1
|
Liu Y, Lin A, Thompson J, Bowden JA, Townsend TG. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in construction and demolition debris (CDD): discerning sources and fate during waste management. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134567. [PMID: 38735190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
As regulatory frameworks for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) evolve, the solid waste community seeks to manage PFAS risks effectively. Despite extensive research on PFAS in municipal solid waste (MSW) and wastewater sludge, there is limited information on a major global waste stream which seldom gleans regulatory oversight - construction and demolition debris (CDD). This study sampled a CDD processing facility to provide material-specific information on the PFAS profile within CDD. The bulk CDD accepted by this facility was separated into major categories, representatively sampled, then characterized for total available PFAS (∑92PFAS). As reprocessed CDD is ultimately recycled or landfilled, often unencapsulated or in unlined landfills, the PFAS leaching potential was also examined using two leaching procedures. Among the categories assessed for total PFAS, carpeting, carpet padding, and gypsum drywall showed elevated concentrations compared to other components, with most of the PFAS mass contributed by precursor species. However, materials with the highest total PFAS, such as carpeting, did not necessarily exhibit the highest leaching, and leachate was predominantly composed of terminal species rather than precursors. Extrapolating these findings with national CDD generation and management data inventories suggests that despite MSW having higher total available PFAS concentrations, the leachability of PFAS from landfilled CDD is comparable, raising legitimate concerns with CDD disposal practices, particularly in unlined CDD landfills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA
| | - Ashley Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA
| | - Jake Thompson
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA; Department of Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Basic Science Building, Room 324, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiong J, Li Z. Predicting PFAS fate in fish: Assessing the roles of dietary, respiratory, and dermal uptake in bioaccumulation modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119036. [PMID: 38701889 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119036] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
An increasing number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposed to the environment may pose a threat to organisms and human beings. However, there is a lack of simulations comprehensively addressing and comparing the bioaccumulation of PFAS across all three major exposure routes (oral, inhalation, and dermal), especially for dermal uptake. In this study, we proposed a physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model for PFAS, aiming to predict bioaccumulation factors (BAF) in fish by considering these diverse exposure routes. 15 PFAS were used for model validation, and 11 PFAS from Taihu Lake were used for exposure contribution modeling. Approximately 64% of estimations fell within 10-fold model bias from measurements in Taihu Lake, underscoring the potential efficacy of the developed PBK model in predicting BAFs for fish. The dermal route emerges as a contributor to short-chain PFAS exposure. For example, it ranged widely from 46% to 75% (mean) for all modeling short-chain PFAS (C6-C7) in Taihu Lake. It indicated the criticality of considering dermal exposure for PFAS in fish, highlighting a gap in field studies to unravel cutaneous intake mechanisms and contributions. For longer carbon chains of PFAS (C8-C12), dermal exposure accounted for 2%-27% for all species of aquatic organisms. The fish's lipid fraction and water content played a significant role in the contribution of PFAS intake through cutaneous exposure and inhalation. Kow had a significant positive correlation with skin intake rate (p < 0.05) and gill intake rate (p < 0.001), while having a significant negative correlation with skin intake (p < 0.05) and skin intake contribution (p < 0.001). Based on the proposed modeling approach, we have introduced a simulation spreadsheet for projecting PFAS BAFs in fish tissues, hopefully broadening the predictive operational tool for a variety of chemical species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiong
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Zijian Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zarębska M, Bajkacz S, Hordyjewicz-Baran Z. Assessment of legacy and emerging PFAS in the Oder River: Occurrence, distribution, and sources. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118608. [PMID: 38447604 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of emerging contaminants, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in the Polish Oder River, aiming to uncover new insights into their environmental impact. The research aimed to identify potential sources of PFAS, assess water quality levels, and verify compliance with European Union environmental quality standards. The concentrations of 25 PFAS (20 legacy and 5 emerging) in 20 samples from intakes upstream and downstream of urban areas were analyzed using novel, developed in these studies, environmental analytical procedures involving solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of 14 PFAS was confirmed, and the concentration of Σ14PFAS ranged from 7.6 to 68.0 ng/L. The main components were short-chain analogs. PFBA was the most abundant, accounting for about one-third of all PFAS detected. An exception was observed in the waters of the Gliwice Canal, where ADONA represented half of the detected Σ14PFAS. Alternative PFOS replacements were found in all samples. In 11 of 20 water samples, environmental quality standards for PFOS exceeded the limit of 0.65 ng/L. In 5 of 9 cases, the ability of urban areas to increase PFAS levels in the river was determined. 9.5%-54.4% share of alternative PFAS in relation to the sum of the targeted PFAS showing their increasing use as substitutes for phased-out PFOS. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify potential sources of PFAS. Analysis revealed that PFAS in the Oder River most likely originated from domestic and agricultural wastewater, as well as chemical industry discharges. However, the occurrence of PFAS in the Oder River is low and comparable to other recent European studies. These findings provide valuable insights for environmental management to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS pollution in Polish rivers. Moreover, the developed analytical procedure provides a valuable tool that can be successfully applied by other researchers to monitor PFAS in rivers around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Zarębska
- Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, 6 B. Krzywoustego Str., Gliwice, 44-100, Poland; Lukasiewicz Research Network- Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis "Blachownia", 9 Energetyków Str., Kędzierzyn-Koźle, 47-225, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Bajkacz
- Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, 6 B. Krzywoustego Str., Gliwice, 44-100, Poland.
| | - Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran
- Lukasiewicz Research Network- Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis "Blachownia", 9 Energetyków Str., Kędzierzyn-Koźle, 47-225, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pettersson M, Ericson Jogsten I, Yeung LWY. Ways to improve understanding of PFAS contamination - A case study within a waste management facility. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124352. [PMID: 38871169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Waste management facilities are a known source for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment. In this study, water samples from seven subsections within a waste management facility in Sweden were analyzed for PFAS and extractable organofluorine (EOF). Oxidative conversion was used to investigate how much PFAS precursors could contribute to the EOF. Out of the 23 analyzed PFAS, ten compounds accounted for a major proportion of the concentrations. Before oxidative conversion the ∑10PFAS were between 0.44 μg/L and 17 μg/L. The EOF ranged from 2 μg/L F up to 79 μg/L F. There was a greater difference in concentrations and profiles between the subsections in comparison to the four sampling dates at respective sampling point, suggesting different sources of PFAS from the waste. Oxidative conversion revealed presence of precursors by elevated concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids after oxidation, which increased the explained EOF up to 25%. Seven samples from one sampling date were selected to investigate if other fluorinated compounds (inorganic anions, ultra-short-chain PFAS, and zwitterions) could be a part of the unexplained EOF fraction. The contribution of fluorine from tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate were equal or higher proportions than the ∑10PFAS. The presence of the ionic liquids tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate could originate from battery waste, due to their use as counter ions in batteries. Ultra-short-chain PFAS increased the explained EOF by an average of 8%, with trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid being the main contributors. However, the reported concentrations of ultra-short-chain PFAS, were underestimated due to low recovery by the additional washing step to remove inorganic fluoride for EOF analysis. The concentrations of zwitterions were low and increased the explained EOF by < 1%. Our results suggest that EOF, selected PFAS, oxidative conversion and anionic fluorinated substances give a better picture of PFAS contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mio Pettersson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ericson Jogsten
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xiao S, Liu T, Hu LX, Yang B, Ying GG. Non-target and target screening and risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in textile wastewater and receiving river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171876. [PMID: 38531445 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Textile industry uses varieties of chemicals including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are known to be persistent and incompletely removed in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). So far, little is known about what types of PFAS are used in the textile industry and their potential risks. Here we investigated PFAS in two WWTPs and a receiving river of a textile industrial park in Guangxi, China, by using both target and non-target analyses over a two-year period. The target analysis identified 11 specific PFAS, while the non-target analysis revealed a list of 648 different PFAS, including both legacy and emerging substances. Notably, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was still the most prevalent compound detected. Of particular concern was the finding that the investigated WWTPs, which employs an A/O (Anaerobic/Aerobic) process, exhibited a poor removal efficiency for PFAS. The average removal rate was only 22.0 %, indicating that the current treatment processes are inadequate in effectively mitigating PFAS contamination. Correlation analysis further highlighted the potential for PFAS to be transported from WWTPs to the receiving river, revealing a significant and strong positive correlation between the PFAS in the WWTP effluent and those of the river. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and two emerging PFAS (DTXSID30240816 and DTXSID90240817) were identified to have high ecological risks in the receiving river. Notably, these two emerging PFAS are homologues, and their presence in WWTPs has been poorly reported. The findings highlight the wide use and persistence of PFAS in current textile WWTPs, indicating potential long term risks to the receiving environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Xiao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ting Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bin Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. A review of the occurrence and microbial transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171883. [PMID: 38531439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been extensively used for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fuel fires at military sites, airports, and fire-training areas. Despite being a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), our understanding of PFAS occurrence in AFFF formulations and AFFF-impacted environments is limited, as is the impact of microbial transformation on the environment fate of AFFF-derived PFAS. This literature review compiles PFAS concentrations in electrochemical fluorination (ECF)- and fluorotelomer (FT)-based AFFFs and provides an overview of PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. Our analysis reveals that AFFF use is a predominant point source of PFAS contamination, including primary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl substances as AFFF components), secondary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl transformation products of primary precursors), and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Moreover, there are discrepancies between PFAS concentration profiles in AFFFs and those measured in AFFF-impacted media. For example, primary precursors constitute 52.6 % and 99.5 % of PFAS mass in ECF- and FT-based AFFFs, respectively, whereas they represent only 0.7 % total mass in AFFF-impacted groundwater. Conversely, secondary precursors, which constitute <1 % of PFAS in AFFFs, represent 4.0-27.8 % of PFAS in AFFF-impacted environments. The observed differences in PFAS levels between AFFFs and environmental samples are likely due to in-situ biotransformation processes. Biotransformation rates and pathways reported for AFFF-derived primary and secondary precursors varied among different classes of precursors, consistent with the PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. For example, readily biodegradable primary precursors, N-dimethyl ammonio propyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (AmPr-FASA) and n:2 fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonate (n:2 FtTAoS), were rarely detected in AFFF-impacted environments. In contrast, key secondary precursors, perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) and n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (n:2 FTS), were widely detected, which was attributed to their resistance to biotransformation. Key knowledge gaps and future research priorities are presented to better understand the occurrence, fate, and transport of AFFF-derived PFAS in the environment and to design more effective remediation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nguyen HT, Thai PK, Kaserzon SL, O'Brien JW, Mueller JF. Nationwide occurrence and discharge mass load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in effluent and biosolids: A snapshot from 75 wastewater treatment plants across Australia. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134203. [PMID: 38581874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134203] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been recognized as secondary sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released into the environment. In this study, PFAS concentrations were measured in effluent and biosolids samples collected from 75 WWTPs across Australia during the 2016 Census period, which covers more than half of the Australian population. Twelve PFAS compounds, including six C5-C10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), four perfluoro sulfonic acids (PFSAs) such as perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfuorohexane sulfonic (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (PFDS), and one fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS), were detected in the effluent, with concentrations up to 504 ng/L (PFHxS). Among these, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluoropentanic acid (PFPeA) exhibited the highest median concentrations. In the biosolids, a total of 21 PFAS compounds were detected, encompassing ten C4-C14 PFCAs, four PFSAs, two FTS (6:2 and 8:2 FTS), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), two perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (NMethyl FOSAA and NEthyl FOSAA), and two perfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol (FOSE), with dry weight (dw) concentrations approaching 235 ng/g (PFOS). The highest median and mean concentrations were observed for perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and PFOS. An annual discharge of approximately 250 kg of the total 21 PFAS compounds was estimated through the effluent and biosolids of the participating WWTPs. Notably, PFOS and 6:2 FTS constituted the largest proportion of total PFAS in the WWTPs' output. While PFCAs were higher in effluent concentrations compared to influent levels across most WWTPs (92% of WWTPs for ∑8PFCAs), the concentrations of PFSAs either decreased or remained relatively stable (in 80% of WWTPs for ∑4PFSAs) throughout the wastewater treatment process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hue T Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; Faculty of Environment, University of Sciences, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 748500, Viet Nam.
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu C, Goodrow S, Chen H, Li M. Distinctive biotransformation and biodefluorination of 6:2 versus 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids by municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121431. [PMID: 38471201 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) represent an important group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) given their high toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and frequent detection in landfill leachates and PFAS-impacted sites. In this study, we assessed the biodegradability of 6:2 FTCA and 5:3 FTCA by activated sludges from four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the New York Metropolitan area. Coupling with 6:2 FTCA removal, significant fluoride release (0.56∼1.83 F-/molecule) was evident in sludge treatments during 7 days of incubation. Less-fluorinated transformation products (TPs) were formed, including 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 FTUCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). In contrast, little fluoride (0.01∼0.09 F-/molecule) was detected in 5:3 FTCA-dosed microcosms, though 25∼68% of initially dosed 5:3 FTCA was biologically removed. This implies the dominance of "non-fluoride-releasing pathways" that may contribute to the formation of CoA adducts or other conjugates over 5:3 FTCA biotransformation. The discovery of defluorinated 5:3 FTUCA revealed the possibility of microbial attacks of the C-F bond at the γ carbon to initiate the transformation. Microbial community analysis revealed the possible involvement of 9 genera, such as Hyphomicrobium and Dechloromonas, in aerobic FTCA biotransformation. This study unraveled that biotransformation pathways of 6:2 and 5:3 FTCAs can be divergent, resulting in biodefluorination at distinctive degrees. Further research is underscored to uncover the nontarget TPs and investigate the involved biotransformation and biodefluorination mechanisms and molecular basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra Goodrow
- Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mengyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dong S, Yan PF, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Using Network Analysis and Predictive Functional Analysis to Explore the Fluorotelomer Biotransformation Potential of Soil Microbial Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7480-7492. [PMID: 38639388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microbial transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including fluorotelomer-derived PFAS, by native microbial communities in the environment has been widely documented. However, few studies have identified the key microorganisms and their roles during the PFAS biotransformation processes. This study was undertaken to gain more insight into the structure and function of soil microbial communities that are relevant to PFAS biotransformation. We collected 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate biotransformation studies conducted in soil microcosms under various redox conditions. Through co-occurrence network analysis, several genera, including Variovorax, Rhodococcus, and Cupriavidus, were found to likely play important roles in the biotransformation of fluorotelomers. Additionally, a metagenomic prediction approach (PICRUSt2) identified functional genes, including 6-oxocyclohex-1-ene-carbonyl-CoA hydrolase, cyclohexa-1,5-dienecarbonyl-CoA hydratase, and a fluoride-proton antiporter gene, that may be involved in defluorination. This study pioneers the application of these bioinformatics tools in the analysis of PFAS biotransformation-related sequencing data. Our findings serve as a foundational reference for investigating enzymatic mechanisms of microbial defluorination that may facilitate the development of efficient microbial consortia and/or pure microbial strains for PFAS biotransformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Riley-Robb Hall, 111 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Riley-Robb Hall, 111 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Riley-Robb Hall, 111 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu H, Xia Y, Zhang Y, Kang Y, Ding Y, Chen R, Feng H. Distribution characteristics and transformation mechanism of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water sources: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:169566. [PMID: 38160823 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised significant concerns within the realm of drinking water due to their widespread presence in various water sources. This prevalence poses potential risks to human health, ecosystems, and the safety of drinking water. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically categorize the distribution characteristics and transformation mechanisms of PFASs in drinking water sources. This review aims to address this gap by concentrating on the specific sources of PFASs contamination in Chinese drinking water supplies. It seeks to elucidate the migration and transformation processes of PFASs within each source, summarize the distribution patterns of PFASs in surface and subsurface drinking water sources, and analyze how PFASs molecular structure, solubility, and sediment physicochemical parameters influence their presence in both the water phase and sediment. Furthermore, this review assesses two natural pathways for PFASs degradation, namely photolysis and biodegradation. It places particular emphasis on understanding the degradation mechanisms and the factors that affect the breakdown of PFASs by microorganisms. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for the prevention and control of PFAS contamination and the assurance of drinking water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heying Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijing Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ying Kang
- Zhejiang Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center, 117 Xueyuan Road, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangcheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruya Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Huajun Feng
- Ecological-Environment & Health College (EEHC), Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thapa BS, Pandit S, Mishra RK, Joshi S, Idris AM, Tusher TR. Emergence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and advances in the remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170142. [PMID: 38242458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170142] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
A group of fluorinated organic molecules known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been commonly produced and circulated in the environment. PFAS, owing to multiple strong CF bonds, exhibit exceptional stability and possess a high level of resistance against biological or chemical degradation. Recently, PFAS have been identified to cause numerous hazardous effects on the biotic ecosystem. As a result, extensive efforts have been made in recent years to develop effective methods to remove PFAS. Adsorption, filtration, heat treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, and soil washing are a few of the physicochemical techniques that have shown their ability to remove PFAS from contaminated matrixes. However these methods also carry significant drawbacks, including the fact that they are expensive, energy-intensive, unsuitable for in-situ treatment, and requirement to be carried under dormant conditions. The metabolic products released upon PFAS degradation are largely unknown, despite the fact that thermal disintegration methods are widely used. In contrast to physical and chemical methods, biological degradation of PFAS has been regarded as efficient method. However, PFAS are difficult to instantly and completely metabolize through biological methods due to the limitations of biocatalytic mechanisms. Nevertheless, cost, easy-to-operate and environmentally safe are some of the advantages over its counterpart. The present review comprehensively discusses the occurrence of PFAS, the state-of-the science of remediation technologies and approaches applied, and the remediation challenges. The article also focuses on the future research directions toward the development of effective methods for PFAS-contaminated site in-situ treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhim Sen Thapa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India
| | - Sanket Joshi
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Kant Kalwar, NH 11C, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303002, India
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanmoy Roy Tusher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang SH, Shan L, Chu KH. Root exudates enhanced 6:2 FTOH defluorination, altered metabolite profiles and shifted soil microbiome dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133651. [PMID: 38309165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH), one of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is widely used as a raw material in synthesizing surfactants and fluorinated polymers. However, little is known about the role of root exudates on 6:2 FTOH biodegradation in the rhizosphere. This study examined the effects of root exudates produced from dicot (Arabidopsis thaliana) and monocot (Brachypodium distachyon) grown under different nutrient conditions (nutrient-rich, sulfur-free, and potassium-free) on 6:2 FTOH biotransformation with or without bioaugmentating agent Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. All the exudates enhanced defluorination of 6:2 FTOH by glucose-grown RHA1. Amendment of dicot or monocot root exudates, regardless of the plant growth conditions, also enhanced 6:2 FTOH biotransformation in soil microcosms. Interestingly, high levels of humic-like substances in the root exudates are linked to high extents of 6:2 FTOH defluorination. Bioaugmenting strain RHA1 along with root exudates facilitated 6:2 FTOH transformation with a production of more diverse metabolites. Microbial community analysis revealed that Rhodococcus was predominant in all strain RHA1 spiked treatments. Different root exudates changed the soil microbiome dynamics. This study provided new insight into 6:2 FTOH biotransformation with different root exudates, suggesting that root exudates amendment and bioaugmentation are promising approaches to promote rhizoremediation for PFAS-contaminated soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Libo Shan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085, USA
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Feng C, Lin Y, Le S, Ji J, Chen Y, Wang G, Xiao P, Zhao Y, Lu D. Suspect, Nontarget Screening, and Toxicity Prediction of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Landfill Leachate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4737-4750. [PMID: 38408453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Landfills are the final stage of urban wastes containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs in the landfill leachate may contaminate the surrounding groundwater. As major environmental pollutants, emerging PFASs have raised global concern. Besides the widely reported legacy PFASs, the distribution and potential toxic effects of numerous emerging PFASs remain unclear, and unknown PFASs still need discovery and characterization. This study proposed a comprehensive method for PFAS screening in leachate samples using suspect and nontarget analysis. A total of 48 PFASs from 10 classes were identified; nine novel PFASs including eight chloroperfluoropolyether carboxylates (Cl-PFPECAs) and bistriflimide (HNTf2) were reported for the first time in the leachate, where Cl-PFPECA-3,1 and Cl-PFPECA-2,2 were first reported in environmental media. Optimized molecular docking models were established for prioritizing the PFASs with potential activity against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and estrogen receptor α. Our results indicated that several emerging PFASs of N-methyl perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido acetic acids (N-MeFASAAs), n:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (n:3 FTCA), and n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (n:2 FTSA) have potential health risks that cannot be ignored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yuanjie Lin
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Sunyang Le
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jieyun Ji
- Shanghai Changning Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Guoquan Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Ping Xiao
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Dasheng Lu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200336, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Dong R, Song N, Hong M, Li J, Yu J, Kong D. Emerging and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fluorochemical wastewater along full-scale treatment processes: Source, fate, and ecological risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133270. [PMID: 38113743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The increasing applications of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have raised global concern. However, the release of emerging PFAS from the fluorochemical industry remains unclear. Herein, the occurrence of 48 emerging and legacy PFAS in wastewater from 10 fluorochemical manufacturers and mass flows of PFAS in a centralized wastewater treatment plant were investigated. Their distribution and ecological risk in neighboring riverine water were also evaluated. In wastewater from fluorochemical manufacturers, PFAS concentrations were in the range of 14,700-5200,000 ng/L and 2 H,2 H-perfluorooctanoic acid (6:2 FTCA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-EtFOSA), and 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecanesulfonate (8:2 FTS) were the major PFAS detected. Several PFAS displayed increased mass flows after wastewater treatment, especially PFOA and 6:2 FTCA. The mass flows of PFAS increased from - 20% to 233% after the activated sludge system but decreased by only 0-13% after the activated carbon filtration. In riverine water, PFAS concentrations were in the range of 5900-39,100 ng/L and 6:2 FTCA, 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecyl phosphate monoester (8:2 monoPAP), 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorooctyl phosphate monoester (6:2 monoPAP), PFOA, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the major PFAS detected. PFOA and 6:2 FTCA exhibited comparable hazard quotients for ecological risk. Current wastewater treatment processes cannot fully remove various PFAS discharged by fluorochemical manufacturers, and further investigations on their risk are needed for better chemical management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ruochen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ninghui Song
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Minghui Hong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Juying Li
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deyang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tao Y, Pang Y, Luo M, Jiang X, Huang J, Li Z. Multi-media distribution and risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Huai River Basin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169581. [PMID: 38151127 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169581] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The widespread existence, environmental persistence, and risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted widespread attention. Herein, the distribution and risk assessment of PFASs were investigated from the Huai River Basin. The ranges in different media were 29.83-217.96 (average of 75.82 ± 35.64 ng/L) in water, 0.17-9.55 ng/g (2.56 ± 2.83 ng/g) in sediments, and 0.21-9.76 ng/g (3.43 ± 3.07 ng/g) in biota. Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was the most prevalent PFAS in surface water, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), accounted for 42.62 %, 22.23 % and 17.72 % of the total concentrations of the PFASs analyzed, respectively. PFBA was dominant in sediments, accounting for 60.37 % of the total concentrations of the PFASs analyzed. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the main pollutant in biota, and the highest concentration (5.09 ng/g) was found in Channa argus. Considering the measured concentrations in water, sediments and biota, the sediment-water partition coefficients (log Kd) and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of PFASs were determined. The log Kd of the PFASs differed among those with a different carbon chain length, C7-C11 PFASs were more likely to be adsorbed onto sediments as the carbon chain length increases, and PFUnDA and PFDA showed the higher BAF value in Channa argus. PFASs in the Huai River Basin posed an acceptable ecological risk, and long-chain PFAS contamination provided green algae with a higher potential ecological risk. Compared to drinking water, aquatic products constituted a higher PFASs threat to human health, especially for children. The highest HQ was found in PFOS, with an HQmax of 0.97-4.32. Residents in the Huai River Basin should reduce their intake of Channa argus, Coilia nasus, and Carassius auratus, children aged 2 to 4 are limited to consuming no more than 6.9 g/d, 9.7 g/d, and 16.6 g/d, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Tao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yan Pang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Mingke Luo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jiahao Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Zechan Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Resource and Environment, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rohonczy J, Robinson SA, Forbes MR, De Silva AO, Brinovcar C, Bartlett AJ, Gilroy ÈAM. The effects of two short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) on northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpole development. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:177-189. [PMID: 38315267 PMCID: PMC10940426 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) have been detected in the environment globally. The presence and persistence of these compounds in the environment may lead to chronic wildlife exposure. We used northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles to investigate the chronic toxicity and the bioconcentration of two short-chain PFCAs, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). We exposed Gosner stage 25 tadpoles to PFBA and PFHxA (as individual chemicals) at nominal concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 µg/L for 43-46 days. Tadpoles exposed to 0.1 to 100 µg/L of PFBA and PFHxA had significantly higher mean snout-to-vent lengths, mean masses, and scaled mass indexes than control tadpoles. These results indicate that exposure to short-chain PFCAs influences tadpole growth. Further investigation into the mechanism(s) causing the observed changes in tadpole growth is warranted. We observed a significantly higher proportion of males in the PFBA 1 µg/L treatment group, however further histological analyses are required to confirm visual sex identification before making concrete conclusions on the effects of PFCAs on amphibian sex ratios. PFBA concentrations in tissues were higher than PFHxA concentrations; a pattern that contrasts with previously published studies using fish, suggesting potential differences between taxa in PFBA and PFHxA bioconcentration. Bioconcentration factors were <10 L/kg wet weight, indicating low bioconcentration potential in tadpoles. Our results suggest that PFBA and PFHxA may have effects at environmentally-relevant concentrations (0.1-10 µg/L) and further investigation is required before these compounds can be deemed a "safe" alternative to their long-chain counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Rohonczy
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Stacey A Robinson
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Mark R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Cassandra Brinovcar
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Adrienne J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Ève A M Gilroy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gewurtz SB, Auyeung AS, De Silva AO, Teslic S, Smyth SA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Canadian municipal wastewater and biosolids: Recent patterns and time trends 2009 to 2021. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168638. [PMID: 37984658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were determined in raw influent, final effluent, and treated biosolids at Canadian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to evaluate the fate of PFAS through liquid and solids trains of typical treatment process types used in Canada and to assess time trends of PFAS in wastewater between 2009 and 2021. Data for 42 PFAS in samples collected from 27 WWTP across Canada were used to assess current concentrations and 48 WWTPs were included in the time trends analysis. Although regulated and phased-out of production by industry since the early 2000s and late 2000s/early2010s, respectively, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and other long-chain PFAS continue to be widely detected in Canadian wastewater and biosolids. Short-chain PFAS that are not currently regulated in Canada were also widely detected. In general, elevated concentrations of several PFAS were observed at WWTPs that receive landfill leachate. Except for PFOS, concentrations of long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs) generally decreased over time in influent, effluent, and biosolids, which is attributable to industrial production phase-outs and regulations. Concentrations of PFOS did not decrease over time in wastewater media. This indicates that regulatory action and industrial phase-outs of PFOS are slow to be reflected in wastewater. Concentrations of short-chain PFCAs in wastewater influent and effluent consistently increased between 2009 and 2021, which reflect the use of short-chain PFAS as replacements for phased-out and regulated longer-chained PFAS. Short-chain PFAS were infrequently detected in biosolids. Continued periodic monitoring of PFAS in wastewater matrices in Canada and throughout the world is recommended to track the effectiveness of regulatory actions, particularly activities to address the broad class of PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Gewurtz
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Alexandra S Auyeung
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Steven Teslic
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Shirley Anne Smyth
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fang B, Zhang Y, Chen H, Qiao B, Yu H, Zhao M, Gao M, Li X, Yao Y, Zhu L, Sun H. Stability and Biotransformation of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid, Sulfonamide Amine Oxide, and Sulfonamide Alkylbetaine in Aerobic Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2446-2457. [PMID: 38178542 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide (6:2 FTSAm)-based compounds signify a prominent group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used in contemporary aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations. Despite their widespread presence, the biotransformation behavior of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants remains uncertain. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTSAm-based amine oxide (6:2 FTNO), alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) in aerobic sludge over a 100-day incubation period. The biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylamine (6:2 FTAA), a primary intermediate product of 6:2 FTNO, was indirectly assessed. Their stability was ranked based on the estimated half-lives (t1/2): 6:2 FTAB (no obvious products were detected) ≫ 6:2 FTSA (t1/2 ≈28.8 days) > 6:2 FTAA (t1/2 ≈11.5 days) > 6:2 FTNO (t1/2 ≈1.2 days). Seven transformation products of 6:2 FTSA and 15 products of 6:2 FTNO were identified through nontarget and suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The transformation pathways of 6:2 FTNO and 6:2 FTSA in aerobic sludge were proposed. Interestingly, 6:2 FTSAm was hardly hydrolyzed to 6:2 FTSA and further biotransformed to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Furthermore, the novel pathways for the generation of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) from 6:2 FTSA were revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yaozhi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Biting Qiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Maosen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Meng Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Woodcock MJ, Liu C, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate in soils from two aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120941. [PMID: 38070347 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a common ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations, its environmental fate at AFFF-impacted sites remains poorly understood. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTS in microcosms prepared with soils collected from two AFFF-impacted sites; the former Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Robins AFB. The half-life of 6:2 FTS in Loring soil was 43.3 days; while >60 mol% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS remained in Robins soil microcosms after a 224-day incubation. Differences in initial sulfate concentrations and the depletion of sulfate over the incubation likely contributed to the different 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates between the two soils. At day 224, stable transformation products, i.e., C4C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, were formed with combined molar yields of 13.8 mol% and 1.2 mol% in Loring and Robins soils, respectively. Based on all detected transformation products, the biotransformation pathways of 6:2 FTS in the two soils were proposed. Microbial community analysis suggests that Desulfobacterota microorganisms may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. In addition, species from the genus Sphingomonas, which exhibited higher tolerance to elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTS and its biotransformation products, are likely to have contributed to 6:2 FTS biotransformation. This study demonstrates the potential role of biotransformation processes on the fate of 6:2 FTS at AFFF-impacted sites and highlights the need to characterize site biogeochemical properties for improved assessment of 6:2 FTS biotransformation behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Paige T, De Silva T, Buddhadasa S, Prasad S, Nugegoda D, Pettigrove V. Background concentrations and spatial distribution of PFAS in surface waters and sediments of the greater Melbourne area, Australia. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140791. [PMID: 38029939 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
A survey of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was conducted in Melbourne, Australia to determine background concentrations in residential, industrial, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and rural land uses. Surface water and sediment samples collected from 65 sites with different catchment land uses were analysed for thirty-three PFAS. Twenty-two out of thirty-three targeted PFAS were detected, with at least one PFAS species was detected in 98% water samples and 8% sediment samples. One site was determined to have point-source pollution from an airport (surface water Σ33PFAS = 4261 ng/L) and was excluded from statistical analyses. The median Σ33PFAS concentration in surface water was 63.5 ng/L and the average was 78.6 ng/L (range < DL-526 ng/L). PFAS species with the highest median concentrations were PFBA (11.3 ng/L), PFHxA (9.2 ng/L), PFOA (8.3 ng/L), PFOS (8.0 ng/L), PFPeA (7.5 ng/L), PFHpA (3.2 ng/L), and PFHxS (2.9 ng/L). The average Σ4PFAS in sediments was 0.35 ng/g d.w. (range =
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Paige
- Aquatic Environmental Stress (AQUEST) Research Group, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Thishakya De Silva
- National Measurement Institute, 1/153 Bertie St, Port Melbourne, Victoria, 3207, Australia
| | - Saman Buddhadasa
- National Measurement Institute, 1/153 Bertie St, Port Melbourne, Victoria, 3207, Australia
| | - Shiva Prasad
- National Measurement Institute, 105 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- Aquatic Environmental Stress (AQUEST) Research Group, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Vincent Pettigrove
- Aquatic Environmental Stress (AQUEST) Research Group, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tolaymat T, Robey N, Krause M, Larson J, Weitz K, Parvathikar S, Phelps L, Linak W, Burden S, Speth T, Krug J. A critical review of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) landfill disposal in the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167185. [PMID: 37734620 PMCID: PMC10842600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Landfills manage materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from municipal solid waste (MSW) and other waste streams. This manuscript summarizes state and federal initiatives and critically reviews peer-reviewed literature to define best practices for managing these wastes and identify data gaps to guide future research. The objective is to inform stakeholders about waste-derived PFAS disposed of in landfills, PFAS emissions, and the potential for related environmental impacts. Furthermore, this document highlights data gaps and uncertainties concerning the fate of PFAS during landfill disposal. Most studies on this topic measured PFAS in liquid landfill effluent (leachate); comparatively fewer have attempted to estimate PFAS loading in landfills or other effluent streams such as landfill gas (LFG). In all media, the reported total PFAS heavily depends on waste types and the number of PFAS included in the analytical method. Early studies which only measured a small number of PFAS, predominantly perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), likely report a significant underestimation of total PFAS. Major findings include relationships between PFAS effluent and landfill conditions - biodegradable waste increases PFAS transformation and leaching. Based on the results of multiple studies, it is estimated that 84% of PFAS loading to MSW landfills (7.2 T total) remains in the waste mass, while 5% leaves via LFG and 11% via leachate on an annual basis. The environmental impact of landfill-derived PFAS has been well-documented. Additional research is needed on PFAS in landfilled construction and demolition debris, hazardous, and industrial waste in the US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thabet Tolaymat
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Nicole Robey
- Innovative Technical Solutions, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Max Krause
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judd Larson
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Keith Weitz
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Lara Phelps
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - William Linak
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan Burden
- Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tom Speth
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan Krug
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ahrens L, Rakovic J, Ekdahl S, Kallenborn R. Environmental distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Svalbard: Local sources and long-range transport to the Arctic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140463. [PMID: 37852382 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The environmental distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, snow, sediment and soil samples taken along the west coast of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, Norwegian Arctic, was determined. The contribution of potential local primary sources (wastewater, firefighting training site at Svalbard airport, landfill) to PFAS concentrations and long-range transport (atmosphere, ocean currents) were then compared, based on measured PFAS levels and composition profiles. In remote coastal and inland areas of Spitsbergen, meltwater had the highest mean ΣPFAS concentration (6.5 ± 1.3 ng L-1), followed by surface snow (2.5 ± 1.7 ng L-1), freshwater (2.3 ± 1.1 ng L-1), seawater (1.05 ± 0.64 ng L-1), lake sediments (0.084 ± 0.038 ng g-1 dry weight (dw)) and marine sediments (
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jelena Rakovic
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7014, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Siri Ekdahl
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Christian Magnus Falsens vei 18, 1433 Ås, Norway; University Centre in Svalbard, Box 156, NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Moneta BG, Feo ML, Torre M, Tratzi P, Aita SE, Montone CM, Taglioni E, Mosca S, Balducci C, Cerasa M, Guerriero E, Petracchini F, Cavaliere C, Laganà A, Paolini V. Occurrence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in wastewater treatment plants in Northern Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 894:165089. [PMID: 37355117 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165089] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are known to be relevant input sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, fate, and seasonal variability of twenty-five PFAS in four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP A, B, C, and D) surrounding the city of Milan (Northern, Italy). Composite 24-h wastewater samples were collected in July and October 2021 and May and February 2022 from influents and effluents of the four WWTPs. PFAS were detected at concentrations ranging between 24.1 and 66.9 μg L-1 for influent and 13.4 and 107 μg L-1 for effluent wastewater samples. Perfluoropentanoic acid was the most abundant (1.91-30.0 μg L-1) in influent samples, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonic acid predominated (0.80-66.1 μg L-1) in effluent samples. In sludge, PFOA was detected in plant A at concentrations in the range of 96.6-165 ng kg-1 dw in primary sludge samples and 98.6-440 ng kg-1 dw in secondary treatment sludge samples. The removal efficiency of total PFAS varied between 6 % and 96 %. However, an increase of PFAS concentrations was observed from influents to effluents for plant D (during July and October), plant A (during October and May), and plant C (during May) indicating that biotransformation of PFAS precursors can occur during biological treatments. This was supported by the observed increase in concentrations of PFOA from primary to secondary treatment sludge samples in plant A. Moreover, the plant operating at shorter hydraulic retention times (plant D) showed lower removal efficiency (<45 %). Seasonal variation of PFAS in influent and effluent appears rather low and more likely due to pulse release instead of seasonal factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Luisa Feo
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Torre
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Tratzi
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Elsa Aita
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Maria Montone
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Taglioni
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Mosca
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Balducci
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Cerasa
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Guerriero
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Petracchini
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavaliere
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Paolini
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang YH, Ding TT, Huang ZY, Liang HY, Du SL, Zhang J, Li HX. Environmental exposure and ecological risk of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) in the Shaying River Basin, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139537. [PMID: 37478992 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139537] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
There have been concerns raised about the environmental effects of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) because of their toxicity, widespread distribution, and persistence. Understanding the occurrences and ecological risk posed by PFASs is essential, especially for the short-chain replacements perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), which are now becoming predominant PFASs. The lack of aquatic life criteria (ALC), however, prevents an accurate assessment of the ecological risks of PFBA and PFBS. This study thus investigated the occurrence of 15 PFASs at 29 sampling sites in Shaying River Basin (in China) systematically, conducted the toxicity tests of PFBA and PFBS on eight resident aquatic organisms in China, and derived the predicted non-effect concentration (PNEC) values for PFBA and PFBS for two environmental media in China. The results showed that the total PFASs concentrations (ΣPFASs) ranged from 5.07 to 20.32 ng/L (average of 10.95 ng/L) in surface water, whereas in sediment, ΣPFASs ranged from 6.46 to 20.05 ng/g (dw) (average of 11.51 ng/g). The presence of PFBS was the most prominent PFASs in both water (0.372-8.194 ng/L) and sediment (4.54-15.72 ng/g), demonstrating that short-chain substitution effects can be observed in watersheds. The PNEC values for freshwater and sediment were 6.60 mg/L and 8.30 mg/kg (ww), respectively, for PFBA, and 14.04 mg/L, 37.08 mg/kg (ww), respectively, for PFBS. Ecological risk assessment of two long-chain PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and two short-chain PFASs, PFBA and PFBS, using the hazard quotient method revealed that Shaying River and other major River Basins in China were at risk of PFOS contamination. This study contributes to a better understanding of the presence and risk of PFASs in the Shaying River and first proposes the ALCs for PFBA and PFBS in China, which could provide important reference information for water quality standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China; Environmental Analysis and Testing Laboratory, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China.
| | - Ting-Ting Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Zi-Yan Huang
- Environmental Analysis and Testing Laboratory, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China; Hangzhou Yanqu Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 310005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Waste Water Resource of Anhui Province, College of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Hong-Yi Liang
- Environmental Analysis and Testing Laboratory, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Shi-Lin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China; Environmental Analysis and Testing Laboratory, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Waste Water Resource of Anhui Province, College of Environment and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Hui-Xian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Joseph NT, Schwichtenberg T, Cao D, Jones GD, Rodowa AE, Barlaz MA, Charbonnet JA, Higgins CP, Field JA, Helbling DE. Target and Suspect Screening Integrated with Machine Learning to Discover Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Source Fingerprints. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14351-14362. [PMID: 37696050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
This study elucidates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) fingerprints for specific PFAS source types. Ninety-two samples were collected from aqueous film-forming foam impacted groundwater (AFFF-GW), landfill leachate, biosolids leachate, municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (WWTP), and wastewater effluent from the pulp and paper and power generation industries. High-resolution mass spectrometry operated with electrospray ionization in negative mode was used to quantify up to 50 target PFASs and screen and semi-quantify up to 2,266 suspect PFASs in each sample. Machine learning classifiers were used to identify PFASs that were diagnostic of each source type. Four C5-C7 perfluoroalkyl acids and one suspect PFAS (trihydrogen-substituted fluoroethernonanoic acid) were diagnostic of AFFF-GW. Two target PFASs (5:3 and 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids) and two suspect PFASs (4:2 fluorotelomer-thia-acetic acid and N-methylperfluoropropane sulfonamido acetic acid) were diagnostic of landfill leachate. Biosolids leachates were best classified along with landfill leachates and N-methyl and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid assisted in that classification. WWTP, pulp and paper, and power generation samples contained few target PFASs, but fipronil (a fluorinated insecticide) was diagnostic of WWTP samples. Our results provide PFAS fingerprints for known sources and identify target and suspect PFASs that can be used for source allocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayantara T Joseph
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Trever Schwichtenberg
- Chemistry Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Dunping Cao
- Chemistry Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Gerrad D Jones
- Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Morton A Barlaz
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Joseph A Charbonnet
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cheng X, Liu L, Ge Y, Weber R, Huang J. Target and non-target analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in representative chrome mist suppressants on the Chinese market. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139419. [PMID: 37419156 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Fluorinated chrome mist suppressants (CMSs) have been widely used in the electroplating industry globally, including China. In compliance with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, China has phased out perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as CMS, except for closed-loop systems, before March 2019. Since then, several alternatives have been introduced to replace PFOS, but many of them still belong to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) family. In this study, for the first time, we collected and analyzed CMS samples from the Chinese market in 2013, 2015, and 2021 to determine their PFAS composition. For products with relatively few PFAS targets, we performed a total fluorine (TF) screening test and suspect and non-target analysis. Our findings suggest that 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) has become the primary alternative on the Chinese market. Surprisingly, we identified 8:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (8:2 Cl-PFAES) as the primary ingredient in a CMS product (F-115B), which is the longer chain modification of the classical CMS product (F-53B). Furthermore, we identified three novel PFASs as PFOS alternatives, including hydrogen-substituted perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (H-PFSAs) and perfluorinated ether sulfonates (O-PFSAs). We also screened and identified six hydrocarbon surfactants in PFAS-free products as the primary ingredients. Despite this, some PFOS-based CMSs remain on the Chinese market. To prevent the opportunistic use of PFOS for illegal purposes, it is essential to enforce regulations strictly and ensure that such CMSs are used only in closed-loop chrome plating systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Cheng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOC), Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies (BLEFT), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Liquan Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOC), Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies (BLEFT), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuxi Ge
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOC), Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies (BLEFT), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Roland Weber
- POPs Environmental Consulting, Ulmenstrasse 23, 73527, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory for Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOC), Beijing Laboratory for Environmental Frontier Technologies (BLEFT), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Point AD, Crimmins BS, Holsen TM, Fernando S, Hopke PK, Darie CC. Can blood proteome diversity among fish species help explain perfluoroalkyl acid trophodynamics in aquatic food webs? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162337. [PMID: 36848995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse family of industrially significant synthetic chemicals infamous for extreme environmental persistence and global environmental distribution. Many PFAS are bioaccumulative and biologically active mainly due to their tendency to bind with various proteins. These protein interactions are important in determining the accumulation potential and tissue distribution of individual PFAS. Trophodynamics studies including aquatic food webs present inconsistent evidence for PFAS biomagnification. This study strives to identify whether the observed variability in PFAS bioaccumulation potential among species could correspond with interspecies protein composition differences. Specifically, this work compares the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) serum protein binding potential and the tissue distribution of ten perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) detected in alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii), and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) of the Lake Ontario aquatic piscivorous food web. These three fish sera and fetal bovine reference serum all had unique total serum protein concentrations. Serum protein-PFOS binding experiments showed divergent patterns between fetal bovine serum and fish sera, suggesting potentially two different PFOS binding mechanisms. To identify interspecies differences in PFAS-binding serum proteins, fish sera were pre-equilibrated with PFOS, fractionated by serial molecular weight cut-off filter fractionation, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the tryptic protein digests and the PFOS extracts of each fraction. This workflow identified similar serum proteins for all fish species. However, serum albumin was only identified in lake trout, suggesting apolipoproteins are likely the primary PFAA transporters in alewife and deepwater sculpin sera. PFAA tissue distribution analysis provided supporting evidence for interspecies variations in lipid transport and storage, which may also contribute to the varied PFAA accumulation in these species. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD039145.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Point
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America.
| | - Bernard S Crimmins
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; AEACS, LLC, New Kensington, PA, United States of America
| | - Thomas M Holsen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Sujan Fernando
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Costel C Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Grgas D, Petrina A, Štefanac T, Bešlo D, Landeka Dragičević T. A Review: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances-Biological Degradation. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050446. [PMID: 37235260 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), highly stable synthetic organic compounds with multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, are emerging as environmental contaminants, toxic, bioaccumulative, and environmentally persistent. PFASs are strongly resistant to biological and chemical degradation, and therefore PFASs present a challenge to researchers and scientists for a better understanding and application of remediation methods and biodegradation of PFASs and have become subject to strict government regulations. The review summarizes the recent knowledge of bacterial and fungal degradation of PFASs, as well as the enzymes involved in the processes of transformation/degradation of PFASs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Grgas
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Petrina
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tea Štefanac
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Drago Bešlo
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tibela Landeka Dragičević
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu M, Munoz G, Hermiston J, Zhang J, Vo Duy S, Wang D, Sundar Dey A, Bottos EM, Van Hamme JD, Lee LS, Sauvé S, Liu J. High Persistence of Novel Polyfluoroalkyl Betaines in Aerobic Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7442-7453. [PMID: 37144860 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Some contemporary aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) contain n:3 and n:1:2 fluorotelomer betaines (FTBs), which are often detected at sites impacted by AFFFs. As new chemical replacements, little is known about their environmental fate. For the first time, we investigated the biotransformation potential of 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTBs and a commercial AFFF that mainly contains n:3 and n:1:2 FTBs (n = 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13). Although some polyfluoroalkyl compounds are precursors to perfluoroalkyl acids, 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTBs exhibited high persistence, with no significant changes even after 120 days of incubation. While the degradation of 5:3 FTB into suspected products such as fluorotelomer acids or perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) could not be conclusively confirmed, we did identify a potential biotransformation product, 5:3 fluorotelomer methylamine. Similarly, 5:1:2 FTB did not break down or produce short-chain hydrogen-substituted polyfluoroalkyl acids (n:2 H-FTCA), hydrogen-substituted PFCA (2H-PFCA), or any other products. Incubating the AFFF in four soils with differing properties and microbial communities resulted in 0.023-0.25 mol % PFCAs by day 120. Most of the products are believed to be derived from n:2 fluorotelomers, minor components of the AFFF. Therefore, the findings of the study cannot be fully explained by the current understanding of structure-biodegradability relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Juliana Hermiston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Anindya Sundar Dey
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Eric M Bottos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Van Hamme
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu SS, You WD, Chen CE, Wang XY, Yang B, Ying GG. Occurrence, fate and ecological risks of 90 typical emerging contaminants in full-scale textile wastewater treatment plants from a large industrial park in Guangxi, Southwest China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:131048. [PMID: 36821905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent industrial relocation in China causes lots of environment concerns including risks of emerging contaminants (ECs). Herein, the occurrence, fate, removal and ecological risks of 34 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 17 endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), 16 phthalate esters (PAEs), and 23 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in two textile WWTPs (conventional and Fenton-modified) from a large textile industrial park in Southwest China. Totally 50 ECs were identified and the levels followed the order of PAEs > EDCs > PFAS ≈ PAHs. The EDCs predominated in textile washing and rinsing wastewater whereas the PAEs did in desizing wastewater. Biphasic correlations of log Kd and log P, molecular weight, and numbers of rings (r2 = 0.63-0.66, p < 0.01) were observed for PAHs, suggesting that hydrophobicity might not facilitate adsorption of super-hydrophobic PAHs onto activated sludge. 63-69% of detected ECs were effectively removed by two textile WWTPs with removal efficiencies ≥ 80%, which were much higher than previous reports. Fenton processing enhanced the removal efficiencies for long-chain PFAS rather than short-chain PFAS. The PAEs and EDCs posed a medium-to-high risk to aquatic organisms and were screened as the priority ECs. To date, such a comprehensive investigation for ECs has not been previously conducted in textile WWTPs and this study provides basic information about regional chemical emission inventory of ECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen-Dan You
- Guangdong Yuehai Water Inspection Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Chang-Er Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wang
- College of Environment and Life Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Bin Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Min X, Wang Y. Enhanced adsorption of short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid by functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica: Performance and mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:131047. [PMID: 36827723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Removal of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represents a unique challenge in comparison to the long-chain homologs. In this study, a series of functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) materials with tunable molar ratio of fluoroalkyl to amine functional groups were developed and used as platform adsorbents to investigate the adsorption behavior of short-chain PFAS, with a focus on perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). Modification with fluoroalkyl group substantially enhanced the adsorption affinity of PFBA with the functionalized PMO materials. Adsorption free energy analysis suggested that although electrostatic interactions were more predominant in PFBA adsorption, modification of PMOs with increased fluoroalkyl group loadings increased the non-electrostatic interactions with PFBA, resulting in more favorable PFBA adsorption. The optimal functionalized PMO showed fast PFBA adsorption kinetics, excellent PFBA removal efficiency in various water chemistry conditions, and can be regenerated and reused for numerous cycles with methanol/water mixture containing 500-mM NH3·H2O as regenerant. Furthermore, the optimal functionalized PMO showed robust performance for the removal of PFAS mixtures under complex natural water matrix. Results of this study suggested the important role of non-electrostatic interactions in enhancing the removal of short-chain PFAS and can provide mechanistic insights into guiding the design of improved adsorbents for PFAS removal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Min
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
| | - Yin Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Schaefer CE, Hooper JL, Strom LE, Abusallout I, Dickenson ERV, Thompson KA, Mohan GR, Drennan D, Wu K, Guelfo JL. Occurrence of quantifiable and semi-quantifiable poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in united states wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119724. [PMID: 36801573 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Both quantifiable and semi-quantifiable poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were evaluated in the influent, effluent, and biosolids of 38 wastewater treatment plants. PFAS were detected in all streams at all facilities. For the means of the sums of detected, quantifiable PFAS concentrations were 98 ± 28 ng/L, 80 ± 24 ng/L, and 160,000 ± 46,000 ng/kg (dry weight basis) in the influent, effluent, and biosolids (respectively). In the aqueous influent and effluent streams this quantifiable PFAS mass was typically associated with perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). In contrast, quantifiable PFAS in the biosolids were primarily polyfluoroalkyl substances that potentially serve as precursors to the more recalcitrant PFAAs. Results of the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay on select influent and effluent samples showed that semi-quantified (or, unidentified) precursors accounted for a substantial portion (21 to 88%) of the fluorine mass compared to that associated with quantified PFAS, and that this fluorine precursor mass was not appreciably transformed to perfluoroalkyl acids within the WWTPs, as influent and effluent precursor concentrations via the TOP assay were statistically identical. Evaluation of semi-quantified PFAS, consistent with results of the TOP assay, showed the presence of several classes of precursors in the influent, effluent, and biosolids; perfluorophosphonic acids (PFPAs) and fluorotelomer phosphate diesters (di-PAPs) occurred in 100 and 92% of biosolid samples, respectively. Analysis of mass flows showed that, for both quantified (on a fluorine mass basis) and semi-quantified PFAS, the majority of PFAS exited WWTPs through the aqueous effluent compared to the biosolids stream. Overall, these results highlight the importance of semi-quantified PFAS precursors in WWTPs, and the need to further understand the impacts of their ultimate fate in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurel E Strom
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | | | - Eric R V Dickenson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson, NV, 89015, USA
| | - Kyle A Thompson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson, NV, 89015, USA; Carollo Engineers, 8911N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Gayathri Ram Mohan
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, Lawrenceville, GA 30045, USA
| | - Dina Drennan
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Berhanu A, Mutanda I, Taolin J, Qaria MA, Yang B, Zhu D. A review of microbial degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Biotransformation routes and enzymes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160010. [PMID: 36356780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, copious amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (dubbed "forever chemicals") have been dumped into the environment, causing heavy contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater sources. Humans, animals, and the environment are frequently exposed to PFAS through food, water, consumer products, as well as waste streams from PFAS-manufacturing industries. PFAS are a large group of synthetic organic fluorinated compounds with widely diverse chemical structures that are extremely resistant to microbial degradation. Their persistence, toxicity to life on earth, bioaccumulation tendencies, and adverse health and ecological effects have earned them a "top priority pollutant" designation by regulatory bodies. Despite that a number of physicochemical methods exist for PFAS treatment, they suffer from major drawbacks regarding high costs, use of high energy and incomplete mineralization (destruction of the CF bond). Consequently, microbial degradation and enzymatic treatment of PFAS are highly sought after as they offer a complete, cheaper, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative. In this critical review, we provide an overview of the classification, properties, and interaction of PFAS within the environment relevant to microbial degradation. We discuss latest developments in the biodegradation of PFAS by microbes, transformation routes, transformation products and degradative enzymes. Finally, we highlight the existing challenges, limitations, and prospects of bioremediation approaches in treating PFAS and proffer possible solutions and future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Berhanu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Haramaya Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Ishmael Mutanda
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ji Taolin
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Majjid A Qaria
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu X, Huang X, Wei X, Zhi Y, Qian S, Li W, Yue D, Wang X. Occurrence and removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in leachates from incineration plants: A full-scale study. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137456. [PMID: 36470352 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid wastes (MSWs) contain diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and these substances may leach into leachates, resulting in potential threats to the environment and human health. In this study, leachates from incineration plants with on-site treatment systems were measured for 17 PFAS species, including 13 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 4 perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs). PFAS were detected in all of the raw leachates and finished effluents in concentrations ranging from 7228 to 16,565 ng L-1 and 43 to 184 ng L-1, respectively, with a greater contribution from the short-chain PFAS and PFCAs. The results showed that the existing combined processes (biological treatment and membrane filtration) were effective in decreasing PFAS in the aqueous phase with removal efficiencies over 95%. In addition, correlation analysis suggested that physical entrapment, not biodegradation, was the main means of PFAS reduction in the treatment system. These results filled a gap in the understanding of PFAS occurrence and removal in leachates from incineration plants during the full-scale treatment processes, and demonstrated those leachates were previously under-explored sources of PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xingyao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yue Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shenhua Qian
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Ecological Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Ecological Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Dongbei Yue
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Balgooyen S, Remucal CK. Impacts of Environmental and Engineered Processes on the PFAS Fingerprint of Fluorotelomer-Based AFFF. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:244-254. [PMID: 36573898 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Forensic analysis can potentially be used to determine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) sources at contaminated sites. However, fluorotelomer aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) sources are difficult to identify because the polyfluorinated active ingredients do not have authentic standards and because the parent compounds can undergo transformation and differential transport, resulting in alteration of the PFAS distribution or fingerprint. In this study, we investigate changes in the PFAS fingerprint of fluorotelomer-derived AFFF due to environmental and engineered processes, including groundwater transport, surface water flow, and land application of contaminated biosolids. Fingerprint analysis supplemented by quantification of precursors and identification of suspected active ingredients shows a clear correlation between a fluorotelomer AFFF manufacturer and surface water of nearby Lake Michigan, demonstrating contamination (>100 ng/L PFOA) of the lake due to migration of an AFFF-impacted groundwater plume. In contrast, extensive processing during wastewater treatment and environmental transport results in large changes to the AFFF fingerprint near agricultural fields where contaminated biosolids were spread. At biosolids-impacted sites, the presence of active ingredients confirms contamination by fluorotelomer AFFF. While sediments can retain longer-chain PFAS, this study demonstrates that aqueous samples are most relevant for PFAS fingerprinting in complex sites, particularly where shorter-chain compounds have been used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Balgooyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Christina K Remucal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
EOF and target PFAS analysis in surface waters affected by sewage treatment effluents in Berlin, Germany. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:1195-1204. [PMID: 36633619 PMCID: PMC9899726 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04500-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging organic pollutants and can occur in surface and groundwater. To identify the degree of pollution in surface water with PFAS, often targeted HPLC-ESI-MS/MS has been employed in which commonly 30-40 compounds are analyzed. However, other PFAS and organofluorines remain undetected. We sampled surface water of the river Spree and the Teltow Canal in Berlin, Germany, which are affected by the effluent discharge of wastewater treatment plants. Here, we employed high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) for measuring extractable organofluorines (EOF) and compared in a mass balance approach the total fluorine to the identified and quantified PFAS from the targeted analysis. The analysis highlights that the EOF are in the range expected for an urban river system (Winchell et al. in Sci Total Environ 774, 2021). However, downstream of an effluent discharge, the EOF increased by one order of magnitude, e.g., 40.3 to 574 ng F L-1, along the Teltow Canal. From our target analytes, mostly short-chained perfluorinated carboxylic acids and sulfonates occur in the water, which however makes up less than 10% of the EOF. The increase in EOF in the Teltow Canal correlates well with the increase of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), indicating that PFHxA is characteristic for the discharged EOF but not responsible for the increase. Hence, it points to PFHxA precursor discharge. The study highlights that EOF screening using HR-CS-GFMAS is necessary to identify the full scale of pollution with regard to PFAS and other organofluorines such as pharmaceutical compounds from the effluent of WWTPs.
Collapse
|
39
|
He A, Liang Y, Li F, Lu Y, Liu C, Li J, Zhou Z, Zhu N, Liao C, Wang Y, Jiang G. Vital Environmental Sources for Multitudinous Fluorinated Chemicals: New Evidence from Industrial Byproducts in Multienvironmental Matrices in a Fluorochemical Manufactory. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16789-16800. [PMID: 36354080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Direct emissions from fluorochemical manufactory are an important source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the environment. In this study, a wide range of PFASs, including 8 legacy PFASs, 8 long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and 40 emerging PFASs, were investigated through a target screening in multienvironmental matrices from a fluorochemical manufactory in China. Indoor dust was the most polluted matrix, wherein 52 PFASs were detected, and the median concentration of long-chain PFCA was 276 ng/g. A high level of short-chain PFAS in total suspended particles (median concentration = 416 ng/m3) and the effluent in the manufactory (Σ48PFAS = 212 μg/L) will undoubtedly increase the burden on the surrounding environment. Twenty-four industrial byproducts were ascertained to be generated during the electrochemical fluorination (ECF) process, and eight fluorinated alternatives were considered to be produced during product development. Twelve PFASs were quantified for the first time in the working environments. Perfluoropropane sulfonic acid, perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA), and 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid are abundant fluorinated alternatives, with median levels of 1187-17204 ng/g in the dust. Significant positive correlations between ECF-related PFAS products and byproducts indicate that the detected values are strongly connected with the industrial source. Hierarchical cluster analysis further manifests their affiliation. Our findings raise the need for further investigations of emerging PFAS (including the first report of PFAS, such as PFEESA, in the environment) which may be released during the production process in the fluorochemical manufactories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anen He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wu X, Nguyen H, Kim D, Peng H. Chronic toxicity of PFAS-free AFFF alternatives in terrestrial plant Brassica rapa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158100. [PMID: 35987222 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158100] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fluorine (F)-free firefighting foams will be replacing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) at U.S. military installations imminently, yet the environmental impacts of F-free foams are largely unknown. Ecotoxicity assessment of F-free foams is urgently needed to avoid replacement regret. In this study, we comparatively assessed phytotoxicity of six F-free formulations and one current short-chain fluorinated AFFF in terrestrial plant Brassica rapa. Five of six F-free formulations exerted higher toxicity than the short-chain AFFF to the growth and reproduction of B. rapa, with 8-51 times and > 10 times lower EC50 values, respectively. Nontargeted analysis indicated the occurrence of transformation products of the test formulations in the above-ground plant tissues. In agreement with their phytotoxicity, the five highly toxic F-free formulations generated more transformation products with higher peak intensities in plant tissues than the two weakly toxic formulations. The most abundant transformation products detected in plant extracts were suspect transformation products derived from diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, a common ingredient of the five toxic formulations. This study provides ecotoxicological data that, combined with data from all related ongoing research, should be used in decision making regarding recommendations for manufacturing and use of candidate F-free foams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wu
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Helen Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Damian Kim
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada; School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nguyen MA, Norström K, Wiberg K, Gustavsson J, Josefsson S, Ahrens L. Seasonal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in river water affected by fire training sites and wastewater treatment plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136467. [PMID: 36116619 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fire-fighting training areas and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are potential sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the nearby aquatic environment. This study investigated seasonal variations of PFAS levels in two river catchments in Sweden; one impacted by Stockholm Arlanda Airport (Sites 1 and 2), and the other by WWTPs and a military airport (Uppsala) (Sites 3 and 4). ƩPFAS concentrations were up to 61 (Sites 1 and 2) and 4 (Sites 3 and 4) times higher compared to the reference site. Distinct different seasonal trends were observed in the two catchments with higher ∑PFAS concentrations during the high water flow season at Site 1 compared to the low water flow season, whereas Sites 3 and 4 showed an inverse seasonal trend. This demonstrates that the pollution is mobilized during periods of high flow in the first catchment (Stockholm Arlanda Airport), while it is diluted during high flow in the second catchment (Uppsala). Average annual loads for ∑PFASs were estimated at ∼5.2 and ∼3.7 kg yr-1 for the catchment in Uppsala and Stockholm Arlanda Airport, respectively. Thus, both catchments add PFASs to Lake Mälaren, which is Sweden's most important source area for drinking water production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh A Nguyen
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Norström
- Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, 10648, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jakob Gustavsson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sarah Josefsson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden; Geological Survey of Sweden, Box 670, SE-75128, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wang Y, Li L, Huang Q. Electrooxidation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in chloride-containing water on surface-fluorinated Ti 4O 7 anodes: Mitigation and elimination of chlorate and perchlorate formation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135877. [PMID: 35931258 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135877] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electrooxidation (EO) has been shown effective in degrading per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water, but concurrent formation of chlorate and perchlorate in the presence of chloride is of concern due to their toxicity. This study examined EO treatment of three representative PFASs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), in chloride-containing solutions on pristine and surface-fluorinated Ti4O7 anodes having different percentage of surface fluorination. The experiment results indicate that surface fluorination of Ti4O7 anodes slightly inhibited PFAS degradation, while significantly decreased the formation of chlorate and perchlorate. Further studies with spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) computation reveal the mechanisms of the impact on EO performance by anode fluorination. In particular, chlorate and perchlorate formation were fully inhibited when fluorinated Ti4O7 anode was used in reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) under a proper anodic potential range (<3.0 V vs Standard Hydrogen Electrode), resulting from slower intermediate reaction steps and short residence time of the REM system. The results of this study provide a basis for design and optimization of modified Ti4O7 anodes for efficient EO treatment of PFAS while limiting chlorate and perchlorate formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaye Wang
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, United States
| | - Lei Li
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, United States
| | - Qingguo Huang
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Liu C, Woodcock MJ, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Biotransformation of 8:2 Fluorotelomer Alcohol in Soil from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs)-Impacted Sites under Nitrate-, Sulfate-, and Iron-Reducing Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13728-13739. [PMID: 36127292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The environmental fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) remains largely unknown, especially under the conditions representative of natural subsurface systems. In this study, the biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH), a component of new-generation AFFF formulations and a byproduct in fluorotelomer-based AFFFs, was investigated under nitrate-, iron-, and sulfate-reducing conditions in microcosms prepared with AFFF-impacted soils. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) were employed to identify biotransformation products. The biotransformation was much slower under sulfate- and iron-reducing conditions with >60 mol % of initial 8:2 FTOH remaining after ∼400 days compared to a half-life ranging from 12.5 to 36.5 days under nitrate-reducing conditions. Transformation products 8:2 fluorotelomer saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids (8:2 FTCA and 8:2 FTUA) were detected under all redox conditions, while 7:2 secondary fluorotelomer alcohol (7:2 sFTOH) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were only observed as transformation products under nitrate-reducing conditions. In addition, 1H-perfluoroheptane (F(CF2)6CF2H) and 3-F-7:3 acid (F(CF2)7CFHCH2COOH) were identified for the first time during 8:2 FTOH biotransformation. Comprehensive biotransformation pathways for 8:2 FTOH are presented, which highlight the importance of accounting for redox condition and the related microbial community in the assessment of PFAS transformations in natural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Matthew J Woodcock
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030-3411, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li J, Peng G, Xu X, Liang E, Sun W, Chen Q, Yao L. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater from a contaminated site in the North China Plain: Occurrence, source apportionment, and health risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134873. [PMID: 35551938 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are manmade chemicals that have wide industrial and commercial application. However, little research has been carried out on PFASs pollution in groundwater from a previously contaminated site. Here, we investigated 43 PFASs in a monitoring campaign from two different aquifers in the North China Plain. Our results revealed that total PFASs concentrations (∑43PFASs) ranged from 0.22 to 3,776.76 ng/L, with no spatial or compositional differences. Moreover, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) were the dominant pollutants with mean concentrations of 177.33 ng/L and 51 ng/L, respectively. ∑43PFAS decreased with well depth due to the adsorption of PFASs to the aquifer materials. Water temperature, total organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, and total phosphorus concentrations were correlated to the PFAS concentrations. Principal component analysis indicated that the main sources of PFASs in groundwater were untreated industrial discharge, untreated domestic wastewater, food packaging, aqueous film forming foams and metal plating, and surface runoff, which overlapped with the industries that previously existed in a nearby city. Human health risks from drinking contaminated groundwater were low to the local residents, with children aged 1-2 years being the most sensitive group. One specific site with a high PFOA concentration was of concern, as it was several orders higher than the 70 ng/L recommended by US Environmental Protection Agency health advisory. This study provided baseline data for PFASs in a previously-contaminated site, which will help in the development of effective strategies for controlling PFASs pollution in the North China Plain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Guyu Peng
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xuming Xu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Enhang Liang
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Lei Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mu H, Li J, Chen L, Hu H, Wang J, Gu C, Zhang XX, Ren HQ, Wu B. Distribution, source and ecological risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Chinese municipal wastewater treatment plants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107447. [PMID: 35940032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are sinks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) generated by human activities and are also sources of PFASs in aquatic environment. This study analyzed distribution, source and ecological risk of 14 PFASs in influent and effluent samples from 148 Chinese municipal WWTPs. Composition and concentrations of PFASs in the influents and effluents had obvious spatial differences. Fluoropolymer processing aids/wrappers and textile treatments/coatings were found to be the dominant sources in WWTP influents, which accounted for 78.34% of all sources. Consumption structure and metal and transportation equipment manufacturing affected the spatial differences of PFASs in WWTPs. Further, mean removal rate of total PFASs in all WWTPs was -5.45%. The conventional treatment processes can not effectively remove PFASs and no significant difference was found among different treatment processes. However, risk quotient values of PFASs in effluents were all below 0.1, indicating low risk or no risk to aquatic organisms. It should be noted that the composition, source and ecological risk of PFASs in east China were different from the other regions, which need more attentions. This study sheds insights into occurrencesof PFASs in municipal WWTPs, which should be helpful for their control strategy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jiahao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Haidong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Cheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xu-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Hong-Qiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Viticoski RL, Wang D, Feltman MA, Mulabagal V, Rogers SR, Blersch DM, Hayworth JS. Spatial distribution and mass transport of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in surface water: A statewide evaluation of PFAS occurrence and fate in Alabama. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155524. [PMID: 35489494 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been previously detected near suspected sources in Alabama, but the overall extent of contamination across the state is unknown. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of 17 PFAS within the ten major river basins in Alabama and provided insights into their transport and fate through a mass flux analysis. Six PFAS were identified in 65 out of the 74 riverine samples, with mean ∑6PFAS levels of 35.2 ng L-1. The highest ∑6PFAS concentration of 237 ng L-1 was detected in the Coosa River, a transboundary river that receives discharges from multiple sources in Alabama and Georgia. PFAS distribution was not observed to be uniform across the state: while the Coosa, Alabama, and Chattahoochee rivers presented relatively high mean ∑6PFAS concentrations of 191, 100 and 28.8 ng L-1, respectively, PFAS were not detected in the Conecuh, Escatawpa, and Yellow rivers. Remaining river systems presented mean ∑6PFAS concentrations between 7.94 and 24.7 ng L-1. Although the short-chain perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was the most detected analyte (88%), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) was the substance with the highest individual concentration of 79.4 ng L-1. Consistent increases in the mass fluxes of PFAS were observed as the rivers flowed through Alabama, reaching up to 63.3 mg s-1, indicating the presence of numerous sources across the state. Most of the mass inputs would not have been captured if only aqueous concentrations were evaluated, since concentration is usually heavily impacted by environmental conditions. Results of this study demonstrate that mass flux is a simple and powerful complementary approach that can be used to broadly understand trends in the transport and fate of PFAS in large river systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Viticoski
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Danyang Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Meredith A Feltman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Vanisree Mulabagal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Stephanie R Rogers
- Department of Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - David M Blersch
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Joel S Hayworth
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yang SH, Shan L, Chu KH. Fate and Transformation of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid Affected by Plant, Nutrient, Bioaugmentation, and Soil Microbiome Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10721-10731. [PMID: 35830472 PMCID: PMC10134682 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) is a dominant per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted soil. While its biotransformation mechanisms have been studied, the complex effects from plants, nutrients, and soil microbiome interactions on the fate and removal of 6:2 FTSA are poorly understood. This study systematically investigated the potential of phytoremediation for 6:2 FTSA byArabidopsis thalianacoupled with bioaugmentation ofRhodococcus jostiiRHA1 (designated as RHA1 hereafter) under different nutrient and microbiome conditions. Hyperaccumulation of 6:2 FTSA, defined as tissue/soil concentration > 10 and high translocation factor > 3, was observed in plants. However, biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA only occurred under sulfur-limited conditions. Spiking RHA1 not only enhanced the biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA in soil but also promoted plant growth. Soil microbiome analysis uncovered Rhodococcus as one of the dominant species in all RHA1-spiked soil. Different nutrients such as sulfur and carbon, bioaugmentation, and amendment of 6:2 FTSA caused significant changes in - microbial community structure. This study revealed the synergistic effects of phytoremediation and bioaugmentation on 6:2 FTSA removal. and highlighted that the fate of 6:2 FTSA was highly influced by the complex interactions of plants, nutrients, and soil microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Libo Shan
- Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Sun Y, Liu L, Li M, Xu F, Yu W. Theoretical evidence for the formation of perfluorocarboxylic acids form atmospheric oxidation degradation of fluorotelomer acrylates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:55092-55104. [PMID: 35312922 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19788-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The atmospheric oxidation degradation of fluorotelomer acrylates (FTAcs) has been proposed as a potential source of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in remote locations. In this paper, detailed reactions of the main oxidant OH radicals with 4:2 FTAc in the atmosphere have been investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculation. All possible pathways involved in the oxidation process were presented and discussed. Based on the mechanism, transition state theory (TST) was used to predict the rate constants of the key elementary steps including the initial reactions of OH radical with n:2 FTAcs and the subsequent reactions of the main intermediates. Studies show that the reaction processes of OH radical addition to C = C bond are dominant and the fluorotelomer glyoxylate and formaldehyde are the major products. At 296 K, the calculated overall rate constant of 4:2 FTAc with OH radical is 1.19 × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 with an atmospheric lifetime of 23.3 h. In the atmosphere, fluorotelomer glyoxylate will continue to be oxidized, which will lead to the formation of PFCAs ultimately. In addition, atmospheric reactions of more carbons FTAc (CnF2n+1CH2CH2OC(O)CH = CH2, n = 6, 8, 10) are also discussed in the presence of O2/NOx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Xu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanni Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water and Soil Conservation and Environmental Protection, College of Resources and Environment, Linyi University, Linyi, 276005, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Just H, Göckener B, Lämmer R, Wiedemann-Krantz L, Stahl T, Breuer J, Gassmann M, Weidemann E, Bücking M, Kowalczyk J. Degradation and Plant Transfer Rates of Seven Fluorotelomer Precursors to Perfluoroalkyl Acids and F-53B in a Soil-Plant System with Maize ( Zea mays L.). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:8920-8930. [PMID: 35840126 PMCID: PMC9335875 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer precursors in soil constitute a reservoir for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the environment. In the present study, precursor degradation and transfer rates of seven fluorotelomer precursors and F-53B (chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates) were investigated in pot experiments with maize plants (Zea mays L.). The degradation of fluorotelomer precursors to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and their uptake spectra corresponded to those of fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) in terms of the number of perfluorinated carbon atoms. Short-chain PFCAs were translocated into the shoots (in descending order perfluoropentanoic, perfluorobutanoic, and perfluorohexanoic acid), whereas long-chain PFCAs mainly remained in the soil. In particular, fluorotelomer phosphate diesters (diPAPs) were retained in the soil and showed the highest degradation potential including evidence of α-oxidative processes. F-53B did not degrade to PFAAs and its constituents were mainly detected in the roots with minor uptake into the shoots. The results demonstrate the important role of precursors as an entry pathway for PFCAs into the food chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Just
- Department
Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment, Unit Feed, and Feed Additives, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- . Phone: +4930 18412 28409
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
| | - René Lämmer
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
| | - Lars Wiedemann-Krantz
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stahl
- Chemical
and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe
(CVUA-MEL), Joseph-König-Strasse
40, 48147 Münster, Germany
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Agricultural
Technology Centre Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstraße 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department
of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University
of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Strasse 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department
of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University
of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Strasse 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Mark Bücking
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
- School of
Chemistry, Monash University, Box 23, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Janine Kowalczyk
- Department
Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment, Unit Feed, and Feed Additives, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Méndez V, Holland S, Bhardwaj S, McDonald J, Khan S, O'Carroll D, Pickford R, Richards S, O'Farrell C, Coleman N, Lee M, Manefield MJ. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate by Dietzia aurantiaca J3 under sulfur-limiting conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154587. [PMID: 35306084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The polyfluorinated alkyl substance 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) has been detected in diverse environments impacted by aqueous film-forming foams used for firefighting. In this study, a bacterial strain (J3) using 6:2 FTS as a sulfur source was isolated from landfill leachate previously exposed to polyfluoroalkyl substances in New South Wales, Australia. Strain J3 shares 99.9% similarity with the 16S rRNA gene of Dietzia aurantiaca CCUG 35676T. Genome sequencing yielded a draft genome sequence of 37 contigs with a G + C content of 69.7%. A gene cluster related to organic sulfur utilisation and assimilation was identified, that included an alkanesulfonate monooxygenase component B (ssuD), an alkanesulfonate permease protein (ssuC), an ABC transporter (ssuB), and an alkanesulfonate-binding protein (ssuA). Proteomic analyses comparing strain J3 cultures using sulfate and 6:2 FTS as sulfur source indicated that the ssu gene cluster was involved in 6:2 FTS biodegradation. Upregulated proteins included the SsuD monooxygenase, the SsuB transporter, the ABC transporter permease (SsuC), an alkanesulfonate-binding protein (SsuA), and a nitrilotriacetate monooxygenase component B. 6:2 Fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (6:2 FTCA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated acid (6:2 FTUA) were detected as early degradation products in cultures (after 72 h) while 5:3 fluorotelomer acid (5:3 FTCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were detected as later degradation products (after 168 h). This work provides biochemical and metabolic insights into 6:2 FTS biodegradation by the Actinobacterium D. aurantiaca J3, informing the fate of PFAS in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Méndez
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sophie Holland
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Shefali Bhardwaj
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - James McDonald
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart Khan
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Denis O'Carroll
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Russell Pickford
- UNSW Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | | | | | - Nicholas Coleman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew Lee
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Manefield
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|