1
|
Liu S, Liu Y, Tang B, Wang Q, Zhang M, Qiu W, Luo X, Mai B, Hao Y, Zheng J, Wang K, Wang D. Spatial distribution, trophic magnification, and risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis): Risks of emerging alternatives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135246. [PMID: 39032177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP, Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is the only freshwater cetacean found in China. However, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) risks in YFPs remain unclear. In this study, legacy PFASs, their precursors and alternatives, were determined in YFP muscles (n = 32), liver (n = 29), kidney (n = 24), skin (n = 5), and blubbers (n = 25) collected from Poyang Lake (PL) and Yangtze River (YR) between 2017 and 2023. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS in all YFP tissues, with a median hepatic concentration of 1700 ng/g wet weight, which is higher than that in other finless porpoises worldwide. PFOS, chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), and perfluoroalkane sulfonamides concentrations in YFP livers from PL were significantly higher than those from YR (p < 0.05); however, the opposite was observed for hexafluoropropylene oxide acids. Biomagnification and trophic magnification factors (BMF and TMF, respectively) of most PFASs in the YFP food web were > 1. Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid had the highest BMF value (99), followed by 6:2 Cl-PFESA (94) and PFOS (81). The TMFmuscle and TMFliver values of the total PFASs were 3.4 and 6.6, respectively, and were significantly positively correlated with the fluorinated carbon chain length (p < 0.01). In addition, up to 62 % of the hazard quotients for 6:2 Cl-PFESA were > 1, which was higher than that of PFOS (48 %), suggesting a high hepatotoxicity of 6:2 Cl-PFESA to YFPs. Bioaccumulation and biotoxicity of legacy and emerging alternatives in aquatic organisms continue to be a concern, especially for underscoring the vulnerability of the long-lived and endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China.
| | - Bin Tang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qiyu Wang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Jinsong Zheng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fang B, Chen H, Zhou Y, Qiao B, Baqar M, Wang Y, Yao Y, Sun H. Fluorotelomer betaines and sulfonic acid in aerobic wetland soil: Stability, biotransformation, and bacterial community response. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135261. [PMID: 39032178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The microbial degradation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA), fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), and fluorotelomer betaines (5:3 and 5:1:2 FTB) in aerobic wetland soil was investigated during a 100-day incubation. The half-lives of 6:2 FTSA in the treatments with diethylene glycol butyl ether as the sole carbon source (NA treatment) and with additional supplementation of sodium acetate (ED treatment) were determined to be 26.2 and 16.7 days, respectively. By day 100, ∼20 mol% of 6:2 FTAB was degraded in the NA and ED treatments. The potential transformation products of 6:2 FTSA and 6:2 FTAB were identified using liquid/gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, and their biotransformation pathways were proposed. In contrast, 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTB exhibited high persistence under two carbon source conditions. There was no intense alteration in the diversity of soil bacterial communities under the stress of fluorotelomer compounds at the level of ∼150 μg/L. The supplementation of sodium acetate led to an enrichment of bacterial species within the genera Hydrogenophaga (phylum Proteobacteria) and Rhodococcus (phylum Actinobacteria), promoting the biodegradation of 6:2 FTSA and 6:2 FTAB and the formation of transformation products. Species from the genus Rhodococcus were potentially crucial functional microorganisms involved in the degradation of 6:2 FTSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yue Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Biting Qiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mujtaba Baqar
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. A review of the occurrence and microbial transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171883. [PMID: 38531439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been extensively used for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fuel fires at military sites, airports, and fire-training areas. Despite being a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), our understanding of PFAS occurrence in AFFF formulations and AFFF-impacted environments is limited, as is the impact of microbial transformation on the environment fate of AFFF-derived PFAS. This literature review compiles PFAS concentrations in electrochemical fluorination (ECF)- and fluorotelomer (FT)-based AFFFs and provides an overview of PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. Our analysis reveals that AFFF use is a predominant point source of PFAS contamination, including primary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl substances as AFFF components), secondary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl transformation products of primary precursors), and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Moreover, there are discrepancies between PFAS concentration profiles in AFFFs and those measured in AFFF-impacted media. For example, primary precursors constitute 52.6 % and 99.5 % of PFAS mass in ECF- and FT-based AFFFs, respectively, whereas they represent only 0.7 % total mass in AFFF-impacted groundwater. Conversely, secondary precursors, which constitute <1 % of PFAS in AFFFs, represent 4.0-27.8 % of PFAS in AFFF-impacted environments. The observed differences in PFAS levels between AFFFs and environmental samples are likely due to in-situ biotransformation processes. Biotransformation rates and pathways reported for AFFF-derived primary and secondary precursors varied among different classes of precursors, consistent with the PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. For example, readily biodegradable primary precursors, N-dimethyl ammonio propyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (AmPr-FASA) and n:2 fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonate (n:2 FtTAoS), were rarely detected in AFFF-impacted environments. In contrast, key secondary precursors, perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) and n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (n:2 FTS), were widely detected, which was attributed to their resistance to biotransformation. Key knowledge gaps and future research priorities are presented to better understand the occurrence, fate, and transport of AFFF-derived PFAS in the environment and to design more effective remediation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu C, Goodrow S, Chen H, Li M. Distinctive biotransformation and biodefluorination of 6:2 versus 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids by municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121431. [PMID: 38471201 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) represent an important group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) given their high toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and frequent detection in landfill leachates and PFAS-impacted sites. In this study, we assessed the biodegradability of 6:2 FTCA and 5:3 FTCA by activated sludges from four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the New York Metropolitan area. Coupling with 6:2 FTCA removal, significant fluoride release (0.56∼1.83 F-/molecule) was evident in sludge treatments during 7 days of incubation. Less-fluorinated transformation products (TPs) were formed, including 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 FTUCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). In contrast, little fluoride (0.01∼0.09 F-/molecule) was detected in 5:3 FTCA-dosed microcosms, though 25∼68% of initially dosed 5:3 FTCA was biologically removed. This implies the dominance of "non-fluoride-releasing pathways" that may contribute to the formation of CoA adducts or other conjugates over 5:3 FTCA biotransformation. The discovery of defluorinated 5:3 FTUCA revealed the possibility of microbial attacks of the C-F bond at the γ carbon to initiate the transformation. Microbial community analysis revealed the possible involvement of 9 genera, such as Hyphomicrobium and Dechloromonas, in aerobic FTCA biotransformation. This study unraveled that biotransformation pathways of 6:2 and 5:3 FTCAs can be divergent, resulting in biodefluorination at distinctive degrees. Further research is underscored to uncover the nontarget TPs and investigate the involved biotransformation and biodefluorination mechanisms and molecular basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra Goodrow
- Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mengyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dong S, Yan PF, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Using Network Analysis and Predictive Functional Analysis to Explore the Fluorotelomer Biotransformation Potential of Soil Microbial Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7480-7492. [PMID: 38639388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microbial transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including fluorotelomer-derived PFAS, by native microbial communities in the environment has been widely documented. However, few studies have identified the key microorganisms and their roles during the PFAS biotransformation processes. This study was undertaken to gain more insight into the structure and function of soil microbial communities that are relevant to PFAS biotransformation. We collected 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate biotransformation studies conducted in soil microcosms under various redox conditions. Through co-occurrence network analysis, several genera, including Variovorax, Rhodococcus, and Cupriavidus, were found to likely play important roles in the biotransformation of fluorotelomers. Additionally, a metagenomic prediction approach (PICRUSt2) identified functional genes, including 6-oxocyclohex-1-ene-carbonyl-CoA hydrolase, cyclohexa-1,5-dienecarbonyl-CoA hydratase, and a fluoride-proton antiporter gene, that may be involved in defluorination. This study pioneers the application of these bioinformatics tools in the analysis of PFAS biotransformation-related sequencing data. Our findings serve as a foundational reference for investigating enzymatic mechanisms of microbial defluorination that may facilitate the development of efficient microbial consortia and/or pure microbial strains for PFAS biotransformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Riley-Robb Hall, 111 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Riley-Robb Hall, 111 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Riley-Robb Hall, 111 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schaefer CE, Nguyen D, Fang Y, Gonda N, Zhang C, Shea S, Higgins CP. PFAS Porewater concentrations in unsaturated soil: Field and laboratory comparisons inform on PFAS accumulation at air-water interfaces. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 264:104359. [PMID: 38697007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) leaching from unsaturated soils impacted with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is an environmental challenge that remains difficult to measure and predict. Complicating measurements and predictions of this process is a lack of understanding between the PFAS concentrations measured in a collected environmental unsaturated soil sample, and the PFAS concentrations measured in the corresponding porewater using field-deployed lysimeters. The applicability of bench-scale batch testing to assess this relationship also remains uncertain. In this study, field-deployed porous cup suction lysimeters were used to measure PFAS porewater concentrations in unsaturated soils at 5 AFFF-impacted sites. Field-measured PFAS porewater concentrations were compared to those measured in porewater extracted in the laboratory from collected unsaturated soil cores, and from PFAS concentrations measured in the laboratory using batch soil slurries. Results showed that, despite several years since the last AFFF release at most of the test sites, precursors were abundant in 3 out of the 5 sites. Comparison of field lysimeter results to laboratory testing suggested that the local equilibrium assumption was valid for at least 3 of the sites and conditions of this study. Surprisingly, PFAS accumulation at the air-water interface was orders of magnitude less than expected at two of the test sites, suggesting potential gaps in the understanding of PFAS accumulation at the air-water interface at AFFF-impacted sites. Finally, results herein suggest that bench-scale testing on unsaturated soils can in some cases be used to inform on PFAS in situ porewater concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6(th) Floor, Edison, NJ 08837, USA.
| | - Dung Nguyen
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, # 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Yida Fang
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, # 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Nicholas Gonda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Chuhui Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Stephanie Shea
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhu H, Xia Y, Zhang Y, Kang Y, Ding Y, Chen R, Feng H. Distribution characteristics and transformation mechanism of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water sources: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:169566. [PMID: 38160823 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised significant concerns within the realm of drinking water due to their widespread presence in various water sources. This prevalence poses potential risks to human health, ecosystems, and the safety of drinking water. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically categorize the distribution characteristics and transformation mechanisms of PFASs in drinking water sources. This review aims to address this gap by concentrating on the specific sources of PFASs contamination in Chinese drinking water supplies. It seeks to elucidate the migration and transformation processes of PFASs within each source, summarize the distribution patterns of PFASs in surface and subsurface drinking water sources, and analyze how PFASs molecular structure, solubility, and sediment physicochemical parameters influence their presence in both the water phase and sediment. Furthermore, this review assesses two natural pathways for PFASs degradation, namely photolysis and biodegradation. It places particular emphasis on understanding the degradation mechanisms and the factors that affect the breakdown of PFASs by microorganisms. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for the prevention and control of PFAS contamination and the assurance of drinking water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heying Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijing Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ying Kang
- Zhejiang Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center, 117 Xueyuan Road, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangcheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruya Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Huajun Feng
- Ecological-Environment & Health College (EEHC), Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Woodcock MJ, Manz KE, Garza-Rubalcava U, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate and microbial community dynamics in water-saturated one-dimensional flow-through columns. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 252:121146. [PMID: 38306753 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121146] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Nearly all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) biotransformation studies reported to date have been limited to laboratory-scale batch reactors. The fate and transport of PFAS in systems that more closely represent field conditions, i.e., in saturated porous media under flowing conditions, remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), a representative PFAS of widespread environmental occurrence, in one-dimensional water-saturated flow-through columns packed with soil obtained from a PFAS-contaminated site. The 305-day column experiments demonstrated that 6:2 FTS biotransformation was rate-limited, where a decrease in pore-water velocity from 3.7 to 2.4 cm/day, resulted in a 21.7-26.1 % decrease in effluent concentrations of 6:2 FTS and higher yields (1.0-1.4 mol% vs. 0.3 mol%) of late-stage biotransformation products (C4C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates). Flow interruptions (2 and 7 days) were found to enhance 6:2 FTS biotransformation during the 6-7 pore volumes following flow resumption. Model-fitted 6:2 FTS column biotransformation rates (0.039-0.041 cmw3/gs/d) were ∼3.5 times smaller than those observed in microcosms (0.137 cmw3/gs/d). Additionally, during column experiments, planktonic microbial communities remained relatively stable, whereas the composition of the attached microbial communities shifted along the flow path, which may have been attributed to oxygen availability and the toxicity of 6:2 FTS and associated biotransformation products. Genus Pseudomonas dominated in planktonic microbial communities, while in the attached microbial communities, Rhodococcus decreased and Pelotomaculum increased along the flow path, suggesting their potential involvement in early- and late-stage 6:2 FTS biotransformation, respectively. Overall, this study highlights the importance of incorporating realistic environmental conditions into experimental systems to obtain a more representative assessment of in-situ PFAS biotransformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Thapa BS, Pandit S, Mishra RK, Joshi S, Idris AM, Tusher TR. Emergence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and advances in the remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170142. [PMID: 38242458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
A group of fluorinated organic molecules known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been commonly produced and circulated in the environment. PFAS, owing to multiple strong CF bonds, exhibit exceptional stability and possess a high level of resistance against biological or chemical degradation. Recently, PFAS have been identified to cause numerous hazardous effects on the biotic ecosystem. As a result, extensive efforts have been made in recent years to develop effective methods to remove PFAS. Adsorption, filtration, heat treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, and soil washing are a few of the physicochemical techniques that have shown their ability to remove PFAS from contaminated matrixes. However these methods also carry significant drawbacks, including the fact that they are expensive, energy-intensive, unsuitable for in-situ treatment, and requirement to be carried under dormant conditions. The metabolic products released upon PFAS degradation are largely unknown, despite the fact that thermal disintegration methods are widely used. In contrast to physical and chemical methods, biological degradation of PFAS has been regarded as efficient method. However, PFAS are difficult to instantly and completely metabolize through biological methods due to the limitations of biocatalytic mechanisms. Nevertheless, cost, easy-to-operate and environmentally safe are some of the advantages over its counterpart. The present review comprehensively discusses the occurrence of PFAS, the state-of-the science of remediation technologies and approaches applied, and the remediation challenges. The article also focuses on the future research directions toward the development of effective methods for PFAS-contaminated site in-situ treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhim Sen Thapa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India
| | - Sanket Joshi
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Kant Kalwar, NH 11C, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303002, India
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanmoy Roy Tusher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang SH, Shan L, Chu KH. Root exudates enhanced 6:2 FTOH defluorination, altered metabolite profiles and shifted soil microbiome dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133651. [PMID: 38309165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH), one of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is widely used as a raw material in synthesizing surfactants and fluorinated polymers. However, little is known about the role of root exudates on 6:2 FTOH biodegradation in the rhizosphere. This study examined the effects of root exudates produced from dicot (Arabidopsis thaliana) and monocot (Brachypodium distachyon) grown under different nutrient conditions (nutrient-rich, sulfur-free, and potassium-free) on 6:2 FTOH biotransformation with or without bioaugmentating agent Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. All the exudates enhanced defluorination of 6:2 FTOH by glucose-grown RHA1. Amendment of dicot or monocot root exudates, regardless of the plant growth conditions, also enhanced 6:2 FTOH biotransformation in soil microcosms. Interestingly, high levels of humic-like substances in the root exudates are linked to high extents of 6:2 FTOH defluorination. Bioaugmenting strain RHA1 along with root exudates facilitated 6:2 FTOH transformation with a production of more diverse metabolites. Microbial community analysis revealed that Rhodococcus was predominant in all strain RHA1 spiked treatments. Different root exudates changed the soil microbiome dynamics. This study provided new insight into 6:2 FTOH biotransformation with different root exudates, suggesting that root exudates amendment and bioaugmentation are promising approaches to promote rhizoremediation for PFAS-contaminated soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Libo Shan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085, USA
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nguyen D, Stults J, Devon J, Novak E, Lanza H, Choi Y, Lee L, Schaefer CE. Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater via aerosol capture. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133460. [PMID: 38211524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing products in numerous commercial and industrial applications has resulted in their occurrence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Herein, proof-of-concept bench-scale experiments were performed to measure the extent to which PFAS could be removed from a WWTP if aerosols generated during aeration were captured. Experiments were designed to mimic the aeration rate:water volume ratio, the water volume:surface area ratio, and aeration bubble size applicable to the full-scale aeration vessel. Results showed that substantial (75%) removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was observed under these operating conditions in the bench-scale system; up to 97% PFOS removal was observed if the aeration rate was increased 3-fold. PFAS removal generally increased with increasing aerosol capture and with increasing PFAS surface activity. Analysis of semi-quantified PFAS showed that the semi-quantified PFAS accounted for approximately 93% of the identified PFAS in the raw wastewater, dominated largely by the presence of 2:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (2:2 FTCA). This preliminary study suggests that aerosol capture in aeration basins has potential for mitigating PFAS in WWTPs. Further testing is needed to assess the feasibility of this approach at the field scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dung Nguyen
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States.
| | - John Stults
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States
| | - Julie Devon
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States
| | - Eden Novak
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States
| | - Heather Lanza
- CDM Smith, 555 17th Street, #500, Denver, CO 80202, United States
| | - Youn Choi
- Purdue University, Lilly Hall, 915 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Linda Lee
- Purdue University, Lilly Hall, 915 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6th Floor, Edison, NJ 08837, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fang B, Zhang Y, Chen H, Qiao B, Yu H, Zhao M, Gao M, Li X, Yao Y, Zhu L, Sun H. Stability and Biotransformation of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid, Sulfonamide Amine Oxide, and Sulfonamide Alkylbetaine in Aerobic Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2446-2457. [PMID: 38178542 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide (6:2 FTSAm)-based compounds signify a prominent group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used in contemporary aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations. Despite their widespread presence, the biotransformation behavior of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants remains uncertain. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTSAm-based amine oxide (6:2 FTNO), alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) in aerobic sludge over a 100-day incubation period. The biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylamine (6:2 FTAA), a primary intermediate product of 6:2 FTNO, was indirectly assessed. Their stability was ranked based on the estimated half-lives (t1/2): 6:2 FTAB (no obvious products were detected) ≫ 6:2 FTSA (t1/2 ≈28.8 days) > 6:2 FTAA (t1/2 ≈11.5 days) > 6:2 FTNO (t1/2 ≈1.2 days). Seven transformation products of 6:2 FTSA and 15 products of 6:2 FTNO were identified through nontarget and suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The transformation pathways of 6:2 FTNO and 6:2 FTSA in aerobic sludge were proposed. Interestingly, 6:2 FTSAm was hardly hydrolyzed to 6:2 FTSA and further biotransformed to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Furthermore, the novel pathways for the generation of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) from 6:2 FTSA were revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yaozhi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Biting Qiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Maosen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Meng Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Woodcock MJ, Liu C, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate in soils from two aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120941. [PMID: 38070347 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a common ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations, its environmental fate at AFFF-impacted sites remains poorly understood. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTS in microcosms prepared with soils collected from two AFFF-impacted sites; the former Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Robins AFB. The half-life of 6:2 FTS in Loring soil was 43.3 days; while >60 mol% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS remained in Robins soil microcosms after a 224-day incubation. Differences in initial sulfate concentrations and the depletion of sulfate over the incubation likely contributed to the different 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates between the two soils. At day 224, stable transformation products, i.e., C4C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, were formed with combined molar yields of 13.8 mol% and 1.2 mol% in Loring and Robins soils, respectively. Based on all detected transformation products, the biotransformation pathways of 6:2 FTS in the two soils were proposed. Microbial community analysis suggests that Desulfobacterota microorganisms may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. In addition, species from the genus Sphingomonas, which exhibited higher tolerance to elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTS and its biotransformation products, are likely to have contributed to 6:2 FTS biotransformation. This study demonstrates the potential role of biotransformation processes on the fate of 6:2 FTS at AFFF-impacted sites and highlights the need to characterize site biogeochemical properties for improved assessment of 6:2 FTS biotransformation behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
DeNicola M, Lin Z, Quiñones O, Vanderford B, Song M, Westerhoff P, Dickenson E, Hanigan D. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and organofluorine in lakes and waterways of the northwestern Great Basin and Sierra Nevada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166971. [PMID: 37699477 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals that occur ubiquitously in the environment and have been linked to numerous adverse health effects in humans and aquatic organisms. Although numerous environmental monitoring studies have been conducted, only one has evaluated PFAS in surface waters of the northwestern Great Basin, which features unique topography that results in dozens of endorheic basins and terminal lakes with no natural outlet, where PFAS may accumulate. To close this knowledge gap, we evaluated the occurrence of PFAS in grab samples from 15 lakes (headwater and terminal lakes) and 10 rivers in the Great Basin located in Nevada and California of the United States. PFAS and organofluorine were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and combustion ion chromatography, respectively. The highest concentrations of PFAS occurred in samples taken near sites with known or suspected prior aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) application (~20 to 4754 ng/L). Samples near wastewater treatment plants and in urban areas also tended to have PFAS concentrations greater than those measured in remote, less anthropogenically influenced areas (~2 to 15 ng/L, <3 ng/L respectively). In limited snapshot sampling events PFAS appeared to accumulate in terminal lakes to some extent; in-lake concentrations were two to five times greater than those of their inflows. Fluorotelomer sulfonates were present downstream of a known AFFF application area likely to have had fluorotelomer-based foams applied to it, and the concentrations decayed in a predictable manner, suggesting they may be used as an indicator of PFAS transport away from an AFFF source. In all but two samples, organofluorine concentrations were greater than the sum of targeted PFAS (on a F basis) (median of 0.6 % of organofluorine identified via LC-MS/MS), although there was considerable variability in organofluorine measured in replicate samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael DeNicola
- Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America
| | - Zunhui Lin
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Oscar Quiñones
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas, NV 89193-9956, United States of America
| | - Brett Vanderford
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas, NV 89193-9956, United States of America
| | - Mingrui Song
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States of America
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Eric Dickenson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas, NV 89193-9956, United States of America
| | - David Hanigan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin X, Xing Y, Chen H, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liu P, Li J, Lee HK, Huang Z. Characteristic and health risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from cosmetics via dermal exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122685. [PMID: 37804905 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122685] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
In this work, 45 cosmetic samples were collected from China, and 27 target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. PFAS were found in all samples, including the products marketed for pregnant women, and the total concentrations of PFAS measured in each sample were in the range of 4.05 - 94.9 ng/g. Short-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids were the dominant compounds contributing to over 60% of the total content. Perfluorobutanoic acid, with high placental transfer efficiency, was the major PFAS in cosmetics for pregnant women. Three emerging PFAS, 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid, 3-perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (5:3) and perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid, were also identified in the cosmetic samples at quantifiable levels. Significantly, positive correlations between individual PFAS were observed, indicating that there may be a common source for PFAS in these samples. Statistical analyses suggested that using plastic containers and precursor substances may be potential sources of PFAS in terminal products, and product aging may increase PFAS levels. From the PFAS analysis of the cosmetics, the margin of safety (MoS) and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated to assess human health risks through dermal exposure by using these products. Although the MoS and HQ values obtained were deemed acceptable, the cumulative effect caused by composite and long-term exposure to these contaminants needs to be given greater attention by health authorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yudong Xing
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Jiaoyang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bierbaum T, Hansen SK, Poudel B, Haslauer C. Investigating rate-limited sorption, sorption to air-water interfaces, and colloid-facilitated transport during PFAS leaching. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:121529-121547. [PMID: 37957494 PMCID: PMC10724089 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30811-2] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Various sorption processes affect leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOA and PFOS. The objectives of this study are to (1) compare rate-limited leaching in column and lysimeter experiments, (2) investigate the relevance of sorption to air-water interfaces (AWI), and (3) examine colloid-facilitated transport as a process explaining early experimental breakthrough. A continuum model (CM) with two-domain sorption is used to simulate equilibrium and rate-limited sorption. A random walk particle tracking (PT) model was developed and applied to analyze complex leaching characteristics. Results show that sorption parameters derived from column experiments underestimate long-term PFOA leaching in lysimeter experiments due to early depletion, suggesting that transformation of precursors contributes to the observed long-term leaching in the lysimeters (approximately 0.003 µg/kg/d PFOA). Both models demonstrate that sorption to AWI is the dominant retention mechanism for PFOS in lysimeter experiments, with retardation due to AWI being 3 (CM) to 3.7 (PT) times higher than retardation due to solid phase sorption. Notably, despite a simplified conception of AWI sorption, the PT results are closer to the observations. The PT simulations demonstrate possible colloid-facilitated transport at early time; however, results using substance-specific varying transport parameters align better with the observations, which should be equal if colloid-facilitated transport without additional kinetics is the sole mechanism affecting early breakthrough. Possibly, rate-limited sorption to AWI is relevant during the early stages of the lysimeter experiment. Our findings demonstrate that rate-limited sorption is less relevant for long-term leaching under field conditions compared to transformation of precursors and that sorption to AWI can be the dominant retention mechanism on contaminated sites. Moreover, they highlight the potential of random walk particle tracking as a practical alternative to continuum models for estimating the relative contributions of various retention mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bierbaum
- Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Environmental Systems (IWS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Scott K Hansen
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, 8499000, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Bikash Poudel
- Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Environmental Systems (IWS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claus Haslauer
- Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Environmental Systems (IWS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang W, Liang Y. The wide presence of fluorinated compounds in common chemical products and the environment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:108393-108410. [PMID: 37775629 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The C-F bonds, due to their many unique features, have been incorporated into numerous compounds in countless products and applications. These fluorinated compounds eventually are disposed of and released into the environment through different pathways. In this review, we analyzed the occurrence of these fluorinated compounds in seven types of products (i.e., refrigerants/propellants, aqueous film-forming foam, cosmetics, food packaging, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, coating materials) and discussed their fate in the environment. This is followed by describing the quantity of fluorinated compounds from each source based on available data. Total on- and off-site disposal or other releases of 536 fluorinated compounds in 2021 were analyzed using the data sourced from the U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Among the chemicals examined, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were the primary contributors in terms of total mass. Upon examining the seven sources of fluorinated compounds, it became evident that additional contributors are also responsible for the presence of organofluorine compounds in the environment. Although various toxic degradation products of fluorinated compounds could form in the environment, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was specifically highlighted in this review given the fact that it is a common dead-end degradation product of > 1 million chemicals. This paper ended with a discussion of several questions raised from this study. The path forward was elaborated as well for the purpose of protecting the environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weilan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
- , Albany, USA.
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Macorps N, Labadie P, Lestremau F, Assoumani A, Budzinski H. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface sediments: Occurrence, patterns, spatial distribution and contribution of unattributed precursors in French aquatic environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162493. [PMID: 36863581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, non-targeted methods have recently revealed the presence of numerous unidentified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Besides those methods, the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay has proved useful to estimate the contribution of unattributed perfluoroalkyl acids precursors (pre-PFAAs). In this study, an optimized extraction method was developed to examine the spatial distribution of 36 targeted PFAS in surface sediments collected at French nationwide scale (n = 43), including neutral, anionic and zwitterionic molecules. In addition, a TOP assay procedure was implemented to estimate the contribution of unattributed pre-PFAAs in these samples. Conversion yields of targeted pre-PFAAs were determined for the first time under realistic conditions and led to differences in oxidation profiles compared to the common spiked ultra-pure water method. PFAS were detected in 86 % of samples and ∑PFAStargeted was in the range < Limit of Detection - 23 ng g-1 dry weight (dw) (median: 1.3 ng g-1 dw), with ∑pre-PFAAstargeted representing on average 29 ± 26 % of ∑PFAS. Among pre-PFAAs, compounds of emerging interest such as the fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaines 6:2 FTAB and 8:2 FTAB were respectively detected in 38 % and 24 % of samples, with levels similar to those of L-PFOS (<0.36-2.2, <0.50-6.8 and < 0.08-5.1 ng g-1 dw, respectively). A hierarchical cluster analysis coupled with a geographic information system-based approach revealed similarities between groups of sampling sites. For instance, elevated contribution of FTABs were associated with the proximity to airport activities where betaine-based aqueous film-forming foam (AFFFs) might have been used. In addition, unattributed pre-PFAAs were strongly correlated with ∑PFAStargeted and they accounted for 58 % of ∑PFAS (median value); they were generally found in larger quantity near industrial and urban areas where the highest ∑PFAStargeted were also observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS/Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5805 EPOC, Talence, France.
| | - François Lestremau
- INERIS, Unité Méthodes et développements en Analyses pour l'Environnement, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; Hydrosciences Montpellier, Univ. Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, IRD, CNRS, Ales, France
| | - Azziz Assoumani
- INERIS, Unité Méthodes et développements en Analyses pour l'Environnement, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Grgas D, Petrina A, Štefanac T, Bešlo D, Landeka Dragičević T. A Review: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances-Biological Degradation. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050446. [PMID: 37235260 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), highly stable synthetic organic compounds with multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, are emerging as environmental contaminants, toxic, bioaccumulative, and environmentally persistent. PFASs are strongly resistant to biological and chemical degradation, and therefore PFASs present a challenge to researchers and scientists for a better understanding and application of remediation methods and biodegradation of PFASs and have become subject to strict government regulations. The review summarizes the recent knowledge of bacterial and fungal degradation of PFASs, as well as the enzymes involved in the processes of transformation/degradation of PFASs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Grgas
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Petrina
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tea Štefanac
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Drago Bešlo
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tibela Landeka Dragičević
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liu M, Munoz G, Hermiston J, Zhang J, Vo Duy S, Wang D, Sundar Dey A, Bottos EM, Van Hamme JD, Lee LS, Sauvé S, Liu J. High Persistence of Novel Polyfluoroalkyl Betaines in Aerobic Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7442-7453. [PMID: 37144860 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Some contemporary aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) contain n:3 and n:1:2 fluorotelomer betaines (FTBs), which are often detected at sites impacted by AFFFs. As new chemical replacements, little is known about their environmental fate. For the first time, we investigated the biotransformation potential of 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTBs and a commercial AFFF that mainly contains n:3 and n:1:2 FTBs (n = 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13). Although some polyfluoroalkyl compounds are precursors to perfluoroalkyl acids, 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTBs exhibited high persistence, with no significant changes even after 120 days of incubation. While the degradation of 5:3 FTB into suspected products such as fluorotelomer acids or perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) could not be conclusively confirmed, we did identify a potential biotransformation product, 5:3 fluorotelomer methylamine. Similarly, 5:1:2 FTB did not break down or produce short-chain hydrogen-substituted polyfluoroalkyl acids (n:2 H-FTCA), hydrogen-substituted PFCA (2H-PFCA), or any other products. Incubating the AFFF in four soils with differing properties and microbial communities resulted in 0.023-0.25 mol % PFCAs by day 120. Most of the products are believed to be derived from n:2 fluorotelomers, minor components of the AFFF. Therefore, the findings of the study cannot be fully explained by the current understanding of structure-biodegradability relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Juliana Hermiston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Anindya Sundar Dey
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Eric M Bottos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Van Hamme
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schaefer CE, Hooper JL, Strom LE, Abusallout I, Dickenson ERV, Thompson KA, Mohan GR, Drennan D, Wu K, Guelfo JL. Occurrence of quantifiable and semi-quantifiable poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in united states wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119724. [PMID: 36801573 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Both quantifiable and semi-quantifiable poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were evaluated in the influent, effluent, and biosolids of 38 wastewater treatment plants. PFAS were detected in all streams at all facilities. For the means of the sums of detected, quantifiable PFAS concentrations were 98 ± 28 ng/L, 80 ± 24 ng/L, and 160,000 ± 46,000 ng/kg (dry weight basis) in the influent, effluent, and biosolids (respectively). In the aqueous influent and effluent streams this quantifiable PFAS mass was typically associated with perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). In contrast, quantifiable PFAS in the biosolids were primarily polyfluoroalkyl substances that potentially serve as precursors to the more recalcitrant PFAAs. Results of the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay on select influent and effluent samples showed that semi-quantified (or, unidentified) precursors accounted for a substantial portion (21 to 88%) of the fluorine mass compared to that associated with quantified PFAS, and that this fluorine precursor mass was not appreciably transformed to perfluoroalkyl acids within the WWTPs, as influent and effluent precursor concentrations via the TOP assay were statistically identical. Evaluation of semi-quantified PFAS, consistent with results of the TOP assay, showed the presence of several classes of precursors in the influent, effluent, and biosolids; perfluorophosphonic acids (PFPAs) and fluorotelomer phosphate diesters (di-PAPs) occurred in 100 and 92% of biosolid samples, respectively. Analysis of mass flows showed that, for both quantified (on a fluorine mass basis) and semi-quantified PFAS, the majority of PFAS exited WWTPs through the aqueous effluent compared to the biosolids stream. Overall, these results highlight the importance of semi-quantified PFAS precursors in WWTPs, and the need to further understand the impacts of their ultimate fate in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurel E Strom
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | | | - Eric R V Dickenson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson, NV, 89015, USA
| | - Kyle A Thompson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson, NV, 89015, USA; Carollo Engineers, 8911N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Gayathri Ram Mohan
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, Lawrenceville, GA 30045, USA
| | - Dina Drennan
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Adu O, Ma X, Sharma VK. Bioavailability, phytotoxicity and plant uptake of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130805. [PMID: 36669401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of legacy and emerging contaminants containing at least one aliphatic perfluorocarbon moiety. They display rapid and extensive transport in the environment due to their generally high water-solubility and weak adsorption onto soil particles. Because of their widespread presence in the environment and known toxicity, PFAS has become a serious threat to the ecosystem and public health. Plants are an essential component of the ecosystem and their uptake and accumulation of PFAS affect the fate and transport of PFAS in the ecosystem and has strong implications for human health. It is therefore imperative to investigate the interactions of plants with PFAS. This review presents a detailed discussion on the mechanisms of the bioavailability and plant uptake of PFAS, and essential factors affecting these processes. The phytotoxic effects of PFAS at physiological, biochemical, and molecular level were also carefully reviewed. At the end, key research gaps were identified, and future research needs were proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olatunbosun Adu
- Department of Water Management and Hydrological Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 212 Adriance Lab Rd., 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xingmao Ma
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Virender K Sharma
- Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 212 Adriance Lab Rd., 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bohannon ME, Narizzano AM, Guigni BA, East AG, Quinn MJ. Next-generation PFAS 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate reduces plaque formation in exposed white-footed mice. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:97-105. [PMID: 36629485 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) has been used as a replacement for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We assessed reproductive and developmental effects in a human-wildlife hybrid animal model based on the association of adverse effects linked to legacy PFAS with these sensitive life stages. In this study, white-footed mice were exposed orally to 0, 0.2, 1, 5, or 25 mg/kg-day 6:2 FTS for 112 days (4 weeks premating exposure plus at least 4 weeks mating exposure). Pregnancy and fertility indices were calculated, and litter production, total litter size, live litter size, stillbirths, litter loss, average pup weight, and pinna unfolding were assessed. Sex steroid and thyroid hormone serum levels were assessed. Body weight, histopathology, and immune function were also assessed in this study. Reproductive endpoints were not significantly altered in response to 6:2 FTS. Spleen weight increased in male mice dosed with 6:2 FTS. Immune function determined via a plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay was decreased in both male and female mice in the 2 highest doses. A low benchmark dose was calculated based on PFCs as the critical effect and was found to be 2.63 and 2.26 mg/kg-day 6:2 FTS in male and female mice, respectively. This study characterizes 6:2 FTS as being potentially immunotoxic with little evidence of effect on reproduction and development; furthermore, it models acceptable levels of exposure. These 2 pieces of information together will aid regulators in setting environmental exposure limits for this PFAS currently thought to be less toxic than other PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith E Bohannon
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Blas A Guigni
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Berhanu A, Mutanda I, Taolin J, Qaria MA, Yang B, Zhu D. A review of microbial degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Biotransformation routes and enzymes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160010. [PMID: 36356780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, copious amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (dubbed "forever chemicals") have been dumped into the environment, causing heavy contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater sources. Humans, animals, and the environment are frequently exposed to PFAS through food, water, consumer products, as well as waste streams from PFAS-manufacturing industries. PFAS are a large group of synthetic organic fluorinated compounds with widely diverse chemical structures that are extremely resistant to microbial degradation. Their persistence, toxicity to life on earth, bioaccumulation tendencies, and adverse health and ecological effects have earned them a "top priority pollutant" designation by regulatory bodies. Despite that a number of physicochemical methods exist for PFAS treatment, they suffer from major drawbacks regarding high costs, use of high energy and incomplete mineralization (destruction of the CF bond). Consequently, microbial degradation and enzymatic treatment of PFAS are highly sought after as they offer a complete, cheaper, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative. In this critical review, we provide an overview of the classification, properties, and interaction of PFAS within the environment relevant to microbial degradation. We discuss latest developments in the biodegradation of PFAS by microbes, transformation routes, transformation products and degradative enzymes. Finally, we highlight the existing challenges, limitations, and prospects of bioremediation approaches in treating PFAS and proffer possible solutions and future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Berhanu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Haramaya Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Ishmael Mutanda
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ji Taolin
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Majjid A Qaria
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schaefer CE, Lavorgna GM, Lippincott DR, Nguyen D, Schaum A, Higgins CP, Field J. Leaching of Perfluoroalkyl Acids during Unsaturated Zone Flushing at a Field Site Impacted with Aqueous Film Forming Foam. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1940-1948. [PMID: 36689630 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While several studies have focused on perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) leaching from soils, field studies evaluating the relationship between PFAA mass removal and porewater concentrations as the PFAA source becomes depleted are lacking. Herein, in situ water flushing was performed at a site historically impacted with AFFF to accelerate the leaching of PFAAs from unsaturated soils in a highly characterized field test cell. Porous cup suction lysimeters were used to assess the changes in PFAA porewater concentrations as a function of PFAA mass removal from the unsaturated soils, where flushing was intermittently paused to determine ambient PFAA porewater concentrations. Results showed that the fractional decreases in PFAA porewater concentrations during flushing exceeded the fractional decrease in PFAA mass removal from the soil. PFOS porewater concentrations decrease by 76% (with negligible rebound) compared to only a 7.4% decrease in overall PFOS mass removed from the unsaturated zone. Overall, the results observed herein suggest that, when considering soil impacts to groundwater, less stringent soil cleanup criteria than those that consider an equivalent relationship between mass removal and mass discharge may be appropriate. In addition, remedial approaches that remove only a modest fraction of the PFAA soil mass may be protective of underlying groundwater, particularly for perfluorinated sulfonates with at least six carbons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6th Floor, Edison, New Jersey08837, United States
| | - Graig M Lavorgna
- APTIM Federal Services, 17 Princess Rd, Lawrenceville, New Jersey08648, United States
| | - David R Lippincott
- APTIM Federal Services, 17 Princess Rd, Lawrenceville, New Jersey08648, United States
| | - Dung Nguyen
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, # 100, Bellevue, Washington98007, United States
| | - Andre Schaum
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agricultural and Life Science Building, Corvallis, Oregon97331, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado80401, United States
| | - Jennifer Field
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agricultural and Life Science Building, Corvallis, Oregon97331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Balgooyen S, Remucal CK. Impacts of Environmental and Engineered Processes on the PFAS Fingerprint of Fluorotelomer-Based AFFF. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:244-254. [PMID: 36573898 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Forensic analysis can potentially be used to determine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) sources at contaminated sites. However, fluorotelomer aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) sources are difficult to identify because the polyfluorinated active ingredients do not have authentic standards and because the parent compounds can undergo transformation and differential transport, resulting in alteration of the PFAS distribution or fingerprint. In this study, we investigate changes in the PFAS fingerprint of fluorotelomer-derived AFFF due to environmental and engineered processes, including groundwater transport, surface water flow, and land application of contaminated biosolids. Fingerprint analysis supplemented by quantification of precursors and identification of suspected active ingredients shows a clear correlation between a fluorotelomer AFFF manufacturer and surface water of nearby Lake Michigan, demonstrating contamination (>100 ng/L PFOA) of the lake due to migration of an AFFF-impacted groundwater plume. In contrast, extensive processing during wastewater treatment and environmental transport results in large changes to the AFFF fingerprint near agricultural fields where contaminated biosolids were spread. At biosolids-impacted sites, the presence of active ingredients confirms contamination by fluorotelomer AFFF. While sediments can retain longer-chain PFAS, this study demonstrates that aqueous samples are most relevant for PFAS fingerprinting in complex sites, particularly where shorter-chain compounds have been used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Balgooyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Christina K Remucal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu X, Nguyen H, Kim D, Peng H. Chronic toxicity of PFAS-free AFFF alternatives in terrestrial plant Brassica rapa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158100. [PMID: 35987222 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fluorine (F)-free firefighting foams will be replacing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) at U.S. military installations imminently, yet the environmental impacts of F-free foams are largely unknown. Ecotoxicity assessment of F-free foams is urgently needed to avoid replacement regret. In this study, we comparatively assessed phytotoxicity of six F-free formulations and one current short-chain fluorinated AFFF in terrestrial plant Brassica rapa. Five of six F-free formulations exerted higher toxicity than the short-chain AFFF to the growth and reproduction of B. rapa, with 8-51 times and > 10 times lower EC50 values, respectively. Nontargeted analysis indicated the occurrence of transformation products of the test formulations in the above-ground plant tissues. In agreement with their phytotoxicity, the five highly toxic F-free formulations generated more transformation products with higher peak intensities in plant tissues than the two weakly toxic formulations. The most abundant transformation products detected in plant extracts were suspect transformation products derived from diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, a common ingredient of the five toxic formulations. This study provides ecotoxicological data that, combined with data from all related ongoing research, should be used in decision making regarding recommendations for manufacturing and use of candidate F-free foams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wu
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Helen Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Damian Kim
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada; School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu W, Lin T, Zhang X, Jiang F, Yan X, Chen H. Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl acids on granular activated carbon supported chitosan: Role of nanobubbles. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136733. [PMID: 36209863 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136733] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The safety threat posed by Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in drinking water is a growing concern. In this study, we loaded chitosan (CS) on granular activated carbon (GAC) to adsorb PFAAs, and we explored the role of nanobubbles in the adsorption process through experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Compared with GAC, we found that the use of the composite adsorbent (CS/GAC) enhanced the removal rate of perfluorooctanoic acid by 136% with the assistance of nanobubbles. PFAAs with different chain lengths have different adsorption mechanisms owing to surface activity differences. PFAAs with longer C-F chains can be directly enriched with amino groups on the CS or air-water interface on composite adsorbents. Additionally, PFAAs can be enriched with nanobubbles in solution to form nanobubble-PFAA colloids, which are adsorbed by protonated amino groups on CS through electrostatic interactions. We found that PFAAs with shorter C-F chains are less affected by nanobubbles, and DFT calculations indicated that the adsorption of short-chain PFAAs is mainly affected by electrostatic interactions. We also proved that the electrostatic interactions between CS and PFAAs are mainly derived from the abundant protonated amino groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Tao Lin
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Xue Zhang
- Suzhou Water Supply Company, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Fuchun Jiang
- Suzhou Water Supply Company, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Xiaoshu Yan
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Han Chen
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang Y, Li L, Huang Q. Electrooxidation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in chloride-containing water on surface-fluorinated Ti 4O 7 anodes: Mitigation and elimination of chlorate and perchlorate formation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135877. [PMID: 35931258 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electrooxidation (EO) has been shown effective in degrading per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water, but concurrent formation of chlorate and perchlorate in the presence of chloride is of concern due to their toxicity. This study examined EO treatment of three representative PFASs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), in chloride-containing solutions on pristine and surface-fluorinated Ti4O7 anodes having different percentage of surface fluorination. The experiment results indicate that surface fluorination of Ti4O7 anodes slightly inhibited PFAS degradation, while significantly decreased the formation of chlorate and perchlorate. Further studies with spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) computation reveal the mechanisms of the impact on EO performance by anode fluorination. In particular, chlorate and perchlorate formation were fully inhibited when fluorinated Ti4O7 anode was used in reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) under a proper anodic potential range (<3.0 V vs Standard Hydrogen Electrode), resulting from slower intermediate reaction steps and short residence time of the REM system. The results of this study provide a basis for design and optimization of modified Ti4O7 anodes for efficient EO treatment of PFAS while limiting chlorate and perchlorate formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaye Wang
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, United States
| | - Lei Li
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, United States
| | - Qingguo Huang
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Liu C, Woodcock MJ, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Biotransformation of 8:2 Fluorotelomer Alcohol in Soil from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs)-Impacted Sites under Nitrate-, Sulfate-, and Iron-Reducing Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13728-13739. [PMID: 36127292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The environmental fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) remains largely unknown, especially under the conditions representative of natural subsurface systems. In this study, the biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH), a component of new-generation AFFF formulations and a byproduct in fluorotelomer-based AFFFs, was investigated under nitrate-, iron-, and sulfate-reducing conditions in microcosms prepared with AFFF-impacted soils. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) were employed to identify biotransformation products. The biotransformation was much slower under sulfate- and iron-reducing conditions with >60 mol % of initial 8:2 FTOH remaining after ∼400 days compared to a half-life ranging from 12.5 to 36.5 days under nitrate-reducing conditions. Transformation products 8:2 fluorotelomer saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids (8:2 FTCA and 8:2 FTUA) were detected under all redox conditions, while 7:2 secondary fluorotelomer alcohol (7:2 sFTOH) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were only observed as transformation products under nitrate-reducing conditions. In addition, 1H-perfluoroheptane (F(CF2)6CF2H) and 3-F-7:3 acid (F(CF2)7CFHCH2COOH) were identified for the first time during 8:2 FTOH biotransformation. Comprehensive biotransformation pathways for 8:2 FTOH are presented, which highlight the importance of accounting for redox condition and the related microbial community in the assessment of PFAS transformations in natural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Matthew J Woodcock
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030-3411, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cai L, Hu J, Li J, Cao X, Lyu Y, Sun W. Occurrence, source apportionment, and pollution assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a river across rural and urban areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155505. [PMID: 35487461 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Forty-three novel and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water and sediments from the Chaobai River (Beijing) were quantified. The total PFASs concentrations varied from 0.04 to 31.3 ng/L in water with significant spatial but insignificant seasonal variations, and changed from 0.03 to 4.29 ng/g in sediment with insignificant spatial but significant seasonal variations. The PFASs concentrations in water from the upstream across the rural area reflected the background level due to the extremely low concentration and very few detected PFASs. The consumer products and metal plating/textile were the predominant pollution sources of PFASs in winter and summer, respectively, for both water and sediment samples. Integrating the determined baseline value, the distribution of PFASs concentrations, and the ecological risks of PFASs, three criteria were proposed, which divide the PFASs concentrations in water into four pollution levels, i.e., insignificant, low, medium, and high. According to the suggested criteria, 96.4% of the PFASs levels in upstream was insignificant pollution, which decreased to 50.4% in downstream and 50.8% in reservoirs. The PFASs in China's and world's surface waters demonstrated similar pollution patterns, with PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxA being the top 3 polluted PFASs. This study makes a small step forward the development of water quality standard for PFASs, which is of great importance for pollution control and risk management of PFASs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Cai
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Jingrun Hu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Yitao Lyu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yi S, Harding-Marjanovic KC, Houtz EF, Antell E, Olivares C, Nichiporuk RV, Iavarone AT, Zhuang WQ, Field JA, Sedlak DL, Alvarez-Cohen L. Biotransformation of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Thioether Amido Sulfonate in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams under Nitrate-Reducing Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10646-10655. [PMID: 35861429 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of nitrate reduction in groundwater, the biotransformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under nitrate-reducing conditions remains mostly unknown compared with aerobic or strong reducing conditions. We constructed microcosms under nitrate-reducing conditions to simulate the biotransformation occurring at groundwater sites impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). We investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonate (6:2 FtTAoS), a principal PFAS constituent of several AFFF formulations using both quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and qualitative high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses. Our results reveal that the biotransformation rates of 6:2 FtTAoS under nitrate-reducing conditions were about 10 times slower than under aerobic conditions, but about 2.7 times faster than under sulfate-reducing conditions. Although minimal production of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate and the terminal perfluoroalkyl carboxylate, perfluorohexanoate was observed, fluorotelomer thioether and sulfinyl compounds were identified in the aqueous samples. Evidence for the formation of volatile PFAS was obtained by mass balance analysis using the total oxidizable precursor assay and detection of 6:2 fluorotelomer thiol by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results underscore the complexity of PFAS biotransformation and the interactions between redox conditions and microbial biotransformation activities, contributing to the better elucidation of PFAS environmental fate and impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Katie C Harding-Marjanovic
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Erika F Houtz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Edmund Antell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Christopher Olivares
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Samueli Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Rita V Nichiporuk
- The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Anthony T Iavarone
- The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Wei-Qin Zhuang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-4003, United States
| | - David L Sedlak
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Lisa Alvarez-Cohen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Cyclotron Rd., Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yang SH, Shan L, Chu KH. Fate and Transformation of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid Affected by Plant, Nutrient, Bioaugmentation, and Soil Microbiome Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10721-10731. [PMID: 35830472 PMCID: PMC10134682 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) is a dominant per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted soil. While its biotransformation mechanisms have been studied, the complex effects from plants, nutrients, and soil microbiome interactions on the fate and removal of 6:2 FTSA are poorly understood. This study systematically investigated the potential of phytoremediation for 6:2 FTSA byArabidopsis thalianacoupled with bioaugmentation ofRhodococcus jostiiRHA1 (designated as RHA1 hereafter) under different nutrient and microbiome conditions. Hyperaccumulation of 6:2 FTSA, defined as tissue/soil concentration > 10 and high translocation factor > 3, was observed in plants. However, biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA only occurred under sulfur-limited conditions. Spiking RHA1 not only enhanced the biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA in soil but also promoted plant growth. Soil microbiome analysis uncovered Rhodococcus as one of the dominant species in all RHA1-spiked soil. Different nutrients such as sulfur and carbon, bioaugmentation, and amendment of 6:2 FTSA caused significant changes in - microbial community structure. This study revealed the synergistic effects of phytoremediation and bioaugmentation on 6:2 FTSA removal. and highlighted that the fate of 6:2 FTSA was highly influced by the complex interactions of plants, nutrients, and soil microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Libo Shan
- Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Méndez V, Holland S, Bhardwaj S, McDonald J, Khan S, O'Carroll D, Pickford R, Richards S, O'Farrell C, Coleman N, Lee M, Manefield MJ. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate by Dietzia aurantiaca J3 under sulfur-limiting conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154587. [PMID: 35306084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The polyfluorinated alkyl substance 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) has been detected in diverse environments impacted by aqueous film-forming foams used for firefighting. In this study, a bacterial strain (J3) using 6:2 FTS as a sulfur source was isolated from landfill leachate previously exposed to polyfluoroalkyl substances in New South Wales, Australia. Strain J3 shares 99.9% similarity with the 16S rRNA gene of Dietzia aurantiaca CCUG 35676T. Genome sequencing yielded a draft genome sequence of 37 contigs with a G + C content of 69.7%. A gene cluster related to organic sulfur utilisation and assimilation was identified, that included an alkanesulfonate monooxygenase component B (ssuD), an alkanesulfonate permease protein (ssuC), an ABC transporter (ssuB), and an alkanesulfonate-binding protein (ssuA). Proteomic analyses comparing strain J3 cultures using sulfate and 6:2 FTS as sulfur source indicated that the ssu gene cluster was involved in 6:2 FTS biodegradation. Upregulated proteins included the SsuD monooxygenase, the SsuB transporter, the ABC transporter permease (SsuC), an alkanesulfonate-binding protein (SsuA), and a nitrilotriacetate monooxygenase component B. 6:2 Fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (6:2 FTCA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated acid (6:2 FTUA) were detected as early degradation products in cultures (after 72 h) while 5:3 fluorotelomer acid (5:3 FTCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were detected as later degradation products (after 168 h). This work provides biochemical and metabolic insights into 6:2 FTS biodegradation by the Actinobacterium D. aurantiaca J3, informing the fate of PFAS in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Méndez
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sophie Holland
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Shefali Bhardwaj
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - James McDonald
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart Khan
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Denis O'Carroll
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Russell Pickford
- UNSW Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | | | | | - Nicholas Coleman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew Lee
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Manefield
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhao Z, Li J, Zhang X, Wang L, Wang J, Lin T. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater: current understandings and challenges to overcome. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:49513-49533. [PMID: 35593984 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been frequently detected in groundwater globally. With the phase-out of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanate (PFOA) due to their risk to the ecosystem and human population, various novel PFASs have been used as replacements and detected in groundwater. In order to summarize the current understanding and knowledge gaps on PFASs in groundwater, we reviewed the studies about environmental occurrence, transport, and risk of legacy and novel PFASs in groundwater published from 1999 to 2021. Our review suggests that PFOS and PFOA could still be detected in groundwater due to the long residence time and the retention in the soil-groundwater system. Firefighting training sites, industrial parks, and landfills were commonly hotspots of PFASs in groundwater. More novel PFASs have been detected via nontarget analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Some novel PFASs had concentrations comparable to that of PFOS and PFOA. Both legacy and novel PFASs can pose a risk to human population who rely on contaminated groundwater as drinking water. Transport of PFASs to groundwater is influenced by various factors, i.e., the compound structure, the hydrochemical condition, and terrain. The exchange of PFASs between groundwater and surface water needs to be better characterized. Field monitoring, isotope tracing, nontarget screening, and modeling are useful approaches and should be integrated to get a comprehensive understanding of PFASs sources and behaviors in groundwater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Jie Li
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xianming Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Leien Wang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jamin Wang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Tian Lin
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ferrari F, Pijuan M, Molenaar S, Duinslaeger N, Sleutels T, Kuntke P, Radjenovic J. Ammonia recovery from anaerobic digester centrate using onsite pilot scale bipolar membrane electrodialysis coupled to membrane stripping. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 218:118504. [PMID: 35525033 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia recovery from centrate of an anaerobic digester was investigated using an onsite bipolar-electrodialysis (BP-ED) pilot scale plant coupled to two liquid/liquid membrane contactor (LLMC) modules. To investigate the process performance and robustness, the pilot plant was operated at varying current densities, load ratio (current to nitrogen loading), and in continuous and intermittent current (Donnan) mode. A higher load ratio led to higher total ammonium nitrogen (TAN, sum of ammonia and ammonium) removal efficiency, whereas the increase in the applied current did not have a significant impact the TAN removal efficiency. Continuous current application resulted in the higher TAN removal compared with the Donnan dialysis mode. The lowest specific energy consumption of 6.3 kWh kgN-1 was recorded in the Donnan mode, with the load ratio of 1.4, at 200 L h-1 flowrate and current density of 75 A m-2. Lower energy demand observed in the Donnan mode was likely due to the lower scaling and fouling of the ion exchange membranes. Nevertheless, scaling and fouling limited the operation of the BP-ED stack in all operational modes, which had to be interrupted by the daily cleaning procedures. The LLMC module enabled a highly selective recovery of ammonia as ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), with the concentration of ammonia ranging from 19 to 33 gN L-1. However, the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the obtained (NH4)2SO4 product revealed the presence of 212-253 ng L-1 of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS), a common substitute of legacy PFAS. Given the very low concentrations of 6:2 FTS (i.e., < 2 ng L-1) encountered in the concentrated stream, 6:2 FTS was likely released from the Teflon-based components in the sulfuric acid dosage line. Thus, careful selection of the pilot plant tubing, pumps and other components is required to avoid any risks associated with the PFAS presence and ensure safe use of the final product as fertilizer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ferrari
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Maite Pijuan
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sam Molenaar
- W&F Technologies, Noordhaven 88a, 4761 DC Zevenbergen, the Netherlands
| | - Nick Duinslaeger
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Tom Sleutels
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden; P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Philipp Kuntke
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden; P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen; P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jelena Radjenovic
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang S, Ding G, Liu Y, Dou Z, Chen H, Ya M, Lin X, Li Q, Li Y, Wang X. Legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants in the marginal seas of China: Occurrence and phase partitioning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154274. [PMID: 35247411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and traditional organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the marginal seas of China were analyzed to study the occurrence, transport and phase partitioning. The influence of organic carbon (OC) and element carbon (EC) on particulate emerging pollutants in seawater was studied for the first time. The concentrations of PFASs, OCPs and PAHs in the seawater (dissolved phase plus particulate phase) ranged from 1.4 to 8.6, 0.76 to 4.3 and 8.4 to 130 ng L-1, respectively. Pollutants in the northern East China Sea were generally higher than that in the southern East China Sea and South China Sea, which may be attribute to river discharges and land sources in the Yangtze River Delta. The Yellow Sea Coastal Current and Yangtze River Dilute Water drove the transport of contaminants from north to south marginal seas. Positive correlations between EC and PAHs were found, which can be explained by co-emission of them during combustion. Moreover, positive correlations between OC, EC and Log Kd for BkF, BeP, HCB, 6:2 FTSA were found, which demonstrated that OC and EC promoted the partitioning of these high oleophilic compounds to suspended particle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siquan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guanghui Ding
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Yihao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhiyuan Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hanzhe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Miaolei Ya
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yongyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment &Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li Y, Bräunig J, Thai PK, Rebosura M, Mueller JF, Yuan Z. Formation and fate of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in a laboratory-scale urban wastewater system. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 216:118295. [PMID: 35316679 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The fate and formation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been investigated during wastewater treatment processes but studies for the entire urban wastewater system comprising the sewage transport and wastewater and sludge treatment processes are scarce. This work performs an integrated assessment of the formation and fate of PFAAs in the urban wastewater system together with their behavior in separate components of the system. To achieve this, PFAAs were monitored over five weeks in a laboratory-scale urban wastewater system comprising sewer reactors, a wastewater treatment reactor, and an anaerobic sludge digester. The system was fed with real domestic wastewater. The total mass of 11 PFAAs flowing out of the laboratory wastewater system significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 112 ± 14 (mean ± standard error)% compared to that entering the system. Formation of PFAAs was observed in all three biological processes of the system. In anaerobic sewer process, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exhibited significant formation (p < 0.05) with the mass flow increased by 79 ± 24%, 109 ± 31%, and 57 ± 17%, respectively. During the wastewater treatment process, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) demonstrated significant increase (p < 0.05) in their mass flows by 176 ± 56%, 92 ± 21%, and 516 ± 184%, respectively. In contrast, only PFHxA was found to significantly (p < 0.05) increase by 130 ± 40% during anaerobic digestion process. The total mass of 11 PFAAs discharged through the effluent (201 ± 24 ng day-1) was 5 times higher than that through the digested sludge (29 ± 6 ng day-1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Li
- 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
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mario Rebosura
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Weber EJ, Tebes-Stevens C, Washington JW, Gladstone R. Development of a PFAS reaction library: identifying plausible transformation pathways in environmental and biological systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:689-753. [PMID: 35485941 PMCID: PMC9361427 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00445j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in many consumer applications due to their stain repellency, surfactant properties, ability to form water-proof coatings and use in fire suppression. The production, application, transport, use and disposal of PFAS and PFAS-treated products have resulted in their wide-spread occurrence in environmental and biological systems. Concern over exposure to PFAS and their transformation products and metabolites has necessitated the development of tools to predict the transformation of PFAS in environmental systems and metabolism in biological systems. We have developed reaction libraries for predicting transformation products and metabolites in a variety of environmental and biological reaction systems. These reaction libraries are based on generalized reaction schemes that encode the process science of PFAS reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The PFAS reaction libraries will be executed through the Chemical Transformation Simulator, a web-based tool that is available to the public. These reaction libraries are intended for predicting the environmental transformation and metabolism of PFAS only.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Weber
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - Caroline Tebes-Stevens
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - John W Washington
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - Rachel Gladstone
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Hosted at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yin C, Pan CG, Xiao SK, Wu Q, Tan HM, Yu K. Insights into the effects of salinity on the sorption and desorption of legacy and emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on marine sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118957. [PMID: 35124123 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118957] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted extensive attention since this century due to their wide distribution, persistence, bioaccumulation/biomagnification potential, and (eco)toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the sorption kinetics, sorption isotherms and desorption behaviors of legacy and emerging PFASs with different chain lengths and functional end groups onto marine sediments at four different salinities (0, 10, 20, and 30 practical salinity units (psu)). Results revealed that the sorption of PFASs onto sediment can be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. PFASs sorption was influenced by both compound-specific and solution-specific parameters. The distribution coefficient (Kd) for PFASs were increased with the increase of perfluorocarbon chain length and salinity, suggesting that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were involved in the adsorption process. 6:2 FTSA showed the lowest adsorption among PFASs with eight carbon atoms (6:2 FTSA, PFOA and PFOS). The increase of perfluorocarbon chain length of PFASs and salinity would result in the decrease of desorption rate of PFASs from sediment. In addition, PFCAs were desorbed more easily from the sediment than the PFSAs with the same perfluorocarbon chain length at all salinity groups. The present study demonstrated that salinity can apparently influence the fate of PFASs in aquatic environment and provided valuable data for modeling the fate of PFASs in real environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519080, PR China.
| | - Shao-Ke Xiao
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Qi Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Hong-Ming Tan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519080, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kaboré HA, Goeury K, Desrosiers M, Vo Duy S, Liu J, Cabana G, Munoz G, Sauvé S. Novel and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in freshwater sporting fish from background and firefighting foam impacted ecosystems in Eastern Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151563. [PMID: 34762942 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151563] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Emerging PFAS were recently reported at sites impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and near major manufacturing centers; however, few studies have evaluated whether these can occur far from release sites. Here, newly identified PFAS were investigated in wild sporting fish from boreal freshwater ecosystems (background sites, 2013-2014 summer seasons), compared to fish impacted by a major AFFF release (summer 2013 and autumn 2014). Different freshwater wild sporting fish species (Esox lucius, Esox masquinongy, Micropterus dolomieu, Sander vitreus, Perca flavescens, and Semotilus corporalis, n = 74) were collected from 13 ecosystems (lakes, reservoirs, and rivers) across Eastern Canada. Of 29 quantitative PFAS, 15 compounds were detected in fish from background sites, including perfluorocarboxylates (C6,8-14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (C6,8,10), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), 7:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA), and a zwitterionic PFAS-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (PFOSB). To our knowledge, this is the first report of PFOSB in biota. It is also one of the first reports of anionic fluorotelomers (6:2 FTSA, 7:3 FTCA, 9:3 FTCA) in wildlife from background sites. Long-chain fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaines (e.g., 8:2 and 10:2 FTAB), fluorotelomer betaines (e.g., 9:3 and 9:1:2 FTB), and fluorotelomer sulfone propanoic acids (e.g., 8:2 FT(SO2)-PA, 10:2 FT(SO2)-PA)) were solely prevalent (up to 97% of summed suspect PFAS) in Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu) from the AFFF-impacted site. Perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA), 6:2 FTSA and 7:3 FTCA were detected in at least one Smallmouth Bass sample both at the AFFF-impacted and background sites. According to the estimated chronic daily intake and current tolerable daily intake suggested by national agencies, the observed PFOS levels would not pose a health risk to anglers who might consume these wild-caught fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann A Kaboré
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Ken Goeury
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Mélanie Desrosiers
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec (CEAEQ), Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Québec City, QC G1P 3W8, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Gilbert Cabana
- Département des Sciences de l'Environnement, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yang SH, Shi Y, Strynar M, Chu KH. Desulfonation and defluorination of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) by Rhodococcus jostii RHA1: Carbon and sulfur sources, enzymes, and pathways. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127052. [PMID: 34523492 PMCID: PMC8823295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) is one per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances commonly detected in the environment. While biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA has been reported, factors affecting desulfonation and defluorination of 6:2 FTSA remain poorly understood. This study elucidated the effects of carbon and sulfur sources on the gene expression of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 which is responsible for the 6:2 FTSA biotransformation. While alkane monooxygenase and cytochrome P450 were highly expressed in ethanol-, 1-butanol-, and n-octane-grown RHA1 in sulfur-rich medium, these cultures only defluorinated 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol but not 6:2 FTSA, suggesting that the sulfonate group in 6:2 FTSA hinders enzymatic defluorination. In sulfur-free growth media, alkanesulfonate monooxygenase was linked to desulfonation of 6:2 FTSA; while alkane monooxygenase, haloacid dehalogenase, and cytochrome P450 were linked to defluorination of 6:2 FTSA. The desulfonation and defluorination ability of these enzymes toward 6:2 FTSA were validated through heterologous gene expression and in vitro assays. Four degradation metabolites were confirmed and one was identified as a tentative metabolite. The results provide a new understanding of 6:2 FTSA biotransformation by RHA1. The genes encoding these desulfonating- and defluorinating-enzymes are potential markers to be used to assess 6:2 FTSA biotransformation in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ying Shi
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jarjour J, Yan B, Munoz G, Desrosiers M, Sauvé S, Liu J. Reduced bioaccumulation of fluorotelomer sulfonates and perfluoroalkyl acids in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) from soils amended with modified clays. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:126999. [PMID: 34461538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Soils contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose long-term sources to adjacent water bodies and soil invertebrates. The study investigated the stabilization using a modified clay adsorbent (FLUORO-SORB100®) in reducing the bioaccumulation of 13 anionic PFAS by earthworms (Eisenia fetida), as compared to coal-based granular activated carbon. The target PFAS included four perfluoroalkyl sulfonates such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), six perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (e.g., perfluorooctanoate PFOA), and three (X:2) fluorotelomer sulfonates. Laboratory-spiked surface soil and the soil collected from a site contaminated by aqueous film-forming foams were examined. Both adsorbents resulted in reduced earthworm PFAS body burdens at the end of the 28-day uptake phase. The highest adsorbent amendment concentration (4 w/w%) was most effective, achieving >95% reduction of PFAS body burden. Soil leaching tests indicated better immobilization performance by the clay adsorbent for most analytes; in comparison, the activated carbon performed better at reducing total PFAS body burdens, possibly owing to the avoidance of larger-sized particles by earthworms. Strong positive logarithm relationships were observed between leachate concentrations and earthworm body burdens for most PFAS in the spiked soil. The study demonstrated that stabilization of PFAS using modified clay adsorbents can achieve concurrent benefits of lowering leachability and reducing bioaccumulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jarjour
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bei Yan
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Desrosiers
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
McDonough JT, Anderson RH, Lang JR, Liles D, Matteson K, Olechiw T. Field-Scale Demonstration of PFAS Leachability Following In Situ Soil Stabilization. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:419-429. [PMID: 35036711 PMCID: PMC8756798 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A field-scale validation is summarized comparing the efficacy of commercially available stabilization amendments with the objective of mitigating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) leaching from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted source zones. The scope of this work included bench-scale testing to evaluate multiple amendments and application concentrations to mitigate PFAS leachability and the execution of field-scale soil mixing in an AFFF-impacted fire-training area with nearly 2.5 years of post-soil mixing monitoring to validate reductions in PFAS leachability. At the bench scale, several amendments were evaluated and the selection of two amendments for field-scale evaluation was informed: FLUORO-SORB Adsorbent (FS) and RemBind (RB). Five ∼28 m3 test pits (approximately 3 m wide by 3 m long by 3 m deep) were mixed at a site using conventional construction equipment. One control test pit (Test Pit 1) included Portland cement (PC) only (5% dry weight basis). The other four test pits (Test Pits 2 through 5) compared 5 and 10% ratios (dry weight basis) of FS and RB (also with PC). Five separate monitoring events included two to three sample cores collected from each test pit for United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 1315 leaching assessment. After 1 year, a mass balance for each test pit was attempted comparing the total PFAS soil mass before, during, and after leach testing. Bench-scale and field-scale data were in good agreement and demonstrated >99% decrease in total PFAS leachability (mass basis; >98% mole basis) as confirmed by the total oxidizable precursor assay, strongly supporting the chemical stabilization of PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T. McDonough
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
- . Phone: 267-615-1863
| | - Richard H. Anderson
- Air
Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), San Antonio, Texas 78056, United States
| | - Johnsie R. Lang
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| | - David Liles
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| | - Kasey Matteson
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| | - Theresa Olechiw
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang Z, Sarkar D, Biswas JK, Datta R. Biodegradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126223. [PMID: 34756980 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals widely manufactured for industrial and commercial applications in the past decades due to their remarkable stability as well as hydrophobic and lipophobic nature. PFAS species have been recognized as emerging environmental contaminants of concern due to their toxicity and environmental persistence, thereby attracting intensive research seeking effective technologies for their removal from the environment. The objective of this review is to provide a thorough analysis of the biodegradation of PFAS in multiple environmental matrices and offer a future outlook. By discussing targeted PFAS species, degradation intermediates, degradation efficiencies, and microbial species, a comprehensive summary of the known microbial species and their degradation pathways are presented. The biodegradation pathways for different types of PFAS species are summarized in two major categories, biodegradation with and without the cleavage of C-F bond. Existing uncertainties and future research directions for PFAS biodegradation are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Zhang
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Dibyendu Sarkar
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- Enviromicrobiology, Ecotoxicology and Ecotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, West Bengal, India; International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Rupali Datta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tokranov AK, LeBlanc DR, Pickard HM, Ruyle BJ, Barber LB, Hull RB, Sunderland EM, Vecitis CD. Surface-water/groundwater boundaries affect seasonal PFAS concentrations and PFAA precursor transformations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:1893-1905. [PMID: 34779453 PMCID: PMC8673475 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00329a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking-water supplies are a major concern for human health. It is therefore essential to understand factors that affect PFAS concentrations in surface water and groundwater and the transformation of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors that degrade into terminal compounds. Surface-water/groundwater exchange can occur along the flow path downgradient from PFAS point sources and biogeochemical conditions can change rapidly at these exchange boundaries. Here, we investigate the influence of surface-water/groundwater boundaries on PFAS transport and transformation. To do this, we conducted an extensive field-based analysis of PFAS concentrations in water and sediment from a flow-through lake fed by contaminated groundwater and its downgradient surface-water/groundwater boundary (defined as ≤100 cm below the lake bottom). PFAA precursors comprised 45 ± 4.6% of PFAS (PFAA precursors + 18 targeted PFAA) in the predominantly oxic lake impacted by a former fire-training area and historical wastewater discharges. In shallow porewater downgradient from the lake, this percentage decreased significantly to 25 ± 11%. PFAA precursor concentrations decreased by 85% between the lake and 84-100 cm below the lake bottom. PFAA concentrations increased significantly within the surface-water/groundwater boundary and in downgradient groundwater during the winter months despite lower stable concentrations in the lake water source. These results suggest that natural biogeochemical fluctuations associated with surface-water/groundwater boundaries may lead to PFAA precursor loss and seasonal variations in PFAA concentrations. Results of this work highlight the importance of dynamic biogeochemical conditions along the hydrological flow path from PFAS point sources to potentially affected drinking water supplies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Tokranov
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northborough, MA 01532, USA
| | | | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Bridger J Ruyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | | | | | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chad D Vecitis
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nickerson A, Maizel AC, Olivares CI, Schaefer CE, Higgins CP. Simulating Impacts of Biosparging on Release and Transformation of Poly- and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances from Aqueous Film-Forming Foam-Impacted Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15744-15753. [PMID: 34748313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) frequently co-occur with fuel-derived contaminants because of the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Biosparging is a common remediation technology that injects oxygen into the saturated zone to encourage aerobic biodegradation, thereby altering aquifer redox conditions and potentially facilitating the biotransformation of polyfluorinated substances. Between 136 and 280 pore volumes of nitrogen-sparged or oxygen-sparged artificial groundwater amended with toluene were pumped through four saturated, AFFF-impacted soil columns to assess impacts on PFAS release and transformation. Column effluents and soils were analyzed for PFASs by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Significantly higher concentrations of five PFASs eluted from O2-sparged columns compared to N2-sparged columns shortly after sparging was initiated. The mass fractions eluted of many zwitterionic, sulfonamide-based PFASs were higher in both sets of columns than unaltered, non-biostimulated columns. Mass balance calculations suggested the transformation of sulfonamide-based precursors to perfluorinated sulfonamides (i.e., perfluorohexanesulfonamide) in oxygen- and nitrogen-sparged columns: recoveries of perfluorinated sulfonamides were 158-235% for C3-C6 homologs but recoveries of several prominent sulfonamide-based zwitterions were low. For example, the recovery of n-carboxyethyldimethyl-ammoniopropyl perfluorohexanesulfonamide was 9-13%. These results suggest biosparging can enhance the transformation and release of PFASs in saturated soils, which has important implications for site characterization and remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Andrew C Maizel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Christopher I Olivares
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Guelfo JL, Korzeniowski S, Mills MA, Anderson J, Anderson RH, Arblaster JA, Conder JM, Cousins IT, Dasu K, Henry BJ, Lee LS, Liu J, McKenzie ER, Willey J. Environmental Sources, Chemistry, Fate, and Transport of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: State of the Science, Key Knowledge Gaps, and Recommendations Presented at the August 2019 SETAC Focus Topic Meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:3234-3260. [PMID: 34325493 PMCID: PMC8745034 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Focused Topic Meeting (FTM) on the environmental management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) convened during August 2019 in Durham, North Carolina (USA). Experts from around the globe were brought together to critically evaluate new and emerging information on PFAS including chemistry, fate, transport, exposure, and toxicity. After plenary presentations, breakout groups were established and tasked to identify and adjudicate via panel discussions overarching conclusions and relevant data gaps. The present review is one in a series and summarizes outcomes of presentations and breakout discussions related to (1) primary sources and pathways in the environment, (2) sorption and transport in porous media, (3) precursor transformation, (4) practical approaches to the assessment of source zones, (5) standard and novel analytical methods with implications for environmental forensics and site management, and (6) classification and grouping from multiple perspectives. Outcomes illustrate that PFAS classification will continue to be a challenge, and additional pressing needs include increased availability of analytical standards and methods for assessment of PFAS and fate and transport, including precursor transformation. Although the state of the science is sufficient to support a degree of site-specific and flexible risk management, effective source prioritization tools, predictive fate and transport models, and improved and standardized analytical methods are needed to guide broader policies and best management practices. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3234-3260. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction EngineeringTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTexasUSA
| | - Stephen Korzeniowski
- American Chemistry CouncilWashingtonDCUSA
- Associated General Contractors of AmericaExtonPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marc A. Mills
- Office of Research and DevelopmentUS Environmental Protection Agency, CincinnatiOhioUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical ChemistryStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | | | | | - Linda S. Lee
- Department of AgronomyPurdue University, West LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil EngineeringMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Erica R. McKenzie
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringTemple UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Janice Willey
- Naval Sea Systems Command, Laboratory Quality and Accreditation Office, Goose CreekSouth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chen CE, Yang YY, Zhao JL, Liu YS, Hu LX, Li BB, Li CL, Ying GG. Legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the West River and North River, south China: Occurrence, fate, spatio-temporal variations and potential sources. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131301. [PMID: 34182652 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of global concern. Studies in Pearl River, south China have focused on the delta area, while the upstream contributions are unclear. Here, we systematically investigated the fate, trends and potential sources of 57 PFASs in river water, sediment and fish of the North and West Rivers of the Pearl River system. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2Cl-PFESA) were frequently found compounds in waters, sediments and fish, suggesting their wide usage in this area and potential for bioaccumulation. Waters showed a higher ∑PFASs in the wet season compared to the dry season, but sediments did not. The North River contributed higher PFAS loads to the Pearl River Delta. Our results also reflect the current shift in PFAS usage from legacy substances to alternatives. This study, for the first time, reports data on PFASs in two upstream rivers of the Pearl River and on alternative PFASs such as PFESA in this area, which can better the understanding of their use, fate, risk assessment and further controls and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Er Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jian-Liang Zhao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bei-Bei Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cai-Lin Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Narizzano AM, Bohannon ME, East AG, McDonough C, Choyke S, Higgins CP, Quinn MJ. Patterns in Serum Toxicokinetics in Peromyscus Exposed to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2886-2898. [PMID: 34236102 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are compounds manufactured for use in paints, cleaning agents, fire suppressants, nonstick cookware, food containers, and water-resistant products. Concerns about PFAS stem from their ubiquitous presence in the environment, persistence, and variable/uncertain bioaccumulation and toxicity. In the present study, 5 perfluoroalkyl acids and one polyfluoroalkyl substance were administered to white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) to elucidate the kinetics of each chemical over 28 d of exposure. Perfluorooctanoate, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonate were administered to male and female mice via drinking water. Perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorononanoate, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate, and PFHxS were administered to male and female mice via oral gavage. Blood samples collected after 14 or 21 and 28 d of exposure were analyzed for individual PFAS concentrations via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In general, a plateau in serum concentration in this toxicity test-relevant timeline depended on interactions between 1) the type of PFAS (i.e., perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids [PFSAs] vs perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids [PFCAs] vs polyfluorinated), 2) continuous versus bolus dosing, and 3) to a lesser extent, sex. Specifically, PFCAs were detected at higher concentration in females than males, whereas PFSAs were generally detected at similar levels across sex. An exception occurred when PFHxS yielded higher serum levels in males than females through bolus, but not continuous, dosing. Type of PFAS had the largest impact on serum concentrations, whereas sex had the lowest. As such, future work on the toxicokinetics of PFAS in common ecological receptors would be valuable to further explore these patterns. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2886-2898. © 2021 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Meredith E Bohannon
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Carrie McDonough
- Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|