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Liu T, Hu LX, Han Y, Xiao S, Dong LL, Yang YY, Liu YS, Zhao JL, Ying GG. Non-target discovery and risk prediction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and transformation products in wastewater treatment systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135081. [PMID: 38964036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as the main destination of many wastes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Here, we investigated the occurrence and transformation of PFAS and their transformation products (TPs) in wastewater treatment systems using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based target, suspect, and non-target screening approaches. The results revealed the presence of 896 PFAS and TPs in aqueous and sludge phases, of which 687 were assigned confidence levels 1-3 (46 PFAS and 641 TPs). Cyp450 metabolism and environmental microbial degradation were found to be the primary metabolic transformation pathways for PFAS within WWTPs. An estimated 52.3 %, 89.5 %, and 13.6 % of TPs were believed to exhibit persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity effects, respectively, with a substantial number of TPs posing potential health risks. Notably, the length of the fluorinated carbon chain in PFAS and TPs was likely associated with increased hazard, primarily due to the influence of biodegradability. Ultimately, two high riskcompounds were identified in the effluent, including one PFAS (Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid) and one enzymatically metabolized TP (23-(Perfluorobutyl)tricosanoic acid@BTM0024_cyp450). It is noteworthy that the toxicity of some TPs exceeded that of their parent compounds. The results from this study underscores the importance of PFAS TPs and associated environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yu Han
- 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
| | - Sheng Xiao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liang-Li Dong
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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.
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2
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Morethe MF, Mpenyana-Monyatsi L, Daso AP, Okonkwo OJ. Unveiling the hidden threat: spatiotemporal trends and source apportionments of per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in wastewater treatment plants in South Africa. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2024; 89:71-88. [PMID: 38214987 PMCID: wst_2023_401 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
At least 11 per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were more prevalent during the dry season, whereas only PFBA, L-PFBS, L-PFOS, and PFOA were prevalent during the wet season in 11 WWTPs. The ∑21 PFAS levels in the influent and the effluent ranged from 137 to 3327 ng/L and 265-7,699 ng/L in the dry season and 61-2,953 ng/L and 171-3,458 ng/L in the wet season, respectively. The highest mean concentrations were observed in the influent and effluent for PFOA (586 ng/L) and L-PFBS (552 ng/L); and FOET (1,399 ng/L) and PFNA (811 ng/L) during dry and wet seasons, respectively. During the wet season, 6:2 FTS was observed at the highest concentrations, exhibiting 4,900 ng/L (66%) and 2,351 ng/L (39%), 1,950 ng/L (53%) in SST and BNR, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering (HCA), and PFHpA/PFOA, PFBA/PFOA, and PFNA/PFOA ratios revealed mixtures of PFAS sources into WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moloko Florence Morethe
- Department of Environmental, Water & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa E-mail:
| | - Lizzy Mpenyana-Monyatsi
- Department of Environmental, Water & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Adegbenro Peter Daso
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, and Research and Innovation Services (RIS), University of Bath, Claverton Down Campus, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Okechukwu Jonathan Okonkwo
- Department of Environmental, Water & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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3
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Habib A, Landa EN, Holbrook KL, Walker WS, Lee WY. Rapid, efficient, and green analytical technique for determination of fluorotelomer alcohol in water by stir bar sorptive extraction. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139439. [PMID: 37429381 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139439] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are one of the major classes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to their potential toxicity, persistence, and ubiquitous presence in the environment, some common PFAS are voluntarily phased out; while FTOHs are used as alternatives to conventional PFAS. FTOHs are precursors of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and therefore they are commonly detected in water matrices, which eventually indicate PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies and thus a potential source of human exposure. Even though studies have been conducted nationwide to evaluate the degree of FTOHs in the water environment, robust monitoring is lacking because of the unavailability of simple and sustainable analytical extraction and detection methods. To fill the gap, we developed and validated a simple, rapid, minimal solvent use, no clean-up, and sensitive method for the determination of FTOHs in water by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Three commonly detected FTOHs (6:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTOH, and 10:2 FTOH) were selected as the model compounds. Factors such as extraction time, stirring speed, solvent composition, salt addition, and pH were investigated to achieve optimal extraction efficiency. This "green chemistry" based extraction provided good sensitivity and precision with low method limits of detection ranging from 2.16 ng/L to 16.7 ng/L and with an extraction recovery ranging 55%-111%. The developed method were tested on tap water, brackish water, and wastewater influent and effluent. 6:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH were detected in two wastewater samples at 78.0 and 34.8 ng/L, respectively. This optimized SBSE-TD-GC-MS method will be a valuable alternative to investigate FTOHs in water matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan Habib
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Noriega Landa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - Kiana L Holbrook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - W Shane Walker
- Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - Wen-Yee Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
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Lu J, Lu H, Liang D, Feng S, Li Y, Li J. A review of the occurrence, transformation, and removal technologies for the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from landfill leachate. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 332:138824. [PMID: 37164196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that pose significant environmental and human health risks. The presence of PFAS in landfill leachate is becoming an increasingly concerning issue. This article presents a comprehensive review of current knowledge and research gaps in monitoring and removing PFAS from landfill leachate. The focus is on evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of existing removal technologies, and identifying areas where further research is needed. To achieve this goal, the paper examines the existing technologies for monitoring and treating PFAS in landfill leachate. The review emphasizes the importance of sample preparation techniques and quality assurance/quality control measures in ensuring accurate and reliable results. Then, this paper reviewed the existing technologies for removal and remediation of PFAS in landfill leachates, such as adsorption, membrane filtration, photocatalytic oxidation, electrocatalysis, biodegradation, and constructed wetlands. Additionally, the paper summarizes the factors that exhibit the performance of various treatment technologies: reaction time, experimental conditions, and removal rates. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the potential application of different remediation technologies (i.e., adsorption, membrane filtration, photocatalytic oxidation, electrocatalysis, biodegradation, and constructed wetlands, etc.) in treating landfill leachate containing PFAS and its precursors, such as fluorotelomeres like FTOH and FTSs. The review highlights the importance of considering economic, technical, and environmental factors when selecting control measures. Overall, this article aims to provide guidance for promoting environmental protection and sustainable development in the context of PFAS contamination in landfill leachate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China; College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, 061100, China.
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Dongzhe Liang
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - SanSan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yao Li
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, 061100, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, 061100, China
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Zango ZU, Khoo KS, Garba A, Kadir HA, Usman F, Zango MU, Da Oh W, Lim JW. A review on superior advanced oxidation and photocatalytic degradation techniques for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) elimination from wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 221:115326. [PMID: 36690243 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been identified as the most toxic specie of the family of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs). It has been widely distributed and frequently detected in environmental wastewater. The compound's unique features such as inherent stability, rigidity, and resistance to harsh chemical and thermal conditions, due to its multiple and strong C-F bonds have resulted in its resistance to conventional wastewater remediations. Photolysis and bioremediation methods have been proven to be inefficient in their elimination, hence this article presents intensive literature studies and summarized findings reported on the application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and photocatalytic degradation techniques as the best alternatives for the PFOA elimination from wastewater. Techniques of persulfate, photo-Fenton, electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic degradation have been explored and their mechanisms for the degradation and defluorination of the PFOA have been demonstrated. The major advantage of AOPs techniques has been centralized on the generation of active radicals such as sulfate (SO4•-) hydroxyl (•OH). While for the photocatalytic process, photogenerated species (electron (e) and holes (h + vb)) initiated the process. These active radicals and photogenerated species possessed potentiality to attack the PFOA molecule and caused the cleavage of the C-C and C-F bonds, resulting in its efficient degradation. Shorter-chain PFCAs have been identified as the major intermediates detected and the final stage entails its complete mineralization to carbon dioxide (CO2) and fluoride ion (F-). The prospects and challenges associated with the outlined techniques have been highlighted for better understanding of the subject matter for the PFOA elimination from real wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakariyya Uba Zango
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Science, Al-Qalam University Katsina, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria; Institute of Semi-Arid Zone Studies, Al-Qalam University Katsina, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria.
| | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Abdurrahman Garba
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Science, Al-Qalam University Katsina, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria
| | - Haliru Aivada Kadir
- Department of Quality Assurance and Control, Dangote Cement Plc, Kogi, Nigeria
| | - Fahad Usman
- Institute of Semi-Arid Zone Studies, Al-Qalam University Katsina, 2137, Katsina, Nigeria
| | - Muttaqa Uba Zango
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Wen Da Oh
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Jun Wei Lim
- HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
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6
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Dong S, Yan PF, Liu C, Manz KE, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Assessing aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted soils: Pathways and microbial community dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130629. [PMID: 36630879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130629] [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] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Production of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) for industrial and consumer products, including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used for firefighting, has resulted in its widespread occurrence in the environment. However, the fate of 8:2 FTOH at AFFF-impacted sites remains largely unknown. Using AFFF-impacted soils from two United States Air Force Bases, microcosm experiments evaluated the aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 FTOH (extent and byproduct formation) and the dose-response on microbial communities due to 8:2 FTOH exposure. Despite different microbial communities, rapid transformation of 8:2 FTOH was observed during a 90-day incubation in the two soils, and 7:2 secondary fluorotelomer alcohol (7:2 sFTOH) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected as major transformation products. Novel transformation products, including perfluoroalkane-like compounds (1H-perfluoroheptane, 1H-perfluorohexane, and perfluoroheptanal) were identified by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and used to develop aerobic 8:2 FTOH biotransformation pathways. Microbial community analysis suggests that species from genus Sphingomonas are potential 8:2 FTOH degraders based on increased abundance in both soils after exposure, and the genus Afipia may be more tolerant to and/or involved in the transformation of 8:2 FTOH at elevated concentrations. These findings demonstrate the potential role of biological processes on PFAS fate at AFFF-impacted sites through fluorotelomer biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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7
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Xin S, Li W, Zhang X, He Y, Chu J, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wang S. Spatiotemporal variations and bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and oxidative conversion of precursors in shallow lake water. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137527. [PMID: 36535501 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water and fish from Nansi Lake, Chian and in inflowing tributaries and nearby sewage treatment plants (STPs) were determined to evaluate their distribution and bioaccumulation. The potential precursors of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) present in the water were converted via hydroxyl radical oxidation. Over 3 seasons, the average concentration ranges of the 15 PFAA (∑15PFAA) concentrations in Nansi Lake, inflowing tributaries, and STPs were 22.8-70.3, 19.5-43.5, and 84.1-129 ng L-1, respectively. Perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and short-chain PFAA (perfluorocarboxlate acid <8, perfluorosulfonate acids <6) were present in high concentrations in the lake and tributaries. PFAA concentration was the lowest during the wet season and the highest during the dry season. Moreover, PFAA precursors were converted to perfluorocarboxlate acid. The concentration of C8-based precursors was higher than that of the C6-based precursors in the lake and tributaries. The concentration of PFAA in the fish liver was higher than that in fish muscles, and PFOS was the dominant chemical present in fish. Potential risk assessment based on Environment Quality Standard revealed heavy PFOS contamination in the fish. Thus, the water of Nansi Lake was heavily polluted by PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Xin
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Wanting Li
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xinru Zhang
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Yihang He
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Jizhuang Chu
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Shiliang Wang
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.
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8
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Liu X, Huang X, Wei X, Zhi Y, Qian S, Li W, Yue D, Wang X. Occurrence and removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in leachates from incineration plants: A full-scale study. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137456. [PMID: 36470352 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid wastes (MSWs) contain diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and these substances may leach into leachates, resulting in potential threats to the environment and human health. In this study, leachates from incineration plants with on-site treatment systems were measured for 17 PFAS species, including 13 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 4 perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs). PFAS were detected in all of the raw leachates and finished effluents in concentrations ranging from 7228 to 16,565 ng L-1 and 43 to 184 ng L-1, respectively, with a greater contribution from the short-chain PFAS and PFCAs. The results showed that the existing combined processes (biological treatment and membrane filtration) were effective in decreasing PFAS in the aqueous phase with removal efficiencies over 95%. In addition, correlation analysis suggested that physical entrapment, not biodegradation, was the main means of PFAS reduction in the treatment system. These results filled a gap in the understanding of PFAS occurrence and removal in leachates from incineration plants during the full-scale treatment processes, and demonstrated those leachates were previously under-explored sources of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xingyao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yue Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shenhua Qian
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Ecological Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Ecological Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Dongbei Yue
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment Under Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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9
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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).
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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.
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10
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Shi Q, Xiong Y, Kaur P, Sy ND, Gan J. Contaminants of emerging concerns in recycled water: Fate and risks in agroecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 814:152527. [PMID: 34953850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recycled water (RW) has been increasingly recognized as a valuable source of water for alleviating the global water crisis. When RW is used for agricultural irrigation, many contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are introduced into the agroecosystem. The ubiquity of CECs in field soil, combined with the toxic, carcinogenic, or endocrine-disrupting nature of some CECs, raises significant concerns over their potential risks to the environment and human health. Understanding such risks and delineating the fate processes of CECs in the water-soil-plant continuum contributes to the safe reuse of RW in agriculture. This review summarizes recent findings and provides an overview of CECs in the water-soil-plant continuum, including their occurrence in RW and irrigated soil, fate processes in agricultural soil, offsite transport including runoff and leaching, and plant uptake, metabolism, and accumulation. The potential ecological and human health risks of CECs are also discussed. Studies to date have shown limited accumulation of CECs in irrigated soils and plants, which may be attributed to multiple attenuation processes in the rhizosphere and plant, suggesting minimal health risks from RW-fed food crops. However, our collective understanding of CECs is rather limited and knowledge of their offsite movement and plant accumulation is particularly scarce for field conditions. Given a large number of CECs and their occurrence at trace levels, it is urgent to develop strategies to prioritize CECs so that future research efforts are focused on CECs with elevated risks for offsite contamination or plant accumulation. Irrigating specific crops such as feed crops and fruit trees may be a viable option to further minimize potential plant accumulation under field conditions. To promote the beneficial reuse of RW in agriculture, it is essential to understand the human health and ecological risks imposed by CEC mixtures and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyang Shi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Yaxin Xiong
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Parminder Kaur
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Nathan Darlucio Sy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jay Gan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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11
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Che S, Jin B, Liu Z, Yu Y, Liu J, Men Y. Structure-Specific Aerobic Defluorination of Short-Chain Fluorinated Carboxylic Acids by Activated Sludge Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:668-674. [PMID: 35316934 PMCID: PMC8936751 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manmade chemicals that impose emerging environmental concerns. Among them, short-chain per- and polyfluorinated carboxylic acids represent an important subgroup used as building blocks of biologically active chemicals and functional materials. Some are also considered PFAS alternatives, and some could be byproducts of the physicochemical treatment of PFAS. However, little is known about the environmental fate of short-chain fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) and their defluorination/transformation by microorganisms. To fill the knowledge gap, we investigated the structure-reactivity relationships in the aerobic defluorination of C3-C5 FCAs by activated sludge communities. Four structures exhibited greater than 20% defluorination, with 3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid being almost completely defluorinated. We further analyzed the defluorination/transformation pathways and inferred the structures susceptible to aerobic microbial defluorination. We also demonstrated that the defluorination was via cometabolism. The findings advance the fundamental understanding of aerobic microbial defluorination and help assess the environmental fate of PFAS. Since some short-chain PFAS, such as 3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid, are the incomplete defluorination byproducts of advanced reduction processes, their defluorination by activated sludge communities sheds light on the development of cost-effective chemical-biological PFAS treatment train systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Che
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Bosen Jin
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Zekun Liu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yaochun Yu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jinyong Liu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yujie Men
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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12
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. A review of the occurrence, transformation, and removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 199:117187. [PMID: 34010737 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise more than 4,000 anthropogenically manufactured compounds with widescale consumer and industrial applications. This critical review compiles the latest information on the worldwide distribution of PFAS and evaluates their fate in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A large proportion (>30%) of monitoring studies in WWTPs were conducted in China, followed by Europe (30%) and North America (16%), whereas information is generally lacking for other parts of the world, including most of the developing countries. Short and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were widely detected in both the influents (up to 1,000 ng/L) and effluents (15 to >1,500 ng/L) of WWTPs. To date, limited data is available regarding levels of PFAS precursors and ultra-short chain PFAS in WWTPs. Most WWTPs exhibited low removal efficiencies for PFAS, and many studies reported an increase in the levels of PFAAs after wastewater treatment. The analysis of the fate of various classes of PFAS at different wastewater treatment stages (aerobic and/aerobic biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical degradation) revealed biodegradation as the primary mechanism responsible for the transformation of PFAS precursors to PFAAs in WWTPs. Remediation studies at full scale and laboratory scale suggest advanced processes such as adsorption using ion exchange resins, electrochemical degradation, and nanofiltration are more effective in removing PFAS (~95-100%) than conventional processes. However, the applicability of such treatments for real-world WWTPs faces significant challenges due to the scaling-up requirements, mass-transfer limitations, and management of treatment by-products and wastes. Combining more than one technique for effective removal of PFAS, while addressing limitations of the individual treatments, could be beneficial. Considering environmental concentrations of PFAS, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation, nanofiltration followed by adsorption using wood-derived biochar and/or activated carbons could be a viable option if introduced to conventional treatment systems. However, the large-scale applicability of the same needs to be further verified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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13
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Ali AM, Higgins CP, Alarif WM, Al-Lihaibi SS, Ghandourah M, Kallenborn R. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in contaminated coastal marine waters of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea: a baseline study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:2791-2803. [PMID: 32894446 PMCID: PMC7788036 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09897-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are today considered important constituents of the continuously growing substance group of persistent contaminants of emerging environmental concern (PCEC). Here, we report for the first time the concentrations of 12 relevant PFASs in 28 marine water samples from the Saudi Arabian coastal waters of the Red Sea. The sum levels of 12 PFASs (Σ12 PFAS) in surface seawater ranged from <LOQ to 956 ngL-1. For the reference background site of this study, Σ12 PFAS levels ranged from <LOQ to 10.9 ng/L. The highest PFAS levels have been found in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab, two lagoons continuously receiving treated sewage effluents. PFHxA, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTS were the most prevalent PFASs with relatively high concentrations. Discharge of municipal and industrial wastewaters is considered an important source of PFASs. The pattern of PFASs observed here suggests that the usage of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is a potential additional source for these compounds in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab lagoons. However, a systematic elucidation of local PFASs sources is needed. Contamination of the Red Sea waters with PFASs poses a potential imminent risk to the marine environment of the Red Sea and ultimately may even affect the health of human consumers through the consumption of local seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasim M Ali
- Section of Contaminants and Biohazards, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O 1870 Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Walied M Alarif
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80207, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan S Al-Lihaibi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80207, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ghandourah
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80207, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Arctic Technology Department (AT), University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, Christian M. Falsen veg 1, No-1432, Ås, Norway
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14
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Janowicz NJ, Li H, Heale FL, Parkin IP, Papakonstantinou I, Tiwari MK, Carmalt CJ. Fluorine-Free Transparent Superhydrophobic Nanocomposite Coatings from Mesoporous Silica. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:13426-13438. [PMID: 33146540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the development of functional, fluorine-free superhydrophobic surfaces with improved adhesion for better applicability into real-world problems. Here, we compare two different methods, spin coating and aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD), for the synthesis of transparent fluorine-free superhydrophobic coatings. The material was made from a nanocomposite of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles and titanium cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane with particle concentrations between 9 to 50 wt %. The silane that was used to lower the surface energy consisted of a long hydrocarbon chain without fluorine groups to reduce the environmental impact of the composite coating. Both spin coating and AACVD resulted in the formation of superhydrophobic surfaces with advancing contact angles up to 168°, a hysteresis of 3°, and a transparency of 90% at 550 nm. AACVD has proven to produce more uniform coatings with concentrations as low as 9 wt %, reaching superhydrophobicity. The metal oxide cross-linking improves the adhesion of the coating to the glass. Overall, AACVD was the more optimal method to prepare superhydrophobic coatings compared to spin coating due to higher contact angles, adhesion, and scalability of the fabrication process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert J Janowicz
- Nanoengineered Systems Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Hangtong Li
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Frances L Heale
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan P Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Papakonstantinou
- Photonic Innovations Lab, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Manish K Tiwari
- Nanoengineered Systems Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J Carmalt
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
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15
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Hamid H, Li LY, Grace JR. Aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds in landfill leachate-sediment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136547. [PMID: 31958722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Consumer products containing fluorotelomer polymers are a source of fluorotelomer compounds to the environment following their disposal at landfills. The fate and transformation of fluorotelomer compounds are unknown in landfill leachates. This study investigates the aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosms using batch tests. Spiked 8:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTS and their known biotransformation products were quantified in sediment-leachate and headspace over 90 days under aerobic conditions. 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS biotransformation was slow (half-life >>30 d) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosm, suggesting persistence of fluorotelomer compounds under the conditions investigated. Significant volatilization (>20%) of 8:2 FTOH was observed in the microcosm headspace after 90 days. C6 - C8 and C4 - C6 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the most abundant products for 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS, respectively. PFCAs accounted for 4-9 mol% of the initially spiked parent compounds at 90 days. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the single most abundant product of 8:2 FTOH (>2.8 mol% at 90 days). The unaccounted mass (20 to 35 mol%) of the initially spiked parent compounds indicated formation of fluorotelomer intermediates and sediment-bound residue. Overall the findings suggest that aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds acts as a secondary source of long- and short-chain (≤C7) PFCAs in the environment. Partitioning of semi-volatile fluorotelomer compounds (e.g., 8:2 FTOH) to the gas-phase indicates possible long-range transport and subsequent release of PFCAs in pristine environments. Short-chain fluorotelomer replacements (e.g., 6:2 FTS) result in a higher abundance of short-chain PFCAs in landfill leachate. Future research is needed to understand the long-term exposure effects of short-chain PFCAs to humans, aquatic life and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - John R Grace
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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16
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Hamid H, Li LY, Grace JR. Formation of perfluorocarboxylic acids from 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) in landfill leachate: Role of microbial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 259:113835. [PMID: 31896477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer compounds in landfill leachate can undergo biotransformation under aerobic conditions and act as a secondary source of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) to the environment. Very little is known about the role of various microbial communities towards fluorotelomer compounds biotransformation. Using an inoculum prepared from the sediment of a leachate collection ditch, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) biotransformation experiments were carried out. Specific substrates (i.e., glucose, ammonia) and ammonia-oxidizing inhibitor (allylthiourea) were used to produce two experimental runs with heterotrophic (HET) growth only and heterotrophic with ammonia-oxidizing and nitrite- oxidizing bacteria (HET + AOB + NOB). After 10 days, ∼20% of the spiked 6:2 FTS removal was observed in HET + AOB + NOB, compared to ∼7% under HET condition. Higher 6:2 FTS removal in HET + AOB + NOB likely resulted from ammonia monooxygenase enzyme that catalyzes the first step of ammonia oxidation. The HET + AOB + NOB condition also showed higher PFCA (C4-C6) formation (∼2% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS), possibly due to higher overall bioactivity. Microbial community analysis through 16s rRNA sequencing confirmed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla (>75% relative abundance) under all experimental conditions. High abundance of Actinobacteria (>17%) was observed under the HET + AOB + NOB condition on day 7. Since Actinobacteria can synthesize a wide range of enzymes including monooxygenases, they likely play an important role in 6:2 FTS biotransformation and PFCA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - John R Grace
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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17
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Ouyang J, Li C, Zhang G, Wei D, Wei L, Chang CC. Activated sludge and other aerobic suspended culture processes. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2019; 91:992-1000. [PMID: 31220385 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The fields in the process model of activated sludge, the characteristics and species of microbial communities, dynamics and mechanism in the process, the influence of different xenobiotics on activated sludge, anaerobic digestion on waste activated sludge, and design and operation for activated sludge are reviewed in 2018. Contrast with the past reviews, several new highlights such as waste activated sludge treatment, antibiotic and heavy-metal xenobiotic, and pretreatment for anaerobic digestion are mentioned in 2018, which indicated that the research tendency of activated sludge from wastewater treatment to waste sludge treatment in the retrieved literature is developing. PRACTITIONER POINTS: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ouyang
- Guangzhou HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunying Li
- School of Energy and Civil Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
| | - Guocai Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Dong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Li Wei
- Guangzhou HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Chein-Chi Chang
- Department of Engineering and Technical Services, DC Water and Sewer Authority, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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