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Błaszczyk W, Siatecka A, Tlustoš P, Oleszczuk P. Occurrence and dissipation mechanisms of organic contaminants during sewage sludge anaerobic digestion: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173517. [PMID: 38821290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173517] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Sewage sludge, a complex mixture of contaminants and pathogenic agents, necessitates treatment or stabilization like anaerobic digestion (AD) before safe disposal. AD-derived products (solid digestate and liquid fraction) can be used as fertilizers. During AD, biogas is also produced, and used for energy purposes. All these fractions can be contaminated with various compounds, whose amount depends on the feedstocks used in AD (and their mutual proportions). This paper reviews studies on the distribution of organic contaminants across AD fractions (solid digestate, liquid fraction, and biogas), delving into the mechanisms behind contaminant dissipation and proposing future research directions. AD proves to be a relatively effective method for removing polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic resistance genes and hydrocarbons. Contaminants are predominantly removed through biodegradation, but many compounds, especially hydrophobic (e.g. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are also sorbed onto digestate particles. The process of sorption is suggested to reduce the bioavailability of contaminants. As a result of sorption, contaminants accumulate in the largest amount in the solid digestate, whereas in smaller amounts in the other AD products. Polar pharmaceuticals (e.g. metformin) are particularly leached, while volatile methylsiloxanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, characterized by a high Henry's law constant, are volatilized into the biogas. The removal of compounds can be affected by AD operational parameters, the type of sludge, physicochemical properties of contaminants, and the sludge pretreatment used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Błaszczyk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, 15 Akademicka Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Siatecka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, 15 Akademicka Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Pavel Tlustoš
- Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 129 Kamýcká Street, Praha 6 - Suchdol 165 00, Czech Republic
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 3 Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
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Qiao B, Chen H, Song D, Yu H, Baqar M, Li X, Zhao L, Yao Y, Sun H. Multimedia distribution and release characteristics of emerging PFAS in wastewater treatment plants in Tianjin, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134879. [PMID: 38876021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Legacy and emerging PFAS in the air, wastewater, and sludge from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Tianjin were investigated in this study. The semi-quantified nontarget PFAS accounted for up to 99 % of ƩPFAS in the gas phase, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-related PFAS were predominant in wastewater (up to 2250 ng/L, 79 % of ƩPFAS) and sludge (up to 4690 ng/g, 95 % of ƩPFAS). Furthermore, field-derived air particle-gas, air-wastewater, and wastewater particle-wastewater distribution coefficients of emerging PFAS are characterized, which have rarely been reported. The emerging substitute p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS) and AFFF-related cationic and zwitterionic PFAS show a stronger tendency to partition into particle phase in air and wastewater than perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The estimated total PFAS emissions from the effluent and sludge of WWTP A were 202 kg/y and 351 kg/y, respectively. While the target PFAS only accounted for 20-33 % of the total emissions, suggesting a significant underestimation of environmental releases of the nontarget PFAS and unknown perfluoroalkyl acid precursors through the wastewater and sludge disposal. Overall, this study highlights the importance of comprehensive monitoring and understanding the behavior of legacy and emerging PFAS in wastewater systems, and fills a critical gap in our understanding of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biting Qiao
- 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.
| | - Dongbao Song
- 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
| | - Mujtaba Baqar
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Leicheng Zhao
- 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
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Deligiannis M, Gkalipidou E, Gatidou G, Kostakis MG, Triantafyllos Gerokonstantis D, Arvaniti OS, Thomaidis NS, Vyrides I, Hale SE, Peter Arp H, Fountoulakis MS, Stasinakis AS. Study on the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during thermophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge and the role of granular activated carbon addition. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 406:131013. [PMID: 38901748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131013] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Limited information is available on the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in anaerobic digestion (AD). Τhe fate of six PFAS was studied in thermophilic bioreactors in the presence of granular activated carbon (GAC) and voltage application. Reactors with GAC exhibited lower concentrations of volatile fatty acids and higher methane production compared to those with and without the application of voltage. Analysis of PFAS in dissolved and solid phase showed that their distribution was dependent on perfluorocarbon chain length and functional group. Mass balances showed that PFAS were not removed during conventional AD or after applying voltage; however, significant removal (up to 61 ± 8 %) was observed in bioreactors with GAC for perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Biomass characterization showed that in these bioreactors, the relative abundance of Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas was higher, indicating their potential role in PFAS biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evdokia Gkalipidou
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
| | - Georgia Gatidou
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
| | - Marios G Kostakis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | | | - Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Agricultural Development, Agrofood and Management of Natural Resources, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna 34400, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vyrides
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 95 Eirinis Str., Limassol 3603, Cyprus
| | - Sarah E Hale
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Ullevål Stadion, P.O. Box 3930, 0806, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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Wen J, Neha S, Biller P, Kristensen K, Vergeynst L. Detection of volatile hydroperfluoroalkanes during hydrothermal liquefaction of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids at circumneutral pH. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134955. [PMID: 38901253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising technology for converting wet organic waste such as sewage sludge into biocrude oil while simultaneously destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study tracked the fate and degradation of six representative PFAS in water to address the effect of perfluoroalkyl chain length on degradation rates and the formation of volatile transformation products at 300-350 °C. While perfluorosulfonic acids were recalcitrant, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were rapidly and completely decarboxylated to hydroperfluoroalkanes (1 H-perfluoroheptane in the case of perfluorooctanoic acid). The volatile hydroperfluoroalkane was subsequently defluorinated without detectable fluorocarbon intermediates yielding 30-60 % defluorination for ammonium perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate), perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid after 2 h at 350 °C. Increasing temperature (especially at 350 °C) and longer perfluoroalkyl chains substantially enhanced the defluorination. This is the first study to report volatile hydroperfluoroalkanes from PFCAs in HTL, raising concern about the potential emission of long-lived greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, but also opening new avenues for PFAS destruction through HTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Wen
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Shukla Neha
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Patrick Biller
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kasper Kristensen
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Leendert Vergeynst
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Morales M, Arp HPH, Castro G, Asimakopoulos AG, Sørmo E, Peters G, Cherubini F. Eco-toxicological and climate change effects of sludge thermal treatments: Pathways towards zero pollution and negative emissions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134242. [PMID: 38626686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The high moisture content and the potential presence of hazardous organic compounds (HOCs) and metals (HMs) in sewage sludge (SS) pose technical and regulatory challenges for its circular economy valorisation. Thermal treatments are expected to reduce the volume of SS while producing energy and eliminating HOCs. In this study, we integrate quantitative analysis of SS concentration of 12 HMs and 61 HOCs, including organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with life-cycle assessment to estimate removal efficiency of pollutants, climate change mitigation benefits and toxicological effects of existing and alternative SS treatments (involving pyrolysis, incineration, and/or anaerobic digestion). Conventional SS treatment leaves between 24 % and 40 % of OPFRs unabated, while almost no degradation occurs for PFAS. Thermal treatments can degrade more than 93% of target OPFRs and 95 % of target PFAS (with the rest released to effluents). The different treatments affect how HMs are emitted across environmental compartments. Conventional treatments also show higher climate change impacts than thermal treatments. Overall, thermal treatments can effectively reduce the HOCs emitted to the environment while delivering negative emissions (from about -56 to -111 kg CO2-eq per tonne of sludge, when pyrolysis is involved) and producing renewable energy from heat integration and valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Morales
- Industrial Ecology Programme (IndEcol), Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7034 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), 0886 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Institute for Research in Chemical and Biological Analysis (IAQBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Erlend Sørmo
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), 0886 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1430 Ås, Norway
| | - Gregory Peters
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE 412 96, Sweden
| | - Francesco Cherubini
- Industrial Ecology Programme (IndEcol), Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7034 Trondheim, Norway
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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.
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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.
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We ACE, Stickland AD, Clarke BO, Freguia S. The role of suspended biomass in PFAS enrichment in wastewater treatment foams. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121349. [PMID: 38401288 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Foaming in aerated bioreactors at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been identified as an operational issue for decades. However, the affinity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for air-liquid interfaces suggests that foam harvesting has the potential to become a sustainable method for PFAS removal from sewage. Aerated bioreactors' foams are considered three-phase systems, comprising air, aqueous and solid components, the latter consisting of activated sludge biomass. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of the capability of aerated bioreactors' foams to enrich PFAS, we analysed PFAS concentrations from WWTPs in both the solid and aqueous phases of the collapsed foams (foamate) and underlying bulk mixed liquors. Our findings show that PFAS enrichment occurs not only in the aqueous phase but also in the solid phase of the foamate. This suggests that previous field studies that only analysed the aqueous phase may have underestimated the capability of the aerated bioreactors' foams to enrich PFAS. Fractions of PFOA and PFOS sorbed to the solid phase of the foamate can be as high as 60 % and 95 %, respectively. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing effective foamate management strategies that consider both the aqueous and solid phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Chyi En We
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony D Stickland
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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Link GW, Reeves DM, Cassidy DP, Coffin ES. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in final treated solids (Biosolids) from 190 Michigan wastewater treatment plants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132734. [PMID: 37922581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132734] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Trends in concentration, distribution, and variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids are characterized using an extensive dataset of 350 samples from 190 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across Michigan. All samples are comprised of final treated solids generated at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Concentrations of both individual and Σ24 PFAS are lognormally distributed, with Σ24 PFAS concentrations ranging from 1-3200 ng/g and averaging 108 ± 277 ng/g dry wt. PFAS with carboxyl and sulfonic functional groups comprise 29% and 71% of Σ24 PFAS concentrations, respectively, on average. Primary sample variability in concentration is associated with long-chain PFAS with higher tendency for partitioning to biosolids. Short-chain carboxylic compounds, most notably PFHxA, are responsible for secondary concentration variability. Usage of FTSA and PFBS replacements to long-chain sulfonic compounds also contributes to variance in biosolids concentrations. Sulfonamide precursor compounds as a collective group are detected at a similar frequency as PFOS and often have higher concentrations. Trends in PFAS enrichment for individual PFAS vary at least 3 orders-of-magnitude and generally increase with compound hydrophobicity; however, partitioning of PFAS onto solids in WWTPs is a complex process not easily described nor constrained using experimentally-derived partitioning coefficients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett W Link
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Donald M Reeves
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA.
| | - Daniel P Cassidy
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Ethan S Coffin
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
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Dai M, Yan N, Brusseau ML. Potential impact of bacteria on the transport of PFAS in porous media. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120350. [PMID: 37499541 PMCID: PMC10530518 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The transport and fate of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and groundwater is a topic of critical concern. A number of factors and processes may influence the transport and fate of PFAS in porous media. One factor that has received minimal attention to date is the impact of bacteria on the retention and transport of PFAS, which is the focus of this current study. The first part of this work comprised a critical review of prior studies to delineate observed PFAS-bacteria interactions and to summarize the mechanisms of PFAS sorption and retention by bacteria. Retention of PFAS by bacteria can occur through sorption onto cell surfaces and/or by incorporation into the cell interior. Factors such as the molecular structure of PFAS, solution chemistry, and bacterial species can affect the magnitude of PFAS sorption. The influence of bacteria on the retention and transport of PFAS was investigated in the second part of the study with a series of batch and miscible-displacement experiments. Batch experiments were conducted using Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis to quantify the sorption of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The results indicated that both bacteria showed strong adsorption of PFOS, with no significant difference in adsorption capacity. Miscible-displacement experiments were then conducted to examine the retention and transport of PFOS in both untreated sand and sand inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Bacillus subtilis for 1 and 3 days. The transport of PFOS exhibited greater retardation for the experiments with inoculated sand. Furthermore, the enhanced sorption was greater for the 3-day inoculation compared to the 1-day, indicating that biomass is an important factor affecting PFOS transport. A mathematical model representing transport with nonlinear and rate-limited sorption successfully simulated the observed PFOS transport. This study highlights the need for future studies to evaluate the effect of bacteria on the transport of PFAS in soil and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Dai
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ni Yan
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Mark L Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
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Kumar R, Dada TK, Whelan A, Cannon P, Sheehan M, Reeves L, Antunes E. Microbial and thermal treatment techniques for degradation of PFAS in biosolids: A focus on degradation mechanisms and pathways. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131212. [PMID: 36934630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic chemicals detected in biosolids worldwide, which have become a significant concern for biosolids applications due to their increasing environmental risks. Hence, it is pivotal to understand the magnitude of PFAS contamination in biosolids and implement effective technologies to reduce their contamination and prevent hazardous aftermaths. Thermal techniques such as pyrolysis, incineration and gasification, and biodegradation have been regarded as impactful solutions to degrade PFAS and transform biosolids into value-added products like biochar. These techniques can mineralize PFAS compounds under specific operating parameters, which can lead to unique degradation mechanisms and pathways. Understanding PFAS degradation mechanisms can pave the way to design the technology and to optimize the process conditions. Therefore, in this review, we aim to review and compare PFAS degradation mechanisms in thermal treatment like pyrolysis, incineration, gasification, smouldering combustion, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), and biodegradation. For instance, in biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), firstly C-S bond cleavage occurs which is followed by hydroxylation, decarboxylation and defluorination reactions to form perfluoroheptanoic acid. In HTL, PFOS degradation is carried through OH-catalyzed series of nucleophilic substitution and decarboxylation reactions. In contrast, thermal PFOS degradation involves a three-step random-chain scission pathway. The first step includes C-S bond cleavage, followed by defluorination of perfluoroalkyl radical, and radical chain propagation reactions. Finally, the termination of chain propagation reactions produces very short-fluorinated units. We also highlighted important policies and strategies employed worldwide to curb PFAS contamination in biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Tewodros Kassa Dada
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Anna Whelan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Townsville City Council, Wastewater Operations, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | | | - Madoc Sheehan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Louise Reeves
- Queensland Water Directorate, Brisbane, QLD 4009, Australia
| | - Elsa Antunes
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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Gobelius L, Glimstedt L, Olsson J, Wiberg K, Ahrens L. Mass flow of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Swedish municipal wastewater network and wastewater treatment plant. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139182. [PMID: 37302497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed in wastewater, due to their numerous uses in industry and consumer products, but little is known of PFAS mass flows in municipal wastewater network systems and within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study assessed mass flows of 26 PFAS in a wastewater network and WWTP, to provide new insights into their sources, transport, and fate in different treatment steps. Wastewater and sludge samples were collected from pumping stations and the main WWTP in Uppsala, Sweden. PFAS composition profiles and mass flows were used to identify sources within the sewage network. Wastewater from one pumping station showed elevated concentrations of C3-C8 PFCA, likely caused by an industrial source, and two stations had elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTSA, probably originating from a nearby firefighter training facility. Within the WWTP, short-chain PFAS dominated in wastewater, whereas long-chain PFAS dominated in sludge. The ratio of perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSA) and ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (EtFOSAA) to ∑26PFAS decreased during the WWTP process, likely due to sorption to sludge, but also transformation (EtFOSAA). Overall, PFAS were not efficiently removed in the WWTP, with mean removal efficiency of 10 ± 68% for individual PFAS, resulting in discharge of 7000 mg d-1 ∑26PFAS into the recipient. This shows that conventional WWTPs are inefficient in removing PFAS from wastewater and sludge, so advanced treatment techniques are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gobelius
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Glimstedt
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jesper Olsson
- Uppsala Vatten Och Avfall AB, Box 1444, 75144, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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12
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Li W, Li L, Li B, Peng L, Xu Y, Li R, Song K. Effect and mechanism of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on anaerobic digestion sludge dewaterability. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139142. [PMID: 37290510 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as nonbiodegradable organic pollutant, its presence and risks in wastewater treatment system has aroused wide concern. This study investigated the effect and underlying mechanism of PFOA on anaerobic digestion sludge (ADS) dewaterability. Long-term exposure experiments were set up to investigate the effect with various concentration of PFOA dosed. Experimental results suggested that the existence of high concentration PFOA (over 1000 μg/L) could deteriorate ADS dewaterability. The long-term exposure to 100,000 μg/L PFOA of ADS increased specific resistance filtration (SRF) by 81.57%. It was found that PFOA promoted the release of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which was strongly associated with sludge dewaterability. The fluorescence analysis revealed that the high PFOA concentration could significantly improve the percentage of protein-like substances and soluble microbial by-product-like content, and then further deteriorated the dewaterability. The FTIR results showed that long-term exposure of PFOA caused loose protein structure in sludge EPS, which led to loose sludge floc structure. The loose sludge floc structure aggravated the deterioration of sludge dewaterability. The solids-water distribution coefficient (Kd) decreased with the increase of initial PFOA concentration. Moreover, PFOA significantly affected microbial community structure. Metabolic function prediction results showed significant decrease of fermentation function exposed to PFOA. This study revealed that the PFOA with high concentration could deteriorated sludge dewaterability, which should be highly concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China; National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Biqing Li
- Guangzhou Sewage Purification Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Lai Peng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Renhui Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Kang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
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13
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Fournie T, Rashwan TL, Switzer C, Gerhard JI. Smouldering to treat PFAS in sewage sludge. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:219-227. [PMID: 37084670 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.008] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are accumulation points for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and are threfore important facilities for PFAS treatment. This study explored using smouldering combustion to treat PFAS in sewage sludge. Base case experiments at the laboratory scale (LAB) used dried sludge mixed with sand. High moisture content (MC) LAB tests, 75% MC sludge by mass, explored impacts of MC on treatment and supplemented with granular activated carbon (GAC) to achieve sufficient temperatures for thermal destruction of PFAS. Additional LAB tests explored using calcium oxide (CaO) to support fluorine mineralization. Further tests performed at an oil-drum scale (DRUM) assessed scale on PFAS removal. Pre-treatment sludge and post-treatment ash samples from all tests were analyzed for 12 PFAS (2C-8C). Additional emissions samples were collected from all LAB tests and analyzed for 12 PFAS and hydrogen fluoride. Smouldering removed all monitored PFAS from DRUM tests, and 4-8 carbon chain length PFAS from LAB tests. For base case tests, PFOS and PFOA were completely removed from sludge; however, high contents in the emissions (79-94% of total PFAS by mass) showed volatilization without degradation. Smouldering high MC sludge at ∼ 900 °C (30 g GAC/kg sand) improved PFAS degradation compared to treatment below 800 °C (<20 g GAC/kg sand). Addition of CaO before smouldering reduced PFAS content in emissions by 97-99% by mass; with minimal PFAS retained in the ash and minimal hydrofluoric acid (HF) production, as the fluorine from the PFAS was likely mineralized in the ash. Co-smouldering with CaO had dual benefits of removing PFAS while minimizing other hazardous emission by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fournie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, N6A 5B9 London, ON, Canada.
| | - T L Rashwan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, N6A 5B9 London, ON, Canada; School of Engineering & Innovation, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK(1).
| | - C Switzer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, G1 1XJ Glasgow, UK.
| | - J I Gerhard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, N6A 5B9 London, ON, Canada
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Kumar R, Whelan A, Cannon P, Sheehan M, Reeves L, Antunes E. Occurrence of emerging contaminants in biosolids in northern Queensland, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121786. [PMID: 37156436 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify and quantify different classes of emerging contaminants (ECs), such as pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals (HMs), polycyclic musks (PMs) in biosolids from different sewage treatment plants (STPs) from regional councils across Northern Queensland, Australia. Biosolids samples were named BS1 to BS7 for each council. The results revealed significant variations in the concentrations of different ECs in biosolids which could be explained in some instances by the characteristics of the upstream sewage network. For instance, BS4-biosolids from a small agricultural shire (largely sugarcane) showed the highest concentration of zinc and copper, which were 2430 and 1050 mg/kg, respectively. Among PPCPs, the concentration of ciprofloxacin was found to be the highest in BS3 and BS5, two large regional council areas which are a mix of domestic and industrial (predominantly domestic) biosolids of 1010 and 1590 ng/g, respectively. In addition, the quantity of sertraline was consistently high in all biosolids except from BS7, one of the smaller regional councils, which is indicative of the domestic catchments attached. PFAS compounds were detected in all biosolids samples except in BS6, one of the small (agricultural and tourist) catchments. Two PFAS compounds emerged as the most common pollutants that were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The largest industrial catchment biosolids, BS2 showed the highest concentration of PFOS at 253 ng/g, while the smallest regional council, BS7 showed the maximum concentration of 7.90 ng/g of PFOA. Overall, this study concludes that certain ECs such as HMs, antibiotics, PFOS and PFOA in biosolids may pose high environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Anna Whelan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Townsville City Council, Wastewater Operations, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Madoc Sheehan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Louise Reeves
- Queensland Water Directorate, Brisbane, QLD, 4009, Australia
| | - Elsa Antunes
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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15
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Ojemaye CY, Ojemaye MO, Okoh AI, Okoh OO. Evaluation of the research trends on perfluorinated compounds using bibliometric analysis: knowledge gap and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:570-595. [PMID: 37128712 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2203639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Detection of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the environment has been a global concern because of the risk they pose due to their endocrine-disruptive properties. This study analyzed the global trends and research productivity of PFCs from 1990 to 2021. A total number of 3256 articles on PFCs were retrieved from the Web of Science focusing on different environmental and biological matrices. An increase in the productivity of research on PFCs was observed during the survey period which indicates that more research and publications on this class of contaminants are expected in the future. Evaluating the most productive countries and the number of citations per country on PFCs research shows that China and the United States of America were ranked in first and second places. It was also observed that research on PFCs received the most attention from scientists in developed countries, with little research emerging from Africa. Hence, research on PFCs in developing countries, especially low-income countries should be promoted. Consequently, more research programs should be implemented to investigate PFCs in countries and regions where research on these contaminants is low. The study will help researchers, government agencies and policymakers to tailor future research, allocation of funds to PFCs research and countries' collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Y Ojemaye
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Mike O Ojemaye
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- SAMRC, Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Anthony I Okoh
- SAMRC, Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Environmental health Sciences, College of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Omobola O Okoh
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- SAMRC, Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
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16
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Gravesen CR, Lee LS, Choi YJ, Silveira ML, Judy JD. PFAS release from wastewater residuals as a function of composition and production practices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121167. [PMID: 36731742 PMCID: PMC10597385 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of highly persistent contaminants that have been linked to human health effects at low exposure concentrations. Public concerns exist that land-application of biosolids may result in the release of PFAS into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The relative importance of inorganic constituents such as Fe and Al, which are known to impact PFAS retention/release behavior in soils, on PFAS release from wastewater residuals (WWRs, i.e., biosolids and sewage sludges) is not well understood. Here, we examine native concentrations and WWR-water partition coefficients of a range of PFAS in the context of WWRs characteristics including oxalate-extractable Fe and Al, organic matter (OM), dissolved organic carbon, and total protein content. Total PFAS concentrations, which included perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, fluorotelomer sulfonates and some sulfonamides, ranged from ∼480 to 3500 μg PFAS kg-1 dry weight. PFAS WWR-water partition coefficients ranged from ∼10 to 20,000 L kg-1, consistent with the literature. PFAS partitioning was significantly correlated to oxalate extractable Al and Fe as well as bulk OM and protein content. These results have important implications for wastewater treatment facilities that recycle Al- and Fe-based drinking water treatment residuals in terms of both PFAS retention and loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb R Gravesen
- University of Florida, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Purdue University, Department of Agronomy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue University, Ecological Sciences & Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue University, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Purdue University, Department of Agronomy, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Maria L Silveira
- University of Florida, Range Cattle Research and Education Center, Ona, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan D Judy
- University of Florida, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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17
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Lei X, Lian Q, Zhang X, Karsili TK, Holmes W, Chen Y, Zappi ME, Gang DD. A review of PFAS adsorption from aqueous solutions: Current approaches, engineering applications, challenges, and opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 321:121138. [PMID: 36702432 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have drawn great attention due to their wide distribution in water bodies and toxicity to human beings. Adsorption is considered as an efficient treatment technique for meeting the increasingly stringent environmental and health standards for PFAS. This paper systematically reviewed the current approaches of PFAS adsorption using different adsorbents from drinking water as well as synthetic and real wastewater. Adsorbents with large mesopores and high specific surface area adsorb PFAS faster, their adsorption capacities are higher, and the adsorption process are usually more effective under low pH conditions. PFAS adsorption mechanisms mainly include electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interaction, anion exchange, and ligand exchange. Various adsorbents show promising performances but challenges such as requirements of organic solvents in regeneration, low adsorption selectivity, and complicated adsorbent preparations should be addressed before large scale implementation. Moreover, the aid of decision-making tools including response surface methodology (RSM), techno-economic assessment (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), and multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) were discussed for engineering applications. The use of these tools is highly recommended prior to scale-up to determine if the specific adsorption process is economically feasible and sustainable. This critical review presented insights into the most fundamental aspects of PFAS adsorption that would be helpful to the development of effective adsorbents for the removal of PFAS in future studies and provide opportunities for large-scale engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Lei
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA
| | - Qiyu Lian
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Beijing International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Water Pollution Control Techniques for Antibiotics and Resistance Genes, School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 Shangyuancun, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Tolga K Karsili
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - William Holmes
- Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Yushun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China
| | - Mark E Zappi
- Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Daniel Dianchen Gang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA.
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18
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Zheng X, Zhang H, Xu Z, Lin T, Yang S, Zhao Z, Han Z, Zhou C. Tolerance and recovery of aerobic granular sludge: Impact of perfluorooctanoic acid. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137430. [PMID: 36460153 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137430] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has rendered its frequent detection in wastewater. The tolerance and recovery of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) to PFOA were investigated in short-term (Phase Ⅰ) and long-term (Phase Ⅱ, operation strategy adjustment: shortening aeration time and prolonging anaerobic and anoxic time). Results showed that in Phase Ⅰ, the performance of R2 reactor (0.05 mg/L PFOA) was slightly negatively affected, while 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L PFOA in R3 and R4 reactors significantly damaged the key enzyme activities of AGS, leading to deterioration of nutrients removal. TN and TP removal efficiencies decreased correspondingly from 79.32% to 78.41% on day 0 to 74.66% and 74.14% in R2 and 68.57% and 67.80% in R3 and 56.94% and 57.47% in R4 on day 7, respectively. In Phase Ⅱ, the key enzyme activities of AGS were obviously renewed dependent on operation strategy adjustment and AGS self-regulation. The performance of AGS in R2 (continuously dosing 0.05 mg/L PFOA) and R4 (stopping dosing PFOA) recovered quite good, while the long-term adverse effects of 0.5 mg/L PFOA on AGS in R3 were still more difficult to be alleviated. In end of Phase Ⅱ (69-97days), the average TN and TP removal efficiencies correspondingly reached 83.31% and 82.09% in R1 (control), 80.67% and 79.62% in R2, 76.38% and 74.27% in R3, and 79.01% and 78.25% in R4, respectively. Further analysis revealed that the effect of PFOA on proteins in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was greater than that on polysaccharides. Specifically, short-term dosage of PFOA mainly affected loosely bound EPS, while long-term dosage of PFOA affected tightly bound EPS. Although AGS is severely inhibited by short exposure to 2.0 mg/L PFOA (in R4), after the operation strategy adjustment, EPS content decreased, nutrient and oxygen transport channels of AGS were re-established, which contributed to the recovery of AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Tao Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Zhilin Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Zongshuo Han
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
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19
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Tang L, Su C, Fan C, Cao L, Liang Z, Xu Y, Chen Z, Wang Q, Chen M. Metagenomic and extracellular polymeric substances analysis reveals the mechanism of exogenous N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone in alleviating the inhibition of perfluorooctanoic acid on anammox process. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 369:128482. [PMID: 36513308 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128482] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To alleviate the negative effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on nitrogen removal via anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox), an exogenous signaling factor (N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, C6-HSL) was introduced into an anammox reactor. Results showed that 2 μmol/L C6-HSL promoted the nitrogen removal efficiency of the anammox reactor under PFOA stress, with the removal efficiencies of ammonia and nitrite increasing from 79.7 ± 4.8 % and 80.8 ± 3.8 %, to 94.4 ± 4.3 % and 97.1 ± 3.8 %. Exogenous C6-HSL enhanced the compactness of the extracellular proteins, and improved the sludge hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, C6-HSL resulted in a microbial shift, with the relative abundance of Planctomycetes increasing from 30.2 % to 49.5 %. Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis replaced Candidatus Brocadia sp. BL1 as the dominant species, while the available space for other nitrogen-removing bacteria was reduced. Exogenous C6-HSL promoted the expression of anammox-related genes, such as hzsB and hdh, while denitrifying genes were down-regulated. In addition, the relative abundance of HdtS, which synthesizes AHLs, increased by 0.02446%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China.
| | - Cuiping Fan
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Linlin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Zhu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, 12 Jiangan Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Zhengpeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Menglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
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20
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Javid F, Xin X, Anderson WA, Derraik JG, Anderson YC, Baroutian S. Deconstruction and valorisation of a mixture of personal protective equipment using hydrothermal processing. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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21
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Arvaniti OS, Antonopoulou G, Gatidou G, Frontistis Z, Mantzavinos D, Stasinakis AS. Sorption of two common antihypertensive drugs onto polystyrene microplastics in water matrices. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155786. [PMID: 35537511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155786] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the widespread occurrence of microplastics in multiple environmental compartments. When discharged into the aquatic environment, microplastics interact with other chemicals acting as vectors of organic and inorganic micropollutants. In the present study, we examined the sorption of two commonly used antihypertensive drugs, valsartan (VAL) and losartan (LOS), onto polystyrene (PS) microplastics and we studied the effects of water matrix, solution's pH, salinity, and microplastics' aging on their sorption. According to the results, the sorption of VAL and LOS onto PS is a slow process that reaches equilibrium after 12 days. The sorption of both target micropollutants was pH-dependent and significantly decreased under alkaline conditions. The removal of VAL was enhanced in the presence of 100 mM of Ca2+ while no statistical significant effects were observed when Na+ was added. The increase of salinity either did not affect or decreased the removal of LOS. Lower sorption of both drugs was observed when aged PS was used despite that the specific surface area for aged PS was 39% higher than pristine. Calculation of the sorption distribution coefficient (Kd) for different water matrices showed that the increase of matrix complexity inhibited target compounds' removal and the sorption rate decreased from bottled water > river water ≈ treated wastewater for the two compounds. For VAL, the Kd values ranged between 795 ± 63 L/kg (bottled water) and 384 ± 88 L/kg (river water), while for LOS between 4453 ± 417 L/kg (bottled water) and 3078 ± 716 L/kg (treated wastewater). Both VAL and LOS sorption onto PS microplastics can be described by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The current results indicate that PS particles could affect the transportation of antihypertensive drugs in the aquatic environment causing potential adverse effects on the environment and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga S Arvaniti
- Water and Air Quality Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, Patras 26504, Greece; Department of Agricultural Development, Agrofood and Management of Natural Resources, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna 34400, Greece
| | - Georgia Antonopoulou
- Water and Air Quality Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece; Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, 11 Stadiou St., Platani, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Georgia Gatidou
- Water and Air Quality Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
| | - Zacharias Frontistis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, GR-50132 Kozani, Greece
| | - Dionissios Mantzavinos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Athanasios S Stasinakis
- Water and Air Quality Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece.
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22
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Li Y, Thompson J, Wang Z, Bräunig J, Zheng Q, Thai PK, Mueller JF, Yuan Z. Transformation and fate of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during aerobic digestion of anaerobically digested sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118568. [PMID: 35598466 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Post-anaerobic aerobic digestion (PAAD) is a promising strategy to further reduce the volume and improve the quality of anaerobically digested sludge (ADS). However, the effect of PAAD process on the fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remains largely unknown. In this study, fourteen PPCPs and fifteen PFAS were detected in ADS and evaluated regarding their fate and transformation in a laboratory aerobic digester operated with a hydraulic retention time of 13 days under 22 ℃. Twelve PPCPs demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decrease in their total concentrations (dissolved and adsorbed fractions combined) with six compounds presenting substantial transformation (> 80%) after aerobic digestion. On the contrary, PFAS were not removed and their concentrations were either increased (increasing ratio: 91 - 571%) or consistent in the sludge during PAAD process, suggesting their recalcitrance to post aerobic digestion. More than half of PPCPs and PFAS demonstrated medium to strong sorption onto solids with their solid fraction higher than 50% in the ADS. After PAAD process, sorption of four PPCPs and three PFAAs to solids was enhanced in sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Li
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jack Thompson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zhiyao Wang
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Qiuda Zheng
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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23
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. Occurrence and fate of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in urban waters of New Zealand. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128257. [PMID: 35063834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Information on the occurrence of PFAS in aquatic matrices of countries with no PFAS manufacturing, e.g., New Zealand, is limited. Also, the fingerprint of PFAS along an urban water cycle, following water path from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent to treated drinking water has not been widely assessed. Hence, 38 long-, short-, ultrashort-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives (including precursors) were monitored in this study by collecting composite samples from two urban WWTPs of New Zealand and grab samples from the water bodies receiving the WWTPs' effluents and a drinking water treatment plant, whose source water received the effluent of one of the studied WWTPs. ∑PFAS at concentrations 0.1 - 13 ng/L were detected in all wastewater samples, including influents and different treatment stages of the two WWTPs (WW1 and WW2). The fate of most PFAS was similar in the two WWTPs, despite large differences in WWTPs' PFAS loads in the influents, serving populations (1.6 vs 0.16 million), total capacities (300 vs 54 million liters per day), and designs (aerobic and anoxic secondary treatment vs aerobic only). The fate of PFAS in WWTPs appeared to be driven by a range of processes. For instance, a simultaneous increase (41.6%) in short-chain perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) concentrations and decrease (49.7%) in precursor 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) concentrations after secondary biological treatment suggested possible transformation of 6:2 FTS into PFHxA during the treatment. In contrast, the reason behind an average decrease of 35% in ultrashort-chain perfluoropropionic acid (PFPrA) concentrations after treatment was unclear, and further studies are recommended. The concentrations of a linear isomer of long-chain perfluorosulfonic acid (PFOS-L) decreased (48%) in the effluent, possibly due to its partitioning to sludge. Although the concentrations of PFAS in coastal waters suggested that the WW1 effluent is a potential source of PFAS, earlier dispersion model and no detection of PFAS in the receiving waters of WW2 implied that other sources, such as septic systems, peripheral industries, and the airport, could also be contributing to PFAS in coastal waters. The source of ultrashort-chain PFPrA (5.5 ng/L) detected in the treated drinking water produced from that river was unclear. The monitoring results confirm incomplete removal of PFAS in WWTPs, indicate a possible transformation of unknown precursors present in wastewater into short-chain perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (PFCAs) during biological treatment, and reveal a possible accumulation of perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the sludge, overall suggesting the circulation of PFAS in urban water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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24
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Kazwini T, Yadav S, Ibrar I, Al-Juboori RA, Singh L, Ganbat N, Karbassiyazdi E, Samal AK, Subbiah S, Altaee A. Updated review on emerging technologies for PFAS contaminated water treatment. Chem Eng Res Des 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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25
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Johnson GR. PFAS in soil and groundwater following historical land application of biosolids. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:118035. [PMID: 35032876 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.118035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The land application of digested sewage sludge (biosolids) is widely employed across the globe. Studies show that biosolids contain significant amounts of inorganic and organic materials, as well as emerging pollutants, including per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). With the wide range of pollutants commonly reported in biosolids, the potential risks associated with long-term land application operations are concerning. In this study, PFAS in surface soils, deeper soils into the vadose zone, and immediately-underlying groundwater was measured at an agricultural station with a long record of biosolids applications plus irrigation using treated wastewater. Twelve PFAS homologues were detected in every near surface soil sampled 0-30 cm depth below ground surface with multiple PFAS (especially short-chain) distributed through the soil profile. Average measured concentrations of PFAS in these soils suggest the soil burden PFOS>PFDA>PFOA for all substations sampled, independent of the historical loading rates and patterns of agricultural operations on those substations. Measured concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in the soil profile (0-90 cm) suggest these compounds have migrated to deeper soil depths (up to 9 m below the surface) with quantifiable concentrations in the soil and the immediate underlying groundwater located approximately 17 m below. Estimates of the total mass of PFAS in surface soils were effectively made using PFAS levels reported in sludges from the USEPA NSSS combined with long-term loading rates on record at the substations. With the land application of biosolids in the USA regulated by the USEPA, additional and updated risk assessments and surveys to include emerging pollutants such as PFAS are needed to protect public health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwynn R Johnson
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, Portland State University, Portland OR 97201, United States.
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26
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Huang S, Sima M, Long Y, Messenger C, Jaffé PR. Anaerobic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in biosolids by Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127699. [PMID: 34799154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic incubations were performed with biosolids obtained from an industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances- (PFAS) free, laboratory-generated, biosolids that were spiked with PFOA. Biosolid slurries were incubated for 150 days as is, after augmenting with either Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 or ferrihydrite, or with both, Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 and ferrihydrite. Autoclaved controls were run in parallel. Only the biosolids augmented with both, Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 and ferrihydrite showed a decrease in the PFOA concentration, in excess of 50% (total, dissolved, and solid associated). Higher concentrations of PFOA in the biosolids spiked with PFOA and no previous PFAS exposure allowed to track the production of fluoride to verify PFOA defluorination. The buildup of fluoride over the incubation time was observed in these biosolid incubations spiked with PFOA. A significant increase in the concentration of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) over the incubations of the filter cake samples from the industrial WWTP was observed, indicating the presence of a non-identified precursor in these biosolids. Results show that anaerobic incubation of PFAS contaminated biosolids, after augmentation with Fe(III) and Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 can result in PFAS defluorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Matthew Sima
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Ying Long
- The Chemours Company, Chemours Discovery Hub, 201 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Courtney Messenger
- The Chemours Company, Chemours Discovery Hub, 201 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Peter R Jaffé
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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27
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. A review of the occurrence, transformation, and removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 199:117187. [PMID: 34010737 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise more than 4,000 anthropogenically manufactured compounds with widescale consumer and industrial applications. This critical review compiles the latest information on the worldwide distribution of PFAS and evaluates their fate in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A large proportion (>30%) of monitoring studies in WWTPs were conducted in China, followed by Europe (30%) and North America (16%), whereas information is generally lacking for other parts of the world, including most of the developing countries. Short and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were widely detected in both the influents (up to 1,000 ng/L) and effluents (15 to >1,500 ng/L) of WWTPs. To date, limited data is available regarding levels of PFAS precursors and ultra-short chain PFAS in WWTPs. Most WWTPs exhibited low removal efficiencies for PFAS, and many studies reported an increase in the levels of PFAAs after wastewater treatment. The analysis of the fate of various classes of PFAS at different wastewater treatment stages (aerobic and/aerobic biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical degradation) revealed biodegradation as the primary mechanism responsible for the transformation of PFAS precursors to PFAAs in WWTPs. Remediation studies at full scale and laboratory scale suggest advanced processes such as adsorption using ion exchange resins, electrochemical degradation, and nanofiltration are more effective in removing PFAS (~95-100%) than conventional processes. However, the applicability of such treatments for real-world WWTPs faces significant challenges due to the scaling-up requirements, mass-transfer limitations, and management of treatment by-products and wastes. Combining more than one technique for effective removal of PFAS, while addressing limitations of the individual treatments, could be beneficial. Considering environmental concentrations of PFAS, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation, nanofiltration followed by adsorption using wood-derived biochar and/or activated carbons could be a viable option if introduced to conventional treatment systems. However, the large-scale applicability of the same needs to be further verified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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28
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Rodríguez-Varela M, Durán-Álvarez JC, Jiménez-Cisneros B, Zamora O, Prado B. Occurrence of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in Mexico City's wastewater: A monitoring study in the sewerage and a mega wastewater treatment plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145060. [PMID: 33609836 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was validated to quantify five perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCA) namely, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), in wastewater produced in a megacity. Sampling was performed on a monthly basis, obtaining samples from the undergrounded sewerage system and the main open-air canal transporting wastewater out the city. Steady levels of the sum of the target PFCA (ƩPFCA) were determined on both sites through the study: 419.4 ± 24.3 ng L-1 in undergrounded sewage and 591.1 ± 39 ng L-1 in the open-air canal. Short-chain PFCA (PFBA, PFHxA, and PFHpA) were abundant, while concentrations of PFOA and PFUnA remained lower in both sampling sites. The open-air canal was transected in four sampling points, which were sampled throughout the monitoring campaign, finding that furtive discharges of municipal and industrial wastewater increased the levels of short-chain PFCA, while those of PFOA and PFUnA were depleted. Relevant concentrations of PFBA (176.9 ± 3.3 ng L-1), PFHxA (133.4 ± 2.5 ng L-1), PFHpA (116.6 ± 3.9 ng L-1), PFOA (133.1 ± 3.5 ng L-1), and PFUnA (23.5 ± 6.5 ng L-1) were found 60 km downstream, where the wastewater transported by the open-air canal is used in irrigation. A fraction of sewage is treated in a conventional wastewater treatment plant. The concentration of short-chain PFCA increased in effluent, adding extra loads of PFBA, PFHxA, and PFHpA to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Varela
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan C Durán-Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Blanca Jiménez-Cisneros
- Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de Mexico 04510, Mexico
| | - Olivia Zamora
- Instituto de Geología y LANGEM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Blanca Prado
- Instituto de Geología y LANGEM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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29
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Ebrahimi F, Lewis AJ, Sales CM, Suri R, McKenzie ER. Linking PFAS partitioning behavior in sewage solids to the solid characteristics, solution chemistry, and treatment processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 271:129530. [PMID: 33482527 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained increasing attention due to the potential health risks that they present. Secondary sludge and biosolids are known as notable PFAS emission routes to the environment. In this study, partitioning behavior of 14 PFAS were investigated across four secondary wastewater treatment types (activated sludge, trickling filter, biological nutrient removal, and rotating biological contactor; n = 10) and three sludge stabilization methods (composting, aerobic digestion, and anaerobic digestion; n = 6). Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate how PFAS sorption to secondary sludge and biosolid was affected by various treatment methods, solid properties, and solution chemistry parameters. Insignificant differences in compound-specific partitioning coefficients (Kd) were observed among the four secondary treatment methods. However, sludge stabilization resulted in significantly different partitioning behavior among biosolid samples, in which anaerobically digested biosolids generally had significantly higher Kd values compared to aerobically digested and composted biosolids (anaerobic digestion > aerobic digestion > composting). Multiple linear regression models were developed to explain analyte-specific Kd values across the biosolid samples and identified that solid-specific property significance was as follows: protein fraction > organic matter fraction > lipid fraction. Stabilization generally decreased the PFAS sorption capacity relative to the secondary sludge samples. Furthermore, PFAS Kd increased with elevated calcium concentrations and ionic strengths and decreased with increasing pH values in sludge and biosolid samples. These findings could inform the decision-making process to reduce the release of PFAS to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Ebrahimi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Asa J Lewis
- Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3100 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Christopher M Sales
- Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3100 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Rominder Suri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Erica R McKenzie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
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30
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Lakshminarasimman N, Gewurtz SB, Parker WJ, Smyth SA. Removal and formation of perfluoroalkyl substances in Canadian sludge treatment systems - A mass balance approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142431. [PMID: 33254854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of anthropogenic contaminants whose occurrence has raised concerns with the beneficial reuse of biosolids from wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the behavior of thirteen PFAS in nine Canadian sludge treatment systems including pelletization, alkaline stabilization, aerobic and anaerobic digestion processes. The composition of the overall PFAS-fluorine (ΣPFAS-F) loading in a system fed with only primary sludge was dominated by perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), whereas systems with blended primary and waste activated sludge feeds had a mix of short and long chain PFAS in raw sludges and treated biosolids. An increase in average ΣPFAS-F mass flow was observed through pelletization (19% formation) and alkaline stabilization (99% formation) processes indicating negative removal or contaminant formation. One of the two aerobic digestion systems and three of the five anaerobic digestion systems showed modest reductions (< 40% removal) in ΣPFAS-F loading. Long chain PFAS such as perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exhibited a wide variation in behavior ranging from substantial formation (> 75% formation) to modest removal (42% removal) in the surveyed systems while short chain perfluoropentanoate (PFPeA) mass flows increased through the three systems where they occurred. Overall, the contaminant mass balances revealed that there were significant changes in mass flows of the target PFAS through all kinds of sludge treatment systems. The results of this study on PFAS fate through sludge processing can inform future global PFAS risk management activities as well as sludge treatment considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah B Gewurtz
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Wayne J Parker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Shirley Anne Smyth
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
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31
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Li Y, Bräunig J, Angelica GC, Thai PK, Mueller JF, Yuan Z. Formation and partitioning behaviour of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in waste activated sludge during anaerobic digestion. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 189:116583. [PMID: 33161325 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The formation and fate of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in sludge during anaerobic digestion (AD) is of global importance since the sludge is a significant source of PFAAs to the environment. The formation of PFAAs from polyfluorinated compounds, namely PFAA precursors, is poorly understood in AD. This study aims to investigate the formation of PFAAs from precursors and their partitioning behaviour in waste activated sludge (WAS) during AD process. To achieve this, three isotope-labelled PFAAs were spiked and monitored along with indigenous PFAAs and precursors over eight weeks in a laboratory-scale anaerobic digester, fed with sludge from a local wastewater treatment plant and operated with a hydraulic retention time of 12 days under 35 ℃. In addition to isotope-labelled PFAAs, twelve native PFAAs and eight polyfluorinated compounds were detected in the feed and digested sludges. A mass-balance model, validated by the spiking experiment, was applied to predict the concentrations of PFAAs and precursors assuming no formation/degradation in AD. The measured concentrations of short-chain PFAAs (perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs): C < 8; perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs): C < 6) in the AD sludge were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the model-predicted concentrations, indicating the formation of these PFAAs from precursors in AD. In contrast, the formation of long-chain PFAAs (PFCAs: C ≥ 8; PFSAs: C ≥ 6) was not observed. Moreover, the degradation of two polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (PAPs) (6:2 PAP and 6:2/8:2 diPAP) occurred, evidenced by their measured concentrations that were statistically lower than the mass-balance predictions. Further, the AD process reduced the amount of PFAAs absorbed/adsorbed to sludge, particularly for the long-chain ones, due to the breakdown of solids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Li
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Guerrero C Angelica
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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32
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Yan W, Qian T, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhou Y. Interaction of perfluorooctanoic acid with extracellular polymeric substances - Role of protein. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123381. [PMID: 32652414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is nonbiodegradable, and adsorption is the main pathway for its removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study compared the capability of three types of sludge on adsorbing PFOA and investigated the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the adsorption process. Results show that enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) sludge had the highest adsorption capacity for PFOA. Studies on the interaction between EPS and PFOA reveal that proteins play a crucial role in binding PFOA to EPS/sludge. Specifically, the aromatic and amide groups on the structure of protein can attract the C-F chains and carboxylic head of PFOA via hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic attraction, respectively. EPS of EBPR sludge has the highest amount of protein and binding sites, thus exhibits the highest adsorption capability for PFOA. This study reveals the interaction mechanism between PFOA and sludge EPS and provides new insight into the function of EPS in perfluoroalkyl substances removal in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangwang Yan
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 637141, Singapore
| | - Tingting Qian
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 637141, Singapore
| | - Liang Zhang
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 637141, Singapore
| | - Li Wang
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 637141, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhou
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 637141, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore.
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Lyu Y, Yu J, Guo M, Wang K, Yu Z, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Chen L. New insights into interaction of proteins in extracellular polymeric substances of activated sludge with ciprofloxacin using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128044. [PMID: 33297059 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Proteins in extracellular polymeric substances play a vital role in adsorbing organic contaminants in biological wastewater treatment processes, but there is still lack of a fast and effective approach to monitor their interaction. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) was used to investigate the binding and viscoelastic properties of ciprofloxacin (CIP) on extracellular proteins from activated sludge by a two-step sequential deposition method. A saturated viscoelastic monolayer of proteins was formed on the crystal by injecting 500 mg L-1 extracellular proteins. Binding of CIP with the extracellular proteins film followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic equation and Langmuir model, with the maximum binding capacity of 172.4 mg g-1. The binding mass, energy dissipation, and reaction rate constant increased with increasing CIP concentration. A strong binding was obtained at pH 5, suggesting electrostatic interactions as the dominating binding mechanism. Cations inhibited CIP binding with extracellular proteins, probably due to cations competition. Two binding periods were distinguished according to the viscoelastic properties of CIP layer: viscous binding in the initial period and elastic towards binding saturation. Results highlighted QCM-D as an effective and real-time technique to evaluate the role of extracellular proteins in contaminants removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Minhui Guo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Zhenxun Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Lingxiao Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Leilei Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
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Yang Y, Zheng Z, Yang M, Chen J, Li C, Zhang C, Zhang X. In-situ fabrication of a spherical-shaped Zn-Al hydrotalcite with BiOCl and study on its enhanced photocatalytic mechanism for perfluorooctanoic acid removal performed with a response surface methodology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 399:123070. [PMID: 32540708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a widely used compound, is harmful to the environment and human health. In this study, a facile one pot solvothermal method of integrating BiOCl with Zn-Al hydrotalcite to form spherical-shaped BiOCl/Zn-Al hydrotalcite (B-BHZA) sample is reported. The characteristics and main factors affecting photocatalytic PFOA and photocatalytic mechanism of BiOCl/Zn-Al hydrotalcite (B-BHZA) are systematically investigated. It is found that spherical-shaped B-BHZA possesses abundant defects and a larger surface area of 64.4 m2 g-1. The factors affecting photocatalytic removal PFOA (e.g., time, pH, initial concentration and dosage) are investigated by modeling the 3D surface response. The removal rate of PFOA is over 90 % in 6 h under UV light at an optimal pH of 2, an initial concentration of 500 μg/L and a dose of dosage 0.5 g/L. The main mechanism occurs by photo-generated h+ oxidation and synergistic effects from the photocatalysis process. Though investigating the intermediates of PFOA degradation and F-, a possibility was proposed that h+ initiated the rapidly decarboxylation of PFOA. The unstable perfluoroheptyl group is formatted and further conversed to short chain perfluorocarboxylic acid. This study provides a new insight for the preparation of highly efficient photocatalysts to the treatment of halogenated compounds in UV system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiong Yang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Zenghui Zheng
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Minhui Yang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Chen
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Cong Li
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Chuanhui Zhang
- Institute of Materials for Energy and Environment, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China.
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35
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Yang Y, Yang M, Zheng Z, Zhang X. Highly effective adsorption removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from aqueous solution using calcined layer-like Mg-Al hydrotalcites nanosheets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:13396-13408. [PMID: 32026363 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To study the influence factors of calcined layer-like Mg-Al hydrotalcites nanosheets adsorbing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in aqueous solution, Mg-Al hydrotalcite (HMA) nanosheets were prepared by one-step hydrothermal synthesis. The effect of calcination temperature on adsorption properties and structure of HMA (CHMA-x, x means different calcination temperature) was investigated. The prepared samples were systematically characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics showed the adsorption equilibrium reached within 2 h, and the factors, such as adsorption dosage, pH, and cycles were investigated. It was found that CHMA with 600 °C displayed a uniformly morphology, higher surface area about 106.3 m2/g, and excellent adsorption properties (1969 mg/g). The equilibrium adsorption data perfectly fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.999) and the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.994). The main mechanism of CHMA adsorbing PFOA might be the "memory effect." This study provided a new insight to prepare highly effective adsorbents in water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiong Yang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Minhui Yang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Zenghui Zheng
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
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36
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Nolte TM, Chen G, van Schayk CS, Pinto-Gil K, Hendriks AJ, Peijnenburg WJGM, Ragas AMJ. Disentanglement of the chemical, physical, and biological processes aids the development of quantitative structure-biodegradation relationships for aerobic wastewater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:133863. [PMID: 31771845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Attenuation of organic compounds in sewage treatment plants (STPs) is affected by a complex interplay between chemical (e.g. ionization, hydrolysis), physical (e.g. sorption, volatilization), and biological (e.g. biodegradation, microbial acclimation) processes. These effects should be accounted for individually, in order to develop predictive cheminformatics tools for STPs. Using measured data from 70 STPs in the Netherlands for 69 chemicals (pharmaceuticals, herbicides, etc.), we highlighted the influences of 1) chemical ionization, 2) sorption to sludge, and 3) acclimation of the microbial consortia on the primary removal of chemicals. We used semi-empirical corrections for each of these influences to deduce biodegradation rate constants upon which quantitative structure-biodegradation relationships (QSBRs) were developed. As shown by a global QSBR, biodegradation in STPs generally relates to structural complexity, size, energetics, and charge distribution. Statistics of the global QSBR were reasonable, being R2training=0.69 (training set of 51 compounds) and R2validation=0.50 (validation set of 18 compounds). Class-specific QSBRs utilized electronic properties potentially relating to rate-limiting enzymatic steps. For class-specific QSBRs, values of R2 of in between 0.7 and 0.8 were obtained. With caution, environmental risk assessment methodologies may apply these models to estimate biodegradation rates for 'data-poor' compounds. The approach also highlights 'meta data' on STP operational parameters needed to develop QSBRs of better predictability in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom M Nolte
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Guangchao Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Coen S van Schayk
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Pinto-Gil
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Dept. of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ad M J Ragas
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Science, Faculty of Management, Science & Technology, Open University, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, the Netherlands
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37
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Kibambe MG, Momba MNB, Daso AP, Coetzee MAA. Evaluation of the efficiency of selected wastewater treatment processes in removing selected perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 255:109945. [PMID: 32063313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the efficiencies of selected wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to remove selected perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) during wastewater treatment processes were evaluated. For this purpose, influent samples from Daspoort, Zeekoegat and Phola WWTPs, were initially screened for the presence of sixteen different PFASs of which only seven were detected. These include: perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (L-PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS). To determine the concentrations of these PFASs, wastewater samples were subjected to solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that L-PFOS was the dominant compound with the highest concentration of 508 ± 258 ng/L at Daspoort WWTP. Overall, the three WWTPs could not achieve the complete influent-to-effluent removal of the PFASs and the best removals were observed at Zeekoegat WWTP. The removal efficiency of the different unit processes varied from one plant to another and also from each type of PFASs. At Daspoort, the removal efficiency of the primary settling tanks was poor and the highest removal reached 39% for PFHxA. The activated sludge (AS) of this WWTP achieved the highest removal of 84% for the L-PFOS. At Zeekoegat, the AS achieved the highest removal of 94% for the L-PFOS. The anaerobic pond at Phola achieved a higher removal of 80% for the L-PFOS. However, no removal was observed downstream of the biological filter for the same compound. Poor removal efficiency was reported downstream of the wetland at Phola except for the PFOA (16%).
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Kibambe
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| | - M N B Momba
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - A P Daso
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - M A A Coetzee
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
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38
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Zhang DQ, Zhang WL, Liang YN. Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from aqueous solution - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133606. [PMID: 31401505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained increasingly global attention in recent years. Due to their unique amphiphilic properties and stability, PFASs are recognized as highly persistent, toxic, and environmentally bioaccumulative. Among several physicochemical technologies, adsorption has been extensively used and proved to be an effective method for removing PFASs from aqueous environment. In this review article, the technical feasibility of the use of different adsorbents, such as activated carbon, ion exchange resins, minerals, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a wide range of potentially low-cost biosorbents, for PFASs removal from water or wastewater is critically reviewed. The evaluation and comparison of their PFASs sorption behavior in terms of kinetics and isotherms is presented. The mechanisms involved in PFASs adsorption processes, such as diffusion, electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, ion exchange and hydrogen bond, are discussed. The effects of the parameters variability on sorption process are highlighted. Based on the literature reviewed, a few recommendations for future research on PFASs adsorption are also elaborated. Capsule: The adsorption behavior and mechanisms of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on various adsorbents are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Q Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, China
| | - W L Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Y N Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America.
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Coggan TL, Moodie D, Kolobaric A, Szabo D, Shimeta J, Crosbie ND, Lee E, Fernandes M, Clarke BO. An investigation into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nineteen Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Heliyon 2019; 5:e02316. [PMID: 31485522 PMCID: PMC6716228 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is of high importance due to potential impacts on receiving aquatic ecosystems. The new Australian PFAS National Environmental Management Plan recommends 0.23 ng L-1 of PFOS as the guideline value for 99% species protection for aquatic systems. In this study, 21 PFAS from four classes were measured in WWTP solid and aqueous samples from 19 Australian WWTPs. The mean ∑21PFAS was 110 ng L-1 (median: 80 ng L-1; range: 9.3-520 ng L-1) in aqueous samples and 34 ng g-1 dw (median: 12 ng g-1 dw; range: 2.0-130 ng g-1 dw) in WWTP solids. Similar to WWTPs worldwide, perfluorocarboxylic acids were generally higher in effluent, compared to influent. Partitioning to solids within WWTPs increased with increasing fluoroalkyl chain length from 0.05 to 1.22 log units. Many PFAS were highly correlated, and PCA analysis showed strong associations between two groups: odd chained PFCAs, PFHxA and PFSAs; and 6:2 FTS with daily inflow volume and the proportion of trade waste accepted by WWTPs (as % of typical dry inflow). The compounds PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA increased significantly between influent and final effluent. The compounds 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS were quantified and F-53B detected and reported in Australian WWTP matrices. The compound 6:2 FTS was an important contributor to PFAS emissions in the studied Australian WWTPs, supporting the need for future research on its sources (including precursor degradation), environmental fate and impact in Australian aquatic environments receiving WWTP effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Coggan
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Damien Moodie
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Adam Kolobaric
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Crosbie
- Applied Research, Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC, 3001, Australia.,Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Elliot Lee
- Water Corporation, Leederville, Western Australia, 6007, Australia
| | - Milena Fernandes
- SA Water, GPO Box 1751, Adelaide SA, 5001, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
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40
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Chang PH, Jiang WT, Li Z. Removal of perfluorooctanoic acid from water using calcined hydrotalcite - A mechanistic study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 368:487-495. [PMID: 30710777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Calcined hydrotalcite (CHT) was evaluated for its potential removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water in this study. The uptake of PFOA by CHT could be as high as 1587 mg/g (ca. 3.8 mmol/g), slightly larger than the anion exchange capacity (AEC) of the hydrotalcite (HT). Such a high removal was fast and pH independent, suggesting the versatile use of CHT. Due to the structural memory effect of HT, the removal involved adsorption of PFOA during HT recovery and intercalation of PFOA into the interlayer of restructured HT at low and high initial concentrations, respectively. Limited by the specific surface area and AEC, the intercalated PFOA would form a vertical bilayer or admicelle conformation. As such, the HT intercalated with PFOA became one-layer stacking with a basal spacing of 2.04 nm in contrast to the 3R polytype of recovered HT having a layer thickness of 0.78 nm, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and infra-red analyses. Due to its high PFOA removal capacity and large partitioning coefficient, the amount of CHT used, thus, the disposal of PFOA-laden solid could be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Teh Jiang
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Zhaohui Li
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan; Department of Geosciences, University of Wisconsin - Parkside, 900 Wood Road, Kenosha, WI 53144, USA.
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41
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Li F, Fang X, Zhou Z, Liao X, Zou J, Yuan B, Sun W. Adsorption of perfluorinated acids onto soils: Kinetics, isotherms, and influences of soil properties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:504-514. [PMID: 30176462 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption of perfluorinated acids (PFAs) onto soils with different physicochemical properties was investigated in this study. The adsorption kinetics for all PFAs onto the soil with the highest contents of total organic carbon (TOC) and iron oxide were well described by a biexponential adsorption model, indicating that two types of binding sites characterized by a fast and a slow sorption rates were involved in the adsorption, and the time required for achieving adsorption equilibrium was <48 h for all PFAs. The adsorption isotherms were well represented by both of Freundlich equation (R2 = 0.9547-0.9977) and/or Virial equation (R2 = 0.8720-0.9995). The interfacial capacitances derived from the Virial isotherm were substantially low (in the range of 33.7 to 851 μF/m2) for all soils, but were not analyte-independent for all PFAs onto the same soil. The linear regression between distribution coefficient (Kd) and individual soil property as well as principle component analysis were conducted for determining the dominant soil physicochemical properties affecting the adsorption of PFAs onto soil in the present study. The results indicated that the content of protein rather than of total organic carbon (TOC) was the dominant property, and then followed by anion exchange capacity (AEC) and the content of iron oxides. For the other properties, the influences of fulvic acid (FA) and aluminum oxides were PFA-dependent, while there were no effects of saccharide, humic acid (HA), specific surface area (SSA) and cation exchange capacities (CEC) on the adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xinliang Fang
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhenming Zhou
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiaobin Liao
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Baoling Yuan
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA.
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Dauchy X, Boiteux V, Colin A, Bach C, Rosin C, Munoz JF. Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Runoff Water and Wastewater Sampled at a Firefighter Training Area. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:206-215. [PMID: 30515647 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0585-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are key ingredients of firefighting foams designed to suppress fires involving flammable and combustible liquids. Such foams are used by firefighters during fire training at dedicated sites. Because PFASs are very persistent chemicals, substantial soil and groundwater contamination has been observed in the vicinity of firefighter training areas. However, very few data are available on PFAS contamination of wastewater and runoff water on such sites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of more than 50 PFASs in 43 water samples (effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), lagoon, runoff water, and wastewater drained from firefighter training areas) collected from a large firefighter training site, using target and suspect screening. A comparison of the PFAS classes analyzed revealed the overwhelming contribution of fluorotelomers. This indicates that the PFAS emission from the use of firefighting foams cannot be monitored only by measuring perfluoroalkyl acids. Based on the PFAS concentrations measured through target screening, the PFAS mass discharged into the river receiving WWTP effluent and the lagoon was on average 387 ± 183 kg and 56 ± 15 kg per year respectively. Due to the unavailability of standards, it was impossible to take into account the PFASs detected with suspect screening. The present study emphasizes that, above and beyond soil and groundwater contamination, such sites also contribute to the PFAS burden of surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Dauchy
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France.
| | - Virginie Boiteux
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Adeline Colin
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Cristina Bach
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Rosin
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Munoz
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
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Elmoznino J, Vlahos P, Whitney M. Occurrence and partitioning behavior of perfluoroalkyl acids in wastewater effluent discharging into the Long Island Sound. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:453-461. [PMID: 30212799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were measured in aqueous and suspended particulate matter (SPM) fractions in the final effluents from 12 wastewater treatment facilities located around the Connecticut shoreline. Aqueous phase concentrations ranged from 53 to 198 ng/L for ∑PFAAs with ≤7 perfluorinated carbons (CF2) and 2-73 ng/L for >7 CF2 PFAAs. Predominant PFAAs associated with effluent derived SPM were perfluorodecanoic acid and perflurorooctane sulfonic acid, detected in 48% and 52% of samples in concentrations ranging from <LOQ-1770 ng/g and <LOQ-2750 ng/g respectively. Based on the range of concentrations detected and the average flow of final effluent to the Long Island Sound (LIS), average total annual PFAA mass loads from wastewater treatment facilities to the LIS is estimated in the range of 70-315 kg/year, with 4-100 kg/year consisting of >7 CF2 PFAAs. Partitioning coefficients (log KOC) derived for effluent water and SPM phases (4.2 ± 0.3, 4.4 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.2 and 5.3 ± 0.2 for PFOA, PFNA PFDA and PFUnA; 4.5 ± 0.2 and 5.2 ± 0.2 for PFOS and PFHsX respectively) were found to be of similar magnitude to aeration tank particles, though 0.5 to 2 log units greater than sludge solids and to natural system particulates including riverine SPM, estuarine SPM and sediments. Results from this study suggest that effluent derived suspended particulate matter could be an effective vector in the transport of long-chained PFAAs through wastewater treatment into receiving waters, and a potential vector to the local food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Elmoznino
- Environmental Science- PDM, Pfizer Global R&D, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Michael Whitney
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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Princz J, Jatar M, Lemieux H, Scroggins R. Perfluorooctane sulfonate in surface soils: Effects on reproduction in the collembolan, Folsomia candida, and the oribatid mite, Oppia nitens. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 208:757-763. [PMID: 29902760 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant, which has been detected at significant concentrations in soils at sites used for fire-fighting training operations. Recent ecotoxicological research has mainly focused on earthworms to assess the toxicity of PFOS in soil. However, the inclusion of other soil taxonomic groups allow for a more holistic estimate of contaminant risk, including the derivation of more comprehensive soil quality guidelines. The present study assessed the toxicity of PFOS using the collembolan, Folsomia candida, and the oribatid mite, Oppia nitens, in two types of soil: a coarse-textured sandy loam (VSL) and fine-textured clay loam (NRS). As a standard O. nitens reproduction test is being formalized, the results of the study were also used to compare sensitivity across test species. Effects were soil dependent, with test species being 2-4 times more susceptible to PFOS in VSL, relative to NRS, likely due to differences in organic matter and clay content. Oppia nitens was significantly more sensitive to PFOS, regardless of soil type, in comparison to F. candida. The IC50s for reproduction for O. nitens were 23 mg kg-1 (95% confidence interval: 17-32 mg kg-1) in the VSL and 95 mg kg-1 (69-134 mg kg-1) in the NRS, and for F. candida were 94 mg kg-1 (72-122 mg kg-1) in the VSL and 233 mg kg-1 (177-306 mg kg-1) in the NRS. The present study demonstrates the application and inclusion of the oribatid mite, O. nitens, for the risk assessment of contaminants in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliska Princz
- Biological Assessment and Standardization Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3.
| | - Muriel Jatar
- Biological Assessment and Standardization Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3
| | - Heather Lemieux
- Biological Assessment and Standardization Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3
| | - Rick Scroggins
- Biological Assessment and Standardization Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3
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Dauchy X, Boiteux V, Bach C, Colin A, Hemard J, Rosin C, Munoz JF. Mass flows and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the wastewater treatment plant of a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 576:549-558. [PMID: 27810744 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although industrial sites producing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may introduce these chemicals into the aquatic environment, they are rarely investigated. This study entailed measuring concentrations, mass flows and the fate of 51 PFASs in an industrial wastewater treatment plant receiving raw effluents from a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. Grab and 24-h composite samples were collected at various stages of wastewater treatment over four sampling campaigns. One perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) and nine fluorotelomers (FTs) were systematically detected in the facility's raw effluent. The overall PFCA mass flow ranged from 0.6 to 8.6g/day and was negligible compared to the overall mass flow of FTs (from 647 to 2,892g/day). PFCA mass flows increased drastically after secondary treatment (degradation of precursors) and decreased notably after the floatation tank (adsorption onto floatation sludge), but remained at relatively high levels in the final effluent (from 21 to 247g/day). Similar patterns in mass flow were observed for the FTs, with mass loadings discharged into the river ranging from 1,623 to 6,963g/day. Despite analyzing dozens of PFASs, adsorbable organic fluorine determination and oxidative conversion of PFCA precursors showed that a significant part of PFASs remained unidentified. Nevertheless, two overwhelmingly predominant PFASs-6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB) and 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonamide propyl N,N dimethylamine (M4)-were detected and quantified for the first time in water samples, accounting for >75% of the total PFAS mass flow in the final effluent. This study also provided evidence of soil contamination by the aerosol produced over the aeration basin and inadvertent spillage of pieces of sludge cake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Dauchy
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Virginie Boiteux
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Cristina Bach
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Adeline Colin
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jessica Hemard
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Rosin
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Munoz
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
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Gatidou G, Arvaniti OS, Stasinakis AS, Thomaidis NS, Andersen HR. Using mechanisms of hydrolysis and sorption to reduce siloxanes occurrence in biogas of anaerobic sludge digesters. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 221:205-213. [PMID: 27639673 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hydrolysis of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) and dodecamethylcyclohexasilane (D6_silane) and their sorption to digested sludge was studied in batch experiments. Hydrolysis was affected by the type of the compound and the applied temperature, while the relevant half-life values ranged between 0.07±0.01d (D3, 55°C) and 48.4±17.1d (D6_silane, 4°C). D5 showed the greatest affinity for sorption to digested sludge (logKd: 3.84±3.42), the lowest LogKd value was found for D3 (1.46±0.95). Prediction of investigated compounds' fate in a single-stage anaerobic digestion system indicated that volatilization seems to be the major fate in both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The addition of a pre-digester with 3d retention time would significantly decrease the expected concentrations of all siloxanes in biogas, enhancing their removal through hydrolysis and sorption to sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Gatidou
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Henrik R Andersen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljøvej 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Wang Y, Zhang M, Fu J, Li T, Wang J, Fu Y. Insights into the interaction between carbamazepine and natural dissolved organic matter in the Yangtze Estuary using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectra coupled with parallel factor analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:19887-19896. [PMID: 27424202 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between carbamazepine (CBZ) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) from three zones (the nearshore, the river channel, and the coastal areas) in the Yangtze Estuary was investigated using fluorescence quenching titration combined with excitation emission matrix spectra and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The complexation between CBZ and DOM was demonstrated by the increase in hydrogen bonding and the disappearance of the C=O stretch obtained from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The results indicated that two protein-like substances (component 2 and component3) and two humic-like substances (component 1 and 4) were identified in the DOM from the Yangtze Estuary. The fluorescence quenching curves of each component with the addition of CBZ and the Ryan and Weber model calculation results both demonstrated that the different components exhibited different complexation activities with CBZ. The protein-like components had a stronger affinity with CBZ than did the humic-like substances. On the other hand, the autochthonous tyrosine-like C2 played an important role in the complexation with DOM from the river channel and coastal areas, while C3 influenced by anthropogenic activities showed an obvious effect in the nearshore area. DOMs from the river channel have the highest binding capacity for CBZ, which may ascribe to the relatively high phenol content group in the DOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China.
| | - Manman Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Fu
- Sino-Japan Friendship Centre for Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinggang Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingyu Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
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Milinovic J, Lacorte S, Rigol A, Vidal M. Sorption of perfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:8339-8348. [PMID: 26780052 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-6019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The sorption behaviour of three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)) was studied in sewage sludge samples. Sorption isotherms were obtained by varying initial concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and PFBS. The maximum values of the sorption solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd,max) varied by almost two orders of magnitude among the target PFASs: 140-281 mL g(-1) for PFOS, 30-54 mL g(-1) for PFOA and 9-18 mL g(-1) for PFBS. Freundlich and linear fittings were appropriate for describing the sorption behaviour of PFASs in the sludge samples, and the derived KF and Kd,linear parameters correlated well. The hydrophobicity of the PFASs was the key parameter that influenced their sorption in sewage sludge. Sorption parameters and log(KOW) were correlated, and for PFOS (the most hydrophobic compound), pH and Ca + Mg status of the sludge controlled the variation in the sorption parameter values. Sorption reversibility was also tested from desorption isotherms, which were also linear. Desorption parameters were systematically higher than the corresponding sorption parameters (up to sixfold higher), thus indicating a significant degree of irreversible sorption, which decreased in the sequence PFOS > PFOA > PFBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milinovic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rigol
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Miquel Vidal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Niu J, Li Y, Shang E, Xu Z, Liu J. Electrochemical oxidation of perfluorinated compounds in water. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 146:526-538. [PMID: 26745381 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are persistent and refractory organic pollutants that have been detected in various environmental matrices and municipal wastewater. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is a promising remediation technique for wastewater contaminated with PFCs. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that the "non-active" anodes, including boron-doped diamond, tin oxide, and lead dioxide, are effective in PFCs elimination in wastewater due to their high oxygen evolution potential. Many researchers have conducted experiments to investigate the optimal conditions (i.e., potential, current density, pH value, plate distance, initial PFCs concentration, electrolyte, and other factors) for PFCs elimination to obtain the maximal elimination efficiency and current efficiency. The EO mechanism and pathways of PFCs have been clearly elucidated, which undergo electron transfer, Kolbe decarboxylation or desulfonation, hydrolysis, and radical reaction. In addition, the safety evaluation and energy consumption evaluation of the EO technology have also been summarized to decrease toxic ion release from electrode and reduce the cost of this technique. Although the ultrasonication and hydrothermal techniques combined with the EO process can improve the removal efficiency and current efficiency significantly, these coupled techniques have not been commercialized and applied in industrial wastewater treatment. Finally, key challenges facing EO technology are listed and the directions for further research are pointed out (such as combination with other techniques, treatment for natural waters contaminated by low levels of PFCs, and reactor design).
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Enxiang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Zesheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Jinzi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
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A Porous Aromatic Framework Constructed from Benzene Rings Has a High Adsorption Capacity for Perfluorooctane Sulfonate. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20311. [PMID: 26843015 PMCID: PMC4740861 DOI: 10.1038/srep20311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A low-cost and easily constructed porous aromatic framework (PAF-45) was successfully prepared using the Scholl reaction. PAF-45 was, for the first time, used to remove perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from aqueous solution. Systematic experiments were performed to determine the adsorption capacity of PAF-45 for PFOS and to characterize the kinetics of the adsorption process. The adsorption of PFOS onto PAF-45 reached equilibrium in 30 min, and the adsorption capacity of PAF-45 for PFOS was excellent (5847 mg g−1 at pH 3). The amount of PFOS adsorbed by PAF-45 increased significantly as the cation (Na+, Mg2+, or Fe3+) concentration increased, which probably occurred because the cations enhanced the interactions between the negatively charged PFOS molecules and the positively charged PAF-45 surface. The cations Na+, Mg2+, and Fe3+ were found to form complexes with PFOS anions in solution. Density functional theory was used to identify the interactions between PFOS and Na+, Mg2+, and Fe3+. We expect that materials of the same type as PAF-45 could be useful adsorbents for removing organic pollutants from industrial wastewater and contaminated surface water.
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