1
|
Hamid N, Junaid M, Sultan M, Yoganandham ST, Chuan OM. The untold story of PFAS alternatives: Insights into the occurrence, ecotoxicological impacts, and removal strategies in the aquatic environment. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121044. [PMID: 38154338 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121044] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Due to increasing regulations on the production and consumption of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the global use of PFAS substitutes increased tremendously, posing serious environmental risks owing to their bioaccumulation, toxicity, and lack of removal strategies. This review summarized the spatial distribution of alternative PFAS and their ecological risks in global freshwater and marine ecosystems. Further, toxicological effects of novel PFAS in various freshwater and marine species were highlighted. Moreover, degradation mechanisms for alternative PFAS removal from aquatic environments were compared and discussed. The spatial distribution showed that 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 CI-PFAES, also known as F-53B) was the most dominant emerging PFAS found in freshwater. Additionally, the highest levels of PFBS and PFBA were observed in marine waters (West Pacific Ocean). Moreover, short-chain PFAS exhibited higher concentrations than long-chain congeners. The ecological risk quotients (RQs) for phytoplankton were relatively higher >1 than invertebrates, indicating a higher risk for freshwater phytoplankton species. Similarly, in marine water, the majority of PFAS substitutes exhibited negligible risk for invertebrates and fish, and posed elevated risks for phytoplanktons. Reviewed studies showed that alternative PFAS undergo bioaccumulation and cause deleterious effects such as oxidative stress, hepatoxicity, neurotoxicity, histopathological alterations, behavioral and growth abnormalities, reproductive toxicity and metabolism defects in freshwater and marine species. Regarding PFAS treatment methods, photodegradation, photocatalysis, and adsorption showed promising degradation approaches with efficiencies as high as 90%. Finally, research gaps and future perspectives for alternative PFAS toxicological implications and their removal were offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naima Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Marriya Sultan
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Suman Thodhal Yoganandham
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon, 51140, Republic of Korea
| | - Ong Meng Chuan
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu J, Dai J, Sheng N. Kynurenic Acid Plays a Protective Role in Hepatotoxicity Induced by HFPO-DA in Male Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1842-1853. [PMID: 38228288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Following its introduction as an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) has been extensively detected in various environmental matrices. Despite this prevalence, limited information is available regarding its hepatotoxicity biomarkers. In this study, toxicokinetic simulations indicated that under repeated treatment, HFPO-DA in mice serum reached a steady state by the 4th day. To assess its subacute hepatic effects and identify potential biomarkers, mice were administered HFPO-DA orally at doses of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, or 62.5 mg/kg/d for 7 d. Results revealed that the lowest observed adverse effect levels were 0.5 mg/kg/d for hepatomegaly and 2.5 mg/kg/d for hepatic injury. Serum metabolomics analysis identified 34, 58, and 118 differential metabolites in the 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg/d groups, respectively, compared to the control group. Based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis, eight potential hepatotoxicity-related metabolites were identified; among them, kynurenic acid (KA) in mouse serum exhibited the highest correlation with liver injury. Furthermore, liver-targeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that HFPO-DA exposure induced metabolic migration of the kynurenine pathway from KA to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, resulting in the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway. Notably, pretreatment with KA significantly attenuated liver injury induced by HFPO-DA exposure in mice, highlighting the pivotal roles of KA in the hepatotoxicity of HFPO-DA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianglin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barisci S, Suri R. Degradation of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using an electrochemical plug flow reactor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132419. [PMID: 37651931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, shorter-chain fluorinated compounds have been manufactured as alternatives to legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after a global ban on some long-chain PFAS. This study is the first to investigate the degradability of emerging PFAS by an electrochemical plug flow reactor (EPFR). Ten different emerging PFAS, representing classes of fluorotelomer alcohol, perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylate, polyfluoroalkyl ethersulfonic acids, perfluoroalkyl ether/polyether carboxylates, perfluoroether sulfonate, N-alkyl perfluoroalkylsulfonamido carboxylate, fluoroalkyl phosphonic acid, and perfluoro alkane sulfonamide were investigated. The process kinetics was performed. The degradation of parent compounds increased with increasing retention time (RT). At 45.2 min of RT, the degradation of parent compounds ranged between 68%-100% with a current density of 17.2 mA/cm2. A linear increase in pseudo-first order rate constants was observed for all PFAS with increasing current density from 5.7 to 28.7 mA/cm2 (R2 > 0.91). The effect of pH, natural organic matter, and bicarbonate on the degradation, defluorination, and fluorine mass balance are reported. Alkaline pH (11) caused a decrease in degradation for all PFAS. While the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) significantly decreased the degradation and defluorination processes, the presence of bicarbonate at all studied concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) did not affect the process efficiency. The defluorination reduced to 34% from 81% with 15 mg/L NOM. The unknown/undetected fluorine fraction also increased in the presence of 15 mg/L NOM indicating the formation of NOM-PFAS complexes. Additionally, C2-C8 perfluoro carboxylic acids (PFCAs), one perfluoro sulfonic acid (PFSA), two H-PFCAs, and 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS) were identified as degradation byproducts in suspect screening. The electrical energy per order for PFAS ranged between 1.8 and 19.4 kWh/m3. This study demonstrates that emerging types of PFAS can potentially be degraded using an EPFR with relatively low electrical energy requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Barisci
- Temple University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Water and Environmental Technology (WET) Center, 1947 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; Ege University, Bioengineering Department, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rominder Suri
- Temple University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Water and Environmental Technology (WET) Center, 1947 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Emmons RV, Fatigante W, Olomukoro AA, Musselman B, Gionfriddo E. Rapid Screening and Quantification of PFAS Enabled by SPME-DART-MS. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:1890-1897. [PMID: 37260314 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), an emerging class of toxic anthropogenic chemicals persistent in the environment, are currently regulated at the low part-per-trillion level worldwide in drinking water. Quantification and screening of these compounds currently rely primarily on liquid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The growing need for quicker and more robust analysis in routine monitoring has been, in many ways, spearheaded by the advent of direct ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) technologies. Direct analysis in real time (DART), a plasma-based ambient ionization technique that permits rapid automated analysis, effectively ionizes a broad range of compounds, including PFAS. This work evaluates the performance of DART-MS for the screening and quantification of PFAS of different chemical classes, employing a central composite design (CCD) to better understand the interactions of DART parameters on their ionization. Furthermore, in-source fragmentation of the model PFAS was investigated based on the DART parameters evaluated. Preconcentration of PFAS from water samples was achieved by solid phase microextraction (SPME), and extracts were analyzed using the optimized DART-MS conditions, which allowed obtaining linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) within 10 and 5000 ng/L and LOQs of 10, 25, and 50 ng/L for all analytes. Instrumental analysis was achieved in less than 20 s per sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald V Emmons
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - William Fatigante
- Bruker Scientific LLC, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821, United States
| | - Aghogho A Olomukoro
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Brian Musselman
- Bruker Scientific LLC, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821, United States
| | - Emanuela Gionfriddo
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- School of Green Chemistry and Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lukić Bilela L, Matijošytė I, Krutkevičius J, Alexandrino DAM, Safarik I, Burlakovs J, Gaudêncio SP, Carvalho MF. Impact of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on the marine environment: Raising awareness, challenges, legislation, and mitigation approaches under the One Health concept. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115309. [PMID: 37591052 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have long been known for their detrimental effects on the ecosystems and living organisms; however the long-term impact on the marine environment is still insufficiently recognized. Based on PFAS persistence and bioaccumulation in the complex marine food network, adverse effects will be exacerbated by global processes such as climate change and synergies with other pollutants, like microplastics. The range of fluorochemicals currently included in the PFAS umbrella has significantly expanded due to the updated OECD definition, raising new concerns about their poorly understood dynamics and negative effects on the ocean wildlife and human health. Mitigation challenges and approaches, including biodegradation and currently studied materials for PFAS environmental removal are proposed here, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and bridging research gaps. The PFAS EU regulations, good practices and legal frameworks are discussed, with emphasis on recommendations for improving marine ecosystem management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lada Lukić Bilela
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Inga Matijošytė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Jokūbas Krutkevičius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Diogo A M Alexandrino
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, P. Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Centre, ISBB, CAS, Na Sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juris Burlakovs
- Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences, Józefa Wybickiego 7 A, 31-261 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Susana P Gaudêncio
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA Faculty for Sciences and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Maria F Carvalho
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang Z, Zhuo Q, Wang W, Guo S, Chen J, Li Y, Lv S, Yu G, Qiu Y. Fabrication and characterizations of Zn-doped SnO 2-Ti 4O 7 anode for electrochemical degradation of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid and its homologues. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131605. [PMID: 37196440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and its homologues, as perfluorinated ether alkyl substances with strong antioxidant properties, have rarely been reported by electrooxidation processes to achieve good results. Herein, we report the use of an oxygen defect stacking strategy to construct Zn-doped SnO2-Ti4O7 for the first time and enhance the electrochemical activity of Ti4O7. Compared with the original Ti4O7, the Zn-doped SnO2-Ti4O7 showed a 64.4% reduction in interfacial charge transfer resistance, a 17.5% increase in the cumulative rate of •OH generation, and an enhanced oxygen vacancy concentration. The Zn-doped SnO2-Ti4O7 anode exhibited high catalytic efficiency of 96.4% for HFPO-DA within 3.5 h at 40 mA/cm2. Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer and tetramer acid exhibit more difficult degradation due to the protective effect of the -CF3 branched chain and the addition of the ether oxygen atom leading to a significant increase in the C-F bond dissociation energy. The degradation rates of 10 cyclic degradation experiments and the leaching concentrations of Zn and Sn after 22 electrolysis experiments demonstrated the good stability of the electrodes. In addition, the aqueous toxicity of HFPO-DA and its degradation products was evaluated. This study analyzed the electrooxidation process of HFPO-DA and its homologues for the first time, and provided some new insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zehong Yang
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiongfang Zhuo
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Emerging Contaminants, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenlong Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuting Guo
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanliang Li
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Sihao Lv
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Gang Yu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongfu Qiu
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dong Q, Guo Y, Yuan J, Zhong S, Ni H, Liu J, Zhang M, Sun J, Yuan S, Yu H, Zhong Y, Jiang Q. Hexafluoropropylene oxide tetramer acid (HFPO-TeA)-induced developmental toxicities in chicken embryo: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Alpha (PPARα) is involved. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114671. [PMID: 36822062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide tetramer acid (HFPO-TeA) is an emerging environmental contaminant, with environmental presence but limited toxicological information. To investigate its potential developmental toxicities, various doses of HFPO-TeA exposure were achieved in chicken embryos via air cell injection, and the exposed embryos were incubated until hatch. Within 24 h of hatch, the hatchling chickens were assessed with electrocardiography and histopathology for toxicological evaluation. For mechanistic investigation, in ovo silencing of PPARα was achieved via lentivirus microinjection, then the morphological/functional endpoints along with protein expression levels of PPARα-regulated genes were assessed. HFPO-TeA exposure in chicken embryo resulted in developmental cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Specifically, decreased right ventricular wall thickness, increased heart rate and hepatic steatosis were observed, whereas silencing of PPARα resulted in alleviation of observed toxicities. Western blotting for EHHADH and FABPs suggested that developmental exposure to HFPO-TeA effectively increased the expression levels of both targets in hatchling chicken heart and liver tissue samples, while PPARα silencing prevented such changes, suggesting that PPARα and its downstream genes are playing critical roles in HFPO-TeA induced developmental toxicities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qixuan Dong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Junhua Yuan
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuping Zhong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Hao Ni
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengzhen Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaqi Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuqi Yuan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuxu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing, China.
| | - Qixiao Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gong S, McLamb F, Shea D, Vu JP, Vasquez MF, Feng Z, Bozinovic K, Hirata KK, Gersberg RM, Bozinovic G. Toxicity assessment of hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid on morphology, heart physiology, and gene expression during zebrafish (Danio rerio) development. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:32320-32336. [PMID: 36462083 PMCID: PMC10017623 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is one of the emerging replacements for the "forever" carcinogenic and toxic long-chain PFAS. HFPO-DA is a polymerization aid used for manufacturing fluoropolymers, whose global distribution and undetermined toxic properties are a concern regarding human and ecological health. To assess embryotoxic potential, zebrafish embryos were exposed to HFPO-DA at concentrations of 0.5-20,000 mg/L at 24-, 48-, and 72-h post-fertilization (hpf). Heart rate increased significantly in embryos exposed to 2 mg/L and 10 mg/L HFPO-DA across all time points. Spinal deformities and edema phenotypes were evident among embryos exposed to 1000-16,000 mg/L HFPO-DA at 72 hpf. A median lethal concentration (LC50) was derived as 7651 mg/L at 72 hpf. Shallow RNA sequencing analysis of 9465 transcripts identified 38 consistently differentially expressed genes at 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L, and 10 mg/L HFPO-DA exposures. Notably, seven downregulated genes were associated with visual response, and seven upregulated genes were expressed in or regulated the cardiovascular system. This study identifies biological targets and molecular pathways affected during animal development by an emerging, potentially problematic, and ubiquitous industrial chemical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Gong
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Flannery McLamb
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
| | | | - Jeanne P Vu
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miguel F Vasquez
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
| | - Zuying Feng
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kesten Bozinovic
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ken K Hirata
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
| | | | - Goran Bozinovic
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fang Y, Meng P, Schaefer C, Knappe DRU. Removal and destruction of perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) in an anion exchange resin and electrochemical oxidation treatment train. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 230:119522. [PMID: 36577256 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) are a group of emerging recalcitrant contaminants that are being developed to replace legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in industrial applications and that are generated as by-products in fluoropolymer manufacturing. Here, we report on the removal and destruction of four structurally different PFECAs using an integrated anion exchange resin (AER) and electrochemical oxidation (ECO) treatment train. Results from this work illustrated that (1) flow-through columns packed with PFAS-selective AERs are highly effective for the removal of PFECAs and (2) PFECA affinity is strongly correlated with their hydrophobic features. Regeneration of the spent resin columns revealed that high percentage (e.g., 80%) of organic cosolvent is necessary for achieving 60-100% PFECA release, and regeneration efficiency was higher for a macroporous resin than a gel-type resin. Treatment of spent regenerants showed (1) >99.99% methanol removal was achieved by distillation, (2) >99.999% conversion of the four studied PFECAs was achieved during the ECO treatment of the still bottoms after 24 hours with an energy per order of magnitude of PFECA removal (EE/O) <1.03 kWh/m3 of total groundwater treated, and (3) >85% of the organic fluorine was recovered as inorganic fluoride. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), perfluoropropionic acid (PFPrA), and perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA) were confirmed via high-resolution mass spectrometry as transformation products (TPs) in the treated still bottoms, and two distinctive degradation schemes and four reaction pathways are proposed for the four PFECAs. Lastly, dissolved organic matter (DOM) inhibited uptake, regeneration, and oxidation of PFECAs throughout the treatment train, suggesting pretreatment steps targeting DOM removal can enhance the system's treatment efficiency. Results from this work provide guidelines for developing effective separation-concentration-destruction treatment trains and meaningful insights for achieving PFECA destruction in impacted aquatic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yida Fang
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, Washington 98007, United States.
| | - Pingping Meng
- North Carolina State University, 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Charles Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, Edison, New Jersey 08837, United States
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- North Carolina State University, 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cao W, Horzmann K, Schemera B, Petrofski M, Kendall T, Spooner J, Rynders PE, VandeBerg JL, Wang X. Blood transcriptome responses to PFOA and GenX treatment in the marsupial biomedical model Monodelphis domestica. Front Genet 2023; 14:1073461. [PMID: 36873954 PMCID: PMC9974665 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1073461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products. Due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, PFASs can be found in the blood of humans and wild animals all over the world. Various fluorinated alternatives such as GenX have been developed to replace the long-chain PFASs, but there is limited information about their potential toxicity. Methods:The current study developed blood culture protocols to assess the response to toxic compounds in the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica. After whole-blood culture conditions were tested and optimized, changes in gene expression in response to PFOA and GenX treatment were assessed. Results: More than 10,000 genes were expressed in the blood transcriptomes with and without treatment. Both PFOA and GenX treatment led to significant changes in the whole blood culture transcriptomes. A total of 578 and 148 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the PFOA and GenX treatment groups, 32 of which overlapped. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs involved in developmental processes were upregulated after PFOA exposure, while those enriched for metabolic and immune system processes were downregulated. GenX exposure upregulated genes associated with fatty acid transport pathways and inflammatory processes, which is consistent with previous studies using rodent models. Discussion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the effect of PFASs in a marsupial model. The findings provide supportive evidence for significant transcriptomic alterations, suggesting that this mammalian model may provide a mechanism for exploring the potential toxicity of PFOA and GenX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Cao
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Commerce, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Katharine Horzmann
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Bettina Schemera
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Myra Petrofski
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Trisha Kendall
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Jennifer Spooner
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Patricia E Rynders
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - John L VandeBerg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Commerce, Auburn, AL, United States.,HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|