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Cappelli F, Ait Bamai Y, Van Hoey K, Kim DH, Covaci A. Occurrence of short- and ultra-short chain PFAS in drinking water from Flanders (Belgium) and implications for human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119753. [PMID: 39127331 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119753] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
SHORT: and ultra-short chain perfluoroalkyl substances (S- and US-PFAS) are alternatives for the long-chain PFAS which have been more regulated over time. They are highly mobile in the environment and can easily reach drinking water sources which can become an important human exposure route. Furthermore, there have been growing concerns about the presence of PFAS in Flanders. Because of this, human exposure to S- and US-PFAS through Flemish drinking water was evaluated in this study. For this purpose, the presence of 2 S-PFAS (PFBS and PFBA) and 5 US-PFAS (PFPrS, PFEtS, TFMS, PFPrA and TFA) was investigated in 47 tap water samples, collected from different Flemish provinces, and 16 bottled waters purchased in Flanders. Out of the 7 target PFAS, 4 (PFBA, PFBS, PFPrS and PFEtS) were detected at concentrations above LOQ in tap water. In bottled water, only TFMS was present above its LOQ. PFAS concentrations in all analyzed water samples ranged from <0.7 to 7.3 ng/L for PFBS, <0.03-15.0 ng/L for TFMS and <0.9-12.0 ng/L for PFBA. PFPrS was only detected once above its LOQ, at 0.6 ng/L. No value could be reported for PFPrA due to high procedural blanks resulting in a high LOQ, nor for TFA due to high matrix effect. No significant differences in PFAS concentrations were seen in tap water among different drinking water companies, provinces, nor between the two types of analyzed bottled water (natural mineral water vs spring water). The use of a commercial carbon filter significantly reduced the median concentrations of the studied compounds in tap water. Finally, it was estimated that the presence of S- and US-PFAS in Flemish drinking water does not pose an immediate threat to human health, as concentrations were at least two orders of magnitude below the available guidance values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cappelli
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Yu Ait Bamai
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, 060-0808, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Kobe Van Hoey
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Da-Hye Kim
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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2
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Sáez C, Bautista A, Nikolenko O, Scheiber L, Llorca M, Jurado A, Farré M, Pujades-Garnes E. Occurrence and fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in an urban aquifer located at the Besòs River Delta (Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124468. [PMID: 38950847 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124468] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Urban aquifers are at risk of contamination from persistent and mobile organic compounds (PMOCs), especially per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are artificial organic substances widely used across various industrial sectors. PFAS are considered toxic, mobile and persistent, and have therefore gained significant attention in environmental chemistry. Moreover, precursors could transform into more recalcitrant products under natural conditions. However, there is limited information about the processes which affect their behaviour in groundwater at the field-scale. In this context, the aim of this study is to assess the presence of PFAS in an urban aquifer in Barcelona, and identify processes that control their evolution along the groundwater flow. 21 groundwater and 6 river samples were collected revealing the presence of 16 PFAS products and 3 novel PFAS. Short and ultra-short chain PFAS were found to be ubiquitous, with the highest concentrations detected for perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFSA). Long chain PFAS and novel PFAS were found to be present in very low concentrations (<50 ng/L). It was observed that redox conditions influence the behaviour of a number of PFAS controlling their attenuation or recalcitrant behaviour. Most substances showed accumulation, possibly explained by sorption/desorption processes or transformation processes, highlighting the challenges associated with PFAS remediation. In addition, the removal processes of different intensities for three PFAS were revealed. Our results help to establish the principles of the evolution of PFAS along the groundwater flow, which are important for the development of conceptual models used to plan and adopt site specific groundwater management activities (e.g., Managed Aquifer Recharge).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Sáez
- Department of Geosciences, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arianna Bautista
- ON-HEALTH Group, Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olha Nikolenko
- Department of Geosciences, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Scheiber
- Department of Geosciences, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Llorca
- ON-HEALTH Group, Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Jurado
- Department of Geosciences, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marinella Farré
- ON-HEALTH Group, Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estanislao Pujades-Garnes
- Department of Geosciences, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Wang Y, Liu M, Vo Duy S, Munoz G, Sauvé S, Liu J. Fast analysis of short-chain and ultra-short-chain fluorinated organics in water by on-line extraction coupled to HPLC-HRMS. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173682. [PMID: 38825196 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
A rapid on-line solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (on-line SPE-LC-HRMS) method was developed to analyze 11 ultra-short and short-chain PFAS in surface water. Analytical optimization involved screening 7 chromatographic columns and 5 on-line SPE columns, as well as evaluating SPE loading conditions, filters, sample acidification, chromatographic mobile phases, and SPE loading mobile phases. The optimized method was then applied to 44 river water samples collected in Eastern Canada, including sites near airports with fire-training areas. Among the 11 targeted PFAS, the most frequently detected were trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 4.6-220 ng/L), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, 0.85-33 ng/L), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA, 1.2-2100 ng/L), trifluoromethane sulfonic acid (TMS, 0.01-4.3 ng/L), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS, 0.07-450 ng/L). Levels of C3-C5 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), C2-C4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) and n:3 polyfluoroalkyl acids (n = 2,3; n:3 acids) were significantly higher in water bodies near fire-training area sites compared with rivers in urban areas. In contrast, TFA, TMS, and 1:3 acid were not significantly elevated, likely reflecting atmospheric deposition or other diffuse sources for these compounds. Nontarget and suspect screening analysis revealed an abundance of other ultra-short and short-chain PFAS in AFFF-impacted water bodies. Perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASA, C2, C3, and C5), perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide propanoic acids (FASA-PrA, C1-C2) and n:3 acids (n = 1, 4, and 5) were detected for the first time in environmental surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
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4
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Zou J, Zhao M, Chan SA, Song Y, Yan S, Song W. Rapid and simultaneous determination of ultrashort-, short- and long- chain perfluoroalkyl substances by a novel liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1734:465324. [PMID: 39217736 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent organic pollutants that have received considerable attention from public and regulatory groups. Due to regulations of long-chain PFAS, the use of short-chain and ultrashort-chain PFAS is rapidly growing. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop quantitative methods for determining PFAS with different chain lengths in various environmental matrices. This study introduces an innovative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system combining large volume injection (LVI) and online solid phase extraction (SPE). This system incorporates three columns: a reverse-phase (RP) column, a weak anion exchange (WAX) trap column, and a hybrid HILIC/ion-exchange (HILIC/IE) column, controlled by two valves. With valve switching, ultrashort-chain PFAS that are not retained by the RP column are enriched by the trap column, while other PFAS are separated by the RP column. The trapped ultrashort PFAS are then transferred to the HILIC/IE column for further separation. The LVI significantly enhances the method's sensitivity, allowing for rapid and simultaneous determination of ultrashort-, short- and long- chain PFAS in aqueous samples. The matrix effects from various environmental samples were evaluated, and the results indicate that this unique LC-MS method is suitable for analyzing all chain-length PFAS in various matrices, including surface water, sewage effluent, and seawater. Finally, this novel LC-MS method was applied to quantify PFAS in various water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Zou
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Mengzhe Zhao
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Shen-An Chan
- Agilent Technologies, Inc., 1350 North Sichuan Road, Shanghai 200080, PR China
| | - Yue Song
- Agilent Technologies, Inc., 1350 North Sichuan Road, Shanghai 200080, PR China
| | - Shuwen Yan
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Weihua Song
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
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5
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Pettersson M, Ericson Jogsten I, Yeung LWY. Ways to improve understanding of PFAS contamination - A case study within a waste management facility. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124352. [PMID: 38871169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Waste management facilities are a known source for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment. In this study, water samples from seven subsections within a waste management facility in Sweden were analyzed for PFAS and extractable organofluorine (EOF). Oxidative conversion was used to investigate how much PFAS precursors could contribute to the EOF. Out of the 23 analyzed PFAS, ten compounds accounted for a major proportion of the concentrations. Before oxidative conversion the ∑10PFAS were between 0.44 μg/L and 17 μg/L. The EOF ranged from 2 μg/L F up to 79 μg/L F. There was a greater difference in concentrations and profiles between the subsections in comparison to the four sampling dates at respective sampling point, suggesting different sources of PFAS from the waste. Oxidative conversion revealed presence of precursors by elevated concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids after oxidation, which increased the explained EOF up to 25%. Seven samples from one sampling date were selected to investigate if other fluorinated compounds (inorganic anions, ultra-short-chain PFAS, and zwitterions) could be a part of the unexplained EOF fraction. The contribution of fluorine from tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate were equal or higher proportions than the ∑10PFAS. The presence of the ionic liquids tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate could originate from battery waste, due to their use as counter ions in batteries. Ultra-short-chain PFAS increased the explained EOF by an average of 8%, with trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid being the main contributors. However, the reported concentrations of ultra-short-chain PFAS, were underestimated due to low recovery by the additional washing step to remove inorganic fluoride for EOF analysis. The concentrations of zwitterions were low and increased the explained EOF by < 1%. Our results suggest that EOF, selected PFAS, oxidative conversion and anionic fluorinated substances give a better picture of PFAS contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Pettersson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ericson Jogsten
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
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6
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Mikhael E, Bouazza A, Gates WP, Gibbs D. Are Geotextiles Silent Contributors of Ultrashort Chain PFASs to the Environment? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8867-8877. [PMID: 38733414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08987] [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: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the presence of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in woven and nonwoven polypropylene geotextiles and four nonwoven polyester geotextiles commonly used in modern geosynthetic composite lining systems for waste containment facilities such as landfills. Targeted analysis for 23 environmentally significant PFAS molecules and methods for examining "PFAS total" concentrations were utilized to assess their occurrence in geotextiles. This analysis showed that most geotextile specimens evaluated in the current investigation contained the ultrashort chain PFAS compound pentafluoropropionic acid (PFPrA). While the concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 10.84 μg/g, the average measured concentrations of PFPrA were higher in polypropylene than in polyester geotextiles. "PFAS total" parameters comprising total fluorine (TF) and total oxidizable precursors (TOPs) indicate that no significant precursor mass nor untargeted intermediates were present in geotextiles. Therefore, this study identified geotextiles as a possible source of ultrashort PFASs in engineered lined waste containment facilities, which may contribute to the overall PFAS total concentrations in leachates or liquors they are in contact with. The findings reported for the first time herein may lead to further implications on the fate and migration of PFASs in geosynthetic composite liners, as previously unidentified concentrations, particularly of ultrashort-chain PFASs, may impact the extent of PFAS migration through and attenuation by constituents of geosynthetic composite liner systems. Given the widespread use of geotextiles in various engineering activities, these findings may have other unknown impacts. The significance of these findings needs to be further elucidated by more extensive studies with larger geotextile sample sizes to allow broader, generalized conclusions to be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissar Mikhael
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, 23 College Walk, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Abdelmalek Bouazza
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, 23 College Walk, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Will P Gates
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Melbourne-Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Daniel Gibbs
- Research and Innovation, Geofabrics, 11 Production Avenue, Molendinar, Queensland 4214, Australia
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7
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Björklund S, Weidemann E, Jansson S. Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in a Waste-to-Energy Plant─Tracking PFASs in Internal Residual Streams. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8457-8463. [PMID: 38685907 PMCID: PMC11097385 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute a diverse group of man-made chemicals characterized by their water- and oil-repellent properties and persistency. Given their widespread use in consumer products, PFASs will inevitably be present in waste streams sent to Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. We have previously observed a subset of PFASs in residual streams (ashes, treated process water, and flue gas) from a WtE plant. However, the transport and distribution of PFASs inside the WtE plant have remained unaddressed. This study is part of a comprehensive investigation to create a synoptic overview of the distribution of PFASs in WtE residues. PFASs were found in all sample types except for boiler ash. The total levels of 18 individual PFASs (Σ18PFASs) in untreated flue gas ranged from 5.2 to 9.5 ng m-3, decreasing with 35% ± 10% after wet flue gas treatment. Σ18PFASs in the condensate ranged from 46 to 50 ng L-1, of which perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) made up 90% on a ng L-1 basis. PFHxA was also dominant in filter ash, where Σ18PFASs ranged from 0.28 to 0.79 ng g-1. This study shows that flue gas treatment can capture some PFASs and transfer them into WtE residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Björklund
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Industrial
Doctoral School, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stina Jansson
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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8
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Londhe K, Lee CS, Grdanovska S, Smolinski R, Hamdan N, McDonough C, Cooper C, Venkatesan AK. Application of electron beam technology to decompose per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123770. [PMID: 38493862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The widespread detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental compartments across the globe has raised several health concerns. Destructive technologies that aim to transform these recalcitrant PFAS into less toxic, more manageable products, are gaining impetus to address this problem. In this study, a 9 MeV electron beam accelerator was utilized to treat a suite of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl carboxylates: PFCAs, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate: FTS) at environmentally relevant levels in water under different operating and water quality conditions. Although perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid showed >90% degradation at <500 kGy dose at optimized conditions, a fluoride mass balance revealed that complete defluorination occurred only at/or near 1000 kGy. Non-target and suspect screening revealed additional degradation pathways differing from previously reported mechanisms. Treatment of PFAS mixtures in deionized water and groundwater matrices showed that FTS was preferentially degraded (∼90%), followed by partial degradation of long-chain PFAS (∼15-60%) and a simultaneous increase of short-chain PFAS (up to 20%) with increasing doses. The increase was much higher (up to 3.5X) in groundwaters compared to deionized water due to the presence of PFAS precursors as confirmed by total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. TOP assay of e-beam treated samples did not show any increase in PFCAs, confirming that e-beam was effective in also degrading precursors. This study provides an improved understanding of the mechanism of PFAS degradation and revealed that short-chain PFAS are more resistant to defluorination and their levels and regulation in the environment will determine the operating conditions of e-beam and other PFAS treatment technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Londhe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA; New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Cheng-Shiuan Lee
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | | | - Rachel Smolinski
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Noor Hamdan
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Carrie McDonough
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Charles Cooper
- Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL, 60510, USA
| | - Arjun K Venkatesan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA; New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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9
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Tang L, Yu X, Zhao W, Barceló D, Lyu S, Sui Q. Occurrence, behaviors, and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in typical municipal solid waste disposal sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 252:121215. [PMID: 38309069 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become a crucial environmental concern owing to their exceptional persistence, ability to bioaccumulate within ecosystems, and potential to adversely affect biota. Products and materials containing PFASs are usually discarded into municipal solid waste (MSW) at the end of their life cycle, and the fate of PFASs may differ when different disposal methods of MSWs are employed. To date, limited research has focus on the occurrence, behaviors, and fate of PFASs emitted from various MSW disposal sites. This knowledge gap may lead to an underestimation of the contribution of MSW disposal sites as a source of PFASs in the environment. In this review, we collated publications concerning PFASs from typical MSW disposal sites (i.e., landfills, incineration plants, and composting facilities) and explored the occurrence patterns and behaviors of PFASs across various media (e.g., landfill leachate/ambient air, incineration plant leachate/ash, and compost products) in these typical MSW disposal sites. In particular, this review highlighted ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl acids and "unknown"/emerging PFASs. Additionally, it meticulously elucidated the use of non-specific techniques and non-target analysis for screening and identifying these overlooked PFASs. Furthermore, the composition profiles, mass loads, and ecological risks of PFASs were compared across the three typical disposal methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review regarding the occurrence, behaviors, and fate of PFASs in typical MSW disposal sites on a global scale, which can help shed light on the potential environmental impacts of PFASs harbored in MSWs and guide future waste management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xia Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Wentao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Council for Scientific Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Shuguang Lyu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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10
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Zhang L, Liu Z, Zhao R, Zhao H, Wei J. Theoretical study on the degradation mechanism of perfluoro-ethanesulfonic acid under subcritical hydrothermal alkaline conditions. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:7446-7457. [PMID: 38353141 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00123k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorosulfonic acid, a widely recognized persistent organic pollutant, has attracted significant attention due to its severe environmental contamination, necessitating urgent resolution. To discover effective degradation strategies, this study implemented density functional theory, utilizing Gaussian 09 software with the WB97XD/6-311++G(2d,2p)//CCSD(T)/6-311++G(2df,2p) computational approach to conduct an in-depth reaction pathway analysis of perfluoroethane sulfonic acid (PFEtS) under subcritical hydrothermal alkaline conditions. It was revealed that PFEtS exhibits an uneven electron density distribution along the carbon chain backbone, with the bond energy of the C2-F4 bond being the lowest, followed by the C1-F1 bond, and the S-C1 bond energy being lower than those of C1-C2 and C-F bonds, rendering it susceptible to breakage. Based on these observations, seven potential degradation pathways of PFEtS were proposed under subcritical hydrothermal alkaline conditions, following optimization, and five reaction pathways have been identified. The degradation process unfolds in two stages. Initially, hydroxyl groups replace the sulfonate in PFEtS to form perfluoroethanol. Subsequently, full mineralization is achieved under alkaline conditions. The most probable reaction pathway involves hydroxyl groups attacking the C1 position, resulting in the generation of CO2 and inorganic fluoride ions. The first step of the reaction is the rate-determining step, with a theoretical rate constant calculated to be 8.41 × 10-5 L mol-1 s-1. This theoretical value is in close agreement with the experimentally determined degradation rate constant of perfluorooctane sulfonate under identical conditions, which is 8.67 × 10-4 L mol-1 s-1. This finding corroborates the experimental observation that longer-chain perfluoro-sulfonates degrade faster than their shorter-chain counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Chemistry and Environment Science College, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010022, China.
| | - Zizhong Liu
- Chemistry and Environment Science College, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010022, China.
| | - Ruisheng Zhao
- Chemistry and Environment Science College, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010022, China.
| | - Hua Zhao
- Chemistry and Environment Science College, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010022, China.
| | - Jian Wei
- Chemistry and Environment Science College, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010022, China.
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11
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Mattila JM, Krug JD, Roberson WR, Burnette RP, McDonald S, Virtaranta L, Offenberg JH, Linak WP. Characterizing Volatile Emissions and Combustion Byproducts from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Using Online Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3942-3952. [PMID: 38350647 PMCID: PMC10985785 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are used in firefighting applications and often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can detrimentally impact environmental and biological health. Incineration is a potential disposal method for AFFFs, which may produce secondary PFAS and other air pollutants. We used online chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) to measure volatile PFAS emissions from incinerating AFFF concentrate solutions. We quantified perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) during the incineration of legacy and contemporary AFFFs. These included trifluoroacetic acid, which reached mg m-3 quantities in the incinerator exhaust. These PFCAs likely arose as products of incomplete combustion of AFFF fluorosurfactants with lower peak furnace temperatures yielding higher PFCA concentrations. We also detected other short-chain PFAS, and other novel chemical products in AFFF combustion emissions. The volatile headspace above AFFF solutions contained larger (C ≥ 8), less oxidized PFAS detected by CIMS. We identified neutral PFAS resembling fluorotelomer surfactants (e.g., fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaines and fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonates) and fluorotelomer alcohols in contemporary AFFF headspaces. Directly comparing the distinct chemical spaces of AFFF volatile headspace and combustion byproducts as measured by CIMS provides insight toward the chemistry of PFAS during thermal treatment of AFFFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Mattila
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Krug
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - William R. Roberson
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | | | - Stella McDonald
- Jacobs Technology Inc., Cary, North Carolina 27518, United States
| | - Larry Virtaranta
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - John H. Offenberg
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - William P. Linak
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
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12
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Ghorbani Gorji S, Gómez Ramos MJ, Dewapriya P, Schulze B, Mackie R, Nguyen TMH, Higgins CP, Bowles K, Mueller JF, Thomas KV, Kaserzon SL. New PFASs Identified in AFFF Impacted Groundwater by Passive Sampling and Nontarget Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1690-1699. [PMID: 38189783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water systems impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) typically addresses a few known PFAS groups. Given the diversity of PFASs present in AFFFs, current analytical approaches do not comprehensively address the range of PFASs present in these systems. A suspect-screening and nontarget analysis (NTA) approach was developed and applied to identify novel PFASs in groundwater samples contaminated from historic AFFF use. A total of 88 PFASs were identified in both passive samplers and grab samples, and these were dominated by sulfonate derivatives and sulfonamide-derived precursors. Several ultrashort-chain (USC) PFASs (≤C3) were detected, 11 reported for the first time in Australian groundwater. Several transformation products were identified, including perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfinates (PFASis). Two new PFASs were reported (((perfluorohexyl)sulfonyl)sulfamic acid; m/z 477.9068 and (E)-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,5,6,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooct-6-ene-1-sulfonic acid; m/z 424.9482). This study highlights that several PFASs are overlooked using standard target analysis, and therefore, the potential risk from all PFASs present is likely to be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Pradeep Dewapriya
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Bastian Schulze
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Mackie
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Thi Minh Hong Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | | | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
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13
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Zheng G, Eick SM, Salamova A. Elevated Levels of Ultrashort- and Short-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Acids in US Homes and People. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15782-15793. [PMID: 37818968 PMCID: PMC10603771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) make up a large group of fluorinated organic compounds extensively used in consumer products and industrial applications. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the two perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) with 8 carbons in their structure, have been phased out on a global scale because of their high environmental persistence and toxicity. As a result, shorter-chain PFAAs with less than 8 carbons in their structure are being used as their replacements and are now widely detected in the environment, raising concerns about their effects on human health. In this study, 47 PFAAs and their precursors were measured in paired samples of dust and drinking water collected from residential homes in Indiana, United States, and in blood and urine samples collected from the residents of these homes. Ultrashort- (with 2 or 3 carbons [C2-C3]) and short-chain (with 4-7 carbons [C4-C7]) PFAAs were the most abundant in all four matrices and constituted on average 69-100% of the total PFAA concentrations. Specifically, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, C2) and perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA, C3) were the predominant PFAAs in most of the samples. Significant positive correlations (n = 81; r = 0.23-0.42; p < 0.05) were found between TFA, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, C4), and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA, C7) concentrations in dust or water and those in serum, suggesting dust ingestion and/or drinking water consumption as important exposure pathways for these compounds. This study demonstrates that ultrashort- and short-chain PFAAs are now abundant in the indoor environment and in humans and warrants further research on potential adverse health effects of these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guomao Zheng
- School
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Stephanie M. Eick
- Gangarosa
Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department
of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa
Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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14
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Song D, Qiao B, Yao Y, Zhao L, Wang X, Chen H, Zhu L, Sun H. Target and nontarget analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in surface water, groundwater and sediments of three typical fluorochemical industrial parks in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132411. [PMID: 37666171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify both legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from three typical fluoridated industrial parks (FIPs) in China, and to assess their environmental occurrence and fate. Complementary suspect target and nontarget screening were implemented, and a total of 111 emerging PFAS were identified. Based on the multi-mass scale analysis, 25 emerging PFAS were identified for the first time, including 24 per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) and 1 ultra-short chlorinated perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (Cl-PFCAs, C2), with a maximum percentage of 48.2 % in nontarget PFAS (exclude target PFAS). The composition of PFAS identified in different media was influenced by functional groups, carbon chain length, substituents and ether bond insertion, with poly-hydrogen substituted being preferably in water and a more diverse pattern of PFECAs in sediments. The patterns of PFAS homologs revealed distinct differences among the three typical FIPs in the shift of PFAS production patterns. The C4-PFAS and short-chain carboxylic acids (≤C6) were the main PFAS in the Fuxin and Changshu, respectively. In contrast, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, C8) remained dominant in Zibo, and the highest point concentrations in water and sediment were up to 706 µg/L and 553 µg/g, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongbao Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Biting Qiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Leicheng Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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15
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Müller V, Kindness A, Feldmann J. Fluorine mass balance analysis of PFAS in communal waters at a wastewater plant from Austria. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120501. [PMID: 37647770 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are a major source of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment; moreover, long chain PFAS are known to accumulate in sewage sludge. Although publications on PFAS in wastewater are available from around the globe, little information is available from Central Europe. In this study influent, effluent, and sludge from two wastewater treatment plants from Austria were analysed for target PFAS compounds with HPLC MS/MS and extractable organic fluorine (EOF) content with combustion ion chromatography (CIC). The sum of 31 target PFAS increased from 22 to 47 ng L-1 in influent to 140 - 213 ng L-1 in effluent and around 10 ng g-1 in sludge, while EOF were found to be consistent (2.3 - 3.5 µg F L-1) in influent/effluent and 280 ng F g-1 in sludge. Mass balance analysis showed an increase in the identified PFAS compounds in the effluent compared to the influent (from 0.9% - 1.3% to 3.6% - 6.1%), suggesting biotransformation of non-targeted PFAS precursor compounds. In conclusion, wastewater treatment plants transform some PFAS, and wastewater effluent is a source of PFAS contamination in surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Müller
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom; Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitatsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andrew Kindness
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitatsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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16
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Jiao E, Larsson P, Wang Q, Zhu Z, Yin D, Kärrman A, van Hees P, Karlsson P, Qiu Y, Yeung LWY. Further Insight into Extractable (Organo)fluorine Mass Balance Analysis of Tap Water from Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14330-14339. [PMID: 37710968 PMCID: PMC10537424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02718] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the detection of unexplained extractable organofluorine (EOF) in drinking water have raised growing concerns. A recent study reported the detection of inorganic fluorinated anions in German river systems, and therefore, in some samples, EOF may include some inorganic fluorinated anions. Thus, it might be more appropriate to use the term "extractable fluorine (EF) analysis" instead of the term EOF analysis. In this study, tap water samples (n = 39) from Shanghai were collected to assess the levels of EF/EOF, 35 target PFAS, two inorganic fluorinated anions (tetrafluoroborate (BF4-) and hexafluorophosphate (PF6-)), and novel PFAS through suspect screening and potential oxidizable precursors through oxidative conversion. The results showed that ultra-short PFAS were the largest contributors to target PFAS, accounting for up to 97% of ΣPFAS. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time that bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NTf2) was reported in drinking water from China, and p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS) was also identified through suspect screening. Small amounts of precursors that can be oxidatively converted to PFCAs were noted after oxidative conversion. EF mass balance analysis revealed that target PFAS could only explain less than 36% of EF. However, the amounts of unexplained extractable fluorine were greatly reduced when BF4- and PF6- were included. These compounds further explained more than 44% of the EF, indicating the role of inorganic fluorinated anions in the mass balance analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enmiao Jiao
- Key
Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental
Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Pontus Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Qi Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City
University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhiliang Zhu
- Key
Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental
Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Daqiang Yin
- Key
Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental
Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Patrick van Hees
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-70182 Örebro, Sweden
- Eurofins
Food and Feed Testing Sweden AB, Sjöhagsgatan 3, SE-531 40 Lidköping, Sweden
| | - Patrik Karlsson
- Eurofins
Food and Feed Testing Sweden AB, Sjöhagsgatan 3, SE-531 40 Lidköping, Sweden
| | - Yanling Qiu
- Key
Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental
Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Leo W. Y. Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-70182 Örebro, Sweden
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17
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Boisacq P, De Keuster M, Prinsen E, Jeong Y, Bervoets L, Eens M, Covaci A, Willems T, Groffen T. Assessment of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercially available drinking straws using targeted and suspect screening approaches. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2023; 40:1230-1241. [PMID: 37619405 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Many food contact materials (FCMs) and reusable plastics in the food industry contain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic pollutants that are known to be potentially harmful for wildlife, humans, and the environment. PFAS may migrate from FCMs to food consumed by humans. As a replacement for plastics, often paper and other plant-based materials are used in commercial settings. This also applies to drinking straws, where plant-based and other presumably eco-friendly straws are increasingly used to reduce plastic pollution. In order to make these materials water-repellent, PFAS are added during manufacturing but can also already be present early in the supply chain due to the use of contaminated raw materials. In the present study, we examined the PFAS concentrations in 39 different brands of straws, made from five materials (i.e. paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic) commercially available on the Belgian market. We combined both targeted and suspect-screening approaches to evaluate a wide range of PFAS. PFAS were found to be present in almost all types of straws, except for those made of stainless steel. PFAS were more frequently detected in plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo. We did not observe many differences between the types of materials, or the continents of origin. The presence of PFAS in plant-based straws shows that they are not necessarily biodegradable and that the use of such straws potentially contributes to human and environmental exposure of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Boisacq
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maarten De Keuster
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els Prinsen
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yunsun Jeong
- Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Division for Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tim Willems
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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18
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Tisler S, Savvidou P, Jørgensen MB, Castro M, Christensen JH. Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Reveals Persistent Mobile Organic Compounds with Unknown Toxicity in Wastewater Effluents. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37307429 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Broad screening approaches for monitoring wastewater are normally based on reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). This method is not sufficient for the very polar micropollutants, neglected in the past due to a lack of suitable analytical methods. In this study, we used supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) to detect very polar and yet-undetected micropollutants in wastewater effluents. We tentatively identified 85 compounds, whereas 18 have only rarely been detected and 11 have not previously been detected in wastewater effluents such as 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, a likely transformation product (TP) of steroids, and 1H-indole-3-carboxamide, a likely TP from new synthetic cannabinoids. Suspect screening of 25 effluent wastewater samples from 8 wastewater treatment plants revealed several distinct potential pollution sources such as a pharmaceutical company and a golf court. The analysis of the same samples with LC-HRMS showed clearly how SFC increases the ionization efficiency for low-molecular-weight micropollutants (m/z < 300 Da) by a factor 2 to 87 times, which significantly improved the mass spectra for identifying very polar compounds. In order to assess which micropollutants might be of environmental concern, literature and toxicological databases were screened. There was a lack of available hazard and bio-activity data for regulatory-relevant in vitro and in vivo assays for >50% of the micropollutants. Especially, 70% of the data were lacking for the whole organism (in vivo) tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Tisler
- Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Pinelopi Savvidou
- Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | - Mafalda Castro
- Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jan H Christensen
- Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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19
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Pelch KE, McKnight T, Reade A. 70 analyte PFAS test method highlights need for expanded testing of PFAS in drinking water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162978. [PMID: 37059129 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In this community-led pilot study we sought to investigate the utility of expanded per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing for drinking water, using a targeted analysis for 70 PFAS and the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay which can indicate the presence of precursor PFAS. PFAS were detected in 30 out of 44 drinking water samples across 16 states; 15 samples would exceed US EPA's proposed maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS. Twenty-six unique PFAS were identified, including 12 not covered by either US EPA Methods 537.1 or 533. An ultrashort chain PFAS, PFPrA, had the highest frequency of detection, occurring in 24 of 30 samples. It was also the PFAS reported at the highest concentration in 15 of these samples. We created a data filter to model how these samples would be reported under the upcoming fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) requirements. All of the 30 samples with PFAS quantified by the 70 PFAS test had one or more PFAS present that would not be captured if the UCMR5 reporting requirements were followed. Our analysis suggests the upcoming UCMR5 will likely underreport PFAS in drinking water, due to limited coverage and higher minimum reporting limits. Results were inconclusive on the utility of the TOP Assay for monitoring drinking water. The results from this study provide important information to community participants regarding their current PFAS drinking water exposure. In addition, these results suggest gaps that need to be addressed by regulatory and scientific communities, in particular, the need for expanded targeted analysis of PFAS, the development of a sensitive, broad spectrum PFAS test, and further investigation into ultrashort chain PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Pelch
- Natural Resources Defense Council, 111 Sutter St. Floor 20, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
| | - Taryn McKnight
- Eurofins Environment Testing, 880 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, CA 95605, USA
| | - Anna Reade
- Natural Resources Defense Council, 111 Sutter St. Floor 20, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
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20
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Schumann P, Muschket M, Dittmann D, Rabe L, Reemtsma T, Jekel M, Ruhl AS. Is adsorption onto activated carbon a feasible drinking water treatment option for persistent and mobile substances? WATER RESEARCH 2023; 235:119861. [PMID: 36958222 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Persistent and mobile (PM) substances among the organic micropollutants have gained increasing interest since their inherent properties enable them to enrich in water cycles. This study set out to investigate the potential of adsorption onto activated carbon as a drinking water treatment option for 19 PM candidates in batch experiments in a drinking water matrix using a microporous and a mesoporous activated carbon. Overall, adsorption of PM candidates proved to be very variable and the extent of removal could not be directly related to molecular properties. At an activated carbon dose of 10 mg/L and 48 h contact time, five (out of 19) substances were readily removed (≥ 80%), among them N-(3-(dimethylamino)-propyl)methacrylamide, which was investigated for the first time. For five other substances, no or negligible removal (< 20%) was observed, including 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid and 4‑hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine. For the former, current state of the art adsorption processes may pose a sufficient barrier. Additionally, substance specific surrogate correlations between removals and UVA254 abatements were established to provide a cheap and fast estimate for PM candidate elimination. Adsorption onto activated carbon could contribute significantly to PM substance elimination as part of multi barrier approaches, but assessments for individual substances still require clarification, as demonstrated for the investigated PM candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Schumann
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.3, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany; Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Water Quality Control, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Matthias Muschket
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Dittmann
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.3, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa Rabe
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.3, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany; Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Water Quality Control, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Jekel
- Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Water Quality Control, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aki Sebastian Ruhl
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.3, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany; Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Water Quality Control, Sekr. KF 4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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21
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Ciccarelli D, Christopher Braddock D, Surman AJ, Arenas BIV, Salal T, Marczylo T, Vineis P, Barron LP. Enhanced selectivity for acidic contaminants in drinking water: From suspect screening to toxicity prediction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130906. [PMID: 36764252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A novel analytical workflow for suspect screening of organic acidic contaminants in drinking water is presented, featuring selective extraction by silica-based strong anion-exchange solid-phase extraction, mixed-mode liquid chromatography-high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), peak detection, feature reduction and compound identification. The novel use of an ammonium bicarbonate-based elution solvent extended strong anion-exchange solid-phase extraction applicability to LC-HRMS of strong acids. This approach performed with consistently higher recovery and repeatability (88 ± 7 % at 500 ng L-1), improved selectivity and lower matrix interference (mean = 12 %) over a generic mixed-mode weak anion exchange SPE method. In addition, a novel filter for reducing full-scan features from fulvic and humic acids was successfully introduced, reducing workload and potential for false positives. The workflow was then applied to 10 London municipal drinking water samples, revealing the presence of 22 confirmed and 37 tentatively identified substances. Several poorly investigated and potentially harmful compounds were found which included halogenated hydroxy-cyclopentene-diones and dibromomethanesulfonic acid. Some of these compounds have been reported as mutagenic in test systems and thus their presence here requires further investigation. Overall, this approach demonstrated that employing selective extraction improved detection and helped shortlist suspects and potentially toxic chemical contaminants with higher confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ciccarelli
- Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK; NIHR-HPRU Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, NIHR-HPRU Environmental Exposures and Health, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | | | - Andrew J Surman
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, London SE1 1DB, UK
| | | | - Tara Salal
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, London SE1 1DB, UK
| | - Tim Marczylo
- NIHR-HPRU Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, NIHR-HPRU Environmental Exposures and Health, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK; UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Science Campus, Femi Avenue, Harwell, Didcot OX11 0GD, UK
| | - Paolo Vineis
- NIHR-HPRU Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, NIHR-HPRU Environmental Exposures and Health, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Leon P Barron
- Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK; NIHR-HPRU Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, NIHR-HPRU Environmental Exposures and Health, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.
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22
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Camdzic D, Dickman RA, Joyce AS, Wallace JS, Ferguson PL, Aga DS. Quantitation of Total PFAS Including Trifluoroacetic Acid with Fluorine Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2023; 95:5484-5488. [PMID: 36946571 PMCID: PMC10601338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance (19F-NMR) spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool capable of quantifying the total per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a complex sample. The technique relies on the characteristic terminal -CF3 shift (-82.4 ppm) in the alkyl chain for quantification and does not introduce bias due to sample preparation or matrix effects. Traditional quantitative analytical techniques for PFAS, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and combustion ion chromatography (CIC), contain inherent limitations that make total fluorine analysis challenging. Here, we report a sensitive 19F-NMR method for the analysis of total PFAS, with a limit of detection of 99.97 nM, or 50 μg/L perfluorosulfonic acid. To demonstrate the capabilities of 19F-NMR, the technique was compared to two commonly used methods for PFAS analysis: total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay and LC-high resolution MS analysis for targeted quantification and suspect screening. In both cases, the 19F-NMR analyses detected higher total PFAS quantities than either the TOP assay (63%) or LC-MS analyses (65%), suggesting that LC-MS and TOP assays can lead to underreporting of PFAS. Importantly, the 19F-NMR detected trifluoroacetic acid at a concentration more than five times the total PFAS concentration quantified using LC-MS in the wastewater sample. Therefore, the use of 19F-NMR to quantify the total PFAS in highly complex samples can be used to complement classic TOP or LC-MS approaches for more accurate reporting of PFAS contamination in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Camdzic
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Rebecca A Dickman
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Abigail S Joyce
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Joshua S Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Diana S Aga
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
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23
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Sadia M, Nollen I, Helmus R, ter Laak TL, Béen F, Praetorius A, van Wezel AP. Occurrence, Fate, and Related Health Risks of PFAS in Raw and Produced Drinking Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3062-3074. [PMID: 36779784 PMCID: PMC9979608 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water and evaluates human health risks. An analytical method for 56 target PFAS, including ultrashort-chain (C2-C3) and branched isomers, was developed. The limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.009 to 0.1 ng/L, except for trifluoroacetic-acid and perfluoropropanoic-acid with higher LODs of 35 and 0.24 ng/L, respectively. The method was applied to raw and produced drinking water from 18 Dutch locations, including groundwater or surface water as source, and applied various treatment processes. Ultrashort-chain (300 to 1100 ng/L) followed by the group of perfluoroalkyl-carboxylic-acids (PFCA, ≥C4) (0.4 to 95.1 ng/L) were dominant. PFCA and perfluoroalkyl-sulfonic-acid (≥C4), including precursors, showed significantly higher levels in drinking water produced from surface water. However, no significant difference was found for ultrashort PFAS, indicating the need for groundwater protection. Negative removal of PFAS occasionally observed for advanced treatment indicates desorption and/or degradation of precursors. The proportion of branched isomers was higher in raw and produced drinking water as compared to industrial production. Drinking water produced from surface water, except for a few locations, exceed non-binding provisional guideline values proposed; however, all produced drinking waters met the recent soon-to-be binding drinking-water-directive requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadia
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingeborg Nollen
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Helmus
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas L. ter Laak
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- KWR
Water Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Frederic Béen
- KWR
Water Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Antonia Praetorius
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie P. van Wezel
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Association between perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the different sexes: a study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:44292-44303. [PMID: 36692718 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have effects on liver toxicity, and the effects may exhibit sex differences. Our study aims to explore the association between exposure to four PFASs (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA; perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS; perfluorohexane sulfonate, PFHxS; and perfluorononanoate, PFNA) and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults ≥ 20 years old in the US population. The data were based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018. We used Poisson regression to explore the association between the four PFASs and NAFLD. We included 3464 participants; of these, 1200 (34.64%) individuals were defined as having NAFLD, and the prevalence of NAFLD was 39.52% in men and 30.40% in women. After Poisson regression, among the premenopausal and postmenopausal and total women, PFOA had a significantly positive association with NAFLD (p < 0.05). After principal component analysis, the "composite PFAS" was associated with NAFLD in postmenopausal and total women, and the RRs (95% CIs) were 1.306 (1.075, 1.586) and 1.161 (1.007, 1.339), respectively. In adults, we found that PFASs were associated with NAFLD, and the associations varied by sex, particularly for PFOA and PFNA, which had a positive association with NAFLD in women.
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25
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Dong B, Wu J, Zhuang Y, Wang F, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zheng H, Yang L, Peng L. Trace Analysis Method Based on UPLC-MS/MS for the Determination of (C2-C18) Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Its Application to Tap Water and Bottled Water. Anal Chem 2023; 95:695-702. [PMID: 36598765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As the usage of long-chain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may be gradually restricted, short-chain and even ultra-short-chain PFASs have been widely produced and used, which has put forward new requirements for the simultaneous analysis of the above substances. Using solid phase extraction two-fraction elution and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), an experimental method was established for the simultaneous analysis of ultrashort-chain, short-chain, and long-chain PFASs and the precursor perfluorohexanesulfonamide (FHxSA) in low-concentration water, such as tap water and bottled water. By optimizing the volume of methanol in the first-fraction elution, the concentration of ammonia in the second-fraction elution, and the concentration of ammonium acetate in the mobile phase, the high recovery and low detection limit (0.01-3 ng/L) were obtained. In addition, this method was used to measure nine tap water samples and six bottled water samples for validation, and the results showed that the concentration of PFASs in bottled water was lower than that in tap water. This study first reported the trifluoroacetic acid concentration in bottled water (6.61 ± 9.60 ng/L), which was lower than that in tap water (1712 ± 174 ng/L). The main substances in tap water and bottled water are both ultrashort-chain PFASs (C2-C3), accounting for more than 50%. There are few reports on the simultaneous analysis of ultrashort-chain, short-chain, and long-chain PFASs (C2-C18) and the precursor FHxSA in low-concentration water samples, and the new method can be further developed for different environmental media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqi Dong
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Institute of Transport Energy and Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.,School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yiru Zhuang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Fan Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Hebei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Hebei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- Hebei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Lin Peng
- Institute of Transport Energy and Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.,School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
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26
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Herzke D, Nikiforov V, Yeung LWY, Moe B, Routti H, Nygård T, Gabrielsen GW, Hanssen L. Targeted PFAS analyses and extractable organofluorine - Enhancing our understanding of the presence of unknown PFAS in Norwegian wildlife. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107640. [PMID: 36525896 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the current possible presence of thousands of PFAS compounds in industrial emissions, there is an increasing need to assess the impacts of PFAS regulation of conventional PFAS on one hand and the exposure to emerging and yet unknown PFAS on the other. Today's analytical methodologies using targeted approaches are not sufficient to determine the complete suite of PFAS present. To evaluate the presence of unknown PFAS, we investigated in this study the occurrence of an extended range of target PFAS in various species from the marine and terrestrial Norwegian environment, in relation to the extractable organofluorine (EOF), which yields the total amount of organofluorine. The results showed a varying presence of extractable fluorinated organics, with glaucous gull eggs, otter liver and polar bear plasma showing the highest EOF and a high abundance of PFAS as well. The targeted PFAS measurements explained 1% of the organofluorine for moose liver as the lowest and 94% for otter liver as the highest. PFCAs like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, reported semi-quantitatively), played a major role in explaining the organic fluorine present. Emerging PFAS as the perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), was found in polar bear plasma in quantifiable amounts for the first time, confirming earlier detection in arctic species far removed from emission sources. To enable a complete organic fluorine mass balance in wildlife, new approaches are needed, to uncover the presence of new emerging PFAS as cyclic- or ether PFAS together with chlorinated PFAS as well as fluorinated organic pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Vladimir Nikiforov
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Børge Moe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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27
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He A, Liang Y, Li F, Lu Y, Liu C, Li J, Zhou Z, Zhu N, Liao C, Wang Y, Jiang G. Vital Environmental Sources for Multitudinous Fluorinated Chemicals: New Evidence from Industrial Byproducts in Multienvironmental Matrices in a Fluorochemical Manufactory. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16789-16800. [PMID: 36354080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Direct emissions from fluorochemical manufactory are an important source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the environment. In this study, a wide range of PFASs, including 8 legacy PFASs, 8 long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and 40 emerging PFASs, were investigated through a target screening in multienvironmental matrices from a fluorochemical manufactory in China. Indoor dust was the most polluted matrix, wherein 52 PFASs were detected, and the median concentration of long-chain PFCA was 276 ng/g. A high level of short-chain PFAS in total suspended particles (median concentration = 416 ng/m3) and the effluent in the manufactory (Σ48PFAS = 212 μg/L) will undoubtedly increase the burden on the surrounding environment. Twenty-four industrial byproducts were ascertained to be generated during the electrochemical fluorination (ECF) process, and eight fluorinated alternatives were considered to be produced during product development. Twelve PFASs were quantified for the first time in the working environments. Perfluoropropane sulfonic acid, perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA), and 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid are abundant fluorinated alternatives, with median levels of 1187-17204 ng/g in the dust. Significant positive correlations between ECF-related PFAS products and byproducts indicate that the detected values are strongly connected with the industrial source. Hierarchical cluster analysis further manifests their affiliation. Our findings raise the need for further investigations of emerging PFAS (including the first report of PFAS, such as PFEESA, in the environment) which may be released during the production process in the fluorochemical manufactories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anen He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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28
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Kim DH, Jeong Y, Belova L, Roggeman M, Fernández SF, Poma G, Remy S, Verheyen VJ, Schoeters G, van Nuijs ALN, Covaci A. Comprehensive investigation of persistent and mobile chemicals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in urine of flemish adolescents using a suspect screening approach. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:119972. [PMID: 35988679 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Persistent and mobile chemicals (PMs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are groups of chemicals that have received recent global attention due to their potential health effects on the environment and humans. In this study, exposure to a broad range of PMs and PFAS was investigated in Flemish adolescents' urine samples (n = 83) using a suspect screening approach. For this purpose, three sample preparation methods were evaluated, and a basic liquid-liquid extraction was optimized for urine analysis based on the extraction efficiency of PMs (53-80%) and PFAS (>70%). In total, 9 PMs were identified in urine samples at confidence levels (CL) 1-3 and, among them, acetaminophen, 4-aminophenol, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone, trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), sulisobenzone, ethyl sulfate, and 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 1,1-dioxide were confirmed at CL 1 and 2. In addition, the detection and identification of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone, 4-aminophenol, TFAA, and m-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-N,N-bis(2,3-epoxypropyl) aniline (CL 3), has been reported for the first time in human urine in this study. For PFAS, only 2 compounds were identified at CL 4, implying that urine is not a suitable matrix for suspect screening of such compounds. A significant difference between sexes was observed in the detection rate of identified PMs, in particular for acetaminophen, 4-aminophenol, and sulisobenzone. The findings of this study can be used in future human biomonitoring programs, such as by including the newly identified compounds in quantitative methods or monitoring in other human matrices (e.g., serum).
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Hye Kim
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Yunsun Jeong
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lidia Belova
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maarten Roggeman
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sandra F Fernández
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Av. Catalunya, 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Veerle J Verheyen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Alexander L N van Nuijs
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Johnson GR, Brusseau ML, Carroll KC, Tick GR, Duncan CM. Global distributions, source-type dependencies, and concentration ranges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156602. [PMID: 35690215 PMCID: PMC9653090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
A meta-analysis was conducted of published literature reporting concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater for sites distributed in 20 countries across the globe. Data for >35 PFAS were aggregated from 96 reports published from 1999 to 2021. The final data set comprises approximately 21,000 data points after removal of time-series and duplicate samples as well as non-detects. The reported concentrations range over many orders of magnitude, from ng/L to mg/L levels. Distinct differences in concentration ranges are observed between sites located within or near sources versus those that are not. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), ranging from <0.03 ng/L to ~7 mg/L, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), ranging from 0.01 ng/L to ~5 mg/L, were the two most reported PFAS. The highest PFAS concentration in groundwater is ~15 mg/L reported for the replacement-PFAS 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS). Maximum reported groundwater concentrations for PFOA and PFOS were compared to concentrations reported for soils, surface waters, marine waters, and precipitation. Soil concentrations are generally significantly higher than those reported for the other media. This accrues to soil being the primary entry point for PFAS release into the environment for many sites, as well as the generally significantly greater retention capacity of soil compared to the other media. The presence of PFAS has been reported for all media in all regions tested, including areas that are far removed from specific PFAS sources. This gives rise to the existence of a "background" concentration of PFAS that must be accounted for in both regional and site-specific risk assessments. The presence of this background is a reflection of the large-scale use of PFAS, their general recalcitrance, and the action of long-range transport processes that distribute PFAS across regional and global scales. This ubiquitous distribution has the potential to significantly impact the quality and availability of water resources in many regions. In addition, the pervasive presence of PFAS in the environment engenders concerns for impacts to ecosystem and human health.
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Tisler S, Tüchsen PL, Christensen JH. Non-target screening of micropollutants and transformation products for assessing AOP-BAC treatment in groundwater. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 309:119758. [PMID: 35835278 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Standard monitoring programs give limited insight into groundwater status, especially transformation products (TPs) formed by natural processes or advanced oxidation processes (AOP), are normally underrepresented. In this study, using suspect and non-target screening, we performed a comprehensive analysis of groundwater before and after AOP by UV/H2O2 and consecutively installed biological activated carbon filters (BAC). By non-target screening, up to 413 compounds were detected in the groundwater, with an average 70% removal by AOP. However, a similar number of compounds were formed during the process, shown in groundwater from three waterworks. The most polar compounds were typically the most stable during the AOP. A subsequent BAC filter showed removal of 95% of the TPs, but only 46% removal of the AOP remaining precursors. The BAC removal for polar compounds was highly dependent on the acidic and basic functional groups of the molecules. 49 compounds of a wide polarity range could be identified by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and liquid chromatography (LC) with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS); of these, 29 compounds were already present in the groundwater. To the best of our knowledge, five compounds have never been reported before in groundwater (4-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, dibutylamine, N-phenlybenzenesulfonamide, 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole and benzothiazole-2-sulfonate). A further five rarely reported compounds are reported for the first time in Danish groundwater (2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonic acid, trifluormethansulfonic acid, pyrimidinol and benzymethylamine). Twenty of the identified compounds were formed by AOP, of which 10 have never been reported before in groundwater. All detected compounds could be related to agricultural and industrial products as well as artificial sweeteners. Whereas dechlorination was a common AOP degradation pathway for chlorophenols, the (ultra-) short chain PFAs showed no removal in our study. We prioritized 11 compounds as of concern, however, the toxicity for many compounds remains unknown, especially for the TPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Tisler
- Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | - Jan H Christensen
- Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Yao Y, Meng Y, Chen H, Zhu L, Sun H. Non-target discovery of emerging PFAS homologues in Dagang Oilfield: Multimedia distribution and profiles in crude oil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129300. [PMID: 35897169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are applied in oil exploitation activity. In this study, non-target and suspect target analyses with high-resolution mass spectrometry were used for identification of novel PFASs in the oilfield environment. A total of thirty-seven PFAS homologues belonging to eight classes were identified as level 4 or above, which partly explained the amount of potential unknown PFAS-precursors that were indicated by total oxidisable precursor assay in our previous study. Hydrogen-substituted and ether-substituted homologues were the main identified PFASs, and seven of them were newly reported homologues. C1-C3 perfluoroalkane sulphonic acids (PFSAs) were also for the first time identified in the oilfield. The sediment-water partitioning coefficients of most identified PFAS homologues positively correlate with their predicted octanol-water partitioning coefficients while those of C1-C3 PFSAs may have elevated sediment partitioning potential as also previously observed for ultra-short chain C2-C3 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids. The crude oil and sludge samples were further examined with the target and identified PFAS profiles. An annual flux of 10.4 kg/y via oil production was estimated in Dagang Oilfield with 16.6 % not from the target PFASs. This demonstrates that oil exploitation activities can be a significant underlying source of PFASs to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yue Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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32
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Jiao E, Zhu Z, Yin D, Qiu Y, Kärrman A, Yeung LWY. A pilot study on extractable organofluorine and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water from drinking water treatment plants around Taihu Lake, China: what is missed by target PFAS analysis? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1060-1070. [PMID: 35687097 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00073c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have raised concerns due to their worldwide occurrence and adverse effects on both the environment and humans as well as posing challenges for monitoring. Further collection of information is required for a better understanding of their occurrence and the unknown fractions of the extractable organofluorine (EOF) not explained by commonly monitored target PFAS. In this study, eight pairs of raw and treated water were collected from drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) around Taihu Lake in China and analyzed for EOF and 34 target PFAS. Mass balance analysis of organofluorine revealed that at least 68% of EOF could not be explained by target PFAS. Relatively higher total target concentrations were observed in 4 DWTPs (D1 to D4) when compared to other samples with the highest sum concentration up to 189 ng L-1. PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were the abundant compounds. Suspect screening analysis identified 10 emerging PFAS (e.g., H-PFAAs, H-PFESAs and OBS) in addition to target PFAS in raw or treated water. The ratios PFBA/PFOA and PFBS/PFOS between previous and current studies showed significant replacements of short-chain to long-chain PFAS. The ratios of the measured PFAS concentrations to the guideline values showed that some of the treated drinking water exceeds guideline values, appealing for efforts on drinking water safety guarantee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enmiao Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China.
| | - Zhiliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China.
| | - Daqiang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China.
| | - Yanling Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China.
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden.
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden.
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Cahill TM. Increases in Trifluoroacetate Concentrations in Surface Waters over Two Decades. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:9428-9434. [PMID: 35736541 PMCID: PMC9261931 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Trifluoroacetate (TFA) is a persistent perfluorinated alkanoic acid anion that has many anthropogenic sources, with fluorocarbon refrigerants being a major one. After an initial burst of research in the late 1990s and early 2000s, research on this ubiquitous pollutant declined as atmospheric emissions of the precursor compounds grew rapidly. Thus, there is little contemporaneous information about the concentrations of TFA in the environment and how they have changed over time. This research determined the change in TFA concentrations in streams by resampling a transect that was originally sampled in 1998. The transect was designed to determine the regional distribution of TFA both upwind and downwind of major metropolitan areas in Northern California as well as a set of globally remote sites in Alaska. The results showed that TFA concentrations increased by an average of 6-fold over the intervening 23 years, which resulted in a median concentration of 180 ng/L (range 21.3-2790). The highest concentrations were found in streams immediately downwind of the San Francisco Bay Area, while substantially lower concentrations were found in the upwind, regionally remote, and globally remote sites. The C3 to C5 perfluorinated alkanoic acids were also investigated, but they were rarely detected with this methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Cahill
- School of Mathematical and Natural
Sciences Arizona State University West Campus 4701 W Thunderbird Rd Glendale, Arizona 85306, United States
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Wu C, Wang Q, Chen H, Li M. Rapid quantitative analysis and suspect screening of per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and municipal wastewater samples by Nano-ESI-HRMS. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118542. [PMID: 35550967 PMCID: PMC10492922 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A rapid analytical method for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) combining nano-electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry (Nano-ESI-HRMS) was developed and applied to aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and wastewater samples collected from three local wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This method exhibited high sensitivity with lower limits of detection (LODs) of 3.2∼36.2 ng/L for 22 target PFAS analytes. In AFFF formulations, Nano-ESI-HRMS enabled the first-time detection of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), perfluoroethyl cyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonyl amido sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSAS-SO2), N-ammoniopropyl perfluoroalkanesulfonamidopropylsulfonate (N-AmP-FASAPS, n = 3-6), ketone-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (Keto-PFOS), fluorotelomer unsaturated amide sulfonic acid (FTUAmS, n = 7), and 6:2 fluorotelomer amide (6:2 FTAm). Their structures were verified by the tandem MS analysis using collision-induced dissociation. Further, the combination of absolute and semi-quantification results revealed 16 PFASs from 9 PFAS classes as dominant AFFF constituents, accounting for 88.2∼96.5% of the total detected anionic and zwitterionic PFASs, including perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs, n = 1,4∼8), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates (6:2 FTS), fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonic acid (FTSAS, n = 6,8), fluorotelomer sulfinyl amido sulfonic acid (FTSAS-SO, n = 6,8), N-AmP-FASAPS (n = 6), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), perfluoroalkylsulfonamido amino carboxylate (PFASAC, n = 6), 2-((perfluorooctyl)thio)acetatic acid (Thio-8:2 FTCA), and 6:2 FTAm. At WWTPs, aerobic and anaerobic biotransformation of PFAS precursors at the aeration tanks and secondary clarifiers were evident by the generation of mid/short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids, such as perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), as well as the emergence of ultrashort trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and TFMS and several novel fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs). Overall, Nano-ESI-HRMS enabled comprehensive PFAS quantitative analysis and suspect screening, applicable for rapid investigation and assessment of PFAS-related exposure and treatment in environmental matrixes. Our results also revealed that AFFFs and municipal wastewaters are two key sources contributing to the prevalent detection of ultrashort-chain PFASs (e.g., TFMS and TFA) in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
| | - Mengyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
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35
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Wu JY, Hua ZL, Gu L. Per-, poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and planktonic microbiomes: Identification of biotic and abiotic regulations in community coalescence and food webs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 302:119078. [PMID: 35245616 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The importance of per-, poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) effects on riverine microbiomes is receiving increased recognition in the environmental sciences. However, few studies have explored how PFASs affect microbiomes across trophic levels, specifically through predator-prey interactions. This study examined the community profiles of planktonic archaea, bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and metazoa in a semi-industrial and agricultural river alongside their interactions with 15 detected PFASs. As abiotic factors, PFASs affected community coalescence more than biogenic substances (p < 0.05). For biotic regulations, sub-communities in rare biospheres (including always rare taxa-ART and critically rare taxa-CRT) contributed to spatial community coalescence more than sub-communities in abundant biospheres (always abundant taxa-AAT and critically abundant taxa-CAT) (p < 0.05). Metazoa-bacteria (Modularity = 1.971) and protozoa-fungi (1.723) were determined to be the most stable predator-prey networks. Based on pathway models, short-chain PFBA (C4) was shown to weaken the trophic transfer efficiencies from heterotrophic bacteria (HB) to heterotrophic flagellates (HF) (p < 0.05). Long-chain PFTeDA (C14) promoted HB to amoeba (p < 0.05), which we postulate is the pathway for PFTeDA to enter the microbial food chain. Our preliminary results elucidated the influence of PFASs on planktonic microbial food webs and highlighted the need to consider protecting and remediating riverine ecosystems containing PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Zu-Lin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China.
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36
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Neuwald IJ, Hübner D, Wiegand HL, Valkov V, Borchers U, Nödler K, Scheurer M, Hale SE, Arp HPH, Zahn D. Ultra-Short-Chain PFASs in the Sources of German Drinking Water: Prevalent, Overlooked, Difficult to Remove, and Unregulated. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6380-6390. [PMID: 35507024 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been a focal point of environmental chemistry and chemical regulation in recent years, culminating in a shift from individual PFAS regulation toward a PFAS group regulatory approach in Europe. PFASs are a highly diverse group of substances, and knowledge about this group is still scarce beyond the well-studied, legacy long-chain, and short-chain perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs). Herein, quantitative and semiquantitative data for 43 legacy short-chain and ultra-short-chain PFASs (≤2 perfluorocarbon atoms for PFCAs, ≤3 for PFSAs and other PFASs) in 46 water samples collected from 13 different sources of German drinking water are presented. The PFASs considered include novel compounds like hexafluoroisopropanol, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate. The ultra-short-chain PFASs trifluoroacetate, perfluoropropanoate, and trifluoromethanesulfonate were ubiquitous and present at the highest concentrations (98% of sum target PFAS concentrations). "PFAS total" parameters like the adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) and total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay were found to provide only an incomplete picture of PFAS contamination in these water samples by not capturing these highly prevalent ultra-short-chain PFASs. These ultra-short-chain PFASs represent a major challenge for drinking water production and show that regulation in the form of preventive measures is required to manage them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle J Neuwald
- Hochschule Fresenius gemGmbH, Limburger Straße 2, Idstein 65510, Germany
| | - Daniel Hübner
- Hochschule Fresenius gemGmbH, Limburger Straße 2, Idstein 65510, Germany
| | - Hanna L Wiegand
- IWW Zentrum Wasser, Moritzstraße 26, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45476, Germany
| | - Vassil Valkov
- IWW Zentrum Wasser, Moritzstraße 26, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45476, Germany
| | - Ulrich Borchers
- IWW Zentrum Wasser, Moritzstraße 26, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45476, Germany
| | - Karsten Nödler
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
| | - Marco Scheurer
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Straße 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
| | - Sarah E Hale
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Postboks 3930 Ulleval Stadion, Oslo 0806, Norway
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Postboks 3930 Ulleval Stadion, Oslo 0806, Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Daniel Zahn
- Hochschule Fresenius gemGmbH, Limburger Straße 2, Idstein 65510, Germany
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37
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. Occurrence and fate of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in urban waters of New Zealand. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128257. [PMID: 35063834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Information on the occurrence of PFAS in aquatic matrices of countries with no PFAS manufacturing, e.g., New Zealand, is limited. Also, the fingerprint of PFAS along an urban water cycle, following water path from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent to treated drinking water has not been widely assessed. Hence, 38 long-, short-, ultrashort-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives (including precursors) were monitored in this study by collecting composite samples from two urban WWTPs of New Zealand and grab samples from the water bodies receiving the WWTPs' effluents and a drinking water treatment plant, whose source water received the effluent of one of the studied WWTPs. ∑PFAS at concentrations 0.1 - 13 ng/L were detected in all wastewater samples, including influents and different treatment stages of the two WWTPs (WW1 and WW2). The fate of most PFAS was similar in the two WWTPs, despite large differences in WWTPs' PFAS loads in the influents, serving populations (1.6 vs 0.16 million), total capacities (300 vs 54 million liters per day), and designs (aerobic and anoxic secondary treatment vs aerobic only). The fate of PFAS in WWTPs appeared to be driven by a range of processes. For instance, a simultaneous increase (41.6%) in short-chain perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) concentrations and decrease (49.7%) in precursor 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) concentrations after secondary biological treatment suggested possible transformation of 6:2 FTS into PFHxA during the treatment. In contrast, the reason behind an average decrease of 35% in ultrashort-chain perfluoropropionic acid (PFPrA) concentrations after treatment was unclear, and further studies are recommended. The concentrations of a linear isomer of long-chain perfluorosulfonic acid (PFOS-L) decreased (48%) in the effluent, possibly due to its partitioning to sludge. Although the concentrations of PFAS in coastal waters suggested that the WW1 effluent is a potential source of PFAS, earlier dispersion model and no detection of PFAS in the receiving waters of WW2 implied that other sources, such as septic systems, peripheral industries, and the airport, could also be contributing to PFAS in coastal waters. The source of ultrashort-chain PFPrA (5.5 ng/L) detected in the treated drinking water produced from that river was unclear. The monitoring results confirm incomplete removal of PFAS in WWTPs, indicate a possible transformation of unknown precursors present in wastewater into short-chain perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (PFCAs) during biological treatment, and reveal a possible accumulation of perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the sludge, overall suggesting the circulation of PFAS in urban water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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38
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Niu XZ, Abrell L, Sierra-Alvarez R, Field JA, Chorover J. Analysis of hydrophilic per- and polyfluorinated sulfonates including trifluoromethanesulfonate using solid phase extraction and mixed-mode liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1664:462817. [PMID: 35032899 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.462817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ultra-hydrophilic per- and polyfluorinated sulfonates (PFSA) are increasingly scrutinized in recent years due to their ubiquitous occurrence, persistence, and aqueous mobility in the environment, yet analysis remains a challenge. This study developed methods for the analysis of trifluoromethanesulfonate, perfluorobutanesulfonate, 10-camphorsulfonate, and a di-fluorinated sulfonate utilizing mixed-mode liquid chromatography, where all analytes were adequately retained and separated. Chromatography and electrospray ionization parameters were optimized; instrumental limits of quantification for the anionic target analytes were in the range of 4.3 - 16.1 ng L-1. Solid phase extraction (SPE) methods were developed using Oasis WAX cartridges; SPE recoveries for the analytes ranged from 86% to 125%. Salinity and total organic carbon both impaired the SPE performance to different extents, depending on the respective analyte. Utilizing widely accessible instrumentation and materials, this is a single method to simultaneously analyze conceivably the most hydrophilic PFAS chemical, i.e., trifluoromethanesulfonate, and moderately hydrophobic PFSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Zhi Niu
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Environmental Science & Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Leif Abrell
- Department of Environmental Science & Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jim A Field
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jon Chorover
- Department of Environmental Science & Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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39
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Björnsdotter MK, Yeung LWY, Kärrman A, Jogsten IE. Mass Balance of Perfluoroalkyl Acids, Including Trifluoroacetic Acid, in a Freshwater Lake. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:251-259. [PMID: 34927432 PMCID: PMC8733927 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are highly persistent chemicals that are ubiquitously found in the environment. The atmospheric degradation of precursor compounds has been identified as a source of PFAAs and might be an important pathway for contamination. Lake Vättern is one of Sweden's largest lakes and is an important source for drinking water. In addition to contamination via atmospheric deposition, the lake is subject to several potential contamination sources via surface water inflow. The relevance of different sources is not well understood. A mass balance of selected PFAAs was assembled based on measured concentrations in atmospheric deposition, surface water from streams that constitute the main inflow and outflow, and surface water in the lake. The largest input was seen for trifluoroacetic acid (150 kg/year), perfluoropropanoic acid (1.6 kg/year), perfluorobutanoic acid (4.0 kg/year), and perfluoro-octanoic acid (1.5 kg/year). Both atmospheric deposition and surface water inflow was found to be important input pathways. There was a positive correlation between the input of most perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids via atmospheric deposition and global radiation and between the input via surface water inflow and catchment area. These findings highlight the importance of atmospheric oxidation of volatile precursor compounds for contamination in surface waters.
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Björnsdotter MK, Hartz WF, Kallenborn R, Ericson Jogsten I, Humby JD, Kärrman A, Yeung LWY. Levels and Seasonal Trends of C 1-C 4 Perfluoroalkyl Acids and the Discovery of Trifluoromethane Sulfonic Acid in Surface Snow in the Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15853-15861. [PMID: 34779623 PMCID: PMC8655978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
C1-C4 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are highly persistent chemicals that have been found in the environment. To date, much uncertainty still exists about their sources and fate. The importance of the atmospheric degradation of volatile precursors to C1-C4 PFAAs were investigated by studying their distribution and seasonal variation in remote Arctic locations. C1-C4 PFAAs were measured in surface snow on the island of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian Arctic during January-August 2019. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid (TFMS) were detected in most samples, including samples collected at locations presumably receiving PFAA input solely from long-range processes. The flux of TFA, PFPrA, PFBA, and TFMS per precipitation event was in the ranges of 22-1800, 0.79-16, 0.19-170, and 1.5-57 ng/m2, respectively. A positive correlation between the flux of TFA, PFPrA, and PFBA with downward short-wave solar radiation was observed. No correlation was observed between the flux of TFMS and solar radiation. These findings suggest that atmospheric transport of volatile precursors and their subsequent degradation plays a major role in the global distribution of C2-C4 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and their consequential deposition in Arctic environments. The discovery of TFMS in surface snow at these remote Arctic locations suggests that TFMS is globally distributed. However, the transport mechanism to the Arctic environment remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K. Björnsdotter
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - 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), Longyearbyen, Svalbard NO-9171, Norway
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences (KBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås NO-1432, Norway
- Department
of Arctic Technology, University Centre
in Svalbard (UNIS), Longyearbyen, Svalbard NO-9171, Norway
| | - Ingrid Ericson Jogsten
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Jack D. Humby
- Ice Dynamics
and Paleoclimate, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United
Kingdom
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Leo W. Y. Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment
Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, Örebro SE-701 82, Sweden
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Joudan S, De Silva AO, Young CJ. Insufficient evidence for the existence of natural trifluoroacetic acid. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:1641-1649. [PMID: 34693963 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00306b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent and mobile pollutant that is present ubiquitously in the environment. As a result of a few studies reporting its presence in pre-industrial samples and a purported unaccounted source, TFA is often claimed to exist naturally. Here, we examine the evidence for natural TFA by: (i) critically evaluating measurements of TFA in pre-industrial samples; (ii) examining the likelihood of TFA formation by hypothesized mechanisms; (iii) exploring other potential TFA sources to the deep ocean; and (iv) examining global budgets of TFA. We conclude that the presence of TFA in the deep ocean and lack of closed TFA budget is not sufficient evidence that TFA occurs naturally, especially without a reasonable mechanism of formation. We argue the paradigm of natural TFA should no longer be carried forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Joudan
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cora J Young
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Liu S, Zhao S, Liang Z, Wang F, Sun F, Chen D. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in leachate, fly ash, and bottom ash from waste incineration plants: Implications for the environmental release of PFAS. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148468. [PMID: 34252761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a family of chemicals widely distributed in daily use consumer products. Most of these products become municipal solid wastes (MSWs) after they have been used. In the present study, we examined different types of PFASs in leachate, fly ash and bottom ash produced from three MSW incineration plants in southern China. High PFAS levels were found in leachate (mean concentration 215 ng/mL, range 21.4-682 ng/mL) from the incineration plants, which indicated large amounts of PFASs in the wastes leached out. The average quantities of PFASs annually discharged from the leachates of the three plants were estimated to be approximately 384 kg (Plant A), 47.3 kg (Plant B), and 2.82 kg (Plant C). Relatively lower levels of PFASs in fly ash (mean 16.4 ng/g, range 1.46-87.6 ng/g) and bottom ash (mean 14.6 ng/g, range 3.11-77.4 ng/g) indicated that high-temperature incineration destroyed most of the PFASs. The wide array of PFASs concentrations in all three matrices illustrated that some PFASs-containing industrial wastes were still entered into local MSW. In general, short chain PFASs, including perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), were the primary PFASs in leachate samples. In addition, PFOS was the predominant PFASs in fly ash samples. The results showed that leachate, fly ash, and bottom ash from MSW incineration plants are important vectors of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shiyi Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhihong Liang
- The Pearl River Water Resources Research Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510611, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Feiyun Sun
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Application and Environmental Pollution Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Da Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Aro R, Carlsson P, Vogelsang C, Kärrman A, Yeung LW. Fluorine mass balance analysis of selected environmental samples from Norway. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131200. [PMID: 34157625 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The presence of unidentified organofluorine compounds (UOF) has been investigated in recent publication, but their environmental occurrence is still poorly understood. Fluorine mass balance analysis was performed on environmental samples from lake Mjøsa and river Alna (surface water (n = 9), sediment (n = 5) and fish liver (n = 4)) and sewage samples from Oslo (n = 5), to reveal to the fraction of UOF. In samples that had extractable organofluorine (EOF) concentrations above the limit of detection (LoD), more than 70% of their EOF could not be accounted for by the 37 PFAS monitored in this study. The surface water samples from lake Mjøsa had EOF concentrations several times higher than what has been reported elsewhere in Nordic nations. The flux of EOF in river Alna and selected sewage pipes revealed that it was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than the flux of the measured PFAS. The elevated concentrations of EOF in all samples pose a potential health and environmental hazard, as their composition remains mostly unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Aro
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Carlsson
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens vei 14, NO-9007, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christian Vogelsang
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 24, 0234, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Leo Wy Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden.
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Björklund S, Weidemann E, Yeung LW, Jansson S. Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and unidentified organofluorine in leachate from waste-to-energy stockpile - A case study. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130380. [PMID: 33823356 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a diverse group of chemicals used in consumer products, which will inevitably end up in waste streams. Landfills are widely recognized secondary point sources of PFASs, but other types of waste management sites have received less attention. Therefore, in a case study presented here we investigated releases of PFASs from temporarily stored waste by determining quantities of 34 PFASs in leachate from a Waste-to-Energy stockpile (45 000 ± 2000 tonnes) during five months in 2019. We also measured extractable organofluorine (EOF) to account for PFASs not included in the target list. The mean total concentration of the 34 PFAS (Σ34PFAS) was 211 ± 31 ng/L, and short-chain (C4-C7) perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) accounted for 56-60% of the total. Moreover, we found that Σ34PFAS only accounted for 12% ± 4% of EOF detected in the leachate. Our results demonstrate that waste stockpiles are previously unexplored sources of PFASs in the environment, and the dominance of short-chain PFCAs is consistent with observed profiles of contaminants in landfill leachates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Björklund
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden; Industrial Doctoral School, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Energi AB, Box 224, SE-901 05, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Leo W Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-70182, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Stina Jansson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
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Chow SJ, Ojeda N, Jacangelo JG, Schwab KJ. Detection of ultrashort-chain and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. bottled water. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 201:117292. [PMID: 34118648 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are compounds of emerging concern due to their persistence in the global water cycle and detection in drinking water sources. However, PFAS have been poorly studied in bottled water, especially in the United States. This study investigated the occurrence of PFAS and related factors in 101 uniquely labelled bottled water products for sale in the U.S. Products were screened for 32 target PFAS by solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS). Fifteen of 32 measured analytes were detected, consisting primarily of C3-C10 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA) and C3-C6 and C8 perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSA). PFAS were detected above method detection limits in 39/101 tested products. The Σ32PFAS concentrations detected were 0.17-18.87 ng/L with a median of 0.98 ng/L; 97% of samples were below 5 ng/L. PFCA (83%) and short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) containing 5 or less CF2 groups (67%) were more prevalent on a mass basis than PFSA and longer-chain PFAA, respectively. Ultrashort-chain PFPrA, measured for the first time in bottled water, accounted for the greatest individual fraction of detected PFAS mass (42%) and was found almost exclusively in products labeled as Spring water. Purified water products contained significantly less PFAS than Spring water products, which was attributed to the use of reverse osmosis (RO) treatment in the majority of Purified waters (25/35) compared to Spring waters (1/45). RO-treated products contained significantly lower Σ32PFAS, long-chain, short-chain, and PFPrA concentrations than products without RO. Although no enforceable PFAS regulations exist for bottled water in the U.S., the finding that some products approach levels of concern justify a framework for monitoring PFAS in bottled water production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Chow
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nadezda Ojeda
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joseph G Jacangelo
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Stantec, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Kellogg J Schwab
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Lenka SP, Kah M, Padhye LP. A review of the occurrence, transformation, and removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 199:117187. [PMID: 34010737 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise more than 4,000 anthropogenically manufactured compounds with widescale consumer and industrial applications. This critical review compiles the latest information on the worldwide distribution of PFAS and evaluates their fate in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A large proportion (>30%) of monitoring studies in WWTPs were conducted in China, followed by Europe (30%) and North America (16%), whereas information is generally lacking for other parts of the world, including most of the developing countries. Short and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were widely detected in both the influents (up to 1,000 ng/L) and effluents (15 to >1,500 ng/L) of WWTPs. To date, limited data is available regarding levels of PFAS precursors and ultra-short chain PFAS in WWTPs. Most WWTPs exhibited low removal efficiencies for PFAS, and many studies reported an increase in the levels of PFAAs after wastewater treatment. The analysis of the fate of various classes of PFAS at different wastewater treatment stages (aerobic and/aerobic biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical degradation) revealed biodegradation as the primary mechanism responsible for the transformation of PFAS precursors to PFAAs in WWTPs. Remediation studies at full scale and laboratory scale suggest advanced processes such as adsorption using ion exchange resins, electrochemical degradation, and nanofiltration are more effective in removing PFAS (~95-100%) than conventional processes. However, the applicability of such treatments for real-world WWTPs faces significant challenges due to the scaling-up requirements, mass-transfer limitations, and management of treatment by-products and wastes. Combining more than one technique for effective removal of PFAS, while addressing limitations of the individual treatments, could be beneficial. Considering environmental concentrations of PFAS, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation, nanofiltration followed by adsorption using wood-derived biochar and/or activated carbons could be a viable option if introduced to conventional treatment systems. However, the large-scale applicability of the same needs to be further verified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Propp VR, De Silva AO, Spencer C, Brown SJ, Catingan SD, Smith JE, Roy JW. Organic contaminants of emerging concern in leachate of historic municipal landfills. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116474. [PMID: 33639486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many types of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been found in leachate of operating municipal landfills. However, there is only limited information on CECs presence in leachate of historic landfills (≥3 decades since closure, often lacking engineered liners or leachate collection systems) at concentrations that may pose a risk to nearby wells and surface water ecosystems. In this study, 48 samples of leachate-impacted groundwater were collected from 20 historic landfills in Ontario, Canada. The CECs measured included artificial sweeteners (ASs), PFAS, organophosphate esters (OPE), pharmaceuticals, bisphenols, sulfamic acid, perchlorate, and substituted phenols. The common presence of the AS saccharin, a known indicator of old landfill leachate, combined with mostly negligible levels of the AS acesulfame, an indicator of modern wastewater, revealed that most samples were strongly influenced by leachate and not cross-contaminated by wastewater (which can contain these same CECs). Several landfills, including ones closed in the 1960s, had total PFAS concentrations similar to those previously measured at modern landfills, with a maximum observed here of 12.7 μg/L. Notably elevated concentrations of several OPE, sulfamic acid, cotinine, and bisphenols A and S were found at many 30-60 year-old landfills. There was little indication of declining concentrations with landfill age, suggesting historic landfills can be long-term sources of CECs to groundwater and that certain CECs may be useful tracers for historic landfill leachate. These findings provide guidance on which CECs may require monitoring at historic landfill sites and wastewater treatment plants receiving their effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Propp
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada
| | - Christine Spencer
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada
| | - Susan J Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada
| | - Sara D Catingan
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada
| | - James E Smith
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Canada
| | - James W Roy
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Canada; Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada.
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Lesmeister L, Lange FT, Breuer J, Biegel-Engler A, Giese E, Scheurer M. Extending the knowledge about PFAS bioaccumulation factors for agricultural plants - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142640. [PMID: 33077210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A main source of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) residues in agricultural plants is their uptake from contaminated soil. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) can be an important tool to derive recommendations for cultivation or handling of crops prior consumption. This review compiles >4500 soil-to-plant BAFs for 45 PFASs from 24 studies involving 27 genera of agricultural crops. Grasses (Poaceae) provided most BAFs with the highest number of values for perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. Influencing factors on PFAS transfer like compound-specific properties (hydrophobicity, chain length, functional group, etc.), plant species, compartments, and other boundary conditions are critically discussed. Throughout the literature, BAFs were higher for vegetative plant compartments than for reproductive and storage organs. Decreasing BAFs per additional perfluorinated carbon were clearly apparent for aboveground parts (up to 1.16 in grains) but not always for roots (partly down to zero). Combining all BAFs per single perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (C4-C14) and sulfonic acid (C4-C10), median log BAFs decreased by -0.25(±0.029) and -0.24(±0.013) per fluorinated carbon, respectively. For the first time, the plant uptake of ultra-short-chain (≤ C3) perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) was reviewed and showed a ubiquitous occurrence of trifluoroacetic acid in plants independent from the presence of other PFAAs. Based on identified knowledge gaps, it is suggested to focus on the uptake of precursors to PFAAs, PFAAs ≤C3, and additional emerging PFASs such as GenX or fluorinated ethers in future research. Studies regarding the uptake of PFASs by sugar cane, which accounts for about one fifth of the global crop production, are completely lacking and are also recommended. Furthermore, aqueous soil leachates should be tested as an alternative to the solvent extraction of soils as a base for BAF calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Lesmeister
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frank Thomas Lange
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Landwirtschaftliches Technologiezentrum Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstr. 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Evelyn Giese
- German Environment Agency, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Marco Scheurer
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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Zhou J, Shu R, Yu C, Xiong Z, Xiao Q, Li Z, Xie X, Fu Z. Exposure to low concentration of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid induces the disorders of liver lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127255. [PMID: 32554004 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) is the shortest chain perfluorinated compound. Recently, it has been identified as a persistent and mobile organic chemical with a maximum concentration of 1 μg/L in the environment. However, its toxicological mechanism remains unclear. In this study, to evaluate the liver and intestinal toxicity of TFMS in mammals, male mice were orally exposed to 0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg for 12 weeks. Our results showed that TFMS exposure reduced the epididymal fat weight in mice, caused the decrease of serum and liver triglyceride (TG) level and the increase of serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) level. Also, we observed the inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of mice exposed to 10 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg TFMS, which was coupled with the increased mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors such as COX2, TNF-α, IL-1β in the liver. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes (PPAR-α, ACOX, SCD1, PPAR-γ, etc.) were significantly decreased in the liver of mice after exposure to both doses of TFMS. We also found TFMS exposure caused the imbalance of cecal gut microbiota and change of cecal microbiota diversity. KEGG pathway predictions showed that the exposure of 100 μg/kg TFMS changed the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, benzoate degradation and several other metabolic pathways. Our findings indicated that TFMS exposure disturbed the liver lipid metabolism possibly via altering the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Zhou
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Ruonan Shu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Chunan Yu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Ze Xiong
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Qingfeng Xiao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Zezhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiaoxian Xie
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China.
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China.
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Yukioka S, Tanaka S, Suzuki Y, Echigo S, Kärrman A, Fujii S. A profile analysis with suspect screening of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in firefighting foam impacted waters in Okinawa, Japan. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116207. [PMID: 32717490 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of persistent contaminants detected in firefighting foam impacted waters. Previous studies have performed suspect and non-target screening by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to determine the composition of PFAS contamination and to discover unknown PFASs. Here, we performed a profile analysis with suspect screening against two lists in the NORMAN Suspect List Exchange in firefighting foam impacted environmental and drinking water (n = 18) collected in Okinawa, Japan, in April 2019. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC) quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) MS in electron spray ionization mode. Suspect screening returned 116 candidate PFASs with their molecular weights, functional groups, and perfluoroalkyl chain lengths. Long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and some of their precursors were specifically found around the firefighting training area. Short-chain PFAAs were assumed to be formed from precursors by environmental processes. Perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide precursors were found to be transformed to perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the drinking water treatment process. In contrast, biological activated carbon filtration formed perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). The PFAS profile showed that a large number of different substances needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Yukioka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Suzuki
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Echigo
- Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Anna Kärrman
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Shigeo Fujii
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
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