people born during those years. To reverse the expected increases in the global burden of CRC, participation in average-risk screening programmes needs to be increased by scaling up and implementing evidence-based screening strategies, and emerging risk factors responsible for these increases need to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Murphy
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Timothy A Zaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Umeh AC, Hassan M, Egbuatu M, Zeng Z, Al Amin M, Samarasinghe C, Naidu R. Multicomponent PFAS sorption and desorption in common commercial adsorbents: Kinetics, isotherm, adsorbent dose, pH, and index ion and ionic strength effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166568. [PMID: 37633378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption and desorption of 9 PFAS, including 3 perfluoroalkyl sulphonic and 6 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, in artificial groundwater was investigated using 3 commercial adsorbents that comprised a powdered activated carbon (PAC), a surface-modified organoclay (NMC+n), and a carbonaceous organic amendment (ROAC). Sorption kinetics and isotherms of PFAS, as well as the effects of adsorbent dose, pH, index ion and ionic strength on PFAS adsorption and desorption were investigated. Sorption of multicomponent PFAS in the adsorbents was rapid, especially for NMC+n and ROAC, regardless of PFAS chain length. The sorption and (and especially) desorption of PFAS in the adsorbents was impacted by the pH, index ion, and ionic strength of simulated groundwater, especially for the short chain PFAS, with only minimal impacts on NMC+n and PAC compared to ROAC. Although the potential mineral and charged constituents of the adsorbents contributed to the adsorption of short chain PFAS through electrostatic interactions, these interactions were susceptible to variable groundwater chemistry. Hydrophobic interactions also played a major role in facilitating and increasing PFAS sorption, especially in adsorbents with aliphatic functional groups. The desorption of PFAS from the adsorbents was below 8 % when the aqueous phase was deionised water, with no measurable desorption for NMC+n. In contrast, the desorption of short chain PFAS in simulated groundwater increased substantially (30-100 %) in the adsorbents, especially in ROAC and NMC+n, but more so with ROAC. In general, the three adsorbents exhibited strong stability for the long chain PFAS, especially the perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids, with minimal to no sorption reversibility under different pH and ionic composition of simulated groundwater. This study highlights the importance of understanding not only the sorption of PFAS in groundwater using adsorbents, but also the desorption of PFAS, which may be useful for decision making during the ex-situ and in-situ treatment of PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C Umeh
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; crcCARE, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Masud Hassan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Maureen Egbuatu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zijun Zeng
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Md Al Amin
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Chamila Samarasinghe
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; crcCARE, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; crcCARE, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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13
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Vatankhah H, Anderson RH, Ghosh R, Willey J, Leeson A. A review of innovative approaches for onsite management of PFAS-impacted investigation derived waste. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 247:120769. [PMID: 37931356 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120769] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The historic use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has led to widespread detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in groundwater, soils, sediments, drinking water, wastewater, and receiving aquatic systems throughout the United States (U.S.). Prior to any remediation activities, in order to identify the PFAS-impacted source zones and select the optimum management approach, extensive site investigations need to be conducted. These site investigations have resulted in the generation of considerable amount of investigation-derived waste (IDW) which predominantly consists of well purging water and drill fluid, equipment washing residue, soil, drill cuttings, and residues from the destruction of asphalt and concrete surfaces. IDW is often impacted by varying levels of PFAS which poses a substantial challenge concerning disposal to prevent potential mobilization of PFAS, logistical complexities, and increasing requirement for storage as a result of accumulation of the associated wastes. The distinct features of IDW involve the intermittent generation of waste, substantial volume of waste produced, and the critical demand for onsite management. This article critically focuses on innovative technologies and approaches employed for onsite treatment and management of PFAS-impacted IDW. The overall objective of this study centers on developing and deploying end-of-life treatment technology systems capable of facilitating unrestricted disposal, discharge, and/or IDW reuse on-site, thereby reducing spatial footprints and mobilization time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Vatankhah
- Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, Arlington, VA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Leeson
- Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, Arlington, VA, USA
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14
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Wallace JS, Edirisinghe D, Seyedi S, Noteboom H, Blate M, Balci DD, Abu-Orf M, Sharp R, Brown J, Aga DS. Burning questions: Current practices and critical gaps in evaluating removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pyrolysis treatments of biosolids. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS LETTERS 2023; 4:100079. [PMID: 37790729 PMCID: PMC10545407 DOI: 10.1016/j.hazl.2023.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Concerns surrounding potential health and environmental impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are growing at tremendous rates because adverse health impacts are expected with trace-level exposures. Extreme measures are required to mitigate potential PFAS contamination and minimize exposures. Extensive PFAS use results in the release of diverse PFAS species from domestic, industrial, and municipal effluents to wastewater, which partition to biosolids throughout secondary treatment. Biosolids generated during municipal wastewater treatment are a major environmental source of PFAS due to prevailing disposal practices as fertilizers. Pyrolysis is emerging as a viable, scalable technology for PFAS removal from biosolids while retaining nutrients and generating renewable, raw materials for energy generation. Despite early successes of pyrolysis in PFAS removal, significant unknowns remain about PFAS and transformation product fates in pyrolysis products and emissions. Applicable PFAS sampling methods, analytical workflows, and removal assessments are currently limited to a subset of high-interest analytes and matrices. Further, analysis of exhaust gases, particulate matter, fly ashes, and other pyrolysis end-products remain largely unreported or limited due to cost and sampling limitations. This paper identifies critical knowledge gaps on the pyrolysis of biosolids that must be addressed to assess the effectiveness of PFAS removal during pyrolysis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S. Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Dulan Edirisinghe
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Saba Seyedi
- Hazen and Sawyer, 498 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Haley Noteboom
- Hazen and Sawyer, 498 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Micah Blate
- Hazen and Sawyer, 498 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Derya Dursun Balci
- Hazen and Sawyer, 498 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Mohammad Abu-Orf
- Hazen and Sawyer, 498 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Robert Sharp
- Hazen and Sawyer, 498 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471, USA
| | - Jeanette Brown
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471, USA
| | - Diana S. Aga
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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15
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Holden LA, East AG, Narizzano AM, Quinn MJ. Toxicology assessment for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)-free aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) products. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:1609-1618. [PMID: 36815274 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4750] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to understand the toxicity hazards of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) replacement products to ensure the balance between performance and toxicity hazards and avoid regrettable substitutions during the rapid phasing out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing AFFFs. To address this need, we assessed the toxicity of six candidate PFAS-free products via literature review, estimation techniques, and incorporation of testing data from whole products and compared them against one PFAS-containing product. Then, we combined the relative hazards across human occupational exposure (e.g., concentrate, foam, or dilute exposures), human environmental exposure (e.g., training, emergency response, cleanup), and environmental exposure to aquatic, mammalian, and other terrestrial species using an index-based scoring system to quantify potential hazards across these domains. We found that most PFAS-free products in their concentrated form may cause dermal and ocular irritation, and aquatic toxicity may be a concern from direct or repeated environmental releases. Additionally, all PFAS-free AFFF products assessed contain chemicals that are notable as plausible hazards resulting from release uncertainties (e.g., concentration, release volume, release timing), but the PFAS-free AFFF products appear to have a lower likelihood of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation and to have lower oral human health toxicity than the PFAS-containing reference product. Decision makers can use this information alongside cost-benefit, sustainability, or life-cycle analyses to make a data-driven decision for the adoption of PFAS-free AFFF. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1609-1618. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Holden
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
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16
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East AG, Narizzano AM, Holden LA, Bazar MA, Bohannon ME, Pervitsky D, Adams VH, Reinke EN, Quinn MJ. Comparative Toxicity of Seven Aqueous Film-Forming Foam to In Vitro Systems and Mus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2364-2374. [PMID: 37431895 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5714] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The comparative toxicity of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-free and one PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) was evaluated in an outbred mouse species as well as several in vitro assays. The in vivo toxicological profile of PFAS-free AFFFs in short-term, high-concentration exposures is different than that of a PFAS-containing AFFF. The PFAS-containing reference product induced increased liver weights, while the PFAS-free AFFFs were linked to either decreased or unaffected relative liver weights. The in vitro toxicological profile across PFAS-free AFFFs was uniform except in the Microtox® assay, where thresholds were variable and spanned several orders of magnitude. This direct comparison of products through short-term toxicity tests and in vitro screenings represents early data to support evaluation of potential regrettable substitutions when selecting alternative PFAS-free AFFFs. Further work in diverse taxa (e.g., aquatic organisms, terrestrial invertebrates, birds) and mammalian studies capturing sensitive life stages will refine and expand this data set across a range of risk-relevant toxicological endpoints. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2364-2374. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G East
- Defense Centers for Public Health, Aberdeen, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emily N Reinke
- Defense Centers for Public Health, Aberdeen, Maryland, USA
- Inotiv-RTP, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Hoskins TD, Flynn RW, Coogan GSM, Catlin AC, de Perre C, Modiri Gharehveran M, Choi YJ, Lee LS, Hoverman JT, Sepúlveda MS. Chronic Exposure to a PFAS Mixture Resembling AFFF-Impacted Surface Water Decreases Body Size in Northern Leopard Frogs ( Rana pipiens). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14797-14806. [PMID: 37608745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01118] [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: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occur in the environment as mixtures, yet mixture toxicity remains poorly understood. Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are a common source of PFAS. Our objective was to examine chronic effects of a complex PFAS mixture on amphibian growth and development. We tested toxicity of a five-chemical PFAS mixture summing to 10 μg/L and that accounts for >90% of the PFAS in AFFF-affected surface waters: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 40%), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS, 30%), perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA, 12.5%), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA, 12.5%), and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA, 5%). We also included treatments to determine whether PFOS drove mixture toxicity and whether PFOS and mixture components act additively. We exposed Northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) larvae through metamorphosis (∼130 d) in outdoor mesocosms. After 21 days of exposure, the larval body condition fell ∼5% relative to controls in the 4 μg/L PFOS treatment and mixtures lacking PFOS. At metamorphosis, the full 5-component 10 μg/L PFAS mixture reduced mass by 16% relative to controls. We did not observe effects on development. Our results indicate that toxicity of PFOS and other PFAS mixtures typical of AFFF sites act additively and that PFOS is not more inherently toxic than other mixture components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D Hoskins
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - R Wesley Flynn
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Grace S M Coogan
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ann C Catlin
- Information Technology at Purdue, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Chloe de Perre
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | | | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jason T Hoverman
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Maria S Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Sustainability Research Center & PhD in Conservation Medicine, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
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18
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Murillo-Gelvez J, Dmitrenko O, Torralba-Sanchez TL, Tratnyek PG, Di Toro DM. p Ka prediction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids in water using in silico gas phase stretching vibrational frequencies and infrared intensities. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:24745-24760. [PMID: 37671434 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01390a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
To successfully understand and model the environmental fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), it is necessary to know key physicochemical properties (PChPs) such as pKa; however, measured PChPs of PFAS are scarce and of uncertain reliability. In this study, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were developed by correlating calculated (M062-X/aug-cc-pVDZ) vibrational frequencies (VF) and corresponding infrared intensities (IRInt) to the pKa of carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, phosphonic acids, sulfonamides, betaines, and alcohols. Antisymmetric stretching VF of the anionic species were used for all subclasses except for alcohols where the OH stretching VF performed better. The individual QSARs predicted the pKa for each subclass mostly within 0.5 pKa units from the experimental values. The inclusion of IRInt as a pKa predictor for carboxylic acids improved the results by decreasing the root-mean-square error from 0.35 to 0.25 (n > 100). Application of the developed QSARs to estimate the pKa of PFAS within each subclass revealed that the length of the perfluoroalkyl chain has minimal effect on the pKa, consistent with other models but in stark contrast with the limited experimental data available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Murillo-Gelvez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Olga Dmitrenko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | | | - Paul G Tratnyek
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Dominic M Di Toro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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19
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Rokoff LB, Wallenborn JT, Harris MH, Rifas-Shiman SL, Criswell R, Romano ME, Young JG, Calafat AM, Oken E, Sagiv SK, Fleisch AF. Plasma concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in pregnancy and breastfeeding duration in Project Viva. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 891:164724. [PMID: 37290653 PMCID: PMC10327962 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may disrupt mammary gland development and function; thereby inhibiting milk supply and breastfeeding duration. However, conclusions on the potential effects of PFAS and breastfeeding duration are limited by prior epidemiologic studies that inconsistently adjusted for past cumulative breastfeeding duration and by a lack of examination of the joint effects of PFAS mixtures. METHODS In Project Viva, a longitudinal cohort that enrolled pregnant participants from 1999 to 2002 in the greater Boston, MA area, we studied 1079 women who ever attempted to lactate. We investigated associations of plasma concentrations of select PFAS in early pregnancy (mean: 10.1 weeks gestation) with breastfeeding termination by 9 months, after which women typically cite self-weaning as the reason for terminating breastfeeding. We used Cox regression for single-PFAS models and quantile g-computation for mixture models, adjusting for sociodemographics, prior breastfeeding duration, and weeks of gestation at the time of blood draw. RESULTS We detected 6 PFAS [perfluorooctane sulfonate; perfluorooctanoate (PFOA); perfluorohexane sulfonate; perfluorononanoate; 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (EtFOSAA); 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide) acetate (MeFOSAA)] in >98 % of samples. Sixty percent of lactating women terminated breastfeeding by 9 months postpartum. Women with higher plasma concentrations of PFOA, EtFOSAA, and MeFOSAA had a greater hazard of terminating breastfeeding in the first 9 months postpartum [HR (95 % CI) per doubling concentration: 1.20 (1.04, 1.38) for PFOA; 1.10 (1.01, 1.20) for EtFOSAA; 1.18 (1.08, 1.30) for MeFOSAA]. In the quantile g-computation model, simultaneously increasing all PFAS in the mixture by one quartile was associated with 1.17 (95 % CI: 1.05, 1.31) greater hazard of terminating breastfeeding in the first 9 months. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that exposure to PFAS may be associated with reduced breastfeeding duration and draw further attention to environmental chemicals that may dysregulate human lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B Rokoff
- Center for Interdisciplinary Population & Health Research, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Portland, ME, USA.
| | - Jordyn T Wallenborn
- Center of Excellence in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria H Harris
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Criswell
- Skowhegan Family Medicine, Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Skowhegan, ME, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jessica G Young
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sharon K Sagiv
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Abby F Fleisch
- Center for Interdisciplinary Population & Health Research, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Portland, ME, USA; Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
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20
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Dewapriya P, Nilsson S, Ghorbani Gorji S, O’Brien JW, Bräunig J, Gómez Ramos MJ, Donaldson E, Samanipour S, Martin JW, Mueller JF, Kaserzon SL, Thomas KV. Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Discovered in Cattle Exposed to AFFF-Impacted Groundwater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13635-13645. [PMID: 37648245 PMCID: PMC10501377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from Australian firefighting training grounds has resulted in extensive contamination of groundwater and nearby farmlands. Humans, farm animals, and wildlife in these areas may have been exposed to complex mixtures of PFASs from aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). This study aimed to identify PFAS classes in pooled whole blood (n = 4) and serum (n = 4) from cattle exposed to AFFF-impacted groundwater and potentially discover new PFASs in blood. Thirty PFASs were identified at various levels of confidence (levels 1a-5a), including three novel compounds: (i) perfluorohexanesulfonamido 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (FHxSA-HOPrA), (ii) methyl((perfluorohexyl)sulfonyl)sulfuramidous acid, and (iii) methyl((perfluorooctyl)sulfonyl)sulfuramidous acid, belonging to two different classes. Biotransformation intermediate, perfluorohexanesulfonamido propanoic acid (FHxSA-PrA), hitherto unreported in biological samples, was detected in both whole blood and serum. Furthermore, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, including perfluoropropane sulfonamide (FPrSA), perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), and perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA) were predominantly detected in whole blood, suggesting that these accumulate in the cell fraction of blood. The suspect screening revealed several fluoroalkyl chain-substituted PFAS. The results suggest that targeting only the major PFASs in the plasma or serum of AFFF-exposed mammals likely underestimates the toxicological risks associated with exposure. Future studies of AFFF-exposed populations should include whole-blood analysis with high-resolution mass spectrometry to understand the true extent of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Dewapriya
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Jake W. O’Brien
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
- Van
‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Department
of Chemistry and Physics, University of
Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3
(ceiA3), Carretera Sacramento
s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería 04120, Spain
| | - Eric Donaldson
- Aviation
Medical Specialist, The Australasian Faculty of Occupational &
Environmental Medicine (AFOEM), The Royal
Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
- Van
‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Department
of Environmental Science (ACES, Exposure & Effects), Science for
Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
| | - Jochen F. Mueller
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarit L. Kaserzon
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin V. Thomas
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
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21
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Xu N, Lin H, Du Q, Dong S, Cheng J, Wang P, Lin JM. In situ investigation of detoxification and metabolic effects of polyfluoroalkyl substances on metal-organic frameworks combined with cell-cultured microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3062-3069. [PMID: 37282617 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00423f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over 9000 types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been produced that exhibit environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and biotoxicity, and pose a potential hazard to human health. Although metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising structure-based materials for adsorbing PFASs, the enormous structural diversity and variability of the pharmacologic action of PFASs present challenges to the development of structure-based adsorbents. To address this issue, we propose an in situ platform for the high-throughput identification of efficient MOF sorbents that can adsorb PFASs and their metabolism using a filter-chip-solid phase extraction-mass spectrometry (SPE-MS) system. As a proof of concept, we screened BUT-16 as an attractive material for in situ fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) adsorption. The results demonstrated that FTOH molecules were adsorbed around the surface of the large hexagonal pores of BUT-16 by forming multiple hydrogen bonding interactions with its Zr6 clusters. The FTOH removal efficiency of the BUT16 filter was 100% over a period of 1 min. To determine the FTOH metabolism effects in different organs, HepG2 human hepatoma, HCT116 colon cancer, renal tubular HKC, and vascular endothelial HUVEC cells were cultured on a microfluidic chip, and SPE-MS was used to track a variety of cell metabolites in real time. Overall, the filter-Chip-SPE-MS system is a versatile and robust platform for the real-time monitoring of noxious pollutant detoxification, biotransformation, and metabolism, which facilitates pollutant antidote development and toxicology assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry &Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Qiuling Du
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Shujun Dong
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jie Cheng
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Peilong Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry &Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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22
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Mikkonen AT, Martin J, Upton RN, Barker AO, Brumley CM, Taylor MP, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS. Spatio-temporal trends in livestock exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) inform risk assessment and management measures. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 225:115518. [PMID: 36841522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115518] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The migration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) onto agricultural properties has resulted in the accumulation of PFAS in livestock. The environmental determinants of PFAS accumulation in livestock from the grazing environment are poorly understood, resulting in limited capacity to manage livestock exposure and subsequent transfer of PFAS through the food chain. Analytical- (n = 978 samples of soil, water, pasture, and serum matrices), farm management/practice- and livestock physiology data were collated and interrogated from environmental PFAS investigations across ten farms, from four agro-ecological regions of Victoria (Australia). Statistical analysis identified perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) as key analytes of concern for livestock bioaccumulation. PFOS and PFHxS concentrations in livestock drinking water were positively correlated with serum concentrations while other intake pathways (pasture and soil) had weaker correlations. Seasonal trends in PFAS body burden (serum concentrations) were identified and suggested to be linked to seasonal grazing behaviours and physiological water requirements. The data showed for the first time that livestock exposure to PFAS is dynamic and with relatively short elimination half-lives, there is opportunity for exposure management. Meat from cattle, grazed on PFAS impacted sites, may exceed health-based guideline values for PFAS, especially for markets with low limits (like the European Commission Maximum Limits or EC MLs). This study found that sites with mean livestock drinking water concentrations as low as 0.003 μg PFOS/L may exceed the EC ML for PFOS in cattle meat. Risk assessment can be used to prioritise site cleanup and development of management plans to reduce PFAS body burden by considering timing of stock rotation and/or supplementation of primary exposure sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti T Mikkonen
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; Arcadis L18, Queen & Collins Tower, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard N Upton
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn M Brumley
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; Arcadis L18, Queen & Collins Tower, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark P Taylor
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorraine Mackenzie
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Barber LB, Pickard HM, Alvarez DA, Becanova J, Keefe SH, LeBlanc DR, Lohmann R, Steevens JA, Vajda AM. Uptake of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Fish, Mussel, and Passive Samplers in Mobile-Laboratory Exposures Using Groundwater from a Contamination Plume at a Historical Fire Training Area, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5544-5557. [PMID: 36972291 PMCID: PMC10116195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06500] [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: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams historically were used during fire training activities on Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and created an extensive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) groundwater contamination plume. The potential for PFAS bioconcentration from exposure to the contaminated groundwater, which discharges to surface water bodies, was assessed with mobile-laboratory experiments using groundwater from the contamination plume and a nearby reference location. The on-site continuous-flow 21-day exposures used male and female fathead minnows, freshwater mussels, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS), and polyethylene tube samplers (PETS) to evaluate biotic and abiotic uptake. The composition of the PFAS-contaminated groundwater was complex and 9 PFAS were detected in the reference groundwater and 17 PFAS were detected in the contaminated groundwater. The summed PFAS concentrations ranged from 120 to 140 ng L-1 in reference groundwater and 6100 to 15,000 ng L-1 in contaminated groundwater. Biotic concentration factors (CFb) for individual PFAS were species, sex, source, and compound-specific and ranged from 2.9 to 1000 L kg-1 in whole-body male fish exposed to contaminated groundwater for 21 days. The fish and mussel CFb generally increased with increasing fluorocarbon chain length and were greater for sulfonates than for carboxylates. The exception was perfluorohexane sulfonate, which deviated from the linear trend and had a 10-fold difference in CFb between sites, possibly because of biotransformation of precursors such as perfluorohexane sulfonamide. Uptake for most PFAS in male fish was linear over time, whereas female fish had bilinear uptake indicated by an initial increase in tissue concentrations followed by a decrease. Uptake of PFAS was less for mussels (maximum CFb = 200) than for fish, and mussel uptake of most PFAS also was bilinear. Although abiotic concentration factors were greater than CFb, and values for POCIS were greater than for PETS, passive samplers were useful for assessing PFAS that potentially bioconcentrate in fish but are present at concentrations below method quantitation limits in water. Passive samplers also accumulate short-chain PFAS that are not bioconcentrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry B Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Heidi M Pickard
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - David A Alvarez
- U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Jitka Becanova
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Horn Building 118, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Steffanie H Keefe
- U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Denis R LeBlanc
- U.S. Geological Survey, 10 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, United States
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Horn Building 118, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Jeffery A Steevens
- U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Alan M Vajda
- University of Colorado Denver, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
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24
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Bohannon ME, Narizzano AM, Guigni BA, East AG, Quinn MJ. Next-generation PFAS 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate reduces plaque formation in exposed white-footed mice. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:97-105. [PMID: 36629485 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) has been used as a replacement for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We assessed reproductive and developmental effects in a human-wildlife hybrid animal model based on the association of adverse effects linked to legacy PFAS with these sensitive life stages. In this study, white-footed mice were exposed orally to 0, 0.2, 1, 5, or 25 mg/kg-day 6:2 FTS for 112 days (4 weeks premating exposure plus at least 4 weeks mating exposure). Pregnancy and fertility indices were calculated, and litter production, total litter size, live litter size, stillbirths, litter loss, average pup weight, and pinna unfolding were assessed. Sex steroid and thyroid hormone serum levels were assessed. Body weight, histopathology, and immune function were also assessed in this study. Reproductive endpoints were not significantly altered in response to 6:2 FTS. Spleen weight increased in male mice dosed with 6:2 FTS. Immune function determined via a plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay was decreased in both male and female mice in the 2 highest doses. A low benchmark dose was calculated based on PFCs as the critical effect and was found to be 2.63 and 2.26 mg/kg-day 6:2 FTS in male and female mice, respectively. This study characterizes 6:2 FTS as being potentially immunotoxic with little evidence of effect on reproduction and development; furthermore, it models acceptable levels of exposure. These 2 pieces of information together will aid regulators in setting environmental exposure limits for this PFAS currently thought to be less toxic than other PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith E Bohannon
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Blas A Guigni
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
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25
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Pickard HM, Ruyle BJ, Thackray CP, Chovancova A, Dassuncao C, Becanova J, Vojta S, Lohmann R, Sunderland EM. PFAS and Precursor Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Recreational Fish: Implications for Fish Advisories. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15573-15583. [PMID: 36280234 PMCID: PMC9670858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of fluorinated anthropogenic chemicals that include perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), which are widely used in modern commerce. Many products and environmental samples contain abundant precursors that can degrade into terminal PFAA associated with adverse health effects. Fish consumption is an important dietary exposure source for PFAS that bioaccumulate in food webs. However, little is known about bioaccumulation of PFAA precursors. Here, we identify and quantify PFAS in recreational fish species collected from surface waters across New Hampshire, US, using a toolbox of analytical methods. Targeted analysis of paired water and tissue samples suggests that many precursors below detection in water have a higher bioaccumulation potential than their terminal PFAA. Perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), a short-chain precursor produced by electrochemical fluorination, was detected in all fish samples analyzed for this compound. The total oxidizable precursor assay interpreted using Bayesian inference revealed fish muscle tissue contained additional, short-chain precursors in high concentration samples. Suspect screening analysis indicated these were perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide precursors with three and five perfluorinated carbons. Fish consumption advisories are primarily being developed for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), but this work reinforces the need for risk evaluations to consider additional bioaccumulative PFAS, including perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M. Pickard
- Harvard
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Bridger J. Ruyle
- Harvard
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Colin P. Thackray
- Harvard
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Adela Chovancova
- Harvard
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Clifton Dassuncao
- Harvard
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Eastern
Research Group, Inc., Arlington, Virginia 22201, United States
| | - Jitka Becanova
- Graduate
School of Oceanography, University of Rhode
Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Simon Vojta
- Graduate
School of Oceanography, University of Rhode
Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate
School of Oceanography, University of Rhode
Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- Harvard
John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department
of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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26
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Ojo AF, Peng C, Annamalai P, Megharaj M, Ng JC. Toxicity assessment of historical aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) using cell-based assays. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119806. [PMID: 35868471 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has historically contained high concentrations of long-chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked with adverse health outcomes. However, the toxicity of historical AFFFs remains largely unknown, presenting uncertainties in their risk assessment. This study assessed the toxicity of historical AFFFs by exposing human liver cells (HepG2) to various dilutions of 3M Light Water AFFF or Ansulite AFFF (0.001%, 0.002%, 0.005%, 0.009%, 0.019%, 0.038%, 0.075%, 0.15%, and 0.3%) for 24 h. The effects of the two AFFF formulations on the cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Nrf2-ARE activity, and DNA damage were assessed by CellTiter 96® Aqueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS kit), dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, luciferase assay, and alkaline Comet assay, respectively. The results revealed that the two brands of AFFFs tested were toxic to HepG2 cells at dilutions lower than the recommended 3% application formulation. Specifically, exposure to 3M Light Water AFFF or Ansulite AFFF induced a dilution-dependent decrease in cell viability, increased intracellular ROS production, and increased Nrf2-ARE activity. However, except for the highest concentration (lowest dilution) of 3M Light Water AFFF tested (0.038%.), both 3M Light Water AFFF and Ansulite AFFF did not significantly induce cellular DNA damage. Overall, 3M Light Water AFFF was more toxic than Ansulite AFFF. The findings from this study provided valuable in vitro toxicity data that may better inform the health risk assessment of these historical AFFFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atinuke F Ojo
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Cheng Peng
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Prasath Annamalai
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, School of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, School of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jack C Ng
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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27
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Ellis AC, Liu CJ, Fang Y, Boyer TH, Schaefer CE, Higgins CP, Strathmann TJ. Pilot study comparison of regenerable and emerging single-use anion exchange resins for treatment of groundwater contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). WATER RESEARCH 2022; 223:119019. [PMID: 36049246 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the results of an 8-month pilot study comparing both regenerable and emerging single-use anion exchange resins (AERs) for treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at a source zone impacted by historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Two regenerable (Purolite A860 and A520E) and three single-use (Purolite PFA694E, Calgon CalRes 2301, and Dowex PSR2+) AERs were tested in parallel, collecting effluent samples after treatment for 30-sec and 2-min total empty bed contact time (EBCT). Results demonstrate that single-use AERs significantly outperform regenerable resins, particularly for treatment of long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). No detectable concentrations of ≥C7 PFCAs or PFSAs were observed within 150,000 bed volumes (BVs) after treatment with the single-use resins (2-min EBCT). Analysis of effluent samples following 30-sec EBCT treatment shows that even the shortest-chain PFSAs do not reach 50% breakthrough within the first 350,000 BVs, though differences in removal of short-chain PFCAs was less dramatic. The regenerable polyacrylic A860 resin performed very poorly compared to all polystyrene resins, with >90% breakthrough of all PFASs occurring within 10,000 BVs. The greater affinity of polystyrene resins is attributed to increased hydrophobic interactions in addition to electrostatic ion exchange. Analysis of breakthrough profiles reveals empirical correlation with ion exchange affinity coefficients (logKex) measured in batch experiments. Postmortem analysis of PFASs extracted from spent resins revealed chromatographic elution behavior and competition among PFASs for adsorption to the resins. PFSAs and long-chain PFCAs were preferentially adsorbed to earlier sections in the AER columns, whereas short-chain PFCAs were competitively displaced towards the later sections of the columns and into the effluent, consistent with effluent concentrations of the latter structures exceeding influent values. These results provide insights into the mechanisms that govern PFAS adsorption to AERs in real multisolute groundwater matrices and support findings from other diverse sites regarding PFAS affinity, elution behavior, and competition for exchange sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson C Ellis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Charlie J Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States; Kennedy Jenks Consultants, San Francisco, California 94118, United States
| | - Yida Fang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States; CDM Smith, Bellevue, Washington 98807, United States
| | - Treavor H Boyer
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | | | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Timothy J Strathmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States.
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28
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Trang B, Li Y, Xue XS, Ateia M, Houk KN, Dichtel WR. Low-temperature mineralization of perfluorocarboxylic acids. Science 2022; 377:839-845. [PMID: 35981038 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm8868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative pollutants found in water resources at concentrations harmful to human health. Whereas current PFAS destruction strategies use nonselective destruction mechanisms, we found that perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) could be mineralized through a sodium hydroxide-mediated defluorination pathway. PFCA decarboxylation in polar aprotic solvents produced reactive perfluoroalkyl ion intermediates that degraded to fluoride ions (78 to ~100%) within 24 hours. The carbon-containing intermediates and products were inconsistent with oft-proposed one-carbon-chain shortening mechanisms, and we instead computationally identified pathways consistent with many experiments. Degradation was also observed for branched perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and might be extended to degrade other PFAS classes as methods to activate their polar headgroups are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Trang
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yuli Li
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiao-Song Xue
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Mohamed Ateia
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - K N Houk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - William R Dichtel
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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Narizzano AM, Lent EM, Hanson JM, East AG, Bohannon ME, Quinn MJ. Reproductive and developmental toxicity of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:120-127. [PMID: 35985401 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.011] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) stem from their ubiquitous presence in the environment, bioaccumulation, resistance to degradation, and toxicity. Previously, toxicity data relevant to ecological risk assessment has largely been aquatic, terrestrial invertebrates, or avian in origin. In this study, repeated oral exposures of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were administered to white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) to evaluate effects on reproduction and development. Prenatal exposure to high doses of PFOS caused neonatal mortality, though growth and development were unaffected by low doses. Additionally, parental (P) generation animals exhibited increased liver:body weight, increased hepatocyte cytoplasmic vacuolization, and decreased serum thyroxine (T4) levels. Total litter loss was selected as the protective critical effect in this study resulting in a benchmark dose low (BMDL) of 0.12 mg/kg-d PFOS. Importantly, PFOS exposure has been linked to reduced adult recruitment in myriad species and at similar thresholds to this study. Similarities in critical/toxicologic effects across taxa may add confidence in risk assessments at sites with multiple taxa or environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA.
| | - Emily May Lent
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA
| | - Jarod M Hanson
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA
| | - Meredith E Bohannon
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA
| | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA
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da Silva BF, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Aufmuth J, Awkerman J, Bowden JA. Survey of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface water collected in Pensacola, FL. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10239. [PMID: 36090227 PMCID: PMC9449549 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As the persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) become a global concern, information about the occurrence and characteristics of PFAS in estuarine and marine ecosystems is poorly represented. In this study, the presence of 51 PFAS were monitored in the Pensacola Bay System (PBS), Florida, USA. Due to the presence of many potential PFAS sources in close proximity to the PBS (e.g., military bases, industries, airports and several firefighting stations), the distribution and concentration of PFAS in this estuarine environment provides insights into the fate of these complex compounds as well as the possible impacts on coastal systems. Surface water was collected and analyzed from 45 different sites via Strata-X-AW cartridge extractions and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis. Recoveries for many PFAS (13/51) were >60% (mean 77 %), with relative standard deviations below 20%, except for N-methylperfluoro-1-octanesulfonamidoacetic acid (N-MeFOSAA) (22%). Of the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), which comprised the majority of PFAS detected: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were present in all samples; however, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was the individual PFAS with the highest concentration of this group (51.9 ng.L−1, at site 81). The PFAS detected at the highest concentrations were perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSA), with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) having the highest detected concentration (269 ng.L−1, at site 81). At all sites, at least eight or more PFAS were quantified. Past and current use of PFAS-containing materials and their fate in areas surrounding military bases, airports, and industries, require more in-depth monitoring efforts to better determine the need for regulation, management, and/or remediation. Here, sites located close to areas suspected of PFAS use had elevated concentrations. For example, one coastal location near an airfield had a ΣPFAS of 677 ng.L−1. Expansion from these ongoing efforts will focus on assessment of PFAS-related effects in local wildlife and evaluating the distribution of PFAS at these “hotspot” sites during large episodic weather events, a critically understudied phenomenon regarding PFAS and vulnerable coastal environments. Elevated PFAS levels were quantified in Pensacola Bay surface water. ΣPFOS was the compound detected with the highest concentration between all PFAS. PFAS diversity increased near sites with industrial effluent and suspected AFFF usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Ferreira da Silva
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Juan J. Aristizabal-Henao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joe Aufmuth
- George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jill Awkerman
- Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - John A. Bowden
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Corresponding author.
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You D, Chang X, Guo L, Xie W, Huang S, Li X, Chai H, Wang Y. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the blood of police and Beagle dogs from Harbin, China: Concentrations and associations with hematological parameters. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134367. [PMID: 35358559 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been omnipresent in the environment and marine organisms. However, little is known about these compounds and their associations with hematological parameters in dogs. In this research, we investigated the concentrations and distributions of PFASs in the blood of dogs and explored the associations between PFASs concentrations in blood and hematological parameters. Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) was found to be the dominant PFAS in the blood (54.23%), followed by perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) (16.05%) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) (12.05%). On average, PFASs concentration in dogs was 3.553 ng/mL (SD: 2.146). Moreover, age is a key factor influencing the levels of PFBA, PFOA, and PFBS in males, as well as seven PFASs (6:2 Cl-PFESA, PFBA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA, and PFNA) in female dogs' blood. The results revealed that PFHxS in dietary food accounted for most of the total daily PFASs consumption. We also discovered that greater PFASs exposure (including PFOA and PFOS) could significantly increase amylase (AMY) and decrease cholesterol (CHOL) levels. Furthermore, there are linear relationships between PFDA, PFNA and many biochemical parameters (AMY, CHOL, albumin/globulin (A/G), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (CREA)). Thus, PFAS accumulation has a certain influence on dogs' health, and we must pay attention to the potential threat posed by these elements to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan You
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Xiaochen Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Lijun Guo
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Wei Xie
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Shuping Huang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Hongliang Chai
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Yajun Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. Occurrence and fate of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in urban waters of New Zealand. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128257. [PMID: 35063834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Information on the occurrence of PFAS in aquatic matrices of countries with no PFAS manufacturing, e.g., New Zealand, is limited. Also, the fingerprint of PFAS along an urban water cycle, following water path from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent to treated drinking water has not been widely assessed. Hence, 38 long-, short-, ultrashort-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives (including precursors) were monitored in this study by collecting composite samples from two urban WWTPs of New Zealand and grab samples from the water bodies receiving the WWTPs' effluents and a drinking water treatment plant, whose source water received the effluent of one of the studied WWTPs. ∑PFAS at concentrations 0.1 - 13 ng/L were detected in all wastewater samples, including influents and different treatment stages of the two WWTPs (WW1 and WW2). The fate of most PFAS was similar in the two WWTPs, despite large differences in WWTPs' PFAS loads in the influents, serving populations (1.6 vs 0.16 million), total capacities (300 vs 54 million liters per day), and designs (aerobic and anoxic secondary treatment vs aerobic only). The fate of PFAS in WWTPs appeared to be driven by a range of processes. For instance, a simultaneous increase (41.6%) in short-chain perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) concentrations and decrease (49.7%) in precursor 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) concentrations after secondary biological treatment suggested possible transformation of 6:2 FTS into PFHxA during the treatment. In contrast, the reason behind an average decrease of 35% in ultrashort-chain perfluoropropionic acid (PFPrA) concentrations after treatment was unclear, and further studies are recommended. The concentrations of a linear isomer of long-chain perfluorosulfonic acid (PFOS-L) decreased (48%) in the effluent, possibly due to its partitioning to sludge. Although the concentrations of PFAS in coastal waters suggested that the WW1 effluent is a potential source of PFAS, earlier dispersion model and no detection of PFAS in the receiving waters of WW2 implied that other sources, such as septic systems, peripheral industries, and the airport, could also be contributing to PFAS in coastal waters. The source of ultrashort-chain PFPrA (5.5 ng/L) detected in the treated drinking water produced from that river was unclear. The monitoring results confirm incomplete removal of PFAS in WWTPs, indicate a possible transformation of unknown precursors present in wastewater into short-chain perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (PFCAs) during biological treatment, and reveal a possible accumulation of perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the sludge, overall suggesting the circulation of PFAS in urban water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Roesch P, Vogel C, Huthwelker T, Wittwer P, Simon FG. Investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils and sewage sludges by fluorine K-edge XANES spectroscopy and combustion ion chromatography. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:26889-26899. [PMID: 34860340 PMCID: PMC8989862 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17838-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was applied to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various soil and sewage sludge samples. The method can be used to determine the speciation of inorganic and organic fluorides, without pre-treatment of solid samples. Therefore, XANES spectra of several inorganic fluorides as well as selected fluorinated organic compounds were recorded. While inorganic fluorides partially exhibit a variety of sharp spectral features in the XANES spectrum, almost all inspected organofluorine compounds show two distinct broad features at 688.5 and 692.0 eV. Moreover, the peak intensity ratio 688.5 eV/692.0 eV in the PFAS XANES spectrum can be inversely correlated to the chain length of the perfluoro sulfonic acid group. The detection of targeted PFAS by bulk-XANES spectroscopy in combination with linear combination fitting in soils and sewage sludges was not applicable due to the low organic fluorine to total fluorine ratio of the samples (0.01-1.84%). Nonetheless, direct analysis of pure PFAS revealed that analysis of organofluorine species might be achieved in higher concentrated samples. Furthermore, quantitative measurements by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) evaluated as sum parameters extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) and total fluorine (TF) emphasize that besides soils, sewage sludges are a significant source of organic fluorine in agriculture (154-7209 µg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Roesch
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian Vogel
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Huthwelker
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Swiss Light Source, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Wittwer
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz-Georg Simon
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
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Kirkwood KI, Fleming J, Nguyen H, Reif DM, Baker ES, Belcher SM. Utilizing Pine Needles to Temporally and Spatially Profile Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3441-3451. [PMID: 35175744 PMCID: PMC9199521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As concerns over exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are continually increasing, novel methods to monitor their presence and modifications are greatly needed, as some have known toxic and bioaccumulative characteristics while most have unknown effects. This task however is not simple, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CompTox PFAS list contains more than 9000 substances as of September 2020 with additional substances added continually. Nontargeted analyses are therefore crucial to investigating the presence of this immense list of possible PFAS. Here, we utilized archived and field-sampled pine needles as widely available passive samplers and a novel nontargeted, multidimensional analytical method coupling liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) to evaluate the temporal and spatial presence of numerous PFAS. Over 70 PFAS were detected in the pine needles from this study, including both traditionally monitored legacy perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their emerging replacements such as chlorinated derivatives, ultrashort chain PFAAs, perfluoroalkyl ether acids including hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, "GenX") and Nafion byproduct 2, and a cyclic perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) analog. Results from this study provide critical insight related to PFAS transport, contamination, and reduction efforts over the past six decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylie I Kirkwood
- North Carolina State University, Department of Chemistry, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Jonathon Fleming
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Helen Nguyen
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - David M Reif
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Erin S Baker
- North Carolina State University, Department of Chemistry, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Scott M Belcher
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
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PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020044. [PMID: 35202231 PMCID: PMC8878656 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their wide applicability over a vast range of industrial, professional and non-professional uses. However, increasing evidence indicate that these compounds represent also a serious concern for both wildlife and human health as a result of their ubiquitous distribution, their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulative potential. In light of the adverse effects that have been already documented in biota and human populations or that might occur in absence of prompt interventions, the competent authorities in matter of health and environment protection, the industries as well as scientists are cooperating to identify the most appropriate regulatory measures, substitution plans and remediation technologies to mitigate PFAS impacts. In this review, starting from PFAS chemistry, uses and environmental fate, we summarize the current knowledge on PFAS occurrence in different environmental media and their effects on living organisms, with a particular emphasis on humans. Also, we describe present and provisional legislative measures in the European Union framework strategy to regulate PFAS manufacture, import and use as well as some of the most promising treatment technologies designed to remediate PFAS contamination in different environmental compartments.
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36
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Drew R, Hagen TG, Champness D, Sellier A. Half-lives of several polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cattle serum and tissues. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2021; 39:320-340. [PMID: 34732107 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2021.1991004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cattle that were at steady-state serum polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations due to several years of exposure to water contaminated by residues of Aqueous Film-Forming (AFFF) firefighting foam had perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) isomers, perfluoroheptane sulphonate (PFHpS), perfluorohexane sulphonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) in serum. Elimination serum half-lives were determined in five heifers from serial blood sampling over 215 days. Eleven additional animals that had blood sampled on day 19 (d19) were euthanised on d63. PFAS half-life estimates from the serial blood sampling and from d19/d63 data were not significantly different. The combined (n = 16) serum half-lives (in days) were: total PFOS (tPFOS, 74.1 ± 13.4), PFHpS (45.7 ± 9.4), PFHxS (9.3 ± 1.3), PFNA (12.3 ± 3.2) and PFDA (60.4 ± 10.4). The half-lives of linear PFOS (L-PFOS, 69.4 ± 11.6) and mono branched PFOS isomers (m-PFOS, 83.6 ± 19) were not significantly different from tPFOS, but for the di-branched isomers (di-PFOS), the serum half-life was significantly lower (29.9 ± 5.8). Animal age (1.4-12.3 years old) and serum concentration at the start of depuration did not influence half-lives, and there was no difference between steers and heifers. Consideration of serum and tissue PFAS concentrations at d63 and d215 indicated there was no difference in tPFOS depuration from serum or muscle, but elimination from liver and kidney may be slightly longer. Depuration of PFHpS is essentially the same in serum, kidney and liver, and it is expected depletion from muscle would be comparable. The short half-life of di-PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA did not allow an assessment of clearance from tissues because they were not measurable at d215 but based on the results for PFOS and PFHpS, elimination of PFHxS from tissues is expected to mirror that from serum. Human health risk assessment implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Drew
- ToxConsult Pty Ltd, Malvern East, Australia
| | | | - David Champness
- Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (now known as the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions), Agriculture Victoria, Hamilton, Australia
| | - Amelie Sellier
- Wellington - Laboratory, AsureQuality, Auckland, New Zealand
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Conder J, Zodrow J, Arblaster J, Kelly B, Gobas F, Suski J, Osborn E, Frenchmeyer M, Divine C, Leeson A. Strategic resources for assessing PFAS ecological risks at AFFF sites. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:746-752. [PMID: 33751777 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) in the United States has caused concern about the potential effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on ecological resources. Moreover, the limited availability of scientific information and a lack of guidance have collectively resulted in significant challenges for ecological risk assessors supporting site-specific investigations and management decisions at PFAS-impacted sites. To address these needs, the environmental science and technology program of the Department of Defense (DoD), the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), began funding four desktop review projects in 2018. Project teams were tasked with developing strategic guidance for assessing ecological risk at AFFF-impacted DoD sites. The projects focused specifically on ecological risk assessment practices for threatened and endangered (T&E) species; however, the recommendations and approaches presented in the projects are also applicable and adaptable to common species. The present review provides risk assessors and site managers an overview of how the resources provided in these projects can support ecological-risk-based management decisions at AFFF and other PFAS-impacted sites. Additionally, we synthesize perspectives offered by the four projects on a path forward for PFAS ecological risk assessment, including research needs that we recommend should be prioritized by the scientific community. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:746-752. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Conder
- Geosyntec Consultants, Huntington Beach, California, USA
| | | | | | - Barry Kelly
- School of Resource & Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Frank Gobas
- School of Resource & Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jamie Suski
- EA Engineering, Science, and Technology Inc., PBC, Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA
| | - Erin Osborn
- Arcadis US Inc., San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Andrea Leeson
- Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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Leeson A, Anderson RH, Thompson T. Managing Aqueous Film-Forming Foam-Derived Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances at Department of Defense Sites. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:23. [PMID: 33165976 PMCID: PMC7953893 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leeson
- Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Timothy Thompson
- Science and Engineering for the Environment, Seattle, Washington, USA
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