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Rasmusson K, Fagerlund F. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants in groundwater resources - A comprehensive review of subsurface transport processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142663. [PMID: 38908440 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants in the environment. An increased awareness of adverse health effects related to PFAS has further led to stricter regulations for several of these substances in e.g. drinking water in many countries. Groundwater constitutes an important source of raw water for drinking water production. A thorough understanding of PFAS subsurface fate and transport mechanisms leading to contamination of groundwater resources is therefore essential for management of raw water resources. A review of scientific literature on the subject of processes affecting subsurface PFAS fate and transport was carried out. This article compiles the current knowledge of such processes, mainly focusing on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), in soil- and groundwater systems. Further, a compilation of data on transport parameters such as solubility and distribution coefficients, as well as, insight gained and conclusions drawn from the reviewed material are presented. As the use of certain fire-fighting foams has been identified as the major source of groundwater contamination in many countries, research related to this type of pollution source has been given extra focus. Uptake of PFAS in biota is outside the scope of this review. The review showed a large spread in the magnitude of distribution coefficients and solubility for individual PFAS. Also, it is clear that the influence of multiple factors makes site-specific evaluation of distribution coefficients valuable. This article aims at giving the reader a comprehensive overview of the subject, and providing a base for further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Rasmusson
- Uppsala Water and Waste AB, Virdings allé 32B, SE-75450, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fritjof Fagerlund
- Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences, Villavägen 16, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
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2
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Henderson WM, Evich MG, Washington JW, Ward TT, Schumacher BA, Zimmerman JH, Kim YD, Weber EJ, Williams AC, Smeltz MG, Glinski DA. Analysis of Legacy and Novel Neutral Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Soils from an Industrial Manufacturing Facility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10729-10739. [PMID: 38829283 PMCID: PMC11304343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in an array of environmental media due to their ubiquitous use in industrial and consumer products as well as potential release from fluorochemical manufacturing facilities. During their manufacture, many fluorotelomer (FT) facilities rely on neutral intermediates in polymer production including the FT-alcohols (FTOHs). These PFAS are known to transform to the terminal acids (perfluoro carboxylic acids; PFCAs) at rates that vary with environmental conditions. In the current study on soils from a FT facility, we employed gas chromatography coupled with conventional- and high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-HRMS) to investigate the profile of these precursor compounds, the intermediary secondary alcohols (sFTOHs), FT-acrylates (FTAcr), and FT-acetates (FTAce) in soils around the former FT-production facility. Of these precursors, the general trend in detection intensity was [FTOHs] > [sFTOHs] > [FTAcrs], while for the FTOHs, homologue intensities generally were [12:2 FTOH] > [14:2 FTOH] > [16:2 FTOH] > [10:2 FTOH] > [18:2 FTOH] > [20:2 FTOH] > [8:2 FTOH] ∼ [6:2 FTOH]. The corresponding terminal acids were also detected in all soil samples and positively correlated with the precursor concentrations. GC-HRMS confirmed the presence of industrial manufacturing byproducts such as FT-ethers and FT-esters and aided in the tentative identification of previously unreported dimers and other compounds. The application of GC-HRMS to the measurement and identification of precursor PFAS is in its infancy, but the methodologies described here will help refine its use in tentatively identifying these compounds in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Matthew Henderson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Marina G Evich
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - John W Washington
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Thomas T Ward
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Brian A Schumacher
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - John H Zimmerman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/WECD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Yung D Kim
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Eric J Weber
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Alan C Williams
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/WECD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Marci G Smeltz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CPHEA/PHITD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Donna A Glinski
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
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3
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Endo S. Intermolecular Interactions, Solute Descriptors, and Partition Properties of Neutral Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17534-17541. [PMID: 37909300 PMCID: PMC10653080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07503] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The environmental partition properties of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) must be understood for their transport and fate analysis. In this study, isothermal gas chromatographic (GC) retention times of 60 neutral PFAS were measured using four columns with different stationary phase polarities, which indicated varying polar interactions exerted by these substances. The GC data were combined with new octanol/water partition coefficient data from this study and existing partition coefficient data from the literature and used to determine the polyparameter linear free energy relationship (PP-LFER) solute descriptors. A complete set of the solute descriptors was obtained for 47 PFAS, demonstrating the characteristic intermolecular interaction properties, such as hydrogen bonding capabilities influenced by the electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl group. The partition coefficients between octanol and water, air and water, and octanol and air predicted by the PP-LFER models agreed with those predicted by the quantum chemically based model COSMOtherm, suggesting that both models are highly accurate for neutral PFAS and can fill the current large data gaps in partition property data. A chemical partitioning space plot was generated by using the PP-LFER-predicted partition coefficients, showing the primary importance of the air phase for the environmental distribution of nonpolar and weakly polar PFAS and the increasing significance of organic phases with increasing PFAS polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Endo
- Health and Environmental
Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental
Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
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Thepaksorn P, Lee P, Shiwaku Y, Zheng B, Koizumi A, Harada KH. Formation and Degradability of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in River Soils around a Fluoropolymer-Manufacturing Plant in Osaka, Japan. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:427-435. [PMID: 37099060 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00998-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies reported that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination decreased in well, tap, and surface water around a fluoropolymer plant in Osaka, Japan, between 2003 and 2016. In this study, we evaluated the degradability of PFOA and perfluorohexanoic acid in river soils to identify the influence of the degradation on the perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the Yodo River Basin. We also investigated the influence of abiotic oxidation on the formation of PFCAs in soils and measured the fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) as precursors of PFCAs in the soil and air samples collected at Osaka and Kyoto. No major degradations were observed in soils contaminated with PFCA during the 24-week experimental period, while the PFOA levels increased only in the control group. The PFCA levels significantly increased after oxidation in this group. The dominant FTOH in soils was 10:2 FTOH, whereas 6:2 FTOH was dominant in the air samples. These findings suggest that PFOA was rapidly removed from water system but persist in soils. Moreover, the results indicate the need to evaluate not only the PFCAs, but also the FTOHs and other precursors for the accurate prediction of PFCA accumulation and fates in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phayong Thepaksorn
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Trang Research Center for Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Trang, Praboromarajchanok Institute 89 M.2, Kantang District, Trang, 92000, Thailand
| | - Pureum Lee
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoko Shiwaku
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Department of Sanitary Technology, Huaxi School of Public Health, Sichuan University, 1st Ring Rd, Wuhou, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Akio Koizumi
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kouji H Harada
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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Gravesen CR, Lee LS, Choi YJ, Silveira ML, Judy JD. PFAS release from wastewater residuals as a function of composition and production practices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121167. [PMID: 36731742 PMCID: PMC10597385 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121167] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of highly persistent contaminants that have been linked to human health effects at low exposure concentrations. Public concerns exist that land-application of biosolids may result in the release of PFAS into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The relative importance of inorganic constituents such as Fe and Al, which are known to impact PFAS retention/release behavior in soils, on PFAS release from wastewater residuals (WWRs, i.e., biosolids and sewage sludges) is not well understood. Here, we examine native concentrations and WWR-water partition coefficients of a range of PFAS in the context of WWRs characteristics including oxalate-extractable Fe and Al, organic matter (OM), dissolved organic carbon, and total protein content. Total PFAS concentrations, which included perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, fluorotelomer sulfonates and some sulfonamides, ranged from ∼480 to 3500 μg PFAS kg-1 dry weight. PFAS WWR-water partition coefficients ranged from ∼10 to 20,000 L kg-1, consistent with the literature. PFAS partitioning was significantly correlated to oxalate extractable Al and Fe as well as bulk OM and protein content. These results have important implications for wastewater treatment facilities that recycle Al- and Fe-based drinking water treatment residuals in terms of both PFAS retention and loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb R Gravesen
- University of Florida, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Purdue University, Department of Agronomy, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue University, Ecological Sciences & Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue University, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Purdue University, Department of Agronomy, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Maria L Silveira
- University of Florida, Range Cattle Research and Education Center, Ona, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan D Judy
- University of Florida, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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6
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The Phytomanagement of PFAS-Contaminated Land. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116817. [PMID: 35682401 PMCID: PMC9180636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Globally, several hundred thousand hectares of both agricultural and urban land have become contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS compounds are resistant to degradation and are mobile in soil compared to other common contaminants. Many compounds have KD values (matrix/solution concentration quotients) of <10. PFAS compounds endanger the health of humans and ecosystems by leaching into groundwater, exposure via dust, and, to a lesser extent, through plant uptake. This review aims to determine the feasibility of phytomanagement, the use of plants, and the use of soil conditioners to minimize environmental risk whilst also providing an economic return in the management of PFAS-contaminated land. For most sites, PFAS combinations render phytoextraction, the use of plants to remove PFAS from soil, inviable. In contrast, low Bioaccumulation Coefficients (BAC; plant and soil concentration quotients) timber species or native vegetation may be usefully employed for phytomanagement to limit human/food chain exposure to PFAS. Even with a low BAC, PFAS uptake by crop plants may still exceed food safety standards, and therefore, edible crop plants should be avoided. Despite this limitation, phytomanagement may be the only economically viable option to manage most of this land. Plant species and soil amendments should be chosen with the goal of reducing water flux through the soil, as well as increasing the hydrophobic components in soil that may bind the C-F-dominated tails of PFAS compounds. Soil conditioners such as biochar, with significant hydrophobic components, may mitigate the leaching of PFAS into receiving waters. Future work should focus on the interactions of PFAS with soil microbiota; secondary metabolites such as glomalin may immobilize PFAS in soil.
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7
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Zhu X, Song X, Schwarzbauer J. First insights into the formation and long-term dynamic behaviors of nonextractable perfluorooctanesulfonate and its alternative 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate residues in a silty clay soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143230. [PMID: 33158517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and toxic contaminants that are ubiquitous in the environment. They can incorporate into soil as nonextractable residues (NER) which are not detectable with conventional analytical protocols but are still possible to remobilize with changes of surrounding conditions, and thus will be bioavailable again. Therefore, there is a need to investigate thoroughly the long-term fate of NER-PFAS. In this study, a 240-day incubation of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and its alternative 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B) in a silty clay topsoil was carried out. Solvent extraction, alkaline hydrolysis and sequential chemical degradation were applied on periodically sampled soil to obtain extractable, moderately bound and deeply bound PFAS, respectively. The results confirmed the formation of NER of both compounds but with different preferences of incorporating mechanisms. NER-PFOS was formed predominantly by covalent binding (via head group) and strong adsorption (via tail group). The formation of NER-F-53B was mainly driven by physical entrapment. Both bound compounds within the incubation period showed three-stage behaviors including an initial period with slight release followed by a (re) incorporating stage and a subsequent remobilizing stage. This work provides some first insights on the long-term dynamic behaviors of nonextractable PFAS and will be conducive to their risk assessment and remediation (e.g. estimating potential NER-PFAS level based on their free extractable level, and selecting remediation methods according to their prevailing binding mechanisms).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Zhu
- Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal, RWTH Aachen University, Lochnerstr, 4-20, 52064 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Xin Song
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China.
| | - Jan Schwarzbauer
- Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal, RWTH Aachen University, Lochnerstr, 4-20, 52064 Aachen, Germany.
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Hussain S, Le TTY, Tsay RY, Lin SY. Solubility determination of surface-active components from dynamic surface tension data. J IND ENG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Sun M, Cui J, Guo J, Zhai Z, Zuo P, Zhang J. Fluorochemicals biodegradation as a potential source of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to the environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126894. [PMID: 32957292 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The anthropogenic release of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) into the environmental media is not limited to photochemical oxidation of CFC alternatives and industrial emissions. Biological degradation of some fluorochemicals is expected to be a potential TFA source. For the first time, we assess if the potential precursors [6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH), 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (4:2 FTOH), acrinathrin, trifluralin, and 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid (TFMAA)] can be biologically degraded to TFA. Results show that 6:2 FTOH was terminally transformed to 5:3 polyfluorinated acid (5:3 FTCA; 12.5 mol%), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA; 2.0 mol%), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA; 1.6 mol%), perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA; 1.7 mol%), and TFA (2.3 mol%) by day 32 in the landfill soil microbial culture system. 4:2 FTOH could remove multiple -CF2 groups by microorganisms and produce PFPeA (2.6 mol%), PFBA (17.4 mol%), TFA (7.8 mol%). We also quantified the degradation products of TFMAA as PFBA (1.3 mol%) and TFA (6.3 mol%). Furthermore, we basically analyzed the biodegradation contribution of short-chain FTOH as raw material residuals in commercial products to the TFA burden in the environmental media. We estimate global emission of 3.9-47.3 tonnes of TFA in the period from 1961 to 2019, and project 3.8-46.4 tonnes to be emitted from 2020 to 2040 via the pathway of 4:2 and 6:2 FTOH biodegradation (0.6-7.1 and 0.6-7.0 tonnes in China, respectively). Direct evidence of the experiments indicates that biodegradation of fluorochemicals is an overlooked source of TFA and there are still some unspecified mechanisms of TFA production pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jia'nan Cui
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Junyu Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zihan Zhai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, The Ministry of Land and Resources, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Peng Zuo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Lampic A, Parnis JM. Property Estimation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Comparative Assessment of Estimation Methods. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:775-786. [PMID: 32022323 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To accurately predict the environmental fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), high-quality physicochemical property data are required. Because such data are often not available from experiments, assessment of the accuracy of existing property estimation models is essential. The quality of predicted physicochemical property data for a set of 25 PFAS was examined using COSMOtherm, EPI Suite, the estimation models accessible through the US Environmental Protection Agency's CompTox Chemicals Dashboard, and Linear Solvation Energy Relationships (LSERs) available through the UFZ-LSER Database. The results showed that COSMOtherm made the most accurate acid dissociation constant and air-water partition ratio estimates compared with literature data. The OPEn structure-activity/property Relationship App (OPERA; developed through the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard) estimates of vapor pressure and dry octanol-air partition ratios were the most accurate compared with other models of interest. Wet octanol-water partition ratios were comparably predicted by OPERA and EPI Suite, and the organic carbon soil coefficient and solubility were well predicted by OPERA and COSMOtherm. Acid dissociation of the perfluoroalkyl acids has a significant impact on their physicochemical properties, and corrections for ionization were included where applicable. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:775-786. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Lampic
- Chemical Properties Research Group (Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre), Department of Chemistry, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Mark Parnis
- Chemical Properties Research Group (Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre), Department of Chemistry, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang H, Wen B, Huang H, Wang S, Cai Z, Zhang S. Biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol by the whole soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) seedlings. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113513. [PMID: 31733959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are important precursors of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the environment and biota. With the growing application of 6:2 FTOH [F(CF2)6CH2CH2OH] in product formulation, it is becoming increasingly urgent to investigate its biological fates in different species. In this study, biotransformation of 6:2 FTOH by young soybean plants (Glycine max L. Merrill) were investigated using hydroponic experiments. During the 144 h-exposure, 6:2 FTCA [F(CF2)6CH2COOH], 6:2 FTUCA [F(CF2)5CFCHCOOH], 5:3 FTUCA [F(CF2)5CHCHCOOH], 5:3 FTCA [F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH], PFHxA [F(CF2)5COOH] and PFPeA [F(CF2)4COOH] were phase I metabolites in soybean. At the end of exposure, 5:3 FTCA (5.08 mol%), PFHxA (2.34 mol%) and PFPeA (0.58 mol%) were three main metabolites in soybean-solution system. 5:3 FTCA was predominant in soybean roots and stems, while PFHxA was the most abundant product in leaves. PFBA [F(CF2)3COOH] and 4:3 FTCA [F(CF2)4CH2CH2COOH] detected in the hydroponic solution most-likely came from the transformation of 5:3 FTCA by root-associated microbes. Moreover, phase II metabolites of 6:2 FTOH were identified and monitored in soybean tissues. Alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase and glutathione S-transferase were found to participate in 6:2 FTOH metabolism. Based on the phase I and phase II metabolism of 6:2 FTOH in soybean, this study for the first time provides evidences for the transformation pathways of 6:2 FTOH in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Bei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Honglin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710027, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- 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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12
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Schellenberger S, Jönsson C, Mellin P, Levenstam OA, Liagkouridis I, Ribbenstedt A, Hanning AC, Schultes L, Plassmann MM, Persson C, Cousins IT, Benskin JP. Release of Side-Chain Fluorinated Polymer-Containing Microplastic Fibers from Functional Textiles During Washing and First Estimates of Perfluoroalkyl Acid Emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:14329-14338. [PMID: 31697071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The quantity and composition of fibers released from functional textiles during accelerated washing were investigated using the GyroWash method. Two fabrics [polyamide (PA) and polyester/cotton (PES/CO)] were selected and coated with perfluorohexane-based side-chain fluorinated polymers. Fibers released during washing ranged from ∼10 to 500 μ with a similar distribution for the two textile types. The PA-based fabric released considerably more fibers >20 μm in length compared to the PES/CO-based fabric (>1000/GyroWash for PA vs ∼200/GyroWash fibers for PES/CO). After one GyroWash (2-15 domestic washes), fibers that contained approximately 240 and 1300 μg total fluorine per square meter (μg F/m2) were released from the PA and PES/CO fabrics, respectively. Current understanding of the fate of microplastic fibers suggests that a large fraction of these fibers reach the environment either in effluent wastewater or sewage sludge applied to land. In the environment, the fluorinated side chains will be slowly cleaved from the backbone of the side-chain fluorinated polymers coated on the fibers and then transformed into short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids. On the European scale, emissions of up to ∼0.7 t of fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) per year were estimated for outdoor rain jackets treated with fluorotelomer-based side-chain fluorinated polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schellenberger
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Christina Jönsson
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Pelle Mellin
- Swerim, Powder Materials & Additive Manufacturing , Kista 164 40 , Sweden
| | - Oscar A Levenstam
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Ioannis Liagkouridis
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Anton Ribbenstedt
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Anne-Charlotte Hanning
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Lara Schultes
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Merle M Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Caiza Persson
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
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13
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Hua X, Luo J, Zhao Z, Wang Q, Sun H. Neutral polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances in surface water and sediment from the Haihe River and Dagu Drainage Canal deserve more attention. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:32911-32918. [PMID: 31512120 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06331-3] [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: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neutral polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (nPFASs) were detected in the surface water and sediment from the Haihe River (HR) and Dagu Drainage Canal (DDC), Tianjin, China. N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanol (MeFOSE) and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanol (EtFOSE) were the predominant nPFASs in surface water and sediment, which was different from the composition in air. The concentrations of ΣnPFASs in water from the HR (1.88-8.21 ng/L) were lower than those from the DDC (3.72-11.32 ng/L). Concentrations of ΣnPFASs were higher in the middle of the HR in the Dongli District due to industrial activity, whereas at lower reaches of the DDC, high ΣnPFAS concentrations might be due to effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The detection frequency in sediment (13.5%) was less than that in water (83%). The concentrations in sediment from the DDC (below limit of qualification (LOQ) to 5.58 ng/g) were higher than those from the HR (below LOQ to 2.46 ng/g). The distribution coefficient (log KD) between water and sediment was calculated, and they were highly related to the compound structures. The contribution of nPFASs to nPFASs+PFAAs was up to 52% in sediment in the DDC, suggesting the importance of nPFASs in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Hua
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jianbo Luo
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, 100141, China
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- 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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14
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Brusseau ML. Estimating the relative magnitudes of adsorption to solid-water and air/oil-water interfaces for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:113102. [PMID: 31491699 PMCID: PMC6800169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted considerable concern due to their widespread occurrence in the environment and potential human health risks. Given the complexity of PFAS retention in multi-phase systems, it would be useful for characterization and modeling purposes to be able to readily determine the relative significance of the individual retention processes for a given PFAS and set of subsurface conditions. A quantitative-structure/property-relationship (QSPR) analysis was conducted for adsorption of PFAS by soils, sediments, and granular activated carbon (GAC), and integrated with a prior analysis conducted for adsorption to air-water and oil-water interfaces. The results demonstrated that a model employing molar volume provided reasonable predictions of organic-carbon normalized soil/sediment adsorption coefficients (log Koc), GAC-adsorption coefficients (log Kd), and air/oil-water interfacial adsorption coefficients (log Ki) for PFAS. The relative magnitudes of solid-water and air/oil-water interfacial adsorption were compared as a function of controlling variables. A nomograph was developed that provides a first-order determination of the relative significance of these interfacial adsorption processes in multi-phase porous-media systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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15
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Xiao F, Jin B, Golovko SA, Golovko MY, Xing B. Sorption and Desorption Mechanisms of Cationic and Zwitterionic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Natural Soils: Thermodynamics and Hysteresis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:11818-11827. [PMID: 31553179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sorption linearity and reversibility are implicit in models for the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In this study, however, we found that the sorption of cationic and zwitterionic PFAS in natural soils was highly nonlinear. The nonlinearity was so severe that it led to a variation in the coefficient of sorption by several orders of magnitude over the experimental concentration range. This implies a considerable increase in sorption as concentration falls in the natural environment. Sorption of cationic PFAS correlated strongly with the soil organic matter (SOM) content and was reversible in all soils. Sorption of zwitterionic PFAS, on the other hand, displayed concentration-dependent hysteresis in soils with a low SOM content. The irreversibility, which was associated with neither SOM, pore deformation, nor surface complexation, was likely caused by the entrapment of molecules in porous structures within inorganic components of soil aggregates. Furthermore, electrostatic interactions with negatively charged soil constituents and the hydrophobic effect were found to be major sorption driving forces for cationic/zwitterionic PFAS at low and high concentrations, respectively. The maximum electrostatic potential of PFAS ions, computed using density functional theory, was found to be a useful predictor of the sorption of ionic PFAS species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering , University of North Dakota , 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115 , Grand Forks , North Dakota 58202 , United States
| | - Bosen Jin
- Department of Civil Engineering , University of North Dakota , 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115 , Grand Forks , North Dakota 58202 , United States
| | - Svetlana A Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of North Dakota , 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037 , Grand Forks , North Dakota 58202 , United States
| | - Mikhail Y Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of North Dakota , 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037 , Grand Forks , North Dakota 58202 , United States
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
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16
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Wang P, Zhang M, Lu Y, Meng J, Li Q, Lu X. Removal of perfluoalkyl acids (PFAAs) through fluorochemical industrial and domestic wastewater treatment plants and bioaccumulation in aquatic plants in river and artificial wetland. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 129:76-85. [PMID: 31121518 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The fluorochemical industry has shifted to the production of short chain homologues of perfluoalkyl acids (PFAAs) in recent years. Yet the effective removal of short-chain PFAAs from wastewater is still a major challenge. In this study, the removal efficiencies (RM) of short- and long-chain PFAAs emitted from two fluorochemical industrial parks were evaluated in one industrial and two domestic waste water treatment plants (WWTPs), and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of PFAAs in various emerged and submerged aquatic plants in adjacent river and an artificial wetland were also calculated. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were dominant in the whole area. The source water of the fluorochemical industrial WWTP (F-WWTP) gathered from the facilities in Park 2 contained total PFAAs (∑PFAAs) of 5,784 ng/L. Among the four main technologies, the biological aerated filter, combined with upflow sludge bed processes presented the greatest RM of ∑PFAAs in the F-WWTP, respectively. The source water of the wetland from the river brought ∑PFAAs to 21,579 ng/L, emerged plants showed higher BAF of PFBA and PFBS, while lower BAF of PFOA and PFOS than submerged plants. J. serotinus showed both the highest ∑PFAAs and the highest BAF for short chain PFAAs. With the increasing production capacity, this study provided valuable information for risk assessment and management of PFAA emission from point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jing Meng
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qifeng Li
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Green Manufacture Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaotian Lu
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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17
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A Review of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in terms of Sources, Applications, Human Exposure, Dietary Intake, Toxicity, Legal Regulation, and Methods of Determination. J CHEM-NY 2019. [DOI: 10.1155/2019/2717528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely distributed across the world and are expected to be of concern to human health and the environment. The review focuses on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and, in particular, on the most frequently discussed perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs). In this study, some basic information concerning PFASs is reviewed, focusing mainly on PFAAs (perfluoroalkyl acids). We have made efforts to systemize their division into groups according to chemical structure, describe their basic physicochemical properties, characterize production technologies, and determine potential human exposure routes with particular reference to oral exposure. A variety of possible toxicological effects to human health are also discussed. In response to increasing public concern about the toxicity of PFAAs, an evaluation of dietary intake has been undertaken for two of the most commonly known PFAAs: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). As summarized in this study, PFAAs levels need further assessment due to the science-based TWI standards laid down by the EFSA’s CONTAM Panel regarding the risk to human health posed by the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in food (tolerable weekly intakes of PFOA and PFOS set up to 6 ng·kg−1·bw·week−1 and 13 ng·kg−1·bw·week−1, respectively). Current legislation, relevant legislation on PFAAs levels in food, and the most popular methods of analysis in food matrices are described.
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18
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Chen H, Choi YJ, Lee LS. Sorption, Aerobic Biodegradation, and Oxidation Potential of PFOS Alternatives Chlorinated Polyfluoroalkyl Ether Sulfonic Acids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:9827-9834. [PMID: 30099874 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Global phase out of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) has led to increasing production of alternatives such as the chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs) for which little is known on their environmental fate. In this study, sorption by soils, aerobic soil biodegradation, and oxidation potential of 6:2 Cl-PFESA (9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate) and 8:2 Cl-PFESA (9-chlorooctadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate) were evaluated. 6:2 Cl-PFESA sorption was quantified for aqueous and acetone/water solutions, whereas 8:2 PFESA could only be accurately measured in acetone/water solutions. The log-linear cosolvency model was applied and validated to estimate sorption of 8:2 Cl-PFESA. Only soil organic carbon (OC, 0.76-4.30%) was highly and positively correlated to sorption of the Cl-PFESAs ( R2 > 0.96). The resulting log Koc values (OC-normalized sorption coefficients) are 4.01 ± 0.09 ( n = 6) and 5.54 ± 0.05 ( n = 4) L kg-1 for 6:2 Cl-PFESA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA, respectively. Aerobic biodegradation in a loam soil at 24 ± 0.5 °C showed negligible degradation of both Cl-PFESAs. Cl-PFESAs also remained unchanged in an unbuffered heat (50 °C)-activated 42 mM persulfate oxidation treatment. Therefore, Cl-PFESAs are equally recalcitrant as PFOS in addition to being more sorptive, thus with a higher bioaccumulation potential for a similar alkyl chain length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Ecology and Environment of State Oceanic Administration, Department of Marine Chemistry , National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center , Linghe Street 42 , Dalian 116023 , China
- Ecological Science and Engineering, Department of Agronomy , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Ecological Science and Engineering, Department of Agronomy , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Linda S Lee
- Ecological Science and Engineering, Department of Agronomy , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
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19
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Lyu Y, Brusseau ML, Chen W, Yan N, Fu X, Lin X. Adsorption of PFOA at the Air-Water Interface during Transport in Unsaturated Porous Media. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:7745-7753. [PMID: 29944343 PMCID: PMC6312111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Miscible-displacement experiments are conducted with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to determine the contribution of adsorption at the air-water interface to retention during transport in water-unsaturated porous media. Column experiments were conducted with two sands of different diameter at different PFOA input concentrations, water saturations, and pore-water velocities to evaluate the impact of system variables on retardation. The breakthrough curves for unsaturated conditions exhibited greater retardation than those obtained for saturated conditions, demonstrating the significant impact of air-water interfacial adsorption on PFOA retention. Retardation was greater for lower water saturations and smaller grain diameter, consistent with the impact of system conditions on the magnitude of air-water interfacial area in porous media. Retardation was greater for lower input concentrations of PFOA for a given water saturation, consistent with the nonlinear nature of surfactant fluid-fluid interfacial adsorption. Retardation factors predicted using independently determined parameter values compared very well to the measured values. The results showed that adsorption at the air-water interface is a significant source of retention for PFOA, contributing approximately 50-75% of total retention, for the test systems. The significant magnitude of air-water interfacial adsorption measured in this work has ramifications for accurate determination of PFAS migration potential in vadose zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lyu
- Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of Arizona , 429 Shantz Building , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Mark L Brusseau
- Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of Arizona , 429 Shantz Building , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of Arizona , 429 Shantz Building , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Ni Yan
- Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of Arizona , 429 Shantz Building , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Xiaori Fu
- Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , University of Arizona , 429 Shantz Building , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
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20
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Guelfo JL, Marlow T, Klein DM, Savitz DA, Frickel S, Crimi M, Suuberg EM. Evaluation and Management Strategies for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Drinking Water Aquifers: Perspectives from Impacted U.S. Northeast Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:065001. [PMID: 29916808 PMCID: PMC6108580 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Northeast U.S. communities have discovered per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water aquifers in excess of health-based regulatory levels or advisories. Regional stakeholders (consultants, regulators, and others) need technical background and tools to mitigate risks associated with exposure to PFAS-affected groundwater. OBJECTIVES The aim was to identify challenges faced by stakeholders to extend best practices to other regions experiencing PFAS releases and to establish a framework for research strategies and best management practices. METHODS AND APPROACH Management challenges were identified during stakeholder engagement events connecting attendees with PFAS experts in focus areas, including fate/transport, toxicology, and regulation. Review of the literature provided perspective on challenges in all focus areas. Publicly available data were used to characterize sources of PFAS impacts in groundwater and conduct a geospatial case study of potential source locations relative to drinking water aquifers in Rhode Island. DISCUSSION Challenges in managing PFAS impacts in drinking water arise from the large number of relevant PFASs, unconsolidated information regarding sources, and limited studies on some PFASs. In particular, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding human health impacts of PFASs. Frameworks sequentially evaluating exposure, persistence, and treatability can prioritize PFASs for evaluation of potential human health impacts. A regional case study illustrates how risk-based, geospatial methods can help address knowledge gaps regarding potential sources of PFASs in drinking water aquifers and evaluate risk of exposure. CONCLUSION Lessons learned from stakeholder engagement can assist in developing strategies for management of PFASs in other regions. However, current management practices primarily target a subset of PFASs for which in-depth studies are available. Exposure to less-studied, co-occurring PFASs remains largely unaddressed. Frameworks leveraging the current state of science can be applied toward accelerating this process and reducing exposure to total PFASs in drinking water, even as research regarding health effects continues. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2727.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Guelfo
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Thomas Marlow
- Department of Sociology and Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David M Klein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David A Savitz
- Departments of Epidemiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Scott Frickel
- Department of Sociology and Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michelle Crimi
- Department of Engineering and Management, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, USA
| | - Eric M Suuberg
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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21
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Li F, Su Q, Zhou Z, Liao X, Zou J, Yuan B, Sun W. Anaerobic biodegradation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in anaerobic activated sludge: Metabolic products and pathways. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 200:124-132. [PMID: 29476957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The anaerobic biodegradability and metabolic pathways of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) were investigated in anaerobic activated sludge. The biodegradation was well described by a double exponential decay model. 8:2 FTOH was biodegraded to poly- and perfluorinated metabolites with the release of fluoride ion. All polyfluorinated metabolites were intermediate metabolic products and could be further transformed to other metabolites, while perfluorinated metabolites were terminal products. 2H-perfluoro-2-decenoic acid (8:2 FTUA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were verified as the most abundant poly- and perfluorinated metabolites, respectively. Two shorter-chain perfluorinated metabolites, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) and perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA), were first reported in the biodegradation of 8:2 FTOH. However, the total molar recovery of 8:2 FTOH decreased with increasing incubation time, indicating that there might be some unknown metabolites. Thus, the anaerobic biodegradation pathways were proposed as follows: 8:2 FTOH was oxidized to 8:2 FTUA and 2-perfluorooctyl ethanoic acid (8:2 FTCA) via 2-perfluorooctyl acetaldehyde (8:2 FTAL), and then 8:2 FTUA and 8:2 FTCA were further transformed to 1-perfluoroheptyl ethanol (7:2 sFTOH) via 3-perfluoroheptyl propionic acid (7:3 acid) or/and 3-perfluoroheptyl acrylic acid (7:3 Uacid), and eventually 7:2 sFTOH was further biodegraded to PFOA and other perfluorocarboxylates containing less than eight carbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Qiangfa Su
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Zhenming Zhou
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Xiaobin Liao
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Baoling Yuan
- Xiamen Engineering & Technology Research Center for Urban Water Environment Planning and Remediation, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 75275, USA.
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22
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Brusseau ML. Assessing the potential contributions of additional retention processes to PFAS retardation in the subsurface. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:176-185. [PMID: 28915454 PMCID: PMC5693257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the transport and fate of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the subsurface is critical for accurate risk assessments and design of effective remedial actions. A multi-process retention model is proposed to account for potential additional sources of retardation for PFAS transport in source zones. These include partitioning to the soil atmosphere, adsorption at air-water interfaces, partitioning to trapped organic liquids (NAPL), and adsorption at NAPL-water interfaces. An initial assessment of the relative magnitudes and significance of these retention processes was conducted for two PFAS of primary concern, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and an example precursor (fluorotelomer alcohol, FTOH). The illustrative evaluation was conducted using measured porous-medium properties representative of a sandy vadose-zone soil. Data collected from the literature were used to determine measured or estimated values for the relevant distribution coefficients, which were in turn used to calculate retardation factors for the model system. The results showed that adsorption at the air-water interface was a primary source of retention for both PFOA and PFOS, contributing approximately 50% of total retention for the conditions employed. Adsorption to NAPL-water interfaces and partitioning to bulk NAPL were also shown to be significant sources of retention. NAPL partitioning was the predominant source of retention for FTOH, contributing ~98% of total retention. These results indicate that these additional processes may be, in some cases, significant sources of retention for subsurface transport of PFAS. The specific magnitudes and significance of the individual retention processes will depend upon the properties and conditions of the specific system of interest (e.g., PFAS constituent and concentration, porous medium, aqueous chemistry, fluid saturations, co-contaminants). In cases wherein these additional retention processes are significant, retardation of PFAS in source areas would likely be greater than what is typically estimated based on the standard assumption of solid-phase adsorption as the sole retention mechanism. This has significant ramifications for accurate determination of the migration potential and magnitude of mass flux to groundwater, as well as for calculations of contaminant mass residing in source zones. Both of which have critical implications for human-health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Brusseau
- 429 Shantz Bldg, Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, United States.
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23
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Chen H, Peng H, Yang M, Hu J, Zhang Y. Detection, Occurrence, and Fate of Fluorotelomer Alcohols in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:8953-8961. [PMID: 28728413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are the most well-known precursors of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), but limited information is available on their occurrence and fate in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The occurrence of FTOHs was investigated in influent, secondary effluent, and sludge of 12 municipal WWTPs in nine cities of China. FTOHs were detected in all WWTPs, and 8:2 FTOH was the predominant congener, with concentrations of 2.10-11.0 ng/L, 3.05-12.4 ng/L, and 0.36-1.91 ng/g dry weight in the influent, secondary effluent, and sludge, respectively. Relatively high proportions of long-chain FTOHs (C10-16) were mainly detected in sludge samples. The mass balance of FTOHs and PFCAs in one of the WWTPs with an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process was further explored. The decrease of mass loads was observed for 4:2 FTOH (mass change percentage: 21 ± 3.3%), 8:2 FTOH (22 ± 1.5%), and 10:2 FTOH (29 ± 7.3%) through aerobic treatment, while the increase of mass loads was observed for 12 PFCAs from 18 ± 16% (perfluorononanoic acid) to 165 ± 15% (perfluorobutyric acid)), suggesting the potential biotransformation of FTOHs to PFCAs in the aerobic unit. This work provides the first report on the occurrence of FTOHs in sludge samples of municipal WWTPs and their mass balance and highlights a new emission route to environment via WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianying Hu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Zhao S, Zhu L. Uptake and metabolism of 10:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in soil-earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and soil-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) systems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:124-131. [PMID: 27639617 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of 10:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (10:2 FTOH) in the systems of soil-earthworm (Eisenia fetida), soil-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soil-earthworm-wheat, including degradation in soil, uptake and metabolism in wheat and earthworms were investigated. Several perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) as degradation products of 10:2 FTOH were identified in the soil, plant and earthworms. 10:2 FTOH could be biodegraded to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanate (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) in soil in the absence or presence of wheat/earthworms, and PFDA was the predominant metabolite. Accumulation of initial 10:2 FTOH and its metabolites were observed in the wheat and earthworms, suggesting that 10:2 FTOH could be bioaccumulated in wheat and earthworms and biotransformed to the highly stable PFCAs. Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic (PFHxA) and PFDA were detected in wheat root, while PFDA and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) were detected in shoot. PFNA and PFDA were determined in earthworms and the concentration of PFDA was much higher. The presence of earthworms and/or plant stimulated the microbial degradation of 10:2 FTOH in soil. The results supplied important evidence that degradation of 10:2 FTOH was an important potential source of PFCAs in the environment and in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Food and Environment, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, Liaoning, 124221, PR China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China.
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Krafft MP, Riess JG. Selected physicochemical aspects of poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances relevant to performance, environment and sustainability-part one. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 129:4-19. [PMID: 25245564 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The elemental characteristics of the fluorine atom tell us that replacing an alkyl chain by a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluorinated chain in a molecule or polymer is consequential. A brief reminder about perfluoroalkyl chains, fluorocarbons and fluorosurfactants is provided. The outstanding, otherwise unattainable physicochemical properties and combinations thereof of poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are outlined, including extreme hydrophobic and lipophobic character; thermal and chemical stability in extreme conditions; remarkable aptitude to self-assemble into sturdy thin repellent protecting films; unique spreading, dispersing, emulsifying, anti-adhesive and levelling, dielectric, piezoelectric and optical properties, leading to numerous industrial and technical uses and consumer products. It was eventually discovered, however, that PFASs with seven or more carbon-long perfluoroalkyl chains had disseminated in air, water, soil and biota worldwide, are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulative in animals and humans, raising serious health and environmental concerns. Further use of long-chain PFASs is environmentally not sustainable. Most leading manufacturers have turned to shorter four to six carbon perfluoroalkyl chain products that are not considered bioaccumulative. However, many of the key performances of PFASs decrease sharply when fluorinated chains become shorter. Fluorosurfactants become less effective and less efficient, provide lesser barrier film stability, etc. On the other hand, they remain as persistent in the environment as their longer chain homologues. Surprisingly little data (with considerable discrepancies) is accessible on the physicochemical properties of the PFASs under examination, a situation that requires consideration and rectification. Such data are needed for understanding the environmental and in vivo behaviour of PFASs. They should help determine which, for which uses, and to what extent, PFASs are environmentally sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pierre Krafft
- Institut Charles Sadron (CNRS UPR 22), Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
| | - Jean G Riess
- Harangoutte Institute, 68160 Sainte Croix-aux-Mines, France
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Liu X, Guo Z, Folk EE, Roache NF. Determination of fluorotelomer alcohols in selected consumer products and preliminary investigation of their fate in the indoor environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 129:81-6. [PMID: 24997516 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established an ongoing effort to identify the major perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) sources in nonoccupational indoor environments and characterize their transport and fate. This study determined the concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), which are the precursors to PFCAs, in fifty-four consumer products collected from the U.S. open market in the years of 2011 and 2013. The products included carpet, commercial carpet-care liquids, household carpet/fabric-care liquids, treated apparel, treated home textiles, treated non-woven medical garments, floor waxes, food-contact paper, membranes for apparel, and thread-sealant tapes. The FTOHs quantified were 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoro-1-octanol (6:2 FTOH), 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoro-1-decanol (8:2 FTOH), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoro-1-dodecanol (10:2 FTOH). The content of 6:2 FTOH ranged from non-delectable to 331μgg(-1), 8:2 FTOH from non-delectable to 92μgg(-1), and 10:2 FTOH from non-detectable to 24μgg(-1). In addition, two consumer products from the home textile category were tested in the washing-drying process. One product from the treated apparel category and one from the home textile category were tested in the micro-scale chamber under elevated temperatures. The experimental data show that the washing-drying process with one cycle did not significantly reduce the FTOH concentrations in the tested consumer products. FTOH off-gassing was observed under accelerated aging conditions. Future tests should include air sampling to allow determination of the absolute emission rates at different temperatures. The results of this study should be informative to exposure assessment and risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Zhishi Guo
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Edgar E Folk
- ARCADIS U.S., Inc., 4915 Prospectus Drive, Suite F, Durham, NC 27713, United States
| | - Nancy F Roache
- ARCADIS U.S., Inc., 4915 Prospectus Drive, Suite F, Durham, NC 27713, United States
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Kim M, Li LY, Grace JR, Yue C. Selecting reliable physicochemical properties of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) based on molecular descriptors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 196:462-72. [PMID: 25467694 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of global environmental pollutants whose environmental fate and adverse effects are of concern. However, data on the basic physicochemical properties of PFASs are scarce. To fill part of the data gaps, improved quantitative structure -property relationship (QSPR) models for prediction of PFAS properties are developed based on the correlation between reported experimental data and molecular descriptors (fluorine number, molar volume and total surface area). Properties include vapor pressure, aqueous solubility, octanol/water partition coefficient, air/water partition coefficient and octanol/air partition coefficient. The fluorine number-descriptor model is based on good statistical results. However, this model cannot distinguish among PFASs with the same number of attached fluorines. Setting aside the fluorine number-descriptor models, models based on molar volume are statistically better than those based on total surface area.Therefore, The PFAS data obtained from the molar volume descriptor model are more reliable than from fluorine number and total surface area descriptor models. These results are intended to improve the understanding of the behavior and fate of PFASs in the environment, at contaminated sites and during remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhee Kim
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
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Toxicology Data for Alternative “Short-Chain” Fluorinated Substances. TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15518-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Caltagirone C, Bettoschi A, Garau A, Montis R. Silica-based nanoparticles: a versatile tool for the development of efficient imaging agents. Chem Soc Rev 2015; 44:4645-71. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00270a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this review a selection of the most recent examples of imaging techniques applied to silica-based NPs for imaging is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Caltagirone
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Alexandre Bettoschi
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Alessandra Garau
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Riccardo Montis
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
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Matsushita H, Mizukami S, Sugihara F, Nakanishi Y, Yoshioka Y, Kikuchi K. Multifunctional core–shell silica nanoparticles for highly sensitive (19)F magnetic resonance imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:1008-11. [PMID: 24446255 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201308500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
19F magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) is useful for monitoring particular signals from biological samples, cells, and target tissues, because background signals are missing in animal bodies. Therefore, highly sensitive 19F MRI contrast agents are in great demand for their practical applications. However, we have faced the following challenges: 1) increasing the number of fluorine atoms decreases the solubility of the molecular probes, and 2) the restriction of the molecular mobility attenuates the 19F MRI signals. Herein, we developed novel multifunctional core–shell nanoparticles to solve these issues. They are composed of a core micelle filled with liquid perfluorocarbon and a robust silica shell. These core–shell nanoparticles have superior properties such as high sensitivity, modifiability of the surface, biocompatibility, and sufficient in vivo stability. By the adequate surface modifications, gene expression in living cells and tumor tissue in living mice were successfully detected by 19F MRI.
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Rahman MF, Peldszus S, Anderson WB. Behaviour and fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water treatment: a review. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 50:318-40. [PMID: 24216232 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) characteristics, their occurrence in surface water, and their fate in drinking water treatment processes. PFASs have been detected globally in the aquatic environment including drinking water at trace concentrations and due, in part, to their persistence in human tissue some are being investigated for regulation. They are aliphatic compounds containing saturated carbon-fluorine bonds and are resistant to chemical, physical, and biological degradation. Functional groups, carbon chain length, and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity are some of the important structural properties of PFASs that affect their fate during drinking water treatment. Full-scale drinking water treatment plant occurrence data indicate that PFASs, if present in raw water, are not substantially removed by most drinking water treatment processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, biofiltration, oxidation (chlorination, ozonation, AOPs), UV irradiation, and low pressure membranes. Early observations suggest that activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange, and high pressure membrane filtration may be effective in controlling these contaminants. However, branched isomers and the increasingly used shorter chain PFAS replacement products may be problematic as it pertains to the accurate assessment of PFAS behaviour through drinking water treatment processes since only limited information is available for these PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Feisal Rahman
- NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Water Treatment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1.
| | - Sigrid Peldszus
- NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Water Treatment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - William B Anderson
- NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Water Treatment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
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Matsushita H, Mizukami S, Sugihara F, Nakanishi Y, Yoshioka Y, Kikuchi K. Multifunctional Core-Shell Silica Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201308500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Tan B, Wang T, Wang P, Luo W, Lu Y, Romesh KY, Giesy JP. Perfluoroalkyl substances in soils around the Nepali Koshi River: levels, distribution, and mass balance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:9201-11. [PMID: 24705951 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were analyzed in surface soils along the Koshi River in Nepal, a typical agricultural country with little industrialization and urbanization. Sixteen target PFASs were quantified in soils from a hilly region in central and eastern Nepal, but only ten PFASs were detected. Concentrations of total PFASs ranged from nd (below the detection limit) to 1.78 ng/g dw. The predominant PFASs in soils were perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro-butanesulfonate (PFBS) with concentrations that ranged from nd to 0.26 ng/g dw and nd to 0.38 ng/g dw, respectively. Results of mass balance analysis also revealed weak associations among concentrations of PFASs, extractable organic fluorine (EOF), and total fluorine (TF). PFASs were relatively evenly distributed among locations. Due to the absence of direct emission of PFASs and slow development of local industry, PFASs in soils originated mostly from long-range atmospheric transport, consumer use, and disposal of PFASs-containing products. Uncontrolled disposal of domestic waste will be a challenge to controlling concentrations of PFASs in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Tan
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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Endo S, Goss KU. Predicting partition coefficients of Polyfluorinated and organosilicon compounds using polyparameter linear free energy relationships (PP-LFERs). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:2776-84. [PMID: 24491038 DOI: 10.1021/es405091h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The environmental behavior, fate, and effects of polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and organosilicon compounds (OSCs) have received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, polyparameter linear free energy relationships (PP-LFERs) were evaluated for predicting partition coefficients of neutral PFCs and OSCs, using experimental data for fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) reported in the literature and measured newly for this work. It was found that the recently proposed PP-LFER model that uses the McGowan characteristic volume (V), the logarithmic hexadecane-air partition coefficient (L), and three polar interaction descriptors can accurately describe partition coefficients of PFCs and OSCs. The prediction errors were <1 log unit when literature descriptors were used, and the errors were reduced to <0.2 log units on average by further optimization of the descriptors. Surprisingly, the conventional forms of PP-LFERs that include the excess molar refraction (E) sometimes led to substantial errors (>1 log unit) even with optimized parameters. The system parameters for octanol-water, air-water, octanol-air, oil-water, liposome-water, and organic carbon-water partition coefficients as well as the solute descriptors for FTOHs and cVMS were recalibrated in this work, which should provide even more reliable predictions of partition coefficients. The results also confirm the consistency of the published experimental partition coefficients for FTOHs and cVMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Endo
- Department of Analytical Environmental Chemistry, UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research , Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
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Zhang S, Szostek B, McCausland PK, Wolstenholme BW, Lu X, Wang N, Buck RC. 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol anaerobic biotransformation in digester sludge from a WWTP under methanogenic conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:4227-35. [PMID: 23531206 DOI: 10.1021/es4000824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
6:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH [FTOHs, F(CF2)nCH2CH2OH, n = 6, 8] are the principal polyfluorinated raw materials used to manufacture FTOH-based products, which may be released to WWTPs during their product life cycle. For the first time, anaerobic biotransformation of FTOHs and key biotransformation intermediates in WWTP digester sludge under methanogenic conditions was investigated. 6:2 FTOH was transformed to 6:2 FTCA, [F(CF2)6CH2COOH, 32-43 mol %], 6:2 FTUCA [F(CF2)5CF═CHCOOH, 1.8-8.0 mol %], and 5:3 acid [F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH, 18-23 mol %] by day 90 and day 176 in two separate studies. 8:2 FTOH was transformed by day 181 to 8:2 FTCA (18 mol %), 8:2 FTUCA (5.1 mol %), and 7:3 acid (27 mol %). 6:2 and 8:2 FTOH anaerobic biotransformation led to low levels of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA, ≤0.4 mol %) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 0.3 mol %), respectively. 6:2 FTUCA anaerobic biotransformation led to a newly identified novel transient intermediate 3-fluoro 5:3 acid [F(CF2)5CFHCH2COOH] and 5:3 acid, but not 5:2 sFTOH [F(CF2)5CH(OH)CH3] and α-OH 5:3 acid [F(CF2)5CH2CH(OH)COOH], two precursors leading to PFPeA (perfluoropentanoic acid) and PFHxA. Thus, FTOH anaerobic biotransformation pathways operated by microbes in the environment was likely inefficient at shortening carbon chains of FTOHs to form PFCAs (perfluorinated carboxylic acids). These results imply that anaerobic biotransformation of FTOH-based products may produce polyfluorinated acids, but is not likely a major source of PFCAs detected in anaerobic environmental matrices such as anaerobic digester sludge, landfill leachate, and anaerobic sediment under methanogenic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Derivatization method for sensitive determination of fluorotelomer alcohols in sediment by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2013; 1288:48-53. [PMID: 23523067 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.02.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are the main precursors of environmentally ubiquitous perfluorinated acids, and determination of FTOHs at low concentrations presents significant challenges. In this study, a new liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method in conjunction with low-energy collision dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) was developed by employing an optimized derivatization reaction with dansyl chloride (DNS) in acetonitrile under catalysis of 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine (DMAP). The instrument detection limits (IDLs) of the newly developed method were 0.014, 0.015, 0.014, 0.0075 and 0.0093μg/L for 4:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTOH, 10:1 FTOH and 10:2 FTOH respectively, which were 7.5-241 times lower than those without derivatizaiton and 57-357 times lower than previous GC/MS method. The method was successfully applied to analyze FTOHs in sediments combined with WAX and silica cartridges cleanup. The overall method recoveries were from 67±6.0% to 83±9.4% with matrix effects of <15%. The limits of quantification for all FTOHs were 0.017-0.060ng/gdry weight (dw). The method was applied to analyze six marine sediment samples from Liaodong Bay, China. All FTOHs except for 10:1 FTOH were detected, and the total concentrations of FTOHs were 0.19-0.52ng/gdw. The developed method provides a new method to sensitively determine FTOHs in environmental matrices.
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Zhao L, Folsom PW, Wolstenholme BW, Sun H, Wang N, Buck RC. 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol biotransformation in an aerobic river sediment system. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:203-209. [PMID: 22840539 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The 6:2 FTOH [F(CF(2))(6)CH(2)CH(2)OH] is a major raw material being used to replace 8:2 FTOH [F(CF(2))(8)CH(2)CH(2)OH] to make FTOH-based products for industrial and consumer applications. A novel aerobic sediment experimental system containing 20 g wet sediment and 30 mL aqueous solution was developed to study 6:2 FTOH biotransformation in river sediment. 6:2 FTOH was dosed into the sediment to follow its biotransformation and to analyze transformation products over 100 d. The primary 6:2 FTOH biotransformation in the aerobic sediment system was rapid (T(1/2)<2d). 5:3 acid [F(CF(2))(5)CH(2)CH(2)COOH] was observed as the predominant polyfluorinated acid on day 100 (22.4 mol%), higher than the sum of perfluoropentanoic acid (10.4 mol%), perfluorohexanoic acid (8.4 mol%), and perfluorobutanoic acid (1.5 mol%). Perfluoroheptanoic acid was not observed during 6:2 FTOH biotransformation. The 5:3 acid can be further degraded to 4:3 acid [F(CF(2))(4)CH(2)CH(2)COOH, 2.7 mol%]. This suggests that microbes in the river sediment selectively degraded 6:2 FTOH more toward 5:3 and 4:3 acids compared with soil. Most of the observed 5:3 acid formed bound residues with sediment organic components and can only be quantitatively recovered by post-treatment with NaOH and ENVI-Carb™ carbon. The 6:2 FTCA [F(CF(2))(6)CH(2)COOH], 6:2 FTUCA [F(CF(2))(5)CF=CHCOOH], 5:2 ketone [F(CF(2))(5)C(O)CH(3)], and 5:2 sFTOH [F(CF(2))(5)CH(OH)CH(3)] were major transient intermediates during 6:2 FTOH biotransformation in the sediment system. These results suggest that if 6:2 FTOH or 6:2 FTOH-based materials were released to the river or marine sediment, poly- and per-fluorinated carboxylates could be produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Kim MH, Wang N, McDonald T, Chu KH. Biodefluorination and biotransformation of fluorotelomer alcohols by two alkane-degrading Pseudomonas strains. Biotechnol Bioeng 2012; 109:3041-8. [PMID: 22614340 DOI: 10.1002/bit.24561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols [FTOHs, F(CF(2))(n) CH(2)CH(2)OH, n = 4, 6, and 8] are emerging environmental contaminants. Biotransformation of FTOHs by mixed bacterial cultures has been reported; however, little is known about the microorganisms responsible for the biotransformation. Here we reported biotransformation of FTOHs by two well-studied Pseudomonas strains: Pseudomonas butanovora (butane oxidizer) and Pseudomonas oleovorans (octane oxidizer). Both strains could defluorinate 4:2, 6:2, and 8:2 FTOHs, with a higher degree of defluorination for 4:2 FTOH. According to the identified metabolites, P. oleovorans transformed FTOHs via two pathways I and II. The pathway I led to the production of x:2 ketone [dominant metabolite, F(CF(2))(x)C(O)CH(3); x = n - 1, n = 6 or 8], x:2 sFTOH [F(CF(2))(x)CH(OH)CH(3)], and perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs, perfluorohexanoic, or perfluorooctanoic acid). The pathway II resulted in the formation of x:3 polyfluorinated acid [F(CF(2))(x) C(2)CH(2) COOH] and relatively minor shorter-chain PFCAs (perfluorobutyric or perfluorohexanoic acid). Conversely, P. butanovora transformed FTOHs by using the pathway I, leading to the production of x:2 ketone, x:2 sFTOH, and PFCAs. This is the first study to show that individual bacterium can bio-transform FTOHs via different or preferred transformation pathways to remove multiple --CF(2) -- groups from FTOHs to form shorter-chain PFCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Hee Kim
- Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3136, USA
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Bhhatarai B, Gramatica P. Prediction of aqueous solubility, vapor pressure and critical micelle concentration for aquatic partitioning of perfluorinated chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:8120-8. [PMID: 20958003 DOI: 10.1021/es101181g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The majority of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are of increasing risk to biota and environment due to their physicochemical stability, wide transport in the environment and difficulty in biodegradation. It is necessary to identify and prioritize these harmful PFCs and to characterize their physicochemical properties that govern the solubility, distribution and fate of these chemicals in an aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, available experimental data (10-35 compounds) of three important properties: aqueous solubility (AqS), vapor pressure (VP) and critical micelle concentration (CMC) on per- and polyfluorinated compounds were collected for quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modeling. Simple and robust models based on theoretical molecular descriptors were developed and externally validated for predictivity. Model predictions on selected PFCs were compared with available experimental data and other published in silico predictions. The structural applicability domains (AD) of the models were verified on a bigger data set of 221 compounds. The predicted properties of the chemicals that are within the AD, are reliable, and they help to reduce the wide data gap that exists. Moreover, the predictions of AqS, VP, and CMC of most common PFCs were evaluated to understand the aquatic partitioning and to derive a relation with the available experimental data of bioconcentration factor (BCF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barun Bhhatarai
- QSAR Research Unit in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology (DBSF), University of Insubria , via J.H. Dunant 3, Varese, 21100, Italy
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Yoo H, Washington JW, Ellington JJ, Jenkins TM, Neill MP. Concentrations, distribution, and persistence of fluorotelomer alcohols in sludge-applied soils near Decatur, Alabama, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:8397-8402. [PMID: 20949952 DOI: 10.1021/es100390r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil samples were collected for fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) analyses from six fields to which sludge had been applied and one "background" field that had not received sludge. Ten analytes in soil extracts were quantified using GC/MS. Sludge-applied fields had surface soil FTOH concentrations exceeding levels found in the background field. For 8:2nFTOH, which can degrade to perfluorooctanoic acid, impacted surface-soils ranged from 5 to 73 ng/g dry weight, clearly exceeding the background field in which 8:2nFTOH was not detected. The highest [FTOH] generally was 10:2nFTOH, which had concentrations of <5.6 to 166 ng/g. For the first time, we document the persistence of straight-chained primary FTOHs (n-FTOHs) and branch-chained secondary FTOHs (sec-FTOHs), which are transformation products of n-FTOHs, in field soils for at least five years after sludge application. Ratios of sec-FTOHs to n-FTOHs were highest for 7:2sFTOH/8:2nFTOH (∼50%) and decreased with increasing chain length to a minimum for the longest-chained analytes, 13:2sFTOH/14:2nFTOH (∼10%). Disappearance half-lives for FTOHs, calculated with these data, ranged from 0.85 to 1.8 years. These analytical results show that the practice of sludge application to land is a pathway for the introduction of FTOHs and, accordingly, their transformation products, perfluorocarboxylic acids, into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon Yoo
- National Research Council (NRC), Ecosystems Research Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA
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Enevoldsen R, Juhler RK. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in groundwater and aqueous soil extracts: using inline SPE-LC-MS/MS for screening and sorption characterisation of perfluorooctane sulphonate and related compounds. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 398:1161-72. [PMID: 20740279 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-4066-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been recognised as emerging pollutants of global relevance. A fully automated method with inline solid-phase extraction coupled to electrospray ionisation liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) is presented and used for characterisation of soil adsorption and desorption for six PFCs: perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorobutane sulphonate (PFBS), and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS). The method reduces sample turnaround time and solvent consumption and is suitable for low volume sampling. The only sample preparation necessary for water samples was sedimentation by centrifugation. The method has a total runtime of 21 min including inline sample cleanup (2 min for injection and SPE, 14 min for the chromatographic separation, 5 min for reconditioning). Negative AP-ESI with selective reaction monitoring (SRM) was used and the method was documented for quantification of the six environmentally important PFCs in subsoil matrix and related aqueous matrixes (groundwater and drainage water). Linearity was demonstrated in the range 5 to 2,500 ng/l and the LOD was between 2 and 8 ng/l in groundwater. Adsorption was characterised by linear Freundlich isotherms for all six compounds in two agricultural top soils (A horizon, sandy and clayey soil).Variability in sorption characteristics for soil types as well as compound properties were found, and correlation between the organic carbon normalised sorption coefficient (K (OC)) and PFC molecular weight was demonstrated. The K (d) values were in the range 0.1 to 33 (l/kg), and 0.3 to 65 (l/kg) for sorption and desorption respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Enevoldsen
- Department of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Øster Voldgade 10, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Liu J, Wang N, Buck RC, Wolstenholme BW, Folsom PW, Sulecki LM, Bellin CA. Aerobic biodegradation of [14C] 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in a flow-through soil incubation system. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 80:716-723. [PMID: 20591465 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aerobic biodegradation of [1,2-(14)C] 6:2 FTOH [F(CF(2))(6)(14)CH(2)(14)CH(2)OH] in a flow-through soil incubation system is described. Soil samples dosed with [1,2-(14)C] 6:2 FTOH were analyzed by liquid scintillation counting, LC/ARC (liquid chromatography/accurate radioisotope counting), LC/MS/MS, and thermal combustion to account for 6:2 FTOH and its transformation products over 84 d. Half of the [1,2-(14)C] 6:2 FTOH disappeared from soil in 1.3 d, undergoing simultaneous microbial degradation and partitioning of volatile transformation product(s) and the 6:2 FTOH precursor into the air phase. The overall (14)C (radioactivity) mass balance in live and sterile treatments was 77-87% over 84-d incubation. In the live test system, 36% of total (14)C dosed was captured in the airflow (headspace), 25% as soil-bound residues recovered via thermal combustion, and 16% as soil extractable. After 84 d, [(14)C] 5:2 sFTOH [F(CF(2))(5)CH(OH)(14)CH(3)] was the dominant transformation product with 16% molar yield and primarily detected in the airflow. The airflow also contained [1,2-(14)C] 6:2 FTOH and (14)CO(2) at 14% and 6% of total (14)C dosed, respectively. The other significant stable transformation products, all detected in soil, were 5:3 acid [F(CF(2))(5)CH(2)CH(2)COOH, 12%], PFHxA [F(CF(2))(5)COOH, 4.5%] and PFPeA [F(CF(2))(4)COOH, 4.2%]. Soil-bound residues as well as conjugates between fluorinated transformation products and dissolved soil components were only observed in the live test system and absent in the sterile soil, suggesting that such binding and complexation are microbially or enzymatically driven processes. At day 84, 5:3 acid is postulated to be the major transformation product in soil-bound residues, which may not be available for further biodegradation in soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Liu
- E.I. du Pont De Nemours & Co., Inc, Wilmington, DE, USA.
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Li F, Zhang C, Qu Y, Chen J, Chen L, Liu Y, Zhou Q. Quantitative characterization of short- and long-chain perfluorinated acids in solid matrices in Shanghai, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:617-623. [PMID: 19896166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated acids (PFAs) have been recognized as emerging environmental pollutants because of their widespread occurrences, persistence, and bioaccumulative and toxicological effects. PFAs have been detected in aquatic environment and biota in China, but the occurrences of these chemicals have not been reported in solid matrices in China. In the present study, short- and long-chain PFAs (C2-C14) have been quantitatively determined in solid matrices including sediments, soils and sludge collected in Shanghai, China. The results indicate that sludge contains more PFAs than sediments and soils, and the total PFAs concentrations in sediments, soil and sludge are 62.5-276 ng g(-1), 141-237 ng g(-1) and 413-755 ng g(-1), respectively. In most cases, trifluoroacetic acid was the major PFA and accounted for 22-90% of the total PFAs. Although the levels of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were not only lower than trifluoroacetic acid, but also lower than some short-chain PFCAs (<C8) in some individual cases, PFOA and PFOS were still the major pollution compounds in most cases and they constituted 2-34% and 1-9% of the total PFAs, respectively. Meanwhile, unlike previous studies, PFOS levels were not always higher than PFOA in solids collected in Shanghai, China. Given that some short-chain PFAs such as trifluoroacetic acid are mildly phytotoxic and their higher levels in solid matrices were collected in Shanghai, China, these chemicals should be included in future environmental monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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Liu J, Wang N, Szostek B, Buck RC, Panciroli PK, Folsom PW, Sulecki LM, Bellin CA. 6-2 Fluorotelomer alcohol aerobic biodegradation in soil and mixed bacterial culture. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 78:437-44. [PMID: 19931114 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/19/2009] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The first studies to explore 6-2 fluorotelomer alcohol [6-2 FTOH, F(CF(2))(6)CH(2)CH(2)OH] aerobic biodegradation are described. Biodegradation yields and metabolite concentrations were determined in mixed bacterial culture (90d) and aerobic soil (180d). 6-2 FTOH primary degradation half-life was less than 2d in both. The overall mass balance in mixed bacterial culture (day 90) was approximately 60%. At day 90, the molar yield was 6% for 6-2 FTA [F(CF(2))(6)CH(2)COOH], 23% for 6-2 FTUA [F(CF(2))(5)CFCHCOOH], 16% for 5-2 sFTOH [F(CF(2))(5)CHOHCH(3)], 6% for 5-3 acid [F(CF(2))(5)CH(2)CH(2)COOH], and 5% for PFHxA [F(CF(2))(5)COOH]. The overall mass balance in aerobic soil was approximately 67% (day 180). At day 180, the major terminal metabolites were PFPeA, [F(CF(2))(4)COOH, 30%], PFHxA (8%), PFBA [F(CF(2))(3)COOH, 2%], and 5-3 acid (15%). A new metabolite 4-3 acid [F(CF(2))(4)CH(2)CH(2)COOH] accounted for 1%, 6-2 FTOH for 3%, and 5-2 sFTOH for 7%. Based on 8-2 FTOH aerobic biodegradation pathways, PFHxA was expected in greatest yield from 6-2 FTOH degradation. However, PFPeA was observed in greatest yield in soil, suggesting a preference for alternate degradation pathways. Selected metabolites were also studied in aerobic soil. 5-3 Acid degraded to only 4-3 acid with a molar yield of 2.3%. 5-2 sFTOH degraded to PFPeA and PFHxA, and 5-2 FT Ketone [F(CF(2))(5)COCH(3)] degraded to 5-2 sFTOH, suggesting that 5-2 sFTOH is the direct precursor to PFPeA and PFHxA. Another new metabolite, 5-3 ketone aldehyde [F(CF(2))(5)COCH(2)CHO] was also identified in mixed bacterial culture. The formation of PFBA, PFPeA, and 4-3 acid indicates that multiple -CF(2)- groups in 6-2 FTOH were removed during microbial biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Liu
- E.I. duPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Wilmington, DE 19714-6300, USA
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Ahrens L, Yamashita N, Yeung LWY, Taniyasu S, Horii Y, Lam PKS, Ebinghaus R. Partitioning behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds between pore water and sediment in two sediment cores from Tokyo Bay, Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:6969-6975. [PMID: 19806729 DOI: 10.1021/es901213s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The partitioning behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) between pore water and sediment in two sediment cores collected from Tokyo Bay, Japan, was investigated. In addition, the fluxes and temporal trends in one dated sediment core were studied. Short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (C < or = 7) were found exclusively in pore water, while long-chain PFCAs (C > or = 11) were found only in sediment The perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), n-ethylperfluoro-1-octanesulfonamidoacetic acid (N-EtFOSAA), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) seemed to bind more strongly to sediment than PFCAs. The enrichment of PFCs on sediment increased with increasing organic matter and decreasing pH. The perfluorocarbon chain length and functional group were identified as the dominating parameters that had an influence on the partitioning behavior of the PFCs in sediment The maximum SigmaPFC contamination in sediment was observed in 2001-2002 to be a flux of 197 pg cm(-2) yr(-1). Statistically significant increased concentrations in Tokyo Bay were found for perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) (1956-2008), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (1990-2008), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (1990-2008). Concentrations of PFOSA and N-EtFOSAA increased between 1985 and 2001, but after 2001, the concentration decreased significantly, which corresponded with the phase out of perfluorooctyl sulfonyl fluoride-based compounds by the 3M Company in 2000.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Ahrens
- Institute for Coastal Research, GKSS Research Centre Geesthacht, DE-21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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Analysis of fluorotelomer alcohols in soils: Optimization of extraction and chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:5347-54. [PMID: 19497578 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2009] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Burns DC, Ellis DA, Li H, McMurdo CJ, Webster E. Experimental pKa determination for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and the potential impact of pKa concentration dependence on laboratory-measured partitioning phenomena and environmental modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:9283-8. [PMID: 19174905 DOI: 10.1021/es802047v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
An accurately measured equilibrium acid dissociation constant (pKa) is essential for understanding and predicting the fate of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the environment. The aqueous pKa of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been determined potentiometrically using a standard water-methanol mixed solvent approach and was found to be 3.8 +/- 0.1. The acidity of PFOA is thus considerably weaker than its shorter-chain PFCA homologues. This was attributed to differences in molecular and electronic structure, coupled with solvation effects. The pKa of PFOA was suppressed to approximately 2.3 at higher concentrations because of the aggregation of perfluorooctanoate (PFO). Often, PFCA partion coefficients are determined at concentrations above those found in the environment. Thus, it was suggested that a pKa correction factor, which accounts for this concentration-dependent shift in acid/base equilibrium, should be applied to PFCA partition efficients before they are implemented in environmental fate models. A pKa of 3.8 +/- 0.1 suggests that a considerable concentration of the PFCA exists as the neutral species in the aqueous environment for example, in typical Ontario rainwater, it is approximately 17%. Transport, fate, and partitioning models have often ignored the presence this species completely. The environmental dissemination of PFCAs could, in part, be explained by considering the role of the neutral species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy C Burns
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Environmental Modelling and Chemistry, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 Canada
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Carmosini N, Lee LS. Partitioning of fluorotelomer alcohols to octanol and different sources of dissolved organic carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:6559-6565. [PMID: 18800530 DOI: 10.1021/es800263t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Interest in the environmental fate of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) has spurred efforts to understand their equilibrium partitioning behavior. Experimentally determined partition coefficients for FTOHs between soil/water and air/water have been reported, but direct measurements of partition coefficients for dissolved organic carbon (DOC)/water (K(doc)) and octanol/ water(K(ow)) have been lacking. Here we measured the partitioning of 8:2 and 6:2 FTOH between one or more types of DOC and water using enhanced solubility or dialysis bag techniques, and also quantified K(ow) values for 4:2 to 8:2 FTOH using a batch equilibration method. The range in measured log K(doc) values for 8:2 FTOH using the enhanced solubility technique with DOC derived from two soils, two biosolids, and three reference humic acids is 2.00-3.97 with the lowest values obtained for the biosolids and an average across all other DOC sources (biosolid DOC excluded) of 3.54 +/- 0.29. For 6:2 FTOH and Aldrich humic acid, a log K(doc) value of 1.96 +/- 0.45 was measured using the dialysis technique. These average values are approximately 1 to 2 log units lower than previously indirectly estimated K(doc) values. Overall, the affinity for DOC tends to be slightly lower than that for particulate soil organic carbon. Measured log K(ow) values for 4:2 (3.30 +/- 0.04), 6:2 (4.54 +/- 0.01), and 8:2 FTOH (5.58 +/- 0.06) were in good agreement with previously reported estimates. Using relationships between experimentally measured partition coefficients and C-atom chain length, we estimated K(doc) and K(ow) values for shorter and longer chain FTOHs, respectively, that we were unable to measure experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Carmosini
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana 47907-2054, USA
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Liu J, Lee LS, Nies LF, Nakatsu CH, Turcot RF. Biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in soil and by soil bacteria isolates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2007; 41:8024-30. [PMID: 18186332 DOI: 10.1021/es0708722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The microbial transformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) to perfluorocarboxylic acids, including the globally detected perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has recently been confirmed to occur in mixed bacteria cultures, activated sludge, and soil. However, little is known to date about the microbes involved in the transformation. In the present study, the effect of three carrier solvents (ethanol, octanol, and 1,4-dioxane), which may serve as carbon sources, on the aerobic degradation rate of 8:2 FTOH and metabolite distribution was evaluated both in a clay loam soil and in two pure soil bacterial cultures. Biodegradation pathways appeared similar regardless of the solvent; however, significant differences in 8:2 FTOH degradation rates were observed: 1,4-dioxane > ethanol > octanol. In the presence of 1,4-dioxane, which is not easily biodegraded, 8:2 FTOH degradation was the fastest With octanol, which is a structural analogue of 8:2 FTOH, the transformation was inhibited, but upon depletion of octanol, 8:2 FTOH was biodegraded. In the pure culture study, two soil bacterial strains, Pseudomonas species OCY4 and OCW4, enriched from soil using octanol as a sole carbon source, also transformed 8:2 FTOH without prior exposure or acclimation to 8:2 FTOH. Increased biomass resulting from octanol metabolism did increase 8:2 FTOH transformation rates; however, 8:2 FTOH could not support bacterial growth, indicating the transformation by pure cultures was via cometabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Liu
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054, USA
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