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Li L, Li W, Xue Y, Wang Z, Wang Y, Li R, Deng M, Xu Y, Peng L, Song K. Perfluorooctanoic acid effect and microbial mechanism to methane production in anaerobic digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 369:122412. [PMID: 39236608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122412] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as emerging pollutants was largely produced and stable in nature environment. Its fate and effect to the wasted sludge digestion process and corresponding microbial mechanism was rarely reported. This study investigated the different dose of PFOA to the wasted sludge digestion process, where the methane yield and microbial mechanism was illustrated. The PFOA added before digestion were 0-10000 μg/L, no significant variation in daily and accumulated methane production between each group. The 9th day methane yield was significantly higher than other days (p < 0.05). The soluble protein was significantly decreased after 76 days digestion (p < 0.001). The total PFOA in sludge (R2 = 0.8817) and liquid (R2 = 0.9083) phase after digestion was exponentially correlated with PFOA dosed. The PFOA in liquid phase was occupied 54.10 ± 18.38% of the total PFOA in all reactors. The dewatering rate was keep decreasing with the increase of PFOA added (R2 = 0.7748, p < 0.001). The mcrA abundance was significantly correlated with the pH value and organic matter concentration in the reactors. Chloroflexi was the predominant phyla, Aminicenantales, Bellilinea and Candidatus_Cloacimonas were predominant genera in all reactors. Candidatus_Methanofastidiosum and Methanolinea were predominant archaea in all reactors. The function prediction by FAPROTAX and Tax4fun implied that various PFOA dosage resulted in significant function variation. The fermentation and anaerobic chemoheterotrophy function were improved with the PFOA dose. Co-occurrence network implied the potent cooperation among the organic matter degradation and methanogenic microbe in the digestion system. PFOA has little impact to the methane generation while affect the microbe function significantly, its remaining in the digested sludge should be concerned to reduce its potential environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenkai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yunpeng Xue
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zezheng Wang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuren Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Renhui Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Min Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Lai Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Kang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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2
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Behnami A, Zoroufchi Benis K, Pourakbar M, Yeganeh M, Esrafili A, Gholami M. Biosolids, an important route for transporting poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater treatment plants into the environment: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171559. [PMID: 38458438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in diverse products has led to their introduction into wastewater systems, making wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) significant PFAS contributors to the environment. Despite WWTPs' efforts to mitigate PFAS impact through physicochemical and biological means, concerns persist regarding PFAS retention in generated biosolids. While numerous review studies have explored the fate of these compounds within WWTPs, no study has critically reviewed their presence, transformation mechanisms, and partitioning within the sludge. Therefore, the current study has been specifically designed to investigate these aspects. Studies show variations in PFAS concentrations across WWTPs, highlighting the importance of aqueous-to-solid partitioning, with sludge from PFOS and PFOA-rich wastewater showing higher concentrations. Research suggests biological mechanisms such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, transamine metabolism, and beta-oxidation are involved in PFAS biotransformation, though the effects of precursor changes require further study. Carbon chain length significantly affects PFAS partitioning, with longer chains leading to greater adsorption in sludge. The wastewater's organic and inorganic content is crucial for PFAS adsorption; for instance, higher sludge protein content and divalent cations like calcium and magnesium promote adsorption, while monovalent cations like sodium impede it. In conclusion, these discoveries shed light on the complex interactions among factors affecting PFAS behavior in biosolids. They underscore the necessity for thorough considerations in managing PFAS presence and its impact on environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Behnami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khaled Zoroufchi Benis
- Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mojtaba Pourakbar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran; Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Yeganeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Esrafili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mitra Gholami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Ilieva Z, Hamza RA, Suehring R. The significance of fluorinated compound chain length, treatment technology, and influent composition on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal in worldwide wastewater treatment plants. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:59-69. [PMID: 37096563 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4778] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are deemed major conveyors and point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment. This statistical meta-analysis of existing literature from the past 15 years focused on the significance of treatment type for PFAS removal efficiencies and the influence of PFAS sources (domestic vs. industrial) on their removal. Different sampling events, WWTPs across the world, different treatment technologies, configurations, and processes, as well as different PFAS classes and compounds were considered. This study evaluated 13 PFAS analyzed predominantly in 161 WWTPs across the world. The statistical test results revealed that these 13 frequently detected and reported PFAS can be divided into four groups based on their behavior during wastewater treatment, namely (1) C6-10 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), (2) C4,5,11,12 PFCAs, (3) C4,6,8 perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs), and (4) C10 PFSA. In this study, biological treatments such as (1) membrane bioreactors, (2) combination of two or more biological treatments, and (3) biofilm processes revealed the highest PFAS removals, although the addition of a tertiary treatment actually had a nonbeneficial effect on PFAS removal. Moreover, a strong statistical correlation was observed between industrial wastewater sources and the presence of high influent PFAS concentrations in the receiving WWTPs. This indicates that industrial sources were the main contributors of the PFAS load in the analyzed WWTPs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:59-69. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanina Ilieva
- Department of Civil Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rania A Hamza
- Department of Civil Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roxana Suehring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Vitale DS, Reeves DM, Coffin ES, Link GW, Cassidy DP, Rochow SM. Long-duration monitoring and mass balance of PFAS at a wastewater treatment plant following the release of aqueous film-forming foam concentrate. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120268. [PMID: 37390657 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 760 liters (200 gallons) of first-generation, PFOS-dominant, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) concentrate entered the sanitary sewer after an accidental release at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and migrated 11.4 km to the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant. Near-daily sampling of influent, effluent, and biosolids generated a high-frequency, long-duration dataset used to understand the transport and fate of accidental PFAS releases to wastewater treatment plants, identify AFFF concentrate composition, and perform a plant-wide PFOS mass balance. Monitored influent concentrations exhibited sharp PFOS declines after 7 days post-spill, yet effluent discharges remained elevated due to return activated sludge (RAS) recirculation, resulting in the exceedance of Michigan's Surface Water Quality Value for 46 days. Mass balance estimates indicate 1.292 kg PFOS entering the plant and 1.368 kg leaving. Effluent discharge and sorption to biosolids account for 55% and 45% of estimated PFOS outputs, respectively. Identification of AFFF formulation and reasonable agreement between computed influent mass and reported spill volume demonstrates effective isolation of the AFFF spill signal and increases confidence in the mass balance estimates. These findings and related considerations provide critical insight for performing PFAS mass balances and developing operational procedures for accidental spills that minimize PFAS releases to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan S Vitale
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Donald M Reeves
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA.
| | - Ethan S Coffin
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Garrett W Link
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Daniel P Cassidy
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Steven M Rochow
- Department of Public Service, City of Kalamazoo, 1415 Harrison Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
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5
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Seay BA, Dasu K, MacGregor IC, Austin MP, Krile RT, Frank AJ, Fenton GA, Heiss DR, Williamson RJ, Buehler S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances fate and transport at a wastewater treatment plant with a collocated sewage sludge incinerator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162357. [PMID: 36858229 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to understand the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and inorganic fluoride (IF) at an undisclosed municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operating a sewage sludge incinerator (SSI). A robust statistical analysis characterized concentrations and mass flows at all WWTP and SSI primary influents/effluents, including thermal-treatment derived airborne emissions. WWTP-level net mass flows (NMFs) of total PFAS were not statistically different from zero. SSI-level NMFs indicate that PFAS, and specifically perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), are being broken down. The NMF of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs; -274 ± 34 mg/day) was statistically significant. The observed breakdown primarily occurred in the sewage sludge. However, the total PFAS destruction and removal efficiency of 51 % indicates the SSI may inadequately remove PFAS. The statistically significant IF source (NMF = 16 ± 4.2 kg/day) compared to the sink of PFAS as fluoride (NMF = -0.00036 kg/day) suggests that other fluorine-containing substances are breaking down in the SSI. WWTP PFAS mass discharges were primarily to the aquatic environment (>99 %), with <0.5 % emitted to the atmosphere/landfill. Emission rates for formerly phased-out PFOS and PFOA were compared to previously reported levels. Given the environmental persistence of these compounds, the observed decreases in PFOS and PFOA discharge rates from prior reports implies regional/local differences in emissions or possibly their accumulation elsewhere. PFAS were observed in stack gas emissions, but modestly contributed to NMFs and showed negligible contribution to ambient air concentrations observed downwind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brannon A Seay
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States.
| | - Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Ian C MacGregor
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Matthew P Austin
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Robert T Krile
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Aaron J Frank
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - George A Fenton
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Derik R Heiss
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Rhett J Williamson
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Stephanie Buehler
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
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6
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Wang Q, Zhang Y, Li Y, Pan Y, Geng X, Zhu X, Jiang J. Study on the effect of nanoparticles combined with silicone surfactant and cationic surfactant on foam and fire extinguishing performance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:11065-11080. [PMID: 36089641 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22969-y] [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: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting foam can effectively extinguish oil fire. However, AFFF will be phased out due to the presence of persistent organic pollutants such as perfluorooctane sulfonates. It is necessary to explore environment-friendly foam extinguishing agent. Silicone surfactant is a kind of environmentally friendly surfactants with high surface activity, which can be used as a substitute for fluorocarbon surfactant. In this study, silicone surfactant and cationic surfactant were combined to adsorb nanosilica particles to form a multiphase system. The foaming property and foam stability of the multiphase system were tested by stirring method. The foam suppression effect on fuel vapor, fire extinguishing, and burn-back performance was tested by self-designed foam suppression device and foam generating device of porous glass with recyclable liquid supply. The experimental results show that foam stability is enhanced and the foaming property is slightly decreased after the addition of nanoparticles. When the component of three-phase foam reaches the optimum, its suppression effect on fuel vapor is better than that of two-phase foam. The results of fire extinguishing and burn-back performance test showed that the fire extinguishing effect of three-phase foam was slightly worse than that of AFFF, but it has extremely strong burn-back performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingguo Wang
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yonghe Li
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yong Pan
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xu Geng
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Juncheng Jiang
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, China
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7
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Liu J, Cui Y, Lu M, Lv J, Dong L, Guo J, Zhang X, Sun Y, Huang Y, Zhang L. 6:2 Chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate as perfluorooctanesulfonate alternative in the electroplating industry and the receiving environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134719. [PMID: 35483663 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134719] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electroplating industry is an important application field of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as the chromium mist suppressants. 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) have been the two widely used mist suppressants, and after the ban of PFOS, 6:2 Cl-PFAES will become the dominant suppressant. The behavior and mechanisms of 6:2 Cl-PFAES in the electroplating industry and the receiving environment were studied and compared with PFOS. 6:2 Cl-PFAES behaved similarly with PFOS due to their similar chemical structure. However, some difference exists for the relatively stronger hydrophobicity of 6:2 Cl-PFAES. Up to 35.7 mg/L of PFOS and 13.4 mg/L of 6:2 Cl-PFAES were found in the industrial wastewater influents, and were effectively reduced to 0.3-0.8 mg/L by the interaction with chromium hydroxide through hydrophobic interaction and ligand exchange. The stronger hydrophobicity of 6:2 Cl-PFAES than PFOS resulted in its accumulation in the surface of foams and comparable or less removal during the industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. 6:2 Cl-PFAES exhibited higher bioaccumulation potential than PFOS in the surface water. 6:2 Cl-PFAES emitted by both mists and water may pose health risks to humans. More attentions towards 6:2 Cl-PFAES are needed after the replacement of PFOS by it in the electroplating industry as a global contaminant of emerging concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Liu
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing, 100028, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cui
- Shimadzu China Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
| | - Meiling Lu
- Agilent Technologies Co. Ltd (China), Beijing, 100102, PR China
| | - Jungang Lv
- Procuratoral Technology and Information Research Center, Supreme People's Procuratorate, Beijing, 100144, PR China
| | - Liang Dong
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing, 100028, PR China
| | - Jing Guo
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing, 100028, PR China
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing, 100028, PR China
| | - Youbao Sun
- Shimadzu China Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
| | - Yeru Huang
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing, 100028, PR China
| | - Lifei Zhang
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing, 100028, PR China
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8
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Bolan N, Sarkar B, Vithanage M, Singh G, Tsang DCW, Mukhopadhyay R, Ramadass K, Vinu A, Sun Y, Ramanayaka S, Hoang SA, Yan Y, Li Y, Rinklebe J, Li H, Kirkham MB. Distribution, behaviour, bioavailability and remediation of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in solid biowastes and biowaste-treated soil. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106600. [PMID: 33964642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foam, used in firefighting, and biowastes, including biosolids, animal and poultry manures, and composts, provide a major source of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) input to soil. Large amounts of biowastes are added to soil as a source of nutrients and carbon. They also are added as soil amendments to improve soil health and crop productivity. Plant uptake of PFAS through soil application of biowastes is a pathway for animal and human exposure to PFAS. The complexity of PFAS mixtures, and their chemical and thermal stability, make remediation of PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices challenging. Remediation of PFAS in biowastes, as well as soils treated with these biowastes, can be achieved through preventing and decreasing the concentration of PFAS in biowaste sources (i.e., prevention through source control), mobilization of PFAS in contaminated soil and subsequent removal through leaching (i.e., soil washing) and plant uptake (i.e., phytoremediation), sorption of PFAS, thereby decreasing their mobility and bioavailability (i.e., immobilization), and complete removal through thermal and chemical oxidation (i.e., destruction). In this review, the distribution, bioavailability, and remediation of PFAS in soil receiving solid biowastes, which include biosolids, composts, and manure, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Gurwinder Singh
- The Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Raj Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal 132001, India
| | - Kavitha Ramadass
- The Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ajayan Vinu
- The Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sammani Ramanayaka
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Son A Hoang
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Yubo Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an 223300, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water Science, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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9
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Lu Y, Gao J, Nguyen HT, Vijayasarathy S, Du P, Li X, Yao H, Mueller JF, Thai PK. Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in wastewater of major cities across China in 2014 and 2016. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 279:130590. [PMID: 33895675 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
China produced and consumed a large amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). whose persistency and possible toxicity to organisms have raised public health concerns. Analyzing influent wastewater could help to assess the composition and mass load of PFASs discharged into a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) from its catchment. In this study, we analyzed 27 PFASs in wastewater samples collected from 42 WWTPs across China in 2014 and 2016. Results indicated that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were the most common PFASs in wastewater. Population normalized mass loads of PFOA and PFOS were higher in Eastern China than in the other three regions, possibly due to their higher usage. Although the concentrations of PFASs in Central and West areas were showed lower than in East area, Wuhan (in Central area) and Lanzhou (in West area) were hotspots of PFASs pollution because of their industry structure. Population density and per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have positive correlations with the concentration of PFBA, PFOA, PFHxA, and ∑PFASs in wastewater. The estimated annual release of PFASs to WWTPs in our study is much lower than the total emission to the environment. Our results suggest that although there was some reduction in the production volume, certain legacy PFASs were still released into wastewater and their composition and concentration vary among WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yintao Lu
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 100044, Beijing, China; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia; Beijing Key Laboratory of Aqueous Typical Pollutants Control and Water Quality Safeguard, Beijing Jiaotong University, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfa Gao
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia; College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Hue T Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Peng Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urban Hydrological Cycle and Sponge City Technology, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Xiqing Li
- Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hong Yao
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. A review of the occurrence, transformation, and removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 199:117187. [PMID: 34010737 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise more than 4,000 anthropogenically manufactured compounds with widescale consumer and industrial applications. This critical review compiles the latest information on the worldwide distribution of PFAS and evaluates their fate in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A large proportion (>30%) of monitoring studies in WWTPs were conducted in China, followed by Europe (30%) and North America (16%), whereas information is generally lacking for other parts of the world, including most of the developing countries. Short and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were widely detected in both the influents (up to 1,000 ng/L) and effluents (15 to >1,500 ng/L) of WWTPs. To date, limited data is available regarding levels of PFAS precursors and ultra-short chain PFAS in WWTPs. Most WWTPs exhibited low removal efficiencies for PFAS, and many studies reported an increase in the levels of PFAAs after wastewater treatment. The analysis of the fate of various classes of PFAS at different wastewater treatment stages (aerobic and/aerobic biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical degradation) revealed biodegradation as the primary mechanism responsible for the transformation of PFAS precursors to PFAAs in WWTPs. Remediation studies at full scale and laboratory scale suggest advanced processes such as adsorption using ion exchange resins, electrochemical degradation, and nanofiltration are more effective in removing PFAS (~95-100%) than conventional processes. However, the applicability of such treatments for real-world WWTPs faces significant challenges due to the scaling-up requirements, mass-transfer limitations, and management of treatment by-products and wastes. Combining more than one technique for effective removal of PFAS, while addressing limitations of the individual treatments, could be beneficial. Considering environmental concentrations of PFAS, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation, nanofiltration followed by adsorption using wood-derived biochar and/or activated carbons could be a viable option if introduced to conventional treatment systems. However, the large-scale applicability of the same needs to be further verified.
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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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11
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Rodríguez-Varela M, Durán-Álvarez JC, Jiménez-Cisneros B, Zamora O, Prado B. Occurrence of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in Mexico City's wastewater: A monitoring study in the sewerage and a mega wastewater treatment plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145060. [PMID: 33609836 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was validated to quantify five perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCA) namely, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), in wastewater produced in a megacity. Sampling was performed on a monthly basis, obtaining samples from the undergrounded sewerage system and the main open-air canal transporting wastewater out the city. Steady levels of the sum of the target PFCA (ƩPFCA) were determined on both sites through the study: 419.4 ± 24.3 ng L-1 in undergrounded sewage and 591.1 ± 39 ng L-1 in the open-air canal. Short-chain PFCA (PFBA, PFHxA, and PFHpA) were abundant, while concentrations of PFOA and PFUnA remained lower in both sampling sites. The open-air canal was transected in four sampling points, which were sampled throughout the monitoring campaign, finding that furtive discharges of municipal and industrial wastewater increased the levels of short-chain PFCA, while those of PFOA and PFUnA were depleted. Relevant concentrations of PFBA (176.9 ± 3.3 ng L-1), PFHxA (133.4 ± 2.5 ng L-1), PFHpA (116.6 ± 3.9 ng L-1), PFOA (133.1 ± 3.5 ng L-1), and PFUnA (23.5 ± 6.5 ng L-1) were found 60 km downstream, where the wastewater transported by the open-air canal is used in irrigation. A fraction of sewage is treated in a conventional wastewater treatment plant. The concentration of short-chain PFCA increased in effluent, adding extra loads of PFBA, PFHxA, and PFHpA to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Varela
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan C Durán-Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Blanca Jiménez-Cisneros
- Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de Mexico 04510, Mexico
| | - Olivia Zamora
- Instituto de Geología y LANGEM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Blanca Prado
- Instituto de Geología y LANGEM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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12
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Chen Z, Ren G, Ma X, Ding Y, Hui Y, Qin P, Xu Z, Gu X, Yuan F, Liu Y. Perfluoroalkyl substances in the Lingang hybrid constructed wetland, Tianjin, China: occurrence, distribution characteristics, and ecological risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:38580-38590. [PMID: 32623677 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the occurrence, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the surface waters of the Lingang hybrid constructed wetland were systematically investigated. Twenty-three PFASs were analyzed from 7 representative sampling zones. The obtained results indicated that PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFBS, PFOS, and HFPO-DA were frequently detected; and PFBA, PFOA, and PFOS were the dominant PFASs with the relative abundances in ranges of 26.91 to 52.26%, 11.79 to 28.79%, and 0 to 31.98%, respectively. The total concentrations of 8 PFASs (Σ8PFASs) ranged from 25.9 to 56.6 ng/L, and the highest concentration was observed in subsurface flow wetland. Moreover, HFPO-DA with high toxicity was detected in wetlands for the first time. Based on the principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) analysis, three sources and their contributions were fluoropolymer processing aids (67.6%), fluororesin coatings and metal plating (17.9%), and food packaging materials and atmospheric precipitation (14.5%), respectively. According to the risk quotients (RQs), the ecological risk of 8 PFASs was low to the aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziang Chen
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Gengbo Ren
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China.
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Ye Ding
- Tianjin Environmental Protection Technical Development Center, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Yunmin Hui
- Tianjin Environmental Protection Technical Development Center, Tianjin, 300191, China.
| | - Pingping Qin
- Tianjin Environmental Protection Technical Development Center, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Zhuoqi Xu
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Xiujun Gu
- Tianjin Lingang Construction Development Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300450, China
| | - Fang Yuan
- Tianjin Lingang Construction Development Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300450, China
| | - Yanhai Liu
- Tianjin Lingang Construction Development Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300450, China
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13
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Yang QQ, Wang SL, Liu WJ, Yang YW, Jiang SQ. Spatial distribution of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors and conversion of precursors in seawater deeply affected by a city in China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 194:110404. [PMID: 32146197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conversion of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors in the environment has been a hotspot research in recent years. This study firstly determined the spatial distribution of PFAAs and their precursors including 8:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated acid (8:2 FTUCA), perfluorooctane sulfoneamide (FOSA), and diperfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol-based phosphate (di-SAmPAP), then investigated the conversion of the potential precursors in the seawater and sewage treatment plants (STPs) effluents. The results indicated that the target pollutants showed a typical concentration gradient from nearshore to offshore. And the obviously increased concentration of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (△[PFCAs]) after oxidation treatment can verify the existence of PFAA precursors in the seawater and STP effluents. The concentrations of PFCAs with carbon atom numbers 4-9 (PFCAC4-C9) revealed the most increase. Moreover, the levels of △[PFCAs] and the ratios of △[PFCAs] to their concentration before oxidation (△[PFCA]/[PFCA]before oxidation) indicated obvious spatial variations in the seawater and STP effluents. The higher levels of △[PFCAC4-C12] and the lower ratios of ∑△[PFCAC4-C12]/∑[PFAA]before oxidation were observed in the STP effluents, which implied that precursors might be decomposed during the sewage treatment process. These results suggested the STP effluents might have an important effect on the PFAAs levels of seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Q Yang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, China
| | - S L Wang
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - W J Liu
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Y W Yang
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.
| | - S Q Jiang
- Changshushi Middle School, Changshu, 215500, China
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14
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Hua X, Luo J, Zhao Z, Wang Q, Sun H. Neutral polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances in surface water and sediment from the Haihe River and Dagu Drainage Canal deserve more attention. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:32911-32918. [PMID: 31512120 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neutral polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (nPFASs) were detected in the surface water and sediment from the Haihe River (HR) and Dagu Drainage Canal (DDC), Tianjin, China. N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanol (MeFOSE) and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanol (EtFOSE) were the predominant nPFASs in surface water and sediment, which was different from the composition in air. The concentrations of ΣnPFASs in water from the HR (1.88-8.21 ng/L) were lower than those from the DDC (3.72-11.32 ng/L). Concentrations of ΣnPFASs were higher in the middle of the HR in the Dongli District due to industrial activity, whereas at lower reaches of the DDC, high ΣnPFAS concentrations might be due to effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The detection frequency in sediment (13.5%) was less than that in water (83%). The concentrations in sediment from the DDC (below limit of qualification (LOQ) to 5.58 ng/g) were higher than those from the HR (below LOQ to 2.46 ng/g). The distribution coefficient (log KD) between water and sediment was calculated, and they were highly related to the compound structures. The contribution of nPFASs to nPFASs+PFAAs was up to 52% in sediment in the DDC, suggesting the importance of nPFASs in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Hua
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jianbo Luo
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, 100141, China
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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15
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Coggan TL, Moodie D, Kolobaric A, Szabo D, Shimeta J, Crosbie ND, Lee E, Fernandes M, Clarke BO. An investigation into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nineteen Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Heliyon 2019; 5:e02316. [PMID: 31485522 PMCID: PMC6716228 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is of high importance due to potential impacts on receiving aquatic ecosystems. The new Australian PFAS National Environmental Management Plan recommends 0.23 ng L-1 of PFOS as the guideline value for 99% species protection for aquatic systems. In this study, 21 PFAS from four classes were measured in WWTP solid and aqueous samples from 19 Australian WWTPs. The mean ∑21PFAS was 110 ng L-1 (median: 80 ng L-1; range: 9.3-520 ng L-1) in aqueous samples and 34 ng g-1 dw (median: 12 ng g-1 dw; range: 2.0-130 ng g-1 dw) in WWTP solids. Similar to WWTPs worldwide, perfluorocarboxylic acids were generally higher in effluent, compared to influent. Partitioning to solids within WWTPs increased with increasing fluoroalkyl chain length from 0.05 to 1.22 log units. Many PFAS were highly correlated, and PCA analysis showed strong associations between two groups: odd chained PFCAs, PFHxA and PFSAs; and 6:2 FTS with daily inflow volume and the proportion of trade waste accepted by WWTPs (as % of typical dry inflow). The compounds PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA increased significantly between influent and final effluent. The compounds 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS were quantified and F-53B detected and reported in Australian WWTP matrices. The compound 6:2 FTS was an important contributor to PFAS emissions in the studied Australian WWTPs, supporting the need for future research on its sources (including precursor degradation), environmental fate and impact in Australian aquatic environments receiving WWTP effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Coggan
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Damien Moodie
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Adam Kolobaric
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Crosbie
- Applied Research, Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC, 3001, Australia.,Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Elliot Lee
- Water Corporation, Leederville, Western Australia, 6007, Australia
| | - Milena Fernandes
- SA Water, GPO Box 1751, Adelaide SA, 5001, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
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16
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Liu WX, He W, Wu JY, Wu WJ, Xu FL. Effects of fluorescent dissolved organic matters (FDOMs) on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in lake and river water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:598-607. [PMID: 30807950 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the effects of fluorescent dissolved organic matters (FDOM) on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in western Lake Chaohu and its inflow rivers. The surface water samples from the 27 sites in western Lake Chaohu and its inflow rivers were collected in March and September 2013. The contents of PFAAs and the FDOM in the water samples were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatograph - mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS) and by a fluorescence spectrophotometer, respectively. The temporal-spatial distributions of PFAAs and FDOM, as well as their interrelationships, were investigated. Eleven PFAA components were detected, and the mean concentration of total PFAAs (TPFAAs) in western Lake Chaohu and its inflow rivers were 12.93 ± 5.19 ng/L and 11.84 ± 9.50 ng/L, respectively. PFOA was the predominant contaminant in two regions (7.13 ± 3.07 ng/L and 4.30 ± 2.14 ng/L) followed by PFHxA (1.72 ± 0.80 ng/L and 1.42 ± 1.41 ng/L) and PFBA (1.44 ± 0.78 ng/L and 1.37 ± 0.78 ng/L). The mean concentration of total FDOM in western Lake Chaohu and its inflow rivers were 220.0 ± 40.30 μg quinine sulfate units (Q.S.)/L and 406.3 ± 213.1 μg Q.S./L, respectively. The significant, positive correlations were observed between the PFAAs and FDOMs in both the lake area and the inflow rivers. However, no significant correlation was observed between PFAAs and the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the lake area. This finding indicated that the residues and distributions of PFAAs were significantly dependent on the compositions of dissolved organic matters (DOM) and not on the total content of DOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xiu Liu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei He
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing-Yi Wu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fu-Liu Xu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Xu J, Sun H, Zhang Y, Alder AC. Occurrence and enantiomer profiles of β-blockers in wastewater and a receiving water body and adjacent soil in Tianjin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1122-1130. [PMID: 30308800 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A total of 58 samples were collected from hospitals, municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), a receiving water body (Dagu Drainage Canal, DDC), and adjacent farmland in Tianjin City, China, in May and November 2013 and were analyzed for five common β-blockers (atenolol, sotalol, metoprolol, propranolol, and nadolol) to elucidate their source, occurrence and fate in a typical city in China. The profiles of the enantiomers of the β-blockers in some samples were examined. Sotalol, metoprolol and propranolol were frequently detected, atenolol was less frequently detected, and nadolol was mostly not detected. Generally, the concentrations in hospital wastewaters occurred from <LOQ to 10 μg/L, while concentrations in municipal WWTP water samples ranged from <LOQ to 5.2 μg/L. Hence, both hospitals and WWTPs acted as sources of β-blockers in the environment. Sotalol, metoprolol and propranolol were determined in soils adjacent to the DDC with concentrations up to hundreds of ng/kg in the topsoil and declining levels in the subsoil. Seasonal variation was observed with samples obtained in May showing higher concentrations, both in the canal and the adjacent soil, which could be ascribed to greater consumption of these drugs, lower temperature and less precipitation in the spring and the former winter. Enantiomeric fractions (EFs) of metoprolol and propranolol in soil samples showed a trend of enrichment of E1 (first-eluted) compared to E2 (second-eluted), while sotalol was almost racemic. In the DDC, no significant difference was found for the pair enantiomers of each β-blocker, while in hospital and WWTP wastewaters, E1 predominated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Yanwei Zhang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Alfredo C Alder
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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18
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Elmoznino J, Vlahos P, Whitney M. Occurrence and partitioning behavior of perfluoroalkyl acids in wastewater effluent discharging into the Long Island Sound. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:453-461. [PMID: 30212799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were measured in aqueous and suspended particulate matter (SPM) fractions in the final effluents from 12 wastewater treatment facilities located around the Connecticut shoreline. Aqueous phase concentrations ranged from 53 to 198 ng/L for ∑PFAAs with ≤7 perfluorinated carbons (CF2) and 2-73 ng/L for >7 CF2 PFAAs. Predominant PFAAs associated with effluent derived SPM were perfluorodecanoic acid and perflurorooctane sulfonic acid, detected in 48% and 52% of samples in concentrations ranging from <LOQ-1770 ng/g and <LOQ-2750 ng/g respectively. Based on the range of concentrations detected and the average flow of final effluent to the Long Island Sound (LIS), average total annual PFAA mass loads from wastewater treatment facilities to the LIS is estimated in the range of 70-315 kg/year, with 4-100 kg/year consisting of >7 CF2 PFAAs. Partitioning coefficients (log KOC) derived for effluent water and SPM phases (4.2 ± 0.3, 4.4 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.2 and 5.3 ± 0.2 for PFOA, PFNA PFDA and PFUnA; 4.5 ± 0.2 and 5.2 ± 0.2 for PFOS and PFHsX respectively) were found to be of similar magnitude to aeration tank particles, though 0.5 to 2 log units greater than sludge solids and to natural system particulates including riverine SPM, estuarine SPM and sediments. Results from this study suggest that effluent derived suspended particulate matter could be an effective vector in the transport of long-chained PFAAs through wastewater treatment into receiving waters, and a potential vector to the local food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Elmoznino
- Environmental Science- PDM, Pfizer Global R&D, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Michael Whitney
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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19
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Liu Y, Ma L, Yang Q, Li G, Zhang F. Occurrence and spatial distribution of perfluorinated compounds in groundwater receiving reclaimed water through river bank infiltration. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 211:1203-1211. [PMID: 30223336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in groundwater are of widespread concern due to their potential toxicity to human health and ecological systems. PFCs in rivers can infiltrate into groundwater through riverbank infiltration, potentially endangering the safety of drinking water and causing a deterioration in the groundwater environment. This study investigated the occurrence of PFCs in rivers and riverside groundwater from 2014 to 2017 in a city in north China. PFCs were detected in most of the groundwater samples, ranging from not detected to 64.8 ng L-1. The predominant PFCs in both river and groundwater samples were perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorobutane sulfonate and perfluorobutanoic acid. The PFC concentrations and major compounds were consistent in both the river and riverside groundwater samples at each site, suggesting that the adjacent river was the source of the PFCs in the riverside groundwater. The spatial distribution of the PFCs in the riverside groundwater was affected by the hydraulic connection between the groundwater and the river, the lithology of the aquifer and the properties of the compounds. The results indicated that PFCs were attenuated during riverbank infiltration and the ability of different riverbank lithologies to remove PFCs was in the order sandy clay > fine sand > sandy gravel. Perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations decreased sharply with increasing distances from river, whereas perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorobutane sulfonate and perfluorobutanoic acid could by transported for greater distances in riverside groundwater. This study provides valuable information on PFCs in riverside groundwater affected by riverbank infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Liu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lin Ma
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Beijing Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Beijing 100195, China
| | - Guanghe Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Fang Zhang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Cao F, Wang L, Ren X, Wu F, Sun H, Lu S. The application of molecularly imprinted polymers in passive sampling for selective sampling perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in water environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:33309-33321. [PMID: 30259320 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Modeling and predicting of a novel polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) for sampling of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as receiving phase are presented in this study. Laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted to investigate the uptake kinetics, effects of flow velocity, pH, and dissolved organic matter (DOM), and also the selectivity of the POCIS. In this study, uptake study of PFOA and PFOS sampling on MIP-POCIS, over 14 days, was investigated. Laboratory calibrations of MIP-POCIS yielded sampling rate (Rs) values for PFOA and PFOS were 0.387 and 0.229 L/d, higher than POCIS using commercial sorbent WAX as receiving phase (0.133 and 0.141 L/d for PFOA and PFOS, respectively) in quiescent condition. The Rs values for PFOA and PFOS sampling on MIP-POCIS were increased to 0.591 and 0.281 L/d in stirred condition (0.01 m/s), and no significant increase occurred when the flow velocity was further increased. The Rs values were kept relatively high in the solution of which the pH was lower than the isoelectric point (IEP) of MIP-sorbent and decreased when the solution pH was extend the IEP value. Under the experimental conditions, DOM seemed to slightly facilitate the Rs values of PFOA and PFOS in MIP-POCIS. The results showed that the interaction between the target compounds and the receiving phase was fully integrated by the imprinting effects and also the electrostatic interaction. Finally, comparing the sampling rate of WAX-POCIS and the MIP-POCIS, the MIP-POCIS offers promising perspectives for selective sampling ability for PFOA and PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Dayangfang Beiyuan Road, 8#, Chaoyang District, Bejing, 100012, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xinhao Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Dayangfang Beiyuan Road, 8#, Chaoyang District, Bejing, 100012, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- , Tianjin, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Dayangfang Beiyuan Road, 8#, Chaoyang District, Bejing, 100012, China.
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Chen S, Zhou Y, Meng J, Wang T. Seasonal and annual variations in removal efficiency of perfluoroalkyl substances by different wastewater treatment processes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:2059-2067. [PMID: 30231460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important in the migration and transformation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water bodies. Six municipal WWTPs located in the upper reaches of the Guanting reservoir, along the Yanghe River, were sampled from November 2016 to July 2017. Influents, effluents, and activated sludge solutions were sampled and the concentrations of 17 PFASs were analyzed. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), Perfluorobutane sulfonat (PFBS) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) accounted for more than 90% of these. Seasonal variations in PFASs in influent directly influenced concentrations in supernatant and effluent. The annual average PFAS concentrations were 46.4, 45.1, and 38.5 ng L-1 in influent, supernatant, and effluent, respectively, indicating that WWTPs do not efficiently remove PFASs from wastewater. Annual average PFAS removal efficiencies differed among WWTPs, were influenced primarily by the treatment process used at each, and followed the order Cyclic Activated Sludge System (CASS, 32.2%) > Orbal Oxidation Ditch (OD, 17.5%) > Anaeroxic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2/O, -1.49%). Short-chain PFASs were removed significantly more efficiently in the CASS compared to the other systems. These results can show how traditional wastewater treatment plants can help remove PFASs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, Anqing Normal University, Anhui 246011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tieyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Lu Z, Lu R, Zheng H, Yan J, Song L, Wang J, Yang H, Cai M. Risk exposure assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water and atmosphere in central eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:9311-9320. [PMID: 29249034 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We examined per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in air from eight cities, and in water from six drinking-water treatment plants (DWTPs), in central eastern China. We analyzed raw and treated water samples from the DWTPs for 17 ionic PFASs with high-performance liquid chromatography/negative-electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(-)ESI-MS/MS), and analyzed the gas and particle phases of atmospheric samples for 12 neutral PFASs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the dominant compounds in drinking water, and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) dominated in atmospheric samples. Of all the compounds in the treated water samples, the concentration of PFOA, at 51.0 ng L-1, was the highest. Conventional treatments such as coagulation (COA), flocculation (FOC), sedimentation (SED), and sand filtration (SAF) did not remove PFASs. Advanced treatments, however, including ultrafiltration (UF) and activated carbon (AC), removed the majority of PFASs except for shorter-chain PFASs such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA). We also investigated human exposure to PFASs via drinking water and the atmosphere and found that the mean daily intake of PFASs was 0.43 ng kg-1 day-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Rong Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hongyuan Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- SOA Key Laboratory for Polar Science, Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai, 200136, China
| | - Jing Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Luning Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Haizhen Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory on Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Minghong Cai
- SOA Key Laboratory for Polar Science, Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai, 200136, China.
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23
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Eriksson U, Haglund P, Kärrman A. Contribution of precursor compounds to the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 61:80-90. [PMID: 29191318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous in sludge and water from waste water treatment plants, as a result of their incorporation in everyday products and industrial processes. In this study, we measured several classes of persistent PFASs, precursors, transformation intermediates, and newly identified PFASs in influent and effluent sewage water and sludge from three municipal waste water treatment plants in Sweden, sampled in 2015. For sludge, samples from 2012 and 2014 were analyzed as well. Levels of precursors in sludge exceeded those of perfluoroalkyl acids and sulfonic acids (PFCAs and PFSAs), in 2015 the sum of polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid esters (PAPs) were 15-20ng/g dry weight, the sum of fluorotelomer sulfonic acids (FTSAs) was 0.8-1.3ng/g, and the sum of perfluorooctane sulfonamides and ethanols ranged from non-detected to 3.2ng/g. Persistent PFSAs and PFCAs were detected at 1.9-3.9ng/g and 2.4-7.3ng/g dry weight, respectively. The influence of precursor compounds was further demonstrated by an observed substantial increase for a majority of the persistent PFCAs and PFSAs in water after waste water treatment. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) had a net mass increase in all WWTPs, with mean values of 83%, 28%, 37% and 58%, respectively. The load of precursors and intermediates in influent water and sludge combined with net mass increase support the hypothesis that degradation of precursor compounds is a significant contributor to PFAS contamination in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Eriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Peter Haglund
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Zhao Y, Li Q, Miao X, Huang X, Li B, Su G, Zheng M. Determination of hexabromocyclododecanes in sediments from the Haihe River in China by an optimized HPLC-MS-MS method. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 55:174-183. [PMID: 28477811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), a new type of persistent organic pollutants widely used as brominated flame retardants, have attracted wide attention due to their increasing level and toxicity. A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS) in electrospray ionization mode has been developed by optimization of various parameters, which effectively improved the separation degree and responsive intensity of α-, β- and γ-HBCD isomers. The concentrations and distribution profiles of three HBCD isomers were investigated in sediments from the Haihe River in China. It was observed that the concentrations of HBCDs varied in the range of 0.4-58.82ng/g, showing a decreasing trend along the flow direction, possibly due to attenuation and biodegradation along the flow direction of the Haihe River. The distribution profile of α-, β-, γ-HBCD was 7.91%-88.6%, 0-91.47%, and 0.62%-42.83%, respectively. Interestingly, α-HBCD dominated in most sample sites. This was different from the distribution profile in commercial industrial products, which might be attributed to the inter-transformation and different degradation rates of the three HBCD isomers. The potential ecological risk of HBCDs in sediment was characterized under the two-tiered procedure of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency for environmental risk assessment. Although the HBCDs in the selected section of the Haihe River presented "no risk" in the sediment compartment, its risk in sediment cannot be neglected since sediment is one of the important sinks and reservoirs of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinchen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Binke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guijin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Minghui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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25
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Essumang DK, Eshun A, Hogarh JN, Bentum JK, Adjei JK, Negishi J, Nakamichi S, Habibullah-Al-Mamun M, Masunaga S. Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the Pra and Kakum River basins and associated tap water in Ghana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 579:729-735. [PMID: 27887832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent environmental pollutants that have been detected in various media including human serum. Due to concerns regarding their bioaccumulation and possible negative health effects, an understanding of routes of human exposure is necessary. PFAAs are recalcitrant in many water treatment processes, making drinking water a potential source of human exposure. This study presents the first report on contamination from PFAAs in river and drinking water in Ghana. The targeted PFAAs were perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with C4-14 carbon chain and perfluoroalkane sulphonic acids (PFSAs) with C6, 8, 10. Five PFAA congeners - PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFDA and PFPeA - were commonly detected in river and tap water. The mean concentrations of ∑PFAAs in the Kakum and Pra Rivers were 281 and 398ng/L, while tap water (supplied from the treatment of water from those rivers) contained concentrations of 197 and 200ng/L, respectively. PFOA and PFOS constituted about 99% of the ∑PFAAs. The risk quotient (RQ) attributed to drinking of tap water was estimated at 1.01 and 1.74 for PFOA and PFOS, respectively. For a country that has not produced these compounds, the RQs were unexpectedly high, raising concerns particularly about contamination from such emerging pollutants in local water sources. The study revealed limitations of local tap water treatment in getting rid of these emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Essumang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Albert Eshun
- Department of Chemistry, College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jonathan N Hogarh
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John K Bentum
- Department of Chemistry, College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joseph K Adjei
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Junya Negishi
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Shihori Nakamichi
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Md Habibullah-Al-Mamun
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Shigeki Masunaga
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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Dauchy X, Boiteux V, Bach C, Colin A, Hemard J, Rosin C, Munoz JF. Mass flows and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the wastewater treatment plant of a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 576:549-558. [PMID: 27810744 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although industrial sites producing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may introduce these chemicals into the aquatic environment, they are rarely investigated. This study entailed measuring concentrations, mass flows and the fate of 51 PFASs in an industrial wastewater treatment plant receiving raw effluents from a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. Grab and 24-h composite samples were collected at various stages of wastewater treatment over four sampling campaigns. One perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) and nine fluorotelomers (FTs) were systematically detected in the facility's raw effluent. The overall PFCA mass flow ranged from 0.6 to 8.6g/day and was negligible compared to the overall mass flow of FTs (from 647 to 2,892g/day). PFCA mass flows increased drastically after secondary treatment (degradation of precursors) and decreased notably after the floatation tank (adsorption onto floatation sludge), but remained at relatively high levels in the final effluent (from 21 to 247g/day). Similar patterns in mass flow were observed for the FTs, with mass loadings discharged into the river ranging from 1,623 to 6,963g/day. Despite analyzing dozens of PFASs, adsorbable organic fluorine determination and oxidative conversion of PFCA precursors showed that a significant part of PFASs remained unidentified. Nevertheless, two overwhelmingly predominant PFASs-6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB) and 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonamide propyl N,N dimethylamine (M4)-were detected and quantified for the first time in water samples, accounting for >75% of the total PFAS mass flow in the final effluent. This study also provided evidence of soil contamination by the aerosol produced over the aeration basin and inadvertent spillage of pieces of sludge cake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Dauchy
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Virginie Boiteux
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Cristina Bach
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Adeline Colin
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jessica Hemard
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Rosin
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Munoz
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
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Perfluorinated Compounds in Greenhouse and Open Agricultural Producing Areas of Three Provinces of China: Levels, Sources and Risk Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13121224. [PMID: 27973400 PMCID: PMC5201365 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Field investigations on perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) levels in various environmental matrixes were reported, but there is still a lack of PFAA level data for agricultural environments, especially agricultural producing areas, so we collected soil, irrigation water and agricultural product samples from agricultural producing areas in the provinces of Liaoning, Shandong and Sichuan in China. The background pollution from instruments was removed and C4–C18 PFAAs were detected by LC-MS/MS. The concentrations of PFAAs in the top and deep layers of soil were compared, and the levels of PFAAs in different agricultural environments (greenhouses and open agriculture) were analyzed. We found the order of PFAA levels by province was Shandong > Liaoning > Sichuan. A descending trend of PFAA levels from top to deep soil and open to greenhouse agriculture was shown and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was considered as a marker for source analysis. Bean vegetables contribute highly to the overall PFAA load in vegetables. A significant correlation was shown between irrigation water and agricultural products. The EDI (estimated daily intake) from vegetables should be of concern in China.
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28
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Kim HY, Seok HW, Kwon HO, Choi SD, Seok KS, Oh JE. A national discharge load of perfluoroalkyl acids derived from industrial wastewater treatment plants in Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 563-564:530-537. [PMID: 27152994 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Levels of 11 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were measured in wastewater (influent and effluent) and sludge samples collected from 25 industrial wastewater treatment plants (I-WWTPs) in five industrial sectors (chemicals, electronics, metals, paper, and textiles) in South Korea. The highest ∑11PFAAs concentrations were detected in the influent and effluent from the paper (median: 411ng/L) and textile (median: 106ng/L) industries, and PFOA and PFOS were the predominant PFAAs (49-66%) in wastewater. Exceptionally high levels of PFAAs were detected in the sludge associated with the electronics (median: 91.0ng/g) and chemical (median: 81.5ng/g) industries with PFOS being the predominant PFAA. The discharge loads of 11 PFAAs from I-WWTP were calculated that total discharge loads for the five industries were 0.146ton/yr. The textile industry had the highest discharge load with 0.055ton/yr (PFOA: 0.039ton/yr, PFOS: 0.010ton/yr). Municipal wastewater contributed more to the overall discharge of PFAAs (0.489ton/yr) due to the very small industrial wastewater discharge compared to municipal wastewater discharge, but the contribution of PFAAs from I-WWTPs cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Young Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Seok
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ok Kwon
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Deuk Choi
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Seol Seok
- Chemical Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Zhang C, Tang J, Peng C, Jin M. Degradation of perfluorinated compounds in wastewater treatment plant effluents by electrochemical oxidation with Nano-ZnO coated electrodes. J Mol Liq 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2016.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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30
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Meng XZ, Venkatesan AK, Ni YL, Steele JC, Wu LL, Bignert A, Bergman Å, Halden RU. Organic Contaminants in Chinese Sewage Sludge: A Meta-Analysis of the Literature of the Past 30 Years. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:5454-66. [PMID: 27144960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b05583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The production of sewage sludge is increasing in China but with unsafe disposal practices, causing potential risk to human health and the environment. Using literature from the past 30 years (N = 159), we conducted a meta-analysis of organic contaminants (OCs) in Chinese sludge. Most data were available from developed and populated regions, and no data were found for Tibet. Since 1987, 35 classes of chemicals consisting of 749 individual compounds and 1 mixture have been analyzed, in which antibiotics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were the most targeted analytes. For 13 classes of principal OCs (defined as chemicals detected in over five studies) in sludge, the median (expressed in nanograms per gram dry weight) was the highest for phthalate esters (27 900), followed by alkylphenol polyethoxylates (12 000), synthetic musks (5800), antibiotics (4240), PAHs (3490), ultraviolet stabilizers (670), bisphenol analogs (160), organochlorine pesticides (110), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (100), pharmaceuticals (84), hormones (69), perfluorinated compounds (21), and polychlorinated biphenyls (15). Concentrations of PAHs in sludges collected between 1998 and 2012 showed a decreasing trend. Study findings suggest the need for a Chinese national sewage sludge survey to identify and regulate toxic OCs, ideally employing both targeted as well as nontargeted screening approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Zhou Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University , 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Arjun K Venkatesan
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Security, The Biodesign Institute, Global Security Initiative and School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , 781 E. Terrace Mall, Tempe 85287, United States
| | - Yi-Lin Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University , 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London , London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Joshua C Steele
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Security, The Biodesign Institute, Global Security Initiative and School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , 781 E. Terrace Mall, Tempe 85287, United States
| | - Ling-Ling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University , 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Anders Bignert
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History , Bo 50007, Stockholm 104 05, Sweden
| | - Åke Bergman
- Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox) , Forskargatan 20, Södertälje 151 36, Sweden
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Security, The Biodesign Institute, Global Security Initiative and School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , 781 E. Terrace Mall, Tempe 85287, United States
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31
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Milinovic J, Lacorte S, Rigol A, Vidal M. Sorption of perfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:8339-8348. [PMID: 26780052 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-6019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The sorption behaviour of three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)) was studied in sewage sludge samples. Sorption isotherms were obtained by varying initial concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and PFBS. The maximum values of the sorption solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd,max) varied by almost two orders of magnitude among the target PFASs: 140-281 mL g(-1) for PFOS, 30-54 mL g(-1) for PFOA and 9-18 mL g(-1) for PFBS. Freundlich and linear fittings were appropriate for describing the sorption behaviour of PFASs in the sludge samples, and the derived KF and Kd,linear parameters correlated well. The hydrophobicity of the PFASs was the key parameter that influenced their sorption in sewage sludge. Sorption parameters and log(KOW) were correlated, and for PFOS (the most hydrophobic compound), pH and Ca + Mg status of the sludge controlled the variation in the sorption parameter values. Sorption reversibility was also tested from desorption isotherms, which were also linear. Desorption parameters were systematically higher than the corresponding sorption parameters (up to sixfold higher), thus indicating a significant degree of irreversible sorption, which decreased in the sequence PFOS > PFOA > PFBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milinovic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rigol
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Miquel Vidal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Cao F, Wang L, Ren X, Sun H. Synthesis of a perfluorooctanoic acid molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective removal of perfluorooctanoic acid in an aqueous environment. J Appl Polym Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/app.43192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Cao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Xinhao Ren
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
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33
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Zhao HZ, Wang L, Chang YY, Xu Y. High-efficiency removal of perfluorooctanoic acid from water by covalently bound hybrid coagulants (CBHyC) bearing a hydrophobic quaternary ammonium group. Sep Purif Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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34
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Alder AC, van der Voet J. Occurrence and point source characterization of perfluoroalkyl acids in sewage sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 129:62-73. [PMID: 25176581 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and levels of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) emitted from specific pollution sources into the aquatic environment in Switzerland were studied using digested sewage sludges from 45 wastewater treatment plants in catchments containing a wide range of potential industrial emitters. Concentrations of individual PFAAs show a high spatial and temporal variability, which infers different contributions from industrial technologies and activities. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was generally the predominant PFAA with concentrations varying between 4 and 2440μgkg(-1) (median 75μgkg(-1)). Elevated emissions were especially observed in catchments capturing discharges from metal plating industries (median 82μgkg(-1)), aqueous firefighting foams (median 215μgkg(-1)) and landfill leachates (median 107μgkg(-1)). Some elevated perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) levels could be attributed to emissions from textile finishing industries with concentrations up to 233μgkg(-1) in sewage sludge. Assuming sorption to sludge for PFOS and PFCAs of 15% and 2%, respectively, concentrations in wastewater effluents up to the low μgL(-1) level were estimated. Even if wastewater may be expected to be diluted between 10 and 100 times by the receiving waters, elevated concentrations may be reached at specific locations. Although sewage sludge is a minor compartment for PFAAs in WWTPs, these investigations are helpful for the identification of hot-spots from industrial emitters as well as to estimate monthly average concentrations in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo C Alder
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Juergen van der Voet
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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35
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Filipovic M, Berger U. Are perfluoroalkyl acids in waste water treatment plant effluents the result of primary emissions from the technosphere or of environmental recirculation? CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 129:74-80. [PMID: 25139477 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have been suggested to be one of the major pathways of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from the technosphere to the aquatic environment. The origin of PFAAs in WWTP influents is either from current primary emissions or a result of recirculation of PFAAs that have been residing and transported in the environment for several years or decades. Environmental recirculation can then occur when PFAAs from the environment enter the wastewater stream in, e.g., tap water. In this study 13 PFAAs and perfluorooctane sulfonamide were analyzed in tap water as well as WWTP influent, effluent and sludge from three Swedish cities: Bromma (in the metropolitan area of Stockholm), Bollebygd and Umeå. A mass balance of the WWTPs was assembled for each PFAA. Positive mass balances were observed for PFHxA and PFOA in all WWTPs, indicating the presence of precursor compounds in the technosphere. With regard to environmental recirculation, tap water was an important source of PFAAs to the Bromma WWTP influent, contributing >40% for each quantified sulfonic acid and up to 30% for the carboxylic acids. The PFAAs in tap water from Bollebygd and Umeå did not contribute significantly to the PFAA load in the WWTP influents. Our results show that in order to estimate current primary emissions from the technosphere, it may be necessary to correct the PFAA emission rates in WWTP effluents for PFAAs present in tap water, especially in the case of elevated levels in tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Filipovic
- Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Urs Berger
- Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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Chirikona F, Filipovic M, Ooko S, Orata F. Perfluoroalkyl acids in selected wastewater treatment plants and their discharge load within the Lake Victoria basin in Kenya. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:238. [PMID: 25861900 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4425-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A major ecological challenge facing Lake Victoria basin is the influx of chemical contaminants from domestic, hospital, and industrial effluents. Determined levels of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in wastewater and sludge from selected wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Kenya are presented and their daily discharge loads calculated for the first time within the Lake Victoria basin. Samples were extracted and separated using solid-phase extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS methodology. All sewage sludge and wastewater samples obtained from the WWTPs contained detectable levels of PFAAs in picogram per gram dry weight (d.w.) and in nanogram per liter, respectively. There was variability in distribution of PFAAs in domestic, hospital, and industrial waste with domestic WWPTs observed to contain higher levels. Almost all PFAA homologues of chain length C-6 and above were detected in samples analyzed, with long-chain PFAAs (C-8 and above chain length) being dominant. The discharge from hospital contributes significantly to the amounts of PFAAs released to the municipal water systems and the lake catchment. Using the average output of wastewater from the five WWTPs, a mass load of 1013 mg day(-1) PFAAs per day discharged has been calculated, with the highest discharge obtained at Kisumu City (656 mg day(-1)). The concentration range of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in wastewater was 1.3-28 and 0.9-9.8 ng L(-1) and in sludge samples were 117-673 and 98-683 pg g(-1), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florah Chirikona
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya
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37
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Zhang C, Yan H, Li F, Zhou Q. Occurrence and fate of perfluorinated acids in two wastewater treatment plants in Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:1804-11. [PMID: 23933955 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated acids (PFAs) have drawn much attention due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous existence, and bioaccumulation potential. The discharge of wastewater effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a significant source of PFAs to the environment. In this study, wastewater and sludge samples were collected from two WWTPs in Shanghai, China, to investigate the contamination level and fate of PFAs in different stages of processing. The total concentrations of PFAs (∑PFAs) in influent from plants A and B were 2,452 and 292 ng L(-1), respectively. Perfluoropentanoic acid (1,520 ± 80 ng L(-1) in plant A and 89.2 ± 12.1 ng L(-1) in plant B) was the predominant PFA in influent waters, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid. The concentration of ∑PFAs ranged from 75.0 to 126.0 ng g(-1) dry weight in sludge samples from plant B, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid as the predominant contaminant. The concentrations and fate of PFAs in different WWTPs vary. The ∑PFAs entering plant A decreased significantly in the final effluent of activated sludge process, while that in plant B increased significantly in the final effluent of sequencing batch reactor system. The concentration changes could be due to the sorption onto sludge, or the degradation of PFAs precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China,
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38
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Zhang C, Wang L, Li J, Su P, Peng C. Removal of perfluorinated compounds in wastewater treatment plant effluents by electrochemical oxidation. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2015; 71:1783-1789. [PMID: 26067497 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2015.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the effluents of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Beijing was investigated in the current study. Perfluorooctanoate acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate were the predominant PFCs in wastewater, accounting for 19-27% and 18-31%, respectively. The concentrations of PFCs with long chains were much lower than those PFCs with short chains (≤C8). An electrochemical oxidation reactor was employed for advanced treatment of PFCs in WWTP effluents using stainless steel plates as anode and cathode electrodes. It was concluded that the removal efficiency of PFCs was improved accordingly with the increasing applied current density. The removal efficiencies of target PFCs ranged from 23.53 to 51.79% with a reaction time of 30 minutes, current density of 20 mA/cm(2), electrode plate distance of 1.0 cm and electrode plate amounts of five pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Zhang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Room 607, Yifu Science and Research Building, Ding 11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China E-mail:
| | - Liangliang Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Room 607, Yifu Science and Research Building, Ding 11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China E-mail:
| | - Juan Li
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Room 607, Yifu Science and Research Building, Ding 11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China E-mail:
| | - Peidong Su
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Room 607, Yifu Science and Research Building, Ding 11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China E-mail:
| | - Chen Peng
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Room 607, Yifu Science and Research Building, Ding 11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China E-mail:
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Ye F, Tokumura M, Islam MS, Zushi Y, Oh J, Masunaga S. Spatial distribution and importance of potential perfluoroalkyl acid precursors in urban rivers and sewage treatment plant effluent--case study of Tama River, Japan. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 67:77-85. [PMID: 25262552 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Production and use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is regulated worldwide. However, numerous potential precursors that eventually decompose into PFOS and other perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are still being used and have not been studied in detail. Therefore, knowledge about the levels and sources of the precursors is essential. We investigated the total concentration of potential PFAA precursors in the Tama River, which is one of the major rivers flowing into the Tokyo Bay, by converting all the perfluorinated carboxylic acid (PFCA) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA) precursors into PFCAs by chemical oxidation. The importance of controlling PFAA precursors was determined by calculating the ratios of PFCAs formed by oxidation to the PFAAs originally present (ΣΔ[PFCAC4-C12]/Σ[PFAAs]before oxidation) (average = 0.28 and 0.69 for main and tributary branch rivers, respectively). Higher total concentrations of Δ[PFCAs] were found in sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents. However, the ratios found in the effluents were lower (average = 0.21) than those found in the river water samples, which implies the decomposition of some precursors into PFAAs during the treatment process. On the other hand, higher ratios were observed in the upstream water samples and the existence of emission sources other than the STP effluents was indicated. This study showed that although the treatment process converting a part of the PFAA precursors into PFAAs, STPs were important sources of precursors to the Tama River. To reduce the levels of PFAAs in the aquatic environment, it is necessary to reduce the emission of the PFAA precursors as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ye
- Faculty and Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Tokumura
- Faculty and Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Faculty and Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Zushi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Jungkeun Oh
- Faculty and Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Shigeki Masunaga
- Faculty and Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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40
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Yao Y, Zhu H, Li B, Hu H, Zhang T, Yamazaki E, Taniyasu S, Yamashita N, Sun H. Distribution and primary source analysis of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances with different chain lengths in surface and groundwater in two cities, North China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 108:318-328. [PMID: 25108512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely detected in the hydrosphere. The knowledge on the distribution and composition patterns of PFAS analogues with different chain length significantly contribute to their source analysis. In the present study, a regional scale investigation of PFASs in surface river waters and adjacent ground waters was carried out in two cities of China with potential contamination, Tianjin and Weifang. A total of 31 water samples were collected, and 20 PFASs therein were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). The possible sources of PFASs in the aquatic environment were assessed primarily by concentration patterns as well as hierarchical cluster analysis. In all 4 rivers investigated in the two cities, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the dominant compounds contributing over 70% of the PFASs detected. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant PFCA with a concentration range of 8.58-20.3ng/L in Tianjin and 6.37-25.9ng/L in Weifang, respectively. On the average, the highest concentration was observed in samples from Dagu Drainage Canal (Dagu) in Tianjin and those short-chain PFASs (C4-C6) was detected with a comparable level of the longer-chain PFASs (>C6). Specifically, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was dominant in the short-chain analogues. This indicates that a remarkably increasing input of short-chain PFASs might be related to wastewater treatment plant effluent or industrial discharges, which could be possibly due to the switch of manufacturing to short-chain products. In Weifang, precipitation and subsequent surface runoff as non-point sources could be significant inputs of PFASs into surface water while groundwater was possibly subjected to severe point sources with ∑PFASs concentration up to ~100ng/L. The inconsistent distribution patterns in groundwater suggest complicated pathways of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bing Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Eriko Yamazaki
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Sachi Taniyasu
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Yamashita
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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41
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Zhao X, Xia X, Zhang S, Wu Q, Wang X. Spatial and vertical variations of perfluoroalkyl substances in sediments of the Haihe River, China. J Environ Sci (China) 2014; 26:1557-66. [PMID: 25108711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2014.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The levels of six perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface sediment and their vertical variations in dated sediment cores from the Haihe River were investigated; studied substances included perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA). Results showed that the total PFAS concentration in surface sediment ranged between 0.52 and 16.33 ng/g dry weight (dw) with an average of 3.47 ng/g dw, with PFOS and PFOA as the dominant PFASs. In general, the PFAS concentrations in the mainstream increased from the upper to the lower reaches, except that a drop occurred downstream of the Erdao dam. Although the PFASs in the sediment cores did not show a clear decreasing or increasing trend with depth, the three cores had a similar vertical variation. The PFAS levels were relatively low in the surface sediment, and reached the first high point at 8-20 cm as a result of the wide use of PFASs from 1990 to 2000. After that the PFAS levels decreased, and then increased to a second high point at about 40-48 cm, which might be caused by the leaching of PFASs in sediment. Because PFASs have hydrophilic groups and relatively high solubility, the PFASs will transfer from the upper to lower layers of sediment when water infiltration occurs, leading to the fluctuation of PFAS levels in sediment cores. This study suggests that both the temporal variation of sources and transfer processes of PFASs in sediments are important factors influencing the vertical variation of PFASs in sediment cores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Zhao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University/State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xinghui Xia
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University/State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Shangwei Zhang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University/State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University/State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Zhang Y, Lai S, Zhao Z, Liu F, Chen H, Zou S, Xie Z, Ebinghaus R. Spatial distribution of perfluoroalkyl acids in the Pearl River of southern China. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 93:1519-1525. [PMID: 23973287 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
An intensive campaign was conducted in September 2012 to collect surface water samples along the tributaries of the Pearl River in southern China. Thirteen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs, C4-C11) and perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs, C4, C6-C8, and C10), were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(-)ESI-MS/MS). The concentrations of total PFAAs (ΣPFAAs) ranged from 3.0 to 52 ng L(-1), with an average of 19±12 ng L(-1). The highest concentrations of ΣPFAAs were detected in the surface water of the Dong Jiang tributary (17-52 ng L(-1)), followed by the main stream (13-26 ng L(-1)) and the Sha Wan stream (3.0-4.5 ng L(-1)). Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were the three most abundant PFAAs and on average accounted for 20%, 24%, and 19% of ΣPFAAs, respectively. PFBS was the most abundant PFAA in the Dong Jiang tributary, and PFOA was the highest PFAA in the samples from the main stream of the Pearl River. A correlation was found between PFBS and PFOA, which suggests that both of these PFAAs originate from common source(s) in the region. Nevertheless, the slope of PFBS/PFOA was different in the different tributaries sampled, which indicates a spatial difference in the source profiles of the PFAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyi Zhang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Xie Z, Zhao Z, Möller A, Wolschke H, Ahrens L, Sturm R, Ebinghaus R. Neutral poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in air and seawater of the North Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:7988-8000. [PMID: 23636599 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of neutral poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), such as fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs), perfluoroalkane sufonamidoethanols (FASEs), and fluorotelomer acrylates (FTACs), have been simultaneously determined in surface seawater and the atmosphere of the North Sea. Seawater and air samples were taken aboard the German research vessel Heincke on the cruise 303 from 15 to 24 May 2009. The concentrations of FTOHs, FASAs, FASEs, and FTACs in the dissolved phase were 2.6-74, <0.1-19, <0.1-63, and <1.0-9.0 pg L(-1), respectively. The highest concentrations were determined in the estuary of the Weser and Elbe rivers and a decreasing concentration profile appeared with increasing distance from the coast toward the central part of the North Sea. Gaseous FTOHs, FASAs, FASEs, and FTACs were in the range of 36-126, 3.1-26, 3.7-19, and 0.8-5.6 pg m(-3), which were consistent with the concentrations determined in 2007 in the North Sea, and approximately five times lower than those reported for an urban area of Northern Germany. These results suggested continuous continental emissions of neutral PFASs followed by transport toward the marine environment. Air-seawater gas exchanges of neutral PFASs were estimated using fugacity ratios and the two-film resistance model based upon paired air-seawater concentrations and estimated Henry's law constant values. Volatilization dominated for all neutral PFASs in the North Sea. The air-seawater gas exchange fluxes were in the range of 2.5×10(3)-3.6×10(5) pg m(-2) for FTOHs, 1.8×10(2)-1.0×10(5) pg m(-2) for FASAs, 1.1×10(2)-3.0×10(5) pg m(-2) for FASEs and 6.3×10(2)-2.0×10(4) pg m(-2) for FTACs, respectively. These results suggest that the air-seawater gas exchange is an important process that intervenes in the transport and fate for neutral PFASs in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Xie
- Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, Institute of Coastal Research, Department for Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany,
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Wang S, Huang J, Yang Y, Hui Y, Ge Y, Larssen T, Yu G, Deng S, Wang B, Harman C. First report of a Chinese PFOS alternative overlooked for 30 years: its toxicity, persistence, and presence in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:10163-70. [PMID: 23952109 DOI: 10.1021/es401525n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 358] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This is the first report on the environmental occurrence of a chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (locally called F-53B, C8ClF16O4SK). It has been widely applied as a mist suppressant by the chrome plating industry in China for decades but has evaded the attention of environmental research and regulation. In this study, F-53B was found in high concentrations (43-78 and 65-112 μg/L for the effluent and influent, respectively) in wastewater from the chrome plating industry in the city of Wenzhou, China. F-53B was not successfully removed by the wastewater treatments in place. Consequently, it was detected in surface water that receives the treated wastewater at similar levels to PFOS (ca. 10-50 ng/L) and the concentration decreased with the increasing distance from the wastewater discharge point along the river. Initial data presented here suggest that F-53B is moderately toxic (Zebrafish LC50-96 h 15.5 mg/L) and is as resistant to degradation as PFOS. While current usage is limited to the chrome plating industry, the increasing demand for PFOS alternatives in other sectors may result in expanded usage. Collectively, the results of this work call for future assessments on the effects of this overlooked contaminant and its presence and fate in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), School of Environment, POPs Research Centre, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, P.R. China
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Xie S, Lu Y, Wang T, Liu S, Jones K, Sweetman A. Estimation of PFOS emission from domestic sources in the eastern coastal region of China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 59:336-343. [PMID: 23892226 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and related chemicals (collectively "PFOS equivalents") have been released to the environment through widespread consumer use and disposal of PFOS-containing products like carpet, leather, textiles, paper, food containers, household cleansers, etc. Accordingly, in addition to PFOS-related industries, domestic activities may also considerably contribute to the PFOS emissions in the eastern coastal region of China, which has been characterized by high industrial input. In the present study, domestic emissions of PFOS equivalents derived from municipal wastewater treatment plants were estimated at the county level, using a regression model of domestic emission density with population density and per capita disposable income as independent variables. The total emission load of PFOS equivalents from domestic sources in the eastern coastal region of China was 381kg in 2010, and large cities were prominent as the emission centers. The domestic emission density averaged 0.37g/km(2)·a for the entire study area. Generally, the Beijing-Tianjin area, Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta, as the most populous and economically developed areas in China, showed significantly higher emission density. Geographical variations within individual provinces were noteworthy. The average per capita discharge load of PFOS equivalents arising from domestic activities was 1.91μg/day per capita in the eastern coastal region of China, which is consistent with previous estimates in Korea, but lower than those calculated for developed countries. In comparison, the spatial distributions of provincial PFOS emissions from domestic and industrial sources were similar to each other; however, the latter was much larger for all the provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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