1
|
Park J, Kim Y, Kwak SY. Cellulose Nanocrystal-in-Solvent Processing for Efficient One-Pot Upcycling of Commercial Polymeric PFAS. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39388375 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Upcoming regulations aim to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including commercial polymeric PFAS, or fluoropolymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), due to their environmental and toxicological impacts. However, fluoropolymers also provide crucial properties for clean energy transitions, and their regulation may hinder further technological advancements. Therefore, a facile one-pot recycling-upcycling strategy for fluoropolymers using inexpensive biomass, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), as absorbents and cocomponents for fluoro-functionalized composites could align with global sustainability goals and technological demands. Herein, we present a closed-loop CNC-in-solvent (CiS) processing system, which involves stirring fluoropolymers and CNCs in only low-polarity solvents like toluene (CiS-T). Our study reveals that CiS-T is a two-step process where the CNC-solvent interaction exposes CNCs' reducing end aldehyde protons due to solvent polarity and promotes H-F bond formation. The solvent used was recollected and reused. Additionally, we demonstrate the practical application of PTFE- and PVDF-CNC hybrids, byproducts of the CiS-T process, as performance-enhancing agents in green-energy-harvesting devices such as triboelectric nanogenerators. Our findings not only offer a sustainable method to overcome challenges from regulations against commercial fluoropolymers but also offer insights into developing an efficient, solvent-mediated CNC functionalization process that addresses forthcoming challenges in key industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsu Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Youngeun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Seung-Yeop Kwak
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gehrmann HJ, Taylor P, Aleksandrov K, Bergdolt P, Bologa A, Blye D, Dalal P, Gunasekar P, Herremanns S, Kapoor D, Michell M, Nuredin V, Schlipf M, Stapf D. Mineralization of fluoropolymers from combustion in a pilot plant under representative european municipal and hazardous waste combustor conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 365:143403. [PMID: 39321883 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to provide data to support mineralization of fluoropolymer waste and insignificant generation of PFAS as products of incomplete combustion (PIC) during incineration of fluoropolymer applications at their end-of-life. Destruction efficiency is not an acceptable metric to indicate mineralization and therefore we need to look for and measure products of incomplete destruction. A mixed sample of fluoropolymers representing 80% of commercial fluoropolymers was combusted at conditions representative of municipal and industrial waste incinerators operating in EU. State-of-the-art emission sampling and analytical methods (UPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS) were used for identifying and quantifying those PFAS whose standards were available. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed non-detect to negligible levels of PFAS evidencing mineralization of fluoropolymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Joachim Gehrmann
- Institute for Technical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | | | - Krasimir Aleksandrov
- Institute for Technical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Philipp Bergdolt
- Institute for Technical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Andrei Bologa
- Institute for Technical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - David Blye
- Environmental Standards, Inc., 1140 Valley Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA, 19482, USA.
| | - Priyank Dalal
- Gujarat Fluorochemicals GmbH, Esplanade 40, 9. Stock, 20354, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Priyanga Gunasekar
- Gujarat Fluorochemicals GmbH, Esplanade 40, 9. Stock, 20354, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sven Herremanns
- SGS Belgium NV, Institute for Applied Chromatography, Polderdijkweg 16, B-20230, Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Deepak Kapoor
- Gujarat Fluorochemicals GmbH, Esplanade 40, 9. Stock, 20354, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Meg Michell
- Environmental Standards, Inc., 1140 Valley Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA, 19482, USA.
| | - Vanessa Nuredin
- Institute for Technical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Michael Schlipf
- Fluorocarbon Polymer Solutions (FPS) GmbH, Burgkirchen, Germany.
| | - Dieter Stapf
- Institute for Technical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Otim O. Comparing occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in municipal biosolids and industrial wastewater sludge: A City of Los Angeles study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176268. [PMID: 39278486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Biosolids and sludge are what remain after the liquid fraction of wastewater is separated during wastewater treatment. These high organic content matrices are known to contain organic contaminants, a few of which are the hazardous and environmentally persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The current study investigates whether sludge from a treatment facility serving mostly industrial establishments and biosolids from a facility serving mostly domestic dwellings retain these 'forever chemicals' similarly. Using 31 markers covering different classes of PFAS, the sludge was found to contain higher levels of PFAS (869 ± 791 ng/g; 21 of 31) than biosolids (31 ± 7 ng/g, 11 of 31). The most abundant overall was perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), mostly in sludge (range: 71-1300 ng/g versus 0-18 ng/g in biosolids). The large PFAS concentration variability in sludge was seasonal and sinusoidal. Sludge, additionally, contained all long chain PFAS, precursors (mostly surfactant ingredients and their transformation byproducts) and short chain PFAS (perhaps because of higher moisture content). By regression, the sludge is shown to consistently contain twice as much PFAS as biosolids when the same amounts are exposed to increasing levels of PFAS. Factors observed to cause differential PFAS retention between sludge and biosolids were moisture (98.6 % and 72.1 %, respectively), chain length, input quality (industrial versus residential) and functional group. Sulfonic acids for instance are one C atom shorter than carboxylates with similar occurrence in sludge and biosolids. More studies are needed to define the roles that organic carbon of sludge/biosolids, water chemistry, temperature and factors not considered here play in partitioning PFAS between the two matrices with respect to inputs. Existing Koc values could not help in explaining observed trends, but the ratio of biosolids-to-influent concentrations was found to correlate positively with PFAS size. Using influent in the ratio, and not effluent, is novel. SYNOPSIS: Sludge and biosolids are soil amendments; they contain hazardous and persistent PFAS. Methods of decoupling PFAS from these matrices start with understanding matrix-driven PFAS partitioning as shown here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ochan Otim
- Department of Health Sciences and Sciences, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sung KS, Cho HW, Lee DH, Kim W, Kim N. Fire-Resistant and Thermal Stability Properties of Fluorosilicone Adhesives by Incorporation of Surface-Modified Aluminum Trihydrate. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2510. [PMID: 39274142 PMCID: PMC11397952 DOI: 10.3390/polym16172510] [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: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluorosilicone was combined with aluminum trihydrate (ATH) to induce synergistic flame-retardant and thermal-resistant properties. The surface of ATH was modified with four different silane coupling agents. The flammability and mechanical properties of the fluorosilicone/ATH composites were assessed using an UL94 vertical test and a die shear strength test. The change in shear strength was investigated under aging for 1000 h at -55 °C and 150 °C. Pure fluorosilicone had inherent fire resistance and thus achieved a V-0 rating even at 20 wt.% ATH loading. Upon addition of ATH treated with 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, the composites exhibited the highest shear strength of 3.9 MPa at 23 °C because of the additional crosslinking reaction of fluorosilicone resin with the epoxide functional group of the coupling agent. Regardless of the types of coupling agents, the composites exhibited similar flame retardancy at the same ATH content, with a slight reduction in shear strength at 180 °C and 250 °C. The shear strength of the adhesives gradually decreased with aging time at -55 °C, but increased noticeably from 3.9 MPa to 11.5 MPa when aged at 150 °C due to the occurrence of the additional crosslinking reaction of fluorosilicone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Soo Sung
- Research & Development Center, Protavic Korea, Daejeon 34326, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Won Cho
- Research & Development Center, Protavic Korea, Daejeon 34326, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Ho Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hannam University, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Woonjung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Hannam University, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Namil Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hannam University, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ok S, Steinhart M, Scheler U, Améduri B. TFE Terpolymers: Once Promising - Are There Still Perspectives in the 21st Century: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties-Part I. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400294. [PMID: 39108073 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exhibits outstanding properties such as high-temperature stability, low surface tension, and chemical resistance against most solvents, strong acids, and bases. However, these traits make it challenging to subject PTFE to standard polymer processing procedures, such as thermoforming and hot incremental forming. While polymer processing at temperatures above the melting point of PTFE is already demanding, the typically large molar mass of PTFE results in extremely high melt viscosities, complicating the processing of PTFE. Also, PTFE tends to decompose at temperatures close to its melting point. Therefore, fluoropolymers obtained by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) with various co-monomers are studied as alternatives to PTFE (e.g., fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP)), combining its advantages with better processability. TFE terpolymers have emerged as desirable PTFE alternatives. This review provides an overview of the synthesis with various comonomers and microstructural analysis of PTFE terpolymers and the relationships between the microstructures of TFE terpolymers and their properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim Ok
- Petroleum Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. box 24885, Safat, 13109, Kuwait
| | - Martin Steinhart
- School of Biology and Chemistry and CellNanOs, Universität Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 7, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Ulrich Scheler
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bruno Améduri
- Institut Charles Gerhardt, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, 34001, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
George AJ, Birnbaum LS. Dioxins vs. PFAS: Science and Policy Challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:85003. [PMID: 39133093 PMCID: PMC11318569 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dioxin-like chemicals are a group of ubiquitous environmental toxicants that received intense attention in the last two decades of the 20th century. Through extensive mechanistic research and validation, the global community has agreed upon a regulatory strategy for these chemicals that centers on their common additive activation of a single receptor. Applying these regulations has led to decreased exposure in most populations studied. As dioxin-like chemicals moved out of the limelight, research and media attention has turned to other concerning contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). During the 20th century, PFAS were also being quietly emitted into the environment, but only in the last 20 years have we realized the serious threat they pose to health. There is active debate about how to appropriately classify and regulate the thousands of known PFAS and finding a solution for these "forever chemicals" is of the utmost urgency. OBJECTIVES Here, we compare important features of dioxin-like chemicals and PFAS, including the history, mechanism of action, and effective upstream regulatory strategies, with the objective of gleaning insight from the past to improve strategies for addressing PFAS. DISCUSSION The differences between these two chemical classes means that regulatory strategies for dioxin-like chemicals will not be appropriate for PFAS. PFAS exert toxicity by both receptor-based and nonreceptor-based mechanisms, which complicates mixtures evaluation and stymies efforts to develop inexpensive assays that accurately capture toxicity. Furthermore, dioxin-like chemicals were unwanted byproducts, but PFAS are useful and valuable, which has led to intense resistance against efforts to restrict their production. Nonetheless, useful lessons can be drawn from dioxin-like chemicals and applied to PFAS, including eliminating nonessential production of new PFAS and proactive investment in environmental remediation to address their extraordinarily long environmental persistence. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14449.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. George
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sherrell PC, Šutka A, Timusk M, Šutka A. Alternatives to Fluoropolymers for Motion-Based Energy Harvesting: Perspectives on Piezoelectricity, Triboelectricity, Ferroelectrets, and Flexoelectricity. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311570. [PMID: 38483028 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Fluoropolymers, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), and fluorine kautschuk materials (FKMs, Viton) are critical polymers for applications ranging from non-stick coatings, corrosion resistant seals, semiconductor manufacturing, membranes, and energy harvesting technologies. However, the synthesis of these fluoropolymers requires the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) known colloquially as "forever chemicals," and as such there is a pressing need to develop alternative technologies that can serve the end-use of fluoropolymers without the environmental cost of using PFAS. Further, fluoropolymers themselves fall under the PFAS umbrella. Here, alternative mechanical-to-electrical energy harvesting polymers are reviewed and benchmarked against the leading fluoropolymer energy harvesters. These alternative technologies include nonfluoropolymer piezoelectric polymers, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), ferroelectric elastomers, and flexoelectric polymers. A vision towards sustainable, non-fluoropolymer-based energy harvesting is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Sherrell
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Anna Šutka
- Institute of Surface and Materials Engineering, Riga Technical University, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Martin Timusk
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Estonia
| | - Andris Šutka
- Institute of Surface and Materials Engineering, Riga Technical University, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ozben T, Fragão-Marques M, Tomasi A. A comprehensive review on PFAS including survey results from the EFLM Member Societies. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1070-1079. [PMID: 38280842 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of synthetic chemicals widely used for their unique properties. Without PFAS, many medical device and in vitro diagnostic technologies would not be able to perform their intended purposes. Potential health risks associated with exposure to PFAS influence their use in IVD applications. This paper aims to assess the current situation concerning PFAS, including regulations and legislations for their use. It is important to know what happens to (PFAS) at the end of their lives in medical laboratories. METHODS A survey was conducted in March 2023 to collect information on the potential emission and end-of-life of PFAS-containing medical technologies in the medical laboratories of the EFLM member societies. A series of questions were presented to the EFLM national societies and the results were documented. RESULTS Eight respondents participated in the survey, representing EFLM member societies in seven different countries including hospital laboratories, university laboratories, and private laboratories. CONCLUSIONS PFAS uses in MD and IVD are influenced by several factors, including evolving regulations, advances in technology, safety and efficacy of these substances. Advancements in analytical techniques may lead to more sensitive and precise methods for detecting and quantifying PFAS in biological samples, which can be essential for IVD applications related to biomarker analysis and disease diagnosis. Collaboration among regulatory agencies, industry, research institutions, hospitals, and laboratories on a global scale can aid in establishing harmonized guidelines and standards for the use of PFAS, ensuring consistency and safety within their applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomris Ozben
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Akdeniz University, Medical Faculty, Antalya, Türkiye
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Medical Faculty, Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Ph.D. Program, Modena, Italy
| | - Mariana Fragão-Marques
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, S Unic@RISE, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Aldo Tomasi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Medical School, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Toxicology Division, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Phelps D, Parkinson LV, Boucher JM, Muncke J, Geueke B. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging: Migration, Toxicity, and Management Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5670-5684. [PMID: 38501683 PMCID: PMC10993423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PFASs are linked to serious health and environmental concerns. Among their widespread applications, PFASs are known to be used in food packaging and directly contribute to human exposure. However, information about PFASs in food packaging is scattered. Therefore, we systematically map the evidence on PFASs detected in migrates and extracts of food contact materials and provide an overview of available hazard and biomonitoring data. Based on the FCCmigex database, 68 PFASs have been identified in various food contact materials, including paper, plastic, and coated metal, by targeted and untargeted analyses. 87% of these PFASs belong to the perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluorotelomer-based compounds. Trends in chain length demonstrate that long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids continue to be found, despite years of global efforts to reduce the use of these substances. We utilized ToxPi to illustrate that hazard data are available for only 57% of the PFASs that have been detected in food packaging. For those PFASs for which toxicity testing has been performed, many adverse outcomes have been reported. The data and knowledge gaps presented here support international proposals to restrict PFASs as a group, including their use in food contact materials, to protect human and environmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drake
W. Phelps
- Independent
Consultant, Raleigh, North Carolina 27617, United States
| | | | | | - Jane Muncke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chaudhuri A, Loftus IM, Kolh P. An Impending European Ban on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Vascular Surgery: Little Environmental Benefit With Major Patient Harm? Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2024; 67:536-537. [PMID: 38191120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Chaudhuri
- Bedfordshire - Milton Keynes Vascular Centre, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
| | - Ian M Loftus
- St George's Vascular Institute, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Philippe Kolh
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; and GIGA Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dalmijn J, Glüge J, Scheringer M, Cousins IT. Emission inventory of PFASs and other fluorinated organic substances for the fluoropolymer production industry in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:269-287. [PMID: 38231136 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00426k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Fluoropolymers are a group of fluorinated polymers within the broad class of substances known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). During their production, a wide array of additional fluorinated organic substances (many PFASs and some not defined as PFASs) are used, formed and emitted to air and water. This study aims to assess, and make an inventory of, all emissions of PFASs and other fluorinated organic substances by the fluoropolymer production industry in Europe using available emission databases and permits. Air emissions of the fluorinated gases (i.e., chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons (CFCs, H(C)FCs and PFCs)) by this industry have reportedly decreased between 2007 and 2021 from roughly 500 to 150 tonnes per year. Emissions of fluorosurfactants to air and water have also been reduced significantly. However, large uncertainties remain regarding the emissions of substances that are neither fluorinated gases nor fluorosurfactants but are classified as PFASs, such as polymerization by-products, chain transfer agents and fluorinated solvents. The available data indicate that the release of these substances is not decreasing but remains relatively stable. As this inventory probably underestimates emissions, further research, improved data availability and more harmonized reporting of emissions are necessary to obtain more accurate emission data for these substances. Nevertheless, based on the available data, it is clear that the emissions from fluoropolymer production plants to air and water are still significant and that the production of fluoropolymers continues to introduce persistent substances to the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost Dalmijn
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Juliane Glüge
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shanbhag MM, Shetti NP, Daouli A, Nadagouda MN, Badawi M, Aminabhavi TM. Detection of Perfluorooctanoic and Perfluorodecanoic Acids on a Graphene-Based Electrochemical Sensor Aided by Computational Simulations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38331755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) exhibit high chemical and thermal stability, rendering them versatile for various applications. However, their notable toxicity poses environmental and human health concerns. Detecting trace amounts of these chemicals is crucial to mitigate risks. Electrochemical sensors surpass traditional methods in sensitivity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, a graphene nanosheet-based sensor was developed for detecting perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). Using the Hummer method, graphene nanosheets were synthesized and characterized in terms of morphology, structural ordering, and surface topology. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations determined the molecular interaction of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with the sensor material. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity (50.75 μA·μM-1·cm-2 for PFOA and 29.58 μA·μM-1·cm-2 for PFDA) and low detection limits (10.4 nM for PFOA and 16.6 nM for PFDA) within the electrode dynamic linearity range of 0.05-500.0 μM (PFOA) and 0.08-500.0 μM (PFDA). Under optimal conditions, the sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity and recovery in testing for PFOA and PFDA in environmental samples, including spiked soil, water, spoiled vegetables, and fruit samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh M Shanbhag
- Department of Chemistry, K.L.E. Institute of Technology, Hubballi, Karnataka 580 027, India
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Vidyanagar, Hubballi, Karnataka 580 031, India
| | - Nagaraj P Shetti
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Vidyanagar, Hubballi, Karnataka 580 031, India
- University Center for Research & Development (UCRO), Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Ayoub Daouli
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie Théoriques, UMR CNRS 7019, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France
| | - Mallikarjuna N Nadagouda
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, United States
| | - Michael Badawi
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie Théoriques, UMR CNRS 7019, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France
| | - Tejraj M Aminabhavi
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Vidyanagar, Hubballi, Karnataka 580 031, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schäffer A, Groh KJ, Sigmund G, Azoulay D, Backhaus T, Bertram MG, Carney Almroth B, Cousins IT, Ford AT, Grimalt JO, Guida Y, Hansson MC, Jeong Y, Lohmann R, Michaels D, Mueller L, Muncke J, Öberg G, Orellana MA, Sanganyado E, Schäfer RB, Sheriff I, Sullivan RC, Suzuki N, Vandenberg LN, Venier M, Vlahos P, Wagner M, Wang F, Wang M, Soehl A, Ågerstrand M, Diamond ML, Scheringer M. Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19066-19077. [PMID: 37943968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04213] [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: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by chemicals and waste impacts human and ecosystem health on regional, national, and global scales, resulting, together with climate change and biodiversity loss, in a triple planetary crisis. Consequently, in 2022, countries agreed to establish an intergovernmental science-policy panel (SPP) on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, complementary to the existing intergovernmental science-policy bodies on climate change and biodiversity. To ensure the SPP's success, it is imperative to protect it from conflicts of interest (COI). Here, we (i) define and review the implications of COI, and its relevance for the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution; (ii) summarize established tactics to manufacture doubt in favor of vested interests, i.e., to counter scientific evidence and/or to promote misleading narratives favorable to financial interests; and (iii) illustrate these with selected examples. This analysis leads to a review of arguments for and against chemical industry representation in the SPP's work. We further (iv) rebut an assertion voiced by some that the chemical industry should be directly involved in the panel's work because it possesses data on chemicals essential for the panel's activities. Finally, (v) we present steps that should be taken to prevent the detrimental impacts of COI in the work of the SPP. In particular, we propose to include an independent auditor's role in the SPP to ensure that participation and processes follow clear COI rules. Among others, the auditor should evaluate the content of the assessments produced to ensure unbiased representation of information that underpins the SPP's activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schäffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, 210023 Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, 400045 Chongqing, China
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Sigmund
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David Azoulay
- Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Washington, D.C. 20005, United States
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael G Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå 907 36, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 114 18, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Yago Guida
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria C Hansson
- The Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC), Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Yunsun Jeong
- Division of Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), 30147 Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - David Michaels
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Leonie Mueller
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gunilla Öberg
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcos A Orellana
- Global Toxics and Human Rights Project, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Bernhard Schäfer
- Institute for Environmental Sciences Landau, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Ishmail Sheriff
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ryan C Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217, United States
| | - Noriyuki Suzuki
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Marta Venier
- Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mengjiao Wang
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RN, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Soehl
- International Panel on Chemical Pollution, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marlene Ågerstrand
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences and School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang Z, Chen K, Ameduri B, Chen M. Fluoropolymer Nanoparticles Synthesized via Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerizations and Their Applications. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12431-12470. [PMID: 37906708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluorinated polymeric nanoparticles (FPNPs) combine unique properties of fluorocarbon and polymeric nanoparticles, which has stimulated massive interest for decades. However, fluoropolymers are not readily available from nature, resulting in synthetic developments to obtain FPNPs via free radical polymerizations. Recently, while increasing cutting-edge directions demand tailored FPNPs, such materials have been difficult to access via conventional approaches. Reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRPs) are powerful methods to afford well-defined polymers. Researchers have applied RDRPs to the fabrication of FPNPs, enabling the construction of particles with improved complexity in terms of structure, composition, morphology, and functionality. Related examples can be classified into three categories. First, well-defined fluoropolymers synthesized via RDRPs have been utilized as precursors to form FPNPs through self-folding and solution self-assembly. Second, thermally and photoinitiated RDRPs have been explored to realize in situ preparations of FPNPs with varied morphologies via polymerization-induced self-assembly and cross-linking copolymerization. Third, grafting from inorganic nanoparticles has been investigated based on RDRPs. Importantly, those advancements have promoted studies toward promising applications, including magnetic resonance imaging, biomedical delivery, energy storage, adsorption of perfluorinated alkyl substances, photosensitizers, and so on. This Review should present useful knowledge to researchers in polymer science and nanomaterials and inspire innovative ideas for the synthesis and applications of FPNPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zexi Zhang
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Kaixuan Chen
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bruno Ameduri
- Institute Charles Gerhardt of Montpellier (ICGM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier 34296, France
| | - Mao Chen
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Améduri B. Fluoropolymers as Unique and Irreplaceable Materials: Challenges and Future Trends in These Specific Per or Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances. Molecules 2023; 28:7564. [PMID: 38005292 PMCID: PMC10675016 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227564] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to some low-molar-mass per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are well established to be toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and mobile, fluoropolymers (FPs) are water-insoluble, safe, bioinert, and durable. These niche high-performance polymers fulfil the 13 polymer-of-low-concern (PLC) criteria in their recommended conditions of use. In addition, more recent innovations (e.g., the use of non-fluorinated surfactants in aqueous radical (co)polymerization of fluoroalkenes) from industrial manufacturers of FPs are highlighted. This review also aims to show how these specialty polymers endowed with outstanding properties are essential (even irreplaceable, since hydrocarbon polymer alternatives used in similar conditions fail) for our daily life (electronics, energy, optics, internet of things, transportation, etc.) and constitute a special family separate from other "conventional" C1-C10 PFASs found everywhere on Earth and its oceans. Furthermore, some information reports on their recycling (e.g., the unzipping depolymerization of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, into TFE), end-of-life FPs, and their risk assessment, circular economy, and regulations. Various studies are devoted to environments involving FPs, though they present a niche volume (with a yearly production of 330,300 t) compared to all plastics (with 460 million t). Complementary to other reviews on PFASs, which lack of such above data, this review presents both fundamental and applied strategies as evidenced by major FP producers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Améduri
- Institute Charles Gerhardt, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Spyrakis F, Dragani TA. The EU's Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Ban: A Case of Policy over Science. TOXICS 2023; 11:721. [PMID: 37755732 PMCID: PMC10536631 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to ban over 12,000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has sparked a debate about potential consequences for the economy, industry, and the environment. Although some PFAS are known to be harmful, a blanket ban may lead to significant problems in attempting to replace PFAS-based materials for environmental transition, as well as in medical devices and everyday products. Alternative materials may potentially be less safe, as a rush to replace PFAS would reduce the time needed for toxicological analyses. Studies have shown that PFAS exhibit a diverse range of mechanisms of action, biopersistence, and bioaccumulation potential, and should thus not be treated as a single group. This is particularly true for the class of fluoropolymers. A targeted approach that considers the specific risks and benefits of each chemical may be more effective. Moreover, the proposed ban may also have unintended consequences for the environment as PFAS use is also associated with benefits such as reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Policymakers must carefully weigh up the potential consequences before making a final decision on the ban.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy;
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ameduri B. Copolymers of Vinylidene fluoride with Functional comonomers and Applications therefrom: Recent Developments, Challenges and Future Trends. Prog Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2022.101591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
|