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Li Y, Zhao X, Li X, Zhang Y, Niu Z. The investigation of the enrichment behavior of identified PFAS and unknown PFAA-precursors in water and suspended particulate matter of the surface microlayer: A case study in Tianjin (China). WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121944. [PMID: 38909422 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121944] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The surface microlayer (SML) is an important air water interface layer, known as the skin of the ocean, which has chemical enrichment properties. Chemical enrichment in the SML can affect the occurrence of pollutants in the underlying water and air samples. Although the enrichment of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), a class of persistent organic pollutants of high concern, has been reported in the SML, information on the behavior of unknown PFAA-precursors in SML is lacked, and it is not clear whether there is a similar PFAS enrichment in suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the SML. Therefore, to investigate these questions, we conducted a systematic survey of 24 PFAS in 11 paired water and SPM samples from the SML and underlying water (U50cm and U2m) from the Duliujian River, which flows to the Bohai sea in Tianjin, China. The ∑PFAS mean concentrations in the water and SPM samples were 38.2 ng/L and 64.6 ng/g dw, respectively. The PFAS concentrations of PFAS in the SML were higher than those in the underlying water, and the enrichment factors (EFs) were greater in the SPM than that in the water. The long-chain PFAS EFs were greater than those for short-chain PFAS, indicating that the EFs were positively correlated with the hydrophobicity. Moreover, by applying the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay, the unknown PFAA-precursors (C5-C12) in the water and SPM contributed 11.4∼86.4 mol% and 7.1∼88.0 mol% to total PFAS, respectively. The ecological risk of the targeted PFAS in the SML was relatively higher than that in the underlying water, indicating that PFAS in the SML require more attention. Preliminary estimates indicate that the PFAS-enriched SML is an important exposure route that poses a potential risk to wildlife in rivers and oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xinhai Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; International Joint Institute of Tianjin University, Fuzhou 350205, China
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2
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VanDerwerker TJ, Knappe DRU, Genereux DP. Adapting to PFAS contamination of private drinking water wells near a PFAS production facility in the US Atlantic Coastal Plain of North Carolina. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11091. [PMID: 39072849 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread groundwater contaminants and are present in over 7000 drinking water wells near a North Carolina (NC) PFAS plant (Chemours). To understand options available to affected residents, we used new and previously existing water quality data to investigate deeper aquifers as alternate drinking water supplies and compared the regulatory responses near Chemours and three other PFAS production facilities with nearby contaminated wells. Data from >100 wells show that GenX concentrations decrease with increasing depth through the four aquifers in the study area: surficial, Black Creek, Upper Cape Fear, and bedrock. This illustrates the extent of vertical PFAS penetration through the aquifer sequence following roughly 40 years of atmospheric emissions. Detailed data on 143 water quality parameters in nine deep wells (two Upper Cape Fear, seven bedrock) revealed only eight exceedances of drinking water standards (one each for arsenic, perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], iron, chloride, and gross alpha, and three for manganese) and nine exceedances of health advisories (all for sodium). Regulatory responses to PFAS contamination of wells in four states included mention of deeper wells as an alternate water source only for nonresidential users in NC and residential users in Vermont. The bedrock aquifer is currently used by some residents and may be a viable alternative to shallower groundwater, though arsenic treatment may be beneficial at some deep wells and long-term sustainability of the aquifer should be evaluated. PRACTITIONER POINTS: GenX concentrations decreased with increasing depth in four aquifers near a PFAS plant. A few exceedances of drinking water standards and health advisories were found in deep bedrock wells. New bedrock wells could be part of the response to PFAS issues in shallower wells. In the long term, deep bedrock wells might be a less expensive option for some residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J VanDerwerker
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, 5135 Jordan Hall, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - David P Genereux
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, 5135 Jordan Hall, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Rasmusson K, Fagerlund F. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants in groundwater resources - A comprehensive review of subsurface transport processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142663. [PMID: 38908440 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants in the environment. An increased awareness of adverse health effects related to PFAS has further led to stricter regulations for several of these substances in e.g. drinking water in many countries. Groundwater constitutes an important source of raw water for drinking water production. A thorough understanding of PFAS subsurface fate and transport mechanisms leading to contamination of groundwater resources is therefore essential for management of raw water resources. A review of scientific literature on the subject of processes affecting subsurface PFAS fate and transport was carried out. This article compiles the current knowledge of such processes, mainly focusing on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), in soil- and groundwater systems. Further, a compilation of data on transport parameters such as solubility and distribution coefficients, as well as, insight gained and conclusions drawn from the reviewed material are presented. As the use of certain fire-fighting foams has been identified as the major source of groundwater contamination in many countries, research related to this type of pollution source has been given extra focus. Uptake of PFAS in biota is outside the scope of this review. The review showed a large spread in the magnitude of distribution coefficients and solubility for individual PFAS. Also, it is clear that the influence of multiple factors makes site-specific evaluation of distribution coefficients valuable. This article aims at giving the reader a comprehensive overview of the subject, and providing a base for further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Rasmusson
- Uppsala Water and Waste AB, Virdings allé 32B, SE-75450, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fritjof Fagerlund
- Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences, Villavägen 16, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Liang Z, Lu Y, Cao Z, Huang X, Lei H, Li J, Wu Z, An X, Wang P. Co-emissions of fluoride ion, fluorinated greenhouse gases, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from different fluorochemical production processes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124609. [PMID: 39074690 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Fluorochemical industry is an emerging industry leading to environmental emissions of fluoride ion, fluorinated greenhouse gases (GHGs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) globally. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFCs) are the primary causes of ozone layer depletion, and together with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), they contribute to global climate warming. PFAS are emerging persistent organic pollutants, comprising thousands of materials including perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs), and fluoropolymers.As the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Stockholm Convention makes progress, fluorochemical industry is searching for alternatives like HFCs, perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) and etc. Even though studies on chemical processes and environmental influences of the fluorochemical industry are plentiful, research on emissions of fluorine chemicals from different fluorochemical industry is still scarce. In this study, we conducted on-site sampling to analyze the distribution of fluorine chemicals in the surrounding environment of the fluorochemical industrial sites. The sampling sites represent different stages of fluorochemical industry production, including fluorite mining, synthesis of fluorochemical raw materials like fluorocarbons, and fine fluorine product processing which is mostly PFAS. Results show that at the fluorite mining stage, concurrent emissions of fluoride ion and CFC-12 contribute to the primary environmental issue. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and some short-chain PFASs like perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) are the main pollutants from fluocarbons production, accompanied by emissions of fluorinated GHGs such as HFC-32, and HCFC-22. At the fine fluorine product synthesis stage where produces fluoropolymers, perfluoropolyethers and fluorinated surfactants, PFAS especially for emerging alternatives PFECAs like hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPODA) and Perfluoro-4-oxapentanoic acid (PF4OPeA), as well as fluorinated GHGs like HFC-23 and HFC-227ea, require increasing attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Liang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Zhiwei Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xinyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Haojie Lei
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jialong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xupeng An
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and International Institute for Sustainability Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
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5
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Guelfo JL, Ferguson PL, Beck J, Chernick M, Doria-Manzur A, Faught PW, Flug T, Gray EP, Jayasundara N, Knappe DRU, Joyce AS, Meng P, Shojaei M. Lithium-ion battery components are at the nexus of sustainable energy and environmental release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5548. [PMID: 38977667 PMCID: PMC11231300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are used globally as a key component of clean and sustainable energy infrastructure, and emerging LiB technologies have incorporated a class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known as bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs). PFAS are recognized internationally as recalcitrant contaminants, a subset of which are known to be mobile and toxic, but little is known about environmental impacts of bis-FASIs released during LiB manufacture, use, and disposal. Here we demonstrate that environmental concentrations proximal to manufacturers, ecotoxicity, and treatability of bis-FASIs are comparable to PFAS such as perfluorooctanoic acid that are now prohibited and highly regulated worldwide, and we confirm the clean energy sector as an unrecognized and potentially growing source of international PFAS release. Results underscore that environmental impacts of clean energy infrastructure merit scrutiny to ensure that reduced CO2 emissions are not achieved at the expense of increasing global releases of persistent organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | - Melissa Chernick
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alonso Doria-Manzur
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Patrick W Faught
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Evan P Gray
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Abigail S Joyce
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Pingping Meng
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Marzieh Shojaei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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6
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Qie M, Jia X, Li X, Li Y, Wu X, Shi Y, Cai Y. Spatial distribution, source, and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the surrounding environment of closed and converted fluorochemical factories in Fujian, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172766. [PMID: 38670387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Following the closure of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) production to comply with the Stockholm Convention regulations or restrictions, manufacturers have shifted to developing short-chain alternatives like perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of this transition on the surrounding environment. This study focused on the spatial distribution, source, and fate of 18 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the surrounding environment of the closure and transformation of two PFAS manufacturing plants in Fujian, China. The total concentrations of PFAS in surface water, sediment, and fish were within the range of 48.9-72,400 ng/L, 0.930-57.6 ng/g dw, and 3.33-1245 ng/g dw, respectively. The predominant compounds were PFBS, PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) among the three matrices. Principal component analysis highlighted significant differences in PFAS profiles across different regions of the Futun River, suggesting diverse sources of PFAS. Source apportionment indicated that despite being closed or converted for almost three years, the two factories still significantly impacted the surrounding environment. The shutdown factory mainly released PFAS characterized by perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids. In contrast, the PFAS were released from conversion plant with the fingerprint being PFBS and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids. The conversion of the factories has resulted in the coexistence of long-chain and short-chain PFAS, which has complicated the composition of PFAS in the environment. As sewage treatment plant could not effectively remove PFBS and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) in wastewater, and due to their strong migration ability, these chemicals had a wider impact range, increasing the difficulty of environmental restoration and management. Risk assessment showed that PFAS downstream of the two factories posed high or moderate ecological risks. Specifically, PFBS, PFOS, and PFOA displayed the highest risk quotients and should be paid further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Qie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Technology of Zhejiang Province and Environmental Science Research & Design Institute of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310007, China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Technology of Zhejiang Province and Environmental Science Research & Design Institute of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310007, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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7
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Yan M, Gao Z, Xiang X, Wang Q, Song X, Wu Y, Löffler FE, Zeng J, Lin X. Defluorination of monofluorinated alkane by Rhodococcus sp. NJF-7 isolated from soil. AMB Express 2024; 14:65. [PMID: 38842638 PMCID: PMC11156826 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-024-01729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial degradation of fluorinated compounds raised significant attention because of their widespread distribution and potential environmental impacts. Here, we report a bacterial isolate, Rhodococcus sp. NJF-7 capable of defluorinating monofluorinated medium-chain length alkanes. This isolate consumed 2.29 ± 0.13 mmol L- 1 of 1-fluorodecane (FD) during a 52 h incubation period, resulting in a significant release of inorganic fluoride amounting to 2.16 ± 0.03 mmol L- 1. The defluorination process was strongly affected by the initial FD concentration and pH conditions, with lower pH increasing fluoride toxicity to bacterial cells and inhibiting enzymatic defluorination activity. Stoichiometric conversion of FD to fluoride was observed at neutral pH with resting cells, while defluorination was significantly lower at reduced pH (6.5). The discovery of the metabolites decanoic acid and methyl decanoate suggests that the initial attack by monooxygenases may be responsible for the biological defluorination of FD. The findings here provide new insights into microbial defluorination processes, specifically aiding in understanding the environmental fate of organic semi-fluorinated alkane chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhaozhao Gao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xingjia Xiang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yucheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Frank E Löffler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Jun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing East Road, 71, Nanjing, 210008, China
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8
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Weed RA, Campbell G, Brown L, May K, Sargent D, Sutton E, Burdette K, Rider W, Baker ES, Enders JR. Non-Targeted PFAS Suspect Screening and Quantification of Drinking Water Samples Collected through Community Engaged Research in North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin. TOXICS 2024; 12:403. [PMID: 38922083 PMCID: PMC11209479 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
A community engaged research (CER) approach was used to provide an exposure assessment of poly- and perfluorinated (PFAS) compounds in North Carolina residential drinking water. Working in concert with community partners, who acted as liaisons to local residents, samples were collected by North Carolina residents from three different locations along the Cape Fear River basin: upper, middle, and lower areas of the river. Residents collected either drinking water samples from their homes or recreational water samples from near their residence that were then submitted by the community partners for PFAS analysis. All samples were processed using weak anion exchange (WAX) solid phase extraction and analyzed using a non-targeted suspect screening approach as well as a quantitative approach that included a panel of 45 PFAS analytes, several of which are specific to chemical industries near the collection site locations. The non-targeted approach, which utilized a suspect screening list (obtained from EPA CompTox database) identified several PFAS compounds at a level two confidence rating (Schymanski scale); compounds identified included a fluorinated insecticide, a fluorinated herbicide, a PFAS used in polymer chemistry, and another that is used in battery production. Notably, at several locations, PFOA (39.8 ng/L) and PFOS (205.3 ng/L) were at levels that exceeded the mandatory EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L. Additionally, several sites had detectable levels of PFAS that are unique to a local chemical manufacturer. These findings were communicated back to the community partners who then disseminated this information to the local residents to help empower and aid in making decisions for reducing their PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Weed
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Grace Campbell
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Lacey Brown
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Katlyn May
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Dana Sargent
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA; (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Kemp Burdette
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA; (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Wayne Rider
- Sustainable Sandhills, Fayetteville, NC 28303, USA;
| | - Erin S. Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Jeffrey R. Enders
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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9
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Xia C, Capozzi SL, Romanak KA, Lehman DC, Dove A, Richardson V, Greenberg T, McGoldrick D, Venier M. The Ins and Outs of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Great Lakes: The Role of Atmospheric Deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9303-9313. [PMID: 38752648 PMCID: PMC11137863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
As part of the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network, precipitation (n = 207) and air (n = 60) from five sites and water samples (n = 87) from all five Great Lakes were collected in 2021-2023 and analyzed for 41 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These measurements were combined with other available data to estimate the mass budget for four representative compounds, PFBA, PFBS, PFOS, and PFOA for the basin. The median Σ41PFAS concentrations in precipitation across the five sites ranged between 2.4 and 4.5 ng/L. The median Σ41PFAS concentration in lake water was highest in Lake Ontario (11 ng/L) and lowest in Lake Superior (1.3 ng/L). The median Σ41PFAS concentration in air samples was highest in Cleveland at 410 pg/m3 and lowest at Sleeping Bear Dunes at 146 pg/m3. The net mass transfer flows were generally negative for Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron and positive for Lakes Erie and Ontario, indicating that the three most northern lakes are accumulating PFAS and the other two are eliminating PFAS. Atmospheric deposition is an important source of PFAS, particularly for Lake Superior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Xia
- O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Staci L. Capozzi
- O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Kevin A. Romanak
- O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Daniel C. Lehman
- O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Alice Dove
- Water
Quality Monitoring and Surveillance, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Violeta Richardson
- Water
Quality Monitoring and Surveillance, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Tracie Greenberg
- Water
Quality Monitoring and Surveillance, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Daryl McGoldrick
- Water
Quality Monitoring and Surveillance, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Marta Venier
- O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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10
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Yu Y, Wang Z, Yao B, Zhou Y. Occurrence, bioaccumulation, fate, and risk assessment of emerging pollutants in aquatic environments: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171388. [PMID: 38432380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Significant concerns on a global scale have been raised in response to the potential adverse impacts of emerging pollutants (EPs) on aquatic creatures. We have carefully reviewed relevant research over the past 10 years. The study focuses on five typical EPs: pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and microplastics (MPs). The presence of EPs in the global aquatic environment is source-dependent, with wastewater treatment plants being the main source of EPs. Multiple studies have consistently shown that the final destination of most EPs in the water environment is sludge and sediment. Simultaneously, a number of EPs, such as PFASs, MPs, and BFRs, have long-term environmental transport potential. Some EPs exhibit notable tendencies towards bioaccumulation and biomagnification, while others pose challenges in terms of their degradation within both biological and abiotic treatment processes. The results showed that, in most cases, the ecological risk of EPs in aquatic environments was low, possibly due to potential dilution and degradation. Future research topics should include adding EPs detection items for the aquatic environment, combining pollution, and updating prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuange Yu
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bin Yao
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yaoyu Zhou
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
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11
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Feng S, Lu X, Ouyang K, Su G, Li Q, Shi B, Meng J. Environmental occurrence, bioaccumulation and human risks of emerging fluoroalkylether substances: Insight into security of alternatives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171151. [PMID: 38395160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171151] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used due to their unique structure and excellent performance, while also posing threats on ecosystem, especially long-chain perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). As the control of conventional PFASs, fluoroalkylether substances (ether-PFASs) as alternatives are constantly emerging. Subsequently, the three representative ether-PFASs, chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (F-53B), hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA), and 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoicacid (ADONA) are discovered and have received more attention in the environment and ecosystem. But their security is now also being challenged. This review systematically assesses their security from six dimensions including environmental occurrence in water, soil and atmosphere, as well as bioaccumulation and risk in plants, animals and humans. High substitution level is observed for F-53B, whether in environment or living things. Like PFOS or even more extreme, F-53B exhibits high biomagnification ability, transmission efficiency from maternal to infant, and various biological toxicity effects. HFPO-DA still has a relatively low substitution level for PFOA, but its use has emerged in Europe. Although it is less detected in human bodies and has a higher metabolic rate than PFOA, the strong migration ability of HFPO-DA in plants may pose dietary safety concerns for humans. Research on ADONA is limited, and currently, it is detected in Germany frequently while remaining at trace levels globally. Evidently, F-53B has shown increasing risk both in occurrence and toxicity compared to PFOS, and HFPO-DA is relatively safe based on available data. There are still knowledge gaps on security of alternatives that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Feng
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects Research, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaofei Lu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
| | - Kaige Ouyang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects Research, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guijin Su
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects Research, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects Research, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects Research, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects Research, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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12
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Chen Y, Zhang H, Liu Y, Bowden JA, Townsend TG, Solo-Gabriele HM. Evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released from two Florida landfills based on mass balance analyses. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 175:348-359. [PMID: 38252979 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found at high levels within landfill environments. To assess PFAS distributions, this study aimed to evaluate PFAS mass flux leached from disposed solid waste and within landfill reservoirs by mass balance analyses for two full-scale operational Florida landfills. PFAS mass flux in different aqueous components within landfills were estimated based on PFAS concentrations and water flow rates. For PFAS concentration, 26 PFAS, including 18 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and 8 PFAA-precursors, were measured in samples collected from the landfills or estimated based on previous studies. Flow rates of aqueous components (rainfall, evapotranspiration, runoff, stormwater, groundwater, leakage, gas condensate, and leachate) were evaluated through the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance model, water balance, and Darcy's Law. Results showed that the average PFAS mass flux leached from the solid waste standardized by area was estimated as 36.8 g/ha-yr, which was approximately 1 % to 3 % of the total amount of PFAS within the solid waste. The majority of PFAS leached from the solid waste (95 % to 97 %) is captured by the leachate collection system, with other aqueous components representing much smaller fractions (stormwater system at 3 % to 5 %, and gas condensate and groundwater at < 1 %). Also, based on the results, we estimate that PFAS releases will likely occur at least over 40 years. Overall, these results can help prioritize components for waste management and PFAS treatment during the anticipated landfill release periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Chen
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Hekai Zhang
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
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13
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Ayodele A, Obeng-Gyasi E. Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:983. [PMID: 38473344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderonke Ayodele
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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14
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Cheng L, Knappe DRU. Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances by anion exchange resins: Scale-up of rapid small-scale column test data. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120956. [PMID: 38103444 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120956] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Anion exchange (IX) is a readily implementable water treatment method that can effectively remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The overarching objective of this research was to predict PFAS removal in full- or pilot-scale packed-bed IX resin contactors from rapid small-scale column test (RSSCT) data. Specific objectives were to (1) assess the effects of IX resin crushing on total anion exchange capacity and packed bed density, (2) determine the effects of initial PFAS concentration on PFAS uptake capacity, (3) determine the rate-limiting step controlling PFAS uptake kinetics, (4) determine the effects of hydraulic loading rate on PFAS uptake capacity, and (5) link constant diffusivity RSSCT data to pilot test data to develop a scale-up protocol. Experiments were conducted with two single-use IX resins and three water matrices, including coagulated surface water and groundwater. Crushing IX resin did not substantially change the bed density and total anion exchange capacity, but the morphology of particles changed from almost perfectly spherical to irregularly shaped. PFAS uptake capacity was independent of influent PFAS concentrations in the 30-300 ng/L range. This finding facilitated the development of an RSSCT scale-up approach because influent PFAS concentrations in RSSCTs and corresponding pilot tests often differ. Biot number values and data from interrupted RSSCTs demonstrated that film diffusion or a combination of film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion controls the rate of PFAS uptake by IX resins. From RSSCTs with identical empty bed contact times but different hydraulic loading rates (vf), PFAS uptake capacity was found to be a function of the square root of the product of Sherwood number and particle shape factor (Sh×ϕ). Using a constant diffusivity RSSCT design with a reduced vf, full- or pilot-scale PFAS breakthrough data can therefore be predicted by multiplying the bed volumes of water treated in the RSSCT by a factor of (Shpilot×ϕpilot)/(ShRSSCT×ϕRSSCT) . This research will support the design of future IX treatment processes in the context of PFAS remediation and drinking water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Cheng
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7908, Raleigh, NC 27695-7908, United States of America
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7908, Raleigh, NC 27695-7908, United States of America.
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15
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Li X, Anderson JSM, Jobst KJ. Bioaccumulative chemicals are either too hard or too soft: Conceptual density functional theory as a screening tool for emerging pollutants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108388. [PMID: 38159370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) descriptors were computed to predict the environmental fate of approximately 6,000 widely used industrial chemicals. CDFT descriptors aligned with a molecule's possible bioaccumulation mechanism, i.e., soft chemicals are lipophilic, whereas hard chemicals may bioaccumulate by other mechanisms such as protein binding. The results have provided us with a new "rule of thumb" to guide risk assessment of chemical hazards: suspected persistent organic pollutants are either too hard (η > 0.40 hartree) or too soft (α > 200 Å3). This offers a novel approach to environmental risk assessment using two fundamental properties of a molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Li
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Ave., St. John's, Canada A1C 5S7
| | - James S M Anderson
- Institute of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico 04510.
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 45 Arctic Ave., St. John's, Canada A1C 5S7.
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16
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Kotlarz N, Guillette T, Critchley C, Collier D, Lea CS, McCord J, Strynar M, Cuffney M, Hopkins ZR, Knappe DRU, Hoppin JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids in well water and blood serum from private well users residing by a fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:97-107. [PMID: 38195989 PMCID: PMC10976930 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina, emitted per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs), a subgroup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to air. OBJECTIVE Analyze PFAS in private wells near the facility and in blood from well users to assess relationships between PFEA levels in water and serum. METHODS In 2019, we recruited private well users into the GenX Exposure Study and collected well water and blood samples. We targeted 26 PFAS (11 PFEAs) in water and 27 PFAS (9 PFEAs) in serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We used regression modeling to explore relationships between water and serum PFAS. For the only PFEA detected frequently in water and serum, Nafion byproduct 2, we used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to assess well water exposure metrics and then adjusted for covariates that may influence Nafion byproduct 2 serum concentrations. RESULTS We enrolled 153 participants ages 6 and older (median = 56 years) using 84 private wells. Most wells (74%) had ≥6 detectable PFEAs; median ∑PFEAs was 842 ng/L (interquartile range = 197-1760 ng/L). Low molecular weight PFEAs (PMPA, HFPO-DA [GenX], PEPA, PFO2HxA) were frequently detected in well water, had the highest median concentrations, but were not detectable in serum. Nafion byproduct 2 was detected in 73% of wells (median = 14 ng/L) and 56% of serum samples (median = 0.2 ng/mL). Cumulative dose (well concentration × duration at address) was positively associated with Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels and explained the most variability (10%). In the adjusted model, cumulative dose was associated with higher Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels while time outside the home was associated with lower levels. IMPACT PFAS are a large class of synthetic, fluorinated chemicals. Fluorochemical facilities are important sources of environmental PFAS contamination globally. The fluorochemical industry is producing derivatives of perfluoroalkyl acids, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs). PFEAs have been detected in various environmental samples but information on PFEA-exposed populations is limited. While serum biomonitoring is often used for PFAS exposure assessment, serum biomarkers were not good measures of long-term exposure to low molecular weight PFEAs in a private well community. Environmental measurements and other approaches besides serum monitoring will be needed to better characterize PFEA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kotlarz
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Theresa Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - David Collier
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, NC, USA
| | - C Suzanne Lea
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, ECU, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - James McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Cuffney
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Zachary R Hopkins
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
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17
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DeNicola M, Lin Z, Quiñones O, Vanderford B, Song M, Westerhoff P, Dickenson E, Hanigan D. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and organofluorine in lakes and waterways of the northwestern Great Basin and Sierra Nevada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166971. [PMID: 37699477 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals that occur ubiquitously in the environment and have been linked to numerous adverse health effects in humans and aquatic organisms. Although numerous environmental monitoring studies have been conducted, only one has evaluated PFAS in surface waters of the northwestern Great Basin, which features unique topography that results in dozens of endorheic basins and terminal lakes with no natural outlet, where PFAS may accumulate. To close this knowledge gap, we evaluated the occurrence of PFAS in grab samples from 15 lakes (headwater and terminal lakes) and 10 rivers in the Great Basin located in Nevada and California of the United States. PFAS and organofluorine were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and combustion ion chromatography, respectively. The highest concentrations of PFAS occurred in samples taken near sites with known or suspected prior aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) application (~20 to 4754 ng/L). Samples near wastewater treatment plants and in urban areas also tended to have PFAS concentrations greater than those measured in remote, less anthropogenically influenced areas (~2 to 15 ng/L, <3 ng/L respectively). In limited snapshot sampling events PFAS appeared to accumulate in terminal lakes to some extent; in-lake concentrations were two to five times greater than those of their inflows. Fluorotelomer sulfonates were present downstream of a known AFFF application area likely to have had fluorotelomer-based foams applied to it, and the concentrations decayed in a predictable manner, suggesting they may be used as an indicator of PFAS transport away from an AFFF source. In all but two samples, organofluorine concentrations were greater than the sum of targeted PFAS (on a F basis) (median of 0.6 % of organofluorine identified via LC-MS/MS), although there was considerable variability in organofluorine measured in replicate samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael DeNicola
- Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America
| | - Zunhui Lin
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Oscar Quiñones
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas, NV 89193-9956, United States of America
| | - Brett Vanderford
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas, NV 89193-9956, United States of America
| | - Mingrui Song
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States of America
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Eric Dickenson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas, NV 89193-9956, United States of America
| | - David Hanigan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States of America.
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18
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Umeh AC, Hassan M, Egbuatu M, Zeng Z, Al Amin M, Samarasinghe C, Naidu R. Multicomponent PFAS sorption and desorption in common commercial adsorbents: Kinetics, isotherm, adsorbent dose, pH, and index ion and ionic strength effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166568. [PMID: 37633378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption and desorption of 9 PFAS, including 3 perfluoroalkyl sulphonic and 6 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, in artificial groundwater was investigated using 3 commercial adsorbents that comprised a powdered activated carbon (PAC), a surface-modified organoclay (NMC+n), and a carbonaceous organic amendment (ROAC). Sorption kinetics and isotherms of PFAS, as well as the effects of adsorbent dose, pH, index ion and ionic strength on PFAS adsorption and desorption were investigated. Sorption of multicomponent PFAS in the adsorbents was rapid, especially for NMC+n and ROAC, regardless of PFAS chain length. The sorption and (and especially) desorption of PFAS in the adsorbents was impacted by the pH, index ion, and ionic strength of simulated groundwater, especially for the short chain PFAS, with only minimal impacts on NMC+n and PAC compared to ROAC. Although the potential mineral and charged constituents of the adsorbents contributed to the adsorption of short chain PFAS through electrostatic interactions, these interactions were susceptible to variable groundwater chemistry. Hydrophobic interactions also played a major role in facilitating and increasing PFAS sorption, especially in adsorbents with aliphatic functional groups. The desorption of PFAS from the adsorbents was below 8 % when the aqueous phase was deionised water, with no measurable desorption for NMC+n. In contrast, the desorption of short chain PFAS in simulated groundwater increased substantially (30-100 %) in the adsorbents, especially in ROAC and NMC+n, but more so with ROAC. In general, the three adsorbents exhibited strong stability for the long chain PFAS, especially the perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids, with minimal to no sorption reversibility under different pH and ionic composition of simulated groundwater. This study highlights the importance of understanding not only the sorption of PFAS in groundwater using adsorbents, but also the desorption of PFAS, which may be useful for decision making during the ex-situ and in-situ treatment of PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C Umeh
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; crcCARE, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Masud Hassan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Maureen Egbuatu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zijun Zeng
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Md Al Amin
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Chamila Samarasinghe
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; crcCARE, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; crcCARE, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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19
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Dong F, Pan Y, Zhang J, Hu J, Luo Y, Tang J, Dai J, Sheng N. Comprehensive Assessment of Exposure Pathways for Perfluoroalkyl Ether Carboxylic Acids (PFECAs) in Residents Near a Fluorochemical Industrial Park: The Unanticipated Role of Cereal Consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19442-19452. [PMID: 37931148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06910] [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: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
With the replacement of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) with perfluorinated ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), residents living near fluorochemical industrial parks (FIPs) are exposed to various novel PFECAs. Despite expectations of low accumulation, short-chain PFECAs, such as perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA), previously displayed a considerably high body burden, although the main exposure routes and health risks remain uncertain. Here, we explored the distribution of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in diverse environmental media surrounding a FIP in Shandong Province, China. PFECAs were found at elevated concentrations in all tested matrices, including vegetables, cereals, air, and dust. Among residents, 99.3% of the ∑36PFAS exposure, with a 43.9% contribution from PFECAs, was due to gastrointestinal uptake. Dermal and respiratory exposures were negligible at 0.1 and 0.6%, respectively. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of PFMOAA reached 114.0 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day, ranking first among all detected PFECAs. Cereals emerged as the dominant contributor to PFMOAA body burden, representing over 80% of the overall EDI. The median EDI of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) was 17.9 ng/kg bw/day, markedly higher than the USEPA reference doses (3.0 ng/kg bw/day). The absence of established threshold values for other PFECAs constrains a comprehensive risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfeng Dong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jianglin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yi Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jianhui Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
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20
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Ruyle BJ, Pickard HM, Schultes L, Fredriksson F, Heffernan AL, Knappe DRU, Lord HL, Meng P, Mills MA, Ndungu K, Roesch P, Rundberget JT, Tettenhorst DR, Van Buren J, Vogel C, Westerman DC, Yeung LWY, Sunderland EM. Interlaboratory Comparison of Extractable Organofluorine Measurements in Groundwater and Eel ( Anguilla rostrata): Recommendations for Methods Standardization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20159-20168. [PMID: 37934924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04560] [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: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) frequently incorporates organofluorine measurements, particularly because they could support a class-based approach to regulation. However, standardized methods for organofluorine analysis in a broad suite of matrices are currently unavailable, including a method for extractable organofluorine (EOF) measured using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). Here, we report the results of an international interlaboratory comparison. Seven laboratories representing academia, government, and the private sector measured paired EOF and PFAS concentrations in groundwater and eel (Anguilla rostrata) from a site contaminated by aqueous film-forming foam. Among all laboratories, targeted PFAS could not explain all EOF in groundwater but accounted for most EOF in eel. EOF results from all laboratories for at least one replicate extract fell within one standard deviation of the interlaboratory mean for groundwater and five out of seven laboratories for eel. PFAS spike mixture recoveries for EOF measurements in groundwater and eel were close to the criterion (±30%) for standardized targeted PFAS methods. Instrumental operation of the CIC such as replicate sample injections was a major source of measurement uncertainty. Blank contamination and incomplete inorganic fluorine removal may introduce additional uncertainties. To elucidate the presence of unknown organofluorine using paired EOF and PFAS measurements, we recommend that analysts carefully consider confounding methodological uncertainties such as differences in precision between measurements, data processing steps such as blank subtraction and replicate analyses, and the relative recoveries of PFAS and other fluorine compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridger J Ruyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Lara Schultes
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Felicia Fredriksson
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 701 82, Sweden
| | - Amy L Heffernan
- Eurofins Environment Testing Australia, Murarrie 2066, Queensland, Australia
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | | | - Pingping Meng
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Marc A Mills
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Kuria Ndungu
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo N-0349, Norway
| | - Philipp Roesch
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin 12205, Germany
| | | | - Daniel R Tettenhorst
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Jean Van Buren
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Christian Vogel
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin 12205, Germany
| | - Danielle C Westerman
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 701 82, Sweden
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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21
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Han BC, Liu JS, Bizimana A, Zhang BX, Kateryna S, Zhao Z, Yu LP, Shen ZZ, Meng XZ. Identifying priority PBT-like compounds from emerging PFAS by nontargeted analysis and machine learning models. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122663. [PMID: 37783416 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
As traditional per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are phased out, emerging PFAS are being developed and widely used. However, little is known about their properties, including persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). Screening for emerging PFAS relies on available chemical inventory databases. Here, we compiled a database of emerging PFAS obtained from nontargeted analysis and assessed their PBT properties using machine learning models, including qualitative graph attention networks, Insubria PBT Index and quantitative EAS-E Suite, VEGA, and ProTox-II platforms. Totally 282 homologues (21.8% of emerging PFAS) were identified as PBT based on the combined qualitative and quantitative prediction, in which 140 homologues were detected in industrial and nonbiological/biological samples, belong to four categories, i.e. modifications of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluoroalkane sulfonamido substances, fluorotelomers and modifications of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids. Approximately 10.1% of prioritized emerging PFAS were matched to chemical vendors and 19.6% to patents. Aqueous film-forming foams and fluorochemical factories are the predominant sources for prioritized emerging PFAS. The database and screening results can update the assessment related to legislative bodies such as the US Toxic Substances Control Act and the Stockholm Convention. The combined qualitative and quantitative machine learning models can provide a methodological tool for prioritizing other emerging organic contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Cang Han
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jin-Song Liu
- College of Advanced Materials Engineering, Jiaxing Nanhu University. 572 South Yuexiu Road, Jiaxing, 314001, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Aaron Bizimana
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bo-Xuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sukhodolska Kateryna
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Li-Ping Yu
- Suzhou Jingtian Lover Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., Suzhou, 215228, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhong-Zeng Shen
- Suzhou Jingtian Lover Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., Suzhou, 215228, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang-Zhou Meng
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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22
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Siegel HG, Nason SL, Warren JL, Prunas O, Deziel NC, Saiers JE. Investigation of Sources of Fluorinated Compounds in Private Water Supplies in an Oil and Gas-Producing Region of Northern West Virginia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17452-17464. [PMID: 37923386 PMCID: PMC10653085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of toxic organic compounds that have been widely used in consumer applications and industrial activities, including oil and gas production. We measured PFAS concentrations in 45 private wells and 8 surface water sources in the oil and gas-producing Doddridge, Marshall, Ritchie, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties of northern West Virginia and investigated relationships between potential PFAS sources and drinking water receptors. All surface water samples and 60% of the water wells sampled contained quantifiable levels of at least one targeted PFAS compound, and four wells (8%) had concentrations above the proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Individual concentrations of PFOA and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid exceeded those measured in finished public water supplies. Total targeted PFAS concentrations ranged from nondetect to 36.8 ng/L, with surface water concentrations averaging 4-fold greater than groundwater. Semiquantitative, nontargeted analysis showed concentrations of emergent PFAS that were potentially higher than targeted PFAS. Results from a multivariate latent variable hierarchical Bayesian model were combined with insights from analyses of groundwater chemistry, topographic characteristics, and proximity to potential PFAS point sources to elucidate predictors of PFAS concentrations in private wells. Model results reveal (i) an increased vulnerability to contamination in upland recharge zones, (ii) geochemical controls on PFAS transport likely driven by adsorption, and (iii) possible influence from nearby point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen G. Siegel
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Sara L. Nason
- Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New
Haven, Connecticut 06504, United States
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Ottavia Prunas
- Swiss
Tropical and Public Health Institute, 2 Kreuzstrasse, Allschwill, Basel 4123, Switzerland
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - James E. Saiers
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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23
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Pan Y, Helbling DE. Revealing the factors resulting in incomplete recovery of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) when implementing the adsorbable and extractable organic fluorine methods. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120497. [PMID: 37619306 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmental contaminants of concern. Techniques that quantify total organic fluorine (TOF) such as the adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) and extractable organic fluorine (EOF) methods are important for PFAS risk assessments. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate each step of the AOF (loading, washing, combustion) and EOF (loading, washing, elution, combustion) methods for the recovery of ten ultrashort-, short-, and long-chain unsubstituted perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). We measured the overall recovery of fluoride for each method for each PFAA, and the recovery of each PFAA around the loading, washing, and elution steps. We also measured the combustion efficiency of each PFAA by direct combustion. The overall AOF and EOF recovery ranged from 9.3%-103.3% to 21.0%-108.1%, respectively, with higher recoveries measured for PFAAs with increasing chain length in both methods. The three ultrashort-chain PFAAs (trifluoroacetic acid, perfluoropropionic acid, and perfluoropropanesulfonic acid) exhibited the lowest overall recoveries from 9.3-25.2% for AOF and 21.0-51.5% for EOF. We found that decreases in the overall recovery are the result of losses of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAAs during the washing step and the incomplete mineralization of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids during combustion for AOF and incomplete elution of short- and long-chain PFAAs and the loss of ultrashort-chain PFAAs during the washing step for EOF. Our data suggest that the EOF method is more appropriate than the AOF method for measuring TOF in samples containing ultrashort- and short-chain PFAAs and that methodological improvements are possible with a focus on the washing, elution, and combustion steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Pan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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24
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Zhang C, Xu Y, Liu W, Zhou H, Zhang N, Fang Z, Gao J, Sun X, Feng D, Sun X. New insights into the degradation mechanism and risk assessment of HFPO-DA by advanced oxidation processes based on activated persulfate in aqueous solutions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115298. [PMID: 37499385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is widely used as a substitute for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). HFPO-DA exhibits high water solubility and low adsorption potential, conferring significant fluidity in aquatic environments. Given that the toxicity of HFPO-DA is similar to PFOA, it is necessary to control its content in aquatic environments. Electrochemical and thermally-activated persulfates have been successfully used to degrade HFPO-DA, but UV-activated persulfates cannot degrade the compound. Given that research on degradation mechanisms is still incomplete and lacks kinetic research, the mechanism and kinetic calculations of oxidative degradation were studied in detail using DFT calculations. And the toxicity of HFPO-DA degradation intermediates and products was evaluated to reveal the feasibility of using advanced oxidation process (AOP) technology based on persulfate to degrade HFPO-DA in wastewater. The results showed that the committed step of HFPO-DA degradation was initiated by the electron transfer reaction of SO4•- radicals. This reaction is not spontaneous at room temperature and requires sufficient electrical or thermal energy to be absorbed from the external environment. The perfluoroalcohol produced during this reaction can subsequently undergo four possible reactions: H atom abstraction from alcohol groups by an OH radical; H atom abstraction by SO4•-; direct HF removal; and HF removal with water as the catalyst. The final degradation products of HFPO-DA mainly include CO2, CF3CF2COOH, CF3COOH, FCOOH and HF, which has been identified through previous experimental analysis. Ecotoxicity assessment indicates that degradation does not produce highly toxic intermediates, and that the final products are non-toxic, supporting the feasibility of persulfate-based AOP technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China; Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Youxin Xu
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China; Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Wenyan Liu
- School of agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Zhihao Fang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Junping Gao
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Xiaoan Sun
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Di Feng
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China.
| | - Xiaomin Sun
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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25
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Carpenter AP, Golbek TW. "Nonlinear" pursuit of understanding pollutant accumulation and chemistry at environmental and biological interfaces. Biointerphases 2023; 18:058501. [PMID: 37728303 DOI: 10.1116/6.0003059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the public recognition of the prevalence of certain classes of pollutants, such as perfluoroalkyl substances and nanoplastics, within the environment, has sparked growing concerns over their potential impact on environmental and human health. Within both environmental and biological systems, the adsorption and structural organization of pollutants at aqueous interfaces can greatly impact the chemical reactivity and transformation. Experimentally probing chemical behavior at interfaces can often pose a problem due to bulk solvated molecules convoluting molecular signatures from interfacial molecules. To solve this problem, there exist interface-specific nonlinear spectroscopy techniques that can directly probe both macroscopic planar interfaces and nanoplastic interfaces in aqueous environments. These techniques can provide essential information such as chemical adsorption, structure, and reactivity at interfaces. In this perspective, these techniques are presented with obvious advantages for studying the chemical properties of pollutants adsorbed to environmental and biological interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Carpenter
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
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26
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Carpenter AP, White JN, Hasbrook A, Reierson M, Baio JE. Comparative Thermodynamic and Structural Analysis of Polyfluorinated Dodecylphosphonic Acid Adsorption to Distilled and River Water Interfaces. J Phys Chem A 2023. [PMID: 37450685 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
As concerns rise about the health risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment, there is a need to understand how these pollutants accumulate at environmental interfaces. Untangling the details of molecular adsorption, particularly when there are potential interactions with other molecules in environmental systems, can obscure the ability to focus on a particular contaminant with molecular specificity. Often adsorption studies of environmental interfaces require a reductionist approach, where laboratory experiments may not be fully tractable to environmental systems. In this work, we study polyfluorinated dodecylphosphonic acid (F21-DDPA) at the aqueous surfaces of distilled water (the most reduced "environmental" surface) and river water to explore the use of vibrational sum-frequency (VSF) spectroscopy as an experimental probe of fluorinated contaminants at natural environmental surfaces. We demonstrate how VSF spectroscopy offers advantages over nonspecific surface tension measurements when measuring PFAS adsorption isotherms at river water surfaces. VSF spectra of the C-F stretching region selectively probe the presence of F21-DDPA and can be used to extract meaningful structural insights and calculate surface concentrations, even at the complex river water surface. This study highlights the potential for VSF spectroscopy to be developed as a probe of fluorinated contaminants at natural environmental interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Carpenter
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Jade N White
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Annemarie Hasbrook
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Makenna Reierson
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Joe E Baio
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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27
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Rock KD, Polera ME, Guillette TC, Starnes HM, Dean K, Watters M, Stevens-Stewart D, Belcher SM. Domestic Dogs and Horses as Sentinels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Associated Health Biomarkers in Gray's Creek North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:9567-9579. [PMID: 37340551 PMCID: PMC10802174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Central North Carolina (NC) is highly contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in part due to local fluorochemical production. Little is known about the exposure profiles and long-term health impacts for humans and animals that live in nearby communities. In this study, serum PFAS concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and diagnostic clinical chemistry endpoints were assessed for 31 dogs and 32 horses that reside in Gray's Creek NC at households with documented PFAS contamination in their drinking water. PFAS were detected in every sample, with 12 of the 20 PFAS detected in ≥50% of samples from each species. The average total PFAS concentrations in horses were lower compared to dogs who had higher concentrations of PFOS (dogs 2.9 ng/mL; horses 1.8 ng/mL), PFHxS (dogs 1.43 ng/mL, horses < LOD), and PFOA (dogs 0.37 ng/mL; horses 0.10 ng/mL). Regression analysis highlighted alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and globulin proteins in dogs and gamma glutamyl transferase in horses as potential biomarkers associated with PFAS exposure. Overall, the results of this study support the utility of companion animal and livestock species as sentinels of PFAS exposure differences inside and outside of the home. As in humans, renal and hepatic health in domestic animals may be sensitive to long-term PFAS exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie D Rock
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Madison E Polera
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Theresa C Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hannah M Starnes
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kentley Dean
- Southern Oaks Animal Hospital, Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Mike Watters
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Debra Stevens-Stewart
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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28
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Mojiri A, Zhou JL, Ozaki N, KarimiDermani B, Razmi E, Kasmuri N. Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic environments and their removal by advanced oxidation processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138666. [PMID: 37068615 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), one of the main categories of emerging contaminants, are a family of fluorinated organic compounds of anthropogenic origin. PFAS can endanger the environment and human health because of their wide application in industries, long-term persistence, unique properties, and bioaccumulation potential. This study sought to explain the accumulation of different PFAS in water bodies. In aquatic environments, PFAS concentrations range extensively from <0.03 (groundwater; Melbourne, Australia) to 51,000 ng/L (Groundwater, Sweden). Additionally, bioaccumulation of PFAS in fish and water biota has been stated to range from 0.2 (Burbot, Lake Vättern, Sweden) to 13,900 ng/g (Bluegill samples, U.S.). Recently, studies have focused on PFAS removal from aqueous solutions; one promising technique is advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), including microwaves, ultrasound, ozonation, photocatalysis, UV, electrochemical oxidation, the Fenton process, and hydrogen peroxide-based and sulfate radical-based systems. The removal efficiency of PFAS ranges from 3% (for MW) to 100% for UV/sulfate radical as a hybrid reactor. Therefore, a hybrid reactor can be used to efficiently degrade and remove PFAS. Developing novel, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable AOPs for PFAS degradation in water treatment systems is a critical area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mojiri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, 739-8527, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - John L Zhou
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Noriatsu Ozaki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, 739-8527, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Bahareh KarimiDermani
- Department of Geological Sciences, Hydrogeology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Elham Razmi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Norhafezah Kasmuri
- School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, 40450, Selangor, Malaysia
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29
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Ehsan MN, Riza M, Pervez MN, Khyum MMO, Liang Y, Naddeo V. Environmental and health impacts of PFAS: Sources, distribution and sustainable management in North Carolina (USA). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163123. [PMID: 37001657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of manufactured chemicals that have recently attracted a great deal of attention from environmental regulators and the general public because of their high prevalence, resistance to degradation, and potential toxicity. This review summarizes the current state of PFAS and its effects on the environment of North Carolina, USA. Specific emphasis has been placed to identify i) the sources of PFAS in North Carolina ii) distribution of PFAS in different environmental segments of North Carolina, including surface water, groundwater, air, and sediment iii) drinking water contamination iv) impact of PFAS on human health v) PFAS accumulation in fish and other biota vi) status of PFAS removal from drinking water and finally vi) socioeconomic impact of PFAS uncertainties. Continuous discharges of PFAS occur in the North Carolina environment from direct and indirect sources, including manufacturing sites, firefighting foam, waste disposal and treatment plants, landfill leachate, and industrial emissions. PFAS are widespread in many environmental segments of North Carolina. They are more likely to be detected in surface and groundwater sediments and can enter aquatic bodies through direct discharge and wet and dry deposition of emissions. Eventually, some adverse effects of PFAS have already been reported in North Carolina residents who could have been exposed to the chemicals through contaminated drinking water. Furthermore, PFAS were also found in blood samples from fish and alligators. PFAS were confirmed to be present in water, sediment, organic compounds, and aquatic species at all levels of the food web. However, there is still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the actual contamination by PFAS in North Carolina comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mumtahina Riza
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617, USA.
| | - Md Nahid Pervez
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, 66 University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy; Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | | | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Vincenzo Naddeo
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, 66 University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
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30
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Ojha S, Thompson PT, Powell CD, Moseley HNB, Pennell KG. Identifying and sharing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances hot-spot areas and exposures in drinking water. Sci Data 2023; 10:388. [PMID: 37328532 PMCID: PMC10275912 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water is widely recognized as a public health concern. Decision-makers who are responsible for managing PFAS drinking water risks lack the tools to acquire the information they need. In response to this need, we provide a detailed description of a Kentucky dataset that allows decision-makers to visualize potential hot-spot areas and evaluate drinking water systems that may be susceptible to PFAS contamination. The dataset includes information extracted from publicly available sources to create five different maps in ArcGIS Online and highlights potential sources of PFAS contamination in the environment in relation to drinking water systems. As datasets of PFAS drinking water sampling continue to grow as part of evolving regulatory requirements, we used this Kentucky dataset as an example to promote the reuse of this dataset and others like it. We incorporated the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles by creating a Figshare item that includes all data and associated metadata with these five ArcGIS maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Ojha
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UKSRC), Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - P Travis Thompson
- University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UKSRC), Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Christian D Powell
- University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UKSRC), Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- University of Kentucky, Department of Computer Science (Data Science Program), Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hunter N B Moseley
- University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UKSRC), Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- University of Kentucky, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kelly G Pennell
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
- University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UKSRC), Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
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31
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Sohns A. Differential exposure to drinking water contaminants in North Carolina: Evidence from structural topic modeling and water quality data. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 336:117600. [PMID: 36967693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117600] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To better understand water security of communities in North Carolina, this research uses structural topic modeling (STM) and geographic mapping to identify the main topics and pollutant categories being researched and the areas exposed to drinking water contaminants. The textual data derived from the journal article abstracts that examined water pollution in North Carolina is from 1964 to present. The STM analysis of textual data is paired with socio-demographic data from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates and water pollution data from North Carolina state agencies. The STM findings show that the most discussed topics relate to runoff management, wastewater from concentrated agricultural feeding operations, emerging contaminants, land development, and health impacts as a result of water contamination. The article discusses how the topics especially threaten groundwater resources used by community water systems and private wells. Those communities served by private wells are predominantly low-income and minority populations. As a result, threats to groundwater supplies exacerbate existing issues of environmental justice in North Carolina, especially in the Coastal Plains Region. The STM findings revealed that several key threats to safe drinking water are less covered by academic literature, such as poultry concentrated agricultural feeding operations and climate impacts, which may increase disparities in water access in North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sohns
- The Roux Institute, Northeastern University 100 Fore St. Portland, ME USA 04101.
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Li Y, Yao J, Pan Y, Dai J, Tang J. Trophic behaviors of PFOA and its alternatives perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) in a coastal food web. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131353. [PMID: 37030227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing restrictions and concerns about legacy poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the production and usage of alternatives, i.e., perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), have risen recently. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the bioaccumulation and trophic behaviors of emerging PFECAs in coastal ecosystems. The bioaccumulation and trophodynamics of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its substitutes (PFECAs) were investigated in Laizhou Bay, which is located downstream of a fluorochemical industrial park in China. Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TrA), perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA) and PFOA constituted the dominant compounds in the ecosystem of Laizhou Bay. PFMOAA was dominant in invertebrates, whereas the long-chain PFECAs preferred to accumulate in fishes. The PFAS concentrations in carnivorous invertebrates were higher than those in filter-feeding species. Considering migration behaviors, the ∑PFAS concentrations followed the order oceanodromous fish < diadromous fish < non-migratory fish. The trophic magnification factors (TMFs) of long-chain PFECAs (HFPO-TrA, HFPO-TeA and PFO5DoA) were >1, suggesting trophic magnification potential, while biodilution for short-chain PFECAs (PFMOAA) was observed. The intake of PFOA in seafood may constitute a great threat to human health. More attention should be given to the impact of emerging hazardous PFAS on organisms for the health of ecosystems and human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong KeyLaboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China; School of Resources and Environment, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Jingzhi Yao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianhui Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong KeyLaboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China.
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33
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Jia X, Li X, Zhou L, Hui Y, Li W, Cai Y, Shi Y. Variations of the Level, Profile, and Distribution of PFAS around POSF Manufacturing Facilities in China: An Overlooked Source of PFCA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5264-5274. [PMID: 36939348 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was investigated inside two manufacturing facilities in China. Levels, profiles, and spatial distribution of the detected PFAS were found to be distinctly site-specific and influenced by the area's historic function, production structure of the plant, downpour-induced accidental pollution, and variations in the adsorption and transport of compounds. Very high concentrations of PFAS [mainly C4 and C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs)] were found in topsoil and groundwater from both plants, with the highest values of 4.89 × 106 μg/kg dw and 1.10 × 104 μg/L, respectively. Elevated concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in this study were attributed to their unintentional formation during the electrochemical fluorination process, which might be an overlooked source of PFCA. PFAS generally showed decreasing trends from shallow layers to the bottom of the soil core and demonstrated some downward migrations at different soil depths with time, and C4-C8 PFAS presented a deeper seepage than their long-chain homologues. Total organic carbon appeared to be more important for PFAS sorption to the topsoil than to the soil core. Workers were at potential risk of exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid via soil at production and storage related sites. This study provides a critical reference for the systematic control of PFAS pollution around manufacturing facilities and a proof for an overlooked source of PFCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Longfei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yamei Hui
- CSD IDEA (Beijing) Environmental Test & Analysis Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- CSD IDEA (Beijing) Environmental Test & Analysis Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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34
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Stults JF, Choi YJ, Rockwell C, Schaefer CE, Nguyen DD, Knappe DRU, Illangasekare TH, Higgins CP. Predicting Concentration- and Ionic-Strength-Dependent Air-Water Interfacial Partitioning Parameters of PFASs Using Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPRs). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5203-5215. [PMID: 36962006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Air-water interfacial retention of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is increasingly recognized as an important environmental process. Herein, column transport experiments were used to measure air-water interfacial partitioning values for several perfluoroalkyl ethers and for PFASs derived from aqueous film-forming foam, while batch experiments were used to determine equilibrium Kia data for compounds exhibiting evidence of rate-limited partitioning. Experimental results suggest a Freundlich isotherm best describes PFAS air-water partitioning at environmentally relevant concentrations (101-106 ng/L). A multiparameter regression analysis for Kia prediction was performed for the 15 PFASs for which equilibrium Kia values were determined, assessing 246 possible combinations of 8 physicochemical and system properties. Quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) based on three to four parameters provided predictions of high accuracy without model overparameterization. Two QSPRs (R2 values of 0.92 and 0.83) were developed using an assumed average Freundlich n value of 0.65 and validated across a range of relevant concentrations for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (i.e., GenX). A mass action model was further modified to account for the changing ionic strength on PFAS air-water interfacial sorption. The final result was two distinct QSPRs for estimating PFAS air-water interfacial partitioning across a range of aqueous concentrations and ionic strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Stults
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, Washington 98007, United States
| | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Cooper Rockwell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6th Floor, Edison, Edison, New Jersey 08837, United States
| | - Dung D Nguyen
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, Washington 98007, United States
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Tissa H Illangasekare
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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35
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Feng X, Yi S, Shan G, Chen X, Yang Y, Yang L, Jia Y, Zhu Y, Zhu L. Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in the environment compartments near a mega fluorochemical industry: Implication of specific behaviors and emission estimation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130473. [PMID: 36455325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the stringent restrictions on long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), ether-PFASs are being widely used as alternatives. We estimated that the mega fluorochemical industrial park (FIP) in Shandong, China, had emitted a maximum of 5040 kg and 1026 kg of hexafluoropropylene oxides (HFPOs), and 7560 kg and 1890 kg of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to water and air during 2021. In the surface water, groundwater, outdoor dust, soil, tree leaf and bark collected in the vicinity of the FIP, PFOA was predominant, followed by HFPOs. The much higher percentage of HFPO dimer acid (HFPO-DA) in groundwater than in surface water verified that this compound was more mobile in porous media. The strong correlations between the main PFASs in outdoor dust and surface soil suggested that the soil PFASs were mainly derived from air deposition, particularly for HFPO trimer acid (HFPO-TA), which has a stronger binding affinity with particles than PFOA. High percentage of the hydroxylated product of 6:2 polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acid was observed in groundwater, implying reductive dechlorination might occur in groundwater. Strong correlations between PFASs in outdoor dust and those in tree leaf and bark magnified that tree could serve as a sampler to effectively monitor airborne PFASs. This study provides the first line of information about the discharge, transport, and fate of novel ether-PFASs in the multiple environmental media near a point source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; The Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of the People's Republic of China, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Shujun Yi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guoqiang Shan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yumin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Yu H, Chen H, Fang B, Sun H. Sorptive removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous solution: Enhanced sorption, challenges and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160647. [PMID: 36460105 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have garnered attention globally given their ubiquitous occurrence, toxicity, bioaccumulative potential, and environmental persistence. Sorption is widely used to remove PFASs given its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This article reviews recently fabricated sorbents, including carbon materials, minerals, polymers, and composite materials. The characteristics and interactions of the sorbents with PFASs are discussed to better understand sorptive processes. Various sorbents have exhibited high removal rates for legacy perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Novel polymers with special design better remove long- and short-chain PFASs than other sorbents. Although hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions mainly drive the sorption of anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic PFASs, enhancing PFAS sorption on designed sorbents has mainly depended on improving electrostatic interactions. Pearson correlation analysis showed that PFOS sorption capacity of sorbents is positively correlated with their specific surface area. Newly discovered pathways, including the air-water interfacial adsorption, F-F fluorophilic interactions, and (hemi) micelle formation, can enhance PFAS sorption to a certain extent. In addition to PFOA and PFOS, the sorption of emerging PFASs, including aqueous film-forming foam-relevant PFASs, constitutes a new research direction. The functionalization methods for enhancing PFAS sorption and challenges of PFAS sorption are also discussed to provide scope for future research. The discussions herein may contribute to developing efficient sorption technologies to remove PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- 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
| | - Bo Fang
- 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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37
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Nickels JL, Genereux DP, Knappe DRU. Improved Darcian streambed measurements to quantify flux and mass discharge of volatile organic compounds from a contaminated aquifer to an urban stream. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 253:104124. [PMID: 36603303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.104124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying VOC transport from contaminated groundwater to streams is challenging and important for understanding off-site migration of VOCs, cross-media contamination (groundwater to surface water and eventually air), and potential impacts on downstream ecosystems and human populations. A streambed point sampling approach was used to quantify fluxes of water and 14 VOCs from groundwater to an urban stream in North Carolina, USA, during summer (June 2015) and winter (January 2016). The approach is unique in coupling measurements of vertical hydraulic conductivity, vertical hydraulic head gradient, and groundwater VOC concentration at each individual sampling point, reducing or eliminating some potential concerns with other Darcian methods for quantifying VOC inputs to streams. Most results were consistent with discharge of two main VOC plumes on opposite sides of the stream. Plume 1 from the west side was dominated by cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) at mean concentrations of 19 and 11 μg L-1, respectively. Plume 2 from the east side was dominated by benzene (mean concentration 56 μg L-1). Plume 2 was not previously known, and the improved sampling approach allowed VOC discharge from both plumes to be quantified simultaneously. For 13 of the 14 detected VOCs, the mean VOC flux from groundwater to the stream (fVOC) was higher in January 2016 than in June 2015, mainly because groundwater flux was higher in January. The only exception was cDCE, the most abundant VOC in Plume 1, which had mean fVOC values of 9.8 and 9.5 mg m-2 d-1 in June 2015 and January 2016, respectively. Benzene was the most abundant VOC in Plume 2 and had mean fVOC values of 11 and 37 mg m-2 d-1 in June 2015 and January 2016, respectively. High groundwater flux drove almost all the occurrences of high VOC flux. For a given VOC, the flow-weighted mean concentration (with each VOC concentration weighted by the upward groundwater flux at the VOC sampling point) was generally larger than the unweighted mean concentration. Thus, flow-weighting of concentrations gave a more accurate indication of the average VOC concentration in net groundwater discharge to the stream. An estimate of total VOC mass discharge from groundwater to the study reach of the stream, 3.6 kg of VOC per year, was based on the fVOC results and streambed area in the reach. The bulk of this discharge was due to benzene, cDCE, and VC, with individual mass discharges of 2.1, 0.83, and 0.40 kg yr-1, respectively. Estimates of maximum potential VOC degradation in the streambed suggest that the 3.6 kg yr-1 estimate of mass discharge was not sensitive to potential degradation of VOCs in the streambed sediments above the groundwater sampling depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Nickels
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - D P Genereux
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America.
| | - D R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
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Mao R, Lu Y, Zhang M, Wang C, Sun B, Shi Y, Song S, Wang P, Yuan J, Zhao J. Distribution of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in surface and groundwater affected by irrigation in an arid region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159693. [PMID: 36302407 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Frequent exchange of surface water and groundwater occurs in arid/semi-arid areas due to high evaporation and intensive irrigation activities, affecting the migration and transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and threatening drinking water safety. This study analyzed legacy PFASs and potential precursors in surface water, groundwater, soil, and aquifer solid samples collected from a typical arid area, the Hetao Irrigation District of Northern China, to explore PFASs distribution and transformation between surface and ground. Total PFASs (ΣPFASs) in surface water was 29-232 ng/L, higher than 2-77 ng/L in groundwater. ΣPFASs in soil were 0.29-0.59 ng/g, higher than 0.09-0.27 in the aquifer solids. Regarding horizontal distribution, the concentration of PFASs in groundwater increased in downtowns and the areas recharged with lake water. In terms of vertical distribution, ΣPFASs decreased with the increase of depth, and more PFASs adsorbed on clay particles in the aquifer. The total oxidable precursor analysis showed that 8:2 FT and 4:2 FT were the dominant precursors of PFASs, resulting in an increment of 0.1-4 ng/L PFASs. Hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope compositions suggest similar sources between surface water and groundwater in the study area, while principal component analysis and Bayesian inference also indicate that surface water is an important source of groundwater PFASs. The annual infiltration PFASs to groundwater from Ulansuhai was estimated by the water balance approach to be 9.39 kg. Results highlight the influence of agricultural irrigation activities and lake infiltration on groundwater PFASs in the arid region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yajuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuai Song
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jixin Zhao
- Bayannur Institute of Environmental Science, Bayannur 015000, China
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Xing Y, Li Q, Chen X, Huang B, Ji L, Zhang Q, Fu X, Li T, Wang J. PFASs in Soil: How They Threaten Human Health through Multiple Pathways and Whether They Are Receiving Adequate Concern. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:1259-1275. [PMID: 36622935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been mass-produced and widely applied in consumer and industrial products, resulting in their widespread presence in the environment. Features such as environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and high toxicity even at low doses have made PFASs an increasing concern. This brief review focuses on soil PFASs, especially the effect of soil PFASs on other environmental media and their potential threats to human health through daily diet. Specifically, soil PFASs contamination caused by different pathways was first investigated. Soil pollution from application of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is generally more severe than that from fluorochemical manufacturing plants, followed by biosolid land use, landfill, and irrigation. Factors, such as carbon chain length of PFASs, wastewater treatment technology, geographical conditions, and regional development level, are related to soil PFASs' pollution. Then, the migration, bioaccumulation, and toxicity characteristics of soil PFASs were analyzed. Short-chain PFASs have higher solubility, mobility, and bioavailability, while long-chain PFASs have higher bioaccumulation potential and are more toxic to organisms. Factors such as soil texture, solution chemistry conditions, enzymes, and fertilization conditions also influence the environmental behavior of PFASs. The risk of human exposure to PFASs through agricultural and animal products is difficult to control and varies depending on living region, age, eating habits, lifestyle, ethnicity, etc. Soil PFASs threaten drinking water safety, affect soil function, and enter food webs, threatening human health. Knowledge gaps and perspectives in these research fields are also included in current work to assist future research to effectively investigate and understand the environmental risks of soil PFASs, thereby reducing human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingna Xing
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Qi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xiaowen Fu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Tianyuan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
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Stefano PHP, Roisenberg A, D'Anna Acayaba R, Roque AP, Bandoria DR, Soares A, Montagner CC. Occurrence and distribution of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface and groundwaters in an urbanized and agricultural area, Southern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:6159-6169. [PMID: 35987853 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22603-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: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are emerging contaminants detected in surface water, groundwater, drinking water, air, and food. Due to its chemical stability and high hydrophobicity, these compounds are used as surfactants, surface protectors, flame retardants, textile impregnation, fire-fighting foam, and pesticides and may be a risk for human health in the long-term exposure. Currently, a little research has been carried out for these compounds in Brazil. In this study, the concentration and distribution of 23 PFAS were analyzed in groundwater samples collected from water wells in urbanized areas and in surface water samples from Porto Alegre, one of the biggest cities in Brazil. The total concentrations of PFAS (ΣPFAS) in a groundwater sample varied between 22 and 718 ng L-1. Eleven PFAS species were detected in groundwater, including PFOA, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, PFDA, PFNA, and PFOS. Most of PFAS were quantified in samples located in the aquifer formed by medium to coarse sands intercalated with silty-sandy lenses and low organic matter content that could facilitate the percolation of these compounds. The total concentrations of PFAS (ΣPFAS) in a surface water sample varied between 11 and 17 ng L-1. Ten species were founded in surface water being PFOA, PFOS, and PFHpA the most dominant. Considering all the samples, PFOA was the predominant species in the study. In addition, tributary water bodies had higher concentrations of PFAS than the main water body (Guaiba Lake) probably due dilution process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Henrique Prado Stefano
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil
- Hydrogeology Laboratory, Geology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ari Roisenberg
- Hydrogeology Laboratory, Geology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Raphael D'Anna Acayaba
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Cassiana Carolina Montagner
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil.
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Li Z, Jorn R, Samonte PRV, Mao J, Sivey JD, Pignatello JJ, Xu W. Surface-catalyzed hydrolysis by pyrogenic carbonaceous matter and model polymers: An experimental and computational study on functional group and pore characteristics. APPLIED CATALYSIS. B, ENVIRONMENTAL 2022; 319:121877. [PMID: 37846345 PMCID: PMC10578355 DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
We employed a polymer network to understand what properties of pyrogenic carbonaceous matter (PCM; e.g., activated carbon) confer its reactivity, which we hereinafter referred to as PCM-like polymers (PLP). This approach allows us to delineate the role of functional groups and micropore characteristics using 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a model contaminant. Six PLP were synthesized via cross-coupling chemistry with specific functionality (-OH, -NH2, -N(CH3)2, or -N ( CH 3 ) 3 + ) and pore characteristics (mesopore, micropore). Results suggest that PCM functionality catalyzed the reaction by: (1) serving as a weak base (-OH, -NH2) to attack TNT, or (2) accumulating OH- near PCM surfaces (-N ( CH 3 ) 3 + ). Additionally, TNT hydrolysis rates, pH and co-ion effects, and products were monitored. Microporous PLP accelerated TNT decay compared to its mesoporous counterpart, as further supported by molecular dynamics modeling results. We also demonstrated that quaternary ammonium-modified activated carbon enhanced TNT hydrolysis. These findings have broad implications for pollutant abatement and catalyst design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Ryan Jorn
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Pamela Rose V. Samonte
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Jingdong Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - John D. Sivey
- Department of Chemistry, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA
| | - Joseph J. Pignatello
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
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42
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Zhou J, Baumann K, Surratt JD, Turpin BJ. Legacy and emerging airborne per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) collected on PM 2.5 filters in close proximity to a fluoropolymer manufacturing facility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:2272-2283. [PMID: 36349377 PMCID: PMC11089768 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00358a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Large fluoropolymer manufacturing facilities are major known sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), many of which accumulate in groundwater, surface water, crops, wildlife, and people. Prior studies have measured high PFAS concentrations in groundwater, drinking water, soil, as well as dry and wet deposition near fluoropolymer facilities; however, much less is known about near-source PFAS air concentrations. We measured airborne PFAS on PM2.5 filters in close proximity to a major fluoropolymer manufacturing facility (Chemours' Fayetteville Works) located near Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA. Weekly PM2.5 filter samples collected over a six-month field campaign using high-volume air samplers at locations 3.7 km apart, north-northeast and south-southwest of the facility were analyzed for thirty-four targeted ionic PFAS species by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Twelve emerging and ten legacy PFAS compounds were detected. Thirteen PFAS were found at higher concentrations in these nearfield samples than at regional background sites, suggesting a local source for these compounds. Five emerging and five legacy PFAS compounds had maximum concentrations exceeding 1 pg m-3. PFBA, PFHxA, PFHxDA, PFOS, PMPA, NVHOS, PFO5DoA, and Nafion BP1 contributed the most to the total (legacy + emerging) PFAS concentration (86%). Six PFAS, specifically PFBA, PFOS, PFO5DoA, Nafion BP1, Nafion BP2, and Nafion BP4, provide a consistent representative profile of elevated species across the two sites (with detection frequency >50%). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report both legacy and emerging ionic PFAS in air in close proximity to a U.S. fluoropolymer manufacturing facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhou
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Karsten Baumann
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Picarro Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Jason D Surratt
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Barbara J Turpin
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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43
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He A, Liang Y, Li F, Lu Y, Liu C, Li J, Zhou Z, Zhu N, Liao C, Wang Y, Jiang G. Vital Environmental Sources for Multitudinous Fluorinated Chemicals: New Evidence from Industrial Byproducts in Multienvironmental Matrices in a Fluorochemical Manufactory. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16789-16800. [PMID: 36354080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Direct emissions from fluorochemical manufactory are an important source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the environment. In this study, a wide range of PFASs, including 8 legacy PFASs, 8 long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and 40 emerging PFASs, were investigated through a target screening in multienvironmental matrices from a fluorochemical manufactory in China. Indoor dust was the most polluted matrix, wherein 52 PFASs were detected, and the median concentration of long-chain PFCA was 276 ng/g. A high level of short-chain PFAS in total suspended particles (median concentration = 416 ng/m3) and the effluent in the manufactory (Σ48PFAS = 212 μg/L) will undoubtedly increase the burden on the surrounding environment. Twenty-four industrial byproducts were ascertained to be generated during the electrochemical fluorination (ECF) process, and eight fluorinated alternatives were considered to be produced during product development. Twelve PFASs were quantified for the first time in the working environments. Perfluoropropane sulfonic acid, perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA), and 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid are abundant fluorinated alternatives, with median levels of 1187-17204 ng/g in the dust. Significant positive correlations between ECF-related PFAS products and byproducts indicate that the detected values are strongly connected with the industrial source. Hierarchical cluster analysis further manifests their affiliation. Our findings raise the need for further investigations of emerging PFAS (including the first report of PFAS, such as PFEESA, in the environment) which may be released during the production process in the fluorochemical manufactories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anen He
- 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
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Feifei Li
- 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
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chao Liu
- 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
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Bangma J, Guillette TC, Strynar M, Lindstrom A, McCord J, Hill D, Lau C, Chernoff N, Lang JR. A rapid assessment bioaccumulation screening (RABS) study design for emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in mice exposed to industrially impacted surface water. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136159. [PMID: 36064024 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The shift away from PFOS and PFOA production in the past 20 years towards shorter chain and replacement PFAS has led to the environmental release of complex mixtures of emerging PFAS for which bioaccumulation potential and toxicology are largely unknown. The rate at which emerging PFAS can be prioritized for research in these complex mixtures is often limited by the lack of available chemical standards. We developed a study design that rapidly assesses which emerging PFAS in an environmentally derived mixture have the potential for mammalian bioaccumulation and thus prioritize these emerging chemicals for standard synthesis and toxicity testing. Surface water was collected at an impacted site downstream of an industrial fluorochemical manufacturing outfall and concentrated 100-fold via weak anion exchange, solid-phase extraction. The concentrated extract contained 13 previously identified emerging PFAS, including hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA). BALB/c mice were orally dosed with surface water concentrate once a day for seven days. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, liver, serum, urine, and feces were collected and the emerging PFAS were semi-quantified based on peak area counts. Of the 13 emerging PFAS, Nafion byproduct-2 (Nafion BP2), Hydro-EVE, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoA had the largest increases in percent composition when comparing serum and liver to the dosing solution, suggesting that these PFAS may have the highest bioaccumulation potential. This finding supports other studies that detected bioaccumulation of the same four PFAS in human serum collected from communities with contaminated drinking water. In the future, the Rapid Assessment Bioaccumulation Screening (RABS) study design can be extended to other complex industrial chemical mixtures impacting surface water in order to better inform chemical prioritization for acquisition and in vitro/in vivo toxicity testing of the potential pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Bangma
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA; Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
| | | | - Mark Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Andrew Lindstrom
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - James McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Donna Hill
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Christopher Lau
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Neil Chernoff
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Johnsie R Lang
- Arcadis G&M of North Carolina, Inc. 5420 Wade Park Blvd Suite 350, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
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Shimizu MS, Garcia RS, Avery GB, Kieber RJ, Skrabal SA, Mead RN. Distribution of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in riverine and coastal sediments of Southeastern North Carolina, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:2119-2128. [PMID: 36200300 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00246a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The sediment distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) along a river to ocean transect was investigated. Samples were collected between September 2017 and October 2019 with targeted quantification of six legacy and replacement PFAS by LC-MS/MS. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from below the LOQ to 7.47 ng per g dry weight with PFOA, PFOS, HFPO-DA and PFMOAA the most frequently detected. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between PFOS and HFPO-DA sedimentary concentration and percent organic carbon (% OC); however, PFOA and PFMOAA were not correlated with sediment % OC. This study highlights the occurrence of the replacement PFAS in sediments for the first time. Sediment extracts were screened for 18 additional PFAS compounds by high resolution mass spectrometry. A series of perfluorinated ether carboxylic acid and perfluorinated ether sulfonic acid with either one or two acidic functional groups were detected at various locations in the upper portion of the Cape Fear River. A series of chromatographically resolved isomers (C7F13O5S1; M-1) were detected and may be Nafion™ degradation products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi S Shimizu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Rosa S Garcia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - G Brooks Avery
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Robert J Kieber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Stephen A Skrabal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Ralph N Mead
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
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46
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Li J, Pinkard BR, Wang S, Novosselov IV. Review: Hydrothermal treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135888. [PMID: 35931254 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a concerning and unique class of environmentally persistent contaminants with biotoxic effects. Decades of PFAS discharge into water and soil resulted in PFAS bioaccumulation in plants, animals, and humans. PFAS are very stable, and their treatment has become a global environmental challenge. Significant efforts have been made to achieve efficient and complete PFAS mineralization using existing and emerging technologies. Hydrothermal treatments in subcritical and supercritical water have emerged as promising end-of-life PFAS destruction technologies, attracting the attention of scholars, industry, and key stakeholders. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art research on the behavior of PFAS, PFAS precursors, PFAS alternatives, and PFAS-containing waste in hydrothermal processes, including the destruction and defluorination efficiency, the proposed reaction mechanisms, and the environmental impact of these treatments. Scientific literature shows that >99% degradation and >60% defluorination of PFAS can be achieved through subcritical and supercritical water processing. The limitations of current research are evaluated, special considerations are given to the challenges of technology maturation and scale-up from laboratory studies to large-scale industrial application, and potential future technological developments are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianna Li
- University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering of MOE, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Brian R Pinkard
- University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Aquagga, Inc., Tacoma, WA 98421, USA
| | - Shuzhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering of MOE, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Igor V Novosselov
- University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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47
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Guillette TC, Jackson TW, Guillette M, McCord J, Belcher SM. Blood concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are associated with autoimmune-like effects in American alligators from Wilmington, North Carolina. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:1010185. [PMID: 36337916 PMCID: PMC9630345 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.1010185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface and groundwater of the Cape Fear River basin in central and coastal North Carolina is contaminated with high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Elevated levels of PFAS have also been found in blood of fish and wildlife from the Cape Fear River, and in the blood of human populations reliant on contaminated well or surface water from the Cape Fear River basin as a source of drinking water. While the public and environmental health impacts of long-term PFAS exposures are poorly understood, elevated blood concentrations of some PFAS are linked with immunotoxicity and increased incidence of some chronic autoimmune diseases in human populations. The goal of this One Environmental Health study was to evaluate PFAS exposure and biomarkers related to immune health in populations of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), a protected and predictive sentinel species of adverse effects caused by persistent toxic pollutants. We found that serum PFAS concentrations in alligator populations from the Cape Fear River were increased compared to a reference population of alligators from the adjoining Lumber River basin. The elevated serum PFAS concentrations in the Cape Fear River alligators were associated with increased innate immune activities, and autoimmune-like phenotypes in this population. In addition to evidence of significantly higher double stranded-DNA binding autoantibodies in adult Cape Fear River alligators, our qRT-PCR analysis found remarkably high induction of Interferon-α signature genes implicated in the pathology of human autoimmune disease. We interpret the association of increased PFAS exposure with disrupted immune functions to suggest that PFAS broadly alters immune activities resulting in autoimmune-like pathology in American alligators. This work substantiates and extends evidence from experimental models and human epidemiology studies showing that some PFAS are immune toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. C. Guillette
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Thomas W. Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Matthew Guillette
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - James McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Scott M. Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Scott M. Belcher,
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Johnson GR, Brusseau ML, Carroll KC, Tick GR, Duncan CM. Global distributions, source-type dependencies, and concentration ranges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156602. [PMID: 35690215 PMCID: PMC9653090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156602] [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] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
A meta-analysis was conducted of published literature reporting concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater for sites distributed in 20 countries across the globe. Data for >35 PFAS were aggregated from 96 reports published from 1999 to 2021. The final data set comprises approximately 21,000 data points after removal of time-series and duplicate samples as well as non-detects. The reported concentrations range over many orders of magnitude, from ng/L to mg/L levels. Distinct differences in concentration ranges are observed between sites located within or near sources versus those that are not. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), ranging from <0.03 ng/L to ~7 mg/L, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), ranging from 0.01 ng/L to ~5 mg/L, were the two most reported PFAS. The highest PFAS concentration in groundwater is ~15 mg/L reported for the replacement-PFAS 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS). Maximum reported groundwater concentrations for PFOA and PFOS were compared to concentrations reported for soils, surface waters, marine waters, and precipitation. Soil concentrations are generally significantly higher than those reported for the other media. This accrues to soil being the primary entry point for PFAS release into the environment for many sites, as well as the generally significantly greater retention capacity of soil compared to the other media. The presence of PFAS has been reported for all media in all regions tested, including areas that are far removed from specific PFAS sources. This gives rise to the existence of a "background" concentration of PFAS that must be accounted for in both regional and site-specific risk assessments. The presence of this background is a reflection of the large-scale use of PFAS, their general recalcitrance, and the action of long-range transport processes that distribute PFAS across regional and global scales. This ubiquitous distribution has the potential to significantly impact the quality and availability of water resources in many regions. In addition, the pervasive presence of PFAS in the environment engenders concerns for impacts to ecosystem and human health.
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49
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Cai L, Hu J, Li J, Cao X, Lyu Y, Sun W. Occurrence, source apportionment, and pollution assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a river across rural and urban areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155505. [PMID: 35487461 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Forty-three novel and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water and sediments from the Chaobai River (Beijing) were quantified. The total PFASs concentrations varied from 0.04 to 31.3 ng/L in water with significant spatial but insignificant seasonal variations, and changed from 0.03 to 4.29 ng/g in sediment with insignificant spatial but significant seasonal variations. The PFASs concentrations in water from the upstream across the rural area reflected the background level due to the extremely low concentration and very few detected PFASs. The consumer products and metal plating/textile were the predominant pollution sources of PFASs in winter and summer, respectively, for both water and sediment samples. Integrating the determined baseline value, the distribution of PFASs concentrations, and the ecological risks of PFASs, three criteria were proposed, which divide the PFASs concentrations in water into four pollution levels, i.e., insignificant, low, medium, and high. According to the suggested criteria, 96.4% of the PFASs levels in upstream was insignificant pollution, which decreased to 50.4% in downstream and 50.8% in reservoirs. The PFASs in China's and world's surface waters demonstrated similar pollution patterns, with PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxA being the top 3 polluted PFASs. This study makes a small step forward the development of water quality standard for PFASs, which is of great importance for pollution control and risk management of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Cai
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Jingrun Hu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Yitao Lyu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China.
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50
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Griffin EK, Aristizabal-Henao J, Timshina A, Ditz HL, Camacho CG, da Silva BF, Coker ES, Deliz Quiñones KY, Aufmuth J, Bowden JA. Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic coast of Brevard County, FL, reveals distinct spatial clusters. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134478. [PMID: 35367496 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134478] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a class of highly stable and extensively manufactured anthropogenic chemicals that have been linked to a variety of adverse health effects in humans and wildlife. These compounds are ubiquitously distributed in the environment and have been measured in aquatic systems globally. However, there are limited data on longitudinal comprehensive assessments of PFAS profiles within sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Surface water samples were collected from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and the Atlantic coast within Brevard County (BC), FL in December of 2019 (n = 57) and again from corresponding locations in February of 2021 (n = 40). Samples were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to determine the occurrence, concentration, and distribution of 92 PFAS. No significant difference in total PFAS concentrations were identified between samples collected in 2019 (87 ng/L) and those collected in 2021 (77 ng/L). However, comparisons of PFAS among four natural sub-regions within Brevard County revealed site- and regional-specific differences. The Banana River exhibited the greatest concentration of total PFAS, followed by the southern Indian River, the northern Indian River, and then the Atlantic coast. Six distinct PFAS profiles were identified with the novel application of multivariate statistical cluster analysis, which may be useful for identifying potential sources of PFAS. Elevated total PFAS and unique compound mixtures identified in the Banana River are most likely a result of industrial discharge and extensive historical use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). The environmental persistence of PFAS threatens key ecosystem services and the ecological homeostasis of the Indian River Lagoon - the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. Brevard County offers a unique model site that may be used to investigate potential exposure and health implications for wildlife and adjacent coastal communities, which could be extrapolated to better understand and manage other critical coastal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Griffin
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | | | - Alina Timshina
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | - Heather L Ditz
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | - Camden G Camacho
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States.
| | - Bianca F da Silva
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | - Eric S Coker
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | - Katherine Y Deliz Quiñones
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | - Joe Aufmuth
- George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
| | - John A Bowden
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, 32611.
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