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Han G, Song S, Lu Y, Zhang M, Du D, Wu Q, Yang S, Wang R, Cui H, Yang L, Mao R, Sun B, Sweetman AJ, Wu Y. Simulating behavior of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the mainstream of a river system with sluice regulations. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141302. [PMID: 38286309 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141302] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent, anionic and ubiquitous contaminant that undergoes long-range transport within the environment. Its behavior has attracted wide-range academic and regulatory attention. In this article, a mass balance model was employed to simulate PFOS concentrations in the mainstream of Haihe River water system, encompassing sluices and artificial rivers. The dynamic simulation of PFOS concentrations in both sediment and freshwater took into account fluctuations in PFOS emissions, water levels and water discharge. Furthermore, the study delved into exploring the impacts of sluices and artificial rivers on the behavior of PFOS. The simulated concentrations of PFOS in steady state agreed with the measured concentrations in surveys carried out in Nov. 2019, July 2020, Oct. 2020, and June 2021. Every year, approximately 24 kg PFOS was discharged into the Bohai Sea with Chaobai New River being the largest contributor for 44 %. Moreover, the transport of PFOS in the original rivers is likely to be restricted by sluices and replaced by artificial rivers. Monte Carlo analysis showed that model predictions of PFOS concentrations in sediment were subject to greater uncertainty than those in freshwater as the former is impacted by more parameters, such as density of sediment. This study provides a scientific basis for the local government to manage and control PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxiang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuai Song
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Di Du
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shengjie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haotian Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Andrew J Sweetman
- Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Yanqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Zhao M, Yin N, Yang R, Li S, Zhang S, Faiola F. Understanding the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on early skin development: Role of ciliogenesis inhibition and altered microtubule dynamics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169702. [PMID: 38163615 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of highly stable chemicals, widely used in everyday products, and widespread in the environment, even in pregnant women. While epidemiological studies have linked prenatal exposure to PFAS with atopic dermatitis in children, little is known about their toxic effects on skin development, especially during the embryonic stage. In this study, we utilized human embryonic stem cells to generate non-neural ectoderm (NNE) cells and exposed them to six PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorobutyric acid (PFBS)) during the differentiation process to assess their toxicity to early skin development. Our results showed that PFOS altered the spindle-like morphology of NNE cells to a pebble-like morphology, and disrupted several NNE markers, including KRT16, SMYD1, and WISP1. The six PFAS had a high potential to cause hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) by disrupting the expression levels of HED-relevant genes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PFOS treatment produced the highest number (1156) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the six PFAS, including the keratinocyte-related genes KRT6A, KRT17, KRT18, KRT24, KRT40, and KRT81. Additionally, we found that PFOS treatment disturbed several signaling pathways that are involved in regulating skin cell fate decisions and differentiation, including TGF-β, NOTCH, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling pathways. Interestingly, we discovered that PFOS inhibited, by partially interfering with the expression of cytoskeleton-related genes, the ciliogenesis of NNE cells, which is crucial for the intercellular transduction of the above-mentioned signaling pathways. Overall, our study suggests that PFAS can inhibit ciliogenesis and hamper the transduction of important signaling pathways, leading potential congenital skin diseases. It sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of early embryonic skin developmental toxicity and provides an explanation for the epidemiological data on PFAS. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: We employed a model based on human embryonic stem cells to demonstrate that PFOS has the potential to elevate the risk of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. This is achieved by targeting cilia, inhibiting ciliogenesis, and subsequently disrupting crucial signaling pathways like TGF-β, NOTCH, Hedgehog, and Hippo, during the early phases of embryonic skin development. Our study highlights the dangers and potential impacts of six PFAS pollutants on human skin development. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of closely considering PFHxA, PFBA, PFHxS, and PFBS, as they have shown the capacity to modify gene expression levels, albeit to a lesser degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Nuoya Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Renjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shichang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuxian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Francesco Faiola
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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3
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Wang X, Wang J, Niu Z. Modelling based study on the occurrence characteristics and influencing factors of the typical antibiotics in Bohai Bay. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167853. [PMID: 37844646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167853] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that antibiotics have the potential impacts to ecosystems and human health. However, due to their various classes and distinct characteristics, creating comprehensive, integrated and dynamic simulations has proven to be a challenging task. In this study, a 3D hydrodynamic-contaminant model was developed to gain a better understanding of the transportation and prevalence of antibiotics in the Bohai Bay. Specifically, we focused on four types of antibiotics as examples. To accurately capture the dynamic distribution of antibiotics, both transport and biochemical processes were taken into account. Based on this model, the antibiotics' spatial and temporal distribution was examined, the potential impact of the future antibiotics consumption and climate change was also analyzed. The study found that human activity has a greater impact on the presence of antibiotics in Bohai Bay than temperature rise. Based on the current consumption rate, the total amount of antibiotics in Bohai Bay may increase by 10 ng/L and affect nearly one third of the study area within the next 20-30 years. The significant impact of human activity on water contamination in coastal areas may also have implications for other coastal regions. This finding can provide a valuable framework for pollution prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Observation Technology of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Observation Technology of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Observation Technology of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Kittlaus S, Clara M, van Gils J, Gabriel O, Broer MB, Hochedlinger G, Trautvetter H, Hepp G, Krampe J, Zessner M, Zoboli O. Coupling a pathway-oriented approach with tailor-made monitoring as key to well-performing regionalized modelling of PFAS emissions and river concentrations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157764. [PMID: 35932866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157764] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Surface water pollution with poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) is a well-recognized problem, but knowledge about contribution of different emission pathways, especially diffuse ones, is very limited. This study investigates the potential of the pathway oriented MoRE model in shedding light on the relevance of different emission pathways on regional scale and in predicting concentrations and loads in unmonitored rivers. Modelling was supported with a tailor-made monitoring programme aimed to fill gaps on PFAS concentration in different environmental compartments. The study area covers the whole Austrian territory including some additional transboundary catchments and it focuses on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These two PFAS are regulated and therefore their production and use in Europe are currently decreasing. Nevertheless, these compounds are still emitted into the environment via legacy pollution and as transformation products from other PFAS. These two compounds were selected for this study in view of the larger information availability compared to other PFAS. Despite considerable uncertainties in the input data, model validations show that this approach performs significantly better than previous modelling frameworks based on population-specific emission factors, population density and wastewater treatment plant information. The study reveals the predominance of emissions via municipal wastewater treatment plants for PFOS and a relevant role of diffuse emission pathways for PFOA. Results suggest that unpaved areas contribute the biggest share to total diffuse emissions, but the estimation of these pathways is affected by the highest uncertainty in the input data and requires better input data from monitoring. Once the currently growing substance-specific data sets on the concentration of PFAS, others than PFOS and PFOA, in different environmental compartments, will reach an adequate quality, the model presented here will be easily applicable to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Kittlaus
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria.
| | - Manfred Clara
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jos van Gils
- Deltares, P.O. Box 177, 2600 MH Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Gabriel
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Helene Trautvetter
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria
| | - Gerold Hepp
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria
| | - Jörg Krampe
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria
| | - Matthias Zessner
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria
| | - Ottavia Zoboli
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria
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5
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O’Rourke E, Hynes J, Losada S, Barber JL, Pereira MG, Kean EF, Hailer F, Chadwick EA. Anthropogenic Drivers of Variation in Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Otters ( Lutra lutra) from England and Wales. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1675-1687. [PMID: 35014794 PMCID: PMC8812117 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have been linked to adverse health effects in wildlife and humans. Here, we report the presence of PFASs in Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in England and Wales and their association with anthropogenic sources. The following 15 compounds were analyzed: 10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide, in livers of 50 otters which died between 2007 and 2009. PFASs were detected in all otters analyzed, with 12/15 compounds detected in ≥80% of otters. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) accounted for 75% of the ΣPFAS profile, with a maximum concentration of 6800 μg/kg wet weight (ww). Long-chain (≥C8) PFCAs accounted for 99.9% of the ΣPFCA profile, with perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid having the highest maxima (369 μg/kg ww and 170 μg/kg ww, respectively). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations were negatively associated with the distance from a factory that used PFOA in polytetrafluoroethylene manufacture. Most PFAS concentrations in otters were positively associated with load entering wastewater treatment works (WWTW) and with arable land, suggesting that WWTW effluent and sewage sludge-amended soils are significant pathways of PFASs into freshwaters. Our results reveal the widespread pollution of British freshwaters with PFASs and demonstrate the utility of otters as effective sentinels for spatial variation in PFAS concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily O’Rourke
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
| | - Juliet Hynes
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
| | - Sara Losada
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road,
Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, U.K.
| | - Jonathan L. Barber
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road,
Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, U.K.
| | - M. Glória Pereira
- U.K.
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue,
Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, U.K.
| | - Eleanor F. Kean
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
| | - Frank Hailer
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
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Podder A, Sadmani AHMA, Reinhart D, Chang NB, Goel R. Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a contaminant of emerging concern in surface water: A transboundary review of their occurrences and toxicity effects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126361. [PMID: 34157464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been recognized as contaminants of emerging concerns by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) due to their environmental impact. Several advisory guidelines were proposed worldwide aimed at limiting their occurrences in the aquatic environments, especially for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This review paper aims to provide a holistic review in the emerging area of PFAS research by summarizing the spatiotemporal variations in PFAS concentrations in surface water systems globally, highlighting the possible trends of occurrences of PFAS, and presenting potential human health impacts as a result of PFAS exposure through surface water matrices. From the data analysis in this study, occurrences of PFOA and PFOS in many surface water matrices were observed to be several folds higher than the US EPA health advisory level of 70 ng/L for lifetime exposure from drinking water. Direct discharge and atmospheric deposition were identified as primary sources of PFAS in surface water and cryosphere, respectively. While global efforts focused on limiting usages of long-chain PFAS such as PFOS and PFOA, the practices of using short-chain PFAS such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and PFAS alternatives increased substantially. These compounds are also potentially associated with adverse impacts on human health, animals and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Podder
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, United States.
| | - A H M Anwar Sadmani
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Debra Reinhart
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Ni-Bin Chang
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Ramesh Goel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
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Muir D, Miaz LT. Spatial and Temporal Trends of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Global Ocean and Coastal Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9527-9537. [PMID: 33646763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely detected in global surface waters since the early 2000s. Here, we have compiled and analyzed the published data for perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs) in surface waters of coastal seas, the Great Lakes, and open oceans to examine temporal and geospatial trends. Mass discharges from major rivers were also estimated. A large number of measurements of individual PFAS have been made in these surface waters (29 500 values), with seven C4-C10 PFSAs and nine C4-C12 PFCAs accounting for 83% of all data. However, most results (85% for PFSAs; 80% for PFCAs) were for the coastal seas of Western Europe, China, Korea, and Japan, while results were limited for coastal North America and lacking for South America and Africa. Highest median concentrations of PFCAs and PFSAs were reported in the Bohai and Yellow Seas region of China as well as in the North and Baltic seas in Europe. Significant declines in median PFSAs and C7-C12 PFCAs were also observed for the period 2012-2018 in these same regions, and for 2004-2017 in the Great Lakes. Mass discharge estimates indicated continued substantial riverine emissions of long chain (C7-C12) PFCAs in the period 2015-2019 for the coastal seas of China and reductions in emissions for Western European rivers compared to earlier time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington Ontario L7S1A1, Canada
| | - Luc T Miaz
- Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
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Schmidt N, Fauvelle V, Castro-Jiménez J, Lajaunie-Salla K, Pinazo C, Yohia C, Sempéré R. Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in the Bay of Marseille (NW Mediterranean Sea) and the Rhône River. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110491. [PMID: 31421569 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Four perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analyzed in 62 duplicate surface water samples from the Rhône River and Marseille Bay (France; NW Mediterranean Sea). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected in all samples and exceeded the European Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) values in over 80% of the cases. The most contaminated samples were from the Rhône River (up to 200 ng L-1 ∑4 PFAS), as well as those collected near a wastewater treatment plant outlet in Marseille Bay (up to 9 ng L-1 ∑4 PFAS). While PFOS was the predominant PFAS in Marseille Bay, remarkably high concentrations of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were measured in the Rhône River (8-193 ng L-1). The relative abundances of individual compounds differed thus significantly between the Rhône River and Marseille Bay, indicating different sources. A simulation made with the MARS3D model showed that PFOS inputs from the Rhône River can enter Marseille Bay at levels > EQS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Schmidt
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | - Javier Castro-Jiménez
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France.
| | - Katixa Lajaunie-Salla
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | - Christel Pinazo
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Yohia
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, OSU-Intitut Pytheas, Marseille, France
| | - Richard Sempéré
- Aix-Marseille Univ., Toulon Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France.
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9
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Hu XC, Tokranov AK, Liddie J, Zhang X, Grandjean P, Hart JE, Laden F, Sun Q, Yeung LWY, Sunderland EM. Tap Water Contributions to Plasma Concentrations of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in a Nationwide Prospective Cohort of U.S. Women. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:67006. [PMID: 31170009 PMCID: PMC6792361 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2013 and 2015, concentrations of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public drinking water supplies serving at least six million individuals exceeded the level set forth in the health advisory established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other than data reported for contaminated sites, no systematic or prospective data exist on the relative source contribution (RSC) of drinking water to human PFAS exposures. OBJECTIVES This study estimates the RSC of tap water to overall PFAS exposure among members of the general U.S. POPULATION METHODS We measured concentrations of 15 PFAS in home tap water samples collected in 1989-1990 from 225 participants in a nationwide prospective cohort of U.S. women: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS). We used a one-compartment toxicokinetic model to estimate plasma concentrations corresponding to tap water intake of PFAS. We compared modeled results with measured plasma PFAS concentrations among a subset of 110 NHS participants. RESULTS Tap water perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were statistically significant predictors of plasma concentrations among individuals who consumed [Formula: see text] cups of tap water per day. Modeled median contributions of tap water to measured plasma concentrations were: PFOA 12% (95% probability interval 11%-14%), PFNA 13% (8.7%-21%), linear perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (nPFOS) 2.2% (2.0%-2.5%), branched perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (brPFOS) 3.0% (2.5%-3.2%), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) 34% (29%-39%). In five locations, comparisons of PFASs in community tap water collected in the period 2013-2016 with samples from 1989-1990 indicated increases in quantifiable PFAS and extractable organic fluorine (a proxy for unquantified PFAS). CONCLUSIONS Our results for 1989-1990 compare well with the default RSC of 20% used in risk assessments for legacy PFAS by many agencies. Future evaluation of drinking water exposures should incorporate emerging PFAS. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4093.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi C. Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea K. Tokranov
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jahred Liddie
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xianming Zhang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qi Sun
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leo W. Y. Yeung
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Wang C, Li Q, Lu Y, Wang T, Khan K, Wang P, Meng J, Zhou Y, Yvette B, Suriyanarayanan S. Simulating transport, flux, and ecological risk of perfluorooctanoate in a river affected by a major fluorochemical manufacturer in northern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:792-803. [PMID: 30677944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been widely detected and pose potential risks to both human and ecosystem health. Since the probation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) by the Stockholm Convention, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) has frequently been used as a chemical intermediate and processing aid. Owing to a lack of effective treatment technologies for PFOA, surrounding environments have been highly affected. Previous studies by our group have reported elevated PFOA levels in the Xiaoqing River, which receives sewage from a major fluorochemical manufacturer in northern China. To further explore the transport, flux, and ecological risk of the perfluorooctanoate in the river, this study conducted a 2-year sampling campaign of surface water from 2014 to 2015. An extremely high PFOA concentration (mean: 62.3 μg L-1) was observed for the Xiaoqing River in comparison with other studies. The highest average concentration and flux of PFOA were recorded in the autumn and summer, respectively. With data on selected hydrological parameters and cross-sections, PFOA concentrations were modeled using DHI MIKE 11. To explore the current loads and environmental capacity of PFOA, two scenarios (i.e., emissions based on observed concentrations and on the predicted no-effects concentration, PNEC) were set. The simulation results based on observed data showed that PFOA loads in the Xiaoqing River were 11.4 t in 2014, and 12.5 t in 2015. Based on the PNEC, the environmental carrying capacity of PFOA was estimated to be 13.9 t in 2014, and 13.8 t in 2015. The current loads of PFOA were found to approach the maximum environmental carrying capacity. Relatively high risks around both the fluorine industrial park (FIP) and estuary area were identified. In comparison with other suggested guidelines, threats to the ecological status of the river would be severe, which suggests that stringent management and emission criteria are needed for this industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qifeng Li
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Tieyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kifayatullah Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, University of Swat, Swat 19130, Pakistan
| | - Pei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jing Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baninla Yvette
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sarvajayakesavalu Suriyanarayanan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem 636308, Tamilnadu, India
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11
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Sunderland EM, Hu XC, Dassuncao C, Tokranov AK, Wagner CC, Allen JG. A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2019; 29:131-147. [PMID: 30470793 PMCID: PMC6380916 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1061] [Impact Index Per Article: 212.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review present understanding of sources and trends in human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and epidemiologic evidence for impacts on cancer, immune function, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. More than 4000 PFASs have been manufactured by humans and hundreds have been detected in environmental samples. Direct exposures due to use in products can be quickly phased out by shifts in chemical production but exposures driven by PFAS accumulation in the ocean and marine food chains and contamination of groundwater persist over long timescales. Serum concentrations of legacy PFASs in humans are declining globally but total exposures to newer PFASs and precursor compounds have not been well characterized. Human exposures to legacy PFASs from seafood and drinking water are stable or increasing in many regions, suggesting observed declines reflect phase-outs in legacy PFAS use in consumer products. Many regions globally are continuing to discover PFAS contaminated sites from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use, particularly next to airports and military bases. Exposures from food packaging and indoor environments are uncertain due to a rapidly changing chemical landscape where legacy PFASs have been replaced by diverse precursors and custom molecules that are difficult to detect. Multiple studies find significant associations between PFAS exposure and adverse immune outcomes in children. Dyslipidemia is the strongest metabolic outcome associated with PFAS exposure. Evidence for cancer is limited to manufacturing locations with extremely high exposures and insufficient data are available to characterize impacts of PFAS exposures on neurodevelopment. Preliminary evidence suggests significant health effects associated with exposures to emerging PFASs. Lessons learned from legacy PFASs indicate that limited data should not be used as a justification to delay risk mitigation actions for replacement PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsie M Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Xindi C Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Clifton Dassuncao
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrea K Tokranov
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte C Wagner
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Douziech M, van Zelm R, Oldenkamp R, Franco A, Hendriks AJ, King H, Huijbregts MAJ. Estimation of chemical emissions from down-the-drain consumer products using consumer survey data at a country and wastewater treatment plant level. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 193:32-41. [PMID: 29126063 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Deriving reliable estimates of chemical emissions to the environment is a key challenge for impact and risk assessment methods and typically the associated uncertainty is not characterised. We have developed an approach to spatially quantify annual chemical emission loads to the aquatic environment together with their associated uncertainty using consumer survey data and publicly accessible and non-confidential data sources. The approach is applicable for chemicals widely used across a product sector. Product usage data from consumer survey studies in France, the Netherlands, South Korea and the USA were combined with information on typical product formulations, wastewater removal rates, and the spatial distribution of populations and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the four countries. Results are presented for three chemicals common to three types of personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash) at WWTP and national levels. Uncertainty in WWTP-specific emission estimates was characterised with a 95% confidence interval and ranged up to a factor of 4.8 around the mean, mainly due to uncertainty associated with removal efficiency. Estimates of whole country product usage were comparable to total market estimates derived from sectorial market sales data with differences ranging from a factor 0.8 (for the Netherlands) to 5 (for the USA). The proposed approach is suitable where measured data on chemical emissions is missing and is applicable for use in risk assessments and chemical footprinting methods when applied to specific product categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Douziech
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rosalie van Zelm
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Oldenkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Franco
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henry King
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A J Huijbregts
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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13
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Li Q, Wang T, Zhu Z, Meng J, Wang P, Suriyanarayanan S, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Song S, Lu Y, Yvette B. Using hydrodynamic model to predict PFOS and PFOA transport in the Daling River and its tributary, a heavily polluted river into the Bohai Sea, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 167:344-352. [PMID: 27741427 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.09.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are extremely persistent in the environment, and have the potential for long-range transport. The present study focused on the Daling River and its tributary, a larger river flowing into Liaodong Bay of the Bohai Sea. Recent studies have shown the elevated levels of PFOS and PFOA in the Daling River. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes, fate and transport modeling of PFOS and PFOA concentrations using one-dimensional DHI MIKE-11 river model. We designed three scenarios to assess the risk of PFOS and PFOA in surface water: the measured concentrations, constant maximum and the magnitude of a continuous constant load. The mean absolute errors divided by the mean of measured concentrations were 41-64% for PFOS and 29-36% for PFOA. The result indicated that PFOS and PFOA in the downstream of the Daling River would not reach a harmful level with the current load. The fluorochemical parks contributed an average of 44.57% of the total PFOS and 95.44% of the total PFOA flow that reached the estuary. The mass flow was observed as 1.74 kg y-1 for PFOS and 40.57 kg y-1 for PFOA to the Bohai Sea. These modeling results may be useful for monitoring the status and trends of emerging POPs and will help the determination of the risk to both humans and wildlife, in the estuarine and coastal areas of the Bohai Sea, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifeng Li
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tieyu Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zhaoyun Zhu
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Environmental Protection Bureau of Yinan County, Yinan 276300, China
| | - Jing Meng
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pei Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Sarvajayakesavalu Suriyanarayanan
- SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment) Beijing Office, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Water and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS University, Mysore 570015, India
| | - Yueqing Zhang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuai Song
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baninla Yvette
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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14
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Happonen M, Koivusalo H, Malve O, Perkola N, Juntunen J, Huttula T. Contamination risk of raw drinking water caused by PFOA sources along a river reach in south-western Finland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:74-82. [PMID: 26398453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was simulated in the beginning of River Kokemäenjoki in Finland using one-dimensional SOBEK river model. River Kokemäenjoki is used as a raw water source for an artificial groundwater recharge plant, and the raw water intake plant is located near the downstream end of the model application area. Measured surface water and wastewater concentrations were used to determine the PFOA input to the river and to evaluate the simulation results. The maximum computed PFOA concentrations in the river at the location of the raw water intake plant during the simulation period Dec. 1, 2011-Feb. 16, 2014 were 0.92 ng/l and 3.12 ng/l for two alternative modeling scenarios. These concentration values are 2.3% and 7.8%, respectively, of the 40 ng/l guideline threshold value for drinking water. The current annual median and maximum PFOA loads to the river were calculated to be 3.9 kg/year and 10 kg/year respectively. According to the simulation results, the PFOA load would need to rise to a level of 57 kg/year for the 40 ng/l guideline value to be exceeded in river water at the raw water intake plant during a dry season. It is thus unlikely that PFOA concentration in raw water would reach the guideline value without the appearance of new PFOA sources. The communal wastewater treatment plants in the study area caused on average 11% of the total PFOA load. This raises a concern about the origin of the remaining 89% of the PFOA load and the related risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiju Happonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, P.O.B. 11000, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Harri Koivusalo
- Aalto University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, P.O.B. 11000, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Olli Malve
- Finnish Environment Institute, Freshwater Centre, P.O.B. 140, 00141 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Perkola
- Finnish Environment Institute, Laboratory Centre, P.O.B. 140, 00141 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Juntunen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Freshwater Centre, P.O.B. 140, 00141 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Huttula
- Finnish Environment Institute, Freshwater Centre, P.O.B. 140, 00141 Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Sharma BM, Bharat GK, Tayal S, Larssen T, Bečanová J, Karásková P, Whitehead PG, Futter MN, Butterfield D, Nizzetto L. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in river and ground/drinking water of the Ganges River basin: Emissions and implications for human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 208:704-13. [PMID: 26561452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Many perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They have been widely used in production processes and daily-use products or may result from degradation of precursor compounds in products or the environment. India, with its developing industrialization and population moving from traditional to contemporary lifestyles, represents an interesting case study to investigate PFAS emission and exposure along steep environmental and socioeconomic gradients. This study assesses PFAS concentrations in river and groundwater (used in this region as drinking water) from several locations along the Ganges River and estimates direct emissions, specifically for PFOS and PFOA. 15 PFAS were frequently detected in the river with the highest concentrations observed for PFHxA (0.4-4.7 ng L(-1)) and PFBS (<MQL - 10.2 ng L(-1)) among PFCAs and PFSAs, respectively. Prevalence of short-chain PFAS indicates that the effects of PFOA and PFOS substitution are visible in environmental samples from India. The spatial pattern of C5-C7 PFCAs co-varied with that of PFOS suggesting similar emission drivers. PFDA and PFNA had much lower concentrations and covaried with PFOA especially in two hotspots downstream of Kanpur and Patna. PFOS and PFOA emissions to the river varied dramatically along the transect (0.20-190 and 0.03-150 g d(-1), respectively). PFOS emission pattern could be explained by the number of urban residents in the subcatchment (rather than total population). Per-capita emissions were lower than in many developed countries. In groundwater, PFBA (<MQL - 9.2 ng L(-1)) and PFBS (<MQL - 4.9 ng L(-1)) had the highest concentrations among PFCAs and PFSAs, respectively. Concentrations and trends in groundwater were generally similar to those observed in surface water suggesting the aquifer was contaminated by wastewater receiving river water. Daily PFAS exposure intakes through drinking water were below safety thresholds for oral non-cancer risk in all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brij Mohan Sharma
- TERI University, 10 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India.
| | - Girija K Bharat
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Shresth Tayal
- TERI University, 10 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India; The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Thorjørn Larssen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, Oslo 0349, Norway
| | - Jitka Bečanová
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Karásková
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Paul G Whitehead
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn N Futter
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, Oslo 0349, Norway; Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.
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16
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Lindim C, Cousins IT, vanGils J. Estimating emissions of PFOS and PFOA to the Danube River catchment and evaluating them using a catchment-scale chemical transport and fate model. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 207:97-106. [PMID: 26367703 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Novel approaches for estimating the emissions of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to surface waters are explored. The Danube River catchment is used to investigate emissions contributing to riverine loads of PFOS and PFOA and to verify the accuracy of estimates using a catchment-scale dynamic fugacity-based chemical transport and fate model (STREAM-EU; Spatially and Temporally Resolved Exposure Assessment Model for European basins). Model accuracy evaluation performed by comparing STREAM-EU predicted concentrations and monitoring data for the Danube and its tributaries shows that the best estimates for PFOS and PFOA emissions in the Danube region are obtained by considering the combined contributions of human population, wealth (based on local gross domestic product (GDP)) and wastewater treatment. Human population alone cannot explain the levels of PFOS and PFOA found in the Danube catchment waters. Introducing wealth distribution information in the form of local GDPs improves emission estimates markedly, likely by better representing emissions resulting from consumer trends, industrial and commercial sources. For compounds such as PFOS and PFOA, whose main sink and transport media is the aquatic compartment, a major source to freshwater are wastewater treatment plants. Introducing wastewater treatment information in the emission estimations also further improves emission estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lindim
- ACES-Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - I T Cousins
- ACES-Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J vanGils
- Deltares, PO Box 177, 2600 MH Delft, The Netherlands
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