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Weitz K, Kantner D, Kessler A, Key H, Larson J, Bodnar W, Parvathikar S, Davis L, Robey N, Taylor P, De la Cruz F, Tolaymat T, Weber N, Linak W, Krug J, Phelps L. Review of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl treatment in combustion-based thermal waste systems in the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172658. [PMID: 38657813 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals known for their widespread presence and environmental persistence. Carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds are major components among PFAS and among the strongest organic bonds, thus destroying PFAS may present significant challenge. Thermal treatment such as incineration is an effective and approved method for destroying many halogenated organic chemicals. Here, we present the results of existing studies and testing at combustion-based thermal treatment facilities and summarize what is known regarding PFAS destruction and mineralization at such units. Available results suggest the temperature and residence times reached by some thermal treatment systems are generally favorable to the destruction of PFAS, but the possibility for PFAS or fluorinated organic byproducts to escape destruction and adequate mineralization and be released into the air cannot be ruled out. Few studies have been conducted at full-scale operating facilities, and none to date have attempted to characterize possible fluorinated organic products of incomplete combustion (PICs). Further, the ability of existing air pollution control (APC) systems, designed primarily for particulate and acid gas control, to reduce PFAS air emissions has not been determined. These data gaps remain primarily due to the previous lack of available methods to characterize PFAS destruction and PIC concentrations in facility air emissions. However, newly developed stack testing methods offer an improved understanding of the extent to which thermal waste treatment technologies successfully destroy and mineralize PFAS in these waste streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Weitz
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Haley Key
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Judd Larson
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Wanda Bodnar
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Lynn Davis
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Nicole Robey
- Innovative Technical Solutions, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Florentino De la Cruz
- College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Thabet Tolaymat
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nathan Weber
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - William Linak
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan Krug
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lara Phelps
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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2
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Miserli K, Boti V, Konstantinou I. Analysis of perfluorinated compounds in sewage sludge and hydrochar by UHPLC LTQ/Orbitrap MS and removal assessment during hydrothermal carbonization treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172650. [PMID: 38649038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants have been recognized as important sinks for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) because of their ineffectiveness in removing them reflecting both water and sewage sludge discharge routes. Hydrothermal treatment represents an alternative technology for treating sludge to recover energy and other valuable products. In this study, 15 PFAS were determined in sludge and hydrochar substrates using sonication-solid phase extraction procedure and analyzed using LC-Orbitrap-High Resolution-MS/MS. The method was fully validated, exhibiting very good linearity, recoveries in the range of 48 to 126 %, low detection and quantification limits with expanded uncertainty and precision below 32 % and 21.9 %, respectively. The method was applied to sludge samples from the WWTP of Ioannina city (Greece), as well as to hydrothermally treated samples under various conditions. The most abundant PFAS were PFHxA (0.5-38.3 ng g-1) and PFOS (4.4-22.1 ng g-1). Finally, the hydrothermally treated sludge samples spiked with PFAS presented removal efficiencies for total PFAS of 86.9 %, 91.8 % and 95.7 % at three spiking levels namely 10, 50 and 200 ng g-1, respectively. Results indicated that PFCAs were almost completely removed, except for PFOA, while the concentrations of PFSAs increased in the produced hydrochar with the formation of several intermediates, as detected by HR-LC-MS/MS. The results of this study demonstrate the effect of hydrothermal treatment to the fate of PFAS in sewage sludge and contribute for further studies on design and scale up of hydrothermal carbonization technology as a management option for safer disposal of municipal wastewater sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Boti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110, Greece; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, University Research and Innovation Center, University of Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Ioannis Konstantinou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110, Greece; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, University Research and Innovation Center, University of Ioannina, 45110, Greece.
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3
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Behnami A, Zoroufchi Benis K, Pourakbar M, Yeganeh M, Esrafili A, Gholami M. Biosolids, an important route for transporting poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater treatment plants into the environment: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171559. [PMID: 38458438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in diverse products has led to their introduction into wastewater systems, making wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) significant PFAS contributors to the environment. Despite WWTPs' efforts to mitigate PFAS impact through physicochemical and biological means, concerns persist regarding PFAS retention in generated biosolids. While numerous review studies have explored the fate of these compounds within WWTPs, no study has critically reviewed their presence, transformation mechanisms, and partitioning within the sludge. Therefore, the current study has been specifically designed to investigate these aspects. Studies show variations in PFAS concentrations across WWTPs, highlighting the importance of aqueous-to-solid partitioning, with sludge from PFOS and PFOA-rich wastewater showing higher concentrations. Research suggests biological mechanisms such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, transamine metabolism, and beta-oxidation are involved in PFAS biotransformation, though the effects of precursor changes require further study. Carbon chain length significantly affects PFAS partitioning, with longer chains leading to greater adsorption in sludge. The wastewater's organic and inorganic content is crucial for PFAS adsorption; for instance, higher sludge protein content and divalent cations like calcium and magnesium promote adsorption, while monovalent cations like sodium impede it. In conclusion, these discoveries shed light on the complex interactions among factors affecting PFAS behavior in biosolids. They underscore the necessity for thorough considerations in managing PFAS presence and its impact on environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Behnami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khaled Zoroufchi Benis
- Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mojtaba Pourakbar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran; Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Yeganeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Esrafili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mitra Gholami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Kumar R, Dada TK, Whelan A, Cannon P, Sheehan M, Reeves L, Antunes E. Microbial and thermal treatment techniques for degradation of PFAS in biosolids: A focus on degradation mechanisms and pathways. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131212. [PMID: 36934630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic chemicals detected in biosolids worldwide, which have become a significant concern for biosolids applications due to their increasing environmental risks. Hence, it is pivotal to understand the magnitude of PFAS contamination in biosolids and implement effective technologies to reduce their contamination and prevent hazardous aftermaths. Thermal techniques such as pyrolysis, incineration and gasification, and biodegradation have been regarded as impactful solutions to degrade PFAS and transform biosolids into value-added products like biochar. These techniques can mineralize PFAS compounds under specific operating parameters, which can lead to unique degradation mechanisms and pathways. Understanding PFAS degradation mechanisms can pave the way to design the technology and to optimize the process conditions. Therefore, in this review, we aim to review and compare PFAS degradation mechanisms in thermal treatment like pyrolysis, incineration, gasification, smouldering combustion, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), and biodegradation. For instance, in biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), firstly C-S bond cleavage occurs which is followed by hydroxylation, decarboxylation and defluorination reactions to form perfluoroheptanoic acid. In HTL, PFOS degradation is carried through OH-catalyzed series of nucleophilic substitution and decarboxylation reactions. In contrast, thermal PFOS degradation involves a three-step random-chain scission pathway. The first step includes C-S bond cleavage, followed by defluorination of perfluoroalkyl radical, and radical chain propagation reactions. Finally, the termination of chain propagation reactions produces very short-fluorinated units. We also highlighted important policies and strategies employed worldwide to curb PFAS contamination in biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Tewodros Kassa Dada
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Anna Whelan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Townsville City Council, Wastewater Operations, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | | | - Madoc Sheehan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Louise Reeves
- Queensland Water Directorate, Brisbane, QLD 4009, Australia
| | - Elsa Antunes
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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5
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Fournie T, Rashwan TL, Switzer C, Gerhard JI. Smouldering to treat PFAS in sewage sludge. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:219-227. [PMID: 37084670 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are accumulation points for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and are threfore important facilities for PFAS treatment. This study explored using smouldering combustion to treat PFAS in sewage sludge. Base case experiments at the laboratory scale (LAB) used dried sludge mixed with sand. High moisture content (MC) LAB tests, 75% MC sludge by mass, explored impacts of MC on treatment and supplemented with granular activated carbon (GAC) to achieve sufficient temperatures for thermal destruction of PFAS. Additional LAB tests explored using calcium oxide (CaO) to support fluorine mineralization. Further tests performed at an oil-drum scale (DRUM) assessed scale on PFAS removal. Pre-treatment sludge and post-treatment ash samples from all tests were analyzed for 12 PFAS (2C-8C). Additional emissions samples were collected from all LAB tests and analyzed for 12 PFAS and hydrogen fluoride. Smouldering removed all monitored PFAS from DRUM tests, and 4-8 carbon chain length PFAS from LAB tests. For base case tests, PFOS and PFOA were completely removed from sludge; however, high contents in the emissions (79-94% of total PFAS by mass) showed volatilization without degradation. Smouldering high MC sludge at ∼ 900 °C (30 g GAC/kg sand) improved PFAS degradation compared to treatment below 800 °C (<20 g GAC/kg sand). Addition of CaO before smouldering reduced PFAS content in emissions by 97-99% by mass; with minimal PFAS retained in the ash and minimal hydrofluoric acid (HF) production, as the fluorine from the PFAS was likely mineralized in the ash. Co-smouldering with CaO had dual benefits of removing PFAS while minimizing other hazardous emission by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fournie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, N6A 5B9 London, ON, Canada.
| | - T L Rashwan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, N6A 5B9 London, ON, Canada; School of Engineering & Innovation, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK(1).
| | - C Switzer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, G1 1XJ Glasgow, UK.
| | - J I Gerhard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, N6A 5B9 London, ON, Canada
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6
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Yu H, Chen H, Fang B, Sun H. Sorptive removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous solution: Enhanced sorption, challenges and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160647. [PMID: 36460105 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have garnered attention globally given their ubiquitous occurrence, toxicity, bioaccumulative potential, and environmental persistence. Sorption is widely used to remove PFASs given its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This article reviews recently fabricated sorbents, including carbon materials, minerals, polymers, and composite materials. The characteristics and interactions of the sorbents with PFASs are discussed to better understand sorptive processes. Various sorbents have exhibited high removal rates for legacy perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Novel polymers with special design better remove long- and short-chain PFASs than other sorbents. Although hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions mainly drive the sorption of anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic PFASs, enhancing PFAS sorption on designed sorbents has mainly depended on improving electrostatic interactions. Pearson correlation analysis showed that PFOS sorption capacity of sorbents is positively correlated with their specific surface area. Newly discovered pathways, including the air-water interfacial adsorption, F-F fluorophilic interactions, and (hemi) micelle formation, can enhance PFAS sorption to a certain extent. In addition to PFOA and PFOS, the sorption of emerging PFASs, including aqueous film-forming foam-relevant PFASs, constitutes a new research direction. The functionalization methods for enhancing PFAS sorption and challenges of PFAS sorption are also discussed to provide scope for future research. The discussions herein may contribute to developing efficient sorption technologies to remove PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Bo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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7
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Pellizzaro A, Dal Ferro N, Fant M, Zerlottin M, Borin M. Emerged macrophytes to the rescue: Perfluoroalkyl acid removal from wastewater and spiked solutions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 309:114703. [PMID: 35168130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114703] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the potential for three emergent aquatic macrophytes to remove perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from contaminated waters in constructed wetland systems. Three plants (Iris pseudacorus L., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud., and Typha latifolia L.) were exposed to an effluent from a tannery wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that contained residual PFAAs, and to three spiked solutions with increasing concentrations of 11 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and three perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) (500, 2500, and 5000 ng L-1, each). Thirty-six lightweight expanded clay aggregate- and vegetation-filled tanks (0.35 × 0.56 × 0.31 m) were exposed to the tested solutions at the Acque del Chiampo SpA WWTP in Arzignano (NE Italy). Throughout the experiment, PFAA concentrations and physicochemical water parameters were monitored via measures of the clay material, plastic tank inner surfaces, and below- and above-ground biomasses (after harvest). Vegetation growth was shown to be unaffected by increased PFAA levels in the spiked solutions. Alternatively, total biomass was significantly reduced when WWTP water was used, although we attribute this finding to the relatively high salinity that mainly restricted Typha and Iris development. The tested macrophytes were found to remove a significant PFAA mass from the contaminated waters (36% to ca. 80%, on average) when Phragmites was subjected to the highest PFAA concentrations. Such large accumulations were primarily associated with long C-chain PFAA stabilization in belowground biomass (26%, on average). Most PFAA translocations were observed in Typha, which accumulated mostly short perfluorinated C-chain PFBA, PFPeA, and PFHxA in the aboveground biomass (16%, on average). Despite some growth limitations, Iris was still the most efficient macrophyte for translocating PFBS under WWTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pellizzaro
- Acque Del Chiampo S.p.A, Servizio Idrico Integrato, Via Ferraretta 20, 36071, Arzignano, Italy
| | - Nicola Dal Ferro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale Dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Massimo Fant
- Acque Del Chiampo S.p.A, Servizio Idrico Integrato, Via Ferraretta 20, 36071, Arzignano, Italy
| | - Mirco Zerlottin
- Acque Del Chiampo S.p.A, Servizio Idrico Integrato, Via Ferraretta 20, 36071, Arzignano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Borin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale Dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
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8
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Bangma J, Guillette TC, Bommarito PA, Ng C, Reiner JL, Lindstrom AB, Strynar MJ. Understanding the dynamics of physiological changes, protein expression, and PFAS in wildlife. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 159:107037. [PMID: 34896671 PMCID: PMC8802192 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulation and elimination in both wildlife and humans is largely attributed to PFAS interactions with proteins, including but not limited to organic anion transporters (OATs), fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), and serum proteins such as albumin. In wildlife, changes in the biotic and abiotic environment (e.g. salinity, temperature, reproductive stage, and health status) often lead to dynamic and responsive physiological changes that alter the prevalence and location of many proteins, including PFAS-related proteins. Therefore, we hypothesize that if key PFAS-related proteins are impacted as a result of environmentally induced as well as biologically programmed physiological changes (e.g. reproduction), then PFAS that associate with those proteins will also be impacted. Changes in tissue distribution across tissues of PFAS due to these dynamics may have implications for wildlife studies where these chemicals are measured in biological matrices (e.g., serum, feathers, eggs). For example, failure to account for factors contributing to PFAS variability in a tissue may result in exposure misclassification as measured concentrations may not reflect average exposure levels. The goal of this review is to share general information with the PFAS research community on what biotic and abiotic changes might be important to consider when designing and interpreting a biomonitoring or an ecotoxicity based wildlife study. This review will also draw on parallels from the epidemiological discipline to improve study design in wildlife research. Overall, understanding these connections between biotic and abiotic environments, dynamic protein levels, PFAS levels measured in wildlife, and epidemiology serves to strengthen study design and study interpretation and thus strengthen conclusions derived from wildlife studies for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T C Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Paige A Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carla Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrew B Lindstrom
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mark J Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Zhang W, Zhang Q, Liang Y. Ineffectiveness of ultrasound at low frequency for treating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131748. [PMID: 34352549 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge given the urgent need of finding suitable disposal methods for sludge. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ultrasonication on PFAS changes in sewage sludge. It was revealed that although ultrasonication at 20 kHz increased the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of treated sewage sludge, this technique was ineffective for degrading perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors. Ultrasonic treatment for longer time (>15 min) led to concentration increase of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in the liquid phase, possibly due to their release from disrupted sludge flocs during cavitation. Adding permanganate (10 mM) to the ultrasonic system could also enhance the disruption of sludge particles, resulting in higher concentrations of PFOA and PFHxA in the solid phase and PFOA, PFHpA, PFHxA, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) in the liquid phase. Overall, ultrasonic pretreatment at 20 kHz and 0.7 W/mL is unlikely to remove PFAS from sewage sludge. Instead, it could increase the risk of PFAS pollution upon final sludge disposal. Effective treatment technologies are thus demanded if PFAS in sludge are regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
| | - Quan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
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10
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Dhore R, Murthy GS. Per/polyfluoroalkyl substances production, applications and environmental impacts. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 341:125808. [PMID: 34455249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are growing contaminants which are extremely difficult to get degraded naturally. PFAS have been produced for nearly a century using electrochemical flourination and more relomerization processes. High chemical resistance, hydrophobicity, lipophobicity, heat resistace, extremly low friction coefficient make this class of chemicals invaluable for many applications. These same properties useful unfortunately make them 'forever chemicals' once released into the envrironment. This review focuses on the production and applications of PFAs, determining the concentration of PFAs in environmental and biological matrices and their efficient degradation. Various methods of detection of PFAS have been developed but insitu methods of detction are still in the early stages of development. Current chemical and biological remediation technologies are expensive/not effective and thus new remediation technolgies must be developed. It is imperative to focus on methods for detection of the short chain PFAS with their projected increased use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raveena Dhore
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 453552, India
| | - Ganti S Murthy
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 453552, India.
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11
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Xiang L, Liu S, Ye S, Yang H, Song B, Qin F, Shen M, Tan C, Zeng G, Tan X. Potential hazards of biochar: The negative environmental impacts of biochar applications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126611. [PMID: 34271443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biochar has been widely used as an environmentally friendly material for soil improvement and remediation, water pollution control, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and other purposes because of its characteristics such as a large surface area, porous structure, and abundant surface O-containing functional groups. However, some surface properties (i.e., (i) some surface properties (i.e., organic functional groups and inorganic components), (ii) changes in pH), and (iii) chemical reactions (e.g., aromatic C ring oxidation) that occur between biochar and the application environment may result in the release of harmful components. In this study, biochars with a potential risk to the environment were classified according to their harmful components, surface properties, structure, and particle size, and the potential negative environmental effects of these biochars and the mechanisms inducing these negative effects were reviewed. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the negative environmental impacts of biochar on soil, water, and atmospheric environments. It also summarizes various technical methods of environment-related risk detection and evaluation of biochar application, thereby providing a baseline reference and guiding significance for future biochar selection and toxicity detection, evaluation, and avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Shaoheng Liu
- College of Chemistry and Material Engineering, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde 415000, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shujing Ye
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Hailan Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Fanzhi Qin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Chang Tan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Xiaofei Tan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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12
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Bolan N, Sarkar B, Vithanage M, Singh G, Tsang DCW, Mukhopadhyay R, Ramadass K, Vinu A, Sun Y, Ramanayaka S, Hoang SA, Yan Y, Li Y, Rinklebe J, Li H, Kirkham MB. Distribution, behaviour, bioavailability and remediation of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in solid biowastes and biowaste-treated soil. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106600. [PMID: 33964642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foam, used in firefighting, and biowastes, including biosolids, animal and poultry manures, and composts, provide a major source of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) input to soil. Large amounts of biowastes are added to soil as a source of nutrients and carbon. They also are added as soil amendments to improve soil health and crop productivity. Plant uptake of PFAS through soil application of biowastes is a pathway for animal and human exposure to PFAS. The complexity of PFAS mixtures, and their chemical and thermal stability, make remediation of PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices challenging. Remediation of PFAS in biowastes, as well as soils treated with these biowastes, can be achieved through preventing and decreasing the concentration of PFAS in biowaste sources (i.e., prevention through source control), mobilization of PFAS in contaminated soil and subsequent removal through leaching (i.e., soil washing) and plant uptake (i.e., phytoremediation), sorption of PFAS, thereby decreasing their mobility and bioavailability (i.e., immobilization), and complete removal through thermal and chemical oxidation (i.e., destruction). In this review, the distribution, bioavailability, and remediation of PFAS in soil receiving solid biowastes, which include biosolids, composts, and manure, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Gurwinder Singh
- The Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Raj Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal 132001, India
| | - Kavitha Ramadass
- The Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ajayan Vinu
- The Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sammani Ramanayaka
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Son A Hoang
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, The Cooperative Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Yubo Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an 223300, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water Science, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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13
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Zhang W, Liang Y. Effects of hydrothermal treatments on destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117276. [PMID: 33964564 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge has become a sink of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to the ineffectiveness of PFAS removal during conventional activated sludge treatment process. In this study, we evaluated the performance of an enhanced method for PFAS extraction from sewage sludge. Significant matrix effect was observed for samples derived from untreated and hydrothermally treated sludge. Extra steps for removing potential interferences were thus needed to reduce these matrix effects and improve the accuracy of PFAS quantification. Hydrothermal treatment at 165 °C for 0.5/2 h and 250 °C for 0.5 h increased the concentration of extractable PFAAs in treated sludge. Increasing the temperature to 300 °C resulted in complete degradation of PFCAs after hydrothermal processing, but still increased the concentrations of PFSAs and PFAA precursors. The concentration increase could be due to the conversion of PFAA precursors to PFAAs and the release of PFAAs from sewage sludge during thermal treatment. Ca(OH)2 addition to hydrothermal treatment completely removed PFAA precursors but significantly increased the extractable PFAAs, except PFHpA and PFHxS, at 165 °C and all PFSAs at 300 °C. This study revealed the difficulties in extracting and quantifying PFAS in sludge and demonstrated the need for further research on finding suitable solutions for complete removal or destruction of PFAS in highly heterogeneous sewage sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
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14
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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: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [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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15
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Winchell LJ, Ross JJ, Wells MJM, Fonoll X, Norton JW, Bell KY. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances thermal destruction at water resource recovery facilities: A state of the science review. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:826-843. [PMID: 33190313 PMCID: PMC8375574 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a recalcitrant group of chemicals and can be found throughout the environment. They often collect in wastewater systems with virtually no degradation prior to environmental discharge. Some PFAS partitions to solids captured in wastewater treatment which require further processing. Of all the commonly applied solids treatment technologies, incineration offers the only possibility to completely destroy PFAS. Little is known about the fate of PFAS through incineration, in particular, for the systems employed in water resource recovery facilities (WRRF). This review covers available research on the fate of PFAS through incineration systems with a focus on sewage sludge incinerators. This research indicates that at least some PFAS destruction will occur with incineration approaches used at WRRFs. Furthermore, PFAS in flue gas, ash, or water streams used for incinerator pollution control may be undetectable. Future research involving full-scale fate studies will provide insight on the efficacy of PFAS destruction through incineration and whether other compounds of concern are generated. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Thermal processing is the only commercial approach available to destroy PFAS. Thermal degradation conditions required for destruction of PFAS during incineration processes are discussed. Fate of PFAS through water resource recovery facility incineration technologies remains unclear. Other thermal technologies such as smoldering combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction provide promise but are in developmental phases.
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16
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Bolan N, Sarkar B, Yan Y, Li Q, Wijesekara H, Kannan K, Tsang DCW, Schauerte M, Bosch J, Noll H, Ok YS, Scheckel K, Kumpiene J, Gobindlal K, Kah M, Sperry J, Kirkham MB, Wang H, Tsang YF, Hou D, Rinklebe J. Remediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soils - To mobilize or to immobilize or to degrade? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123892. [PMID: 33113753 PMCID: PMC8025151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals, which are introduced to the environment through anthropogenic activities. Aqueous film forming foam used in firefighting, wastewater effluent, landfill leachate, and biosolids are major sources of PFAS input to soil and groundwater. Remediation of PFAS contaminated solid and aqueous media is challenging, which is attributed to the chemical and thermal stability of PFAS and the complexity of PFAS mixtures. In this review, remediation of PFAS contaminated soils through manipulation of their bioavailability and destruction is presented. While the mobilizing amendments (e.g., surfactants) enhance the mobility and bioavailability of PFAS, the immobilizing amendments (e.g., activated carbon) decrease their bioavailability and mobility. Mobilizing amendments can be applied to facilitate the removal of PFAS though soil washing, phytoremediation, and complete destruction through thermal and chemical redox reactions. Immobilizing amendments are likely to reduce the transfer of PFAS to food chain through plant and biota (e.g., earthworm) uptake, and leaching to potable water sources. Future studies should focus on quantifying the potential leaching of the mobilized PFAS in the absence of removal by plant and biota uptake or soil washing, and regular monitoring of the long-term stability of the immobilized PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yubo Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Marina Schauerte
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julian Bosch
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Noll
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kirk Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jurate Kumpiene
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Kapish Gobindlal
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Sperry
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 USA
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea
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17
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Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), Its Occurrence, Fate, Transport and Removal in Various Environmental Media: A Review. CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING AND WASTEWATER SOURCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4599-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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18
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Sleep JA, Juhasz AL. REMOVED: Perfluoroalkyl, fluorotelomer sulfonate, and perfluorooctane sulfonamide contamination in biosolids: Composition, co-contamination and re-use implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115120. [PMID: 32682161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This article has been removed: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been removed at the request of the Authors. This article has been retracted because the authors did not seek or receive appropriate approvals to use these materials for the purposes of this publication. The authors apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Sleep
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia.
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
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19
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Ssebugere P, Sillanpää M, Matovu H, Wang Z, Schramm KW, Omwoma S, Wanasolo W, Ngeno EC, Odongo S. Environmental levels and human body burdens of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in Africa: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:139913. [PMID: 32540660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are known organic pollutants with adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. This paper synthesises literature about the status of the pollutants and their precursors, identifies knowledge gaps and discusses future perspectives on the study of PFASs in Africa. Limited data on PFASs prevalence in Africa is available because there is limited capacity to monitor PFASs in African laboratories. The levels of PFASs in Africa are higher in samples from urban and industrialized areas compared to rural areas. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the dominant PFASs in human samples from Africa. Levels of PFOS and PFOA in these samples are lower than or comparable to those from industrialized countries. PFOA and PFOS levels in drinking water in Africa are, in some cases, higher than the EPA drinking water guidelines suggesting potential risk to humans. The levels of PFASs in birds' eggs from South Africa are higher, while those in other environmental media from Africa are lower or comparable to those from industrialized countries. Diet influences the pollutant levels in fish, while size and sex affect their accumulation in crocodiles. No bioaccumulation of PFASs in aquatic systems in Africa could be confirmed due to small sample sizes. Reported sources of PFASs in Africa include municipal landfills, inefficient wastewater treatment plants, consumer products containing PFASs, industrial wastewater and urban runoff. Relevant stakeholders need to take serious action to identify and deal with the salient sources of PFASs on the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ssebugere
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam; School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, 4350, QLD, Australia
| | - Henry Matovu
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Helmholtz Zentrum Müenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Solomon Omwoma
- Department of Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya
| | - William Wanasolo
- Department of Chemistry, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box 1, Kyambogo, Uganda
| | | | - Silver Odongo
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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20
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Na S, Hai R, Wang X, Li N, Chen D. Concentrations and Seasonal Variations of Perfluorinated Compounds in Sludge from Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in China. ANAL LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2020.1744161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Situ Na
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, Beijing University of Chemical and Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Reti Hai
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, Beijing University of Chemical and Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, Beijing University of Chemical and Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nankun Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, Beijing University of Chemical and Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Appraisal Center for Environment & Engineering Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daying Chen
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, Beijing University of Chemical and Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Kim Lazcano R, de Perre C, Mashtare ML, Lee LS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in commercially available biosolid-based products: The effect of treatment processes. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2019; 91:1669-1677. [PMID: 31260167 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in a variety of consumer and industrial products and are known to accumulate in sewage sludge due to sorption and their recalcitrant nature. Treatment processes ensure safe and high-quality biosolids by reducing the potential for adverse environmental impacts such as pathogen levels; however, they have yet to be evaluated for their impact on the fate of PFAS. The objective of this study was to compare PFAS concentrations in four commercially available biosolid-based products that received different types of treatments: heat treatment, composting, blending, and thermal hydrolysis. Seventeen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were quantified using liquid chromatography with tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry followed by screening for 30 PFAA precursors. Treatment processes did not reduce PFAA loads except for blending, which served only to dilute concentrations. Several PFAA precursors were identified with 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diesters in all samples pre- and post-treatment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Heat treatment and composting increased perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations. Only dilution from blending with non-PFAS material decreased PFAA concentrations. Thermal hydrolysis process had no apparent effect on PFAA concentrations. PFAS sources are a greater driver of PFAS loads in biosolid-based products than treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rooney Kim Lazcano
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Chloé de Perre
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael L Mashtare
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Environmental & Ecological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Environmental & Ecological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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22
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Coggan TL, Moodie D, Kolobaric A, Szabo D, Shimeta J, Crosbie ND, Lee E, Fernandes M, Clarke BO. An investigation into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nineteen Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Heliyon 2019; 5:e02316. [PMID: 31485522 PMCID: PMC6716228 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is of high importance due to potential impacts on receiving aquatic ecosystems. The new Australian PFAS National Environmental Management Plan recommends 0.23 ng L-1 of PFOS as the guideline value for 99% species protection for aquatic systems. In this study, 21 PFAS from four classes were measured in WWTP solid and aqueous samples from 19 Australian WWTPs. The mean ∑21PFAS was 110 ng L-1 (median: 80 ng L-1; range: 9.3-520 ng L-1) in aqueous samples and 34 ng g-1 dw (median: 12 ng g-1 dw; range: 2.0-130 ng g-1 dw) in WWTP solids. Similar to WWTPs worldwide, perfluorocarboxylic acids were generally higher in effluent, compared to influent. Partitioning to solids within WWTPs increased with increasing fluoroalkyl chain length from 0.05 to 1.22 log units. Many PFAS were highly correlated, and PCA analysis showed strong associations between two groups: odd chained PFCAs, PFHxA and PFSAs; and 6:2 FTS with daily inflow volume and the proportion of trade waste accepted by WWTPs (as % of typical dry inflow). The compounds PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA increased significantly between influent and final effluent. The compounds 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS were quantified and F-53B detected and reported in Australian WWTP matrices. The compound 6:2 FTS was an important contributor to PFAS emissions in the studied Australian WWTPs, supporting the need for future research on its sources (including precursor degradation), environmental fate and impact in Australian aquatic environments receiving WWTP effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Coggan
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Damien Moodie
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Adam Kolobaric
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Crosbie
- Applied Research, Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC, 3001, Australia.,Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Elliot Lee
- Water Corporation, Leederville, Western Australia, 6007, Australia
| | - Milena Fernandes
- SA Water, GPO Box 1751, Adelaide SA, 5001, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic., 3001, Australia
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Lan Z, Zhou M, Yao Y, Sun H. Plant uptake and translocation of perfluoroalkyl acids in a wheat-soil system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:30907-30916. [PMID: 30178412 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Application of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is shifting to short-chain analogs (C ≤ 6) that raises concerns for their potential ecotoxicological risks. In the present study, pot experiments were carried out to study the effects of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), with different carbon chain lengths (C4, C6, and C8) on the growth of wheat seedlings and their plant uptake and transfer at two spiking levels (200 and 2000 μg/kg soil). Exposure to C4 PFAAs slightly inhibited chlorophyll activity, whereas exposure to C8 PFAAs showed enhancement. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for C4 PFAAs in wheat were over 10, while BAFs for C8 PFAAs were all below 1. Rhizospheric and root to shoot transfer factors for PFAAs were both negatively correlated with their log Kow (p < 0.05). PFCAs exhibited both higher rhizospheric mobility and accumulation potentials than PFSAs of the same chain lengths. Hence, perfluoroalkyl chain governs the mobility of PFAAs in a soil-plant system besides interactions of their head groups, and the substitution with shorter chain PFASs raises concerns for their higher plant accumulation potential that brings higher ecotoxicological and human exposure risks via food chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Lan
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Monitoring Center for Vehicle Emission, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory on Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Stahl T, Gassmann M, Falk S, Brunn H. Concentrations and Distribution Patterns of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Sewage Sludge and in Biowaste in Hesse, Germany. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:10147-10153. [PMID: 30192140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A total of 201 sewage sludge and 45 biowaste samples were examined for 14 different perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA). For perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, maximum concentrations of 698 μg/kg dry weight were measured in sewage sludge and for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid 29.0 μg/kg dry weight were found in biowaste. Looking at the fingerprints of both these matrixes it can be see that long-chain PFAA make up 85.9% of the total concentration in sewage sludge whereas short-chain PFAA only account for 14.1%. In contrast, the trend in biowaste is just the opposite, with 53.2% long-chain and 46.8% short-chain PFAA. These results lead to the conclusion that sewage sludge functions as a sink for long-chain PFAA, and the plants preferentially take up short-chain PFAA from the sludge/soil, as seen by the concentrations found in biowaste. It can be calculated that the total yearly amount of PFAA spread onto agricultural lands amount to 15.3 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Stahl
- Hessian State Laboratory , Am Versuchsfeld 11-13 , 34128 Kassel , Germany
| | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department of Water Quality Management-Modelling and Simulation , University of Kassel , Kurt-Wolters-Strasse 3 , 34125 Kassel , Germany
| | - Sandy Falk
- Hessian State Laboratory , Glarusstrasse 6 , 65203 Wiesbaden , Germany
| | - Hubertus Brunn
- Hessian State Laboratory , Schubertstrasse 60 , 35392 Giessen , Germany
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25
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Xiang L, Chen L, Xiao T, Mo CH, Li YW, Cai QY, Li H, Zhou DM, Wong MH. Determination of Trace Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylic Acids in Edible Crop Matrices: Matrix Effect and Method Development. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:8763-8772. [PMID: 28905619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b02677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A robust method was developed for simultaneous determination of nine trace perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in various edible crop matrices including cereal (grain), root vegetable (carrot), leafy vegetable (lettuce), and melon vegetable (pumpkin) using ultrasonic extraction followed by solid-phase extraction cleanup and high liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The varieties of extractants and cleanup cartridges, the usage of Supelclean graphitized carbon, and the matrix effect and its potential influencing factors were estimated to gain an optimal extraction procedure. The developed method presented high sensitivity and accuracy with the method detection limits and the recoveries at four fortification levels in various matrices ranging from 0.017 to 0.180 ng/g (dry weight) and from 70% to 114%, respectively. The successful application of the developed method to determine PFCAs in various crops sampled from several farms demonstrated its practicability for regular monitoring of PFCAs in real crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Tao Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ce-Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan-Wen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Quan-Ying Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ming-Hung Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, School of Environment, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, China
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, Institute of Education , Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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26
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Liu X, Yin H, Tang S, Feng M, Peng H, Lu G, Liu Z, Dang Z. Effects of single and combined copper/perfluorooctane sulfonate on sequencing batch reactor process and microbial community in activated sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 238:407-415. [PMID: 28458174 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Long-term exposure experiments with single and combined pollutants of copper (Cu)/perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were conducted to explore the influence on activated sludge in SBRs. Compared with the control, the removal of organics, nitrogen and phosphorus in the presence of PFOS exhibited no apparent difference, but reduced in different degrees when Cu and Cu/PFOS existed. PFOS exposure deteriorated the settling performance of activated sludge with SVI value and amount of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) increasing, but posed little impacts on microbial activity (dehydrogenase, protease) and antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT). Under Cu and Cu/PFOS loading, dehydrogenase and protease activity were observed to decrease as well as SOD and CAT activity. The sequencing results revealed that bacterial richness and community diversity reduced under Cu and Cu/PFOS exposure. Overall, adverse effect of combined pollution was lower than that of single Cu in long-time due to antagonistic effect existed between Cu and PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hua Yin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Shaoyu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Guining Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zehua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi Dang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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27
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Navarro I, de la Torre A, Sanz P, Porcel MÁ, Pro J, Carbonell G, Martínez MDLÁ. Uptake of perfluoroalkyl substances and halogenated flame retardants by crop plants grown in biosolids-amended soils. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:199-206. [PMID: 27792944 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccumulation behavior of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) was examined in three horticultural crops and earthworms. Two species, spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), were grown in field soil amended with a single application of biosolids (at agronomic rate for nitrogen), to represent the scenario using commercial biosolids as fertilizer, and the third crop, corn (Zea mays) was grown in spiked soil (~50mg PFOS/kg soil, ~5mg Deca-BDE/kg soil and a mixture of both, ~50mg PFOS and ~5mg Deca-BDE/kg soil) to represent a worst-case scenario. To examine the bioaccumulation in soil invertebrates, earthworms (Eisenia andrei) were exposed to the spiked soil where corn had been grown. PFASs and HFRs were detected in the three crops and earthworms. To evaluate the distribution of the compounds in the different plant tissues, transfer factors (TFs) were calculated, with TF values higher for PFASs than PBDEs in all crop plants: from 2 to 9-fold in spinach, 2 to 34-fold in tomato and 11 to 309-fold in corn. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values in earthworms were also higher for PFASs (4.06±2.23) than PBDEs (0.02±0.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Navarro
- Persistent Organic Pollutants Group. Department of Environment, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Adrián de la Torre
- Persistent Organic Pollutants Group. Department of Environment, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Sanz
- Persistent Organic Pollutants Group. Department of Environment, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Porcel
- Laboratory for Ecotoxicology, Department of the Environment, INIA, Crta. La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Pro
- Laboratory for Ecotoxicology, Department of the Environment, INIA, Crta. La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregoria Carbonell
- Laboratory for Ecotoxicology, Department of the Environment, INIA, Crta. La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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28
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Ulrich H, Freier KP, Gierig M. Getting on with persistent pollutants: Decreasing trends of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in sewage sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 161:527-535. [PMID: 27472434 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.07.048] [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: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge can be a relevant source of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) for the environment. In order to reduce emissions from this source, Bavarian authorities enforced in 2008 an analysis of PFAAs from sewage sludge derived from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). 4981 sludge samples from 1165 different WWTPs were analyzed between 2008 and 2013 for 11 PFAAs compounds. During this period, 71 WWTPs exceeded the precautionary limit of 125 μg kg(-1) dm of total PFAAs in sludge samples at least once with a decreasing tendency. The yearly exceedances of the investigated WWTPs decreased from 6% in 2008 to 0.8% in 2013. At the same time, the percentage of uncontaminated WWTPs increased from 33% to 65%. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the predominant compound found in 41% of all sludge samples. Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was detected in 19% and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in 7%. Very high PFAAs concentrations (>500 μg kg(-1) dm) in sewage sludge were generally caused by firefighting foams containing PFAAs or emissions from PFAAs-using industries including metal plating, textile, leather or paper industries. Trend analyses of the six year period show that PFAAs contamination in sewage sludge clearly decreased for 47% of the WWTPs. However, for 16% of the WWTPs an increasing trend was detected, even though the concentration levels were below the precautionary limit. During the six years of investigation the load of total PFAAs in sewage sludge was reduced by more than 90%, from 17 t a(-1) in 2008 to 1.5 t a(-1) in 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Ulrich
- Bavarian Environment Agency, Demollstraße 31, D-82407 Wielenbach, Germany
| | - Korbinian P Freier
- Bavarian Environment Agency, Bürgermeister-Ulrich-Straße 160, D-86179 Augsburg, Germany; Research Unit Sustainability and Global Change, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), University of Hamburg, Grindelberg 5, D- 20144 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Gierig
- Bavarian Environment Agency, Demollstraße 31, D-82407 Wielenbach, Germany; Bavarian Environment Agency, Bürgermeister-Ulrich-Straße 160, D-86179 Augsburg, Germany
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29
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Wen B, Wu Y, Zhang H, Liu Y, Hu X, Huang H, Zhang S. The roles of protein and lipid in the accumulation and distribution of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in plants grown in biosolids-amended soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 216:682-688. [PMID: 27381874 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The roles of protein and lipid in the accumulation and distribution of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in seven species of plants from biosolids-amended soils were investigated. The PFOS and PFOA root concentration factors (Croot/Csoil) ranged from 1.37 to 4.68 and 1.69 to 10.3 (ng/groot)/(ng/gsoil), respectively, while the translocation factors (Cshoot/Croot) ranged from 0.055 to 0.16 and 0.093 to 1.8 (ng/gshoot)/(ng/groot), respectively. The PFOS and PFOA accumulations in roots correlated positively with root protein contents (P < 0.05), while negatively with root lipid contents (P < 0.05). These suggested the promotion effects of protein and inhibition effects of lipid on root uptake. The translocation factors correlated positively with the ratios between protein contents in shoots to those in roots (P < 0.05), showing the importance of protein on PFOS and PFOA translocation. This study is the first to reveal the different roles of protein and lipid in the accumulation and distribution of PFOS and PFOA in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Yali Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Hongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, 100031, China
| | - Honglin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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30
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Milinovic J, Lacorte S, Rigol A, Vidal M. Sorption of perfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:8339-8348. [PMID: 26780052 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-6019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The sorption behaviour of three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)) was studied in sewage sludge samples. Sorption isotherms were obtained by varying initial concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and PFBS. The maximum values of the sorption solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd,max) varied by almost two orders of magnitude among the target PFASs: 140-281 mL g(-1) for PFOS, 30-54 mL g(-1) for PFOA and 9-18 mL g(-1) for PFBS. Freundlich and linear fittings were appropriate for describing the sorption behaviour of PFASs in the sludge samples, and the derived KF and Kd,linear parameters correlated well. The hydrophobicity of the PFASs was the key parameter that influenced their sorption in sewage sludge. Sorption parameters and log(KOW) were correlated, and for PFOS (the most hydrophobic compound), pH and Ca + Mg status of the sludge controlled the variation in the sorption parameter values. Sorption reversibility was also tested from desorption isotherms, which were also linear. Desorption parameters were systematically higher than the corresponding sorption parameters (up to sixfold higher), thus indicating a significant degree of irreversible sorption, which decreased in the sequence PFOS > PFOA > PFBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milinovic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rigol
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Miquel Vidal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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31
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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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32
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McNamara PJ, LaPara TM, Novak PJ. The Effect of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate, Exposure Time, and Chemical Mixtures on Methanogenic Community Structure and Function. Microbiol Insights 2015; 8:1-7. [PMID: 26462249 PMCID: PMC4589087 DOI: 10.4137/mbi.s31345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A plethora of organic micropollutant mixtures are found in untreated municipal wastewater. Anaerobic digesters receive large loadings of hydrophobic micropollutants that sorb to wastewater biosolids. Despite micropollutants being pervasive as mixtures, little research is available to explain the impact that mixtures of compounds, as well as exposure time, have on microbial communities in anaerobic digesters. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was added to anaerobic enrichment cultures in both short-term (14 days) and long-term (140 days) studies to determine the impact of exposure time. Additionally, triclosan was added during the experiments to investigate the impact of mixtures on community structure and function. PFOS did not alter methane production in short-term studies, but in long-term studies, methane production increased, consistent with our hypothesis that PFOS may act as a metabolic uncoupler. The impact of triclosan on methane production was exacerbated when PFOS was already present in the anaerobic enrichment cultures. Triclosan also had greater impacts on microbial community structures in the bottles that had been exposed to PFOS long-term. These results demonstrate that both chemical mixtures and exposure time are important parameters to address when trying to define the impacts of micropollutants on anaerobic microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J McNamara
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Timothy M LaPara
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paige J Novak
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Kim JH, Ok YS, Choi GH, Park BJ. Residual perfluorochemicals in the biochar from sewage sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 134:435-7. [PMID: 25989522 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Biochar has been recently considered as a candidate for soil amendment and soil remediation. Some pollutants have been screened in the biochar for safety purposes except for perfluorochemicals (PFCs). In this study, the contamination of biochars from plant residues and sewage sludge with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was examined. The total residual concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in the sludge biochar were 15.8-16.9 ng/g and these values did not decrease significantly after pyrolysis. On the other hand, these PFCs were not found in the biochar from plant sources. In conclusion, the use of the sludge biochar in the agricultural environment should be re-evaluated, since the concentrations of PFCs in the sewage sludge showed no significant decrease after thermal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hyo Kim
- Chemical Safety Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun-Hyoung Choi
- Chemical Safety Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Jun Park
- Chemical Safety Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Republic of Korea
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Arvaniti OS, Stasinakis AS. Review on the occurrence, fate and removal of perfluorinated compounds during wastewater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 524-525:81-92. [PMID: 25889547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) consist of a fully fluorinated hydrophobic alkyl chain attached to a hydrophilic end group. Due to their wide use in several industrial and household applications, they have been detected in numerous Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) during the last ten years. The present review reports the occurrence of 22 PFCs (C4-C14, C16, C18 carboxylates; C4-C8 and C10 sulfonates; 3 sulfonamides) in municipal or/and industrial wastewater, originating from 24 monitoring studies. PFCs levels in sewage sludge have also been reported using data from 12 studies. Most of the above monitoring data originate from the USA, North Europe and Asia and concern perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), while limited information is available from Mediterranean area, Canada and Australia. PFCs concentrations range up to some hundreds ng/L and some thousands ng/g dry weight in raw wastewater and sludge, respectively. They are not significantly removed during secondary biological treatment, while their concentrations in treated wastewater are often higher compared to raw sewage. Their biodegradation during wastewater treatment does not seem possible; whereas some recent studies have noted the potential transformation of precursor compounds to PFCs during biological wastewater treatment. PFCs sorption onto sludge has been studied in depth and seems to be an important mechanism governing their removal in STPs. Concerning tertiary treatment technologies, significant PFCs removal has been observed using activated carbon, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis or applying advanced oxidation and reduction processes. Most of these studies have been conducted using pure water, while in many cases the experiments have been performed under extreme laboratory conditions (high concentrations, high radiation source, temperature or pressure). Future efforts should be focused on better understanding of biotransformation processes occurred in aerobic and anaerobic bioreactors and result to PFCs formation and on the application of advanced treatment technologies under conditions commonly found in STPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece
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35
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Determination of fluorotelomer alcohols and their degradation products in biosolids-amended soils and plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1404:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ruan T, Lin Y, Wang T, Liu R, Jiang G. Identification of Novel Polyfluorinated Ether Sulfonates as PFOS Alternatives in Municipal Sewage Sludge in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:6519-27. [PMID: 25961764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES) with the trade name F-53B, is an alternative to perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in electroplating industry that is uniquely used in China. It was developed as a mist suppressant initially in the 1970s, but the environmental behaviors and potential adverse effects of the 6:2 Cl-PFAES have only recently been investigated. In this work, the occurrence and distribution of perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (PFSA), fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTSA), and PFAES analogues were investigated in municipal sewage sludge samples collected around China. Perfluorobutane, perfluorohexane, perfluorooctane, and perfluorodecanesulfonates, 6:2 and 8:2 FTSAs, and the emerging 6:2 Cl-PFAES were detected. Moreover, 8:2 and 10:2 Cl-PFAESs were identified for the first time as new polyfluorinated contaminants using high resolution mass spectrometry. These fluorinated analytes were further quantified with the aid of commercial and laboratory-purified standards. PFOS was the predominant contaminant with a geometric mean (GM) value of 3.19 ng/g dry weight (d.w.), which was subsequently followed by 6:2 Cl-PFAES and 8:2 Cl-PFAES (GM: 2.15 and 0.50 ng/g d.w., respectively). Both 6:2 and 8:2 Cl-PFAES were positively detected as the major components in the F-53B commercial product, and discrete 6:2 Cl-PFAES/8:2 Cl-PFAES ratios in the product and sludge samples might suggest 8:2 Cl-PFAES had enhanced sorption behavior in the sludge due to the increase in hydrophobicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ruan
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongfeng Lin
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Thanh Wang
- ‡Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, Örebro University, 702 81 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Runzeng Liu
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Alder AC, van der Voet J. Occurrence and point source characterization of perfluoroalkyl acids in sewage sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 129:62-73. [PMID: 25176581 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and levels of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) emitted from specific pollution sources into the aquatic environment in Switzerland were studied using digested sewage sludges from 45 wastewater treatment plants in catchments containing a wide range of potential industrial emitters. Concentrations of individual PFAAs show a high spatial and temporal variability, which infers different contributions from industrial technologies and activities. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was generally the predominant PFAA with concentrations varying between 4 and 2440μgkg(-1) (median 75μgkg(-1)). Elevated emissions were especially observed in catchments capturing discharges from metal plating industries (median 82μgkg(-1)), aqueous firefighting foams (median 215μgkg(-1)) and landfill leachates (median 107μgkg(-1)). Some elevated perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) levels could be attributed to emissions from textile finishing industries with concentrations up to 233μgkg(-1) in sewage sludge. Assuming sorption to sludge for PFOS and PFCAs of 15% and 2%, respectively, concentrations in wastewater effluents up to the low μgL(-1) level were estimated. Even if wastewater may be expected to be diluted between 10 and 100 times by the receiving waters, elevated concentrations may be reached at specific locations. Although sewage sludge is a minor compartment for PFAAs in WWTPs, these investigations are helpful for the identification of hot-spots from industrial emitters as well as to estimate monthly average concentrations in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo C Alder
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Juergen van der Voet
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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Milinovic J, Lacorte S, Vidal M, Rigol A. Sorption behaviour of perfluoroalkyl substances in soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 511:63-71. [PMID: 25531590 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The sorption behaviour of three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), was studied in six soils with contrasting characteristics, especially in the organic carbon content. Sorption isotherms were obtained by equilibrating the soil samples with 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2 solutions spiked with increasing concentrations of the target PFAS. The sorption reversibility of PFASs was also tested for some of the samples. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the target PFASs in the solutions. Both the Freundlich and linear models were appropriate to describe the sorption behaviour of PFASs in soils, and enabled us to derive solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd) for each compound in each soil. Kd values increased from 19 to 295 mL g(-1) for PFOS, from 2.2 to 38 mL g(-1) for PFOA and from 0.4 to 6.8 mL g(-1) for PFBS, and were positively correlated with the organic carbon content of the soil. KOC values obtained from the correlations were 710, 96 and 17 mL g(-1) for PFOS, PFOA and PFBS, respectively. Whereas Kd values decreased in the sequence PFOS>PFOA>PFBS, desorption yields were lower than 13% for PFOS, from 24 to 58% for PFOA, and from 32 to 60% for PFBS. This shows that the physicochemical characteristics of PFASs, basically their hydrophobicity, controlled their sorption behaviour in soils, with PFOS being the most irreversibly sorbed PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milinovic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Vidal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rigol
- Department of Analytical Chemistry University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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39
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Zhang C, Yan H, Li F, Zhou Q. Occurrence and fate of perfluorinated acids in two wastewater treatment plants in Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:1804-11. [PMID: 23933955 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated acids (PFAs) have drawn much attention due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous existence, and bioaccumulation potential. The discharge of wastewater effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a significant source of PFAs to the environment. In this study, wastewater and sludge samples were collected from two WWTPs in Shanghai, China, to investigate the contamination level and fate of PFAs in different stages of processing. The total concentrations of PFAs (∑PFAs) in influent from plants A and B were 2,452 and 292 ng L(-1), respectively. Perfluoropentanoic acid (1,520 ± 80 ng L(-1) in plant A and 89.2 ± 12.1 ng L(-1) in plant B) was the predominant PFA in influent waters, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid. The concentration of ∑PFAs ranged from 75.0 to 126.0 ng g(-1) dry weight in sludge samples from plant B, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid as the predominant contaminant. The concentrations and fate of PFAs in different WWTPs vary. The ∑PFAs entering plant A decreased significantly in the final effluent of activated sludge process, while that in plant B increased significantly in the final effluent of sequencing batch reactor system. The concentration changes could be due to the sorption onto sludge, or the degradation of PFAs precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China,
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40
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Campo J, Pérez F, Masiá A, Picó Y, Farré ML, Barceló D. Perfluoroalkyl substance contamination of the Llobregat River ecosystem (Mediterranean area, NE Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 503-504:48-57. [PMID: 24935262 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and sources of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs: C4-C14, C16, C18 carboxylate, C4, C6-C8 and C10 sulfonates and C8 sulfonamide) were determined in water, sediment, and biota of the Llobregat River basin (NE Spain). Analytes were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and determined by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-QqQ-MS). All samples were contaminated with at least one PFAS, being the most frequently found perfluorobutanoate (PFBA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS). In general, mean PFAS concentrations measured in sediments (0.01-3.67 ng g(-1)) and biota (0.79-431 μg kg(-1)) samples were higher than those found in water (0.01-233 ng L(-1)). L-PFOS presented very high levels in biota and water, particularly in the Anoia River where a maximum concentration of 2.71 μg L(-1) was related to important industrial activities. However, this pollution does not extend down the Llobregat River according to cumulated values. None of the hazard quotients (HQ) calculated indicate potential risk for the different tropic levels considered (algae, Daphnia sp. and fish). According to Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) proposed by the European Commission (L-PFOS) and to Provisional Health Advisory (PHA) values (PFOA, L-PFOS) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), only two water samples exceeded PHA concentration for L-PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Campo
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain.
| | - Francisca Pérez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Masiá
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Yolanda Picó
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Marinel la Farré
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit, 101, Edifici H2O, Parc Científic i Tecnològic de la Universitat de Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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41
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Wen B, Zhang H, Li L, Hu X, Liu Y, Shan XQ, Zhang S. Bioavailability of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in biosolids-amended soils to earthworms (Eisenia fetida). CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 118:361-366. [PMID: 25439283 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The bioavailability of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in seven biosolids-amended soils without any additionally spiking to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) was studied. The uptake and elimination kinetics of PFOS and PFOA fit a one-compartment first-order kinetic model. PFOS displayed higher uptake and lower elimination rate coefficients, and longer time to reach steady-state (t(ss)) than those of PFOA. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of PFOS and PFOA ranged 1.54–4.12 and 0.52–1.34 g(soil) g(worm)(−1), respectively. The BAFs and tss decreased with increasing concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in soils. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to elucidate the bioavailability of PFOS and PFOA. The results showed that the total concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, and organic matter (OM) contents in soils explained 87.2% and 91.3% of the variation in bioavailable PFOS and PFOA, respectively. PFOS and PFOA concentrations exhibited positive influence and OM contents showed the negative influence on the accumulation of PFOS and PFOA in earthworms. Soil pH and clay contents played relatively unimportant role in PFOS and PFOA bioavailability.
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42
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Yao Y, Zhu H, Li B, Hu H, Zhang T, Yamazaki E, Taniyasu S, Yamashita N, Sun H. Distribution and primary source analysis of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances with different chain lengths in surface and groundwater in two cities, North China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 108:318-328. [PMID: 25108512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely detected in the hydrosphere. The knowledge on the distribution and composition patterns of PFAS analogues with different chain length significantly contribute to their source analysis. In the present study, a regional scale investigation of PFASs in surface river waters and adjacent ground waters was carried out in two cities of China with potential contamination, Tianjin and Weifang. A total of 31 water samples were collected, and 20 PFASs therein were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). The possible sources of PFASs in the aquatic environment were assessed primarily by concentration patterns as well as hierarchical cluster analysis. In all 4 rivers investigated in the two cities, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the dominant compounds contributing over 70% of the PFASs detected. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant PFCA with a concentration range of 8.58-20.3ng/L in Tianjin and 6.37-25.9ng/L in Weifang, respectively. On the average, the highest concentration was observed in samples from Dagu Drainage Canal (Dagu) in Tianjin and those short-chain PFASs (C4-C6) was detected with a comparable level of the longer-chain PFASs (>C6). Specifically, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was dominant in the short-chain analogues. This indicates that a remarkably increasing input of short-chain PFASs might be related to wastewater treatment plant effluent or industrial discharges, which could be possibly due to the switch of manufacturing to short-chain products. In Weifang, precipitation and subsequent surface runoff as non-point sources could be significant inputs of PFASs into surface water while groundwater was possibly subjected to severe point sources with ∑PFASs concentration up to ~100ng/L. The inconsistent distribution patterns in groundwater suggest complicated pathways of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bing Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Eriko Yamazaki
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Sachi Taniyasu
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Yamashita
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Bertin D, Ferrari BJD, Labadie P, Sapin A, Garric J, Budzinski H, Houde M, Babut M. Bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl compounds in midge (Chironomus riparius) larvae exposed to sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 189:27-34. [PMID: 24631894 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Midge larvae (Chironomus riparius) were exposed to sediments from a deposition sampled at a site along the Rhône River (France) downstream of an industrial site releasing various perfluorinated chemicals. This sediment is characterized by high concentrations of perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and a low perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentration. Concentrations of 23 perfluoroalkyl compounds, including C4-C14 carboxylate acids, C4-C10 sulfonates, and seven precursors, were analyzed in overlying and pore water, sediment, and larvae. Midge larvae accumulated carboxylate acids (C11-C14), PFOS, and two precursors (perfluorooctane sulfonamide: FOSA and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, 6:2 FTSA). These substances accumulated mainly during the fourth instar larvae exponential growth phase. Accumulation of 6:2 FTSA, PFUnA, and PFOS occured via trophic and tegumentary routes. Other compounds mainly accumulated from food. Kinetics followed a partition model, from which uptake and elimination constants were derived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Bertin
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS 70077, F-69626 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Benoît J D Ferrari
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS 70077, F-69626 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Pierre Labadie
- Université Bordeaux 1, Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques et Continentaux (EPOC), UMR 5805 CNRS, Laboratoire de Physico et Toxico-Chimie de l'environnement (LPTC), 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
| | - Alexandre Sapin
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS 70077, F-69626 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Jeanne Garric
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS 70077, F-69626 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- Université Bordeaux 1, Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques et Continentaux (EPOC), UMR 5805 CNRS, Laboratoire de Physico et Toxico-Chimie de l'environnement (LPTC), 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
| | - Magali Houde
- Environment Canada, Aquatic Contaminant Research Division, 105 rue McGill, Montreal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada.
| | - Marc Babut
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS 70077, F-69626 Villeurbanne, France.
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44
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Guerra P, Kim M, Kinsman L, Ng T, Alaee M, Smyth SA. Parameters affecting the formation of perfluoroalkyl acids during wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2014; 272:148-54. [PMID: 24691135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the fate and behaviour of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in liquid and solid samples from five different wastewater treatment types: facultative and aerated lagoons, chemically assisted primary treatment, secondary aerobic biological treatment, and advanced biological nutrient removal treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest data set from a single study available in the literature to date for PFAAs monitoring study in wastewater treatment. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the predominant PFAA in wastewater with levels from 2.2 to 150ng/L (influent) and 1.9 to 140ng/L (effluent). Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was the predominant compound in primary sludge, waste biological sludge, and treated biosolids with concentrations from 6.4 to 2900ng/g dry weight (dw), 9.7 to 8200ng/gdw, and 2.1 to 17,000ng/gdw, respectively. PFAAs were formed during wastewater treatment and it was dependant on both process temperature and treatment type; with higher rates of formation in biological wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating at longer hydraulic retention times and higher temperatures. PFAA removal by sorption was influenced by different sorption tendencies; median log values of the solid-liquid distribution coefficient estimated from wastewater biological sludge and final effluent were: PFOS (3.73)>PFDA (3.68)>PFNA (3.25)>PFOA (2.49)>PFHxA (1.93). Mass balances confirmed the formation of PFAAs, low PFAA removal by sorption, and high PFAA levels in effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Guerra
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - M Kim
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - L Kinsman
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - T Ng
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - M Alaee
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - S A Smyth
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada.
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45
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Campo J, Masiá A, Picó Y, Farré M, Barceló D. Distribution and fate of perfluoroalkyl substances in Mediterranean Spanish sewage treatment plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:912-922. [PMID: 24342098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs: C4-C14, C16, C18 carboxylates, C4, C6-C8 and C10 sulfonates and C8 sulfonamide) were determined in influent, effluent and sludge from 16 different sewage treatment plants (STPs) located in the Ebro (6), Guadalquivir (5), Jucar (2) and Llobregat (3) Rivers, in two consecutive years (2010 and 2011). The analytes were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and determined by Liquid Chromatography triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (LC-QqQ-MS). All samples, except two sludges from Guadalquivir River STPs, were contaminated with at least one PFAS. Perfluorobutanoate (PFBA), perfluoropentanoate (PFPeA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS) were the most frequently detected. The highest concentration in water was determined in 2010 in a Guadalquivir River STP (perfluorohexanoate, PFHxA: 5.60μgL(-1)) and, in 2011, in an Ebro River STP (perfluorobutane sulfonate, L-PFBS: 0.31μgL(-1)). In sludge samples, the maximum concentration in 2010 was 1.79μgg(-1)dry weight (dw) (L-PFOS, in a Llobregat River STP), and in 2011, 1.88μgg(-1)dw (PFBA, in one Guadalquivir River STP). High PFAS values in sludge could be related to positive removal efficiencies, and can be attributed to their adsorption. Distribution coefficients (Kd) were determined ranging between 0.32Lkg(-1) (perfluorohexane sulfonate, L-PFHxS) and 36.6 10(3)Lkg(-1) (PFBA). The total PFAS loads discharged into the basins showed high values for the Ebro River STPs (66.9gday(-1)) while in the others, the loads were between 3.97gday(-1), in the Jucar STPs, and 32.2gday(-1), in the Guadalquivir STPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Campo
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain.
| | - Ana Masiá
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Yolanda Picó
- Food and Environmental Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Marinella Farré
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute of Water Research, ICRA Catalan Institute for Water Research - ICRA, C/Emili Grahit, 101, Edifici H2O, Parc Científic i Tecnològic de la Universitat de Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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46
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Wen B, Li L, Zhang H, Ma Y, Shan XQ, Zhang S. Field study on the uptake and translocation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in biosolids-amended soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 184:547-54. [PMID: 24184376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Field experiments were performed to evaluate the uptake and translocation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in soils amended with biosolids at different rates. Nine perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and three perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) were detected in the soils and wheat tissues. Total concentrations of PFAAs in the soils and wheat root, straw, husk and grain increased with increasing application of biosolids. PFCA concentrations in grain increased logarithmically with increasing PFCA concentrations in soils (P < 0.01) while PFSAs in grain were correlated linearly with PFSA concentrations in soils (P < 0.01), indicating that PFCAs and PFSAs may have different transport pathways from soil to grain. While no significant correlation was found between the root concentration factors (Croot/Csoil) and PFAA carbon chain length, the transfer factors from roots to straws (Cstraw/Croot) and from straws to grains (Cgrain/Cstraw) correlated negatively with PFAA carbon chain length (P < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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Lin H, Niu J, Xu J, Huang H, Li D, Yue Z, Feng C. Highly efficient and mild electrochemical mineralization of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C10) by Ti/SnO2-Sb-Ce, Ti/SnO2-Sb/Ce-PbO2, and Ti/BDD electrodes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:13039-13046. [PMID: 24164589 DOI: 10.1021/es4034414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical mineralization of environmentally persistent long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), i.e., perfluorononanoic acid (C8F17COOH, PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (C9F19COOH, PFDA) was investigated in aqueous solutions (0.25 mmol L(-1)) over Ti/SnO2-Sb-Ce (SnO2), Ti/SnO2-Sb/Ce-PbO2 (PbO2), and Ti/BDD (BDD) anodes under galvanostatic control at room temperature. Based on PFCA decay rate, total organic carbon (TOC) reduction, defluorination ratio, safety, and energy consumption, the performance of PbO2 electrode was comparable with that of BDD electrode. After 180 min electrolysis, the PFNA removals on BDD and PbO2 electrodes were 98.7 ± 0.4% and 97.1 ± 1.0%, respectively, while the corresponding PFDA removals were 96.0 ± 1.4% and 92.2 ± 1.9%. SnO2 electrode yielded lower PFCA removals and led to notable secondary pollution by Sb ions. The primary mineralization product, F(-), as well as trace amounts of intermediate PFCAs with shortened chain lengths, were detected in aqueous solution after electrolysis. On the basis of these results, a degradation mechanism including three potential routes is proposed: via formation of short-chain PFCAs by stepwise removal of CF2; direct mineralization to CO2 and HF; conversion to volatile fluorinated organic compounds. The results presented here demonstrate that electrochemical technique exhibits high efficiency in mineralizing PFNA and PFDA under mild conditions, and is promising for the treatment of long-chain PFCAs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University , Beijing 100875, P.R. China
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48
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Zennegg M, Munoz M, Schmid P, Gerecke AC. Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants in digested sewage sludge (1993-2012). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 60:202-208. [PMID: 24071021 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of temporal trends is a key tool to assess the success of national and international regulations on chemical pollution. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical pollutants, which are not only harmful, but also because of their slow environmental degradation they pose a long-time risk. In this study, concentrations of selected POPs were measured between 1993 and 2012 in digested sewage sludge from eight municipal waste water treatment plants. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), which have been banned or restricted for decades, exhibited decreasing trends with apparent half-lives between 9 and 12years. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and long-chain perfluorinated acids showed no clear trend, which reflects the recent introduction of regulations. The analysis of octabromodiphenyl ethers did not reveal indications for reductive debromination of decabromodiphenyl ether; however the analysis of total bromine showed that up to 14% of the total bromine load in sewage sludge originated from PBDEs (average 2%). This is the first study to report temporal trends for more than 20years of series POPs in sewage sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Zennegg
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
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49
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García-Valcárcel AI, Tadeo JL. Fast ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with LC-MS/MS of perfluorinated compounds in manure. J Sep Sci 2013; 36:2507-13. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201300309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - José L. Tadeo
- Departamento de Medio Ambiente, INIA; Ctra de la Coruña Km 7.5 Madrid Spain
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Sindiku O, Orata F, Weber R, Osibanjo O. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in selected sewage sludge in Nigeria. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 92:329-335. [PMID: 23648329 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Levels of seven major perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) were analyzed for the first time in sludge from wastewater treatment plants from Nigeria. Measurements were performed using an analytical methodology using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS-MS). The method detection limit and method quantification limit was 3pg/g and 9.5pg/g for both analytes (PFCAs and PFSAs) respectively. Typical recoveries ranged from 50% to 104% for spiked mass labeled internal standards of 1ng (absolute value) to 1g of sample. All sludge samples taken from industrial, domestic and hospital wastewater treatment plants contained measurable levels of PFASs. Levels of the quantified perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates concentrations ranged from 10 to 597 and 14 to 540pg/g, respectively. The concentrations were therefore lower compared to sewage sludge samples reported in other regions in the world. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylates with carbon chain having ≥8 fluorinated carbons were detected in the analyzed sewage sludge samples at higher levels compared to carboxylates with <8 fluorinated carbon chain. The measured concentrations indicate that no PFAS point source for the 10 investigated sewage treatment plants existed. Furthermore the low levels in the four municipal sewage treatment plants in Lagos is a first indication that even in an African megacity like Lagos the PFASs release from households are low until now. The highest PFOS level was found in a hospital sewage sludge (539.6pg/g) possibly indicating (minor) release from medical equipment where some are known to contain PFOS. The PFASs in waste water sludge from a brewery warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omotayo Sindiku
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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