Assessment of the Influence of Soil Characteristics and Hydrocarbon Fuel Cocontamination on the Solvent Extraction of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Leachability of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances from contaminated concrete

The historical use and storage of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a range of sites including airports, defence, and port facilities have resulted in a legacy of contaminated infrastructure such as concrete. Contaminated concrete constitutes an ongoing source of PFAS contamination requiring management to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. In this study, modified Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Australian Standard Leaching Procedure (ASLP) were used to examine the leachability of PFAS, specifically, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) from AFFF-contaminated concrete collected from an Australian Defence Fire Training Area (FTA). In general, PFAS readily leached from intact contaminated concrete monoliths with the cumulative proportion (%) decreasing in the order: PFHxA (>95%) > PFOS (26-84%) ≈ PFHxS (14-78%) > PFOA (<1-54%). Higher leachability for PFHxA from concrete is consistent with previous findings for solids, however, inconsistent for PFOA with higher retention (lower leachability) in concrete as compared to PFOS. Duration of exposure to water (0.5-48 h) and temperature (25 °C and 50 °C) had little influence on the proportion of PFAS leachability from powdered concrete. A higher proportion of PFAS leached from a <2 mm concrete powder size fraction as compared to 2-20 mm and 20 mm size fractions. This behavior reflects an increase in surface area with decreasing concrete particle size. Reducing the particle size could enhance PFAS removal from waste concrete.

Influence of soil composition and environmental factors on the adsorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A review

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have garnered considerable scientific and regulatory scrutiny due to their widespread distribution across environments and their potential toxicological impacts on human health. The pedosphere serves as a vital reservoir for these chemicals, significantly determining their environmental trajectory and chemical transformations. This study offers a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding regarding the adsorption mechanics of PFASs in soil matrices. Due to their unique molecular structure, PFASs predominantly engage in hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions during soil adsorption. This work thoroughly evaluates the influence of various factors on adsorption efficiency, including soil properties, molecular characteristics of PFASs, and the prevailing environmental conditions. The complex nature of soil environments complicates isolating individual impacts on PFAS behavior, necessitating an integrated approach to understanding their environmental destinies better. Through this exploration, we seek to clarify the complex interplay of factors that modulate the adsorption of PFASs in soils, highlighting the urgent need for future research to disentangle the intricate and combined effects that control the environmental behavior of PFAS compounds.

Commercial compost amendments inhibit the bioavailability and plant uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in soil-porewater-lettuce systems

Compost is widely used in agriculture as fertilizer while providing a practical option for solid municipal waste disposal. However, compost may also contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potentially impacting soils and leading to PFAS entry into food chains and ultimately human exposure risks via dietary intake. This study examined how compost affects the bioavailability and uptake of eight PFAS (two ethers, three fluorotelomer sulfonates, and three perfluorosulfonates) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in commercial organic compost-amended, PFAS spiked soils. After 50 days of greenhouse experiment, PFAS uptake by lettuce decreased (by up to 90.5 %) with the increasing compost amendment ratios (0-20 %, w/w), consistent with their decreased porewater concentrations (by 30.7-86.3 %) in compost-amended soils. Decreased bioavailability of PFAS was evidenced by the increased in-situ soil-porewater distribution coefficients (Kd) (by factors of 1.5-7.0) with increasing compost additions. Significant negative (or positive) correlations (R2 ≥ 0.55) were observed between plant bioaccumulation (or Kd) and soil organic carbon content, suggesting that compost amendment inhibited plant uptake of PFAS mainly by increasing soil organic carbon and enhancing PFAS sorption. However, short-chain PFAS alternatives (e.g., perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA)) were effectively translocated to shoots with translocation factors > 2.9, increasing their risks of contamination in leafy vegetables. Our findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive risk assessment of compost-borne PFAS when using commercial compost products in agricultural lands.

A modified TOP assay to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) and soil

Total oxidisable precursor (TOP) assay can oxidise some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and their precursors, most of which cannot be quantitatively detected so far, and convert them to detectable PFASs, such as perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). However, the conversion is constrained by the complexity of the target samples, including co-existent organics, unknown PFAS precursors, and background. In this study, the TOP assay is modified to increase the oxidation and conversion efficiency by changing the initial concentration of target sample, increasing oxidising doses, time, temperature, etc. The modified TOP assay is applied to test several aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) and a PFAS-contaminated soil extract. The sum concentrations of the detectable PFASs are increased by up to ∼534× in the AFFF samples and ∼7× in the PFAS-contaminated soil extract. The detectable fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS, such as 6:2/8:2 FTS) is accounted as an oxidation indicator to monitor the oxidation and conversion progress of the oxidisable PFASs precursors to the detectable PFASs. Overall, the modified TOP assay could be an appropriate method for identifying missing PFASs mass in complex matrices by detecting the PFASs precursors effectively.

Immobilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Comparison of leaching behavior by three different leaching tests

The evaluation of PFAS immobilization performance in laboratory experiments, especially the long-term stability, is a challenge. To contribute to the development of adequate experimental procedures, the impact of experimental conditions on the leaching behavior was studied. Three experiments on different scales were compared: batch, saturated column, and variably saturated laboratory lysimeter experiments. The Infinite Sink (IS) test - a batch test with repeated sampling - was applied for PFAS for the first time. Soil from an agricultural field amended with paper-fiber biosolids polluted with various perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs; 655 μg/kg ∑¹⁸PFAAs) and polyfluorinated precursors (1.4 mg/kg ∑¹⁸precursors) was used as the primary material (N-1). Two types of PFAS immobilization agents were tested: treatment with activated carbon-based additives (soil mixtures: R-1 and R-2), and solidification with cement and bentonite (R-3). In all experiments, a chain-length dependent immobilization efficacy is observed. In R-3, the leaching of short-chain PFAAs was enhanced relative to N-1. In column and lysimeter experiments with R-1 and R-2, delayed breakthrough of short-chain PFAAs (C4) occurred (> 90 days; in column experiments at liquid-to-solid ratio (LS) > 30 L/kg) with similar temporal leaching rates suggesting that leaching in these cases was a kinetically controlled process. Observed differences between column and lysimeter experiments may be attributed to varying saturation conditions. In IS experiments, PFAS desorption from N-1, R-1, and R-2 is higher than in the column experiments (N-1: +44 %; R-1: +280 %; R-2: +162 %), desorption of short-chain PFAS occurred predominantly in the initial phase (< 14 days). Our findings demonstrate that sufficient operating times are essential in percolation experiments, e.g., in column experiments >100 days and LS > 30 L/kg. IS experiments may provide a faster estimate for nonpermanent immobilization. The comparison of experimental data from various experiments is beneficial to evaluate PFAS immobilization and to interpret leaching characteristics.

Analysis of Total-Forms of Cyanotoxins Microcystins in Biological Matrices: A Methodological Review

Microcystins (MCs) are cyclic heptapeptidic toxins produced by many cyanobacteria. Microcystins can be accumulated in various matrices in two forms: a free cellular fraction and a covalently protein-bound form. To detect and quantify the concentration of microcystins, a panel of techniques on various matrices (water, sediments, and animal tissues) is available. The analysis of MCs can concern the free or the total (free plus covalently bound) fractions. Free-form analyses of MCs are the most common and easiest to detect, whereas total-form analyses are much less frequent and more complex to achieve. The objective of this review is to summarize the different methods of extraction and analysis that have been developed for total forms. Four extraction methods were identified: MMPB (2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid) method, deconjugation at basic pH, ozonolysis, and laser irradiation desorption. The study of the bibliography on the methods of extraction and analysis of the total forms of MCs showed that the reference method for the subject remains the MMPB method even if alternative methods and, in particular, deconjugation at basic pH, showed results encouraging the continuation of the methodological development on different matrices and on naturally-contaminated samples.

Elucidating degradation mechanisms for a range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via controlled irradiation studies

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a challenging class of environmental pollutants due to a lack of available destructive remediation technologies. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms for degradation of PFAS is key for the development of field scalable and in-situ destructive based remediation technologies. This study aimed to elucidate and refine the current understanding of PFAS degradation mechanisms in water through a series of controlled gamma irradiation studies. Gamma irradiation of PFAS was performed using a cobalt-60 source in a batch irradiation up to 80 kGy at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), and a suite of thirteen different PFAS (including C4-C12 PFCAs, C4, C6, C8 PFSAs, and FOSA) were irradiated to investigate degradation, influence of pH, chain length, and transformation. High resolution mass spectrometry was used to identify more than 80 fluorinated transformation products throughout the degradation experiments. These included the -F/+H, -F/+OH, -F/CH₂OH exchanged PFAS and n - 1 PFCA, amongst others. Given the reactive species present (hydroxyl radicals (·OH), hydrogen radicals (·H) and aqueous electrons (e^-_aq)), and the degradation products formed it was shown that aqueous electrons were the key reactive species responsible for initial PFAS degradation. Most importantly, based on degradation product formation, we found that the initial -F/+H does not have to occur at the α-fluoride (nearest the functional head group), rather occurring throughout the chain length leading to more complex degradation pathways than previously postulated. While our results support some of the reaction steps postulated in the literature, we have developed a unified 16 step and 3 pathway schematic of degradation supported by experimental observations.

Method for extraction and analysis of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in contaminated asphalt

The legacy use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has led to the generation of large volumes of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated asphalt materials, especially at airports and fire training areas. The management of such PFAS-contaminated asphalt materials requires an understanding of PFAS concentrations in these materials. This study, therefore, aimed to develop a suitable extraction methodology for the analysis of 22 target PFAS (i.e., carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and fluorotelomers) in asphalt materials. A series of experiments was conducted to optimise extraction solvent composition, as well as to assess the performance of the chosen method under various conditions (i.e., sonication temperature, PFAS contamination level, asphalt core composition and timing of stable isotope addition used as internal standard). The methanol-based extractants performed best due to their accuracy and precision, which were within the acceptable range (extraction efficiency between 70 and 130% and RSD < 20%). The method which involved three successive extractions with methanol/1% NH₃ by ultrasonication at 25 °C was selected due to its performance and ease of operation. The mean recovery of a vast majority of PFAS was found to be in the acceptable range. Tests on the timing of addition of stable isotope (SI)-labelled PFAS internal standards indicate that the recoveries obtained, regardless of when the stable isotopes were added, were within the acceptable range for PFAS. The accuracy and precision of PFAS recoveries were not affected by PFAS spike level (2 μg kg^-1 and 200 μg kg^-1), as well as sample composition (based on the location of asphalt material in the field). Low RSDs were achieved for asphalt cores collected from a contaminated site covering a wide range of concentrations (from LOQ to 2135 mg kg^-1), demonstrating the suitability of the sample preparation method for real-world samples. The results from the interlaboratory testing were also in good agreement and validated the proposed PFAS extraction and analytical approach.

Extraction and Matrix Cleanup Method for Analyzing Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Ether Acids and Other Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Fruits and Vegetables

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs) are a subclass of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are detected with increasing frequency in environmental matrices. Diet can be an important route of PFEA exposure, but the presence of PFEAs in food is poorly understood. Extraction methods for food samples exist for traditionally studied PFAS, but their suitability for PFEAs and other novel PFAS remains unknown. In this study, an extraction and matrix cleanup method was developed to quantify 45 PFAS, including 13 PFEAs, 3 perfluoroalkane sulfonamides, and 6 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids in 10 types of fruits and vegetables. Homogenized samples were extracted with basic methanol, and resulting extracts were diluted with water and cleaned up using solid-phase extraction with weak anion-exchange cartridges. The method was validated by performing spike-recovery experiments at spike levels of 1 ng/g in all 10 matrices and 0.1 ng/g in 2 matrices. For PFAS without a corresponding isotopically labeled internal standard (IS), adopting an IS with a similar chromatographic retention time generated the most accurate recoveries. Dependent upon the matrix, recoveries of 38-44 PFAS (including 10-13 PFEAs) fell within 50-150% for samples spiked at 1 ng/g. Recoveries of 40 and 38 PFAS in blueberries and corn, respectively, fell within 50-150% for samples spiked at 0.1 ng/g. Method quantification limits (MQLs) of PFAS in pure solvents were determined as the lowest calibration level with an accuracy between 70 and 130%. To compensate for matrix effects, a matrix factor was applied on the basis of the analyte response in different matrices relative to the pure solvent. The MQLs of 45 PFAS (including 13 PFEAs) in 10 matrices ranged from 0.025 to 0.25 ng/g. Overall, this method is capable of sensitively quantifying 45 PFAS in many fruits and vegetables.

Methods for the analysis of endocrine disrupting chemicals in selected environmental matrixes

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are heterogenous in structure, chemical and physical properties, and their capacity to partition into various environmental matrixes. In many cases, these chemicals can disrupt the endocrine systems of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms when present at very low concentrations. Therefore, sensitive and varied analytical methods are required to detect these compounds in the environment. This review summarizes the analytical methods and instruments that are most used to monitor for EDCs in selected environmental matrixes. Only those matrixes for which there is a clear link between exposures and endocrine effects are included in this review. Also discussed are emerging methods for sample preparation and advanced analytical instruments that provide greater selectivity and sensitivity.

Novel and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in freshwater sporting fish from background and firefighting foam impacted ecosystems in Eastern Canada

Emerging PFAS were recently reported at sites impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and near major manufacturing centers; however, few studies have evaluated whether these can occur far from release sites. Here, newly identified PFAS were investigated in wild sporting fish from boreal freshwater ecosystems (background sites, 2013-2014 summer seasons), compared to fish impacted by a major AFFF release (summer 2013 and autumn 2014). Different freshwater wild sporting fish species (Esox lucius, Esox masquinongy, Micropterus dolomieu, Sander vitreus, Perca flavescens, and Semotilus corporalis, n = 74) were collected from 13 ecosystems (lakes, reservoirs, and rivers) across Eastern Canada. Of 29 quantitative PFAS, 15 compounds were detected in fish from background sites, including perfluorocarboxylates (C_6,8-14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (C_6,8,10), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), 7:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA), and a zwitterionic PFAS-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (PFOSB). To our knowledge, this is the first report of PFOSB in biota. It is also one of the first reports of anionic fluorotelomers (6:2 FTSA, 7:3 FTCA, 9:3 FTCA) in wildlife from background sites. Long-chain fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaines (e.g., 8:2 and 10:2 FTAB), fluorotelomer betaines (e.g., 9:3 and 9:1:2 FTB), and fluorotelomer sulfone propanoic acids (e.g., 8:2 FT(SO₂)-PA, 10:2 FT(SO₂)-PA)) were solely prevalent (up to 97% of summed suspect PFAS) in Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu) from the AFFF-impacted site. Perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA), 6:2 FTSA and 7:3 FTCA were detected in at least one Smallmouth Bass sample both at the AFFF-impacted and background sites. According to the estimated chronic daily intake and current tolerable daily intake suggested by national agencies, the observed PFOS levels would not pose a health risk to anglers who might consume these wild-caught fish.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Contaminated Soil and Groundwater at Airports: A Canadian Case Study

The occurrence of 93 classes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was investigated at aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites of four Canadian airports. Surface/subsurface soil and groundwater samples were characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and an improved total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. PFAS profiles, loads, and spatial trends were highly site-specific, influenced by the AFFF use history, variations in sorption, transport, and in situ transformation potential of PFASs. All sites have been impacted by more than one AFFF chemistry, with the active firefighter training area exhibiting a greater PFAS variety and total PFAS burden than decommissioned sites. Zwitterionic and cationic compounds composed a large percentage (34.5-85.5%) of the total PFAS mass in most surface soil samples in the source zone but a relatively low percentage (<20%) in groundwater samples. Background soils surrounding the source zone contained predominantly unidentified precursors attributed to atmospheric deposition, while in AFFF-impacted soils, precursors originating from AFFFs can be largely captured by HRMS using available suspect lists. Horizontal transfer of PFASs in surface soils was limited, but vertical migration down the soil column occurred even in locations of low permeability. This study provides a critical data set to support developing new priority analyte lists and integrating TOP assay for comprehensive PFAS monitoring at AFFF-impacted sites.

PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their wide applicability over a vast range of industrial, professional and non-professional uses. However, increasing evidence indicate that these compounds represent also a serious concern for both wildlife and human health as a result of their ubiquitous distribution, their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulative potential. In light of the adverse effects that have been already documented in biota and human populations or that might occur in absence of prompt interventions, the competent authorities in matter of health and environment protection, the industries as well as scientists are cooperating to identify the most appropriate regulatory measures, substitution plans and remediation technologies to mitigate PFAS impacts. In this review, starting from PFAS chemistry, uses and environmental fate, we summarize the current knowledge on PFAS occurrence in different environmental media and their effects on living organisms, with a particular emphasis on humans. Also, we describe present and provisional legislative measures in the European Union framework strategy to regulate PFAS manufacture, import and use as well as some of the most promising treatment technologies designed to remediate PFAS contamination in different environmental compartments.

Detection and removal of poly and perfluoroalkyl polluting substances for sustainable environment

PFAs (poly and perfluoroalkyl compounds) are hazardous and bioaccumulative chemicals that do not readily biodegrade or neutralize under normal environmental conditions. They have various industrial, commercial, domestic and defence applications. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, there are around 4700 PFAs registered to date. They are present in every stream of life, and they are often emerging and are even difficult to be detected by the standard chemical methods. This review aims to focus on the sources of various PFAs and the toxicities they impose on the environment and especially on humankind. Drinking water, food packaging, industrial areas and commercial household products are the primary PFAs sources. Some of the well-known treatment methods for remediation of PFAs presented in the literature are activated carbon, filtration, reverse osmosis, nano filtration, oxidation processes etc. The crucial stage of handling the PFAs occurs in determining and analysing the type of PFA and its remedy. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of determination & tools, and techniques for remediation of PFAs in the environment. Improving new treatment methodologies that are economical and sustainable are essential for excluding the PFAs from the environment.

Effects of hydrothermal treatments on destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge

Sewage sludge has become a sink of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to the ineffectiveness of PFAS removal during conventional activated sludge treatment process. In this study, we evaluated the performance of an enhanced method for PFAS extraction from sewage sludge. Significant matrix effect was observed for samples derived from untreated and hydrothermally treated sludge. Extra steps for removing potential interferences were thus needed to reduce these matrix effects and improve the accuracy of PFAS quantification. Hydrothermal treatment at 165 °C for 0.5/2 h and 250 °C for 0.5 h increased the concentration of extractable PFAAs in treated sludge. Increasing the temperature to 300 °C resulted in complete degradation of PFCAs after hydrothermal processing, but still increased the concentrations of PFSAs and PFAA precursors. The concentration increase could be due to the conversion of PFAA precursors to PFAAs and the release of PFAAs from sewage sludge during thermal treatment. Ca(OH)₂ addition to hydrothermal treatment completely removed PFAA precursors but significantly increased the extractable PFAAs, except PFHpA and PFHxS, at 165 °C and all PFSAs at 300 °C. This study revealed the difficulties in extracting and quantifying PFAS in sludge and demonstrated the need for further research on finding suitable solutions for complete removal or destruction of PFAS in highly heterogeneous sewage sludge.

Evaluation of extraction workflows for quantitative analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A case study using soil adjacent to a landfill

Specific aspects of previously reported extraction workflows, for measurement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in solid matrices, have not been adequately interrogated. The objective of this study was to explore the importance of each workflow step in providing the most appropriate extraction for a comprehensive set of PFAS (51 different species) in soil. We compared different procedures, including two pre-extraction set ups (overnight handling of samples prior to extraction), two extraction solvents (methanol (MeOH), and acetonitrile (ACN)), two extraction solvent volumes (10 mL and 8.5 mL), and two post-extraction cleanup strategies (ENVI-Carb and ion-pair). Of the 51 species targeted, 21 were at quantifiable levels in soil samples collected adjacent to a landfill, of which 13 PFAS were consistently detected among the different extraction workflows. Overall, results showed no significant difference in PFAS concentration between different extraction solvents and cleanup strategies. Perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid had the highest concentrations in all extraction workflows, accounting for nearly 13%, 38%, and 17% of the total monitored PFAS (ΣPFAS), respectively. While final concentration values were similar across methods, recovery and accuracy studies showed that MeOH had the best recovery, with 88% of the isotopically labeled PFAS standards showing extraction recovery within the acceptable range of 80% to 120% (compared to 14% of isotopically labeled PFAS standards in workflows using ACN). Upon examination of additional cleanup steps, 67% of monitored PFAS (out of 51 total PFAS monitored), on average, exhibited higher accuracy (relative error ≤20%) using ENVI-Carb clean up (in comparison with 51% in workflows using ion pair clean up). Results also demonstrated that larger volumes of MeOH (and subsequent re-extractions) did not yield a better recovery, enabling a reduction in overall analysis time and cost in comparison to many published methods.

Laboratory-scale and pilot-scale stabilization and solidification (S/S) remediation of soil contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)

Remediation of soil contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is critical due to the high persistence and mobility of these compounds. In this study, stabilization and solidification (S/S) treatment was evaluated at pilot-scale using 6 tons of soil contaminated with PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam. At pilot-scale, long-term PFAS removal over 6 years of precipitation (simulated using irrigation) in leachate from non-treated contaminated reference soil and S/S-treated soil with 15 % binder and 0.2 % GAC was compared. PFAS removal rate from leachate, corresponding to reduction in leaching potential after 6 years, was >97 % for four dominant PFASs (perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)), but low (3%) for short-chain perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA). During the pilot-scale experiment, PFAS sorption strength (i.e., soil-water partitioning coefficient (K_d)) increased 2- to 40-fold for both reference and S/S-treated soil, to much higher levels than in laboratory-scale tests. However, PFAS behavior in pilot-scale and laboratory-scale tests was generally well-correlated (p < 0.001), which will help in future S/S recipe optimization. In addition, seven PFASs were tentatively identified using an automated suspect screening approach. Among these, perfluorohexanesulfonamide and 3:2 fluorotelomer alcohol were tentatively identified and the latter had low removal rates from leachate (<12 %) in S/S treatment.

β-Cyclodextrin Polymers with Different Cross-Linkers and Ion-Exchange Resins Exhibit Variable Adsorption of Anionic, Zwitterionic, and Nonionic PFASs

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) occur in groundwater as mixtures of anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and nonionic species, although few remediation technologies have been evaluated to assess the removal of different types of PFASs. In this study, we evaluated the performance of three β-cyclodextrin polymers (CDPs), an anion-exchange (AE) resin, and a cation-exchange (CE) resin for the removal of anionic, zwitterionic, and nonionic PFASs from water. We found that a CDP with a negative surface charge rapidly removes all zwitterionic PFASs with log K_D values ranging between 2.4 and 3.1, and the CE resin rapidly removes two zwitterionic PFASs with log K_D values of 1.8 and 1.9. The CDPs with a positive surface charge rapidly remove all anionic PFASs with log K_D values between 2.7 and 4.1, and the AE resin removes all anionic PFASs relatively slowly with log K_D values between 2.0 and 2.3. All adsorbents exhibited variable removal of the nonionic PFASs and some adsorption inhibition at higher pH values and in the presence of groundwater matrix constituents. Our findings provide insight into how adsorbents can be combined to remediate groundwater contaminated with complex mixtures of different types of PFASs.

Dam operation altered profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in reservoir

Information on the impact of dam operation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) distribution in reservoirs is very limited. In the present study, water, riparian soils and floating wastes samples were collected from the Three Gorges Reservoir, China during the storage and the discharge periods to characterize the PFASs distribution. The total PFASs concentrations of water samples in the storage period (50.4-146 ng/L) were 4.7 times higher than those in the discharge period (1.40-38.6 ng/L). The main types of PFASs in water samples changed from PFOA in the discharge period to short-chain species in the storage period. The main analogues in riparian soils and floating wastes were PFOA and PFOS. Wastes contributed little to PFASs mass in the reservoir, while PFASs accumulated in soils accounted for 49.7 % of the total mass when the riparian zone was submerged during the storage period. Changes in profiles of PFASs caused by dam operation suggested that the potential water safety and the shift of riparian soils between source and sink of PFASs may vary with the annual operation cycle of dam. The water resources protection in reservoirs needs strategies that consider the variation of dam operation cycle.

Thermal desorption as a high removal remediation technique for soils contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)

Soils contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are an important source for impacting drinking water delivery systems and surface water bodies world-wide, posing an urgent risk to human health and environmental quality. However, few treatment techniques have been tested for PFAS-contaminated soil hotspots. This study investigated the possibility of thermal desorption as a possible technique to remediate soils contaminated with multiple PFASs. Two fortified soils (∑₉PFAS ≈ 4 mg kg^-1) and one field-contaminated soil (∑₉PFAS ≈ 0.025 mg kg^-1) were subjected to a 75-min thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 150 to 550°C. Soil concentrations of PFASs showed a significant decrease at 350°C, with the ∑₉PFAS concentration decreasing by, on average, 43% and 79% in the fortified and field contaminated soils, respectively. At 450°C, >99% of PFASs were removed from the fortified soils, while at 550°C the fraction removed ranged between 71 and 99% for the field contaminated soil. In the field contaminated soil, PFAS classes with functional groups of sulfonates (PFSAs) and sulfonamides (FOSAs) showed higher removal than the perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs). Thus thermal desorption has the potential to remove a wide variety of PFASs from soil, although more studies are needed to investigate the cost-effectiveness, creation of transformation products, and air-phase vacuum filtration techniques.

Enhanced Extraction of AFFF-Associated PFASs from Source Zone Soils

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) derived from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) are increasingly recognized as groundwater contaminants, though the composition and distribution of AFFF-derived PFASs associated with soils and subsurface sediments remain largely unknown. This is particularly true for zwitterionic and cationic PFASs, which may be incompletely extracted from subsurface solids by analytical methods developed for anionic PFASs. Therefore, a method involving sequential basic and acidic methanol extractions was developed and evaluated for recovery of anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic PFASs from field-collected, AFFF-impacted soils. The method was validated by spike-recovery experiments with equilibrated soil-water-AFFF and analytical standards. To determine the relative importance of PFASs lacking commercially available analytical standards, their concentrations were estimated by a novel semiquantitation approach. Total PFAS concentrations determined by semiquantitation were compared with concentrations determined by the total oxidizable precursor assay. Finally, the described method was applied to two soil cores from former fire-training areas in which cations and zwitterions were found to contribute up to 97% of the total PFAS mass. This result demonstrates the need for extraction and analysis methods, such as the ones presented here, that are capable of quantifying cationic and zwitterionic PFASs in AFFF-impacted source zone soils.

Sorption of Polyfluoroalkyl Surfactants on Surface Soils: Effect of Molecular Structures, Soil Properties, and Solution Chemistry

Zwitterionic, cationic, and anionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are identified in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates and AFFF-impacted sites. However, the mobility potential of zwitterionic and cationic PFASs is poorly understood, preventing reliable site assessment. The study aimed to elucidate the mobility behaviors of PFASs of various charge states in saturated soil-water systems and assess critical influencing factors. Five anionic, three zwitterionic, and one cationic PFASs were investigated in five soils through batch sorption experiments. Pairwise comparison revealed that the quaternary ammonium group imparted a strong affinity of cationic perfluorooctaneamide ammonium compound (PFOAAmS) for soils. The influence of the quaternary ammonium group is mitigated in polyfluoroalkyl betaines, yet perfluorooctane sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (PFOSB) showed strong sorption in selected soils. Two soil bulk properties showed some correlations with the soil-water distribution coefficient (K_d). A positive correlation with the fraction of soil organic carbon was found only for anionic PFASs, whereas cation exchange capacity had an approximate positive correlation with K_d only for PFOAAmS. Water chemistry (Ca²⁺ and pH) influences the sorption of nonanionic PFASs in very distinct fashions or even in opposite trends to what was known for anionic PFASs. Sorption was insensitive to pH changes except for PFOSB; PFOSB underwent profound sorption reduction because its speciation occurs around neutral pH, while the two other betaines and PFOAAmS have pK_a values that are outside of the environmentally relevant range. The lack of correlations suggests that the transport potential of PFASs is probably highly site-specific. It remains a challenge in deciphering PFAS sorption mechanisms and predicting how AFFF plumes migrate.

Bioaccumulation of Zwitterionic Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Earthworms Exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Impacted Soils

Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the fate and effects of zwitterionic, cationic, and anionic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including assessment of their bioaccumulation potential. Here, biota soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) were assessed in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to soil microcosms amended with zwitterionic fluorotelomers and anionic perfluoroalkyl acids. The 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (6:2 FTAB) bioaccumulated in earthworms [BSAF ∼ 2.5-5.4 (g_dw,worm/g_dw,soil)^-1] but to a lesser extent than perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS: BSAF ∼ 21-29). The BSAF of perfluorocarboxylates increased from ∼2.0 for C₄-C₆ analogues to ∼92 for perfluorotridecanoate (C₁₃). In earthworms exposed to Ansulite and Arctic Foam aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), the BSAF was related to perfluorinated chain length for n:3 fluorotelomer betaines (FtBs), n:1:2 FtB, and n:2 FTAB. Earthworms were also collected in situ from a fire-equipment testing site at a major Canadian airport. Summed PFAS concentrations were between 65 000 and 830 000 ng g^-1 wet weight, possibly the highest burden recorded in terrestrial biota. Fluorotelomer sulfonates (6:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, and 10:2 FTS) and FtB were particularly prevalent. Field worms also displayed elevated concentrations of n:3 acids (n = 3-11), but not those from laboratory microcosms exposed to fluorotelomer-based AFFFs. The findings provide an important confirmation to recent data suggesting that fluorotelomer compounds may accumulate in invertebrate species with limited metabolization.

Sorption and Desorption Mechanisms of Cationic and Zwitterionic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Natural Soils: Thermodynamics and Hysteresis

Sorption linearity and reversibility are implicit in models for the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In this study, however, we found that the sorption of cationic and zwitterionic PFAS in natural soils was highly nonlinear. The nonlinearity was so severe that it led to a variation in the coefficient of sorption by several orders of magnitude over the experimental concentration range. This implies a considerable increase in sorption as concentration falls in the natural environment. Sorption of cationic PFAS correlated strongly with the soil organic matter (SOM) content and was reversible in all soils. Sorption of zwitterionic PFAS, on the other hand, displayed concentration-dependent hysteresis in soils with a low SOM content. The irreversibility, which was associated with neither SOM, pore deformation, nor surface complexation, was likely caused by the entrapment of molecules in porous structures within inorganic components of soil aggregates. Furthermore, electrostatic interactions with negatively charged soil constituents and the hydrophobic effect were found to be major sorption driving forces for cationic/zwitterionic PFAS at low and high concentrations, respectively. The maximum electrostatic potential of PFAS ions, computed using density functional theory, was found to be a useful predictor of the sorption of ionic PFAS species.

Transformation of novel polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as co-contaminants during biopile remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons

Aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are commonly deployed to extinguish hydrocarbon fuel fires, resulting in petroleum hydrocarbons coexisting with PFASs in contaminated soil. Nutrient-amended and aerated biopiles used for petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation could cause unintended transformation of polyfluorinated substances into perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs). The study sought to examine environmental behaviors of PFASs in engineered treatment facilities by monitoring AFFF-derived PFASs under three nutrient conditions. The influence of nutrient levels on degradation kinetics and efficiency was found to vary between the two chemical classes and among individual PFASs. A high number of compounds including the zwitterionic polyfluoroalkyl betaines that have aged in the field for two years were continuously biotransforming in lab reactors, demonstrating their slow kinetics and environmental persistence. The low yield to PFCAs implies that the processes such as the formation of bound residues or irreversible sorption might play a major role in reducing detectable levels of zwitterionic PFASs. The high persistence of betaines was further confirmed by the behaviors of a freshly spiked sulfonamide betaine. The study demonstrated complex chemical dynamics in AFFF-impacted soils and the challenges for predicting the fate of PFASs in soil biopiling facilities.

Optimization of sample preparation and chromatography for the determination of perfluoroalkyl acids in sediments from the Yangtze Estuary and East China Sea

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ubiquitous pollutants present in various environmental media, including marine sediments. A method was proposed for the determination of 17 target PFAA analytes in marine sediment samples (n = 49) collected from the Yangtze Estuary and East China Sea. The proposed method involves the use of an optimized pretreatment procedure and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method relied on extraction cycles using methanol followed by concentration, filtration, and small volume injection to UHPLC-MS/MS. The recovery, time efficiency, and detection limit of the proposed method are improved relative to those of traditional methods. Limits of detection varied from 0.003 to 0.045 ng/g, and spike recoveries to sediment ranged from 90% to 110% with suitable precisions (1.7%-14.6%). PFAAs were widely present in the samples, and ΣPFAAs ranged from 0.67 ng/g dw to 36.75 ng/g dw. Results indicated that terrigenous input strongly influences PFAA distribution in sediments from the study areas. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were identified as the dominant perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) and perfluoroalkylsulfonate (PFSA) in sediment samples from the Yangtze Estuary and the East China Sea. Preliminary environmental risk assessment indicated that PFOS may pose a higher environmental risk than PFOA. Furthermore, risk quotient values indicated that PFOS poses a significant risk to the aquatic ecosystem of the study areas.

Worldwide drinking water occurrence and levels of newly-identified perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

In the last decade or so, concerns have arisen with respect to the widespread occurrence of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the environment, food, drinking water, and humans. In this study, the occurrence and levels of a large range of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in drinking water (bottled and tap water samples) from various locations around the world. Automated off-line solid phase extraction followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze PFASs of various chain lengths and functional groups. In total, 29 target and 104 suspect-target PFASs were screened in drinking water samples (n=97) from Canada and other countries (Burkina Faso, Chile, Ivory Coast, France, Japan, Mexico, Norway, and the USA) in 2015-2016. Out of the 29 PFASs quantitatively analyzed, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C_4/14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C₄, C₆, C₈), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g., 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylate (5:3 FTCA)) were recurrently detected in drinking water samples (concentration range: <LOD to 39ngL^-1). Tap water samples from Canada showed noteworthy differences depending on their source; for instance, ∑₂₉PFASwas significantly greater in those produced from the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River ecosystem than those produced from other types of sources (14 versus 5.3ngL^-1, respectively). A suspect-target screening approach indicated that other perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FBSA, FHxSA), perfluoroethyl cyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), ultrashort chain (C₂-C₃) PFSAs (PFEtS, PFPrS), and two additional PFSAs (PFPeS (C₅) and PFHpS (C₇)) were repeatedly present in tap water samples (concentration ranges: <LOD to 4.0ngL^-1). To the authors' best knowledge, this constitutes the first observation of a cyclic perfluoroalkane sulfonate (PFECHS) and C₄-C₆ perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FBSA, FHxSA) in drinking water. According to the newly updated US EPA health advisory for PFOS and PFOA (70ngL^-1), the drinking water samples collected in the present monitoring would not pose a health risk to consumers as regards PFAA levels.

Occurrence survey and spatial distribution of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl surfactants in groundwater, surface water, and sediments from tropical environments

The occurrence and spatial distribution of 22 selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water (n=75), groundwater (n=80) and surficial sediment (n=15) were investigated for the first time in the tropical areas constituted by the French Overseas Territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion). Descriptive statistics and correlations between PFASs were evaluated through the use of specific statistical treatments to handle left-censored data ("non-detects"). PFASs were ubiquitous in these samples and detection frequencies as high as 79% for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 65% for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were reported in surface waters. ∑PFASs was in the range<LOD-77ngL^-1 (median=1.8ngL^-1) in surface waters and <LOD-638ngL^-1 (median=0.56ngL^-1) in groundwater. PFOS and PFOA dominated PFAS composition profiles in surface water, while shorter-chain compounds prevailed in groundwater, highlighting their higher transfer potential through infiltration processes and the possible influence of precursors. Elevated levels of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA) and short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates were found in groundwater near several industrial facilities such as oil refineries or electricity power plants. This may be related to the existence of firefighting operations involving the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) that contain precursors to such compounds. These findings would also tend to confirm recent trends regarding the increasing proportion of C₄- or C₆-based perfluoroalkyl acids, their precursors, or even shorter-chain congeners at PFAS hot spots.

Certain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Associated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam Are Widespread in Canadian Surface Waters

The presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) commonly associated with aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) at sites without known AFFF contamination is a largely unexplored area, which may reveal widespread environmental contaminants requiring further investigation. Sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) screening for 23 classes of PFASs, followed by quantitative analysis was used to investigate surface waters from rural, urban, and AFFF-impacted sites in Canada. The PFASs detected included perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide (FTSAm), fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaines (FTABs), fluorotelomer betaines (FTBs), 6:2 fluorotelomer mercaptoalkylamido sulfonate sulfone (FTSAS-SO₂), 6:2 fluorotelomerthiohydroxyl ammonium sulfoxide (FTSHA-SO), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylamine (FTAA) and C3 to C6 perfluoroalkane sulfonamido amphoterics. Detection of FHxSA in all urban and AFFF-impacted sites (0.04-19 ng/L) indicates the widespread presence of rarely considered perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) precursors in Canadian waters. FTABs and FTBs were especially abundant with up to 16-33 ng/L of 6:2 FTAB in urban and AFFF-impacted water suggesting it may have additional applications, while FTBs were only in AFFF-impacted sites (qualitative; ∑FTBs 80 ng/L). The distributions of PFASs moving downstream along the AFFF-impacted Welland River and between water and sediment suggested differences in the persistence of various AFFF components and enhanced sorption of long-chain fluorotelomer betaines. Total organofluorine combustion-ion chromatography (TOF-CIC) revealed that fluorotelomer betaines were a substantial portion of the organofluorine in some waters and 36-99.7% of the total organofluorine was not measured in the targeted analysis.

Perfluoroalkyl acids in surface sediments of the East China Sea

The occurrence of 17 target PFAA analytes was determined in surface sediments (n = 37) of the East China Sea and potential influencing factors were examined. ΣPFAAs ranged from 0.41 ng/g dw to 3.06 ng/g dw, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as the most abundant perfluorocarboxylic acid and perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, respectively. PFAAs in the sediments were strongly influenced by terrigenous input. Analysis of the relationship between dynamic influence factors and PFAA concentrations showed that the characteristics of PFAA distribution were rather complex. ΣPFAA concentrations and TOC were positively correlated (p < 0.0001). Circumfluence also influenced the whole PFAA distribution and seasonal variation. In addition, correlation analysis suggested that log K_oc values increased with increasing perfluoroalkyl chain length. Given the rapid economic development of eastern coastal cities of China, the environmental hazards of land source pollution cannot be ignored.

Sorption of Fluorotelomer Sulfonates, Fluorotelomer Sulfonamido Betaines, and a Fluorotelomer Sulfonamido Amine in National Foam Aqueous Film-Forming Foam to Soil

During fire-fighter training, equipment testing, and emergency responses with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), milligrams per liter concentrations of anionic, zwitterionic, and cationic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) enter the environment. Because the behavior of zwitterionic and cationic PFASs in the subsurface is unknown, batch sorption experiments were conducted using National Foam AFFF, which contains anionic fluorotelomer sulfonates (FtSs), zwitterionic fluorotelomer sulfonamido betaines (FtSaBs), and cationic 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamido amine (FtSaAm). Sorption of the FtSs, FtSaBs, and 6:2 FtSaAm to six soils with varying organic carbon, effective cation-exchange capacity, and anion-exchange capacity was evaluated to determine sorption mechanisms. Due to the poor recovery of the FtSaBs and 6:2 FtSaAm with published PFAS soil extraction methods, a new soil extraction method was developed to achieve good (90-100%) recoveries. The 6:2 FtSaAm was depleted from the aqueous phase in all but one soil, which is attributed to electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Sorption of the FtSs was driven by hydrophobic interactions, while the FtSaBs behave more like cations that strongly associate with the solid phase relative to groundwater. Thus, the sorption mechanisms of the FtSs, FtSaBs, and 6:2 FtSaAm are more complex than expected and cannot be predicted by bulk soil properties.

Analysis of individual and total microcystins in surface water by on-line preconcentration and desalting coupled to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A fast and high-throughput method is proposed for the determination of total microcystins (ΣMC) in environmental surface waters. After a 1-h Lemieux-von Rudloff oxidation step to yield the 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB) moiety, samples were quenched, filtered, and directly analyzed. This was achieved via solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled on-line to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometry. The choice of on-line SPE settings was conducted using experimental designs. Given the matrix complexity of oxidation extracts, the on-line desalting step was found to be a critical parameter to ensure suitable method robustness. The on-line sample loading volume was 5mL, and the wash volume applied for on-line desalting was 3mL. Instrumental analysis was performed in just 8min. The method limit of quantification was 0.5ngL^-1 ΣMC (i.e. 2000 times lower than the current World Health Organization - WHO drinking water guideline). Excellent determination coefficients were observed for matrix-free and matrix-based calibration curves alike, and the linearity range tested spanned∼4 orders of magnitude. Accuracy and intermediate precision did not depend on the spike level and proved satisfactory (in the range of 93-110% and 3-6%, respectively). A thorough assessment of instrumental matrix effects was conducted by comparing standard additions curves in several lake and river oxidation extracts with the matrix-free reference. Regardless of the internal standard used (4-PB or D3-MMPB), instrumental matrix effects were efficiently compensated. The matrix effect that may occur at the earlier sample preparation stage was evaluated separately. While the oxidation step was generally not complete (yield ∼65%), the conversion rates of MCs into MMPB remained within a consistent range of values regardless of matrix type. No significant back-pressure was observed upon consecutive injections of oxidation-based samples, while the instrumental sensitivity remained unaffected. The herein described method could therefore be eligible for future large-scale monitoring surveys. The method was applied to a selection of surface water samples (n=30) collected across the province of Québec, Canada, and the results were compared to those achieved by an individual variant analysis of 8 MC congeners and a commercial ELISA kit.

Novel Fluoroalkylated Surfactants in Soils Following Firefighting Foam Deployment During the Lac-Mégantic Railway Accident

The derailment of an unmanned train carrying crude oil and subsequent fire in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, led to the use of 33 000 L of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) concentrate. While it is known that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contained in AFFFs pose a potential environmental and health risk, critical knowledge gaps remain as regards to their environmental fate after release. The accident in Lac-Mégantic provided valuable information regarding the identity and concentration of PFASs present in the soil after the AFFF deployment, as well as their possible transformation over time. The current study analyzed four sets of samples from Lac-Mégantic: soil collected days after the accident from a heavily impacted area, soil sampled two years later from the treatment biopiles, soil collected two years after the accident from downtown Lac-Mégantic, and nonimpacted soil from a nearby area. A total of 33 PFASs were quantified in the soils. The highest observed concentrations correspond to those of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine, 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates, and short chain perfluorocarboxylic acids. The soils collected in Lac-Mégantic two years after the accident show a total PFAS concentration that is ∼50 times lower than soils collected in 2013, while the proportion of perfluoroalkyl acids in those samples shows an increase. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence in soil of 55 additional PFASs that had been previously identified in AFFF formulations. The present study highlights the need to perform detailed analysis of AFFF impacted sites, instead of focusing solely on perfluoroalkyl acids.