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Xiao Y, Li Q, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Liu J, Lei N, Zhang W, Wang Q. Unravelling the mechanisms of PFAS toxicity to submerged macrophytes and epiphytic biofilms at metabolic and molecular levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 952:175726. [PMID: 39181257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175726] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of persistent organic pollutants that are widespread in aquatic ecosystems and pose a serious threat to aquatic organisms. It is thus crucial to explore the toxicity mechanisms of PFAS to submerged macrophytes and biofilms. In this study, Vallisneria natans (V. natans) was exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS). Results showed that PFAS induced the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, triggering antioxidant responses. V. natans exhibited an improved stress tolerance by altering the biosynthesis of several plant secondary metabolites and the histidine, arginine, proline pathways in response to PFAS exposure. Moreover, PIP1-1, PIP2-2, SLAH1 and SLAH2 genes were upregulated, indicating the activation of aquaporins and slow-type anion channels. The uptake of PFOA and PFOS by V. natans was 41.74 % and 52.31 %, respectively. Notably, PFAS bound to functional proteins (GSTF10), promoting the detoxification of plants. Exposure to PFAS also altered the structure of biofilms by inducing the synthesis of large amounts of polysaccharides and proteins. The diversity and richness of the microbial community within periphytic biofilms changed significantly. These results provide a comprehensive description of the responses of aquatic plants and periphytic biofilms to PFAS and the removal mechanism of PFAS, contributing to the environmental risk assessments and removal of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxing Xiao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China.
| | - Yixia Yang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China
| | - Yumiao Zhang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China
| | - Yifan Shen
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China
| | - Ningfei Lei
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, PR China.
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Kosiarski K, Usner CZ, Preisendanz HE. From wastewater to feed: Understanding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances occurrence in wastewater-irrigated crops. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39363350 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation is a sustainable way to recycle nutrients and reduce freshwater use. However, wastewater irrigation inadvertently introduces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into agroecosystems, causing concerns regarding potential adverse effects to ecosystem, animal, and human health. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathways by which PFAS accumulate in forage crops is needed. A greenhouse study was conducted to (1) quantify the contribution of root uptake versus foliar sorption of PFAS in corn (Zea mays) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), (2) assess effects of PFAS-impacted wastewater irrigation on plant health, and (3) determine the potential implications for bioaccumulation. The greenhouse study was composed of four treatments for each forage crop to isolate the relative contribution of two uptake pathways. Results suggested that foliar sorption was an unlikely contributor to PFAS concentrations observed in crop tissue. Root uptake was identified as the predominant uptake pathway. PFAS were detected more frequently in orchard grass samples compared to corn silage samples. Additionally, corn exhibited a lower uptake of long-chain PFAS compared to grass. Overall, no plant health effects on growth attributable to PFAS concentrations were observed. Forage data suggest cattle exposure to PFAS would be largely short-chain PFAS or long-chain "replacement" compounds (>50%). However, cattle may still be exposed to potentially harmful long-chain PFAS; levels in the forage crops exceeded the tolerable weekly intake set by the European Food Safety Authority. This study provides insights on PFAS entry into the food chain and potential implications for livestock and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Kosiarski
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles Zeke Usner
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heather E Preisendanz
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Sustainable, Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Sun S, Liang M, Fan D, Gu W, Wang Z, Shi L, Geng N. Occurrence and profiles of perfluoroalkyl substances in wastewaters of chemical industrial parks and receiving river waters: Implications for the environmental impact of wastewater discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173993. [PMID: 38879026 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
A total of 17 groups of wastewaters from the chemical industrial parks and matched receiving river waters were collected in the east of China. The measured total concentrations of 21 analyzed PFAS analogues (∑21PFAS) in the influents and effluents of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were in the range of 0.172-20.6 μg/L (mean: 18.2 μg/L, median: 3.9 μg/L) and 0.167-93.6 μg/L (mean: 10.8 μg/L, median: 1.12 μg/L), respectively, which were significantly higher than those observed in the upstream (range: 0.0158-7.05 μg/L, mean: 1.09 μg/L, median: 0.482 μg/L) and downstream (range: 0.0237-1.82 μg/L, mean: 0.697 μg/L, median: 0.774 μg/L) receiving waters. Despite the concentrations and composition profiles of PFAS varied in the water samples from different sampling sites, PFOA was generally the major PFAS analogue in the research areas, mainly due to the history of PFOA production and usage as well as the specific exemptions. The calculated concentration ratios of the short-chain PFCAs and PFSAs to their respective predecessors (PFOA and PFOS) in most of the samples far exceeded 1, indicating a shift from legacy PFOA and PFOS to short-chain PFAS in the research areas. Correlation network analysis and the calculated concentration ratios of PFAS in the effluents versus influents indicated transformation may have occurred during the water treatment processes and PFAS could not be efficiently removed in the WWTPs. Wastewater discharge of chemical industrial parks is a vital source of PFAS dispersed into the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Mengyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deling Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Wen Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Lili Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Ningbo Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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Alukkal CR, Lee LS, Gonzalez DJ. Understanding the impact of pre-digestion thermal hydrolysis process on PFAS in anaerobically digested biosolids. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 365:143406. [PMID: 39326709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in biosolids are influenced by their source, treatment processes, and the dynamics of water resource recovery facilities (WRRF). Understanding these effects is vital for informed decisions in treatment process selection, however, comprehensive studies are sparse. This study examined the impact of anaerobic digestion (AD) and the addition of a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) before AD on PFAS in the solids stream at a WRRF. Targeted analysis of 58 PFAS (linear and branched) and suspect screening of the solid stream before and after AD as well as THP, with the total PFAS (ΣPFAS) concentrations ranging between 244 and 566 μg/kgdw. Precursor and intermediate PFAS, mainly di-substituted polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (diPAPs) followed by fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs), were the dominant contributors (62-96 mol % ΣPFAS) in all 5 sample types. AD impacts were observed both before and after deploying THP altering the relative contribution of different PFAS classes through biotransformation, with an increase in PFCAs and a decrease in diPAPs. However, we observed that THP reduced the % of precursor conversion as well as conversion of the FTCA intermediates in the AD process as evidenced by a substantial increase in FTCAs post-THP + AD and lower PFCA generation compared to AD only. Total PFAS organofluorine (∑FPFAS) decreased by 28% pre- and post-AD, which on total fluorine (TF) showed a larger reduction to 43%. Fluoride was <3% of the TF in all cases, thus, the greater reduction in TF vs ∑FPFAS could be volatile losses of PFAS and other non-PFAS F-containing molecules. After THP installation, a 32% decrease in (∑FPFAS) was observed in the combined THP-AD system whereas adjusted total organofluorine increased by ∼43%. Overall, achieving higher solids handling capacity and energy neutrality with the THP addition did not lead to a significant difference in quantifiable PFAS concentrations compared to AD-only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rose Alukkal
- Interdisciplinary Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Interdisciplinary Ecological Sciences & Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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Pietropoli E, Bardhi A, Simonato V, Zanella M, Iori S, Barbarossa A, Giantin M, Dacasto M, De Liguoro M, Pauletto M. Comparative toxicity assessment of alternative versus legacy PFAS: Implications for two primary trophic levels in freshwater ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135269. [PMID: 39068881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135269] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are common environmental pollutants, but their toxicity framework remains elusive. This research focused on ten PFAS, evaluating their impacts on two ecotoxicologically relevant model organisms from distinct trophic levels: the crustacean Daphnia magna and the unicellular green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The results showed a greater sensitivity of R. subcapitata compared to D. magna. However, a 10-day follow-up to the 48 h immobilisation test in D. magna showed delayed mortality, underlining the limitations of relying on EC50 s from standard acute toxicity tests. Among the compounds scrutinized, Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was the most toxic to R. subcapitata, succeeded by Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), with the latter being the only one to show an algicidal effect. In the same species, assessment of binary mixtures of the compounds that demonstrated high toxicity in the single evaluation revealed either additive or antagonistic interactions. Remarkably, with an EC50 of 31 mg L-1, the short-chain compound PFBA, tested individually, exhibited toxicity levels akin to the notorious long-chain PFOS, and its harm to freshwater ecosystems cannot be ruled out. Despite mounting toxicological evidence and escalating environmental concentrations, PFBA has received little scientific attention and regulatory stewardship. It is strongly advisable that regulators re-evaluate its use to mitigate potential risks to the environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Pietropoli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Anisa Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna Alma Mater Studiorum, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Valentina Simonato
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Martina Zanella
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Silvia Iori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Andrea Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna Alma Mater Studiorum, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Mery Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Mauro Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marco De Liguoro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marianna Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
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N K, E S, J D, C G, J K, N K, M Z, O Z. Exploring the variability of PFAS in urban sewage: a comparison of emissions in commercial versus municipal urban areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 39268638 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00415a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are recognized for their persistence and ubiquitous occurrence in different environmental compartments. Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) cannot effectively remove PFAS from wastewater, and a better understanding of the occurrence and sources of PFAS in this medium would enable effective source abatement. We compared sewage from urban areas exhibiting differentiating characteristics with respect to activities in their catchments. These included a sewer that serves primarily a municipal area, with no commercial activities involving PFAS emissions being identified, another sewer with a strong influence of commercial activities potentially related to PFAS emissions, and the influent of the whole city sewage network. The year-long monitoring campaign consisted of flow-proportional, monthly composite samples and targeted analysis of 29 PFAS compounds. Principal component analysis was used to investigate the relationships between selected PFAS and standard water quality parameters such as ammonium, a known tracer of urine and thus of typical municipal wastewater. Notable findings were seen for PFOS and 6:2 FTS, whose concentrations were most negatively correlated with ammonium. Ammonium concentration data allowed for a normalized per-person median load calculation, which resulted in loads of the observed PFAS ranging from below 0.4 up to 4.7 μg per person per day. Both the commercial area sewer and the city influent exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) median loads (>0.9 μg per person per day) in the case of 6:2 FTS and PFOS, compared to the municipal sewer (<0.6 μg per person per day). No statistically significant difference was found for other compounds, such as PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, and PFHxS. We argue that this approach demonstrates that PFAS can differ in speciation and quantity within an urban wastewater setting, and consideration of both municipal and commercial activities is needed for a proper understanding of sources and emission pathways within the urban environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krlovic N
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Saracevic E
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Derx J
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC Water & Health), Vienna, Austria
- TU Wien, Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gundacker C
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Krampe J
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kreuzinger N
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Zessner M
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria.
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC Water & Health), Vienna, Austria
| | - Zoboli O
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria.
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Liu T, Hu LX, Han Y, Xiao S, Dong LL, Yang YY, Liu YS, Zhao JL, Ying GG. Non-target discovery and risk prediction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and transformation products in wastewater treatment systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135081. [PMID: 38964036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as the main destination of many wastes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Here, we investigated the occurrence and transformation of PFAS and their transformation products (TPs) in wastewater treatment systems using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based target, suspect, and non-target screening approaches. The results revealed the presence of 896 PFAS and TPs in aqueous and sludge phases, of which 687 were assigned confidence levels 1-3 (46 PFAS and 641 TPs). Cyp450 metabolism and environmental microbial degradation were found to be the primary metabolic transformation pathways for PFAS within WWTPs. An estimated 52.3 %, 89.5 %, and 13.6 % of TPs were believed to exhibit persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity effects, respectively, with a substantial number of TPs posing potential health risks. Notably, the length of the fluorinated carbon chain in PFAS and TPs was likely associated with increased hazard, primarily due to the influence of biodegradability. Ultimately, two high riskcompounds were identified in the effluent, including one PFAS (Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid) and one enzymatically metabolized TP (23-(Perfluorobutyl)tricosanoic acid@BTM0024_cyp450). It is noteworthy that the toxicity of some TPs exceeded that of their parent compounds. The results from this study underscores the importance of PFAS TPs and associated environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yu Han
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Sheng Xiao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liang-Li Dong
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jian-Liang Zhao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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8
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Dangudubiyyam SV, Hofmann A, Yadav P, Kumar S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and hypertensive disorders of Pregnancy- integration of epidemiological and mechanistic evidence. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 130:108702. [PMID: 39222887 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain a significant global health burden despite medical advancements. HDP prevalence appears to be rising, leading to increased maternal and fetal complications, mortality, and substantial healthcare costs. The etiology of HDP are complex and multifaceted, influenced by factors like nutrition, obesity, stress, metabolic disorders, and genetics. Emerging evidence suggests environmental pollutants, particularly Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may contribute to HDP development. OBJECTIVE This review integrates epidemiological and mechanistic data to explore the intricate relationship between PFAS exposure and HDP. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE Studies show varying degrees of association between PFAS exposure and HDP, with some demonstrating positive correlations, particularly with preeclampsia. Meta-analyses suggest potential fetal sex-specific differences in these associations. MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS Mechanistically, PFAS exposure appears to disrupt vascular hemodynamics, placental development, and critical processes like angiogenesis and sex steroid regulation. Experimental studies reveal alterations in the renin-angiotensin system, trophoblast invasion, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal dysregulation - all of which contribute to HDP pathogenesis. Elucidating these mechanisms is crucial for developing preventive strategies. THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL Targeted interventions such as AT2R agonists, caspase inhibitors, and modulation of specific microRNAs show promise in mitigating adverse outcomes associated with PFAS exposure during pregnancy. KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the full spectrum of PFAS-induced placental alterations and their long-term implications for maternal and fetal health. This knowledge will be instrumental in developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for HDP in a changing environmental landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Vidya Dangudubiyyam
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Alissa Hofmann
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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Khan AUH, Liu Y, Naidu R, Fang C, Shon HK, Zhang H, Dharmarajan R. Changes in the Aggregation Behaviour of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Influenced by Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Salts, and Humic Acid in Simulated Waters. TOXICS 2024; 12:602. [PMID: 39195704 PMCID: PMC11359926 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The increasing utilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in many consumer products is of concern due to their eventual release into the natural environment and induction of potentially adverse impacts. The behaviour and environmental impacts of ZnO-NPs could be altered through their interactions with environmentally coexisting substances. This study investigated the changes in the behaviour of ZnO-NPs in the presence of coexisting organic pollutants (such as perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]), natural organic substances (i.e., humic acid [HA]), and electrolytes (i.e., NaCl and CaCl2) in simulated waters. The size, shape, purity, crystallinity, and surface charge of the ZnO-NPs in simulated water after different interaction intervals (such as 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks) at a controlled pH of 7 were examined using various characterization techniques. The results indicated alterations in the size (such as 162.4 nm, 1 day interaction to >10 µm, 3 weeks interaction) and zeta potential (such as -47.2 mV, 1 day interaction to -0.2 mV, 3 weeks interaction) of the ZnO-NPs alone and when PFOA, electrolytes, and HA were present in the suspension. Different influences on the size and surface charge of the nanoparticles were observed for fixed concentrations (5 mM) of the different electrolytes. The presence of HA-dispersed ZnO-NPs affected the zeta potential. Such dispersal effects were also observed in the presence of both PFOA and salts due to their large aliphatic carbon content and complex structure. Cation bridging effects, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals forces could be potential interaction forces responsible for the adsorption of PFOA. The presence of organic pollutants (PFOA) and natural organic substances (HA) can transform the surface characteristics and fate of ZnO-NPs in natural and sea waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Ul Haq Khan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.U.H.K.); (R.N.); (C.F.)
- crc for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Yanju Liu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.U.H.K.); (R.N.); (C.F.)
- crc for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.U.H.K.); (R.N.); (C.F.)
- crc for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.U.H.K.); (R.N.); (C.F.)
- crc for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ho Kyong Shon
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), City Campus, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Huiming Zhang
- Electron Microscope and X-ray (EMX) Unit, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Rajarathnam Dharmarajan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
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10
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Deligiannis M, Gkalipidou E, Gatidou G, Kostakis MG, Triantafyllos Gerokonstantis D, Arvaniti OS, Thomaidis NS, Vyrides I, Hale SE, Peter Arp H, Fountoulakis MS, Stasinakis AS. Study on the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during thermophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge and the role of granular activated carbon addition. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 406:131013. [PMID: 38901748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131013] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Limited information is available on the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in anaerobic digestion (AD). Τhe fate of six PFAS was studied in thermophilic bioreactors in the presence of granular activated carbon (GAC) and voltage application. Reactors with GAC exhibited lower concentrations of volatile fatty acids and higher methane production compared to those with and without the application of voltage. Analysis of PFAS in dissolved and solid phase showed that their distribution was dependent on perfluorocarbon chain length and functional group. Mass balances showed that PFAS were not removed during conventional AD or after applying voltage; however, significant removal (up to 61 ± 8 %) was observed in bioreactors with GAC for perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Biomass characterization showed that in these bioreactors, the relative abundance of Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas was higher, indicating their potential role in PFAS biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evdokia Gkalipidou
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
| | - Georgia Gatidou
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece
| | - Marios G Kostakis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | | | - Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Agricultural Development, Agrofood and Management of Natural Resources, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna 34400, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vyrides
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 95 Eirinis Str., Limassol 3603, Cyprus
| | - Sarah E Hale
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Ullevål Stadion, P.O. Box 3930, 0806, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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11
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Brahana P, Patel R, Bharti B. Surface Science View of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in the Environment. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2024; 4:173-185. [PMID: 39035868 PMCID: PMC11258754 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a notorious category of anthropogenic contaminants, detected across various environmental domains. Among these PFAS, perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) stand out as a focal point in discussions due to their historical industrial utilization and environmental prominence. Their extensive industrial adoption is a direct consequence of their remarkable stability and outstanding amphiphilic properties. However, these very traits that have made PFAAs industrially desirable also render them environmentally catastrophic, leading to adverse consequences for ecosystems. The amphiphilic nature of PFAAs has made them highly unique in the landscape of anthropogenic contaminants and, thereby, difficult to study. We believe that well-established principles from surface science can connect the amphiphilic nature of PFAAs to their accumulation and transport in the environment. Specifically, we discuss the role of interfacial science in describing the stability, interfacial uptake (air-liquid and solid-liquid), and wetting capability of PFAAs. Surface science principles can provide new insights into the environmental fate of PFAAs, as well as provide context on their deleterious effects on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip
J. Brahana
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Ruchi Patel
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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12
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Oza S, Bell KY, Xu Z, Wang Y, Wells MJM, Norton JW, Winchell LJ, Huang Q, Li H. Surveillance of PFAS in sludge and biosolids at 12 water resource recovery facilities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39004957 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are refractory anthropogenic chemicals and current treatment processes at municipal water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) cannot efficiently degrade them, hence, these chemicals cycle through the environment. Certain PFAS can be concentrated in biosolids from WRRFs and are commonly land applied for beneficial reuse. Given recent advances in measurement of PFAS, documentation of the range of concentrations in pre-stabilized sludge and stabilized biosolids is critical to evaluating treatment best practices and assessing potential human health and ecological risks. In this study, pre-stabilized sludge and post-stabilized biosolids samples were collected from 12 major WRRFs across the United States. PFAS were analyzed using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method SW846-3500C/537.1, and Draft EPA Method 1633, by one commercial laboratory and two university research laboratories, respectively. Results comparison among laboratories demonstrated statistical differences in PFAS concentrations among split samples. For example, 5:3 FTCA (fluorotelomer carboxylic acid) concentrations in post-stabilized sludge at Lab 1 were measured at 21 ng/g (dry), while they were detected at 151 ng/g (dry) in Lab 3. Further, higher PFAS concentrations were observed in post-stabilized biosolids compared to pre-stabilized sludges, regardless of the laboratory or analysis method, even when solids destruction through solids stabilization was considered. Further research is required to refine methods for analyses of PFAS in sludge and biosolids samples from WRRFs prior to being used for development of regulatory actions as well as understanding how various treatment protocols could impact concentrations of PFAS in land-applied biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhiliang Xu
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, Griffin, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | - Qingguo Huang
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, Griffin, Georgia, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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13
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Idjaton BIT, Togola A, Ghestem JP, Kastler L, Bristeau S, Ronteltap M, Colombano S, Devau N, Lions J, van Hullebusch ED. Determination of organic fluorinated compounds content in complex samples through combustion ion chromatography methods: a way to define a "Total Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)" parameter? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172589. [PMID: 38657803 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants are a growing concern for scientists and public authorities. The group of per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals', in complex environmental liquid and solid matrices was analysed in this study. The development of global analytical methods based on combustion ion chromatography (CIC) is expected to provide accurate picture of the overall PFAS contamination level via the determination of extractable organic fluorine (EOF) and adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF). The obtained results may be put into perspective with other methods such as targeted analyses (LC-MS/MS). The impact of pH, the presence of dissolved organic carbon and suspended particles on AOF measurements were explored. The effectiveness of the washing step to remove adsorbed inorganic fluorine (IF) has been proven for samples containing up to 8 mgF.L-1. CIC-based methods showed good repeatability and reproducibility for the complex matrices studied. Environmental applications of these methods have been tested. AOF and EOF analyses could explain between 1 % and 23 % and 0.1 % to 2 % of total organic fluorine (TOF), respectively. The sum of PFAS compounds expressed as fluorine could explain from 0.2 % to 11 % and from 0.003 % to 5 % for AOF and EOF, respectively. These results also suggest that some fluorinated compounds are not adsorbed or extractable and/or lost by volatilisation during the application of AOF and EOF analytical procedure. These findings highlight that AOF and EOF are not entirely efficient as proxy to assess "total PFAS" for assessing environmental contamination by PFAS. However, these methods could still be applied to gain a better understanding of the sources and fate of PFAS in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatoundé I T Idjaton
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France; Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Anne Togola
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France.
| | - Jean Philippe Ghestem
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France
| | - Laura Kastler
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France
| | - Sébastien Bristeau
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France
| | - Mariska Ronteltap
- Delfland Water Authority, Phoenixstraat 32, the Netherlands; TU Delft, Water Management Department, Stevinweg 1, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Stéfan Colombano
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France
| | - Nicolas Devau
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France
| | - Julie Lions
- BRGM, Direction Eau Environnement Procédés et Analyses, 3 av. Claude-Guillemin - BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France
| | - Eric D van Hullebusch
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
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14
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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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15
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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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16
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Yu Y, Wang Z, Yao B, Zhou Y. Occurrence, bioaccumulation, fate, and risk assessment of emerging pollutants in aquatic environments: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171388. [PMID: 38432380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171388] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Significant concerns on a global scale have been raised in response to the potential adverse impacts of emerging pollutants (EPs) on aquatic creatures. We have carefully reviewed relevant research over the past 10 years. The study focuses on five typical EPs: pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and microplastics (MPs). The presence of EPs in the global aquatic environment is source-dependent, with wastewater treatment plants being the main source of EPs. Multiple studies have consistently shown that the final destination of most EPs in the water environment is sludge and sediment. Simultaneously, a number of EPs, such as PFASs, MPs, and BFRs, have long-term environmental transport potential. Some EPs exhibit notable tendencies towards bioaccumulation and biomagnification, while others pose challenges in terms of their degradation within both biological and abiotic treatment processes. The results showed that, in most cases, the ecological risk of EPs in aquatic environments was low, possibly due to potential dilution and degradation. Future research topics should include adding EPs detection items for the aquatic environment, combining pollution, and updating prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuange Yu
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bin Yao
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yaoyu Zhou
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
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17
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Wu C, Goodrow S, Chen H, Li M. Distinctive biotransformation and biodefluorination of 6:2 versus 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids by municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121431. [PMID: 38471201 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121431] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) represent an important group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) given their high toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and frequent detection in landfill leachates and PFAS-impacted sites. In this study, we assessed the biodegradability of 6:2 FTCA and 5:3 FTCA by activated sludges from four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the New York Metropolitan area. Coupling with 6:2 FTCA removal, significant fluoride release (0.56∼1.83 F-/molecule) was evident in sludge treatments during 7 days of incubation. Less-fluorinated transformation products (TPs) were formed, including 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 FTUCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). In contrast, little fluoride (0.01∼0.09 F-/molecule) was detected in 5:3 FTCA-dosed microcosms, though 25∼68% of initially dosed 5:3 FTCA was biologically removed. This implies the dominance of "non-fluoride-releasing pathways" that may contribute to the formation of CoA adducts or other conjugates over 5:3 FTCA biotransformation. The discovery of defluorinated 5:3 FTUCA revealed the possibility of microbial attacks of the C-F bond at the γ carbon to initiate the transformation. Microbial community analysis revealed the possible involvement of 9 genera, such as Hyphomicrobium and Dechloromonas, in aerobic FTCA biotransformation. This study unraveled that biotransformation pathways of 6:2 and 5:3 FTCAs can be divergent, resulting in biodefluorination at distinctive degrees. Further research is underscored to uncover the nontarget TPs and investigate the involved biotransformation and biodefluorination mechanisms and molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra Goodrow
- Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mengyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
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18
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Mao X, Liu Y, Wei Y, Li X, Liu Y, Su G, Wang X, Jia J, Yan B. Threats of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl pollutants to susceptible populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171188. [PMID: 38395163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171188] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised significant global health concerns due to potential hazards in healthy adults. However, the impact of PFAS on susceptible populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, the older people, and those with underlying health conditions, has been overlooked. These susceptible groups often have physiological changes that make them less resilient to the same exposures. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the health risks posed by PFAS exposure to these populations. In this review, we delve into the potential health risks of PFAS exposure in these susceptible populations. Equally important, we also examine and discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie this susceptibility. These mechanisms include the induction of oxidative stress, disruption of the immune system, impairment of cellular metabolism, and alterations in gut microbiota, all of which contribute to the enhanced toxicity of PFAS in susceptible populations. Finally, we address the primary research challenges and unresolved issues that require further investigation. This discussion aims to foster research for a better understanding of how PFAS affect susceptible populations and to pave the way for strategies to minimize their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongyi Wei
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yin Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianbo Jia
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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19
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Chen Y, Zhang H, Liu Y, Bowden JA, Townsend TG, Solo-Gabriele HM. Evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released from two Florida landfills based on mass balance analyses. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 175:348-359. [PMID: 38252979 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.12.054] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found at high levels within landfill environments. To assess PFAS distributions, this study aimed to evaluate PFAS mass flux leached from disposed solid waste and within landfill reservoirs by mass balance analyses for two full-scale operational Florida landfills. PFAS mass flux in different aqueous components within landfills were estimated based on PFAS concentrations and water flow rates. For PFAS concentration, 26 PFAS, including 18 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and 8 PFAA-precursors, were measured in samples collected from the landfills or estimated based on previous studies. Flow rates of aqueous components (rainfall, evapotranspiration, runoff, stormwater, groundwater, leakage, gas condensate, and leachate) were evaluated through the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance model, water balance, and Darcy's Law. Results showed that the average PFAS mass flux leached from the solid waste standardized by area was estimated as 36.8 g/ha-yr, which was approximately 1 % to 3 % of the total amount of PFAS within the solid waste. The majority of PFAS leached from the solid waste (95 % to 97 %) is captured by the leachate collection system, with other aqueous components representing much smaller fractions (stormwater system at 3 % to 5 %, and gas condensate and groundwater at < 1 %). Also, based on the results, we estimate that PFAS releases will likely occur at least over 40 years. Overall, these results can help prioritize components for waste management and PFAS treatment during the anticipated landfill release periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Chen
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Hekai Zhang
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
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20
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Hedayati MS, Nicomel NR, Abida O, Li LY. Removal of perfluoroalkyl acids from aqueous media by surfactant-modified clinoptilolites. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:16915-16927. [PMID: 38329667 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmentally persistent, bioaccumulating, and toxic compounds that have attracted global attention. It is challenging to reduce the residual concentrations of these compounds to safe discharge limits. In this study, batch experiments were performed to evaluate natural clinoptilolite and clinoptilolites modified (MC) with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC-MC), didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB-MC), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA-MC), and tetramethylammonium chloride (TMA-MC) as cost-effective aqueous PFAS adsorbents. The removal capacities of the adsorbents for the majority of the PFASs decreased in the following order: DDAB-MC > CPC-MC ≫ modified natural clinoptilolite with hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA-MC) ≫ modified natural clinoptilolite with tetramethylammonium chloride (TMA-MC) ≈ natural clinoptilolite modified with NaCl (NC). In particular, CPC-MC and DDAB-MC reduced PFASs concentration in 50 μg/L by up to 98% for perfluorooctane sulphonate. Within 30 min, CPC-MC (30.5 μg/L) and DDAB-MC (32.1 μg/L) met the PFOS water quality criterion of 36 μg/L in inland surface waters. Both adsorbents met this criterion at the highest solution volume (40 mL) and 0.125 g/L (solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:8). PFASs with short hydrocarbon chains competed more for adsorption. PFASs with sulphonate functional groups were also adsorbed more than carboxyl groups in single- and multi-PFAS solutions. The modified surfaces of clinoptilolites controlled PFAS adsorption through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. PFAS removal with surfactant-modified clinoptilolites is cost-effective and protects aquatic environments by using surplus natural materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh S Hedayati
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Nina Ricci Nicomel
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Otman Abida
- African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 70000, Laâyoune, Morocco
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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21
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Antonopoulou M, Spyrou A, Tzamaria A, Efthimiou I, Triantafyllidis V. Current state of knowledge of environmental occurrence, toxic effects, and advanced treatment of PFOS and PFOA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169332. [PMID: 38123090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169332] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic synthetic compounds, with high chemical and thermal stability and a persistent, stable and bioaccumulative nature that renders them a potential hazard for the environment, its organisms, and humans alike. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most well-known substances of this category and even though they are phased out from production they are still highly detectable in several environmental matrices. As a result, they have been spread globally in water sources, soil and biota exerting toxic and detrimental effects. Therefore, up and coming technologies, namely advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and advanced reduction processes (ARPs) are being tested for their implementation in the degradation of these pollutants. Thus, the present review compiles the current knowledge on the occurrence of PFOS and PFOA in the environment, the various toxic effects they have induced in different organisms as well as the ability of AOPs and ARPs to diminish and/or eliminate them from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonopoulou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131 Agrinio, Greece.
| | - Alexandra Spyrou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131 Agrinio, Greece
| | - Anna Tzamaria
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131 Agrinio, Greece
| | - Ioanna Efthimiou
- Department of Biology, Section of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
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22
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Chen YJ, Wang RD, Shih YL, Chin HY, Lin AYC. Emerging Perfluorobutane Sulfonamido Derivatives as a New Trend of Surfactants Used in the Semiconductor Industry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1648-1658. [PMID: 38175212 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04435] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The semiconductor industry has claimed that perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), has been eliminated from semiconductor production; however, information about the use of alternative compounds remains limited. This study aimed to develop a nontarget approach to discovering diverse PFAS substitutions used in semiconductor manufacturing. A distinct fragment-based approach has been established to identify the hydrophobic and hydrophilic features of acidic and neutral fluorosurfactants through fragments and neutral losses, including those outside the homologous series. Ten sewage samples from 5 semiconductor plants were analyzed with target and nontarget analysis. Among the 20 identified PFAS spanning 12 subclasses, 15 were reported in semiconductor sewage for the first time. The dominant identified PFAS compounds were C4 sulfonamido derivatives, including perfluorobutane sulfonamido ethanol (FBSE), perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), and perfluorobutane sulfonamido diethanol (FBSEE diol), with maximum concentrations of 482 μg/L, 141 μg/L, and 83.5 μg/L in sewage, respectively. Subsequently, three ultrashort chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were identified in all samples, ranging from 0.004 to 19.9 μg/L. Three effluent samples from the associated industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were further analyzed. This finding, that the C4 sulfonamido acetic acid series constitutes a significant portion (65%-82%) of effluents from WWTP3 and WWTP4, emphasizes the conversion of fluorinated alcohols to fluorinated acids during aerobic treatment. The identification of the intermediate metabolites of FBSEE diol, further supported by our laboratory batch studies, prompts the proposal of a novel metabolic pathway for FBSEE diol. The total amount of perfluorobutane sulfonamido derivatives reached 1934 μg/L (90%), while that of PFAAs, which have typically received attention, was only 205 μg/L (10%). This suggests that perfluorobutane sulfonamido derivatives are emerging as a new trend in fluorosurfactants used in the semiconductor industry, serving as PFAS precursors and contributing to the release of their metabolites into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Chen
- National Environmental Research Academy, Ministry of Environment, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Ren-De Wang
- National Environmental Research Academy, Ministry of Environment, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Shih
- National Environmental Research Academy, Ministry of Environment, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yi Chin
- National Environmental Research Academy, Ministry of Environment, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Angela Yu-Chen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
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23
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Cho S, Kim Y. J-Aggregate-Triggering BODIPYs: an Ultrasensitive Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Sensing Platform for Perfluorooctanesulfonate. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302897. [PMID: 37864280 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of water supplies by polyfluoroalkyl substances, notably perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has serious health and environmental consequences. Therefore, the development of straightforward and effective means of monitoring and removing PFASs is urgently required. In this study, we report a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of PFOS and PFOA in water that rely on the J-aggregate formation of meso-ester-BODIPY dyes. The dye C10-mim, which contains a hydrophilic methylimidazolium group and a hydrophobic alkylated BODIPY, self-assembles in water into weakly green-emissive micellar assemblies. Upon binding to PFOS or PFOA, a spontaneous disassembly and reorganization forms orange-emissive J-aggregates. The rapid formation (≤5 s) of J-aggregates and the accompanying spectral shifts provide a superior sensing performance, with excellent sensitivity (limit of detection=0.18 ppb for PFOS) and distinct chromogenic and fluorogenic "turn-on" responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoung Cho
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
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24
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Ross TA, Zhang J, Wille M, Ciesielski TM, Asimakopoulos AG, Lemesle P, Skaalvik TG, Atkinson R, Jessop R, Jaspers VLB, Klaassen M. Assessment of contaminants, health and survival of migratory shorebirds in natural versus artificial wetlands - The potential of wastewater treatment plants as alternative habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166309. [PMID: 37586507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166309] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapid destruction of natural wetland habitats over past decades has been partially offset by an increase in artificial wetlands. However, these also include wastewater treatment plants, which may pose a pollution risk to the wildlife using them. We studied two long-distance Arctic-breeding migratory shorebird species, curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea, n = 69) and red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis, n = 103), while on their Australian non-breeding grounds using an artificial wetland at a wastewater treatment plant (WTP) and a natural coastal wetland. We compared pollutant exposure (elements and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances/PFASs), disease (avian influenza), physiological status (oxidative stress) of the birds at the two locations from 2011 to 2020, and population survival from 1978 to 2019. Our results indicated no significant differences in blood pellet pollutant concentrations between the habitats except mercury (WTP median: 224 ng/g, range: 19-873 ng/g; natural wetland: 160 ng/g, 22-998 ng/g) and PFASs (total PFASs WTP median: 85.1 ng/g, range: <0.01-836 ng/g; natural wetland: 8.02 ng/g, <0.01-85.3 ng/g) which were higher at the WTP, and selenium which was lower at the WTP (WTP median: 5000 ng/g, range: 1950-34,400 ng/g; natural wetland: 19,200 ng/g, 4130-65,200 ng/g). We also measured higher blood o,o'-dityrosine (an indicator of protein damage) at the WTP. No significant differences were found for adult survival, but survival of immature birds at the WTP appeared to be lower which could be due to higher dispersal to other wetlands. Interestingly, we found active avian influenza infections were higher in the natural habitat, while seropositivity was higher in the WTP, seemingly not directly related to pollutant exposure. Overall, we found limited differences in pollutant exposure, health and survival of the shorebirds in the two habitats. Our findings suggest that appropriately managed wastewater treatment wetlands could provide a suitable alternative habitat to these migratory species, which may aid in curbing the decline of shorebird populations from widespread habitat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias A Ross
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, VIC 3216, Australia.
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Michelle Wille
- Sydney School for Infectious Diseases, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, The University Center in Svalbard, 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | | | - Prescillia Lemesle
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Tonje G Skaalvik
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Robyn Atkinson
- Victorian Wader Study Group, Thornbury, VIC, 3071, Australia
| | - Roz Jessop
- Victorian Wader Study Group, Thornbury, VIC, 3071, Australia
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, VIC 3216, Australia; Victorian Wader Study Group, Thornbury, VIC, 3071, Australia
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25
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Ahrens L, Rakovic J, Ekdahl S, Kallenborn R. Environmental distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Svalbard: Local sources and long-range transport to the Arctic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140463. [PMID: 37852382 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140463] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The environmental distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, snow, sediment and soil samples taken along the west coast of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, Norwegian Arctic, was determined. The contribution of potential local primary sources (wastewater, firefighting training site at Svalbard airport, landfill) to PFAS concentrations and long-range transport (atmosphere, ocean currents) were then compared, based on measured PFAS levels and composition profiles. In remote coastal and inland areas of Spitsbergen, meltwater had the highest mean ΣPFAS concentration (6.5 ± 1.3 ng L-1), followed by surface snow (2.5 ± 1.7 ng L-1), freshwater (2.3 ± 1.1 ng L-1), seawater (1.05 ± 0.64 ng L-1), lake sediments (0.084 ± 0.038 ng g-1 dry weight (dw)) and marine sediments (
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jelena Rakovic
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7014, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Siri Ekdahl
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Christian Magnus Falsens vei 18, 1433 Ås, Norway; University Centre in Svalbard, Box 156, NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Norway
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26
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Wu JY, Hua ZL, Gu L. Iron-Nitrogen Amendment Reduced Perfluoroalkyl Acids' Phyto-Uptake in the Wheat-Soil Ecosystem: Contributions of Dissolved Organic Matters in Soil Solution and Root Extracellular Polymeric Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16065-16074. [PMID: 37843047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04788] [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: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) translocation, distribution, and accumulation in wheat-soil ecosystems is essential for agricultural soil pollution control and crop ecological risk assessment. This study systematically investigated the translocation of 13 PFAAs under different iron and nitrogen fertilization conditions in a wheat-soil ecosystem. Short-chain PFAAs including PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, and PFBS mostly accumulated in soil solution (10.43-55.33%) and soluble extracellular polymeric substances (S-EPS) (11.39-14.77%) by the adsorption to amino- (-NH2) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups in dissolved organic matter (DOM). Other PFAAs with longer carbon chain lengths were mostly distributed on the soil particle surface by hydrophobic actions (74.63-94.24%). Iron-nitrogen amendments triggered (p < 0.05) soil iron-nitrogen cycling, rhizospheric reactive oxygen species fluctuations, and the concentration increases of -NH2 and -OH in the DOM structure. Thus, the accumulation capacity of PFAAs in soil solution and root EPS was increased. In sum, PFAAs' translocation from soil particles to wheat root was synergistically reduced by iron and nitrogen fertilization through increased adsorption of soil particles (p < 0.05) and the retention of soil solution and root EPSs. This study highlights the potential of iron-nitrogen amendments in decreasing the crop ecological risks to PFAAs' pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Zu-Lin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
| | - Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210098, China
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27
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Moneta BG, Feo ML, Torre M, Tratzi P, Aita SE, Montone CM, Taglioni E, Mosca S, Balducci C, Cerasa M, Guerriero E, Petracchini F, Cavaliere C, Laganà A, Paolini V. Occurrence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in wastewater treatment plants in Northern Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 894:165089. [PMID: 37355117 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165089] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are known to be relevant input sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, fate, and seasonal variability of twenty-five PFAS in four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP A, B, C, and D) surrounding the city of Milan (Northern, Italy). Composite 24-h wastewater samples were collected in July and October 2021 and May and February 2022 from influents and effluents of the four WWTPs. PFAS were detected at concentrations ranging between 24.1 and 66.9 μg L-1 for influent and 13.4 and 107 μg L-1 for effluent wastewater samples. Perfluoropentanoic acid was the most abundant (1.91-30.0 μg L-1) in influent samples, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonic acid predominated (0.80-66.1 μg L-1) in effluent samples. In sludge, PFOA was detected in plant A at concentrations in the range of 96.6-165 ng kg-1 dw in primary sludge samples and 98.6-440 ng kg-1 dw in secondary treatment sludge samples. The removal efficiency of total PFAS varied between 6 % and 96 %. However, an increase of PFAS concentrations was observed from influents to effluents for plant D (during July and October), plant A (during October and May), and plant C (during May) indicating that biotransformation of PFAS precursors can occur during biological treatments. This was supported by the observed increase in concentrations of PFOA from primary to secondary treatment sludge samples in plant A. Moreover, the plant operating at shorter hydraulic retention times (plant D) showed lower removal efficiency (<45 %). Seasonal variation of PFAS in influent and effluent appears rather low and more likely due to pulse release instead of seasonal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Luisa Feo
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Torre
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Tratzi
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Elsa Aita
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Maria Montone
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Taglioni
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Mosca
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Balducci
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Cerasa
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Guerriero
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Petracchini
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavaliere
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Paolini
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR IIA), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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28
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Mann MM, Berger BW. A genetically-encoded biosensor for direct detection of perfluorooctanoic acid. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15186. [PMID: 37704644 PMCID: PMC10499884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41953-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water at the low levels set by regulatory officials has been a major focus for sensor developing researchers. However, it is becoming more apparent that detection of these contaminants in soils, foods and consumer products is relevant and necessary at part per billion and even part per million levels. Here, a fluorescent biosensor for the rapid detection of PFOA was engineered based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). By conjugating circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cp.GFP) to a split hLFABP construct, the biosensor was able to detect perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA in PBS as well as environmental water samples with LODs of 236 and 330 ppb respectively. Furthermore, E. coli cells cytosolically expressing the protein-based sensor were demonstrated to quickly detect PFOA, demonstrating feasibility of whole-cell sensing. Overall, this work demonstrates a platform technology utilizing a circularly permuted GFP and split hLFABP conjugate as a label-free optical biosensor for PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Mann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
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29
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Gobelius L, Glimstedt L, Olsson J, Wiberg K, Ahrens L. Mass flow of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Swedish municipal wastewater network and wastewater treatment plant. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139182. [PMID: 37302497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed in wastewater, due to their numerous uses in industry and consumer products, but little is known of PFAS mass flows in municipal wastewater network systems and within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study assessed mass flows of 26 PFAS in a wastewater network and WWTP, to provide new insights into their sources, transport, and fate in different treatment steps. Wastewater and sludge samples were collected from pumping stations and the main WWTP in Uppsala, Sweden. PFAS composition profiles and mass flows were used to identify sources within the sewage network. Wastewater from one pumping station showed elevated concentrations of C3-C8 PFCA, likely caused by an industrial source, and two stations had elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTSA, probably originating from a nearby firefighter training facility. Within the WWTP, short-chain PFAS dominated in wastewater, whereas long-chain PFAS dominated in sludge. The ratio of perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSA) and ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (EtFOSAA) to ∑26PFAS decreased during the WWTP process, likely due to sorption to sludge, but also transformation (EtFOSAA). Overall, PFAS were not efficiently removed in the WWTP, with mean removal efficiency of 10 ± 68% for individual PFAS, resulting in discharge of 7000 mg d-1 ∑26PFAS into the recipient. This shows that conventional WWTPs are inefficient in removing PFAS from wastewater and sludge, so advanced treatment techniques are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gobelius
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Glimstedt
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jesper Olsson
- Uppsala Vatten Och Avfall AB, Box 1444, 75144, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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30
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Nagao M, Seto H. Neutron scattering studies on dynamics of lipid membranes. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021306. [PMID: 38504928 PMCID: PMC10903442 DOI: 10.1063/5.0144544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Neutron scattering methods are powerful tools for the study of the structure and dynamics of lipid bilayers in length scales from sub Å to tens to hundreds nm and the time scales from sub ps to μs. These techniques also are nondestructive and, perhaps most importantly, require no additives to label samples. Because the neutron scattering intensities are very different for hydrogen- and deuterium-containing molecules, one can replace the hydrogen atoms in a molecule with deuterium to prepare on demand neutron scattering contrast without significantly altering the physical properties of the samples. Moreover, recent advances in neutron scattering techniques, membrane dynamics theories, analysis tools, and sample preparation technologies allow researchers to study various aspects of lipid bilayer dynamics. In this review, we focus on the dynamics of individual lipids and collective membrane dynamics as well as the dynamics of hydration water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hideki Seto
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
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Ilango AK, Jiang T, Zhang W, Feldblyum JI, Efstathiadis H, Liang Y. Surface-modified biopolymers for removing mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water: Screening and removal mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 331:121865. [PMID: 37225078 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Green, renewable, and sustainable materials are needed for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water. Herein, we synthesized and tested alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CTN) based and polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized fibers/aerogels for the adsorption of mixtures of 12 PFASs (9 short- and long-chain PFAAs, GenX, and 2 precursors) from water at an initial concentration of 10 μg/L each. Out of 11 biosorbents, ALGPEI-3 and GTH CTNPEI aerogels had the best sorption performance. Through detailed characterization of the sorbents before and after PFASs sorption, it was revealed that hydrophobic interaction was the dominant mechanism controlling PFASs sorption while electrostatic interactions played a minor role. As a result, both aerogels had fast and superior sorption of relatively hydrophobic PFASs from pH 2 to 10. Even at extreme pH conditions, the aerogels retained their shape perfectly. Based upon the isotherms, the maximum adsorption capacity of ALGPEI-3 and GTH-CTNPEI aerogels towards total PFASs removal was 3045 and 12,133 mg/g, respectively. Although the sorption performance of the GTH-CTNPEI aerogel toward short chain PFAS was less than satisfactory and varied between 70 and 90% in 24 h, it may find its use in removing relatively hydrophobic PFAS at high concentrations in complex and extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Kumar Ilango
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, United States.
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, United States
| | - Weilan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, United States
| | - Jeremy I Feldblyum
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, United States
| | - Haralabos Efstathiadis
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY, 12203, United States
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, United States
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Mohamed BA, Nicomel NR, Hamid H, Li LY. Using circular economy principles in the optimisation of sludge-based activated carbon production for the removal of perfluoroalkyl substances. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162392. [PMID: 36842579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Massive sewage sludge (SS) production from municipal wastewater treatment plants and the presence of numerous pollutant types render the process of SS treatment and disposal costly and complex. Here, resource recovery from SS was maximised via the optimisation of sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC) production for the removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), while considering economic factors and minimising environmental impacts. SBAC production optimisation was realised under different operating conditions (different ZnCl2 impregnation ratios and different pyrolysis activation temperatures and durations). The sorption capacity of the optimised SBAC with respect to the removal of nine commonly detected PFASs, with environmentally relevant concentrations (∽50 μg/L), from simulated wastewater was evaluated. Economic analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA) were also performed to determine the feasibility of the process and its potential role in the circular economy. Batch adsorption tests confirmed the high efficiency of the optimised SBACs for PFAS removal (93-100 %), highlighting the possibility of converting SS to SBAC. Economically speaking, the optimised SBAC at 1.5 M ZnCl2, 500 °C, and 0.75 h reduced total production cost by 49 %. Further, the cost could be reduced to as little as 1087 US $/metric-ton compared with that corresponding to the original conditions (2.5 M ZnCl2, 500 °C, 2 h; 2144 US $/metric-ton). LCA results also showed that freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, and human non-carcinogenic toxicity were the most affected environmental impact indicators, showing a 49 % decrease when ZnCl2 impregnation ratio was reduced from 2.5 to 1.5 M. These findings highlighted the optimal conditions for the production of SBAC with high sorption capacity at a reduced cost and with reduced environmental impacts. Thus, they can serve as valuable tools for decision making regarding the selection of the most sustainable and economically feasible process for PFAS removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, El-Gamma Street, Giza 12613, Egypt.
| | - Nina Ricci Nicomel
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Hanna Hamid
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Seay BA, Dasu K, MacGregor IC, Austin MP, Krile RT, Frank AJ, Fenton GA, Heiss DR, Williamson RJ, Buehler S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances fate and transport at a wastewater treatment plant with a collocated sewage sludge incinerator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162357. [PMID: 36858229 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162357] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to understand the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and inorganic fluoride (IF) at an undisclosed municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operating a sewage sludge incinerator (SSI). A robust statistical analysis characterized concentrations and mass flows at all WWTP and SSI primary influents/effluents, including thermal-treatment derived airborne emissions. WWTP-level net mass flows (NMFs) of total PFAS were not statistically different from zero. SSI-level NMFs indicate that PFAS, and specifically perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), are being broken down. The NMF of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs; -274 ± 34 mg/day) was statistically significant. The observed breakdown primarily occurred in the sewage sludge. However, the total PFAS destruction and removal efficiency of 51 % indicates the SSI may inadequately remove PFAS. The statistically significant IF source (NMF = 16 ± 4.2 kg/day) compared to the sink of PFAS as fluoride (NMF = -0.00036 kg/day) suggests that other fluorine-containing substances are breaking down in the SSI. WWTP PFAS mass discharges were primarily to the aquatic environment (>99 %), with <0.5 % emitted to the atmosphere/landfill. Emission rates for formerly phased-out PFOS and PFOA were compared to previously reported levels. Given the environmental persistence of these compounds, the observed decreases in PFOS and PFOA discharge rates from prior reports implies regional/local differences in emissions or possibly their accumulation elsewhere. PFAS were observed in stack gas emissions, but modestly contributed to NMFs and showed negligible contribution to ambient air concentrations observed downwind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brannon A Seay
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States.
| | - Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Ian C MacGregor
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Matthew P Austin
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Robert T Krile
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Aaron J Frank
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - George A Fenton
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Derik R Heiss
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Rhett J Williamson
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Stephanie Buehler
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
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Lv L, Liu B, Zhang B, Yu Y, Gao L, Ding L. A systematic review on distribution, sources and sorption of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in soil and their plant uptake. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116156. [PMID: 37196690 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116156] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ubiquitous in environment, which have attracted increasing concerns in recent years. This study collected the data on PFAAs concentrations in 1042 soil samples from 15 countries and comprehensively reviewed the spatial distribution, sources, sorption mechanisms of PFAAs in soil and their plant uptake. PFAAs are widely detected in soils from many countries worldwide and their distribution is related to the emission of the fluorine-containing organic industry. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are found to be the predominant PFAAs in soil. Industrial emission is the main source of PFAAs contributing 49.9% of the total concentrations of PFAAs (Ʃ PFAAs) in soil, followed by activated sludge treated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (19.9%) and irrigation of effluents from WWTPs, usage of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFFs) and leaching of leachate from landfill (30.2%). The adsorption of PFAAs by soil is mainly influenced by soil pH, ionic strength, soil organic matter and minerals. The concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in soil are negatively correlated with the length of carbon chain, log Kow, and log Koc. The carbon chain lengths of PFAAs are negatively correlated with the root-soil concentration factors (RCFs) and shoot-soil concentration factors (SCFs). The uptake of PFAAs by plant is influenced by physicochemical properties of PFAAs, plant physiology and soil environment. Further studies should be conducted to make up the inadequacy of existing knowledge on the behavior and fate of PFAAs in soil-plant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyang Lv
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
| | - Baolin Liu
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China.
| | - Bimi Zhang
- Food and Drug Engineering Institute, Jilin Province Economic Management Cadre College, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Lei Gao
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
| | - Lingjie Ding
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
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Wu S, Xie J, Zhao H, Sanchez O, Zhao X, Freeman JL, Yuan C. Pre-differentiation GenX exposure induced neurotoxicity in human dopaminergic-like neurons. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 332:138900. [PMID: 37172627 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
GenX, also known as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO) was introduced as a safer alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in 2009. After nearly two decades of applications there are increasing safety concerns about GenX due to its association with various organ damages. Few studies, however, have systematically assessed the molecular neurotoxicity of low-dose GenX exposure. Here, we evaluated the effects of pre-differentiation exposure of GenX on dopaminergic (DA) -like neurons using SH-SY5Y cell line; and assessed changes in epigenome, mitochondrion, and neuronal characteristics. Low dose GenX exposure at 0.4 and 4 μg/L prior to differentiation induces persistent changes in nuclear morphology and chromatin arrangements, manifested specifically in the facultative repressive marker H3K27me3. We also observed impaired neuronal network, increased calcium activity along with alterations in Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-Synuclein after prior exposure to GenX. Collectively, our results identified neurotoxicity of low-dose GenX exposure in human DA-like neurons following a developmental exposure scheme. The observed changes in neuronal characteristics suggest GenX as a potential neurotoxin and risk factor for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichen Wu
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Junkai Xie
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Oscar Sanchez
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xihui Zhao
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Szabo D, Marchiandi J, Samandra S, Johnston JM, Mulder RA, Green MP, Clarke BO. High-resolution temporal wastewater treatment plant investigation to understand influent mass flux of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130854. [PMID: 36701979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and reveals previously undescribed variability in daily PFAS concentrations by measuring their occurrence in WWTP influent each hour over the course of a week. ∑50PFAS concentrations ranged between 89 ± 38 on Monday and 173 ± 110 ng L-1 on Friday, where perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), disubstituted phosphate esters (diPAPs), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) contributed the largest proportion to overall weekly concentrations 37%, 30%, and 17% respectively. Simultaneous pulse events of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; 400 ng L-1) and perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS; 18 ng L-1) indicate significant industrial or commercial waste discharge that persists for up to 3 h. The minimum number of hourly grab samples required to detect variation of PFOS and PFHpS concentrations are 7 and 9 samples respectively, indicating a high degree of variability in PFAS concentrations between days. Overall, the risk of sampling bias from grab samples is high given the variability in PFAS concentrations and more frequent sampling campaigns must be balanced against the cost of analysis carefully to avoid the mischaracterisation of mass flux to receiving surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 11418, Sweden
| | - Jaye Marchiandi
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Subharthe Samandra
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Julia M Johnston
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Hussain A, Imam SS, Altamimi MA, Shahid M, Alnemer OA. Optimized Green Nanoemulsions to Remove Pharmaceutical Enoxacin from Contaminated Bulk Aqueous Solution. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:11100-11117. [PMID: 37008160 PMCID: PMC10061639 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We attempted to develop green nanoemulsions (ENE1-ENE5) using capryol-C90 (C90), lecithin, Tween 80, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). HSPiP software and experimentally obtained data were used to explore excipients. ENE1-ENE5 nanoemulsions were prepared and evaluated for in vitro characterization parameters. An HSPiP based QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationship) module established a predictive correlation between the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) and thermodynamic parameters. A thermodynamic stability study was conducted under stress conditions of temperature (from -21 to 45 °C) and centrifugation. ENE1-ENE5 were investigated for the influence of size, viscosity, composition, and exposure time on emulsification (5-15 min) on %RE (percent removal efficiency). Eventually, the treated water was evaluated for the absence of the drug using electron microscopy and optical emission spectroscopy. HSPiP program predicted excipients and established the relationship between enoxacin (ENO) and excipients in the QSAR module. The stable green nanoemulsions ENE-ENE5 possessed the globular size range of 61-189 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.1-0.53, viscosity of 87-237 cP, and ζ potential from -22.1 to -30.8 mV. The values of %RE depended upon the composition, globular size, viscosity, and exposure time. ENE5 showed %RE value as 99.5 ± 9.2% at 15 min of exposure time, which may be due to the available maximized adsorption surface. SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy-X-ray dispersive energy mode) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) negated the presence of ENO in the treated water. These variables were critical factors for efficient removal of ENO during water treatment process design. Thus, the optimized nanoemulsion can be a promising approach to treat water contaminated with ENO (a potential pharmaceutical antibiotics).
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Lewis AJ, Ebrahimi F, McKenzie ER, Suri R, Sales CM. Influence of microbial weathering on the partitioning of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:415-431. [PMID: 36637091 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00350c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made fluorinated organic chemicals that can accumulate in the environment. In water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), some commonly detected PFAS tend to partition to and concentrate in biosolids where they can act as a source to ecological receptors and may leach to groundwater when land-applied. Although biosolids undergo some stabilization to reduce pathogens before land application, they still contain many microorganisms, contributing to the eventual decomposition of different components of the biosolids. This work demonstrates ways in which microbial weathering can influence biosolids decomposition, degrade PFAS, and impact PFAS partitioning in small-scale, controlled laboratory experiments. In the microbial weathering experiments, compound-specific PFAS biosolids-water partitioning coefficients (Kd) were demonstrated to decrease, on average, 0.4 logs over the course of the 91 day study, with the most rapid changes occurring during the first 10 days. Additionally, the highest rates of lipid, protein, and organic matter removal occurred during the same time. Among the evaluated independent variables, statistical analyses demonstrated that the most significant solids characteristics that impacted PFAS partitioning were organic matter, proteins, lipids, and molecular weight of organics. A multiple linear regression model was built to predict PFAS partitioning behavior in biosolids based on solid characteristics of the biosolids and PFAS characteristics with a R2 value of 0.7391 when plotting predicted and measured log Kd. The findings from this work reveal that microbial weathering can play a significant role in the eventual fate and transport of PFAS and their precursors from biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa J Lewis
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3100 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Farshad Ebrahimi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Erica R McKenzie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Rominder Suri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Christopher M Sales
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3100 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Lei X, Lian Q, Zhang X, Karsili TK, Holmes W, Chen Y, Zappi ME, Gang DD. A review of PFAS adsorption from aqueous solutions: Current approaches, engineering applications, challenges, and opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 321:121138. [PMID: 36702432 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have drawn great attention due to their wide distribution in water bodies and toxicity to human beings. Adsorption is considered as an efficient treatment technique for meeting the increasingly stringent environmental and health standards for PFAS. This paper systematically reviewed the current approaches of PFAS adsorption using different adsorbents from drinking water as well as synthetic and real wastewater. Adsorbents with large mesopores and high specific surface area adsorb PFAS faster, their adsorption capacities are higher, and the adsorption process are usually more effective under low pH conditions. PFAS adsorption mechanisms mainly include electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interaction, anion exchange, and ligand exchange. Various adsorbents show promising performances but challenges such as requirements of organic solvents in regeneration, low adsorption selectivity, and complicated adsorbent preparations should be addressed before large scale implementation. Moreover, the aid of decision-making tools including response surface methodology (RSM), techno-economic assessment (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), and multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) were discussed for engineering applications. The use of these tools is highly recommended prior to scale-up to determine if the specific adsorption process is economically feasible and sustainable. This critical review presented insights into the most fundamental aspects of PFAS adsorption that would be helpful to the development of effective adsorbents for the removal of PFAS in future studies and provide opportunities for large-scale engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Lei
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA
| | - Qiyu Lian
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Beijing International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Water Pollution Control Techniques for Antibiotics and Resistance Genes, School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 Shangyuancun, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Tolga K Karsili
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - William Holmes
- Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Yushun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China
| | - Mark E Zappi
- Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Daniel Dianchen Gang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA; Center for Environmental Technology, The Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43597, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA.
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40
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Rehman AU, Crimi M, Andreescu S. Current and emerging analytical techniques for the determination of PFAS in environmental samples. TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2023; 37:e00198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.teac.2023.e00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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41
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Ji B, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Li Q, Man Y, Dai Y, Fu J, Wei T, Tai Y, Zhang X. Curbing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs): First investigation in a constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell system. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 230:119530. [PMID: 36577258 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water environments has been linked to a slew of negative health effects in both animals and humans, but the green and eco-sustainable removal technologies remain largely unknown. Constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) is termed a "green process" to control pollutants and recover energy. However, so far, no study has investigated the removal of PFASs and their effects on the performance of the CW-MFC systems. Here, we investigated the removal performance of PFOA and PFOS in the CW-MFC systems both in the absence and presence of electricity circuit, and explored the distribution and fate of PFASs and their interactions with other elements in the systems. Our findings demonstrated excellent removal efficiency of >96% PFOA and PFOS in CW-MFC systems. PFOA and PFOS were distributed throughout the system via wastewater flow, while electrode material and plants are the main enrichment sites in which MFC enhanced up to 10% PFASs removal. However, a loss of 7.2-13.5% of nitrogen removal and a decrease of 7.3% in bioelectricity output were observed when PFASs were introduced in the system. The driven force led to the loss of nitrogen removal and bioelectricity generation lies in the accumulation of PFASs in system composition, which affected microbial activity and community composition, damaging the health of the plant, and in turn reducing CW-MFC's functioning. No doubt, CW-MFC systems provide an alternative technique for PFASs removal, alleviating some limitations to the physical and chemical techniques, but further investigation is highly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, P.R. China; Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China; School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China.
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, P.R. China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, P.R. China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Qiwen Li
- Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Ying Man
- Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yunv Dai
- Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Jingmiao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, P.R. China; Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, P.R. China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yiping Tai
- Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Ecology, Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China.
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42
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Fenton Reaction–Unique but Still Mysterious. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11020432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is devoted to the Fenton reaction, which, despite hundreds of reports in a number of scientific journals, provides opportunities for further investigation of its use as a method of advanced oxidation of organic macro- and micropollutants in its diverse variations and hybrid systems. It transpires that, for example, the choice of the concentrations and ratios of basic chemical substances, i.e., hydrogen peroxide and catalysts based on the Fe2+ ion or other transition metals in homogeneous and heterogeneous arrangements for reactions with various pollutants, is for now the result of the experimental determination of rather randomly selected quantities, requiring further optimizations. The research to date also shows the indispensability of the Fenton reaction related to environmental issues, as it represents the pillar of all advanced oxidation processes, regarding the idea of oxidative hydroxide radicals. This study tries to summarize not only the current knowledge of the Fenton process and identify its advantages, but also the problems that need to be solved. Based on these findings, we identified the necessary steps affecting its further development that need to be resolved and should be the focus of further research related to the Fenton process.
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43
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Xing Y, Li Q, Chen X, Huang B, Ji L, Zhang Q, Fu X, Li T, Wang J. PFASs in Soil: How They Threaten Human Health through Multiple Pathways and Whether They Are Receiving Adequate Concern. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:1259-1275. [PMID: 36622935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06283] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been mass-produced and widely applied in consumer and industrial products, resulting in their widespread presence in the environment. Features such as environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and high toxicity even at low doses have made PFASs an increasing concern. This brief review focuses on soil PFASs, especially the effect of soil PFASs on other environmental media and their potential threats to human health through daily diet. Specifically, soil PFASs contamination caused by different pathways was first investigated. Soil pollution from application of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is generally more severe than that from fluorochemical manufacturing plants, followed by biosolid land use, landfill, and irrigation. Factors, such as carbon chain length of PFASs, wastewater treatment technology, geographical conditions, and regional development level, are related to soil PFASs' pollution. Then, the migration, bioaccumulation, and toxicity characteristics of soil PFASs were analyzed. Short-chain PFASs have higher solubility, mobility, and bioavailability, while long-chain PFASs have higher bioaccumulation potential and are more toxic to organisms. Factors such as soil texture, solution chemistry conditions, enzymes, and fertilization conditions also influence the environmental behavior of PFASs. The risk of human exposure to PFASs through agricultural and animal products is difficult to control and varies depending on living region, age, eating habits, lifestyle, ethnicity, etc. Soil PFASs threaten drinking water safety, affect soil function, and enter food webs, threatening human health. Knowledge gaps and perspectives in these research fields are also included in current work to assist future research to effectively investigate and understand the environmental risks of soil PFASs, thereby reducing human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingna Xing
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Qi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xiaowen Fu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Tianyuan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
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44
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McDermett K, Anderson T, Jackson WA, Guelfo J. Assessing Potential Perfluoroalkyl Substances Trophic Transfer to Crickets (Acheta domesticus). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2981-2992. [PMID: 36102845 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5478] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have assessed the bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant tissues, to date there has been minimal research on the bioaccumulation of PFAS in soil invertebrates that results from consuming PFAS-contaminated media. The present study focused on two different consumption pathways in a population of crickets: individuals consuming PFAS-contaminated alfalfa and individuals consuming PFAS-spiked drinking water. Alfalfa was grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with PFAS-spiked water (∼1 ppm) containing seven unique PFAS. The alfalfa was then harvested and fed to crickets. Another population of crickets was supplied with PFAS-spiked drinking water at similar concentrations to irrigation water for direct consumption. Alfalfa accumulation of PFAS and subsequent consumption by the crickets resulted in overall similar tissue concentrations in the crickets who consumed PFAS-spiked water directly. This indicates that source concentration (water) may be an important factor in assessing the bioaccumulation of PFAS in organisms. To our knowledge, ours is the first study not only to assess the direct trophic transfer of PFAS from contaminated vegetation to invertebrates, but also to highlight the similarities in bioaccumulation regardless of ingestion pathway. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2981-2992. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylin McDermett
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Geosyntec Consultants, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Todd Anderson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - W Andrew Jackson
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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45
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Tang W, Meng Y, Yang B, He D, Li Y, Li B, Shi Z, Zhao C. Preparation of hollow-fiber nanofiltration membranes of high performance for effective removal of PFOA and high resistance to BSA fouling. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 122:14-24. [PMID: 35717080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanofiltration (NF) process has become one of the most promising technologies to remove micro-organic combined water pollution. Developing a NF membrane material with efficient separation for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) combined pollution is highly desired, this manuscript targets this unmet need specifically. In this work, hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles with various contents blended with carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotube were used to modify poly (m-phenylene isophthal amide) (SiO2/CMWCNT/PMIA) hollow fiber NF membrane. The modified membrane with 0.1 wt% SiO2 doping exhibits way better fouling resistance with irreversible fouling ratio decreased dramatically from 18.7% to 2.3%, and the recovery rate of water flux increases significantly from 81.2% to 97.7%. The separation experiment results had confirmed that the modified membrane could improve the rejection from 97.2% to 98.6% for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its combined pollution with bovine serum albumin (BSA). It is clear that this reported SiO2/CMWCNT/PMIA hollow fiber NF membrane potentially could be applied in water treatment. This research also provides a theoretical basis for efficiently removal of PFOA and its combined pollution by NF membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Tang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunyi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bin Yang
- The Fourth Construction CO. LTD of China Electronics System Engineering, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Dongyu He
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bojun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zheming Shi
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Changwei Zhao
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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46
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Fredriksson F, Eriksson U, Kärrman A, Yeung LWY. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sludge from wastewater treatment plants in Sweden - First findings of novel fluorinated copolymers in Europe including temporal analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157406. [PMID: 35850346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are on the global market, while only a minor proportion is monitored regularly in the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been suggested to be a point source for PFAS to the environment due to emission of effluent and sludge. In this study, 81 PFAS including two rarely studied perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide-based (FASA) copolymers were analyzed in sludge samples to understand the usage of PFAS in the society. Sludge samples (n = 28) were collected at four WWTPs in Sweden between 2004 and 2017. The total levels of 79 measured PFAS were between 50 and 1124 ng/g d.w. All sludge samples showed detectable levels of both C8- and C4-FASA-based copolymers. The concentrations of the FASA-based copolymers were proposed to be reported in fluorinated side-chain equivalents (FSC eq.), in order to compare the levels of the copolymers with the other neutral and anionic PFAS, as no authentic standards were available. The concentrations of the FASA-based copolymers in sludge were between 1.4 and 22 ng FSC eq./g d.w. A general predomination of precursor and intermediate compounds was observed. A lower contribution of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids was noted for the WWTPs more influenced by domestic emission when compared with more influenced by industrial emission. An overall declining trend in the total PFAS concentration was seen between the years 2004 and 2017. The present study observed a shift from the C8-based chemistry toward shorter chain lengths, included a declining trend for C8-FASA-based copolymer over the entire study period. These findings further demonstrate the occurrence of side-chain fluorinated copolymers in Sweden and that sludge is a useful matrix to reflect the usage of PFAS in society and the potential for environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fredriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Eriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden.
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Lalas K, Arvaniti OS, Zkeri E, Nika MC, Thomaidis NS, Mantzavinos D, Stasinakis AS, Frontistis Z. Thermally activated persulfate oxidation of ampicillin: Kinetics, transformation products and ecotoxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157378. [PMID: 35843320 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The heat-activated persulfate system showed encouraging results for the destruction of the widely used antibiotic Ampicillin (AMP). AMP removal follows exponential decay, and the observed kinetic constant was enhanced with persulfate (PS) dosage at the range 50-500 mg L-1 and temperature (40-60 °C), while AMP thermolysis at 60 °C was almost negligible. The apparent activation energy was estimated to 124.7 kJ mol-1. Alkaline conditions, water matrix constituents like bicarbonates, humic acid, and real water matrices retarded AMP oxidation. Experiments performed with tert-butanol and methanol as scavengers demonstrated the contribution of sulfate radicals as the dominant reactive species. Seven transformation products (TPs) of AMP have been identified from AMP destruction. An EC50 value equal to 187 mg L-1 was calculated for 72 h of exposure of the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana to AMP. According to the ecotoxicity experiments that conducted after treatment of AMP with PS for different reaction times, no important inhibition of microalgae was noticed for contact time of 72 h and 10 d. These results indicate the formation of no toxic AMP by-products for the applied experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas Lalas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, GR 50132 Kozani, Greece
| | - Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR 26504 Patras, Greece; Department of Agricultural Development, Agrofood and Management of Natural Resources, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna 34400, Greece
| | - Eirini Zkeri
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, GR 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Maria-Christina Nika
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, GR 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, GR 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Dionissios Mantzavinos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Zacharias Frontistis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, GR 50132 Kozani, Greece.
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48
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Removal of perfluorinated compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations on non-equivalent dual sites regulated by single-atom-strengthened biochar. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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49
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Sörengård M, Travar I, Kleja D, Ahrens L. Fly ash-based waste for ex-situ landfill stabilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-contaminated soil. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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50
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Li J, Pinkard BR, Wang S, Novosselov IV. Review: Hydrothermal treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135888. [PMID: 35931254 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a concerning and unique class of environmentally persistent contaminants with biotoxic effects. Decades of PFAS discharge into water and soil resulted in PFAS bioaccumulation in plants, animals, and humans. PFAS are very stable, and their treatment has become a global environmental challenge. Significant efforts have been made to achieve efficient and complete PFAS mineralization using existing and emerging technologies. Hydrothermal treatments in subcritical and supercritical water have emerged as promising end-of-life PFAS destruction technologies, attracting the attention of scholars, industry, and key stakeholders. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art research on the behavior of PFAS, PFAS precursors, PFAS alternatives, and PFAS-containing waste in hydrothermal processes, including the destruction and defluorination efficiency, the proposed reaction mechanisms, and the environmental impact of these treatments. Scientific literature shows that >99% degradation and >60% defluorination of PFAS can be achieved through subcritical and supercritical water processing. The limitations of current research are evaluated, special considerations are given to the challenges of technology maturation and scale-up from laboratory studies to large-scale industrial application, and potential future technological developments are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianna Li
- University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering of MOE, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Brian R Pinkard
- University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Aquagga, Inc., Tacoma, WA 98421, USA
| | - Shuzhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering of MOE, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Igor V Novosselov
- University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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