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Sun S, Liang M, Fan D, Gu W, Wang Z, Shi L, Geng N. Occurrence and profiles of perfluoroalkyl substances in wastewaters of chemical industrial parks and receiving river waters: Implications for the environmental impact of wastewater discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173993. [PMID: 38879026 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
A total of 17 groups of wastewaters from the chemical industrial parks and matched receiving river waters were collected in the east of China. The measured total concentrations of 21 analyzed PFAS analogues (∑21PFAS) in the influents and effluents of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were in the range of 0.172-20.6 μg/L (mean: 18.2 μg/L, median: 3.9 μg/L) and 0.167-93.6 μg/L (mean: 10.8 μg/L, median: 1.12 μg/L), respectively, which were significantly higher than those observed in the upstream (range: 0.0158-7.05 μg/L, mean: 1.09 μg/L, median: 0.482 μg/L) and downstream (range: 0.0237-1.82 μg/L, mean: 0.697 μg/L, median: 0.774 μg/L) receiving waters. Despite the concentrations and composition profiles of PFAS varied in the water samples from different sampling sites, PFOA was generally the major PFAS analogue in the research areas, mainly due to the history of PFOA production and usage as well as the specific exemptions. The calculated concentration ratios of the short-chain PFCAs and PFSAs to their respective predecessors (PFOA and PFOS) in most of the samples far exceeded 1, indicating a shift from legacy PFOA and PFOS to short-chain PFAS in the research areas. Correlation network analysis and the calculated concentration ratios of PFAS in the effluents versus influents indicated transformation may have occurred during the water treatment processes and PFAS could not be efficiently removed in the WWTPs. Wastewater discharge of chemical industrial parks is a vital source of PFAS dispersed into the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Mengyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deling Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Wen Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Lili Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Ningbo Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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2
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Usman M, Chaudhary A, Hanna K. Efficient PFAS removal from contaminated soils through combined washing and adsorption in soil effluents. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135118. [PMID: 38981229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates soil washing as a viable strategy to remove poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated soils using various washing agents including water, methanol, ethanol, and cyclodextrin ((2-Hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin HPCD)). Water was less effective (removing only 30 % of PFAS), especially for long-chain hydrophobic PFAS. Methanol (50 % v/v) or HPCD (10 mg g-1 soil) achieved > 95 % PFAS removal regardless of PFAS type, soil size fraction (0-400 µm or 400-800 µm), or experimental setups (batch or column, at liquid/solid (L/S) = 1). Column optimization studies revealed improved efficiency at L/S = 10 with diluted washing solutions, where HPCD exhibited rapid PFAS mobilization even at lower concentrations (1 mg mL-1). We then applied a first-order decay model to effectively predict PFAS breakthrough curves and mobilization within soil columns. Subsequent treatment of wash effluents by activated carbon and biochar effectively reduced PFAS concentrations below detection limits. The performance of both soil washing and subsequent adsorption was found to depend strongly on the specific characteristics of PFAS compounds. These findings highlight the significant potential of methanol and HPCD in soil washing and the effectiveness of integrated soil washing and adsorption for optimizing PFAS removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman
- Université de Rennes, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Aaifa Chaudhary
- Université de Rennes, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, F-35000 Rennes, France; Environmental Mineralogy & Chemistry, Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Khalil Hanna
- Université de Rennes, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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3
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Roark SA, Wilson-Fallon A, Struse A, Rectenwald H, Bogdan D, Heron C, Field J. Comparison of surface freshwater PFAS sampling methods to evaluate potential for bias due to PFAS enrichment in the surface microlayer. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 39078276 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulate at the air-water interface of the surface microlayer (SML) on marine and freshwater bodies. In order to determine if including the SML when sampling bulk surface water leads to a high bias in measured PFAS concentrations, a pilot study and a full field study were conducted. The pilot study conducted at two sites was aimed at determining the analytical precision and small-scale (~1 m) spatial variability in concentrations of PFAS in bulk water and the SML. The full field study was performed at 11 sites, where three commonly used bulk surface water sampling methods were compared: (1) a peristaltic pump with tubing that excludes the SML, (2) a fully submerged sample bottle that excludes the SML, and (3) a partially submerged sample bottle that allows inclusion of the SML. The SML was sampled using the glass plate method. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The pilot study indicated that sampling variation was greater than analytical variation (although Levene's tests indicated that the differences were not statistically significant) and that relatively small differences in the mean concentration among sampling methods could be detected. The full investigation indicated that there was no evidence of high bias of PFAS concentrations in bulk surface water resulting from inclusion of SML using the partially submerged bottle sampling method. Unexpectedly, there was evidence that samples collected using the partially submerged bottle had slightly lower PFAS concentrations, particularly for less hydrophobic PFAS, than bulk water samples that excluded the SML. Additionally, the PFAS enrichment factor in the SML increased with increasing retention time, although the increase was not evident at all sampling sites for all PFAS. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;1-12. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chris Heron
- Jacobs, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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4
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Persaud D, Criscitiello AS, Spencer C, Lehnherr I, Muir DCG, De Silva AO, Young CJ. A 50 year record for perfluoroalkyl acids in the high arctic: implications for global and local transport. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 39046203 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00219a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent compounds that are ubiquitous globally, though some uncertainties remain in the understanding of their long-range transport mechanisms. They are frequently detected in remote locations, where local sources may be unimportant. We collected a 16.5 metre ice core on northern Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada to investigate PFAA deposition trends and transport mechanisms. The dated core represents fifty years of deposition (1967-2016), which accounts for the longest deposition record of perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the Arctic and the longest record of perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids (PFSAs) globally. PFCAs were detected frequently after the 1990s and have been increasing since. Homologue pair correlations, molar concentration ratios, and model comparisons suggest that PFCAs are primarily formed through oxidation of volatile precursors. PFSAs showed no discernible trend, with concentrations at least an order of magnitude lower than PFCAs. We observed episodic deposition of some PFAAs, notably perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) before the 1990s, which may be linked to Arctic military activities. Tracer analysis suggests that marine aerosols and mineral dust are relevant as transport vectors for selected PFAAs during specific time periods. These observations highlight the complex mechanisms responsible for the transport and deposition of PFAAs in the High Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Persaud
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Alison S Criscitiello
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christine Spencer
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environmental and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Igor Lehnherr
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto-Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environmental and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environmental and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Cora J Young
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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5
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Brahana P, Patel R, Bharti B. Surface Science View of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in the Environment. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2024; 4:173-185. [PMID: 39035868 PMCID: PMC11258754 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a notorious category of anthropogenic contaminants, detected across various environmental domains. Among these PFAS, perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) stand out as a focal point in discussions due to their historical industrial utilization and environmental prominence. Their extensive industrial adoption is a direct consequence of their remarkable stability and outstanding amphiphilic properties. However, these very traits that have made PFAAs industrially desirable also render them environmentally catastrophic, leading to adverse consequences for ecosystems. The amphiphilic nature of PFAAs has made them highly unique in the landscape of anthropogenic contaminants and, thereby, difficult to study. We believe that well-established principles from surface science can connect the amphiphilic nature of PFAAs to their accumulation and transport in the environment. Specifically, we discuss the role of interfacial science in describing the stability, interfacial uptake (air-liquid and solid-liquid), and wetting capability of PFAAs. Surface science principles can provide new insights into the environmental fate of PFAAs, as well as provide context on their deleterious effects on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip
J. Brahana
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Ruchi Patel
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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6
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O’Rourke E, Losada S, Barber JL, Scholey G, Bain I, Pereira MG, Hailer F, Chadwick EA. Persistence of PFOA Pollution at a PTFE Production Site and Occurrence of Replacement PFASs in English Freshwaters Revealed by Sentinel Species, the Eurasian Otter ( Lutra lutra). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10195-10206. [PMID: 38800846 PMCID: PMC11171452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09405] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Concentrations of 33 PFASs were determined in 20 Eurasian otters, sampled 2015-2019, along a transect away from a factory, which used PFOA in PTFE manufacture. Despite cessation of usage in 2012, PFOA concentrations remained high near the factory (>298 μg/kg ww <20 km from factory) and declined with increasing distance (<57 μg/kg ww >150 km away). Long-chain legacy PFASs dominated the Σ33PFAS profile, particularly PFOS, PFOA, PFDA, and PFNA. Replacement compounds, PFECHS, F-53B, PFBSA, PFBS, PFHpA, and 8:2 FTS, were detected in ≥19 otters, this being the first report of PFBSA and PFECHS in the species. Concentrations of replacement PFASs were generally lower than legacy compounds (max: 70.3 μg/kg ww and 4,640 μg/kg ww, respectively). Our study underscores the utility of otters as sentinels for evaluating mitigation success and highlights the value of continued monitoring to provide insights into the longevity of spatial associations with historic sources. Lower concentrations of replacement, than legacy, PFASs likely reflect their lower bioaccumulation potential, and more recent introduction. Continued PFAS use will inevitably lead to increased environmental and human exposure if not controlled. Further research is needed on fate, toxicity, and bioaccumulation of replacement compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily O’Rourke
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
| | - Sara Losada
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33
0HT, U.K.
| | - Jonathan L. Barber
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33
0HT, U.K.
| | - Graham Scholey
- Environment
Agency, Red Kite House, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BD, U.K.
| | - Isobel Bain
- Environment
Agency, Red Kite House, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BD, U.K.
| | - M. Glória Pereira
- Lancaster
Environment Centre, UK Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, U.K.
| | - Frank Hailer
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
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7
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Wallace MAG, Smeltz MG, Mattila JM, Liberatore HK, Jackson SR, Shields EP, Xhani X, Li EY, Johansson JH. A review of sample collection and analytical methods for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in indoor and outdoor air. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142129. [PMID: 38679180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a unique class of chemicals synthesized to aid in industrial processes, fire-fighting products, and to benefit consumer products such as clothing, cosmetics, textiles, carpets, and coatings. The widespread use of PFAS and their strong carbon-fluorine bonds has led to their ubiquitous presence throughout the world. Airborne transport of PFAS throughout the atmosphere has also contributed to environmental pollution. Due to the potential environmental and human exposure concerns of some PFAS, research has extensively focused on water, soil, and organismal detection, but the presence of PFAS in the air has become an area of growing concern. Methods to measure polar PFAS in various matrices have been established, while the investigation of polar and nonpolar PFAS in air is still in its early development. This literature review aims to present the last two decades of research characterizing PFAS in outdoor and indoor air, focusing on active and passive air sampling and analytical methods. The PFAS classes targeted and detected in air samples include fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamido ethanols (FASEs), perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs). Although the manufacturing of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been largely phased out, these two PFAS are still often detected in air samples. Additionally, recent estimates indicate that there are thousands of PFAS that are likely present in the air that are not currently monitored in air methods. Advances in air sampling methods are needed to fully characterize the atmospheric transport of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ariel Geer Wallace
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Marci G Smeltz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - James M Mattila
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
| | - Hannah K Liberatore
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Stephen R Jackson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Erin P Shields
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Xhensila Xhani
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA; Johnston Community College, 245 College Road, Smithfield, NC, 27577, USA.
| | - Emily Y Li
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Jana H Johansson
- Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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8
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Li X, Wang Y, Cui J, Shi Y, Cai Y. Occurrence and Fate of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Atmosphere: Size-Dependent Gas-Particle Partitioning, Precipitation Scavenging, and Amplification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9283-9291. [PMID: 38752583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00569] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The concerns about the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the atmosphere are continuously growing. In this study, size-fractionated particles, gas, and rainwater samples were simultaneously collected in Shijiazhuang, China, to investigate the multiphase distribution of PFAS in the atmosphere. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) dominated the total concentration of PFAS in atmospheric media. A strong positive relationship (0.79 < R2 < 0.99) was observed between the concentration of PFCAs and organic matter fraction (fOM) in different particle size fractions, while no such relationship for perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) and fOM, suggesting fOM may be an important factor influencing the size-dependent distribution of PFCAs. Temperature played a key role in the gas-particle partitioning of PFAS, while it did not significantly affect their particle-size-dependent distribution. The associative concentration fluctuation of particle and particle-bound PFAS during precipitation suggested that precipitation scavenging was an important mechanism for the removal of PFAS from the atmosphere. Furthermore, temporary increases in atmospheric PFAS concentrations were observed during the precipitation. Fugacity ratios of PFAS in rainwater and gas phase (log fR/fG ranged between 2.0 and 6.6) indicated a strong trend for PFAS to diffuse from the rainwater to the gas phase during the precipitation, which may explain that the concentration of PFAS in the gas phase continued to increase even at the end of the precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Jiansheng Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 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, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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9
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Tang J, Zhang C, Xu W, Li X, Jia Y, Fang J, Mai BX. Indirect Impact of Eutrophication on Occurrence, Air-Water Exchange, and Vertical Sinking Fluxes of Antibiotics in a Subtropical River. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8932-8945. [PMID: 38710016 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00960] [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: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
A significant challenge that warrants attention is the influence of eutrophication on the biogeochemical cycle of emerging contaminants (ECs) in aquatic environments. Antibiotics pollution in the eutrophic Pearl River in South China was examined to offer new insights into the effects of eutrophication on the occurrence, air-water exchange fluxes (Fair-water), and vertical sinking fluxes (Fsinking) of antibiotics. Antibiotics transferred to the atmosphere primarily through aerosolization controlled by phytoplankton biomass and significant spatiotemporal variations were observed in the Fair-water of individual antibiotics throughout all sites and seasons. The Fsinking of ∑AB14 (defined as a summary of 14 antibiotics) was 750.46 ± 283.19, 242.71 ± 122.87, and 346.74 ± 249.52 ng of m-2 d-1 in spring, summer, and winter seasons. Eutrophication indirectly led to an elevated pH, which reduced seasonal Fair-water of antibiotics, sediment aromaticity, and phytoplankton hydrophobicity, thereby decreasing antibiotic accumulation in sediments and phytoplankton. Negative correlations were further found between Fsinking and the water column daily loss of antibiotics with phytoplankton biomass. The novelty of this study is to provide new complementary knowledge for the regulation mechanisms of antibiotics by phytoplankton biological pump, offering novel perspectives and approaches to understanding the coupling between eutrophication and migration and fate of antibiotics in a subtropical eutrophic river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Tang
- School of Ecology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Chencheng Zhang
- School of Ecology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wang Xu
- Shenzhen Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen 518049, PR China
| | - Xuxia Li
- Shenzhen Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen 518049, PR China
| | - Yanyan Jia
- School of Ecology, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107 Guangdong, PR China
| | - Ji Fang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, PR China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
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10
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Endo S, Matsuzawa S. Hydrophobic Sorption Properties of an Extended Series of Anionic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Characterized by C 18 Chromatographic Retention Measurement. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7628-7635. [PMID: 38646668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02707] [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: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Partitioning from water to nonaqueous phases is an important process that controls the behavior of contaminants in the environment and biota. However, for ionic chemicals including many perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), environmentally relevant partition coefficients cannot be predicted using the octanol/water partition coefficient, which is commonly used as a hydrophobicity indicator for neutral compounds. As an alternative, this study measured C18 liquid chromatography retention times of 39 anionic PFAS and 20 nonfluorinated surfactants using isocratic methanol/water eluent systems. By measuring a series of PFAS with different perfluoroalkyl chain lengths, retention factors at 100% water (k0) were successfully extrapolated even for long-chain PFAS. Molecular size was the most important factor determining the k0 of PFAS and non-PFAS, suggesting that the cavity formation process is the key driver for retention. Log k0 showed a high correlation with the log of partition coefficients from water to the phospholipid membrane, air/water interface, and soil organic carbon. The results indicate the potential of C18 retention factors as predictive descriptors for anionic PFAS partition coefficients and the possibility of developing a more comprehensive multiparameter model for the partitioning of anionic substances in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Endo
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, 305-8506 Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sadao Matsuzawa
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, 305-8506 Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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11
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Sha B, Johansson JH, Salter ME, Blichner SM, Cousins IT. Constraining global transport of perfluoroalkyl acids on sea spray aerosol using field measurements. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1026. [PMID: 38579007 PMCID: PMC10997204 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are highly persistent anthropogenic pollutants that have been detected in the global oceans. Our previous laboratory studies demonstrated that PFAAs in seawater are remobilized to the air in sea spray aerosols (SSAs). Here, we conducted field experiments along a north-south transect of the Atlantic Ocean to study the enrichment of PFAAs in SSA. We show that in some cases PFAAs were enriched >100,000 times in the SSA relative to seawater concentrations. On the basis of the results of the field experiments, we estimate that the secondary emission of certain PFAAs from the global oceans via SSA emission is comparable to or greater than estimates for the other known global sources of PFAAs to the atmosphere from manufacturing emissions and precursor degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sha
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana H. Johansson
- Department of Thematic Studies—Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Matthew E. Salter
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara M. Blichner
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Jonker MTO. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water (2008-2022) and Fish (2015-2022) in The Netherlands: Spatiotemporal Trends, Fingerprints, Mass Discharges, Sources, and Bioaccumulation Factors. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38501493 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic synthetic chemicals of concern, which have been detected in nearly all environmental compartments. The present study provides a data analysis on PFAS concentrations in the Dutch inland and coastal national waters and fish sampled from 2008 to 2022 and 2015 to 2022, respectively. Although the fish database is relatively small, the water database is unique because of its temporal dimension. It appears that PFAS are omnipresent in Dutch water and fish, with relatively small spatial differences in absolute and relative concentrations (fingerprints) and few obvious temporal trends. Only perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) aqueous concentrations in the rivers Rhine and Scheldt have substantially decreased since 2012. Still, PFOS concentrations exceed the European water quality standards at all and fish standards at many locations. Masses of PFAS entering the country and the North Sea are roughly 3.5 tonnes/year. Generally, the data suggest that most PFAS enter the Dutch aquatic environment predominantly through diffuse sources, yet several major point sources of specific PFAS were identified using fingerprints and monthly concentration profiles as identification tools. Finally, combining concentrations in fish and water, 265 bioaccumulation factors were derived, showing no statistically significant differences between freshwater and marine fish. Overall, the analysis provides new insights into PFAS bioaccumulation and spatiotemporal trends, mass discharges, and sources in The Netherlands. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-11. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel T O Jonker
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Wang J, Shen C, Zhang J, Lou G, Shan S, Zhao Y, Man YB, Li Y. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Chinese surface water: Temporal trends and geographical distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170127. [PMID: 38242487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
PFAS, recognized as persistent organic pollutants, present risks to both the ecological environment and human health. Studying PFASs in surface water yields insights into pollution dynamics. However, existing research on PFASs surface water pollution in China often focuses on specific regions, lacking comprehensive nationwide analyses. This study examined 48 research papers covering PFAS pollution in Chinese surface water, involving 49 regions and 1338 sampling sites. The results indicate widespread PFAS contamination, even in regions like Tibet. Predominant PFAS types include PFOA and PFOS, and pollution is associated with the relocation of industries from developed to developing countries post-2010. The shift from long-chain to short-chain PFASs aligns with recent environmental policy proposals. Geographic concentration of PFAS pollution correlates with industry distribution and economic development levels. Addressing point source pollution, especially from wastewater plant tailwater, is crucial for combating PFAS contamination. Greater emphasis should be placed on addressing short-chain PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-Treatment of Waste Biomass, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, PR China
| | - Cheng Shen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-Treatment of Waste Biomass, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, PR China; Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-Treatment of Waste Biomass, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, PR China
| | - Guangyu Lou
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-Treatment of Waste Biomass, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, PR China
| | - Shengdao Shan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-Treatment of Waste Biomass, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, PR China
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Yu Bon Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, PR China.
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14
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Nguyen D, Stults J, Devon J, Novak E, Lanza H, Choi Y, Lee L, Schaefer CE. Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater via aerosol capture. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133460. [PMID: 38211524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing products in numerous commercial and industrial applications has resulted in their occurrence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Herein, proof-of-concept bench-scale experiments were performed to measure the extent to which PFAS could be removed from a WWTP if aerosols generated during aeration were captured. Experiments were designed to mimic the aeration rate:water volume ratio, the water volume:surface area ratio, and aeration bubble size applicable to the full-scale aeration vessel. Results showed that substantial (75%) removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was observed under these operating conditions in the bench-scale system; up to 97% PFOS removal was observed if the aeration rate was increased 3-fold. PFAS removal generally increased with increasing aerosol capture and with increasing PFAS surface activity. Analysis of semi-quantified PFAS showed that the semi-quantified PFAS accounted for approximately 93% of the identified PFAS in the raw wastewater, dominated largely by the presence of 2:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (2:2 FTCA). This preliminary study suggests that aerosol capture in aeration basins has potential for mitigating PFAS in WWTPs. Further testing is needed to assess the feasibility of this approach at the field scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dung Nguyen
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States.
| | - John Stults
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States
| | - Julie Devon
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States
| | - Eden Novak
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, #100, Bellevue, WA 98007, United States
| | - Heather Lanza
- CDM Smith, 555 17th Street, #500, Denver, CO 80202, United States
| | - Youn Choi
- Purdue University, Lilly Hall, 915 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Linda Lee
- Purdue University, Lilly Hall, 915 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6th Floor, Edison, NJ 08837, United States
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15
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Casas G, Iriarte J, D'Agostino LA, Roscales JL, Martinez-Varela A, Vila-Costa M, Martin JW, Jiménez B, Dachs J. Inputs, amplification and sinks of perfluoroalkyl substances at coastal Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122608. [PMID: 37742857 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122608] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The sources, biogeochemical controls and sinks of perfluoroalkyl substances, such as perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), in polar coastal regions are largely unknown. These were evaluated by measuring a large multi-compartment dataset of PFAAs concentrations at coastal Livingston and Deception Islands (maritime Antarctica) during three austral summers. PFAAs were abundant in atmospheric-derived samples (aerosols, rain, snow), consistent with the importance of atmospheric deposition as an input of PFAAs to Antarctica. Such PFAAs deposition was unequivocally demonstrated by the occurrence of PFAAs in small Antarctic lakes. Several lines of evidence supported the relevant amplification of PFAAs concentrations in surface waters driven by snow scavenging of sea-spray aerosol-bound PFAAs followed by snow-melting. For example, vertical profiles showed higher PFAAs concentrations at lower-salinity surface seawaters, and PFAAs concentrations in snow were significantly higher than in seawater. The higher levels of PFAAs at Deception Island than at Livingston Island are consistent with the semi-enclosed nature of the bay. Concentrations of PFOS decreased from 2014 to 2018, consistent with observations in other oceans. The sink of PFAAs due to the biological pump, transfer to the food web, and losses due to sea-spray aerosols alone are unlikely to have driven the decrease in PFOS concentrations. An exploratory assessment of the potential sinks of PFAAs suggests that microbial degradation of perfluoroalkyl sulfonates should be a research priority for the evaluation of PFAAs persistence in the coming decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Casas
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain; BETA Tech Center, University of Vic, Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Jon Iriarte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lisa A D'Agostino
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES, Exposure & Effects), Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Jose L Roscales
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Martinez-Varela
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Vila-Costa
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES, Exposure & Effects), Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council (IQOG-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Dachs
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Hu H, Hao M, Wang H, Hao H, Lu Z, Shi B. Occurrence of metals, phthalate esters, and perfluoroalkyl substances in cellar water and their relationship with bacterial community in rural areas of China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165876. [PMID: 37517737 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165876] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Water cellars are traditional rainwater harvesting facilities that have been widely used in rural areas of northwest China. However, there are few reports about the water quality and health risk caused by the cellar water, especially phthalate esters (PAEs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This study investigated and assessed the health risks caused by the metals, PAEs, PFASs and bacterial communities in cellar water. The results showed that the turbidity and total number of bacterial colonies ranged from 4.7 to 58.5 NTU and 5-557 CFU/mL, respectively. The turbidity and total number of bacterial colonies were the main water quality problems. Due to high concentration of Tl (0.005-0.171 μg/L), the samples reached a high level of metal pollution. PAEs showed no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk. The perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were the main components of PFASs. PFOA and PFOS reached a moderate risk level in many cellar water samples. Moreover, Tl, Pb, As, PFBA and PFBS could change the bacterial community composition and induce the enrichment of bacterial functions related to human diseases. Besides these parameters, dissolved oxygen (DO) also affected the bacterial functions related to human diseases. Therefore, more attention should be paid to turbidity, DO, Tl, Pb, As, PFOA, PFOS, PFBA and PFBS in the cellar water. These results are meaningful for the water quality guarantee and health protection in rural areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Mingming Hao
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Haotian Hao
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhili Lu
- Institute of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
| | - Baoyou Shi
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, 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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17
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Kim Y, Pike KA, Gray R, Sprankle JW, Faust JA, Edmiston PL. Non-targeted identification and semi-quantitation of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in US rainwater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1771-1787. [PMID: 36341487 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00349j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to screen for emerging per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in precipitation samples collected in summer 2019 at seven sites in the United States. We previously quantified the concentration of ten PFAS in the rainwater samples using the method of isotopic dilution (Pike et al., 2021). Nine of these targeted analytes belonged to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Screening Level list, herein referred to as EPA-monitored analytes. In this new work, we identify emerging PFAS compounds by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Several emerging PFAS were detected across all samples, with the most prevalent compounds being C3-C8 hydrogen-substituted perfluorocarboxylic acids (H-PFCAs) and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs). Concentrations of emerging PFAS were in the 10-1000 ng L-1 range (approximately 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than EPA-monitored PFAS) at all sites except Wooster, OH, where concentrations were even higher, with a maximum estimated ΣPFAS of 16 400 ng L-1. The elevated levels of emerging PFAS in the Wooster samples were predominantly even and odd chain-length H-PFCAs and FTCAs comprised of complex mixtures of branched isomers. This unique composition did not match any known manufactured PFAS formulation reported to date, but it could represent thermally transformed by-products emitted by a local point source. Overall, the results indicate that PFAS outside of the standard analyte lists make up a significant and previously unappreciated fraction of contaminants in rainwater collected within the central U.S.-and potentially world-wide-especially in proximity to localized point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA.
| | - Kyndal A Pike
- Department of Chemistry, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA.
- Department of Mathematical & Computational Sciences, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - Rebekah Gray
- Department of Chemistry, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA.
| | - Jameson W Sprankle
- Department of Chemistry, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA.
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
| | | | - Paul L Edmiston
- Department of Chemistry, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA.
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18
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Atoufi HD, Lampert DJ. Analysis of a Passive Sampling Device to Assess the Behavior of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2171-2183. [PMID: 37377347 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of compounds that cause health and environmental problems worldwide. In aquatic environments, PFAS may bioaccumulate in sediment organisms, which can affect the health of organisms and ecosystems. As such, it is important to develop tools to understand their bioaccumulation potential. In the present study, the uptake of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) from sediments and water was assessed using a modified polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) as a passive sampler. While POCIS has previously been used to measure time-weighted concentrations of PFAS and other compounds in water, in our study, the design was adapted for analyzing contaminant uptake and porewater concentrations in sediments. The samplers were deployed into seven different tanks containing PFAS-spiked conditions and monitored over 28 days. One tank contained only water with PFOA and PFBS, three tanks contained soil with 4% organic matter, and three tanks contained soil combusted at 550 °C to minimize the influence of labile organic carbon. The uptake of PFAS from the water was consistent with previous research using a sampling rate model or simple linear uptake. For the samplers placed in the sediment, the uptake process was explained well using a mass transport based on the external resistance from the sediment layer. Uptake of PFOS in the samplers occurred faster than that of PFOA and was more rapid in the tanks containing the combusted soil. A small degree of competition was observed between the two compounds for the resin, although these effects are unlikely to be significant at environmentally relevant concentrations. The external mass transport model provides a mechanism to extend the POCIS design for measuring porewater concentrations and sampling releases from sediments. This approach may be useful for environmental regulators and stakeholders involved in PFAS remediation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2171-2183. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein D Atoufi
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David J Lampert
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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19
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Guo B, Saleem H, Brusseau ML. Predicting Interfacial Tension and Adsorption at Fluid-Fluid Interfaces for Mixtures of PFAS and/or Hydrocarbon Surfactants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:8044-8052. [PMID: 37204869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are surface-active and adsorb at fluid-fluid interfaces. The interfacial adsorption controls PFAS transport in multiple environmental systems, including leaching through soils, accumulation in aerosols, and treatment methods such as foam fractionation. Most PFAS contamination sites comprise mixtures of PFAS as well as hydrocarbon surfactants, which complicates their adsorption behaviors. We present a mathematical model for predicting interfacial tension and adsorption at fluid-fluid interfaces for multicomponent PFAS and hydrocarbon surfactants. The model is derived from simplifying a prior advanced thermodynamic-based model and applies to nonionic and ionic mixtures of the same charge sign with swamping electrolytes. The only required model inputs are the single-component Szyszkowski parameters obtained for the individual components. We validate the model using literature interfacial tension data of air-water and NAPL (non-aqueous phase liquid)-water interfaces covering a wide range of multicomponent PFAS and hydrocarbon surfactants. Application of the model to representative porewater PFAS concentrations in the vadose zone suggests competitive adsorption can significantly reduce PFAS retention (up to 7 times) at some highly contaminated sites. The multicomponent model can be readily incorporated into transport models to simulate the migration of mixtures of PFAS and/or hydrocarbon surfactants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Guo
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Hassan Saleem
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Mark L Brusseau
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
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20
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Savvidou EK, Sha B, Salter ME, Cousins IT, Johansson JH. Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in the Water Column of the Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2023; 10:418-424. [PMID: 37181535 PMCID: PMC10173459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely distributed in the oceans which are their largest global reservoir, but knowledge is limited about their vertical distribution and fate. This study measured the concentrations of PFAAs (perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with 6 to 11 carbons and perfluoroalkanesulfonic acids (PFSAs) with 6 and 8 carbons) in the surface and deep ocean. Seawater depth profiles from the surface to a 5000 m depth at 28 sampling stations were collected in the Atlantic Ocean from ∼50° N to ∼50° S. The results demonstrated PFAA input from the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel. Elevated PFAA concentrations were observed at the eastern edge of the Northern Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, suggesting that persistent contaminants may accumulate in ocean gyres. The median ΣPFAA surface concentration in the Northern Hemisphere (n = 17) was 105 pg L-1, while for the Southern Hemisphere (n = 11) it was 28 pg L-1. Generally, PFAA concentrations decreased with increasing distance to the coast and increasing depth. The C6-C9 PFCAs and C6 and C8 PFSAs dominated in surface waters, while longer-chain PFAAs (C10-C11 PFCAs) peaked at intermediate depths (500-1500 m). This profile may be explained by stronger sedimentation of longer-chain PFAAs, as they sorb more strongly to particulate organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni K. Savvidou
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Sha
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew E. Salter
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Bolin
Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana H. Johansson
- Department
of Thematic Studies − Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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21
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Smith SJ, Lewis J, Wiberg K, Wall E, Ahrens L. Foam fractionation for removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Towards closing the mass balance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162050. [PMID: 36758489 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Foam fractionation has recently attracted attention as a low-cost and environmentally benign treatment technology for water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, data on the mass balance over the foam fractionation process are scarce and when available, gaps in the mass balance are often identified. This study verified the high treatment efficiency of a pilot-scale foam fractionation system for removal of PFAS from industrial water contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam. ΣPFAS removal reached up to 84 % and the removal of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) up to 97 %, but the short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was only removed with a mean efficiency of 1.5 %. In general, mobile short-chain PFAS were removed less efficiently when the perfluorocarbon chain length was below six for carboxylic acids and below five for sulfonic acids. Fluctuations in treatment efficiency due to natural variations in the chemistry of the influent water were minor, confirming the robustness of the technology, but significant positive correlations between PFAS removal and influent metal concentration and conductivity were observed. Over all experiments, the mass balance closure did not differ significantly from 100 %. Nonetheless, PFAS sorption to the walls of the reactor was measured, as well as high PFAS emissions by the air exiting the reactor. PFAS emissions in aerosols correlated positively with mass balance closure. The elevated aerial PFAS concentrations measured in the experimental facility have implications for worker safety and prevention of PFAS-emissions to the atmosphere, and demonstrate the importance of installing appropriate filters on the air outlet of foam fractionation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne J Smith
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Wall
- Cytiva, Björkgatan 30, SE-75323 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Hartz WF, Björnsdotter MK, Yeung LWY, Hodson A, Thomas ER, Humby JD, Day C, Jogsten IE, Kärrman A, Kallenborn R. Levels and distribution profiles of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in a high Arctic Svalbard ice core. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:161830. [PMID: 36716880 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent organic contaminants of which some are toxic and bioaccumulative. Several PFAS can be formed from the atmospheric degradation of precursors such as fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) as well as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) replacement compounds. Svalbard ice cores have been shown to provide a valuable record of long-range atmospheric transport of contaminants to the Arctic. This study uses a 12.3 m ice core from the remote Lomonosovfonna ice cap on Svalbard to understand the atmospheric deposition of PFAS in the Arctic. A total of 45 PFAS were targeted, of which 26 were detected, using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) MS/MS. C2 to C11 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were detected continuously in the ice core and their fluxes ranged from 2.5 to 8200 ng m-2 yr-1 (9.51-16,500 pg L-1). Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) represented 71 % of the total mass of C2 - C11 PFCAs in the ice core and had increasing temporal trends in deposition. The distribution profile of PFCAs suggested that FTOHs were likely the atmospheric precursor to C8 - C11 PFCAs, whereas C2 - C6 PFCAs had alternative sources, such as HFCs and other CFC replacement compounds. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was also widely detected in 82 % of ice core subsections, and its isomer profile (81 % linear) indicated an electrochemical fluorination manufacturing source. Comparisons of PFAS concentrations with a marine aerosol proxy showed that marine aerosols were insignificant for the deposition of PFAS on Lomonosovfonna. Comparisons with a melt proxy showed that TFA and PFOS were mobile during meltwater percolation. This indicates that seasonal snowmelt and runoff from post-industrial accumulation on glaciers could be a significant seasonal source of PFAS to ecosystems in Arctic fjords.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F Hartz
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3AN, United Kingdom; Department of Arctic Geology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway.
| | - Maria K Björnsdotter
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Andrew Hodson
- Department of Arctic Geology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway; Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, NO-6851 Sogndal, Norway
| | - Elizabeth R Thomas
- Ice Dynamics and Paleoclimate, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Jack D Humby
- Ice Dynamics and Paleoclimate, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Day
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3AN, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Ericson Jogsten
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences (KBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), NO-1432 Ås, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
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23
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Khan B, Burgess RM, Cantwell MG. Occurrence and Bioaccumulation Patterns of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Marine Environment. ACS ES&T WATER 2023; 3:1243-1259. [PMID: 37261084 PMCID: PMC10228145 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic compounds used in commercial applications, household products, and industrial processes. The concern around the environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity of this vast contaminant class continues to rise. We conducted a review of the scientific literature to compare patterns of PFAS bioaccumulation in marine organisms and identify compounds of potential concern. PFAS occurrence data in seawater, sediments, and several marine taxa was analyzed from studies published between the years 2000 and 2020. Taxonomic and tissue-specific differences indicated elevated levels in protein-rich tissues and in air-breathing organisms compared to those that respire in water. Long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, particularly perfluoroundecanoic acid, were detected at high concentrations across several taxa and across temporal studies indicating their persistence and bioaccumulative potential. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid was elevated in various tissue types across taxa. Precursors and replacement PFAS were detected in several marine organisms. Identification of these trends across habitats and taxa can be applied towards biomonitoring efforts, determination of high-risk taxa, and criteria development. This review also highlights challenges related to PFAS biomonitoring including (i) effects of environmental and biological variables, (ii) evaluation of protein binding sites and affinities, and (iii) biotransformation of precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Khan
- ORISE Research Participant at the US Environmental Protection Agency, ORD-CEMM, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Robert M. Burgess
- US Environmental Protection Agency, ORD-CEMM, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Mark G. Cantwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, ORD-CEMM, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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24
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Lemay AC, Sontarp EJ, Martinez D, Maruri P, Mohammed R, Neapole R, Wiese M, Willemsen JAR, Bourg IC. Molecular Dynamics Simulation Prediction of the Partitioning Constants ( KH, Kiw, Kia) of 82 Legacy and Emerging Organic Contaminants at the Water-Air Interface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6296-6308. [PMID: 37014786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The tendency of organic contaminants (OCs) to partition between different phases is a key set of properties that underlie their human and ecological health impacts and the success of remediation efforts. A significant challenge associated with these efforts is the need for accurate partitioning data for an ever-expanding list of OCs and breakdown products. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have the potential to help generate these data, but existing studies have applied these techniques only to a limited variety of OCs. Here, we use established MD simulation approaches to examine the partitioning of 82 OCs, including many compounds of critical concern, at the water-air interface. Our predictions of the Henry's law constant (KH) and interfacial adsorption coefficients (Kiw, Kia) correlate strongly with experimental results, indicating that MD simulations can be used to predict KH, Kiw, and Kia values with mean absolute deviations of 1.1, 0.3, and 0.3 logarithmic units after correcting for systematic bias, respectively. A library of MD simulation input files for the examined OCs is provided to facilitate future investigations of the partitioning of these compounds in the presence of other phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie C Lemay
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Ethan J Sontarp
- Department of Geosciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Daniela Martinez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Philip Maruri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Raneem Mohammed
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Ryan Neapole
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Morgan Wiese
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Jennifer A R Willemsen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Ian C Bourg
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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25
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Sun J, Xing L, Chu J. Global ocean contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A review of seabird exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138721. [PMID: 37080473 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively produced and used as surfactants and repellents for decades. To date, the global contamination pattern of PFAS in marine biota has seldomly been reviewed. Seabirds are ideal biomonitoring tools to study environmental contaminants and their effects. Here, we compiled and synthesized reported PFAS concentrations in various seabird species to reflect spatiotemporal patterns and exposure risks of major PFAS on a global ocean scale. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most studied PFAS in seabirds, which showed the highest level in eggs of common guillemots (U. aalge) from the Baltic Sea, followed by great cormorants (P. carbo) from the North Sea and double-crested cormorants (P.auritus) from the San Francisco Bay, whereas the lowest were those reported for Antarctic seabirds. The temporal pattern showed an overall higher level of PFOS in the late 1990s and early 2000s, consistent with the phase-out of perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride-based products. Maximum liver PFOS concentrations in several species such as cormorants and fulmars from Europe and North America exceeded the estimated toxicity reference values. Systematic evaluations using representative species and long time-series are necessary to understand contamination patterns in seabirds in South America, Africa, and Asia where information is lacking. In addition, limited research has been conducted on the identification and toxic effects of novel substitutes such as fluorotelomers and ether PFAS (F-53B, Gen-X etc.) in seabirds. Further research, including multi-omics analysis, is needed to comprehensively characterize the exposure and toxicological profiles of PFAS in seabirds and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China.
| | - Lingling Xing
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiansong Chu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China.
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26
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Faust JA. PFAS on atmospheric aerosol particles: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:133-150. [PMID: 35416231 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00002d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants of concern to human health. These synthetic chemicals are in widespread use for consumer products, firefighting foams, and industrial applications. They have been detected all over the globe, including at remote locations distant from any possible point sources. One mechanism for long-range transport of PFAS is through sorption to aerosol particles in the atmosphere. PFAS can be transferred from the sea surface to sea spray aerosol particles through wave breaking and bubble bursting, and PFAS emitted to the atmosphere in the gas phase can sorb to particulate matter through gas-particle partitioning. Here we present a comprehensive review of global measurements of PFAS on ambient particulate matter dating back to the first reports from the early 2000s. We summarize findings for the historically important C8 species, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), including detection of isomers and size-segregated measurements, as well as studies of newer and emerging PFAS. We conclude that long-term monitoring of PFAS on particulate matter should be expanded to include more measurement sites in under-sampled regions of the world and that further non-targeted work to identify novel PFAS structures is needed as PFAS manufacturing and regulations continue to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Faust
- Department of Chemistry, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA.
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27
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Bowers BB, Thornton JA, Sullivan RC. Evaluation of iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometry for gas and aerosol-phase per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:277-287. [PMID: 36189623 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00275b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of ultra-persistent anthropogenic contaminants. PFAS are ubiquitous in environmental and built systems, but very few online methods exist for their characterization in atmospheric gases and aerosols. Iodide time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry (iodide-ToF-CIMS) is a promising technology for online characterization of PFAS in the atmosphere. Previous work using iodide-ToF-CIMS was successful in measuring gas-phase perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and fluorotelomer alcohols, but those are just two of the myriad classes of PFAS that are atmospherically relevant. Therefore, our first objective was to test other sample introduction methods coupled to iodide-TOF-CIMS to evaluate its ability to measure a wider suite of PFAS in both gas and aerosol phases. Using a variety of sample introduction techniques, we successfully measured gas-phase fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), gas and aerosol-phase perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and aerosol-phase perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids and polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters (PFSAs and diPAPs). We also determined iodide-ToF-CIMS response factors for these compounds by introducing known quantities using a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO). These response factors ranged from 400 to 6 × 104 ions per nanogram, demonstrating low limits of detection. Furthermore, PFAS are a poorly understood diverse class of molecules that exhibit unusual and often unexpected physicochemical properties due to their highly fluorinated nature. Since detection of PFAS with iodide-ToF-CIMS relies on the analyte molecule to either undergo proton transfer or adduct formation with iodide, understanding PFAS behavior during chemical ionization gives rise to a more fundamental understanding of these compounds. Through voltage scanning experiments and DFT calculations, we found that PFCAs and FTOHs readily form iodide adducts, while PFSAs and diPAPs preferentially undergo proton transfer to iodide. Generally, binding energy increased with increasing linear chain length, and PFCAs had stronger binding than FTOHs. Overall, our results suggest that iodide-ToF-CIMS can be used to measure even nonvolatile PFAS such as PFSAs and diPAPs in the aerosol phase in a semi-continuous online fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey B Bowers
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joel A Thornton
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan C Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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28
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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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29
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Song Y, Li J, Tsona NT, Liu L, Du L. Enrichment of short-chain organic acids transferred to submicron sea spray aerosols. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158122. [PMID: 35988626 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158122] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Organic acids, considered to be a substantial component of the marine carbon cycle, can enter the atmosphere through sea spray aerosol (SSA) and further affect the climate. Despite their importance, the distribution and mixing state of organic acids in SSA over the marine boundary layer are poorly understood and therefore need more investigation. Here, we have used ion chromatography (IC) in anion mode to measure short-chain organic acids concentrations in SSA collected throughout a custom-made SSA simulation chamber. The enrichment behavior and morphology of monocarboxylic acids (MAs, C1-8) and dicarboxylic acids (DAs) in submicron SSA were studied in seawater. We found that with MAs addition, the number concentration and mass concentration of SSA particles decreased gradually for C5-8 MAs, whereas they weakly varied with DAs addition due to the fact that carboxyl groups at both ends of DAs increased the surface tension of seawater. Moreover, the target compounds in submicron SSA displayed a surface activity-dependent enrichment behavior, where seawater with stronger surface activity, such as that containing MAs with >5 carbons, was more enriched in SSA in comparison to seawater with weaker surface activity. MAs with chain length <5 carbons were slightly enriched in SSA, whereas the enrichment factor (EF) of C5-8 MAs further increased with increasing chain length. These findings are of utmost importance in further understanding and quantifying the contribution of organic matter to SSA, which is crucial for assessing the atmosphere feedback of the marine carbon cycle. MAIN FINDING OF THE WORK: Surface tension of seawater is the key factor affecting the enrichment of short-chain organic acids in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Song
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jianlong Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Narcisse T Tsona
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Lingrui Liu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Lin Du
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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30
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Lin H, Lao JY, Wang Q, Ruan Y, He Y, Lee PKH, Leung KMY, Lam PKS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the atmosphere of waste management infrastructures: Uncovering secondary fluorotelomer alcohols, particle size distribution, and human inhalation exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107434. [PMID: 35914336 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been applied in numerous industrial and consumer products, the majority of which flow into waste management infrastructures (WMIs) at the end of their life cycles, but little is known about atmospheric releases of PFAS from these facilities. In this study, we addressed this key issue by investigating 49 PFAS, including 23 ionic and 26 neutral and precursor PFAS, in the potential sources (n = 4; within or adjacent to WMIs) and reference sites (n = 2; coastal and natural reserve sites) in urban and rural areas of Hong Kong, China. Duplicate samples of air and size-segregated particulate matter were collected for 48 h continuously using a 11-stage Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI). In general, fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonamides were the predominant PFAS classes found across sampling sites. We also demonstrated the release of several less frequently observed semivolatile intermediate products (e.g., secondary FTOHs) during waste treatment. Except for perfluorooctane sulfonate, the size-segregated distributions of particulate PFAS exhibited heterogeneity across sampling sites, particularly in the WMIs, implying combined effects of sorption affinity and emission sources. A preliminary daily air emission estimation revealed that landfill was a relatively important source of PFAS relative to the wastewater treatment plant. A simplified International Commission on Radiological Protection model was used to estimate lung depositional fluxes, and the results showed that inhaled particulate PFAS were mainly deposited in the head airway while fine and ultrafine particles carried PFAS deeper into the lung alveoli. The cumulative daily inhalation dose of gaseous and particulate PFAS ranged from 81.9 to 265 pg/kg/d. In-depth research is required to understand the health effect of airborne PFAS on workers at WMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiju Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Yong Lao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Yuhe He
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick K H Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kenneth M Y Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Office of the President, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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31
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Kourtchev I, Hellebust S, Heffernan E, Wenger J, Towers S, Diapouli E, Eleftheriadis K. A new on-line SPE LC-HRMS method for the analysis of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in PM 2.5 and its application for screening atmospheric particulates from Dublin and Enniscorthy, Ireland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155496. [PMID: 35483471 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155496] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A sensitive analytical method has been developed and validated for the determination of 16 polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) using on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography (LC) - negative electrospray ionisation high resolution mass spectrometry (-) ESI-HRMS. On-line SPE allows simultaneous sample clean-up from interfering matrices and lower limits of detection (LODs) by injecting a large volume of sample into the LC system without compromising chromatographic efficiency and resolution. The method provides LODs in the range 0.08-0.5 pg/mL of sample extract allowing detection of selected PFAS in aerosol particles at low fg/m3 level and showed good tolerance to the considered PM matrix. The validated method was applied for analysis of PFAS in ambient PM2.5 samples collected at two urban locations in Ireland, i.e., Enniscorthy and Dublin. Several PFAS were observed above the detection limit, including perfluorobutyrate (PFBA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (L-PFBS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), as well as fluorotelomer sulfonates: 4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS. The results indicate that some toxic PFAS, such as PFOS and PFOA, are still detected in the environment despite being phased out from production and subject to restricted use in the EU and USA for more than two decades. Observation of fluorotelomer sulfonates (4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS, which are used as alternatives for legacy PFOA and PFOS) in ambient PM2.5 samples raises a concern about their persistence in the atmosphere and impact on human health considering emerging evidence that they could have similar health endpoints as PFOA and PFOS. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify PFAS in ambient PM2.5 at urban locations in Ireland and also the first study to detect 4:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates in atmospheric aerosol particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kourtchev
- Centre for Agroecology Water and Resilience (CAWR), Coventry University, Wolston Lane, Ryton on Dunsmore CV8 3LG, UK.
| | - Stig Hellebust
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eimear Heffernan
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John Wenger
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sam Towers
- Centre for Agroecology Water and Resilience (CAWR), Coventry University, Wolston Lane, Ryton on Dunsmore CV8 3LG, UK
| | - Evangelia Diapouli
- ERL, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Science & Technology, Energy & Safety, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Eleftheriadis
- ERL, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Science & Technology, Energy & Safety, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Athens, Greece
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Garnett J, Halsall C, Winton H, Joerss H, Mulvaney R, Ebinghaus R, Frey M, Jones A, Leeson A, Wynn P. Increasing Accumulation of Perfluorocarboxylate Contaminants Revealed in an Antarctic Firn Core (1958-2017). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11246-11255. [PMID: 35881889 PMCID: PMC9386903 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are synthetic chemicals with a variety of industrial and consumer applications that are now widely distributed in the global environment. Here, we report the measurement of six perfluorocarboxylates (PFCA, C4-C9) in a firn (granular compressed snow) core collected from a non-coastal, high-altitude site in Dronning Maud Land in Eastern Antarctica. Snow accumulation of the extracted core dated from 1958 to 2017, a period coinciding with the advent, use, and geographical shift in the global industrial production of poly/perfluoroalkylated substances, including PFAA. We observed increasing PFCA accumulation in snow over this time period, with chemical fluxes peaking in 2009-2013 for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA, C8) and nonanoate (PFNA, C9) with little evidence of a decline in these chemicals despite supposed recent global curtailments in their production. In contrast, the levels of perfluorobutanoate (PFBA, C4) increased markedly since 2000, with the highest fluxes in the uppermost snow layers. These findings are consistent with those previously made in the Arctic and can be attributed to chlorofluorocarbon replacements (e.g., hydrofluoroethers) as an inadvertent consequence of global regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Garnett
- Lancaster
Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, U.K.
| | - Crispin Halsall
- Lancaster
Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, U.K.
| | - Holly Winton
- British
Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, U.K.
- Antarctic
Research Centre, Victoria University of
Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Hanna Joerss
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Robert Mulvaney
- British
Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, U.K.
| | - Ralf Ebinghaus
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Markus Frey
- British
Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, U.K.
| | - Anna Jones
- British
Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, U.K.
| | - Amber Leeson
- Lancaster
Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, U.K.
| | - Peter Wynn
- Lancaster
Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, U.K.
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Cousins IT, Johansson JH, Salter ME, Sha B, Scheringer M. Outside the Safe Operating Space of a New Planetary Boundary for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11172-11179. [PMID: 35916421 PMCID: PMC9387091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
It is hypothesized that environmental contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) defines a separate planetary boundary and that this boundary has been exceeded. This hypothesis is tested by comparing the levels of four selected perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) (i.e., perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)) in various global environmental media (i.e., rainwater, soils, and surface waters) with recently proposed guideline levels. On the basis of the four PFAAs considered, it is concluded that (1) levels of PFOA and PFOS in rainwater often greatly exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory levels and the sum of the aforementioned four PFAAs (Σ4 PFAS) in rainwater is often above Danish drinking water limit values also based on Σ4 PFAS; (2) levels of PFOS in rainwater are often above Environmental Quality Standard for Inland European Union Surface Water; and (3) atmospheric deposition also leads to global soils being ubiquitously contaminated and to be often above proposed Dutch guideline values. It is, therefore, concluded that the global spread of these four PFAAs in the atmosphere has led to the planetary boundary for chemical pollution being exceeded. Levels of PFAAs in atmospheric deposition are especially poorly reversible because of the high persistence of PFAAs and their ability to continuously cycle in the hydrosphere, including on sea spray aerosols emitted from the oceans. Because of the poor reversibility of environmental exposure to PFAS and their associated effects, it is vitally important that PFAS uses and emissions are rapidly restricted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T. Cousins
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana H. Johansson
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew E. Salter
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Sha
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute
of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Mattias S, Kikuchi J, Wiberg K, Lutz A. Spatial distribution and load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in background soils in Sweden. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133944. [PMID: 35150699 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative, and have adverse health effects, but very little is known about PFAS in the terrestrial environment and factors influencing their distribution. This paper presents one of the first comprehensive studies investigating PFAS (n = 28) in background forest soils (n = 27) on national scale across Sweden. The results showed that 16 of 28 target PFAS were present and all sites contained at least three PFAS compounds, with total concentrations ranging between 0.40 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 6.6 ng/g dw. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) showed the highest detection frequency of 89% and a median concentration of 0.39 ng/g dw. The PFOS loads (ng/m3) showed a distinct spatial distribution, with a significant exponential increase from north to south (R2 = 0.55; p < 0.001) and west to east (R2 = 0.35; p < 0.01). In some parts of Sweden, the compound 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA) had a higher median concentration (1.4 ng/g dw), but was in comparison to PFOS more impacted by local sources. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed regional clustering of PFAS compositional profiles, indicating that PFAS soil background concentrations are functions of spatial variations at local, regional, and countrywide scale. Such spatial trends have not been observed previously and it could not be deduced whether they are indicative of trends on a global scale, or country-specific and better explained by proximity to densely populated urban areas. An interpolation and extrapolation raster map created from the results was used to calculate the average total PFAS load on Swedish soils. Estimated total load in the top 10-cm soil layer was 2.7 ± 2.4 tons for PFOS and 16 ± 14 tons for ∑PFAS, indicating that soil carries a considerable legacy of past PFAS release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sörengård Mattias
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden.
| | - Johannes Kikuchi
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden; Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI), SE-581 93, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Ahrens Lutz
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden.
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