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Llewellyn MJ, Griffin EK, Caspar RJ, Timshina AS, Bowden JA, Miller CJ, Baker BB, Baker TR. Identification and quantification of novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in a Great Lakes urban-dominated watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173325. [PMID: 38797403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic organic fluoro-compounds that are oil-, water-, and flame-resistant, making them useful in a wide range of commercial and consumer products, as well as resistant to environmental degradation. To assess the impact of urbanization and wastewater treatment processes, surface water and sediment samples were collected at 27 sites within the Great Lakes in the Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor (HEC), an international waterway including the highly urbanized Detroit and Rouge Rivers. Samples were analyzed for 92 PFAS via UHPLC-MS/MS. Our previous data in the HEC found the highest amount of PFAS contamination at the Rouge River mouth. In addition to evaluating the input of the Rouge River into the HEC, we evaluated the transport of PFAS into the HEC from other major tributaries. PFAS were detected in both surface water and sediment at all sites in this study, with a total of 10 congeners quantified in all surface water samples and 16 congeners quantified in all sediment samples, indicating ubiquitous contamination. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were pervasive in the HEC as these two compounds were detected in all sites and matrices, often at concentrations above the US EPA's recommended lifetime interim updated health advisories. Surface water samples contained more perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) than any other congener, with average aqueous PFHxA across all surface water samples exceeding the average concentration previously reported in the Great Lakes. Sediment samples were dominated by PFOS, but novel congeners, notably 3-Perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (FPePA), were also quantified in sediment. The Rouge River and other tributaries contribute significantly to the PFAS burden in the HEC including Lake Erie. Overall, our results indicate the need for expanding toxicological research and risk assessment focused on congeners such as PFHxA and PFAS mixtures, as well as regulation that is tighter at the onset of production and encompasses PFAS as a group at a national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J Llewellyn
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Emily K Griffin
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Rachel J Caspar
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, United States of America
| | - Alina S Timshina
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - John A Bowden
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Carol J Miller
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Wayne State University, United States of America.
| | - Bridget B Baker
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Tracie R Baker
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America; Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, United States of America.
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Olowoyo JO, Okoya AA, Adesiyan IM, Awe YT, Lion GN, Agboola OO, Oladeji OM. Environmental health science research: opportunities and challenges for some developing countries in Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38909292 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2370388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to ongoing developmental projects, there is a need for regular monitoring of the impact of pollutants on the environment. This review documented the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental health sciences in some African countries. A systematic review was used to investigate opportunities and challenges in the field of environmental health science in Africa by examining published work with a specific focus on Africa. The reports showed that funding and infrastructure as the major problems. The study also highlighted recruiting study participants, retention, and compensation as a bane in the field in Africa. The absence of modern equipment also hinders research. The review, however, noted research collaboration from the region including studies on emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastic (MPs) as great opportunities. The study concluded that collaboration with other continents, exchange programs and improved governmental interventions may help.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Olowoyo
- Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - A A Okoya
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - I M Adesiyan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Y T Awe
- Environmental Management Program, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - G N Lion
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - O O Agboola
- Department of Botany, University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - O M Oladeji
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
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Chukwuka AV, Adeogun AO. Predicting the dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in coastal regions of Africa: vulnerability index and adverse ecological pathways from remote-sensed variables. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:573. [PMID: 38780819 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12723-x] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to predict the dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination and ecological vulnerability within coastal regions of Africa utilizing time-averaged remote-sensed data patterns from 2020 to 2023. The analysis identified PFAS contamination hotspots along the coast of Africa, particularly in western Africa around Nigeria and in areas spanning Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, with risk influenced by eastward wind patterns, overland runoff, and elevated aerosol optical depth (AOD) values. Regional trends indicated that variations in solar energy absorption and surface air temperature could influence PFAS dynamics in North Africa, South Africa, East Africa, and West Africa. In North Africa, intermediate overland runoff and lower sea-surface temperatures were observed. In South Africa, there were intermediate runoff levels and warmer sea-surface temperatures. East Africa experienced intermediate runoff as well. In West Africa, there was increased susceptibility to high overland runoff and aerosol-related PFAS contamination. From the weighted vulnerability index, significant disparities in environmental conditions across African coastal regions revealed that North Africa had relatively lower vulnerability, while West Africa had the highest susceptibility to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination. This study emphasizes the necessity for region-specific vulnerability index models and targeted mitigation strategies to address diverse ecological and health risks from PFAS contamination along the African coast. Regional and international collaboration, spearheaded by organizations such as the AU and ECOWAS, is essential, with tailored policies aligned with the SDGs, Agenda 2063, and NEPAD crucial for effective environmental management, urging policymakers to prioritize cooperation and resource sharing for comprehensive sustainability goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azubuike Victor Chukwuka
- Environmental Quality Control Department, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Osogbo, Nigeria.
| | - Aina O Adeogun
- Hydrobiology and Fisheries Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Li X, Wang Q, Li Q, Wang Y, Tian Y, He A, Chen Y, Si S. Biological effects of perfluoroalkyl substances on running water ecosystems: A case study in Beiluo River, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133808. [PMID: 38387177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133808] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants that pose a threat to the biodiversity of the Beiluo River, a polluted watercourse on the Loess Plateau impacted by diverse human activities. However, the occurrence, spatial distribution, and substitution characteristics of PFASs in this region remain unclear. This study aimed to unravel PFAS distribution patterns and their impact on the aquatic ecosystems of the Beiluo River Basin. The total PFAS concentration in the area ranged from 16.64-35.70 ng/L, with predominantly perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), collectively contributing 94%. The Mantel test revealed threats to aquatic communities from both legacy long-chain (perfluorooctanoic acid and sodium perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and emerging (6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, 2-Perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid, and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen-X)) PFSAs. The canonical correspondence analysis ordination indicated that trace quantities of emerging PFASs, specifically 2-Perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen-X), significantly influenced geographical variations in aquatic communities. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of comprehensively exploring the ecological implications and potential risks associated with PFASs in the Beiluo River Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qi Li
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yulu Tian
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Anen He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Shaocheng Si
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, Xi'an 710127, China.
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Yang W, Ling X, He S, Cui H, Wang L, Yang Z, An H, Zou P, Chen Q, Sun L, Yang H, Liu J, Cao J, Ao L. Perturbation of IP3R-dependent endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis by PPARδ-activated metabolic stress leads to mouse spermatocyte apoptosis: A direct mechanism for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid-induced spermatogenic disorders. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123167. [PMID: 38110051 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123167] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as an archetypal representative of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitously distributed in the environment and extensively detected in human bodies. Although accumulating evidence is suggestive of the deleterious effects of PFOS on male reproduction, the direct toxicity of PFOS towards spermatogenic cells and the relevant mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aims of the present study were to explore the direct effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of PFOS on spermatogenesis. Through integrating animal study, transcriptome profiling, in silico toxicological approaches, and in vitro validation study, we identified the molecular initiating event and key events contributing to PFOS-induced spermatogenic impairments. The mouse experiments revealed that spermatocytes were involved in PFOS-induced spermatogenic disorders and the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) was linked to spermatocyte loss in PFOS-administrated mice. GC-2spd(ts) cells were treated with an increased gradient of PFOS, which was relevant to environmental and occupational exposure levels of PFOS in populations. Following 72-h treatment, cells was harvested for RNA sequencing. The transcriptome profiling and benchmark dose (BMD) modeling identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as the key event for PFOS-mediated spermatocyte apoptosis and determined the point-of-departure (PoD) for perturbations of ER stress signaling. Based on the calculated PoD value, further bioinformatics analyses combined with in vitro and in vivo validations showed that PFOS caused metabolic stress by activating PPARδ in mouse spermatocytes, which was responsible for Beclin 1-involved inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) sensitization. The disruption of IP3R-mediated ER calcium homeostasis triggered ER calcium depletion, leading to ER stress and apoptosis in mouse spermatocytes exposed to PFOS. This study systematically investigated the direct impacts of PFOS on spermatogenesis and unveiled the relevant molecular mechanism of PFOS-induced spermatogenic disorders, providing novel insights and potential preventive/therapeutic targets for PFAS-associated male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shijun He
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haonan Cui
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Huihui An
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Ngeno E, Ongulu R, Orata F, Matovu H, Shikuku V, Onchiri R, Mayaka A, Majanga E, Getenga Z, Gichumbi J, Ssebugere P. Endocrine disrupting chemicals in wastewater treatment plants in Kenya, East Africa: Concentrations, removal efficiency, mass loading rates and ecological impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:117076. [PMID: 37683795 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the levels, mass loadings, removal efficiency, and associated ecotoxicological risks of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely, dibutylphthalate (DBP), diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), linuron (LNR) and progesterone (PGT) in wastewater, sludge, and untreated dry biosolid (UDBS) samples from twelve wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in nine major towns in Kenya. Analysis was done using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All the wastewater influents had quantifiable levels of EDCs with DBP being the most abundant (37.49%) with a range of 4.33 ± 0.63 to 19.68 ± 1.24 μg L-1. DEHP was the most abundant in sludge and accounted for 48.2% ranging between 278.67 and 9243.49 ng g-1 dry weight (dw). In the UDBS samples, DEHP was also the most abundant (40%) of the total EDCs detected with levels ranging from 78.77 to 3938.54 ng g-1 dw. The average removal efficiency per pollutant was as follows: DMP (98.7%) > DEHP (91.7%) > PGT (83.4%) > DBP (77.9%) > LNR (72.2%) which can be attributed to sorption onto the biosolid, biological degradation, photolysis, and phytoremediation. The pH was negatively correlated to the EDC concentrations while total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and electrical conductivity (EC) were positively correlated. The mass loadings were as high as 373.33 g day-1 of DBP in the treatment plants located in densely populated cities. DEHP and PGT had their Risk Quotients (RQs) > 1, posing a high risk to biota. DMP, DBP, and LNR posed medium risks as their RQ values were between 0.1 and 1. EDCs are therefore loaded to environmental compartments through either the effluent that loads these pollutants into the receiving aquatic ecosystem or through the UDBS, which are used as fertilizers in agricultural farmlands causing potential toxicological risks to aquatic and terrestrial life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ngeno
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya; Department of Physical Sciences, Kaimosi Friends University, P.O Box 385-50309, Kaimosi, Kenya; Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Roselyn Ongulu
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Francis Orata
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Henry Matovu
- Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, P.O Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Victor Shikuku
- Department of Physical Sciences, Kaimosi Friends University, P.O Box 385-50309, Kaimosi, Kenya
| | - Richard Onchiri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O Box 000-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Abel Mayaka
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, P.O Box 15653-00503, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eunice Majanga
- Department of Social Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Zachary Getenga
- Department of Physical Sciences, Machakos University, P.O Box 136-90100, Machakos, Kenya
| | - Joel Gichumbi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Chuka University, P.O Box 109-60400, Chuka, Kenya
| | - Patrick Ssebugere
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
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Sørensen MM, Fisker AB, Dalgård C, Jensen KJ, Nielsen F, Benn CS, Grandjean P, Timmermann A. Predictors of serum- per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations among infants in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115784. [PMID: 37011795 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge about PFAS exposure in Africa is limited. We have previously detected six types of PFAS in the serum of infants from Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of the infant serum-PFAS concentrations. METHODS This cross-sectional study was based on a subset of data from a randomized controlled trial of early measles vaccination performed in 2012-2015 in three rural regions of Guinea-Bissau. Blood samples were obtained from 237 children aged 4-to-7 months, and six types of PFAS were quantified in serum. Location of residence was recorded, and information about predictors related to socioeconomic status as well as maternal and child characteristics were obtained through structured interviews with the mothers through routine surveillance. Associations between potential predictors and infant serum-PFAS concentrations were examined in linear regression models while adjusting for potential confounding and mediating factors as identified in a directed acyclic graph. RESULTS Infants from the Cacheu region had the lowest concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), while infants from the Oio region had the lowest concentrations of all other PFAS. Compared to infants from Oio, infant serum-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) concentrations were 94.1% (95% CI: 52.4, 147.1%) and 81.9% (95% CI: 45.7, 127.1%) higher in Cacheu and Biombo, respectively. Higher maternal age and lower parity were associated with slightly higher child-serum perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) concentrations, while infants with higher socioeconomic status and infants breastfed without supplementary solid foods at inclusion had higher average concentrations of most PFAS, although the confidence intervals were wide and overlapped zero. DISCUSSION Location of residence was the most important determinant of serum-PFAS concentrations among Guinea-Bissau infants, indicating a potential role of diet as affected by the global spread of PFAS, but future studies should explore reasons for the regional differences in PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzanna Marianna Sørensen
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christine Dalgård
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Jarlov Jensen
- Copenhagen Phase IV Unit, Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amalie Timmermann
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Boussouga YA, Sacher F, Schäfer AI. Water quality of The Gambia River: A prospective drinking water supply. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162794. [PMID: 36914135 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water in The Gambia is mostly derived from boreholes that could potentially be contaminated. The Gambia River, a major river in West Africa that covers 12 % of the country's area, could be more exploited for drinking water supply. During the dry season, the total dissolved solids (TDS), ranging from 0.02 to 33 g/L in The Gambia River, decreases with the distance to the river mouth with no major inorganic contamination. The freshwater (<0.8 g/L TDS) starts from Jasobo at approximately 120 km from the river mouth and extends by about 350 km to the eastern border of The Gambia. With a dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranging from 2 to 15 mgC/L, the natural organic matter (NOM) of The Gambia River was characterised by 40-60 % humic substances of paedogenic origin. With such characteristics, unknown disinfection by-products could be formed if chemical disinfection, such as chlorination, was implemented during treatment. Out of 103 types of micropollutants, 21 were detected (4 pesticides, 10 pharmaceuticals, 7 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)) with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1500 ng/L. Pesticides, bisphenol A and PFAS concentrations were below the stricter EU guidelines set for drinking water. These were mainly confined to the urban area of high population density near the river mouth, while the quality of the freshwater region of low population density was surprisingly pristine. These results indicate that The Gambia River, especially in its upper regions, would be well suited as a drinking water supply when using decentralised ultrafiltration treatment for the removal of turbidity, as well as, depending on pore size, to a certain extent microorganisms and DOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef-Amine Boussouga
- Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Frank Sacher
- DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (TZW), Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
| | - Andrea I Schäfer
- Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Zhao L, Cheng Z, Zhu H, Chen H, Yao Y, Baqar M, Yu H, Qiao B, Sun H. Electronic-waste-associated pollution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Environmental occurrence and human exposure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 451:131204. [PMID: 36931218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131204] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is of serious concern because their adverse health effects. Nevertheless, knowledge regarding contamination in e-waste dismantling regions is rather scarce. We therefore analysed seven neutral PFASs (n-PFASs) and forty ionized PFASs (i-PFASs) in dust and hand wipes collected from an e-waste dismantling plant and homes. Both dust (1370 ng/g) and workers' hand wipe (1100 ng/m2) in e-waste dismantling workshops contained significantly higher median levels of ∑PFASs than those from homes (684 ng/g and 444 ng/m2) (p < 0.01). ∑PFAS concentrations in dust and on workers' hand wipes from workshops were significantly higher than those from storage area. 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol was the dominant n-PFAS in workshop dust (70.7%) and on worker's hand wipes (46.6%). Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C2 -C3) were the significant components (based on concentration) of i-PFASs in dust (57.9%) and on hand wipes (89.6%). A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) of ∑PFAS concentrations between workshop dust and workers' hand wipes was observed, indicating that they come from common sources. Compared to dust ingestion, hand-to-mouth contact was highlighted as a vital exposure route, accounting for 68.8% for workers and 72.2% for residential population, respectively, of the sum of two exposure doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leicheng Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhipeng Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mujtaba Baqar
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Biting Qiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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10
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Botha TL, Bamuza-Pemu E, Roopnarain A, Ncube Z, De Nysschen G, Ndaba B, Mokgalaka N, Bello-Akinosho M, Adeleke R, Mushwana A, van der Laan M, Mphahlele P, Vilakazi F, Jaca P, Ubomba-Jaswa E. Development of a GIS-based knowledge hub for contaminants of emerging concern in South African water resources using open-source software: Lessons learnt. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13007. [PMID: 36747952 PMCID: PMC9898659 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With population growth and dwindling freshwater sources, protecting such sources has come to the forefront of water resource management. Historically, society's response to a problem is based on funding availability, current threat, and public outcry. Achieving this is largely dependent on the knowledge of the factors that are resulting in compromised water sources. These factors are constantly changing as novel contaminants are introduced into surface water sources. As we are in the information age, the interest in contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) is gaining ground. Whilst research is being conducted to identify contaminants in South African water sources, the research outputs and available information is not collated and presented to the science community and stakeholders in readily available formats and platforms. Current research outcomes need to be made known to regulators in order to develop environmental laws. By using fourth industrial revolution technology, we were able to collate available data in literature and display these in a user-friendly online format to regulatory bodies as well as researchers. A standardized excel spreadsheet was developed and uploaded to a PostgreSQL, running a PostGIS extension and was then processed in the GeoServer to allow for visualization on an interactive map which can be continuously updated. The near real-time access to information will reduce the possibility of duplication of research efforts, enhance collaboration in the discipline, and act as a CEC early warning system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarryn Lee Botha
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida Science Campus, 1710, South Africa
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- Corresponding author. Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida Science Campus, 1710, South Africa.
| | - Emomotimi Bamuza-Pemu
- OptimalEnviro; Postnet Suite 073, Private Bag X21, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa
| | - Ashira Roopnarain
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zibusiso Ncube
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gert De Nysschen
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Busiswa Ndaba
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ntebogeng Mokgalaka
- University of Pretoria, Mamelodi Campus, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Maryam Bello-Akinosho
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Rasheed Adeleke
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa
| | - Akani Mushwana
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael van der Laan
- Agricultural Research Council (ARC) – Natural Resources and Engineering, Private Bag X79, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Phedisho Mphahlele
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Fanelesibonge Vilakazi
- Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering, Pretoria, South Africa
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa
| | - Penny Jaca
- Water Research Commission, Lynnwood Bridge Office Park, Bloukrans Building, 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
| | - Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa
- Water Research Commission, Lynnwood Bridge Office Park, Bloukrans Building, 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
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11
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Shehu Z, Nyakairu GWA, Tebandeke E, Odume ON. Overview of African water resources contamination by contaminants of emerging concern. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158303. [PMID: 36030854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This review look at several classes of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in conventional and non-conventional water resources across the African continent's five regions. According to the review, pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, personal care products, pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, and microplastics were found in conventional and non-conventional water resources. Most conventional water resources, such as rivers, streams, lakes, wells, and boreholes, are used as drinking water sources. Non-conventional water sources, such as treated wastewater (effluents), are used for domestic and agricultural purposes. However, CECs remain part of the treated wastewater, which is being discharged to surface water or used for agriculture. Thus, wastewater (effluent) is the main contributor to the pollution of other water resources. For African countries, the prevalence of rising emerging pollutants in water poses a severe environmental threat. There are different adverse effects of CECs, including the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ecotoxicological effects, and several endocrine disorders. Therefore, this needs the urgent attention of the African Union, policymakers, Non-Governmental Organizations, and researchers to come together and tackle the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaccheus Shehu
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Chemistry, Gombe State University, P.M. B. 127, Gombe, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel Tebandeke
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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12
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Tang J, Zhu Y, Li Y, Xiang B, Tan T, Lv L, Luo Q. Occurrence characteristics and health risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water in residential areas around fluorine chemical industrial areas, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:60733-60743. [PMID: 35426024 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, identifying the contamination status and assessing the health risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water and groundwater have been of great significance. Eighteen individual PFASs were analyzed in thirty-three surface/groundwater samples during one period in a fluorine chemical park (Park A) and during two periods in Park B. The mean total concentration of 18 PFASs (∑PFASs) in Park A (9104.63 ng·L-1) was significantly higher than that in the wet season (WS) (801.68 ng·L-1) or DS (714.64 ng·L-1) in Park B. The perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was the predominant substance in the two parks, and the maximum concentration in groundwater exceeded 10,000 ng·L-1. The contamination status in the wet season (WS) was higher than that in the dry season (DS) in Park B. The ∑PFASs in Park A presented an increasing tendency following the groundwater flow direction, whereas this rule was limited to all periods in Park B. Two relative source contributions (RSCs) of 20% or 100% allowed assessing the PFASs risk to different age groups, and the results revealed that some PFASs (4 ≤ C ≤ 7 or 9 ≤ C ≤ 12) were identified as having a low risk quotient (RQ), except for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFOA (C = 8). The RQmix value mainly relies on PFOA and PFOS, with a larger contribution rate of 80-90%. All assessed cases (case 1, case 2, case 3, and case 4) in all age groups revealed that infants were vulnerable to PFASs influence, followed by children, teenagers, and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Yongle Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Biao Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Ting Tan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Linyou Lv
- Liaoning Research Institute of Sand Control and Utilization, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-Remediation of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China.
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13
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Occurrence and Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Multi-Industry Sources to Water, Sediments and Plants along Nairobi River Basin, Kenya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158980. [PMID: 35897351 PMCID: PMC9331875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ever-present pollutants in the environment. They are persistent and bio-accumulative with deleterious health effects on biota. This study assesses the levels of PFAS in environmental matrices along the Nairobi River, Kenya. An aggregate of 30 PFAS were determined in water, while 28 PFAS were detected in sediments and plants using solid phase extraction then liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric techniques. In water, higher levels of perfluoroundecanoic acids of up to 39.2 ng L−1 were observed. Sediment and plant samples obtained in the midstream and downstream contained higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid of up to 39.62 and 29.33 ng g−1, respectively. Comparably, levels of long-chain PFAS were higher in water and sediments than in plants. Sediment/water log distribution of selected PFAS ranged between 2.5 (perfluoroundecanoic acid) and 4.9 (perfluorooctane sulfonate). The level of perfluorooctane sulfonate (1.83 ng L−1) in water is above the acceptable level in surface water posing high human health and ecological risks. The observed PFAS concentrations and distribution were attributed mainly to multi-industries located along the river, among other sources. The knowledge of PFAS occurrence and distribution in Nairobi River, Kenya, provides important information to local regulatory agencies for PFAS pollution control.
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14
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Wang S, Wasswa J, Feldman AC, Kabenge I, Kiggundu N, Zeng T. Suspect screening to support source identification and risk assessment of organic micropollutants in the aquatic environment of a Sub-Saharan African urban center. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 220:118706. [PMID: 35691193 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Organic micropollutants (OMPs) are contaminants of global concern and have garnered increasing attention in Africa, particularly in urban and urbanizing areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this work, we coupled suspect screening enabled by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) with multivariate analysis to characterize OMPs in wastewater, surface water, and groundwater samples collected from Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. Suspect screening prioritized and confirmed 157 OMPs in Kampala samples for target quantification. Many OMPs detected in Kampala samples occurred within concentration ranges similar to those documented in previous studies reporting OMP occurrence in SSA, but some have never or rarely been quantified in environmental water samples from SSA. Hierarchical cluster analysis established the source-related co-occurrence profiles of OMPs. Partial least squares regression and multiple linear regression analyses further pinpointed the concentration of nitrate and the content of a fluorescent organic matter component with excitation/emission maxima around 280/330 nm as predictors for the sample-specific cumulative concentrations of OMPs, suggesting the likely contribution of diffuse runoff and wastewater discharges to OMP occurrence in the aquatic environment of Kampala. Parallel calculations of exposure-activity ratios and multi-substance potentially affected fractions provided insights into the potential for biological effects associated with OMPs and highlighted the importance of expanded analytical coverage for screening-level risk assessments. Overall, our study demonstrates a versatile database-driven screening and data analysis methodology for the multipronged characterization of OMP contamination in a representative SSA urban center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiru Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Joseph Wasswa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Anna C Feldman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Isa Kabenge
- Department of Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nicholas Kiggundu
- Department of Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Teng Zeng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States.
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15
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Lai A, Clark AM, Escher BI, Fernandez M, McEwen LR, Tian Z, Wang Z, Schymanski EL. The Next Frontier of Environmental Unknowns: Substances of Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products, or Biological Materials (UVCBs). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7448-7466. [PMID: 35533312 PMCID: PMC9228065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials (UVCBs) are over 70 000 "complex" chemical mixtures produced and used at significant levels worldwide. Due to their unknown or variable composition, applying chemical assessments originally developed for individual compounds to UVCBs is challenging, which impedes sound management of these substances. Across the analytical sciences, toxicology, cheminformatics, and regulatory practice, new approaches addressing specific aspects of UVCB assessment are being developed, albeit in a fragmented manner. This review attempts to convey the "big picture" of the state of the art in dealing with UVCBs by holistically examining UVCB characterization and chemical identity representation, as well as hazard, exposure, and risk assessment. Overall, information gaps on chemical identities underpin the fundamental challenges concerning UVCBs, and better reporting and substance characterization efforts are needed to support subsequent chemical assessments. To this end, an information level scheme for improved UVCB data collection and management within databases is proposed. The development of UVCB testing shows early progress, in line with three main methods: whole substance, known constituents, and fraction profiling. For toxicity assessment, one option is a whole-mixture testing approach. If the identities of (many) constituents are known, grouping, read across, and mixture toxicity modeling represent complementary approaches to overcome data gaps in toxicity assessment. This review highlights continued needs for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure proper assessment and sound management of UVCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelene Lai
- Luxembourg
Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University
of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Institute
for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller University, Lessing Strasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Alex M. Clark
- Collaborative
Drug Discovery Inc., 1633 Bayshore Highway, Suite 342, Burlingame, California 94010, United States
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research GmbH—UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Fernandez
- Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3R2, Canada
| | - Leah R. McEwen
- Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
- International
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Zhenyu Tian
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Marine and Environmental
Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Empa—Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology
and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Chair
of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Emma L. Schymanski
- Luxembourg
Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University
of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
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16
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Ma D, Lu Y, Liang Y, Ruan T, Li J, Zhao C, Wang Y, Jiang G. A Critical Review on Transplacental Transfer of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Prenatal Exposure Levels, Characteristics, and Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6014-6026. [PMID: 34142548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has aroused public concerns as it can pose multiple health threats to pregnant women and cause adverse birth outcomes for fetuses. In previous studies, the prenatal exposure levels and transplacental transfer efficiencies (TTE) of PFASs have been reported and discussed. Specifically, the binding affinities between PFASs and some transporters were determined, demonstrating that the TTE values of PFASs are highly dependent on their binding behaviors. To summarize primary findings of previous studies and propose potential guidance for future research, this article provides a systematic overview on levels and characteristics of prenatal exposure to PFASs worldwide, summarizes relationships between TTE values and structures of PFASs, and discusses possible transplacental transfer mechanisms, especially for the combination between PFASs and transporters. Given the critical roles of transporters in the transplacental transfer of PFASs, we conducted molecular docking to further clarify the binding behaviors between PFASs and the selected transporters. We proposed that the machine learning can be a superior method to predict and reveal behaviors and mechanisms of the transplacental transfer of PFASs. In total, this is the first review providing a comprehensive overview on the prenatal exposure levels and transplacental transfer mechanisms of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Ting Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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17
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Maddela NR, Ramakrishnan B, Kakarla D, Venkateswarlu K, Megharaj M. Major contaminants of emerging concern in soils: a perspective on potential health risks. RSC Adv 2022; 12:12396-12415. [PMID: 35480371 PMCID: PMC9036571 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09072k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil pollution by the contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) or emerging contaminants deserves attention worldwide because of their toxic health effects and the need for developing regulatory guidelines. Though the global soil burden by certain CECs is in several metric tons, the source-tracking of these contaminants in soil environments is difficult due to heterogeneity of the medium and complexities associated with the interactive mechanisms. Most CECs have higher affinities towards solid matrices for adsorption. The CECs alter not only soil functionalities but also those of plants and animals. Their toxicities are at nmol to μmol levels in cell cultures and test animals. These contaminants have a higher propensity in accumulating mostly in root-based food crops, threatening human health. Poor understanding on the fate of certain CECs in anaerobic environments and their transfer pathways in the food web limits the development of effective bioremediation strategies and restoration of the contaminated soils and endorsement of global regulatory efforts. Despite their proven toxicities to the biotic components, there are no environmental laws or guidelines for certain CECs. Moreover, the information available on the impact of soil pollution with CECs on human health is fragmentary. Therefore, we provide here a comprehensive account on five significantly important CECs, viz., (i) PFAS, (ii) micro/nanoplastics, (iii) additives (biphenyls, phthalates), (iv) novel flame retardants, and (v) nanoparticles. The emphasis is on (a) degree of soil burden of CECs and the consequences, (b) endocrine disruption and immunotoxicity, (c) genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, and (d) soil health guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Raju Maddela
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí Portoviejo 130105 Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí Portoviejo 130105 Ecuador
| | | | - Dhatri Kakarla
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Kadiyala Venkateswarlu
- Formerly Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University Anantapuramu 515003 India
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
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18
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Melake BA, Bervoets L, Nkuba B, Groffen T. Distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water, sediment, and fish tissue, and the potential human health risks due to fish consumption in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112033. [PMID: 34509478 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to their global distribution, persistence, bioaccumulative potential and toxicity, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are considered as hazardous chemicals. Although many studies on PFASs pollution in aquatic environments have been done in the Northern hemisphere, less is known on PFASs pollution in African aquatic ecosystems and the risks they pose to humans through consumption of contaminated biota. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of PFASs in water, sediment, and fish tissue in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia, and to investigate possible human health risks due to fish consumption. Among the PFASs detected in water and sediment, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the most abundant with mean concentrations of 6.93 ng/L and 0.23 ng/g dw respectively. Long-chained PFASs dominated the PFAS accumulation profiles in fish tissues, with higher concentrations measured in liver compared to muscle tissue. The detected concentrations of PFASs were, however, often similar to those reported in other African aquatic ecosystems. This study showed no potential health risk due to consumption of contaminated fish based on mean concentrations and fish consumption. However, it is expected that peoples who consume more fish (fishermen and local peoples living close to Lake Hawassa) may suffer health risks due to PFASs contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bealemlay Abebe Melake
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, P.O.BOX 235, Harar, Ethiopia; Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Bossissi Nkuba
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Center of Expertise on Mining Governance (CEGEMI), Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Congo.
| | - Thimo Groffen
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
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19
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Huff Chester A, Gordon C, Hartmann HA, Bartell SE, Ansah E, Yan T, Li B, Dampha NK, Edmiston PL, Novak PJ, Schoenfuss HL. Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Lower Volta River, Ghana, West Africa: The Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Urban Development Nexus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:369-381. [PMID: 34939696 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments across all continents and are relatively well known in the developed world. However, few studies have investigated their presence and biological effects in low- and middle-income countries. We provide a survey of CEC presence in the Volta River, Ghana, and examine the microbial consequences of anthropogenic activities along this economically and ecologically important African river. Water and sediment samples were taken by boat or from shore at 14 sites spanning 118 km of river course from the Volta estuary to the Akosombo dam. Sample extracts were prepared for targeted analysis of antimicrobial CECs, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; water only). Concurrent samples were extracted to characterize the microbial community and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). Antibiotics and PFAS (PFAS, 2-20 ng/L) were found in all water samples; however, their concentrations were usually in the low nanograms per liter range and lower than reported for other African, European, and North American studies. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide was present in all samples. The number of different genes detected (between one and 10) and total ARG concentrations varied in both water (9.1 × 10-6 to 8.2 × 10-3 ) and sediment (2.2 × 10-4 to 5.3 × 10-2 ), with increases in gene variety at sites linked to urban development, sand mining, agriculture, and shellfish processing. Total ARG concentration spikes in sediment samples were associated with agriculture. No correlations between water quality parameters, CEC presence, and/or ARGs were noted. The presence of CECs in the lower Volta River highlights their global reach. The overall low concentrations of CECs detected is encouraging and, coupled with mitigation measures, can stymie future CEC pollution in the Volta River. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:369-381. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anndee Huff Chester
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christopher Gordon
- Institute of Environmental and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Stephen E Bartell
- Department of Biology, Normandale Community College, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emmanuel Ansah
- Institute of Environmental and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Tao Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Nfamara K Dampha
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul L Edmiston
- Department of Chemistry, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Paige J Novak
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heiko L Schoenfuss
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
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20
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Selwe KP, Thorn JPR, Desrousseaux AOS, Dessent CEH, Sallach JB. Emerging contaminant exposure to aquatic systems in the Southern African Development Community. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:382-395. [PMID: 35020964 PMCID: PMC9304188 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The growing production and use of chemicals and the resultant increase in environmental exposure is of particular concern in developing countries where there is rapid industrialization and population growth but limited information on the occurrence of emerging contaminants. Advances in analytical techniques now allow for the monitoring of emerging contaminants at very low concentrations with the potential to cause harmful ecotoxicological effects. Therefore, we provide the first critical assessment of the current state of knowledge about chemical exposure in waters of the Southern African Developmental Community (SADC). We achieved this through a comprehensive literature review and the creation of a database of chemical monitoring data. Of the 59 articles reviewed, most (n = 36; 61.0%) were from South Africa, and the rest were from Botswana (n = 6; 10.2%), Zimbabwe (n = 6; 10.2%), Malawi (n = 3; 5.1%), Mozambique (n = 3; 5.1%), Zambia (n = 2; 3.4%), Angola (n = 1; 1.7%), Madagascar (n = 1; 1.7%), and Tanzania (n = 1; 1.7%). No publications were found from the remaining seven SADC countries. Emerging contaminants have only been studied in South Africa and Botswana. The antiretroviral drug ritonavir (64.52 µg/L) was detected at the highest average concentration, and ibuprofen (17 times) was detected most frequently. Despite being the primary water source in the region, groundwater was understudied (only 13 studies). High emerging contaminant concentrations in surface waters indicate the presence of secondary sources of pollution such as sewage leakage. We identify research gaps and propose actions to assess and reduce chemical pollution to enable the SADC to address the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3.9, to reduce the deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:382-395. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgato P. Selwe
- Department of Chemistry, University of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
| | - Jessica P. R. Thorn
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
- African Climate and Development InitiativeUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | - J. Brett Sallach
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of YorkHeslingtonYorkUK
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21
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Wang X, Chen Z, Wang Y, Sun W. A review on degradation of perfluorinated compounds based on ultraviolet advanced oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118014. [PMID: 34517179 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), as emerging persistent pollutants, can exist for a long time in the environment due to their high stability. PFCs have been detected in drinking water, wastewater, and the human body. Studies have shown that PFCs pose a threat to human health and the ecological environment, which is expected to be listed in new drinking water regulations. Traditional processes, including coagulation, biological filtration, chlorination, ozonolysis, and ultraviolet light have ineffective removal efficiency on PFCs; however, advanced oxidation processes (AOP) based on ultraviolet (UV) light have good application prospects for the removal of PFCs. This study provides an overview of the removal of PFCs by UV-based AOPs; systematically introduces the research status of various UV-based AOPs from the perspectives of degradation pathways, degradation efficiency, influencing factors, formation of by-products; and comprehensively compares these different UV-based AOPs. Finally, the limitations of existing research and future research needs are discussed. This review aims to provide an overview for a better understanding of the degradation status and prospects of UV-based AOPs for the degradation of PFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Zhongyun Chen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yonglei Wang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Wenjun Sun
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou) Tsinghua, Suzhou, 215163, China.
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22
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Groffen T, Nkuba B, Wepener V, Bervoets L. Risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the African continent, emphasizing aquatic ecosystems. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:726-732. [PMID: 33650734 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are organic pollutants that may have adverse effects on the ecosystem. Despite the global presence of PFAS, knowledge of PFAS on the African continent is limited because monitoring of PFAS is challenging and often not feasible owing to the lack of analytical capacity and high cost. However, it is necessary to understand the environmental risks posed by these chemicals in developing countries, because increasing urbanization will likely increase PFAS contamination in the environment. Although, as far as is known, PFAS concentrations in the African aquatic environment are generally lower than in more developed countries, exceedances of ecological quality standards (EQS) were reported in a few cases, providing evidence of potential ecological risks to these ecosystems. However, the number of ecosystems at risk will likely increase as urbanization and modernization increase in African countries. Therefore, environmental regulations should be updated and implemented to reduce further contamination of the aquatic environment with these chemicals. In addition, analytical laboratories in Africa should develop their capacity to detect PFAS and related compounds regularly and routinely. Local hot spots need to be identified, the influence of these hot spots on the PFAS burden in the environment should be investigated, and environmental regulations should be implemented for these hot spots to reduce their environmental impact. Therefore, we recommend a more routine monitoring of PFAS, including new PFAS that are currently used as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) alternatives, which are not regulated and environmentally concerning. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:726-732. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thimo Groffen
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bossissi Nkuba
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Expertise Centre on Mining Governance (CEGEMI), Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Victor Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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23
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Chohan A, Petaway H, Rivera-Diaz V, Day A, Colaianni O, Keramati M. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances scientific literature review: water exposure, impact on human health, and implications for regulatory reform. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:235-259. [PMID: 32990652 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Among other emerging contaminants in water, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have garnered international attention from the scientific community on a global scale. Some countries, such as the United States, have found that PFASs are present in humans on a wide scale. Although two PFASs have been widely studied-Perfluorooctanoic acid and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid-many more PFASs are being created by industry and are either not known, not studied, or both. The objective of this literature review on PFASs is to give an overview of the information available about PFASs related to human exposure. The information from this literature review on the exposure of humans to PFASs through drinking water and the lack of many conventional drinking water treatment systems' ability to remove PFASs (particularly short-chain PFASs) suggests that current regulatory limits are insufficient to adequately protect humans. This is especially true for particularly vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and developing children (pubescent). The gaps in the current knowledge and in current regulatory approaches could have long-term effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Chohan
- Save the WaterTM, 8723 NW 11 Street, Plantation, FL33322, USA
| | - Harry Petaway
- Save the WaterTM, 8723 NW 11 Street, Plantation, FL33322, USA
| | | | - April Day
- Save the WaterTM, 8723 NW 11 Street, Plantation, FL33322, USA
| | - Olivia Colaianni
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 633 Heron, Mukwonago, WI53149, USA
| | - Maryam Keramati
- Save the WaterTM, 8723 NW 11 Street, Plantation, FL33322, USA
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24
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Meng Y, Yao Y, Chen H, Li Q, Sun H. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Dagang Oilfield: Multimedia distribution and contributions of unknown precursors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 412:125177. [PMID: 33951857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A systematic survey was conducted on twenty-six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in fifty-one paired samples of surface water, sediment, and soil from Dagang Oilfield, Tianjin, China. Perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (6:2 FTAB) were ubiquitous in the oilfield with field log Kd of 1.3-2.2, indicating a high partition potential from surface water to sediment. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) are a predictor for PFAS contamination at oilfield. The concentrations of OBS and 6:2 FTAB were higher in surface water and sediment with elevated TPH level. With total oxidizable precursor assay, unknown precursors for C2-C3 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (57-99 mol%) contributed more than those for C4-C12 PFCAs in the three mediums. The unknown C4-, C6-, and C8-based precursors tended to be precursors for perfluoroalkyl sulfonates at the oilfield, and C8 fluorotelomer-based precursors particularly occurred in the surface water. The concentrations of C4- and C8-based precursors were found positively correlated with TPH levels (r = 0.67-0.72, p < 0.05), while C6 precursors may also come from other sources. Further studies are necessary to clarify the mass balance and risk assessment for unknown PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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25
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Dartey E, Ellingsen DG, Berlinger B, Thomassen Y, Odland JØ, Brox J, Nartey VK, Yeboah FA, Huber S. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Human Serum Samples of Selected Populations from Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041581. [PMID: 33567483 PMCID: PMC7914835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in selected populations from Ghana, including workers engaged in the repair of electronic equipment (ERWs), and to elucidate PFAS concentrations in relation to blood mercury concentrations (B-Hg) as a biomarker of seafood consumption. In all, 219 participants were recruited into the study, of which 26 were women and 64 were ERWs. Overall, the PFAS concentrations were low. The most abundant components were perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Women had generally lower PFAS concentration than men. The ERWs had statistically significantly higher concentrations of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), which was associated with the concentration of tin in urine. This could indicate exposure during soldering. The concentration of B-Hg was associated with several of the PFASs such as PFOA, PFOS and perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS). Additionally, the concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) were highly associated with the concentrations of B-Hg. It is noteworthy that the linear isomer of PFHxS was strongly associated with B-Hg while the branched isomers of PFHxS were not. In conclusion, the PFAS concentrations observed in the present study are low compared to other populations previously investigated, which also reflects a lower PFAS exposure within the Ghanaian cohorts. ERWs had significantly higher PFOA concentrations than the other participants. Several PFASs were associated with B-Hg, indicating that seafood consumption may be a source of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Dartey
- Faculty of Science and Environment Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti AM-0030-2291, Ghana
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (D.G.E.); (Y.T.)
| | - Dag G. Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0363 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (D.G.E.); (Y.T.)
| | | | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0363 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (D.G.E.); (Y.T.)
| | - Jon Ø. Odland
- Department of Community Medicine, NTNU, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Jan Brox
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway; (J.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Vincent K. Nartey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra GA-490-6862, Ghana;
| | - Francis A. Yeboah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK-448-9252, Ghana;
| | - Sandra Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway; (J.B.); (S.H.)
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Yang Y, Meng K, Chen M, Xie S, Chen D. Fluorotelomer Alcohols' Toxicology Correlates with Oxidative Stress and Metabolism. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 256:71-101. [PMID: 33866421 DOI: 10.1007/398_2020_57] [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: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are widely used as industrial raw materials due to their unique hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. However, because of accidental exposure to products containing FTOHs or with the widespread use of FTOHs, they tend to contaminate the water and the soil. There are reports demonstrating that FTOHs can cause various harmful effects in animals and humans (for example, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, endocrine-disrupting activity, and developmental and reproductive toxicities). Oxidative stress is related to a variety of toxic effects induced by FTOHs. To date, few reviews have addressed the relationship between the toxicity of FTOHs and oxidative stress. This article summarises research demonstrating that the toxicity induced by FTOHs correlates with oxidative stress and metabolism. Furthermore, during the metabolic process of FTOHs, a number of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) are involved and many metabolites are produced by these enzymes, which can induce oxidative stress. This is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Yang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kuiyu Meng
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Min Chen
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuyu Xie
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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