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Schumacher BA, Zimmerman JH, Williams AC, Lutes CC, Holton CW, Escobar E, Hayes H, Warrier R. Distribution of select per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at a chemical manufacturing plant. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133025. [PMID: 37995636 PMCID: PMC10734402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in various industrial products; however, they pose serious health risks. In this study, soil, soil gas, and groundwater samples were collected at a PFAS manufacturing facility in New Jersey, USA, to determine the presence and distribution of PFASs from the soil surface to groundwater and at various distances from the presumed source. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) were detected in soil (< 0.26-36.15 ng/g) and soil gas (160-12,000 E µg/m3), while perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were found in soil (4.3-810 ng/g), soil gas (<0.10-180 µg/m3), and groundwater (37-49 µg/L). FTOH and PFCA concentrations decreased as the distance from the presumed source increased, suggesting that PFCAs are likely to migrate in groundwater, whereas FTOHs primarily move in the vapor phase. The presence of PFAS in the groundwater, soil, and soil gas samples indicate its potential for vapor intrusion; thus, some PFAS may contribute to indoor air inhalation exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the quantification of volatile PFAS in soil gas at a PFAS manufacturing facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Schumacher
- US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling, 960 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, USA.
| | - John H Zimmerman
- US EPA ORD, Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Alan C Williams
- US EPA ORD, Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | | | - Chase W Holton
- Geosyntec Consultants, 5670 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, USA
| | - Elsy Escobar
- Jacobs, 2001 Market Street, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Heidi Hayes
- Eurofins Air Toxics, LLC, 180 Blue Ravine Road, Suite B, Folsom, CA 95630, USA
| | - Rohit Warrier
- Research Triangle Institute, International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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2
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Smeltz MG, Clifton MS, Henderson WM, McMillan L, Wetmore BA. Targeted Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) assessments for high throughput screening: Analytical and testing considerations to inform a PFAS stock quality evaluation framework. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 459:116355. [PMID: 36535553 PMCID: PMC10367912 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a large chemical class lacking hazard, toxicokinetic, and exposure information. To accelerate PFAS hazard evaluation, new approach methodologies (NAMs) comprised of in vitro high-throughput toxicity screening, toxicokinetic data, and computational modeling are being employed in read across strategies to evaluate the larger PFAS landscape. A critical consideration to ensure robust evaluations is a parallel assessment of the quality of the screening stock solutions, where dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is often the diluent of choice. Challenged by the lack of commercially available reference standards for many of the selected PFAS and reliance on mass spectrometry approaches for such an evaluation, we developed a high-throughput framework to evaluate the quality of screening stocks for 205 PFAS selected for these NAM efforts. Using mass spectrometry coupled with either liquid or gas chromatography, a quality scoring system was developed that incorporated observations during mass spectral examination to provide a simple pass or fail notation. Informational flags were used to further describe findings regarding parent analyte presence through accurate mass identification, evidence of contaminants and/or degradation, or further describe characteristics such as isomer presence. Across the PFAS-DMSO stocks tested, 148 unique PFAS received passing quality scores to allow for further in vitro testing whereas 57 received a failing score primarily due to detection issues or confounding effects of DMSO. Principle component analysis indicated vapor pressure and Henry's Law Constant as top indicators for a failed quality score for those analyzed by gas chromatography. Three PFAS in the hexafluoropropylene oxide family failed due to degradation in DMSO. As the PFAS evaluated spanned over 20 different structural categories, additional commentary describes analytical observations across specific groups related to PFAS stock composition, detection, stability, and methodologic considerations that will be useful for informing future analytical assessment and downstream HTS efforts. The high-throughput stock quality scoring workflow presented holds value as a tool to evaluate chemical presence and quality efficiently and for informing data inclusion in PFAS or other NAM screening efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marci G Smeltz
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States of America
| | - M Scott Clifton
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States of America
| | - W Matthew Henderson
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA 23605, United States of America
| | - Larry McMillan
- National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Barbara A Wetmore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States of America.
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3
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Riedel TP, Wallace MAG, Shields EP, Ryan JV, Lee CW, Linak WP. Low Temperature Thermal Treatment of Gas-Phase Fluorotelomer Alcohols by Calcium Oxide. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 272:129859. [PMID: 34675448 PMCID: PMC8525658 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Given the extent to which per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in commercial and industrial applications, the need to evaluate treatment options that reduce environmental emissions and human and ecological exposures of PFAS is becoming more necessary. One specific chemical class of PFAS, fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), have vapor pressures such that a significant fraction is expected to be present in the gas-phase even at ambient temperatures. FTOHs are used in a variety of PFAS applications, including synthesis and material coatings. Using two complementary mass spectrometric methods, the use of calcium oxide (CaO) was examined as a low temperature and potentially low-cost thermal treatment media for removal and destruction of four gas-phase FTOHs of varying molecular weights. This was accomplished by assessing the removal/destruction efficiency of the FTOHs and the formation of fluorinated byproducts as a function of treatment temperature (200 - 800 °C) in the presence of CaO compared to thermal-only destruction. During the treatment process, there is evidence that other PFAS compounds are produced at low temperatures (200 - 600 °C) as the primary FTOH partially degrades. At temperatures above 600 °C, thermal treatment with CaO prevented the formation or removed nearly all these secondary products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theran P. Riedel
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
| | - M. Ariel Geer Wallace
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
| | - Erin P. Shields
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jeffrey V. Ryan
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
| | - Chun Wai Lee
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
| | - William P. Linak
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States
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4
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YE T, CHEN Y, FU J, ZHANG A, FU J. [Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in eggs: analytical methods and their application as pollutant bioindicator]. Se Pu 2021; 39:184-196. [PMID: 34227351 PMCID: PMC9274833 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2020.09023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) are environmentally persistent and biomagnified along food chains. They have been widely detected globally, even in the human body, and their potential toxicity has attracted great attention. Eggs are the origin of new life of ovipara and are rich in nutrients, thus they serve as one of the main protein sources for humans. Therefore, the level of pollutants in eggs can affect the reproduction of ovipara, and it is also related to human health by food intake. In recent years, poultry egg samples have been widely used in the assessment of biological and ecological pollution as a non-invasive biota matrix. At the same time, recent studies have used eggs to evaluate the developmental toxicity and associated health risks based on the pollutant levels in egg samples. In this study, the methods of sample pretreatment and instrumental detection of PFASs for egg samples are summarized. In addition, the application of eggs as a pollutants bioindicator of PFASs contamination has been discussed.
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Yang Y, Lin M, Tang J, Ma S, Yu Y. Derivatization gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry for the analysis of trace organic pollutants and their metabolites in human biological samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:6679-6690. [PMID: 32556566 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-MS) is a preferred instrumental approach for the trace and ultra-trace analysis of various toxic organics and their metabolites in human biological fluids. Specifically, the method has played an important role in the highly sensitive and specific quantitative detection of persistent highly halogenated compounds in environmental matrices and biota during the past few decades. However, for the analysis of toxic metabolites with active hydrogen atoms, such as acids, alcohols, and phenolic compounds, from biological matrixes or organics without electronegative atoms or groups, a derivatization step is often needed prior to GC analysis. Such derivatization aims to change the properties of targets to improve their separation, increase their volatility, and enhance the sensitivity of instrumental detection. This review summarizes three derivatization strategies commonly used for GC methods, i.e., alkylation, silylation, and acylation, together with their application combined with GC-NCI-MS for the high sensitivity analysis of toxic organic metabolites in the human body. The advantages and disadvantages of each derivatization method and potential directions for future applications are discussed. Given the broad variety of applications as well as the compound-specific sensitivity for the ultra-trace analysis of target xenobiotics in human biological fluids, subsequent studies are required to develop convenient, faster derivatization procedures and reagents better suited for routine analysis. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.,Synergy Innovation Institute of GDUT, Shantou, 515100, Guangdong, China
| | - Meiqing Lin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengtao Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China. .,Synergy Innovation Institute of GDUT, Shantou, 515100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yingxin Yu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
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Stróżyńska M, H Gross J, Schuhen K. Structural investigation of perfluorocarboxylic acid derivatives formed in the reaction with N,N-dimethylformamide dialkylacetals. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2020; 26:131-143. [PMID: 31594396 DOI: 10.1177/1469066719880546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A structural investigation of perfluorocarboxylic acid derivatives formed in the reaction with N,N-dimethylformamide dialkylacetals employing several techniques of mass spectrometry (MS) is described. Two derivatizing reagents, dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (DMF-DMA) and dimethylformamide diethylacetal (DMF-DEA) were used. In contrast to carboxylic acids, perfluorocarboxylic acids are not able to form alkyl esters as the main product in this reaction. We found that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) forms a salt with N,N-dimethylformamide dialkylacetals. This salt undergoes a further reaction inside the injection block of a gas chromatograph (GC) by loss of CO2 and then forms 1,1-perfluorooctane-(N,N,N,N-tetramethyl)-diamine. The GC-MS experiments using both electron ionization (EI) and positive-ion chemical ionization (PCI) revealed that the same reaction products are formed with either derivatizing reagent. Subjecting the perfluorocarboxylic acid derivative to electrospray ionization (ESI) and direct analysis in real time (DART), both positive- and negative-ion modes indicated that cluster ions are formed. In the positive-ion mode, this cluster ion consists of two iminium cations and one PFOA anion, while in the negative-ion mode, it comprises two PFOA anions and one cation. The salt structure was further confirmed by liquid injection field desorption/ionization (LIFDI) as well as infrared (IR) spectroscopy. We propose a simple mechanism of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylformamidinium cation formation. The structure elucidation is supported by specific fragment ions as obtained by GC-EI-MS and GC-PCI-MS analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Stróżyńska
- Wasser 3.0/abcr GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
| | - Jürgen H Gross
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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A novel methodology for the determination of neutral perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water by gas chromatography-atmospheric pressure photoionisation-high resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1100:97-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Ayala-Cabrera J, Moyano E, Santos F. Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for the determination of fluorotelomer olefins, fluorotelomer alcohols, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides and sulfonamido-ethanols in water. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1609:460463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Ateia M, Maroli A, Tharayil N, Karanfil T. The overlooked short- and ultrashort-chain poly- and perfluorinated substances: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 220:866-882. [PMID: 33395808 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluorinated substances (PFAS) comprise more than 3000 individual compounds; nevertheless, most studies to date have focused mainly on the fate, transport and remediation of long-chain PFAS (C > 7). The main objective of this article is to provide the first critical review of the peer-reviewed studies on the analytical methods, occurrence, mobility, and treatment for ultra-short-chain PFAS (C = 2-3) and short-chain PFAS (C = 4-7). Previous studies frequently detected ultra-short-chain and short-chain PFAS in various types of aqueous environments including seas, oceans, rivers, surface/urban runoffs, drinking waters, groundwaters, rain/snow, and deep polar seas. Besides, the recent regulations and restrictions on the use of long-chain PFAS has resulted in a significant shift in the industry towards short-chain alternatives. However, our understanding of the environmental fate and remediation of these ultra-short-chain and short-chain PFAS is still fragmentary. We have also covered the handful studies involving the removal of ultra-short and short-chain PFAS and identified the future research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ateia
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA
| | - Amith Maroli
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA
| | - Tanju Karanfil
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA.
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Determination of perfluoroalkyl acid isomers in biosolids, biosolids-amended soils and plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1072:25-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Worley RR, Yang X, Fisher J. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid suggests historical non drinking-water exposures are important for predicting current serum concentrations. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 330:9-21. [PMID: 28684146 PMCID: PMC5664934 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Manufacturing of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic chemical with a long half-life in humans, peaked between 1970 and 2002, and has since diminished. In the United States, PFOA is detected in the blood of >99% of people tested, but serum concentrations have decreased since 1999. Much is known about exposure to PFOA in drinking water; however, the impact of non-drinking water PFOA exposure on serum PFOA concentrations is not well characterized. The objective of this research is to apply physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and Monte Carlo analysis to evaluate the impact of historic non-drinking water PFOA exposure on serum PFOA concentrations. In vitro to in vivo extrapolation was utilized to inform descriptions of PFOA transport in the kidney. Monte Carlo simulations were incorporated to evaluate factors that account for the large inter-individual variability of serum PFOA concentrations measured in individuals from North Alabama in 2010 and 2016, and the Mid-Ohio River Valley between 2005 and 2008. Predicted serum PFOA concentrations were within two-fold of experimental data. With incorporation of Monte Carlo simulations, the model successfully tracked the large variability of serum PFOA concentrations measured in populations from the Mid-Ohio River Valley. Simulation of exposure in a population of 45 adults from North Alabama successfully predicted 98% of individual serum PFOA concentrations measured in 2010 and 2016, respectively, when non-drinking water ingestion of PFOA exposure was included. Variation in serum PFOA concentrations may be due to inter-individual variability in the disposition of PFOA and potentially elevated historical non-drinking water exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rogers Worley
- Division of Community Health Investigations, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Xiaoxia Yang
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Jeffrey Fisher
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
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Shafique U, Schulze S, Slawik C, Kunz S, Paschke A, Schüürmann G. Gas chromatographic determination of perfluorocarboxylic acids in aqueous samples – A tutorial review. Anal Chim Acta 2017; 949:8-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Naile JE, Garrison AW, Avants JK, Washington JW. Isomers/enantiomers of perfluorocarboxylic acids: Method development and detection in environmental samples. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 144:1722-1728. [PMID: 26519804 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances are globally distributed in both urban and remote settings, and routinely are detected in wildlife, humans, and the environment. One of the most prominent and routinely detected perfluoroalkyl substances is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been shown to be toxic to both humans and animals. PFOA exists as both linear and branched isomers; some of the branched isomers are chiral. A novel GC-NCI-MS method was developed to allow for isomer/enantiomer separation, which was achieved using two columns working in tandem; a 30-m DB-5MS column and a 30-m BGB-172 Analytik column. Samples were derivatized with diazomethane to form methyl esters of the PFOA isomers. In standards, at least eight PFOA isomers were detected, of which at least four were enantiomers of chiral isomers; one chiral isomer (P3) was sufficiently separated to allow for enantiomer-fraction calculations. Soil, sediment and plant samples from contaminated locations in Alabama and Georgia were analyzed. P3 was observed in most of these environmental samples, and was non-racemic in at least one sediment, suggesting the possibility of chirally selective generation from precursors or enantioselective sorption. In addition, the ratio of P3/linear PFOA was inversely related to distance from source, which we suggest might reflect a higher sorption affinity for the P3 over the linear isomer. This method focuses on PFOA, but preliminary results suggest that it should be broadly applicable to other chiral and achiral perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs); e.g., we detected several other homologous PFCA isomers in our PFCA standards and some environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Naile
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - A Wayne Garrison
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, GA, 30605, USA.
| | | | - John W Washington
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, GA, 30605, USA.
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14
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Jurado-Sánchez B, Ballesteros E, Gallego M. Analytical method for biomonitoring of perfluoroalkyl acids in human urine. Talanta 2014; 128:141-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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A rapid and sensitive assay of perfluorocarboxylic acids in aqueous matrices by headspace solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2012; 1251:160-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Determination of perfluorocarboxylic acids in water by ion-pair dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with injection port derivatization. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 726:28-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Derivatization and liquid chromatography–UV–tandem mass spectrometric analysis of perfluorinated carboxylic acids. J Chromatogr A 2012; 1235:132-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Lasier PJ, Washington JW, Hassan SM, Jenkins TM. Perfluorinated chemicals in surface waters and sediments from northwest Georgia, USA, and their bioaccumulation in Lumbriculus variegatus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:2194-2201. [PMID: 21766321 DOI: 10.1002/etc.622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) were measured in surface waters and sediments from the Coosa River watershed in northwest Georgia, USA, to examine their distribution downstream of a suspected source. Samples from eight sites were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Sediments were also used in 28-d exposures with the aquatic oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus, to assess PFC bioaccumulation. Concentrations of PFCs in surface waters and sediments increased significantly below a land-application site (LAS) of municipal/industrial wastewater and were further elevated by unknown sources downstream. Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with eight or fewer carbons were the most prominent in surface waters. Those with 10 or more carbons predominated sediment and tissue samples. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the major homolog in contaminated sediments and tissues. This pattern among sediment PFC concentrations was consistent among sites and reflected homolog concentrations emanating from the LAS. Concentrations of PFCs in oligochaete tissues revealed patterns similar to those observed in the respective sediments. The tendency to bioaccumulate increased with PFCA chain length and the presence of the sulfonate moiety. Biota-sediment accumulation factors indicated that short-chain PFCAs with fewer than seven carbons may be environmentally benign alternatives in aquatic ecosystems; however, sulfonates with four to seven carbons may be as likely to bioaccumulate as PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Lasier
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
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Liu WL, Hwang BH, Li ZG, Jen JF, Lee MR. Headspace solid phase microextraction in-situ supercritical fluid extraction coupled to gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of perfluorocarboxylic acids in sediments. J Chromatogr A 2011; 1218:7857-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2011.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Yoo H, Washington JW, Ellington JJ, Jenkins TM, Neill MP. Concentrations, distribution, and persistence of fluorotelomer alcohols in sludge-applied soils near Decatur, Alabama, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:8397-8402. [PMID: 20949952 DOI: 10.1021/es100390r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil samples were collected for fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) analyses from six fields to which sludge had been applied and one "background" field that had not received sludge. Ten analytes in soil extracts were quantified using GC/MS. Sludge-applied fields had surface soil FTOH concentrations exceeding levels found in the background field. For 8:2nFTOH, which can degrade to perfluorooctanoic acid, impacted surface-soils ranged from 5 to 73 ng/g dry weight, clearly exceeding the background field in which 8:2nFTOH was not detected. The highest [FTOH] generally was 10:2nFTOH, which had concentrations of <5.6 to 166 ng/g. For the first time, we document the persistence of straight-chained primary FTOHs (n-FTOHs) and branch-chained secondary FTOHs (sec-FTOHs), which are transformation products of n-FTOHs, in field soils for at least five years after sludge application. Ratios of sec-FTOHs to n-FTOHs were highest for 7:2sFTOH/8:2nFTOH (∼50%) and decreased with increasing chain length to a minimum for the longest-chained analytes, 13:2sFTOH/14:2nFTOH (∼10%). Disappearance half-lives for FTOHs, calculated with these data, ranged from 0.85 to 1.8 years. These analytical results show that the practice of sludge application to land is a pathway for the introduction of FTOHs and, accordingly, their transformation products, perfluorocarboxylic acids, into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon Yoo
- National Research Council (NRC), Ecosystems Research Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA
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Gosetti F, Chiuminatto U, Zampieri D, Mazzucco E, Robotti E, Calabrese G, Gennaro MC, Marengo E. Determination of perfluorochemicals in biological, environmental and food samples by an automated on-line solid phase extraction ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. J Chromatogr A 2010; 1217:7864-72. [PMID: 21071035 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2010.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A rapid on-line solid phase extraction ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the identification and quantitation of nine perfluorinated compounds in matrices of environmental, biological and food interest. Pre-treatment, solid phase extraction, chromatographic and mass detection conditions were optimised, in order to apply the whole methodology to the analysis of different matrices. Particular attention was devoted to the evaluation of matrix effect and the correlated phenomena of ion enhancement or suppression in mass spectrometry detection. LOD and LOQ range from 3 to 15ngL(-1) and from 10 to 50ngL(-1), respectively. Method detection limits (MDLs) were also calculated for each kind of matrix. The recovery, evaluated for each analyte, does not depend on analyte concentration in the explored concentration range: average R¯% values are always greater than 82.9%. In the whole, the results obtained for samples of river waters, blood serum, blood plasma, and fish confirm the ubiquitous presence of perfluorinated compounds, as recently denounced by many sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Gosetti
- University of Piemonte Orientale, DISAV - Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Vita, viale T. Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
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Dufková V, Čabala R, Maradová D, Štícha M. A fast derivatization procedure for gas chromatographic analysis of perfluorinated organic acids. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:8659-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Yoo H, Washington JW, Jenkins TM, Laurence Libelo E. Analysis of perfluorinated chemicals in sludge: Method development and initial results. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:7831-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Analysis of fluorotelomer alcohols in soils: Optimization of extraction and chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:5347-54. [PMID: 19497578 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2009] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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Jahnke A, Berger U. Trace analysis of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in various matrices—How do current methods perform? J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:410-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.08.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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26
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Chu S, Letcher RJ. Analysis of fluorotelomer alcohols and perfluorinated sulfonamides in biotic samples by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2008; 1215:92-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.10.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Revised: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Richardson SD. Environmental Mass Spectrometry: Emerging Contaminants and Current Issues. Anal Chem 2008; 80:4373-402. [DOI: 10.1021/ac800660d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan D. Richardson
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605
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Washington JW, Henderson WM, Ellington JJ, Jenkins TM, Evans JJ. Analysis of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in soils II: Optimization of chromatography and extraction. J Chromatogr A 2008; 1181:21-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2007.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2007] [Revised: 11/28/2007] [Accepted: 12/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Washington JW, Ellington JJ, Jenkins TM, Evans JJ. Analysis of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in soils: Detection and quantitation issues at low concentrations. J Chromatogr A 2007; 1154:111-20. [PMID: 17459394 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2007.03.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 03/05/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Methods were developed for the extraction from soil, identification, confirmation and quantitation by LC/MS/MS of trace levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). Whereas PFOA, PFNA and PFDA all can be quantitated using the method of standard additions, PFOA also can be quantitated less laboriously using 13C4-PFOA as a matrix internal standard. The impact of extract matrices on signal varied between soils and temporally during analytical runs rendering 13C4-PFOA unsuitable as a matrix internal standard for quantitating perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) other than PFOA, which co-elutes with 13C4-PFOA. In fact, for soil extracts, quantitation of PFCAs based on external calibrations proved about as accurate as use of matrix internal standards for target analytes that do not co-elute with the matrix internal standard. Also, 13C4-PFOA should be used carefully as a matrix internal standard for trace levels of PFOA because some 13C4-PFOA standards contain trace impurities of unlabelled PFOA. When the presence of PFCAs in soil extracts is being determined by LC/MS/MS, detection limits are best defined by statistical methods that quantify the significance of contrast between analytical signal and background noise using multiple analyses. Further, when developing a calibration of low concentrations using weighted regression, the central tendency of the calibration line is best fitted using graphical depictions of error. As the MDL for the transition-product quantitation ion is approached in LC/MS/MS, relatively weak signals of transition-product confirmation ions can be used as a rejection criterion by looking for anomalously high values of the ratio of the confirmation to the quantitation ion.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Washington
- USEPA, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 960 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, USA.
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