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Zou Y, Peng P, Zou H, Zhang Y, Chen C, Huang S. Transport and retention of COVID-19-related antiviral drugs in saturated porous media under various hydrochemical conditions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 285:117028. [PMID: 39276648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Antiviral drugs have garnered considerable attention, particularly in the global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, amid heightened concerns regarding environmentally acquired antiviral resistance. A comprehensive understanding of their transport in subsurface environments is imperative for accurately predicting their environmental fate and risks. This study investigated the mobility and retention characteristics of six COVID-19 antiviral drugs in saturated quartz sand columns. Results showed that the mobility of the drugs was primarily contingent on their hydrophobicity, with ribavirin and favipiravir exhibiting the highest transportability, while arbidol displaying the greatest retention. The transport characteristics of ribavirin and favipiravir remained largely unaffected by pH, whereas the retention of the other four antivirals remained consistently minimal under alkaline conditions. Elevating ionic strength marginally facilitated the transport of these antivirals, while the presence of Ca2+ notably enhanced their retention in quartz sand compared to Na+. Ribavirin and remdesivir warrant particular attention due to their relatively high transportability and propensity for environmentally acquired antiviral resistance. These findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of the leachate potential and transport of COVID-19-related antivirals in sandy porous media, furnishing fundamental data for predicting their environmental fate and associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefeng Zou
- School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Peng Peng
- School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hua Zou
- School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Chen Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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2
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Huang H, Lyu X, Xiao F, Fu J, Xu H, Wu J, Sun Y. Three-year field study on the temporal response of soil microbial communities and functions to PFOA exposure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135008. [PMID: 38943893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses a significant threat to soil ecosystem health, yet there remains a lack of understanding regarding the responses of soil microbial communities to prolonged PFAS exposure in field conditions. This study involved a three-year field investigation to track changes in microbial communities and functions in soil subjected to the contamination of a primary PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Results showed that PFOA exposure altered soil bacterial and fungal communities in terms of diversity, composition, and structure. Notably, certain bacterial communities with a delayed reaction to PFOA contamination showed the most significant response after one year of exposure. Fungal communities were sensitive to PFOA in soil, exhibiting significant responses within just four months of exposure. After two years, the impact of PFOA on both bacterial and fungal communities was lessened, likely due to the long-term adaptation of microbial communities to PFOA. Moreover, PFOA exposure notably inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced certain phosphorus cycling-related functional genes after three years of exposure, suggesting potential disruptions in soil fertility. These new insights advance our understanding of the long-term effects of PFOA on soil microbial communities and functions at a field scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xueyan Lyu
- School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jiaju Fu
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongxia Xu
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jichun Wu
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Technology Innovation Center for Ecological Monitoring & Restoration Project on Land (Arable), Nanjing 210018, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Technology Innovation Center for Ecological Monitoring & Restoration Project on Land (Arable), Nanjing 210018, China.
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3
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Cogorno J, Rolle M. Multicomponent and Surface Charge Effects on PFOS Sorption and Transport in Goethite-Coated Porous Media under Variable Hydrochemical Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13866-13878. [PMID: 39037862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), a toxic anionic perfluorinated surfactant, exhibits variable electrostatic adsorption mechanisms on charge-regulated minerals depending on solution hydrochemistry. This work explores the interplay of multicomponent interactions and surface charge effects on PFOS adsorption to goethite surfaces under flow-through conditions. We conducted a series of column experiments in saturated goethite-coated porous media subjected to dynamic hydrochemical conditions triggered by step changes in the electrolyte concentration of the injected solutions. Measurements of pH and PFOS breakthrough curves at the outlet allowed tracking the propagation of multicomponent reactive fronts. We performed process-based reactive transport simulations incorporating a mechanistic network of surface complexation reactions to quantitatively interpret the geochemical processes. The experimental and modeling outcomes reveal that the coupled spatio-temporal evolution of pH and electrolyte fronts, driven by the electrostatic properties of the mineral, exerts a key control on PFOS mobility by determining its adsorption and speciation reactions on goethite surfaces. These results illuminate the important influence of multicomponent transport processes and surface charge effects on PFOS mobility, emphasizing the need for mechanistic adsorption models in reactive transport simulations of ionizable PFAS compounds to determine their environmental fate and to perform accurate risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Cogorno
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljo̷vej, Building 115, Kgs. Lyngby 2800, Denmark
- Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Massimo Rolle
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljo̷vej, Building 115, Kgs. Lyngby 2800, Denmark
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
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4
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Krlovic N, Saracevic E, Derx J, Gundacker C, Krampe J, Zessner M, Zoboli O. A source-based framework to estimate the annual load of PFAS in municipal wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170997. [PMID: 38365022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent chemicals, whose impact has been observed in various environmental compartments. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered a major emission pathway of PFAS, specifically in the context of the aquatic environment. The goal of this study was to develop a compartmentalized, source-based load estimation model of 7 PFAS within the municipal wastewater influent. Consumer statistics, data from literature on PFAS concentrations and release during use, and specific sampling activities for environmental flows in the related city were used to estimate per capita emission loads. Model results were compared with loads obtained through the monitoring campaign at the municipal WWTP influent. A wide range of discrepancies (≈5 % to ≈90 %) between loads observed in the WWTP influent and source based model estimates was noticed. The loads less accounted by the model were associated with sulfonic acids (PFSAs), whereas for carboxylic acids (PFCAs) most of the observed loads could be reasonably explained by the model, with even an overestimation of nearly 5 % noted for PFNA. Higher heterogeneity in sources was observed in the PFCA group, with a noticeable dominance in the share of consumer products. PFSAs had less of a consumer product input (<20 %), with the rest of the modelled load being attributed to environmental inputs. A large gap of unknown loads of PFSAs indicates a need for examination of other, not yet quantified activities that can potentially explain the remainder of the observed load. Especially commercial activities are considered as potential additional sources for PFSAs. These findings signify the importance of PFAS that originate from both consumer products, as well as environmental inputs in the overall load contribution into the sewage, while identifying the need for further investigation into commercial sources of PFAS emitted into the municipal wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Krlovic
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.
| | - E Saracevic
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Derx
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC Water & Health), Vienna, Austria; TU Wien, Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Krampe
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Zessner
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - O Zoboli
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Bui TH, Zuverza-Mena N, Dimkpa CO, Nason SL, Thomas S, White JC. PFAS remediation in soil: An evaluation of carbon-based materials for contaminant sequestration. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123335. [PMID: 38211874 PMCID: PMC10922530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils is a global concern as these emerging contaminants are highly resistant to degradation and cause adverse effects on human and environmental health at very low concentrations. Sequestering PFAS in soils using carbon-based materials is a low-cost and effective strategy to minimize pollutant bioavailability and exposure, and may offer potential long-term remediation of PFAS in the environment. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of current insights on sequestration of PFAS in soil using carbon-based sorbents. Hydrophobic effects originating from fluorinated carbon (C-F) backbone "tail" and electrostatic interactions deriving from functional groups on the molecules' "head" are the two driving forces governing PFAS sorption. Consequently, varying C-F chain lengths and polar functional groups significantly alter PFAS availability and leachability. Furthermore, matrix parameters such as soil organic matter, inorganic minerals, and pH significantly impact PFAS sequestration by sorbent amendments. Materials such as activated carbon, biochar, carbon nanotubes, and their composites are the primary C-based materials used for PFAS adsorption. Importantly, modifying the carbon structural and surface chemistry is essential for increasing the active sorption sites and for strengthening interactions with PFAS. This review evaluates current literature, identifies knowledge gaps in current remediation technologies and addresses future strategies on the sequestration of PFAS in contaminated soil using sustainable novel C-based sorbents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Huu Bui
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Nubia Zuverza-Mena
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Christian O Dimkpa
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Sara L Nason
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Sara Thomas
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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6
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Ozbek M, Voorhies N, Howard L, Swanson R, Fox T. Delineation of a PFOA Plume and Assessment of Data Gaps in its Conceptual Model Using PlumeSeeker™. GROUND WATER 2024; 62:44-59. [PMID: 37930157 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
An accurate conceptual site model (CSM) and plume-delineation at contamination sites are pre-requisites for successful remediation and for satisfying regulators and stakeholders. PlumeSeeker™ is well-suited for assessing data gaps in CSMs by using available site data and for identifying the optimal number and locations of sampling locations to delineate contaminant plumes. It is an enhancement of a university research code for plume delineation using geostatistical and stochastic modeling integrated with the groundwater modeling software MODFLOW-SURFACT™. PlumeSeeker™ increases the overall confidence in the location of the plume boundary through a variance-reduction approach that selects existing- or new monitoring wells for sampling based on minimizing the uncertainty in plume boundary and on new field information. Applicable at sites with or without existing monitoring wells, PlumeSeeker™ is particularly powerful for optimally allocating project resources (labor, well installation, and laboratory costs) between existing wells and sampling at new locations. An application of PlumeSeeker™ at Lakehurst, the naval component of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, demonstrates how the cost of delineating the migration pathway of a perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) plume can be minimized by requiring only 9 new sampling locations in addition to samples from 2 existing wells for achieving a 70% reduction in plume uncertainty. In addition, the use of available site data in three different scenarios identified CSM data-gaps in the source area and in the interaction between Manapaqua Branch and groundwater, where the observed high concentration in this area could have resulted from a combination of groundwater migration and induced infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Ozbek
- HydroGeoLogic Inc., Reston, Virginia, 20190, USA
| | | | - Lucas Howard
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, 80309, USA
| | - Ryan Swanson
- HydroGeoLogic Inc., Lakewood, Colorado, 80228, USA
| | - Tad Fox
- HydroGeoLogic Inc., Reston, Virginia, 20190, USA
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7
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Feng R, Chen L, Li W, Cai T, Jiang C. Activation of persulfate with natural organic acids (ascorbic acid/catechin hydrate) for naproxen degradation in water and soil: Mechanism, pathway, and toxicity assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132152. [PMID: 37544179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of different natural organic acids (NOAs), L-ascorbic acid (AA) and (+)-catechin hydrate (CAT), on the activation of persulfate (PDS) for the oxidation of naproxen (NAP) in water and soil. We found that only AA-activated PDS process had a significant degradation efficiency of NAP in water. High AA concentration (500 μM) inhibited the degradation of NAP, whereas high levels of PDS (7.5 mM) and acidic conditions (pH=3-7) were beneficial for NAP degradation. In soil, both CAT and AA promoted PDS activation and NAP degradation. Low soil organic matter and high Fe/Mn-mineral contents were favorable for NAP degradation by AA-activated PDS. Column experiments confirmed that NAP was readily transported and degraded under porous medium conditions using AA-activated PDS. Moreover, we revealed that SO4•- and HO• were the dominant reactive species for NAP degradation by AA-activated PDS. Intermediate products of NAP in the AA-activated PDS process were analyzed and the reactive sites of NAP were predicted. E. coli growth tests verified that the intermediate products in the AA-activated PDS process were less toxic than NAP. Our results highlight the high potential of NOAs-activated PDS process for the remediation of NAP-contaminated water and soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Feng
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wanying Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tianming Cai
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Canlan Jiang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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8
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Wanzek T, Stults JF, Johnson MG, Field JA, Kleber M. Role of Mineral-Organic Interactions in PFAS Retention by AFFF-Impacted Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5231-5242. [PMID: 36947878 PMCID: PMC10764056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive, generalized approach to predict the retention of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) by a soil matrix as a function of PFAS molecular and soil physiochemical properties was developed. An AFFF with 34 major PFAS (12 anions and 22 zwitterions) was added to uncontaminated soil in one-dimensional saturated column experiments and PFAS mass retained was measured. PFAS mass retention was described using an exhaustive statistical approach to generate a poly-parameter quantitative structure-property relationship (ppQSPR). The relevant predictive properties were PFAS molar mass, mass fluorine, number of nitrogens in the PFAS molecule, poorly crystalline Fe oxides, organic carbon, and specific (BET-N2) surface area. The retention of anionic PFAS was nearly independent of soil properties and largely a function of molecular hydrophobicity, with the size of the fluorinated side chain as the main predictor. Retention of nitrogen-containing zwitterionic PFAS was related to poorly crystalline metal oxides and organic carbon content. Knowledge of the extent to which a suite of PFAS may respond to variations in soil matrix properties, as developed here, paves the way for the development of reactive transport algorithms with the ability to capture PFAS dynamics in source zones over extended time frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wanzek
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - John F. Stults
- Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, 80401, United States
| | - Mark G. Johnson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Field
- Department Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Markus Kleber
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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9
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Lewis AJ, Ebrahimi F, McKenzie ER, Suri R, Sales CM. Influence of microbial weathering on the partitioning of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:415-431. [PMID: 36637091 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00350c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made fluorinated organic chemicals that can accumulate in the environment. In water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), some commonly detected PFAS tend to partition to and concentrate in biosolids where they can act as a source to ecological receptors and may leach to groundwater when land-applied. Although biosolids undergo some stabilization to reduce pathogens before land application, they still contain many microorganisms, contributing to the eventual decomposition of different components of the biosolids. This work demonstrates ways in which microbial weathering can influence biosolids decomposition, degrade PFAS, and impact PFAS partitioning in small-scale, controlled laboratory experiments. In the microbial weathering experiments, compound-specific PFAS biosolids-water partitioning coefficients (Kd) were demonstrated to decrease, on average, 0.4 logs over the course of the 91 day study, with the most rapid changes occurring during the first 10 days. Additionally, the highest rates of lipid, protein, and organic matter removal occurred during the same time. Among the evaluated independent variables, statistical analyses demonstrated that the most significant solids characteristics that impacted PFAS partitioning were organic matter, proteins, lipids, and molecular weight of organics. A multiple linear regression model was built to predict PFAS partitioning behavior in biosolids based on solid characteristics of the biosolids and PFAS characteristics with a R2 value of 0.7391 when plotting predicted and measured log Kd. The findings from this work reveal that microbial weathering can play a significant role in the eventual fate and transport of PFAS and their precursors from biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa J Lewis
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3100 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Farshad Ebrahimi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Erica R McKenzie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Rominder Suri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1947 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Christopher M Sales
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3100 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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10
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Jenness GR, Koval AM, Etz BD, Shukla MK. Atomistic insights into the hydrodefluorination of PFAS using silylium catalysts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:2085-2099. [PMID: 36165287 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00291d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fluorochemicals are a persistent environmental contaminant that require specialized techniques for degradation and capture. In particular, recent attention on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to numerous explorations of different techniques for degrading the super-strong C-F bonds found in these fluorochemicals. In this study, we investigated the hydrodefluorination mechanism using silylium-carborane salts for the degradation of PFAS at the density functional theory (DFT) level. We find that the degradation process involves both a cationic silylium (Et3Si+) and a hydridic silylium (Et3SiH) to facilitate the defluorination and hydride-addition events. Additionally, the role of carborane ([HCB11H5F6]-) is to force unoccupied anti-bonding orbitals to be partially occupied, weakening the C-F bond. We also show that changing the substituents on carborane from fluorine to other halogens weakens the C-F bond even further, with iodic carborane ([HCB11H5I6]-) having the greatest weakening effect. Moreover, our calculations reveal why the C-F bonds are resistant to degradation, and how the silylium-carborane chemistry is able to chemically transform these bonds into C-H bonds. We believe that our results are further applicable to other halocarbons, and can be used to treat either our existing stocks of these chemicals or to treat concentrated solutions following filtration and capture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen R Jenness
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg 39180, Mississippi, USA.
| | - Ashlyn M Koval
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), 1299 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge 37830, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian D Etz
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), 1299 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge 37830, Tennessee, USA
| | - Manoj K Shukla
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg 39180, Mississippi, USA.
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11
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Hitzelberger M, Khan NA, Mohamed RAM, Brusseau ML, Carroll KC. PFOS Mass Flux Reduction/Mass Removal: Impacts of a Lower-Permeability Sand Lens within Otherwise Homogeneous Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13675-13685. [PMID: 36126139 PMCID: PMC9664819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02193] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is one of the most common per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and is a significant risk driver for these emerging contaminants of concern. A series of two-dimensional flow cell experiments was conducted to investigate the impact of flow field heterogeneity on the transport, attenuation, and mass removal of PFOS. A simplified model heterogeneous system was employed consisting of a lower-permeability fine sand lens placed within a higher-permeability coarse sand matrix. Three nonreactive tracers with different aqueous diffusion coefficients, sodium chloride, pentafluorobenzoic acid, and β-cyclodextrin, were used to characterize the influence of diffusive mass transfer on transport and for comparison to PFOS results. The results confirm that the attenuation and subsequent mass removal of the nonreactive tracers and PFOS were influenced by mass transfer between the hydraulically less accessible zone and the coarser matrix (i.e., back diffusion). A mathematical model was used to simulate flow and transport, with the values for all input parameters determined independently. The model predictions provided good matches to the measured breakthrough curves, as well as to plots of reductions in mass flux as a function of mass removed. These results reveal the importance of molecular diffusion and pore water velocity variability even for systems with relatively minor hydraulic conductivity heterogeneity. The impacts of the diffusive mass transfer limitation were quantified using an empirical function relating reductions in contaminant mass flux (MFR) to mass removal (MR). Multi-step regression was used to quantify the nonlinear, multi-stage MFR/MR behavior observed for the heterogeneous experiments. The MFR/MR function adequately reproduced the measured data, which suggests that the MFR/MR approach can be used to evaluate PFOS removal from heterogeneous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hitzelberger
- New Mexico State University Department of Plant and Environmnetal Sciences, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
| | - Naima A Khan
- New Mexico State University Department of Plant and Environmnetal Sciences, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
| | - Ruba A M Mohamed
- New Mexico State University Department of Plant and Environmnetal Sciences, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
| | - Mark L Brusseau
- University of Arizona Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Kenneth C Carroll
- New Mexico State University Department of Plant and Environmnetal Sciences, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, United States
- University of Arizona Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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12
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Qi L, Li R, Wu Y, Lin X, Chen G. Effect of solution chemistry on the transport of short-chain and long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in saturated porous media. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:135160. [PMID: 35640683 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) are one of the most widely detected classes of PFAS in the global environment after decades of intensive use. This study investigated the impact of perfluorinated carbon chain length on the transport behavior of PFCAs by testing and modeling two short-chain (PFPeA and PFHxA) and two long-chain PFCAs (PFOA and PFDA) in laboratory water-saturated columns. Moreover, their transport behavior was examined under different solution chemistry conditions, including pH, ionic strength, and cationic type. The experimental and simulation results indicated that the chain length had a limited impact on transport behaviors of PFPeA, PFHxA, and PFOA under various pH and ionic strengths, evidenced by their tracer-like breakthrough curves. In contrast, the mobility of PFDA was significantly affected by pH and ionic strengths. Additionally, the transport of all four PFCAs was inhabited in the presence of the divalent cation Ca2+. This study could help predict migration behavior and assess the potential risk of PFCAs in the subsurface system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Qi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA.
| | - Runwei Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Yudi Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Xinsong Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
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13
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Juhasz AL, Kastury F, Herde C, Tang W. Application of soil amendments for reducing PFAS leachability and bioavailability. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119498. [PMID: 35618144 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, changes in PFAS leachability and bioavailability were determined following the application of RemBind®100 (R100) and RemBind®300 (R300; 1-10% w/w) to PFAS-contaminated soil (Ʃ28 PFAS 3.093-32.78 mg kg-1). Small differences were observed in PFAS immobilization efficacy when soil was amended with RemBind® products although adding 5% w/w of either product resulted in a >98% reduction in ASLP PFAS leachability. Variability in immobilization efficacy was attributed to differences in activated carbon composition which influenced physicochemical properties of RemBind® formulations and PFAS sorption. PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA relative bioavailability was also assessed in unamended and amended soil (5% w/w) using an in vivo mouse model. In unamended soil, PFAS relative bioavailability was >60% with differences attributed to physicochemical properties of soil which influenced electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. However, when PFAS relative bioavailability was assessed in soil amended with 5% w/w R100, individual PFAS relative bioavailability was reduced to 16.1 ± 0.8% to 26.1 ± 0.9% with similar results observed when R300 (5% w/w) was utilised (14.4 ± 1.6% to 24.3 ± 0.8%). Results from this study highlight that soil amendments have the potential to reduce both PFAS leachability and relative bioavailability thereby decreasing mobility and potential exposure to soil-borne contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Farzana Kastury
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carina Herde
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wayne Tang
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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14
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Nguyen TMH, Bräunig J, Kookana RS, Kaserzon SL, Knight ER, Vo HNP, Kabiri S, Navarro DA, Grimison C, Riddell N, Higgins CP, McLaughlin MJ, Mueller JF. Assessment of Mobilization Potential of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances for Soil Remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10030-10041. [PMID: 35763608 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the mobilization of a wide range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) present in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) in water-saturated soils through one-dimensional (1-D) column experiments with a view to assessing the feasibility of their remediation by soil desorption and washing. Results indicated that sorption/desorption of most of the shorter-carbon-chain PFASs (C ≤ 6) in soil reached greater than 99% rapidly─after approximately two pore volumes (PVs) and were well predicted by an equilibrium transport model, indicating that they will be readily removed by soil washing technologies. In contrast, the equilibrium model failed to predict the mobilization of longer-chain PFASs (C ≥ 7), indicating the presence of nonequilibrium sorption/desorption (confirmed by a flow interruption experiment). The actual time taken to attain 99% sorption/desorption was up to 5 times longer than predicted by the equilibrium model (e.g., ∼62 PVs versus ∼12 PVs predicted for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in loamy sand). The increasing contribution of hydrophobic interactions over the electrostatic interactions is suggested as the main driving factor of the nonequilibrium processes. The inverse linear relationship (R2 = 0.6, p < 0.0001) between the nonequilibrium mass transfer rate coefficient and the Freundlich sorption coefficient could potentially be a useful means for preliminary evaluation of potential nonequilibrium sorption/desorption of PFASs in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Minh Hong Nguyen
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rai S Kookana
- CSIRO, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Emma R Knight
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Hoang Nhat Phong Vo
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Divina A Navarro
- CSIRO, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Riddell
- Wellington Laboratories Inc., 345 Southgate Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1G 3M5, Canada
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
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15
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Liao S, Arshadi M, Woodcock MJ, Saleeba ZSSL, Pinchbeck D, Liu C, Cápiro NL, Abriola LM, Pennell KD. Influence of Residual Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids (NAPLs) on the Transport and Retention of Perfluoroalkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7976-7985. [PMID: 35675453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) are known to accumulate at interfaces, and the presence of nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs) could influence the PFAS fate in the subsurface. Experimental and mathematical modeling studies were conducted to investigate the effect of a representative NAPL, tetrachloroethene (PCE), on the transport behavior of PFAS in a quartz sand. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a 1:1 mixture of PFOS and PFNA, and a mixture of six PFAS (PFOS, PFNA, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS)) were used to assess PFAS interactions with PCE-NAPL. Batch studies indicated that PFAS partitioning into PCE-NAPL (Knw < 0.1) and adsorption on 60-80 mesh Ottawa sand (Kd < 6 × 10-5 L/g) were minimal. Column studies demonstrated that the presence of residual PCE-NAPL (∼16% saturation) delayed the breakthrough of PFOS and PFNA, with minimal effects on the mobility of PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, and PFOA. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) obtained for PFNA and PFOS alone and in mixtures were nearly identical, indicating the absence of competitive adsorption effects. A mathematical model that accounts for NAPL-water interfacial sorption accurately reproduced PFAS BTCs, providing a tool to predict PFAS fate and transport in co-contaminated subsurface environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchi Liao
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Masoud Arshadi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Matthew J Woodcock
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Zachary S S L Saleeba
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Dorothea Pinchbeck
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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16
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Sun C, Yu M, Li Y, Niu B, Qin F, Yan N, Xu Y, Zheng Y. MoS2 nanoflowers decorated natural fiber-derived hollow carbon microtubes for boosting perfluorooctanoic acid degradation. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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17
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Zhang Q, Wu X, Lyu X, Gao B, Wu J, Sun Y. Effects of anionic hydrocarbon surfactant on the transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in natural soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:24672-24681. [PMID: 34826077 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The widespread usage of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has led to their ubiquitous co-existence with hydrocarbon surfactants in the subsurface environment. In this study, column experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of an anionic hydrocarbon surfactant (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, SDBS, 1 and 10 mg/L) on the transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in two saturated natural soils under different cation type (Na+ and Ca2+) conditions. Results showed that SDBS (10 mg/L) significantly enhanced the transport of PFOA in two soils. This was likely because SDBS had a stronger adsorption affinity to the soils than PFOA, and can outcompete PFOA for the finite adsorption sites on the soil surface. The effect of SDBS on PFOA transport varied greatly in the two soils. More negatively charged soil surface and greater soil particle size likely contributed to the more noticeable transport-enhancement of PFOA resulting from the presence of SDBS. Also, the enhancement effect of SDBS (10 mg/L) with Ca2+ on PFOA transport was more significantly than that with Na+. This was possibly due to the blocking effect of SDBS to the more positively charged soil surface induced by Ca2+. Findings of this study point out the importance of anionic hydrocarbon surfactants on PFOA transport when assessing its environmental risks and implementing remediation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xueyan Lyu
- School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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18
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Guelfo JL, Korzeniowski S, Mills MA, Anderson J, Anderson RH, Arblaster JA, Conder JM, Cousins IT, Dasu K, Henry BJ, Lee LS, Liu J, McKenzie ER, Willey J. Environmental Sources, Chemistry, Fate, and Transport of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: State of the Science, Key Knowledge Gaps, and Recommendations Presented at the August 2019 SETAC Focus Topic Meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:3234-3260. [PMID: 34325493 PMCID: PMC8745034 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Focused Topic Meeting (FTM) on the environmental management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) convened during August 2019 in Durham, North Carolina (USA). Experts from around the globe were brought together to critically evaluate new and emerging information on PFAS including chemistry, fate, transport, exposure, and toxicity. After plenary presentations, breakout groups were established and tasked to identify and adjudicate via panel discussions overarching conclusions and relevant data gaps. The present review is one in a series and summarizes outcomes of presentations and breakout discussions related to (1) primary sources and pathways in the environment, (2) sorption and transport in porous media, (3) precursor transformation, (4) practical approaches to the assessment of source zones, (5) standard and novel analytical methods with implications for environmental forensics and site management, and (6) classification and grouping from multiple perspectives. Outcomes illustrate that PFAS classification will continue to be a challenge, and additional pressing needs include increased availability of analytical standards and methods for assessment of PFAS and fate and transport, including precursor transformation. Although the state of the science is sufficient to support a degree of site-specific and flexible risk management, effective source prioritization tools, predictive fate and transport models, and improved and standardized analytical methods are needed to guide broader policies and best management practices. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3234-3260. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction EngineeringTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTexasUSA
| | - Stephen Korzeniowski
- American Chemistry CouncilWashingtonDCUSA
- Associated General Contractors of AmericaExtonPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marc A. Mills
- Office of Research and DevelopmentUS Environmental Protection Agency, CincinnatiOhioUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical ChemistryStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | | | | | - Linda S. Lee
- Department of AgronomyPurdue University, West LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil EngineeringMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Erica R. McKenzie
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringTemple UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Janice Willey
- Naval Sea Systems Command, Laboratory Quality and Accreditation Office, Goose CreekSouth CarolinaUSA
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19
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Uriakhil MA, Sidnell T, De Castro Fernández A, Lee J, Ross I, Bussemaker M. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance remediation from soil and sorbents: A review of adsorption behaviour and ultrasonic treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 282:131025. [PMID: 34118624 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are xenobiotics, present at variable concentrations in soils and groundwater worldwide. Some of the current remediation techniques being researched or applied for PFAS-impacted soils involve solidification-stabilisation, soil washing, excavation and disposal to landfill, on site or in situ smouldering, thermal desorption, ball milling and incineration. Given the large volumes of soil requiring treatment, there is a need for a more environmentally friendly technique to remove and treat PFASs from soils. Sorbents such as granular/powdered activated carbon, ion exchange resins and silicas are used in water treatment to remove PFAS. In this work, PFAS adsorption mechanisms and the effect of pore size, pH and organic matter on adsorption efficacy are discussed. Then, adsorption of PFAS to soils and sorbents is considered when assessing the viability of remediation techniques. Sonication-aided treatment was predicted to be an effective removal technique for PFAS from a solid phase, and the effect of varying frequency, power and particle size on the effectiveness of the desorption process is discussed. Causes and mitigation strategies for possible cavitation-induced particle erosion during ultrasound washing are also identified. Following soil remediation, degrading the extracted PFAS using sonolysis in a water-organic solvent mixture is discussed. The implications for future soil remediation and sorbent regeneration based on the findings in this study are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Angaar Uriakhil
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Tim Sidnell
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK
| | | | - Judy Lee
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Ian Ross
- Tetra Tech, Quay West at MediaCityUK, Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Manchester, England, M17 1HH, UK
| | - Madeleine Bussemaker
- University of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Surrey, England, GU2 7XH, UK.
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20
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Borthakur A, Cranmer BK, Dooley GP, Blotevogel J, Mahendra S, Mohanty SK. Release of soil colloids during flow interruption increases the pore-water PFAS concentration in saturated soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117297. [PMID: 33971474 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater flow through aquifer soils or packed bed systems can fluctuate for various reasons, which could affect the concentration of natural colloids and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the pore water. In such cases, PFAS concentration could either decrease due to matrix diffusion of PFAS or increase by the detachment of colloids carrying PFAS. Yet, the effect of flow fluctuation on PFAS transport or release in porous media has not been examined. To examine the relative importance of either process, we interrupted the flow during an injection of groundwater spiked with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and bromide as conservative tracer through clay-rich soil, so that diffusive transport would be prominent during flow interruption. After flow interruption, the PFAS concentration did not decrease indicating an insignificant contribution of matrix diffusion. The concentration increased, potentially due to enhanced release of colloid-associated PFAS. Analysis of samples before and after flow interruption by particle size analysis and SEM confirmed an increase in soil colloid concentration after the flow interruption. XRD analysis of soil and the colloids proved that PFAS were associated with specific sites of the colloids. Due to a higher affinity of PFOA to soil colloids, the total PFOA concentration in the effluent samples increased more than PFBA after the flow interruption process. The results indicate that colloids may have a disproportionally higher role in the transport of PFAS in conditions that release colloids from porous media. Thus, fluctuations in groundwater flow can increase this colloid facilitated mobility of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesh Borthakur
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Brian K Cranmer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Gregory P Dooley
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Shaily Mahendra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
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21
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Ji Y, Yan N, Brusseau ML, Guo B, Zheng X, Dai M, Liu H. Impact of a Hydrocarbon Surfactant on the Retention and Transport of Perfluorooctanoic Acid in Saturated and Unsaturated Porous Media. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10480-10490. [PMID: 34288652 PMCID: PMC8634892 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The transport and retention behavior of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the presence of a hydrocarbon surfactant under saturated and unsaturated conditions was investigated. Miscible-displacement transport experiments were conducted at different PFOA and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) input ratios to determine the impact of SDS on PFOA adsorption at solid-water and air-water interfaces. A numerical flow and transport model was employed to simulate the experiments. The PFOA breakthrough curves for unsaturated conditions exhibited greater retardation compared to those for saturated conditions in all cases, owing to air-water interfacial adsorption. The retardation factor for PFOA with a low concentration of SDS (PFOA-SDS ratio of 10:1) was similar to that for PFOA without SDS under unsaturated conditions. Conversely, retardation was greater in the presence of higher levels of SDS (1:1 and 1:10) with retardation factors increasing from 2.4 to 2.9 and 3.6 under unsaturated conditions due to enhanced adsorption at the solid-water and air-water interfaces. The low concentration of SDS had no measurable impact on PFOA air-water interfacial adsorption coefficients (Kia) determined from the transport experiments. The presence of SDS at the higher PFOA-SDS concentration ratios increased the surface activity of PFOA, with transport-determined Kia values increased by 27 and 139%, respectively. The model provided very good independently predicted simulations of the measured breakthrough curves and showed that PFOA and SDS experienced various degrees of differential transport during the experiments. These results have implications for the characterization and modeling of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migration potential at sites wherein PFAS and hydrocarbon surfactants co-occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Ji
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, P.R. China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ni Yan
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, P.R. China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Mark L. Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
- DepartmentDepartment of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
- Corresponding author
| | - Bo Guo
- DepartmentDepartment of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Xilai Zheng
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, P.R. China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Mengfan Dai
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, P.R. China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Hejie Liu
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, P.R. China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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22
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Wang Y, Khan N, Huang D, Carroll KC, Brusseau ML. Transport of PFOS in aquifer sediment: Transport behavior and a distributed-sorption model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146444. [PMID: 33740555 PMCID: PMC8565396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to examine the transport of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in aquifer sediment comprising different geochemical properties, and to compare the behavior to that observed for PFOS transport in soil and sand. PFOS retardation was relatively low for transport in all aquifer media. The PFOS breakthrough curves were asymmetrical and exhibited extensive concentration tailing, indicating that sorption/desorption was significantly nonideal. The results of model simulations indicated that rate-limited sorption/desorption was the primary cause of the nonideal PFOS transport. Comparison of PFOS transport in aquifer media to data reported for PFOS transport in two soils and a quartz sand showed that PFOS exhibited more extensive elution tailing for the soils, likely reflecting differences in the relative contributions of various media constituents to sorption. A three-component distributed-sorption model was developed that accounted for contributions from soil organic carbon, metal oxides, and silt + clay fraction. The model produced very good predictions of Kd for the five media with lower soil organic‑carbon contents (≤0.1%). Soil organic carbon was estimated to contribute 19-42% of the total sorption for all media except the sand, to which it contributed ~100%. The contribution of silt + clay ranged from 51 to 80% for all media except the sand. The only medium for which the contribution of metal-oxides was significant is Hanford, with an estimated contribution of 15%. Overall, the results of the study indicate that sorption of PFOS by these aquifer media comprised contributions from multiple soil constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yake Wang
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Naima Khan
- Department of Plant & Environmental Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; Water Science and Management Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Dandan Huang
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; School of Water Resources & Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Kenneth C Carroll
- Department of Plant & Environmental Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; Water Science and Management Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Mark L Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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23
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Shojaei M, Kumar N, Chaobol S, Wu K, Crimi M, Guelfo J. Enhanced Recovery of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) from Impacted Soils Using Heat Activated Persulfate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9805-9816. [PMID: 34228927 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Varying transport potential of cationic, zwitterionic, and anionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may pose challenges for remediation of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) impacted sites, particularly during groundwater extraction. Slow desorption of stronger sorbing, zwitterionic, and cationic PFASs may cause extended remediation times and rebound in aqueous PFAS concentrations. Persulfate oxidation has the potential to convert a complex mixture of PFASs into a simpler and more recoverable mixture of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). AFFF-impacted soils were treated with heat-activated persulfate in batch reactors and subjected to 7-day leaching experiments. Soil and water were analyzed using a combination of targeted and high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry techniques as well as the total oxidizable precursors assay. Following oxidation, total PFAS composition showed the expected shift to a higher fraction of PFAAs, and this led to higher total PFAS leaching in pretreated reactors (108-110%) vs control reactors (62-90%). In both pretreated and control soils, precursors that remained following leaching experiments were 61-100% cationic and zwitterionic. Results suggest that persulfate pretreatment of soils has promise as an enhanced recovery technique for remediation of total PFASs in impacted soils. They also demonstrate that PFAS distribution may have been altered at sites where in situ chemical oxidation was applied to treat co-occurring contaminants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Shojaei
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Suparada Chaobol
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Michelle Crimi
- Engineering and Management, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
| | - Jennifer Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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24
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Mostafazadeh F, Kilanehei F, Hassanlourad M. Experimental evaluation of self-remediation mechanism by groundwater flow in unconfined aquifers. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:1005-1018. [PMID: 33259679 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The main goal of this study is to investigate the effect of soil properties such as permeability on the dispersion and movement of a water dissolved contaminant in three types of soil in saturated and 2D conditions. The experimental modeling was conducted using a constructed sand box. In order to evaluate the effect of soils particle size on the distribution and self-remediation of the contaminant, three types of soil, as coarse, medium, and fine-grained sand were used. Results of experiments showed that, at the first 25% of the test time, the contaminated area reduction rate in all three specimens varies significantly, so that for the medium and coarse sand, it is 2.2 and 3 times that of fine sand, respectively. The contaminant width reduction at the first 25% of the test time was 5%, 6%, and 35% for the fine, medium, and coarse sand, respectively, while the contaminant length reduction was 13%, 18%, and 37% for the fine, medium, and coarse sand, respectively. In addition, by comparing the contaminant movement in the saturated and semi-saturated areas, it was observed that the longitudinal and transverse movement of the contaminant under the water level are almost 2.5 times of the semi-saturated area. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Reduction rate of solution area in fine, medium and coarse-grained sample are nearly convex, linear and concave-shaped, respectively. The remediation process in saturated zones is implemented in both directions with higher intensity in a shorter time than unsaturated zones. In the strip formed plumes, the volume of the self-remediation is proportional to the time intervals during the test. In the elliptic masses the self-purification amount is lower at the beginning, due to the small cross-section ending of the contamination mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Mostafazadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Fouad Kilanehei
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hassanlourad
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
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25
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Van Glubt S, Brusseau ML. Contribution of Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids to the Retention and Transport of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Porous Media. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3706-3715. [PMID: 33666425 PMCID: PMC8634874 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cocontamination with nonaqueous-phase organic liquids (NAPLs) has been observed or suspected at various sites, particularly at fire-training areas at which aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) were applied. The objectives of this study are to (1) delineate the relative significance of specific PFAS-NAPL processes on PFAS retention, including partitioning into the bulk NAPL phase and adsorption to the NAPL-water interface; (2) investigate the influence of NAPL properties, saturation, and mass-transfer constraints on PFAS retention; and (3) determine whether PFAS may impact NAPL distribution through mobilization or dissolution. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are used as representative PFAS, and trichloroethene (TCE) and decane are used as representative NAPLs. NAPL-water interfacial adsorption was quantified with NAPL-water interfacial-tension measurements; partitioning into NAPL was quantified with batch experiments, and retardation factors (R) in the absence and presence of residual NAPL were determined with miscible-displacement transport experiments. R values increased in the presence of residual NAPL, with adsorption to the NAPL-water interface accounting for as much as ∼77% of retention and solid-phase adsorption also significantly contributing to retention. Additionally, this study provides the first QSPR analysis focused on NAPL-water interfacial adsorption coefficients, with results consistent with those from previous air-water studies. Lastly, this initial investigation into PFAS impacts on NAPL behavior determined that PFOS/PFOA are unlikely to enhance solubilization or mobilization of NAPL under the conditions present at many AFFF legacy sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Van Glubt
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Mark L. Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
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26
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Xing Y, Li Q, Chen X, Fu X, Ji L, Wang J, Li T, Zhang Q. Different transport behaviors and mechanisms of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in saturated porous media. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123435. [PMID: 32717541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in soil aroused increasing concern, however there is little information about their transport in porous media, which is urgently needed to better control their environmental risks. In this study, saturated sand columns (considering the coupled effect of solution cation type and pH) and a two-site nonequilibrium transport model (TSM) were used to investigate the transport behaviors and mechanisms of PFOA and PFOS. Breakthrough data and the TSM parameters showed PFOA had higher mobility than PFOS, and divalent cation could inhibit their transport by increasing the nonequilibrium interactions between them and the sand. pH had little influence on PFOA migration when there was only monovalent cation in the solution since PFOA had limited affinity with the sand, however, polyvalent cation could provide additional adsorption sites for it through cation bridging and enhance the effect of pH. Differently, decreasing pH inhibited the transport of PFOS more significantly, and the effect was stronger than that of changing cation type. That proved mechanisms like hydrogen-bonding which were sensitive to solution pH played an important role in PFOS migration. These results provide important scientific basis to the remediation strategy and the migration prediction model development of PFOA and PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingna Xing
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China
| | - Qi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xiaowen Fu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China
| | - Tianyuan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250103, China.
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27
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Van Glubt S, Brusseau ML, Yan N, Huang D, Khan N, Carroll KC. Column versus batch methods for measuring PFOS and PFOA sorption to geomedia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115917. [PMID: 33143983 PMCID: PMC7746577 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to compare the consistency between column and batch experiment methods for measuring solid-phase sorption coefficients and isotherms for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are used as representative PFAS, and experiments are conducted with three natural porous media with differing geochemical properties. Column-derived sorption isotherms are generated by conducting multiple experiments with different input concentrations (multi-C0 method) or employing elution-front integration wherein the entire isotherm is determined from a single breakthrough curve (BTC) elution front. The isotherms generated with the multi-C0 column method compared remarkably well to the batch isotherms over an aqueous concentration range of 3-4 orders of magnitude. Specifically, the 95% confidence intervals for the individual isotherm variables overlapped, producing statistically identical regressions. The elution-front integration isotherms generally agreed with the batch isotherms, but exhibited noise and systematic deviation at lower concentrations in some cases. All data sets were well described by the Freundlich isotherm model. Freundlich N values ranged from 0.75 to 0.81 for PFOS and was 0.87 for PFOA and are consistent with values reported in the literature for different geomedia. The results of this study indicate that column and batch experiments can measure consistent sorption isotherms and sorption coefficients for PFOS and PFOA when robust experimental setup and data analysis are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Van Glubt
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Mark L Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - Ni Yan
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States; Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States; School of Water Resources & Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Naima Khan
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Kenneth C Carroll
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
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28
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Radjenovic J, Duinslaeger N, Avval SS, Chaplin BP. Facing the Challenge of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Water: Is Electrochemical Oxidation the Answer? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14815-14829. [PMID: 33191730 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical treatment systems have the unique ability to completely mineralize poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) through potential-driven electron transfer reactions. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art on electrooxidation of PFASs in water, aiming at elucidating the impact of different operational and design parameters, as well as reported mechanisms of PFAS degradation at the anode surface. We have identified several shortcomings of the existing studies that are largely limited to small-scale laboratory batch systems and unrealistic synthetic solutions, which makes extrapolation of the obtained data to real-world applications difficult. PFASs are surfactant molecules, which display significant concentration-dependence on adsorption, electrosorption, and dissociation. Electrooxidation experiments conducted with high initial PFAS concentration and/or in high conductivity supporting electrolytes likely overestimate process performance. In addition, the formation of organohalogen byproducts, chlorate and perchlorate, was seldom considered. Nevertheless, the first step toward advancing from laboratory-scale to industrial-scale applications is recognizing both the strengths and limitations of electrochemical water treatment systems. More comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of novel electrode materials, application of scalable proof-of-concept studies, and acknowledgment of all treatment outputs (not just the positive ones) are imperative. The presence of PFASs in drinking water and in the environment is an urgent global public health issue. Developments made in material science and application of novel three-dimensional, porous electrode materials and nanostructured coatings are forging a path toward more sustainable water treatment technologies and potential chemical-free treatment of PFAS-contaminated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radjenovic
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), c/Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nick Duinslaeger
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), c/Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain
| | - Shirin Saffar Avval
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Brian P Chaplin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
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29
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Lyu X, Liu X, Sun Y, Gao B, Ji R, Wu J, Xue Y. Importance of surface roughness on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) transport in unsaturated porous media. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115343. [PMID: 32814265 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the subsurface transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is of considerable interest for evaluating its potential risks to humans and ecosystems. In this study, packed-column experiments were conducted to examine the influence of surface roughness on PFOA transport in unsaturated glass beads, quartz sand and limestone porous media. Results showed decreasing moisture content significantly increased the air-water interfacial adsorption of PFOA and led to greater retardation in all three types of porous media. Particularly, rougher surface (limestone > quartz sand > glass beads) and smaller grain size (i.e. a larger solid specific surface area, SSSA) significantly enhanced PFOA retardation under unsaturated conditions. These results were further supported by bubble column experiments and SSSA analysis of porous media, which demonstrate that except for the factors affecting PFOA transport in solid-water interface (e.g. surface charge and chemical heterogeneity), the greater retardation of PFOA during transport is attributed to the larger air-water interfacial areas associated with rougher surface and smaller grain size and hence greater interfacial adsorption of PFOA. Our results indicated the importance of surface roughness on the retention and transport of PFOA in the unsaturated zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuqun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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30
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Guelfo JL, Wunsch A, McCray J, Stults JF, Higgins CP. Subsurface transport potential of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs): Column experiments and modeling. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2020; 233:103661. [PMID: 32535327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2020.103661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Transport of ten perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) was studied with one-dimensional (1-D) saturated column experiments using four soil types with an organic carbon fraction (foc) range of ~0-0.045. Columns were operated under conditions relevant to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted fire protection training areas to determine the ability of equilibrium transport parameters to describe 1-D PFAA transport, if rate-limited sorption influences PFAA transport, and if kinetic parameters can be used to evaluate factors causing rate-limited sorption. Results of initial screening of PFAA breakthrough found that over half of the breakthrough curves deviated from equilibrium transport and merited further investigation. Subsequent analysis showed that, in many cases, these deviations could be accounted for by considering the range of applicable equilibrium Kd values (i.e. based on standard deviation) applicable to the solid phase. Thus, transport of the majority of PFAAs in 3 soils with foc of 0-0.017 was not impacted by rate-limited sorption. Further, low sorption led to transport that was essentially simultaneous for the majority of PFAAs in these porous media. Exceptions were observed for long-chain PFAAs, and also in a fourth soil with foc of 0.045, which indicated the potential for rate-limited sorption to impact transport in some scenarios. Subsequent flow interruption experiments isolating kinetic behavior confirmed rate-limited sorption caused nonequilibrium transport. Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) developed in previous work to predict the inverse relationship between mass transfer coefficients (k) and sorption parameters (i.e., Kd) were used to estimate values of k for PFAAs in this study. Resulting k values were 10-3 to 10-8 h-1, consistent with previously measured kinetic parameters for other polar and anionic compounds. Models incorporating estimated k values resulted in improved predictions of breakthrough observed in nonequilibrium scenarios (R2 0.83-0.98), but k values will require further validation prior to broader application. This work illustrates rate-limited sorption considerations are needed to describe 1-D column saturated transport for some PFAAs and solid phases. At field scales, subsurface heterogeneity and PFAA precursor transformation may be equally or even more important in determining saturated PFAA transport, but kinetic parameters in this study may help to determine relative contributions of rate-limited sorption to overall transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA.
| | - Assaf Wunsch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - John McCray
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - John F Stults
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA.
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31
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Yang L, He L, Xue J, Ma Y, Xie Z, Wu L, Huang M, Zhang Z. Persulfate-based degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in aqueous solution: Review on influences, mechanisms and prospective. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 393:122405. [PMID: 32120220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) have attracted global attention due to their chemical durability, wide distribution, biotoxicity and bioaccumulative properties. Persulfate is a promising alternative to H2O2 for advanced oxidation processes and effective for organic removal. In this review, persulfate activation methods and operational factors in persulfate-based PFOA / PFOS degradation are analyzed and summarized. Moreover, the decomposing mechanisms of PFOA and PFOS are outlined in terms of molecular structures based a series of proposed pathways. PFOS could be converted to PFOA with the attack of SO4- and OH. And then PFOA defluorination occurs with one CF2 unit missing in each round and the similar procedure would occur continuously with sufficient SO4- and OH until entire decomposition. In addition, several knowledge gaps and research needs for further in-depth studies are identified. This review provides an overview for better understanding of the mechanisms and prospects in persulfate-based degradation of PFOA and PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; New Zealand Forest Research Institute (Scion), Forest System, POB 29237, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand
| | - Liuyang He
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Jianming Xue
- New Zealand Forest Research Institute (Scion), Forest System, POB 29237, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand; College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
| | - Yongfei Ma
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, Institute of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany
| | - Li Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
| | - Min Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Zulin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen ABI5 8QH, UK.
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32
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Lyu X, Liu X, Wu X, Sun Y, Gao B, Wu J. Importance of Al/Fe oxyhydroxide coating and ionic strength in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) transport in saturated porous media. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 175:115685. [PMID: 32172055 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding subsurface transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is of critical importance for the benign use and risk management of PFASs. As one of the most commonly found PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used as a representative PFAS and water-saturated column experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Al/Fe oxyhydroxide coating and ionic strength on its transport at an environmentally relevant PFOA concentration (6.8 μg L-1). Our results showed a clear increase in PFOA retardation in Al/Fe oxyhydroxide coated sand (retardation factor: Al: 1.87-5.58, Fe: 1.28-4.05) than those in uncoated sand (1.00-1.05), due to the stronger electrostatic attraction between anionic PFOA and Al/Fe oxyhydroxide coated sand surface. Notably, Al oxyhydroxide have a more profound effect on PFOA retention and retardation than Fe oxyhydroxide. Besides, higher ionic strength significantly inhabited PFOA retention and retardation in positively charged sand, and the considerable retention of PFOA (∼90%) in deionized water than those in 1.5 mM and 30.0 mM NaCl (<10%) clearly proves the role of competitive adsorption of Cl- on PFOA transport in positively charged sand. In contrast, higher ionic strength (0 mM-30 mM NaCl) slightly increased PFOA retardation in negatively charged sand, illustrating the dominance of electrostatic interaction. Our findings advance current knowledge to understand PFOA transport in natural media with different surface charge property under environmental PFOA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Brusseau ML. Simulating PFAS transport influenced by rate-limited multi-process retention. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 168:115179. [PMID: 31639593 PMCID: PMC6957125 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The transport of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the vadose zone is complicated by the fact that multiple mass-transfer processes can contribute to their retention and retardation. In addition, PFAS transport at some sites can be further complicated by the presence of organic immiscible liquids (OIL). Mass-transfer processes are inherently rate limited and, therefore, have the potential to cause nonideal transport of PFAS. The objectives of this research were to: (1) develop a solute-transport model that explicitly accounts for multiple retention processes, including adsorption at air-water and OIL-water interfaces, adsorption by the solid phase, and diffusive mass-transfer between advective and nonadvective domains, and (2) apply the model to measured transport data to delineate which processes are rate limited and contribute to observed nonideal transport. Breakthrough curves for transport of two PFAS and one hydrocarbon surfactant in sand obtained from prior miscible-displacement experiments exhibited nonideal transport. The multiprocess model effectively simulated the measured transport data. The results of the analyses indicate that adsorption at the air-water and OIL-water interface can generally be treated as effectively instantaneous for transport in porous media. The rate limitations associated with solid-phase adsorption and diffusive mass transfer between advective and nonadvective domains were of greater significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Brusseau
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, USA.
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Brusseau ML, Khan N, Wang Y, Yan N, Van Glubt S, Carroll KC. Nonideal Transport and Extended Elution Tailing of PFOS in Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10654-10664. [PMID: 31464435 PMCID: PMC6830724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to examine the influence of nonideal sorption/desorption on the transport of polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in soil, with a specific focus on characterizing and quantifying potential extended, mass-transfer-limited elution behavior. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was used as a representative PFAS, and miscible-displacement experiments were conducted with two soils comprising contrasting geochemical properties. The influence of nonlinear, rate-limited, hysteretic, and irreversible sorption/desorption on transport was investigated through experiments and model simulations. The breakthrough curves measured for PFOS transport in the two soils were asymmetrical and exhibited extensive elution tailing, indicating that sorption/desorption was significantly nonideal. The widely used two-domain sorption kinetics model could not fully simulate the observed transport behavior, whereas a multirate model employing a continuous distribution of sorption domains was successful. The overall results indicated that sorption/desorption was significantly rate-limited and that nonlinear, hysteretic, and irreversible sorption/desorption had minimal impact on PFOS transport. Comparison of PFOS transport data to data reported for two hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) showed that the HOCs exhibited much more extensive elution tailing, likely reflecting differences in sorption/desorption mechanisms. The projected influence of rate-limited sorption/desorption on PFOS transport at the field scale was investigated through simulation. The results of the study suggest that rate-limited sorption/desorption may affect the field-scale transport of PFOS and other PFAS for systems influenced by transient or short-residence-time conditions and in some cases could possibly increase the amount of flushing required to reduce PFOS concentrations to levels below those associated with human-health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Brusseau
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
- Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
- Corresponding author:
| | - Naima Khan
- Department of Plant &Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Yake Wang
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Ni Yan
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
- Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Sarah Van Glubt
- Environmental Science Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Kenneth C. Carroll
- Department of Plant &Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
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Lyu X, Liu X, Sun Y, Ji R, Gao B, Wu J. Transport and retention of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in natural soils: Importance of soil organic matter and mineral contents, and solution ionic strength. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2019; 225:103477. [PMID: 31077878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Effects of soil organic matter and mineral contents, and solution ionic strength on the transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in different types of soils (i.e., desert soil, black soil, and red soil) were systematically investigated with a set of laboratory column experiments. The retention of PFOA in the soils under two solution ionic strengths conditions (1.0 mM and 10.0 mM CaCl2) followed an order of red soil > black soil > desert soil (expect red soil in 10 mM CaCl2). PFOA retention in the black soil (soil organic carbon content: 2.57%) was higher than that in the desert soil (soil organic carbon content: 0.05%). In addition, PFOA also showed higher mobility in treated black soils with lower organic carbon contents. These results suggest that the hydrophobic interaction is a key mechanism governing PFOA retention and transport in soils. Besides, more PFOA retention in the red soil (zeta potential: 7.25 ± 0.10 mV and 14.80 ± 0.20 mV) than the desert soil (-15.70 ± 0.10 mV and - 9.11 ± 0.10 mV) was observed, suggesting that electrostatic interaction may be another important mechanism for PFOA retention and transport in soils. Increasing ionic strength slightly increased the retention of PFOA in negatively charged desert and black soils, but significantly decreased the retention of PFOA in the positively charged red soil. Findings of this study point to the importance of soil physiochemical properties to the fate and transport of PFOA in natural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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McLachlan MS, Felizeter S, Klein M, Kotthoff M, De Voogt P. Fate of a perfluoroalkyl acid mixture in an agricultural soil studied in lysimeters. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 223:180-187. [PMID: 30776763 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are environmental contaminants of concern in both food and drinking water. PFAA fate in agricultural soil is an important determinant of PFAA contamination of groundwater and crops. The fate of C4-C14 perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and two perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) in an agricultural soil was studied in a field lysimeter experiment. Soil was spiked with PFAAs at four different levels and crops were planted. PFAA concentrations in soil were measured at the beginning and end of the growing season. Lysimeter drainage water was collected and analysed. The concentrations of all PFAAs decreased in the surface soil during the growing season, with the decrease being negatively correlated with the number of fluorinated carbons in the PFAA molecule. PFAA transfer to the drainage water was also negatively correlated with the number of fluorinated carbons. For the C11-C14 PFCAs most of the decrease in soil concentration was attributed to the formation of non-extractable residues. For the remaining PFAAs leaching was the dominant removal process. Leaching was concentration dependent, with more rapid removal from the soils spiked with higher PFAA levels. Model simulations based on measured Kd values under-predicted removal by leaching. This was attributed to mixture effects that reduced PFAA sorption to soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S McLachlan
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Sweden.
| | - Sebastian Felizeter
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Klein
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kotthoff
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Pim De Voogt
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands; KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
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Ateia M, Maroli A, Tharayil N, Karanfil T. The overlooked short- and ultrashort-chain poly- and perfluorinated substances: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 220:866-882. [PMID: 33395808 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluorinated substances (PFAS) comprise more than 3000 individual compounds; nevertheless, most studies to date have focused mainly on the fate, transport and remediation of long-chain PFAS (C > 7). The main objective of this article is to provide the first critical review of the peer-reviewed studies on the analytical methods, occurrence, mobility, and treatment for ultra-short-chain PFAS (C = 2-3) and short-chain PFAS (C = 4-7). Previous studies frequently detected ultra-short-chain and short-chain PFAS in various types of aqueous environments including seas, oceans, rivers, surface/urban runoffs, drinking waters, groundwaters, rain/snow, and deep polar seas. Besides, the recent regulations and restrictions on the use of long-chain PFAS has resulted in a significant shift in the industry towards short-chain alternatives. However, our understanding of the environmental fate and remediation of these ultra-short-chain and short-chain PFAS is still fragmentary. We have also covered the handful studies involving the removal of ultra-short and short-chain PFAS and identified the future research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ateia
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA
| | - Amith Maroli
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA
| | - Tanju Karanfil
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA.
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Fang C, Sobhani Z, Niu J, Naidu R. Removal of PFAS from aqueous solution using PbO 2 from lead-acid battery. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 219:36-44. [PMID: 30528971 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Whilst advanced electrochemical oxidation can break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the requirement for expensive electrode materials usually prevents its widespread application. Here we use an industrial material of lead peroxide (PbO2) from a lead-acid battery to break down PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 FTS). By optimising the PbO2 panel (activating and doping) and working conditions including supporting electrolyte (1 L 10 mM Na2SO4), initial concentration (10 μM), temperature (room temperature), current density (5 A for a 10 cm × 10 cm PbO2 panel) etc., we successfully remove > 99% PFAS (individual PFAS monitored via HPLC-MS) whilst mineralising ∼59% PFOA (defluorination, F- released and monitored via F-ISE, fluoride-ion selective electrode). By studying the pseudo-first-order kinetics of the PFAS breakdown (0.0028-0.007 min-1) and defluorination (0.84-5.9 × 10-8 min-1), we assign the difference to the adsorption of PFAS on the PbO2 panel and the appearance of intermediates before the full defluorination. The leaked HF gas (∼10-5 M, collected using 0.25 L 0.1 M NaOH) and Pb2+ (∼12 μM, or ∼ 2.5 ppm) are also confirmed. This study employs an economic industrial material, highlights the contribution of adsorption towards the PFAS removal and breakdown, and identifies the possible leakage of secondary contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Junfeng Niu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
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Lv X, Sun Y, Ji R, Gao B, Wu J, Lu Q, Jiang H. Physicochemical factors controlling the retention and transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in saturated sand and limestone porous media. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 141:251-258. [PMID: 29800833 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensively understanding the fate and transport of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in subsurface environment is crucial to assess its environmental impacts. In this work, column experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of physicochemical factors on the retention and transport of 14C-labeled PFOA in saturated sand and limestone porous media. The retention of PFOA in limestone columns was higher than that in sand columns under the same solution chemistry conditions. This can be attributed to that the limestone had less negative zeta-potential and larger specific surface area than the sand. Changes in ionic strength (low to high) and cation type (Na+ to Ca2+) had little influences on the mobility of PFOA in sand porous media, but significantly enhanced the retention of PFOA in limestone porous media. Nearly no PFOA was retained in the sand columns, but relatively high levels of PFOA retention (28.7-48.4%) were achieved in the limestone columns. Higher input concentration resulted in lower PFOA retention in limestone porous media, reflecting the blocking effect of the sorption sites. The blocking effect was insignificant in sand porous media, probably because the experimental conditions were unfavorable for PFOA sorption on sand media. A two-site kinetic retention model effectively simulated both the breakthrough and retention behaviors of the PFOA in the sand and limestone porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Shandong Zhengyuan Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Qiusheng Lu
- Shandong Zhengyuan Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Shandong Zhengyuan Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, Jinan 250100, China
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Bruton TA, Sedlak DL. Treatment of perfluoroalkyl acids by heat-activated persulfate under conditions representative of in situ chemical oxidation. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 206:457-464. [PMID: 29775938 PMCID: PMC6347461 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are a class of organic contaminants notable for their extreme persistence. The unique chemical properties of these compounds make them difficult to remove from water using most standard water treatment techniques. To gain insight into the possibility of remediating contaminated groundwater by in situ chemical oxidation with heat-activated persulfate, PFAA removal and the generation of transformation products were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Solution pH had a strong influence on the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), resulting in its transformation into shorter-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) at pH values below 3. The presence of chloride and aquifer sediments decreased the efficiency of the process by less than 25% under conditions likely to be encountered in drinking water aquifers. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was not transformed by heat-activated persulfate under any of the conditions tested. Despite challenges related to the need to manipulate aquifer pH, the possible generation of undesirable short-chain PFCAs and chlorate, and metals mobilization, heat-activated persulfate may be a useful treatment technology for sites contaminated with PFCAs and fluorotelomer-based compounds, including those used in current-generation aqueous film-forming foams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Bruton
- Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David L Sedlak
- Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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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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Ross I, McDonough J, Miles J, Storch P, Thelakkat Kochunarayanan P, Kalve E, Hurst J, S. Dasgupta S, Burdick J. A review of emerging technologies for remediation of PFASs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/rem.21553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Ross
- Senior Technical Director; Arcadis; Leeds West Yorkshire U.K
| | | | | | - Peter Storch
- Principal Chemical Engineer; Arcadis; Melbourne Australia
| | | | | | - Jake Hurst
- Principal Consultant; Arcadis; Leeds West Yorkshire U.K
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Hatton J, Holton C, DiGuiseppi B. Occurrence and behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous film-forming foam in groundwater systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/rem.21552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Hatton
- Senior Engineer and Principal Technologist, CH2M/Jacobs
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Yan N, Li M, Liu Y, Liu F, Brusseau ML. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of chlorinated organic compound degradation by siderite-activated peroxide and persulfate. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2017; 228:453. [PMID: 29755147 PMCID: PMC5944607 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-017-3631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of two oxidant systems, iron-activated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and iron-activated hydrogen peroxide coupled with persulfate (S2O82-), was investigated for treatment of two chlorinated organic compounds, trichloroethene (TCE) and 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA). Batch tests were conducted at multiple temperatures (10-50 °C) to investigate degradation kinetics and reaction thermodynamics. The influence of an inorganic salt, dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4-), on oxidative degradation was also examined. The degradation of TCE was promoted in both systems, with greater degradation observed for higher temperatures. The inhibition effect of H2PO4- on the degradation of TCE increased with increasing temperature for the iron-activated H2O2 system but decreased for the iron-activated hydrogen peroxide-persulfate system. DCA degradation was limited in the iron-activated hydrogen peroxide system. Conversely, significant DCA degradation (87% in 48 hours at 20 °C) occurred in the iron-activated hydrogen peroxide-persulfate system, indicating the crucial role of sulfate radical (SO4-·) from persulfate on the oxidative degradation of DCA. The activation energy values varied from 37.7 to 72.9 kJ/mol, depending on the different reactants. Overall, the binary hydrogen peroxide-persulfate oxidant system exhibited better performance than hydrogen peroxide alone for TCE and DCA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering/School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
- Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, 429 Shantz Building, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Mengjiao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering/School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yali Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering/School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Fei Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering/School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
- Corresponding author. Tel.:+ 86 151 20086112; fax:+86 10 82321081. (F. Liu)
| | - Mark L. Brusseau
- Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, 429 Shantz Building, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
- Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, 429 Shantz Building, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
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Xiao X, Ulrich BA, Chen B, Higgins CP. Sorption of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) Relevant to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)-Impacted Groundwater by Biochars and Activated Carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:6342-6351. [PMID: 28582977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite growing concerns about human exposure to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), other poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) derived from aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have garnered little attention. While these other PFASs may also be present in AFFF-impacted drinking water, their removal by conventional drinking-water treatment is poorly understood. This study compared the removal of 30 PFASs, including 13 recently discovered PFASs, from an AFFF-impacted drinking water using carbonaceous sorbents (i.e., granular activated carbon, GAC). The approach combined laboratory batch experiments and modeling: batch sorption data were used to determine partition coefficients (Kd) and calibrate a transport model based on intraparticle diffusion-limited sorption kinetics, which was used to make forward predictions of PFAS breakthrough during GAC adsorption. While strong retention was predicted for PFOS and PFOA, nearly all of the recently discovered polyfluorinated chemicals and PFOS-like PFASs detected in the AFFF-impacted drinking water were predicted to break through GAC systems before both PFOS and PFOA. These model breakthrough results were used to evaluate a simplified approach to predicting PFAS removal by GAC using compound-specific retention times on a C18 column (RTC18). Overall, this study reveals that GAC systems for the treatment of AFFF-impacted sources of water for PFOA and PFOS likely achieve poor removal, when operated only for the treatment of PFOS and PFOA, of many unmonitored PFASs of unknown toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiao
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines , Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control , Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bridget A Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines , Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Baoliang Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control , Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines , Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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Eberle D, Ball R, Boving TB. Impact of ISCO Treatment on PFAA Co-Contaminants at a Former Fire Training Area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:5127-5136. [PMID: 28391685 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b06591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The effects of an in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatment aimed predominantly at remediation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) co-contaminants were investigated. Soil and groundwater samples were collected before and after an ISCO pilot-scale field test of a peroxone activated persulfate (OxyZone) technology. Statistically significant decreases in PFAA groundwater concentrations were observed in post-treatment samples. Reductions in PFAA aqueous phase concentrations were also supported by decreases in soil concentrations. Importantly, there was no evidence for increased aqueous PFAA concentrations due to mobilization from soil or conversion of precursors into PFAAs. As indicated by chloride data from inside and outside the treatment zone, displacement and/or dilution could not explain the observed decrease in PFAA concentration. Also, relatively constant pH values, due to using a buffered oxidant solution, did not support increased PFAA removal via soil sorption. Overall, the use of peroxone activated persulfate to treat cVOCs had no discernible negative impacts on PFAA co-contaminants at the Site. Rather, the data suggest that PFAA concentrations decreased due to ISCO treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Eberle
- Department of Geosciences, University of Rhode Island , Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 United States
| | - Raymond Ball
- EnChem Engineering Inc. , Newton, Massachusetts 02458 United States
| | - Thomas B Boving
- Department of Geosciences, University of Rhode Island , Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rhode Island , Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 United States
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Weber AK, Barber LB, LeBlanc DR, Sunderland EM, Vecitis CD. Geochemical and Hydrologic Factors Controlling Subsurface Transport of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:4269-4279. [PMID: 28285525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence that certain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with negative human health effects prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue lifetime drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in 2016. Given that groundwater is a major source of drinking water, the main objective of this work was to investigate geochemical and hydrological processes governing the subsurface transport of PFASs at a former fire training area (FTA) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams were used historically. A total of 148 groundwater samples and 4 sediment cores were collected along a 1200-m-long downgradient transect originating near the FTA and analyzed for PFAS content. The results indicate that unsaturated zones at the FTA and at hydraulically downgradient former domestic wastewater effluent infiltration beds both act as continuous PFAS sources to the groundwater despite 18 and 20 years of inactivity, respectively. Historically different PFAS sources are evident from contrasting PFAS composition near the water table below the FTA and wastewater-infiltration beds. Results from total oxidizable precursor assays conducted using groundwater samples collected throughout the plume suggest that some perfluoroalkyl acid precursors at this site are transporting with perfluoroalkyl acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Weber
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Larry B Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey , Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Denis R LeBlanc
- U.S. Geological Survey , Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Chad D Vecitis
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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Hale SE, Arp HPH, Slinde GA, Wade EJ, Bjørseth K, Breedveld GD, Straith BF, Moe KG, Jartun M, Høisæter Å. Sorbent amendment as a remediation strategy to reduce PFAS mobility and leaching in a contaminated sandy soil from a Norwegian firefighting training facility. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 171:9-18. [PMID: 28002769 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used for firefighting have led to the contamination of soil and water at training sites. The unique physicochemical properties of PFAS results in environmental persistency, threatening water quality and making remediation of such sites a necessity. This work investigated the role of sorbent amendment to PFAS contaminated soils in order to immobilise PFAS and reduce mobility and leaching to groundwater. Soil was sampled from a firefighting training facility at a Norwegian airport and total and leachable PFAS concentrations were quantified. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most dominant PFAS present in all soil samples (between 9 and 2600 μg/kg). Leaching was quantified using a one-step batch test with water (L/S 10). PFOS concentrations measured in leachate water ranged between 1.2 μg/L and 212 μg/L. Sorbent amendment (3%) was tested by adding activated carbon (AC), compost soil and montmorillonite to selected soils. The extent of immobilisation was quantified by measuring PFAS concentrations in leachate before and after amendment. Leaching was reduced between 94 and 99.9% for AC, between 29 and 34% for compost soil and between 28 and 40% for the montmorillonite amended samples. Sorbent + soil/water partitioning coefficients (KD) were estimated following amendment and were around 8 L/kg for compost soil and montmorillonite amended soil and ranged from 1960 to 16,940 L/kg for AC amended soil. The remediation of AFFF impacted soil via immobilisation of PFAS following sorbent amendment with AC is promising as part of an overall remediation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gijs D Breedveld
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Norway; Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
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Fang C, Dharmarajan R, Megharaj M, Naidu R. Gold nanoparticle-based optical sensors for selected anionic contaminants. Trends Analyt Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Anderson RH, Long GC, Porter RC, Anderson JK. Occurrence of select perfluoroalkyl substances at U.S. Air Force aqueous film-forming foam release sites other than fire-training areas: Field-validation of critical fate and transport properties. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 150:678-685. [PMID: 26786021 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to extinguish hydrocarbon-based fires is recognized as a significant source of environmental poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Although the occurrence of select PFASs in soil and groundwater at former fire-training areas (FTAs) at military installations operable since 1970 has been consistently confirmed, studies reporting the occurrence of PFASs at other AFFF-impacted sites (e.g. emergency response locations, AFFF lagoons, hangar-related AFFF storage tanks and pipelines, and fire station testing and maintenance areas) are largely missing from the literature. Further, studies have mostly focused on a single site (i.e., FTAs at military installations) and, thus, lack a comparison of sites with diverse AFFF release history. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate select PFAS occurrence at non-FTA sites on active U.S. Air Force installations with historic AFFF use of varying magnitude. Concentrations of fifteen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), an important PFOS precursor, were measured from several hundred samples among multiple media (i.e., surface soil, subsurface soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater) collected from forty AFFF-impacted sites across ten installations between March and September 2014, representing one of the most comprehensive datasets on environmental PFAS occurrence to date. Differences in detection frequencies and observed concentrations due to AFFF release volume are presented along with rigorous data analyses that quantitatively demonstrate phase-dependent (i.e., solid-phase vs aqueous-phase) differences in the chemical signature as a function of carbon chain-length and in situ PFOS (and to a slightly lesser extent PFHxS) formation, presumably due to precursor biotransformation.
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