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Fredriksson F, Kärrman A, Eriksson U, Yeung LW. Occurrence and Fate of Fluoroalkyl Sulfonamide-Based Copolymers in Earthworms-Bioavailability, Transformation, and Potential Impact of Sludge Application. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:18304-18312. [PMID: 39363531 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01844] [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: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
To date, considerable knowledge and data gaps regarding the occurrence, environmental levels, and fate of polymeric perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exist. In the present study availability, accumulation, and transformation of C4- and C8-fluoroalkylsulfonamide (FASA)-based copolymers were assessed in laboratory-grown earthworms (Eisenia fetida, triplicate of exposure tests and control). Further, a field study on earthworms (18 pooled samples) in sludge-amended soil was conducted to assess the environmental impact of sludge-amended soil with regard to the FASA-based copolymers, together with the applied sludge (n = 3), and the field soils during the period (n = 4). In the laboratory study, the FASA-based copolymers were taken up by the earthworms in concentrations between 19 and 33 ng/g of dw for the C8- and between 767 and 1735 ng/g of dw for the C4-FASA-based copolymer. Higher biota soil accumulation factors (BAFs) were observed for the copolymer with a longer perfluorinated side-chain length (C8, average BAF value of 0.7) compared to the copolymer with a shorter side-chain length (C4, average BAF value of 0.02). Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetates (FOSAAs) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), including both branched and linear isomers, were detected after exposure to the C8-FASA-based copolymer. Two metabolites were detected in the earthworms exposed to the C4-FASA-based copolymer: perfluorobutanesulfonamide (FBSA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). Although the presence of other monomers or impurities in the copolymer formulation cannot be ruled out, the present laboratory study suggests that the FASA-based copolymers may be an indirect source of lower molecular weight PFAS in the environment through transformation. Elevated levels of C8-FASA-based copolymer were found in the field sludge-amended soil compared to nontreated soil (32 versus 11 ng/g d.w.), and higher concentrations of PFAS in earthworms living in sludge-amended soil compared to nontreated soil (566 versus 103 ng/g d.w.) were observed. These findings imply that the application of sludge is a potential pathway of PFAS to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fredriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Orebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Orebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Eriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Orebro SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Leo Wy Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Orebro SE-701 82, Sweden
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2
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Matsukami H, Saito J, Wang Q, Miyake Y. Impact of tightening environmental regulations against long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids on composition of durable water repellents containing side-chain fluorinated polymers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 940:173708. [PMID: 38830421 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tightening of environmental regulations against long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) since the 2000s may have led to significant increases in the occurrence of short-chain PFAAs in the environment. Understanding the impact of the regulations on composition of durable water repellents (DWRs) is imperative to guide implementation of pragmatic actions during their use and end-of-life treatment. Substantial decreases in the frequencies of detection and concentrations of long-chain PFAAs and long-chain PFAA-precursors, and substantial increases in those of short-chain PFAAs and short-chain PFAA-precursors, have been observed in the impurities and hydrolysis products of side-chain fluorinated polymers (SCFPs). Comparison of profiles among the DWRs containing fluorinated ingredients in 2011 indicated that DWRs containing C8F17- and C10F21-SCFPs were the dominant products and accounted for 90 % of the samples, whereas DWRs containing C4F9- and C6F13-SCFPs were the dominant products and accounted for 70 % of the samples collected in 2021. Tightening of the regulations have caused decreasing applications of long-chain SCFPs and increasing use of short-chain SCFPs in DWRs containing fluorinated ingredients. The ingredients of one DWR were changed from PFAS-free alternatives to short-chain SCFPs, whereas those of another DWR were changed from short-chain SCFPs to PFAS-free alternatives. The presence of unexplained extractable organic fluorine has been observed in DWRs containing fluorinated ingredients, which may be difficult to be hydrolyzed and form known compounds. A historical series of DWRs available from before and after the tightening of regulations and a multifaceted analytical technique consisting of combustion ion chromatographic and mass spectrometric approaches combined with two extraction techniques involving ultrasonic treatment and alkaline hydrolysis revealed the impact of tightening regulations on composition of DWRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Matsukami
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Junki Saito
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Qi Wang
- Research Center for Chemical Information and Management, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 6-21-1 Nagao, Tama-Ku, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan
| | - Yuichi Miyake
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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3
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Rasmusson K, Fagerlund F. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants in groundwater resources - A comprehensive review of subsurface transport processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142663. [PMID: 38908440 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants in the environment. An increased awareness of adverse health effects related to PFAS has further led to stricter regulations for several of these substances in e.g. drinking water in many countries. Groundwater constitutes an important source of raw water for drinking water production. A thorough understanding of PFAS subsurface fate and transport mechanisms leading to contamination of groundwater resources is therefore essential for management of raw water resources. A review of scientific literature on the subject of processes affecting subsurface PFAS fate and transport was carried out. This article compiles the current knowledge of such processes, mainly focusing on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), in soil- and groundwater systems. Further, a compilation of data on transport parameters such as solubility and distribution coefficients, as well as, insight gained and conclusions drawn from the reviewed material are presented. As the use of certain fire-fighting foams has been identified as the major source of groundwater contamination in many countries, research related to this type of pollution source has been given extra focus. Uptake of PFAS in biota is outside the scope of this review. The review showed a large spread in the magnitude of distribution coefficients and solubility for individual PFAS. Also, it is clear that the influence of multiple factors makes site-specific evaluation of distribution coefficients valuable. This article aims at giving the reader a comprehensive overview of the subject, and providing a base for further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Rasmusson
- Uppsala Water and Waste AB, Virdings allé 32B, SE-75450, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fritjof Fagerlund
- Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences, Villavägen 16, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Cheng Y, Deng B, Scotland P, Eddy L, Hassan A, Wang B, Silva KJ, Li B, Wyss KM, Ucak-Astarlioglu MG, Chen J, Liu Q, Si T, Xu S, Gao X, JeBailey K, Jana D, Torres MA, Wong MS, Yakobson BI, Griggs C, McCary MA, Zhao Y, Tour JM. Electrothermal mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances for soil remediation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6117. [PMID: 39033169 PMCID: PMC11271446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants that can easily accumulate in soil, posing a threat to environment and human health. Current PFAS degradation processes often suffer from low efficiency, high energy and water consumption, or lack of generality. Here, we develop a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process to remediate PFAS-contaminated soil. With environmentally compatible biochar as the conductive additive, the soil temperature increases to >1000 °C within seconds by current pulse input, converting PFAS to calcium fluoride with inherent calcium compounds in soil. This process is applicable for remediating various PFAS contaminants in soil, with high removal efficiencies ( >99%) and mineralization ratios ( >90%). While retaining soil particle size, composition, water infiltration rate, and cation exchange capacity, REM facilitates an increase of exchangeable nutrient supply and arthropod survival in soil, rendering it superior to the time-consuming calcination approach that severely degrades soil properties. REM is scaled up to remediate soil at two kilograms per batch and promising for large-scale, on-site soil remediation. Life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis demonstrate REM as an environmentally friendly and economic process, with a significant reduction of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission, water consumption, and operation cost, when compared to existing soil remediation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bing Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Phelecia Scotland
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucas Eddy
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arman Hassan
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karla J Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin M Wyss
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jinhang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tengda Si
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shichen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Carbon Hub, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khalil JeBailey
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Debadrita Jana
- Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark Albert Torres
- Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael S Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Boris I Yakobson
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Yufeng Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Corban University, Salem, OR, USA.
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- NanoCarbon Center and the Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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5
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Ning Z, Zhou S, Yang Y, Li P, Zhao Z, Zhang W, Lu L, Ren N. Adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid on aged microplastics. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11080. [PMID: 38970489 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11080] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment poses a significant threat to ecological safety and environmental health. Widespread microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as vectors for emerging contaminants due to human activities. However, the adsorption behaviors of PFAS on MPs, especially on aged MPs, have not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to investigate the adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on aged MPs (polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate) treated with UV irradiation and persulfate oxidation under salinity and dissolve organic matter (DOM) condition. Carbonyl index values of MPs increased after the aged treatment, indicating the production of oxygen-containing groups. The PFOA adsorption on aged MPs was impacted by the co-existence of Na+ ions and DOM. As PFOA adsorption onto aged MPs was mainly controlled by hydrophobic interaction, the electrostatic interaction also made a contribution, but there was no significant change in PFOA adsorption behavior between the pristine and aged MPs. While these findings provide insight into PFAS adsorption on aged MPs, further research is necessary to account for the complexity of the real environment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on aged microplastics were investigated. Hydrophobic interaction mainly controlled PFOA adsorption on aged microplastics (MPs). Co-existence dissolve organic matter and salinity influenced PFOA adsorption behaviors on aged MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigong Ning
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Zhuhai Modern Agriculture Development Center, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Shenzhen Honglue Research Institute of Innovation Management, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengxiang Li
- CCTEG Beijing Academy of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Land Renovation and Ecological Restoration Engineering in the Coal Industry, Beijing, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Lu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
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6
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Henderson WM, Evich MG, Washington JW, Ward TT, Schumacher BA, Zimmerman JH, Kim YD, Weber EJ, Williams AC, Smeltz MG, Glinski DA. Analysis of Legacy and Novel Neutral Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Soils from an Industrial Manufacturing Facility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10729-10739. [PMID: 38829283 PMCID: PMC11304343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in an array of environmental media due to their ubiquitous use in industrial and consumer products as well as potential release from fluorochemical manufacturing facilities. During their manufacture, many fluorotelomer (FT) facilities rely on neutral intermediates in polymer production including the FT-alcohols (FTOHs). These PFAS are known to transform to the terminal acids (perfluoro carboxylic acids; PFCAs) at rates that vary with environmental conditions. In the current study on soils from a FT facility, we employed gas chromatography coupled with conventional- and high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-HRMS) to investigate the profile of these precursor compounds, the intermediary secondary alcohols (sFTOHs), FT-acrylates (FTAcr), and FT-acetates (FTAce) in soils around the former FT-production facility. Of these precursors, the general trend in detection intensity was [FTOHs] > [sFTOHs] > [FTAcrs], while for the FTOHs, homologue intensities generally were [12:2 FTOH] > [14:2 FTOH] > [16:2 FTOH] > [10:2 FTOH] > [18:2 FTOH] > [20:2 FTOH] > [8:2 FTOH] ∼ [6:2 FTOH]. The corresponding terminal acids were also detected in all soil samples and positively correlated with the precursor concentrations. GC-HRMS confirmed the presence of industrial manufacturing byproducts such as FT-ethers and FT-esters and aided in the tentative identification of previously unreported dimers and other compounds. The application of GC-HRMS to the measurement and identification of precursor PFAS is in its infancy, but the methodologies described here will help refine its use in tentatively identifying these compounds in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Matthew Henderson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Marina G Evich
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - John W Washington
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Thomas T Ward
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Brian A Schumacher
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - John H Zimmerman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/WECD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Yung D Kim
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Eric J Weber
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Alan C Williams
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/WECD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Marci G Smeltz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CPHEA/PHITD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Donna A Glinski
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM/EPD, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
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7
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Björklund S, Weidemann E, Jansson S. Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in a Waste-to-Energy Plant─Tracking PFASs in Internal Residual Streams. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8457-8463. [PMID: 38685907 PMCID: PMC11097385 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute a diverse group of man-made chemicals characterized by their water- and oil-repellent properties and persistency. Given their widespread use in consumer products, PFASs will inevitably be present in waste streams sent to Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. We have previously observed a subset of PFASs in residual streams (ashes, treated process water, and flue gas) from a WtE plant. However, the transport and distribution of PFASs inside the WtE plant have remained unaddressed. This study is part of a comprehensive investigation to create a synoptic overview of the distribution of PFASs in WtE residues. PFASs were found in all sample types except for boiler ash. The total levels of 18 individual PFASs (Σ18PFASs) in untreated flue gas ranged from 5.2 to 9.5 ng m-3, decreasing with 35% ± 10% after wet flue gas treatment. Σ18PFASs in the condensate ranged from 46 to 50 ng L-1, of which perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) made up 90% on a ng L-1 basis. PFHxA was also dominant in filter ash, where Σ18PFASs ranged from 0.28 to 0.79 ng g-1. This study shows that flue gas treatment can capture some PFASs and transfer them into WtE residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Björklund
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Industrial
Doctoral School, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stina Jansson
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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8
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Park EJ, Li K, Kang MS, Choi JW, Baek B, Yang YK, Cho AE, Lee BS. Perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits cell proliferation through mitochondrial damage. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 97:105810. [PMID: 38513818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Grown evidence has shown that the liver and reproductive organs were the main target organs of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Herein, we studied a toxic mechanism of PFOA using HeLa Chang liver epithelial cells. When incubated with PFOA for 24 h or 48 h, cell proliferation was inhibited in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion, but interestingly, the feature of dead cells was not notable. Mitochondrial volume was increased with concentration and time, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential and produced ATP amounts were significantly reduced. Autophagosome-like vacuoles and contraction of the mitochondrial inner membrane were observed in PFOA-treated cells. The expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and p-ACC proteins rapidly decreased, and that of mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins increased. The expression of solute carrier family 7 genes, ChaC glutathione-specific gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase 1, and 5S ribosomal RNA gene was up-regulated the most in cells exposed to PFOA for 24 h, and the KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PFOA the most affected metabolic pathways and olfactory transduction. More importantly, PPAR alpha, fatty acid binding protein 1, and CYP450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 were identified as the target proteins for binding between PFOA and cells. Taken together, we suggest that disruption of mitochondrial integrity and function may contribute closely to PFOA-induced cell proliferation inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jung Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Republic of Korea; Human Health and Environmental Toxins Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kexin Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - BoSung Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Kyeong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Art E Cho
- Department of Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Seok Lee
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
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9
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Chen YF, Liu T, Hu LX, Chen CE, Yang B, Ying GG. Unveiling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination in Chinese paper products and assessing their exposure risk. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108540. [PMID: 38428191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108540] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The contamination characteristics, migration patterns and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were investigated in 66 Chinese paper products by using target and non-target screening methods. Among 57 target PFASs, 5 and 6 PFASs were found in the hygiene paper products (
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ting Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chang-Er Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bin Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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10
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Ricard TC, Zhu X, Iyengar SS. Capturing Weak Interactions in Surface Adsorbate Systems at Coupled Cluster Accuracy: A Graph-Theoretic Molecular Fragmentation Approach Improved through Machine Learning. J Chem Theory Comput 2023. [PMID: 38019639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The accurate and efficient study of the interactions of organic matter with the surface of water is critical to a wide range of applications. For example, environmental studies have found that acidic polyfluorinated alkyl substances, especially perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have spread throughout the environment and bioaccumulate into human populations residing near contaminated watersheds, leading to many systemic maladies. Thus, the study of the interactions of PFOA with water surfaces became important for the mitigation of their activity as pollutants and threats to public health. However, theoretical study of the interactions of such organic adsorbates on the surface of water, and their bulk concerted properties, often necessitates the use of ab initio methods to properly incorporate the long-range electronic properties that govern these extended systems. Notable theoretical treatments of "on-water" reactions thus far have employed hybrid DFT and semilocal DFT, but the interactions involved are weak interactions that may be best described using post-Hartree-Fock theory. Here, we aim to demonstrate the utility of a graph-theoretic approach to molecular fragmentation that accurately captures the critical "weak" interactions while maintaining an efficient ab initio treatment of the long-range periodic interactions that underpin the physics of extended systems. We apply this graph-theoretical treatment to study PFOA on the surface of water as a model system for the study of weak interactions seen in the wide range of surface interactions and reactions. The approach divides a system into a set of vertices, that are then connected through edges, faces, and higher order graph theoretic objects known as simplexes, to represent a collection of locally interacting subsystems. These subsystems are then used to construct ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and for computing multidimensional potential energy surfaces. To further improve the computational efficiency of our graph theoretic fragmentation method, we use a recently developed transfer learning protocol to construct the full system potential energy from a family of neural networks each designed to accurately model the behavior of individual simplexes. We use a unique multidimensional clustering algorithm, based on the k-means clustering methodology, to define our training space for each separate simplex. These models are used to extrapolate the energies for molecular dynamics trajectories at PFOA water interfaces, at less than one-tenth the cost as compared to a regular molecular fragmentation-based dynamics calculation with excellent agreement with couple cluster level of full system potential energies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Ricard
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Srinivasan S Iyengar
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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11
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Silver M, Phelps W, Masarik K, Burke K, Zhang C, Schwartz A, Wang M, Nitka AL, Schutz J, Trainor T, Washington JW, Rheineck BD. Prevalence and Source Tracing of PFAS in Shallow Groundwater Used for Drinking Water in Wisconsin, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17415-17426. [PMID: 37916814 PMCID: PMC10653221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Samples from 450 homes with shallow private wells throughout the state of Wisconsin (USA) were collected and analyzed for 44 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), general water quality parameters, and indicators of human waste as well as agricultural influence. At least one PFAS was detected in 71% of the study samples, and 22 of the 44 PFAS analytes were detected in one or more samples. Levels of PFOA and/or PFOS exceeded the proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels of 4 ng/L, put forward by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in March 2023, in 17 of the 450 samples, with two additional samples containing PFHxS ≳ 9 ng/L (the EPA-proposed hazard index reference value). Those samples above the referenced PFAS levels tend to be associated with developed land and human waste indicators (artificial sweeteners and pharmaceuticals), which can be released to groundwater via septic systems. For a few samples with levels of PFOA, PFOS, and/or PFHxS > 40 ng/L, application of wastes to agricultural land is a possible source. Overall, the study suggests that human waste sources, septic systems in particular, are important sources of perfluoroalkyl acids, especially ones with ≤8 perfluorinated carbons, in shallow groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Silver
- Bureau
of Drinking Water and Groundwater—Groundwater Section, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - William Phelps
- Bureau
of Drinking Water and Groundwater—Groundwater Section, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - Kevin Masarik
- Center
for Watershed Science and Education, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481, United States
| | - Kyle Burke
- Environmental
Health Division—Organics, Wisconsin
State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - Chen Zhang
- Environmental
Health Division—Organics, Wisconsin
State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - Alex Schwartz
- Environmental
Health Division—Organics, Wisconsin
State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - Miaoyan Wang
- Department
of Statistics, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - Amy L. Nitka
- Center
for Watershed Science and Education, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481, United States
| | - Jordan Schutz
- Bureau
of Drinking Water and Groundwater—Groundwater Section, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
| | - Tom Trainor
- Bureau
of Environmental Analysis and Sustainability − Laboratory Certification, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313, United States
| | - John W. Washington
- Center
for
Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Bruce D. Rheineck
- Bureau
of Drinking Water and Groundwater—Groundwater Section, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, United States
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12
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Jacob P, Helbling DE. Exploring the Evolution of Organofluorine-Containing Compounds during Simulated Photolithography Experiments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12819-12828. [PMID: 37590049 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03410] [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: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
One potential source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in electronics fabrication wastewater are the organofluorine-containing compounds used in photolithography materials such as photoresists and top antireflective coatings (TARCs). However, the exact identities of these constituents are unknown and transformation reactions that may occur during photolithography may result in the formation of unknown or unexpected PFASs. To address this knowledge gap, we acquired five commercially relevant photolithography materials, characterized the occurrence of organofluorine-containing compounds in each material, and performed simulated photolithography experiments to stimulate any potential transformation reactions. We found that photoresists and TARCs have total fluorine (TF) concentrations in the g L-1 range, similar to the levels of other industrial and commercial products. However, the target and suspect PFASs present in these materials can only explain up to 20% of the TF in a material. We evaluated wastewater samples collected after simulated photolithography experiments and used a mass balance approach to assess the extent of transformations. Although a number of target, suspect, and nontarget PFASs were identified in the wastewater samples, the extent of transformation was limited and the fluorine contained in the PFASs could not explain more than an additional 1% of the TF in the photolithography materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Jacob
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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13
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Zweigle J, Capitain C, Simon F, Roesch P, Bugsel B, Zwiener C. Non-extractable PFAS in functional textiles - characterization by complementary methods: oxidation, hydrolysis, and fluorine sum parameters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1298-1310. [PMID: 37503704 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00131h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used for durable water-repellent finishing of different fabrics and textiles such as outdoor clothing, carpets, medical textiles and more. Existing PFAS extraction techniques followed by target analysis are often insufficient for detecting widely used side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs) that are barely or non-extractable. SFPs are typically copolymers consisting of a non-fluorinated backbone with perfluoroalkyl side-chains to obtain desired properties. We compared the accessible analytical information and performance of complementary techniques based on oxidation (dTOP and PhotoTOP assays), hydrolysis (THP assay), standard extraction, extractable organic fluorine (EOF), and total fluorine (TF) with five functional textiles and characterized 7 further textiles only by PhotoTOP oxidation. The results show that when applied directly to textile samples, dTOP and PhotoTOP oxidation and also hydrolysis (THP) are able to capture large fractions of TF in the form of perfluoroalkyl side-chains present in the textiles while methods relying on extracts (EOF, target and non-target analysis) yield much lower fractions of TF (e.g., factor ∼25-50 lower). The conversion of large fractions of the measured TF into PFCAs or FTOHs from fluorinated side chains is in contrast to previous studies. Concentrations ranged from
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Zweigle
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Catharina Capitain
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Fabian Simon
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Division 1.1 - Inorganic Trace Analysis, Richard-Willstätter-Straße 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Roesch
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Boris Bugsel
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Christian Zwiener
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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14
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Tsuda N, Honda Y, Schaefer E, Lian P, Muneer A, Blake TJ, Hammad LA. The environmental degradability of DEMNUM, a typical PFPE polymer. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139331. [PMID: 37379990 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The three environmental degradation tests of hydrolysis, indirect photolysis and Zahn-Wellens microbial degradation were conducted according to the OECD and the US EPA guidelines on DEMNUM, a typical linear perfluoropolyether polymer. Low mass degradation products that formed in each test were structurally characterized and indirectly quantified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) using a reference compound and an internal standard of similar structure. The degradation of the polymer was assumed to directly correlate with the appearance of lower mass species. The hydrolysis experiment at 50 °C showed the appearance of less than a dozen low mass species with increasing pH but at the negligible total estimated amount of ∼2 ppm relative to polymer. A dozen low mass perfluoro acid entities also appeared following the indirect photolysis experiment in synthetic humic water. Their maximum total amount was at ∼150 ppm relative to polymer. The largest amount of low mass species formed during the Zahn-Wellens biodegradation test amounted to only ∼80 ppm relative to polymer. The Zahn-Wellens conditions tended to produce larger low mass molecules than the ones formed under photolysis. The results from all three tests indicate that the polymer is stable and non-degradable in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Tsuda
- Daikin Industries, Ltd., 1-1 Nishi-Hitotsuya, Settsu-shi, Osaka, 566-8585, Japan.
| | - Yoshitaka Honda
- Daikin Industries, Ltd., 1-1 Nishi-Hitotsuya, Settsu-shi, Osaka, 566-8585, Japan
| | - Edward Schaefer
- Eurofins EAG Agroscience, LLC, 8598 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD, 21601, USA
| | - Peizhi Lian
- Eurofins EAG Agroscience, LLC, 8598 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD, 21601, USA
| | - Asmaa Muneer
- Eurofins EAG Agroscience, LLC, 8598 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD, 21601, USA
| | - Timothy J Blake
- Eurofins EAG Agroscience, LLC, 8598 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD, 21601, USA
| | - Loubna A Hammad
- Eurofins EAG Agroscience, LLC, 8598 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD, 21601, USA
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15
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Davis MJB, Evich MG, Goodrow SM, Washington JW. Environmental Fate of Cl-PFPECAs: Accumulation of Novel and Legacy Perfluoroalkyl Compounds in Real-World Vegetation and Subsoils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:8994-9004. [PMID: 37290100 PMCID: PMC10366621 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally distributed and potentially toxic compounds. We report accumulation of chloroperfluoropolyethercarboxylates (Cl-PFPECAs) and perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) in vegetation and subsoils in New Jersey. Lower molecular weight Cl-PFPECAs, containing 7-10 fluorinated carbons, and PFCAs containing 3-6 fluorinated carbons were enriched in vegetation relative to surface soils. Subsoils were dominated by lower molecular weight Cl-PFPECAs, a divergence from surface soils. Contrastingly, PFCA homologue profiles in subsoils were similar to surface soils, likely reflecting temporal-use patterns. Accumulation factors (AFs) for vegetation and subsoils decreased with increasing CF2, 6-13 for vegetation and 8-13 in subsoils. In vegetation, for PFCAs having CF2 = 3-6, AFs diminished with increasing CF2 as a more sensitive function than for longer chains. Considering that PFAS manufacturing has transitioned from long-chain chemistry to short-chain, this elevated vegetative accumulation of short-chain PFAS suggests the potential for unanticipated PFAS exposure levels globally in human and/or wildlife populations. This inverse relationship between AFs and CF2-count in terrestrial vegetation is opposite the positive relationship reported in aquatic vegetation suggesting aquatic food webs may be preferentially enriched in long-chain PFAS. AFs normalized to soil-water concentrations increased with chain length for CF2 = 6-13 in vegetation but remained inversely related to chain length for CF2 = 3-6, reflecting a fundamental change in vegetation affinity for short chains compared to long.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J B Davis
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Marina G Evich
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
| | - Sandra M Goodrow
- Division of Science & Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, United States
| | - John W Washington
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, Georgia 30605, United States
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16
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Mazumder NUS, Hossain MT, Jahura FT, Girase A, Hall AS, Lu J, Ormond RB. Firefighters' exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as an occupational hazard: A review. FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS 2023; 10:10.3389/fmats.2023.1143411. [PMID: 38074949 PMCID: PMC10698640 DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2023.1143411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2024]
Abstract
The term "firefighter" and "cancer" have become so intertwined in the past decade that they are now nearly inseparable. Occupational exposure of firefighters to carcinogenic chemicals may increase their risk of developing different types of cancer. PFAS are one of the major classes of carcinogenic chemicals that firefighters are exposed to as occupational hazard. Elevated levels of PFAS have been observed in firefighters' blood serum in recent studies. Possible sources of occupational exposure to PFAS include turnout gear, aqueous film-forming foam, and air and dust at both the fire scene and fire station. Preliminary discussion on PFAS includes definition, classification, and chemical structure. The review is then followed by identifying the sources of PFAS that firefighters may encounter as an occupational hazard. The structural properties of the PFAS used in identified sources, their degradation, and exposure pathways are reviewed. The elevated level of PFAS in the blood serum and how this might associate with an increased risk of cancer is discussed. Our review shows a significant amount of PFAS on turnout gear and their migration to untreated layers, and how turnout gear itself might be a potential source of PFAS exposure. PFAS from aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), air, and dust of fire stations have been already established as potential exposure sources. Studies on firefighters' cancer suggest that firefighters have a higher cancer risk compared to the general population. This review suggests that increased exposure to PFAS as an occupational hazard could be a potential cancer risk for firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Md Tanjim Hossain
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Fatema Tuj Jahura
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Arjunsing Girase
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Andrew Stephen Hall
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jingtian Lu
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - R. Bryan Ormond
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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17
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Dong S, Yan PF, Liu C, Manz KE, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Assessing aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted soils: Pathways and microbial community dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130629. [PMID: 36630879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Production of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) for industrial and consumer products, including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used for firefighting, has resulted in its widespread occurrence in the environment. However, the fate of 8:2 FTOH at AFFF-impacted sites remains largely unknown. Using AFFF-impacted soils from two United States Air Force Bases, microcosm experiments evaluated the aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 FTOH (extent and byproduct formation) and the dose-response on microbial communities due to 8:2 FTOH exposure. Despite different microbial communities, rapid transformation of 8:2 FTOH was observed during a 90-day incubation in the two soils, and 7:2 secondary fluorotelomer alcohol (7:2 sFTOH) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected as major transformation products. Novel transformation products, including perfluoroalkane-like compounds (1H-perfluoroheptane, 1H-perfluorohexane, and perfluoroheptanal) were identified by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and used to develop aerobic 8:2 FTOH biotransformation pathways. Microbial community analysis suggests that species from genus Sphingomonas are potential 8:2 FTOH degraders based on increased abundance in both soils after exposure, and the genus Afipia may be more tolerant to and/or involved in the transformation of 8:2 FTOH at elevated concentrations. These findings demonstrate the potential role of biological processes on PFAS fate at AFFF-impacted sites through fluorotelomer biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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18
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He A, Liang Y, Li F, Lu Y, Liu C, Li J, Zhou Z, Zhu N, Liao C, Wang Y, Jiang G. Vital Environmental Sources for Multitudinous Fluorinated Chemicals: New Evidence from Industrial Byproducts in Multienvironmental Matrices in a Fluorochemical Manufactory. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16789-16800. [PMID: 36354080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Direct emissions from fluorochemical manufactory are an important source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the environment. In this study, a wide range of PFASs, including 8 legacy PFASs, 8 long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and 40 emerging PFASs, were investigated through a target screening in multienvironmental matrices from a fluorochemical manufactory in China. Indoor dust was the most polluted matrix, wherein 52 PFASs were detected, and the median concentration of long-chain PFCA was 276 ng/g. A high level of short-chain PFAS in total suspended particles (median concentration = 416 ng/m3) and the effluent in the manufactory (Σ48PFAS = 212 μg/L) will undoubtedly increase the burden on the surrounding environment. Twenty-four industrial byproducts were ascertained to be generated during the electrochemical fluorination (ECF) process, and eight fluorinated alternatives were considered to be produced during product development. Twelve PFASs were quantified for the first time in the working environments. Perfluoropropane sulfonic acid, perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA), and 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid are abundant fluorinated alternatives, with median levels of 1187-17204 ng/g in the dust. Significant positive correlations between ECF-related PFAS products and byproducts indicate that the detected values are strongly connected with the industrial source. Hierarchical cluster analysis further manifests their affiliation. Our findings raise the need for further investigations of emerging PFAS (including the first report of PFAS, such as PFEESA, in the environment) which may be released during the production process in the fluorochemical manufactories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anen He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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19
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Fredriksson F, Eriksson U, Kärrman A, Yeung LWY. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sludge from wastewater treatment plants in Sweden - First findings of novel fluorinated copolymers in Europe including temporal analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157406. [PMID: 35850346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are on the global market, while only a minor proportion is monitored regularly in the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been suggested to be a point source for PFAS to the environment due to emission of effluent and sludge. In this study, 81 PFAS including two rarely studied perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide-based (FASA) copolymers were analyzed in sludge samples to understand the usage of PFAS in the society. Sludge samples (n = 28) were collected at four WWTPs in Sweden between 2004 and 2017. The total levels of 79 measured PFAS were between 50 and 1124 ng/g d.w. All sludge samples showed detectable levels of both C8- and C4-FASA-based copolymers. The concentrations of the FASA-based copolymers were proposed to be reported in fluorinated side-chain equivalents (FSC eq.), in order to compare the levels of the copolymers with the other neutral and anionic PFAS, as no authentic standards were available. The concentrations of the FASA-based copolymers in sludge were between 1.4 and 22 ng FSC eq./g d.w. A general predomination of precursor and intermediate compounds was observed. A lower contribution of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids was noted for the WWTPs more influenced by domestic emission when compared with more influenced by industrial emission. An overall declining trend in the total PFAS concentration was seen between the years 2004 and 2017. The present study observed a shift from the C8-based chemistry toward shorter chain lengths, included a declining trend for C8-FASA-based copolymer over the entire study period. These findings further demonstrate the occurrence of side-chain fluorinated copolymers in Sweden and that sludge is a useful matrix to reflect the usage of PFAS in society and the potential for environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fredriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Eriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden.
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20
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Xia C, Diamond ML, Peaslee GF, Peng H, Blum A, Wang Z, Shalin A, Whitehead HD, Green M, Schwartz-Narbonne H, Yang D, Venier M. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in North American School Uniforms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13845-13857. [PMID: 36129192 PMCID: PMC9535897 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed 72 children's textile products marketed as stain-resistant from US and Canadian stores, particularly school uniforms, to assess if clothing represents a significant route of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Products were first screened for total fluorine (total F) using particle-induced γ-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy (n = 72), followed by targeted analysis of 49 neutral and ionic PFAS (n = 57). PFAS were detected in all products from both markets, with the most abundant compound being 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH). Total targeted PFAS concentrations for all products collected from both countries ranged from 0.250 to 153 000 ng/g with a median of 117 ng/g (0.0281-38 100 μg/m2, median: 24.0 μg/m2). Total targeted PFAS levels in school uniforms were significantly higher than in other items such as bibs, hats, stroller covers, and swimsuits, but comparable to outdoor wear. Higher total targeted PFAS concentrations were found in school uniforms made of 100% cotton than synthetic blends. Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) precursors were abundant in school uniforms based on the results of hydrolysis and total oxidizable precursor assay. The estimated median potential children's exposure to PFAS via dermal exposure through school uniforms was 1.03 ng/kg bw/day. Substance flow analysis estimated that ∼3 tonnes/year (ranging from 0.05 to 33 tonnes/year) of PFAS are used in US children's uniforms, mostly of polymeric PFAS but with ∼0.1 tonne/year of mobile, nonpolymeric PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Xia
- Paul
H O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Miriam L. Diamond
- Department
of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
- School
of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E8, Canada
| | - Graham F. Peaslee
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Hui Peng
- School
of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E8, Canada
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green Science
Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Empa
− Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Institute
of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Shalin
- Department
of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Heather D. Whitehead
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Megan Green
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | | | - Diwen Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Marta Venier
- Paul
H O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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21
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Li W, Bischel HN. Are resource recovery insects safe for feed and food? A screening approach for bioaccumulative trace organic contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155850. [PMID: 35568168 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Most bioaccumulation assessments select one or several compound classes a priori for analysis performed by either liquid or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or GC-MS). When organisms are exposed to complex mixtures of trace organic contaminants (TOrCs), targeted chemical assays limit understanding of contaminant profiles in biological tissues and associated risks. We used a semi-quantitative suspect-screening approach to assess the bioaccumulation potential of diverse TOrCs in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) using almond hulls (by-products of the booming almond industry in California) as test substrates. BSFL digestion is gaining traction as a resource recovery strategy to generate animal feed from low-value organic wastes. We screened almond hulls from six California farms for the presence of 5728 TOrCs using high resolution mass spectrometry. We then categorized the risk potential of 46 TOrCs detected in the hulls based on their predicted bioaccumulation, persistence, and toxicity in order to select two hulls for an in situ BSFL bioaccumulation screening study. We analyzed larvae tissues and feeding substrate initially and after 14 days of growth using targeted, suspect-screening, and nontarget-screening methods. The survival rate of BSFL in all rearing reactors was greater than 90%, indicating low toxicity of the substrates to BSFL. Esfenvalerate, cyhalothrin, and bifenthrin were the most abundant pyrethroids quantified (81.7 to 381.6 ng/g-dw) in the hulls. Bifenthrin bioaccumulated in BSFL tissues (14-day bioaccumulation factor, BAF, of 2.17 ± 0.24). For nontarget analysis, kendrick mass defect (KMD) analysis of PFAS homologous series revealed hydrogen-substituted perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (H-PFCAs) in the hulls and BSFL tissues after growth. Our approach demonstrates the utility of suspect-screening in chemical safety assessments when organic wastes with highly diverse and variable contaminant profiles are used in resource recovery pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Heather N Bischel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, California 95616, United States.
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22
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Choudhary A, Bedrov D. Interaction of Short-Chain PFAS with Polycationic Gels: How Much Fluorination is Necessary for Efficient Adsorption? ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:1123-1128. [PMID: 36036717 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The short-chain per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), introduced to replace the legacy PFAS compounds, turned out to be as toxic and harmful as their longer-chain predecessors and even harder to sequester from contaminated water sources. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to investigate the adsorption mechanism of GenX, a representative compound for short-chain PFAS, on a polycationic hydrogel with various extents of fluorination in its backbone and cross-linkers. Simulations indicate that the presence of fluorinated segments next to cationic groups in the polymer gel structure provides the most efficient environment for GenX adsorption. The combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions offered by the cationic-fluorophilic segments amplifies the binding of GenX molecules compared to polymer segments with nonfluorinated cationic or noncationic fluorinated segments. Moreover, such a gel demonstrates high selectivity toward GenX against its hydrogenated analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Choudhary
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Dmitry Bedrov
- Department Materials Science and Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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23
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Wen Y, Rentería-Gómez Á, Day GS, Smith MF, Yan TH, Ozdemir ROK, Gutierrez O, Sharma VK, Ma X, Zhou HC. Integrated Photocatalytic Reduction and Oxidation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by Metal-Organic Frameworks: Key Insights into the Degradation Mechanisms. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:11840-11850. [PMID: 35732040 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The high porosity and tunability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them an appealing group of materials for environmental applications. However, their potential in the photocatalytic degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been rarely investigated. Hereby, we demonstrate that over 98.9% of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was degraded by MIL-125-NH2, a titanium-based MOF, in 24 h under Hg-lamp irradiation. The MOF maintained its structural integrity and porosity after three cycles, as indicated by its crystal structure, surface area, and pore size distribution. Based on the experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a detailed reaction mechanism of the chain-shortening and H/F exchange pathways in hydrated electron (eaq-)-induced PFOA degradation were revealed. Significantly, we proposed that the coordinated contribution of eaq- and hydroxyl radical (•OH) is vital for chain-shortening, highlighting the importance of an integrated system capable of both reduction and oxidation for efficient PFAS degradation in water. Our results shed light on the development of effective and sustainable technologies for PFAS breakdown in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Wen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ángel Rentería-Gómez
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Gregory S Day
- Framergy Inc., 800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, Texas 77945, United States
| | - Mallory F Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Tian-Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ray Osman K Ozdemir
- Framergy Inc., 800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, Texas 77945, United States
| | - Osvaldo Gutierrez
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Virender K Sharma
- Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xingmao Ma
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hong-Cai Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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24
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Weber EJ, Tebes-Stevens C, Washington JW, Gladstone R. Development of a PFAS reaction library: identifying plausible transformation pathways in environmental and biological systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:689-753. [PMID: 35485941 PMCID: PMC9361427 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00445j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in many consumer applications due to their stain repellency, surfactant properties, ability to form water-proof coatings and use in fire suppression. The production, application, transport, use and disposal of PFAS and PFAS-treated products have resulted in their wide-spread occurrence in environmental and biological systems. Concern over exposure to PFAS and their transformation products and metabolites has necessitated the development of tools to predict the transformation of PFAS in environmental systems and metabolism in biological systems. We have developed reaction libraries for predicting transformation products and metabolites in a variety of environmental and biological reaction systems. These reaction libraries are based on generalized reaction schemes that encode the process science of PFAS reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The PFAS reaction libraries will be executed through the Chemical Transformation Simulator, a web-based tool that is available to the public. These reaction libraries are intended for predicting the environmental transformation and metabolism of PFAS only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Weber
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - Caroline Tebes-Stevens
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - John W Washington
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - Rachel Gladstone
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Hosted at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA
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25
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van der Veen I, Schellenberger S, Hanning AC, Stare A, de Boer J, Weiss JM, Leonards PEG. Fate of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Durable Water-Repellent Clothing during Use. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:5886-5897. [PMID: 35404577 PMCID: PMC9069696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
To make outdoor clothing water- or dirt-repellent, durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings based on side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs) are used. During use of outdoor clothing, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can be emitted from the DWR to the environment. In this study, the effects of aging, washing, and tumble drying on the concentration of extractable PFASs in the DWR of perfluorohexane-based short-chain SFPs (FC-6 chemistry) and of perfluorooctane-based long-chain SFPs (FC-8 chemistry) were assessed. For this purpose, polyamide (PA) and polyester (PES) fabrics were coated with FC-6- and FC-8-based DWRs. Results show that aging of the coated fabrics causes an increase in concentration and formation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). The effect of aging on the volatile PFASs depends on the type of fabric. Washing causes a decrease in PFAA concentrations, and in general, volatile PFASs are partly washed out of the textiles. However, washing can also increase the extractable concentration of volatile PFASs in the fabrics. This effect becomes stronger by a combination of aging and washing. Tumble drying does not affect the PFAS concentrations in textiles. In conclusion, aging and washing of fabrics coated with the DWR based on SFPs release PFASs to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ike van der Veen
- Department
Environment and Health (E&H), Vrije
Universiteit, De Boelelaan
1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steffen Schellenberger
- Department
Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm
University, Svante Arrhenius väg 8, SE-11418 Stockholm, Sweden
- RISE,
Research Institutes of Sweden, Brinellvägen 68, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ann Stare
- RISE
IVF AB, Argongatan 30, SE-431 53 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jacob de Boer
- Department
Environment and Health (E&H), Vrije
Universiteit, De Boelelaan
1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jana M. Weiss
- Department
Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm
University, Svante Arrhenius väg 8, SE-11418 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pim E. G. Leonards
- Department
Environment and Health (E&H), Vrije
Universiteit, De Boelelaan
1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Schellenberger S, Liagkouridis I, Awad R, Khan S, Plassmann M, Peters G, Benskin JP, Cousins IT. An Outdoor Aging Study to Investigate the Release of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from Functional Textiles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3471-3479. [PMID: 35213128 PMCID: PMC8928479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The emission of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from functional textiles was investigated via an outdoor weathering experiment in Sydney, Australia. Polyamide (PA) textile fabrics treated with different water-repellent, side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs) were exposed on a rooftop to multiple natural stressors, including direct sunlight, precipitation, wind, and heat for 6-months. After weathering, additional stress was applied to the fabrics through abrasion and washing. Textile characterization using a multiplatform analytical approach revealed loss of both PFAS-containing textile fragments (e.g., microfibers) as well as formation and loss of low molecular weight PFAS, both of which occurred throughout weathering. These changes were accompanied by a loss of color and water repellency of the textile. The potential formation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from mobile residuals was quantified by oxidative conversion of extracts from unweathered textiles. Each SFP-textile finish emitted a distinct PFAA pattern following weathering, and in some cases the concentrations exceeded regulatory limits for textiles. In addition to transformation of residual low molecular weight PFAA-precursors, release of polymeric PFAS from degradation and loss of textile fibers/particles contributed to overall PFAS emissions during weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schellenberger
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- RISE
Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm 111 21, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Liagkouridis
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- IVL
Swedish Environmental Institute, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raed Awad
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- IVL
Swedish Environmental Institute, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stuart Khan
- School
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gregory Peters
- School
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Department
of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P. Benskin
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Evich MG, Davis MJB, McCord JP, Acrey B, Awkerman JA, Knappe DRU, Lindstrom AB, Speth TF, Stevens CT, Strynar MJ, Wang Z, Weber EJ, Henderson WM, Washington JW. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment. Science 2022; 375:eabg9065. [PMID: 35113710 PMCID: PMC8902460 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg9065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 208.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past several years, the term PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has grown to be emblematic of environmental contamination, garnering public, scientific, and regulatory concern. PFAS are synthesized by two processes, direct fluorination (e.g., electrochemical fluorination) and oligomerization (e.g., fluorotelomerization). More than a megatonne of PFAS is produced yearly, and thousands of PFAS wind up in end-use products. Atmospheric and aqueous fugitive releases during manufacturing, use, and disposal have resulted in the global distribution of these compounds. Volatile PFAS facilitate long-range transport, commonly followed by complex transformation schemes to recalcitrant terminal PFAS, which do not degrade under environmental conditions and thus migrate through the environment and accumulate in biota through multiple pathways. Efforts to remediate PFAS-contaminated matrices still are in their infancy, with much current research targeting drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Evich
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Mary J. B. Davis
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - James P. McCord
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Brad Acrey
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Jill A. Awkerman
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Detlef R. U. Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Andrew B. Lindstrom
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment
| | - Thomas F. Speth
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
| | - Caroline T. Stevens
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Mark J. Strynar
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eric J. Weber
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - W. Matthew Henderson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
| | - John W. Washington
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling
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28
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Muensterman DJ, Titaley IA, Peaslee GF, Minc LD, Cahuas L, Rodowa AE, Horiuchi Y, Yamane S, Fouquet TNJ, Kissel JC, Carignan CC, Field JA. Disposition of Fluorine on New Firefighter Turnout Gear. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:974-983. [PMID: 34961317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Firefighter turnout gear is essential for reducing occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals during training and fire events. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are observed in firefighter serum, and possible occupational sources include the air and dust of fires, aqueous film-forming foam, and turnout gear. Limited data exist for nonvolatile and volatile PFASs on firefighter turnout gear and the disposition of fluorine on the individual layers of turnout gear. Further implications for exposure to fluorine on turnout gear are not well understood. Three unused turnout garments purchased in 2019 and one purchased in 2008, were analyzed for 50 nonvolatile and 15 volatile PFASs by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Particle-induced gamma ray emission (PIGE), a surface technique, and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), a bulk technique, were used to measure total fluorine. Bulk characterization of the layers by pyrolysis-GC/MS (py-GC/MS) was used to differentiate fluoropolymer (e.g., PTFE) films from textile layers finished with side-chain polymers. The outer layer, moisture barrier, and thermal layers of the turnout gear all yielded measured concentrations of volatile PFASs that exceeded nonvolatile PFAS concentrations, but the summed molar concentrations made up only a small fraction of total fluorine (0.0016-6.7%). Moisture barrier layers comprised a PTFE film, as determined by py-GC-MS, and gave the highest individual nonvolatile (0.159 mg F/kg) and volatile PFAS (20.7 mg F/kg) as well as total fluorine (122,000 mg F/kg) concentrations. Outer and thermal layers comprised aromatic polyamide-based fibers (aramid) treated with side-chain fluoropolymers and had lower levels of individual nonvolatile and volatile PFASs. Equal concentrations of total fluorine by both PIGE and INAA on the outer and thermal layers is consistent with treatment with a side-chain fluoropolymer coating. New turnout gear should be examined as a potential source of firefighter occupational exposure to nonvolatile and volatile PFASs in future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Muensterman
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Ivan A Titaley
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Graham F Peaslee
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Leah D Minc
- Radiation Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97311, United States
| | - Liliana Cahuas
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
| | - Yuki Horiuchi
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Shogo Yamane
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Thierry N J Fouquet
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - John C Kissel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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29
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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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Mei W, Sun H, Song M, Jiang L, Li Y, Lu W, Ying GG, Luo C, Zhang G. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the soil-plant system: Sorption, root uptake, and translocation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106642. [PMID: 34004449 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous in the environment but pose potential risks to ecosystems and human health. The soil-plant system plays an important role in the bioaccumulation of PFASs. Because most PFASs in the natural environment are anionic and amphiphilic (both lipophilic and hydrophilic), their sorption and accumulation behaviors differ from those of neutral organic and common ionic compounds. In this review, we discuss processes affecting the availability of PFASs in soil after analyzing the potential mechanisms underlying the sorption and uptake of PFASs in the soil-plant system. We also summarize the current knowledge on root uptake and translocation of PFASs in plants. We found that the root concentration factor of PFASs for plants grown in soil was not significantly correlated with hydrophobicity, whereas the translocation factor was significantly and negatively correlated with PFAS hydrophobicity regardless of whether plants were grown hydroponically or in soil. Further research on the cationic, neutral, and zwitterionic forms of diverse PFASs is urgently needed to comprehensively understand the environmental fates of PFASs in the soil-plant system. Additional research directions are suggested, including the development of more accurate models and techniques to evaluate the bioavailability of PFASs, the effects of root exudates and rhizosphere microbiota on the bioavailability and plant uptake of PFASs, and the roles of different plant organelles, lipids, and proteins in the accumulation of PFASs by plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Mei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hao Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mengke Song
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Longfei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weisheng Lu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- The Environmental Research Institute, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Chunling Luo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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31
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Salavati-Fard T, Wang B. Significant Role of Oxygen Dopants in Photocatalytic PFCA Degradation over h-BN. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:46727-46737. [PMID: 34570478 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c13922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the C(sp3)-F bond is extremely difficult due to its unreactive nature. The importance of this bond activation is recently highlighted because extensive distribution of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) (CnF2n+1COOH) has emerged as a challenging environmental issue. Photocatalytic degradation of PFCAs over a few semiconducting light absorbers is known to remove these water and soil resilient contaminants but with limited efficiency. This work reports density functional theory calculations, through which we present a detailed mechanistic study of photocatalytic degradation of CF3COOH (the shortest member of the PFCA family) over hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Our results clearly demonstrate that the existence of point defects is necessary to activate the h-BN plane for photocatalytic dissociation of the C-F bond. Specifically, we show that vacancies create strong Lewis acid or base sites (B or N vacancy, respectively) that facilitate the activation of the C(sp3)-F bond considerably. Furthermore, this study presents vivid theoretical evidence for the significant role of oxygen dopants, which mitigate the strength of the active sites and promote PFCA degradation over h-BN. Our calculations suggest that while the very stable intermediates generated during the reaction, in the case of h-BN with B or N vacancies, practically poison the catalyst, oxygen dopants make the degradation much more plausible and controllable. This work thus provides both an explanation for recently observed photocatalytic activity of h-BN to decompose PFCAs and valuable insights for exploring defected two-dimensional materials for activating and removing the fluorine-containing contaminants from water and soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Salavati-Fard
- School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
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Light-Induced Advanced Oxidation Processes as PFAS Remediation Methods: A Review. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PFAS substances, which have been under investigation in recent years, are certainly some of the most critical emerging contaminants. Their presence in drinking water, correlated with diseases, is consistently being confirmed by scientific studies in the academic and health sectors. With the aim of developing new technologies to mitigate the water contamination problem, research activity based on advanced oxidation processes for PFAS dealkylation and subsequent mineralization is active. While UV radiation could be directly employed for decontamination, there are nevertheless considerable problems regarding its use, even from a large-scale perspective. In contrast, the use of cheap, robust, and green photocatalytic materials active under near UV-visible radiation shows interesting prospects. In this paper we take stock of the health problems related to PFAS, and then provide an update on strategies based on the use of photocatalysts and the latest findings regarding reaction mechanisms. Finally, we detail some brief considerations in relation to the economic aspects of possible solutions.
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Jarvis AL, Justice JR, Elias MC, Schnitker B, Gallagher K. Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in US Ambient Surface Waters: A Review of Occurrence in Aquatic Environments and Comparison to Global Concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2425-2442. [PMID: 34187091 PMCID: PMC9327793 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is one of the dominant perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in aquatic ecosystems. It has been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products for decades. The unique properties of PFOS, including its stability and resistance to degradation, have made it highly persistent in the aquatic environment. Because of its persistence, potential toxicity, and occurrence in aquatic ecosystems, interest in PFOS has increased in recent decades. Despite this interest, current information on the environmental distribution of PFOS in ambient surface waters of the United States is fairly limited. This critical review summarizes the currently available literature on PFOS occurrence in surface waters across the United States and highlights existing data gaps. Available data are largely from a handful of study areas with known PFAS manufacturing or industrial uses, with much of the data collected from freshwater systems in eastern states and the upper Midwest. Measured PFOS concentrations in surface waters vary widely, over 8 orders of magnitude, with the highest concentrations occurring downstream from manufacturing and industrial use plants, areas near aqueous film-forming foam-use sites, and sites where PFOS precursors were used in textile treatment. Non-point source-related occurrences are highest near urbanized areas with high population densities. Current data illustrate the occurrence of PFOS in surface waters across multiple US states. Additional data are needed to better understand PFOS occurrence in US aquatic ecosystems, particularly in estuarine and marine systems and where monitoring data are not available (e.g., southwestern, central, and western United States). Additional PFOS occurrence data would provide valuable information on potential spatial and temporal variability in surface waters and possible risks posed to aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2425-2442. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Biobased Waterborne Polyurethane-Urea/SWCNT Nanocomposites for Hydrophobic and Electrically Conductive Textile Coatings. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13101624. [PMID: 34067901 PMCID: PMC8156085 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Waterborne polyurethane-urea dispersions (WPUD), which are based on 100% bio-based semi-crystalline polyester polyol and isophorone diisocyanate, have been successfully synthesized and doped with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to obtain a finishing agent that provides textiles with multifunctional properties. The chemical structure of WPUD has been characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The thermal properties have been evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Mechanical properties have been studied by tensile stress-strain analysis. Moreover, the particle size, particle size distribution (PSD), and stability of developed waterborne dispersions have been assessed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Z-potential, and accelerated aging tests (analytical centrifugation). Subsequently, selected fabrics have been face-coated by the WPUD using knife coating method and their properties have been assessed by measuring water contact angle (WCA), water column, fabric stiffness, and air permeability. The electrical conductivity of textiles coated with SWCNT-doped WPUD has been evaluated by EN 1149 standard. Finally, the surface morphologies of uncoated and coated fabrics have been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All of the synthesized polyurethane-ureas provide the coated substrates with remarkable water-repellency and water column, being therefore a more sustainable alternative to waterproof coatings based on fluoropolymers, such as PTFE. The additivation of the polymeric matrices with SWCNT has led to textile coatings with excellent electrical conductivity, maintaining water column properties, giving rise to multifunctional coatings that are highly demanded in protective workwear and technical textiles.
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De Silva AO, Armitage JM, Bruton TA, Dassuncao C, Heiger-Bernays W, Hu XC, Kärrman A, Kelly B, Ng C, Robuck A, Sun M, Webster TF, Sunderland EM. PFAS Exposure Pathways for Humans and Wildlife: A Synthesis of Current Knowledge and Key Gaps in Understanding. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:631-657. [PMID: 33201517 PMCID: PMC7906948 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We synthesize current understanding of the magnitudes and methods for assessing human and wildlife exposures to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most human exposure assessments have focused on 2 to 5 legacy PFAS, and wildlife assessments are typically limited to targeted PFAS (up to ~30 substances). However, shifts in chemical production are occurring rapidly, and targeted methods for detecting PFAS have not kept pace with these changes. Total fluorine measurements complemented by suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry are thus emerging as essential tools for PFAS exposure assessment. Such methods enable researchers to better understand contributions from precursor compounds that degrade into terminal perfluoroalkyl acids. Available data suggest that diet is the major human exposure pathway for some PFAS, but there is large variability across populations and PFAS compounds. Additional data on total fluorine in exposure media and the fraction of unidentified organofluorine are needed. Drinking water has been established as the major exposure source in contaminated communities. As water supplies are remediated, for the general population, exposures from dust, personal care products, indoor environments, and other sources may be more important. A major challenge for exposure assessments is the lack of statistically representative population surveys. For wildlife, bioaccumulation processes differ substantially between PFAS and neutral lipophilic organic compounds, prompting a reevaluation of traditional bioaccumulation metrics. There is evidence that both phospholipids and proteins are important for the tissue partitioning and accumulation of PFAS. New mechanistic models for PFAS bioaccumulation are being developed that will assist in wildlife risk evaluations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:631-657. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carla Ng
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna Robuck
- University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI USA
| | - Mei Sun
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC USA
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Fiedler H, Kennedy T, Henry BJ. A Critical Review of a Recommended Analytical and Classification Approach for Organic Fluorinated Compounds with an Emphasis on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:331-351. [PMID: 33009873 PMCID: PMC7898881 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Organic fluorinated compounds have been detected in various environmental media and biota. Some of these compounds are regulated locally (e.g., perfluorononanoic acid maximum contaminant level in drinking water by the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection), nationally (e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid maximum acceptable concentration in drinking water by Health Canada), or internationally (e.g., Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants). Globally, regulators and researchers seek to identify the organic fluorinated compounds associated with potential adverse effects, bioaccumulation, mobility, and persistence to manage their risks, and, to understand the beneficial attributes they bring to products such as first responder gear, etc. Clarity is needed to determine the best analytical method for the goal of the analyses (e.g., pure research or analysis to determine the extent of an accidental release, monitoring groundwater for specific compounds to determine regulatory compliance, and establish baseline levels in a river of organic fluorinated substances associated with human health risk prior to a clean-up effort). Analytical techniques that identify organic fluorine coupled together with targeted chemical analysis will yield information sufficient to identify public health or environmental hazards. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:331-351. © 2020. W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidelore Fiedler
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and TechnologyÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
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37
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Sima MW, Jaffé PR. A critical review of modeling Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the soil-water environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143793. [PMID: 33303199 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to their health effects and the recalcitrant nature of their CF bonds, Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are widely investigated for their distribution, remediation, and toxicology in ecosystems. However, very few studies have focused on modeling PFAS in the soil-water environment. In this review, we summarized the recent development in PFAS modeling for various chemical, physical, and biological processes, including sorption, volatilization, degradation, bioaccumulation, and transport. PFAS sorption is kinetic in nature with sorption equilibrium commonly quantified by either a linear, the Freundlich, or the Langmuir isotherms. Volatilization of PFAS depends on carbon chain length and ionization status and has been simulated by a two-layer diffusion process across the air water interface. First-order kinetics is commonly used for physical, chemical, and biological degradation processes. Uptake by plants and other biota can be passive and/or active. As surfactants, PFAS have a tendency to be sorbed or concentrated on air-water or non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL)-water interfaces, where the same three isotherms for soil sorption are adopted. PFAS transport in the soil-water environment is simulated by solving the convection-dispersion equation (CDE) that is coupled to PFAS sorption, phase transfer, as well as physical, chemical, and biological transformations. As the physicochemical properties and concentration vary greatly among the potentially thousands of PFAS species in the environment, systematic efforts are needed to identify models and model parameters to simulate their fate, transport, and response to remediation techniques. Since many process formulations are empirical in nature, mechanistic approaches are needed to further the understanding of PFAS-soil-water-plant interactions so that the model parameters are less site dependent and more predictive in simulating PFAS remediation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Sima
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Peter R Jaffé
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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Jacob P, Barzen-Hanson KA, Helbling DE. Target and Nontarget Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substances in Wastewater from Electronics Fabrication Facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:2346-2356. [PMID: 33497568 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The goals of this study were to improve our understanding of the types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) that occur in wastewater from electronics fabrication facilities (fabs) and to assess the relative concentrations of PFAS species. We collected wastewater samples from three fabs in the United States, analyzed the samples by means of high-resolution mass spectrometry, and implemented complementary target and nontarget analyses. Twelve of 25 target PFASs were quantified in at least one sample, and five perfluorocarboxylates and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were quantified in all samples. PFBS was quantified at the highest concentration among the samples (8040 ng L-1) and we expect that its presence is related to the use of photoacid generators during photolithography. The sum concentrations of the target PFASs in the diluted discharge samples from each fab were 623, 394, and 376 ng L-1. Nontarget analysis revealed the presence of 41 homologous series of PFASs comprising 133 homologues. We proposed structures for 15 homologous series of nontarget PFASs, six of which are reported here for the first time. Using an approach for semiquantification of nontarget PFASs, we estimated that the sum concentrations of target and nontarget PFASs in the diluted discharge samples from each fab were 1490, 78 700, and 2170 ng L-1. Our findings are essential for developing alternative photolithography chemicals or informing the implementation of advanced wastewater treatment technologies at fabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Jacob
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | | | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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Lakshminarasimman N, Gewurtz SB, Parker WJ, Smyth SA. Removal and formation of perfluoroalkyl substances in Canadian sludge treatment systems - A mass balance approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142431. [PMID: 33254854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of anthropogenic contaminants whose occurrence has raised concerns with the beneficial reuse of biosolids from wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the behavior of thirteen PFAS in nine Canadian sludge treatment systems including pelletization, alkaline stabilization, aerobic and anaerobic digestion processes. The composition of the overall PFAS-fluorine (ΣPFAS-F) loading in a system fed with only primary sludge was dominated by perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), whereas systems with blended primary and waste activated sludge feeds had a mix of short and long chain PFAS in raw sludges and treated biosolids. An increase in average ΣPFAS-F mass flow was observed through pelletization (19% formation) and alkaline stabilization (99% formation) processes indicating negative removal or contaminant formation. One of the two aerobic digestion systems and three of the five anaerobic digestion systems showed modest reductions (< 40% removal) in ΣPFAS-F loading. Long chain PFAS such as perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exhibited a wide variation in behavior ranging from substantial formation (> 75% formation) to modest removal (42% removal) in the surveyed systems while short chain perfluoropentanoate (PFPeA) mass flows increased through the three systems where they occurred. Overall, the contaminant mass balances revealed that there were significant changes in mass flows of the target PFAS through all kinds of sludge treatment systems. The results of this study on PFAS fate through sludge processing can inform future global PFAS risk management activities as well as sludge treatment considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah B Gewurtz
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Wayne J Parker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Shirley Anne Smyth
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
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Bălan SA, Mathrani VC, Guo DF, Algazi AM. Regulating PFAS as a Chemical Class under the California Safer Consumer Products Program. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:25001. [PMID: 33595352 PMCID: PMC7888260 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. The widespread use, large number, and diverse chemical structures of PFAS pose challenges to any sufficiently protective regulation, emissions reduction, and remediation at contaminated sites. Regulating only a subset of PFAS has led to their replacement with other members of the class with similar hazards, that is, regrettable substitutions. Regulations that focus solely on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ineffective, given that nearly all other PFAS can generate PFAAs in the environment. OBJECTIVES In this commentary, we present the rationale adopted by the State of California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for regulating PFAS as a class in certain consumer products. DISCUSSION We at the California DTSC propose regulating certain consumer products if they contain any member of the class of PFAS because: a) all PFAS, or their degradation, reaction, or metabolism products, display at least one common hazard trait according to the California Code of Regulations, namely environmental persistence; and b) certain key PFAS that are the degradation, reaction or metabolism products, or impurities of nearly all other PFAS display additional hazard traits, including toxicity; are widespread in the environment, humans, and biota; and will continue to cause adverse impacts for as long as any PFAS continue to be used. Regulating PFAS as a class is thus logical, necessary, and forward-thinking. This technical position may be helpful to other regulatory agencies in comprehensively addressing this large class of chemicals with common hazard traits. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7431.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Andreea Bălan
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Vivek Chander Mathrani
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Dennis Fengmao Guo
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - André Maurice Algazi
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
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Liang Y, Lin S. Mechanism of Permselectivity Enhancement in Polyelectrolyte-Dense Nanofiltration Membranes via Surfactant-Assembly Intercalation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:738-748. [PMID: 33291865 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing the water permeance while maintaining the solute rejection of a nanofiltration (NF) membrane can potentially result in significant cost-reduction for NF-a membrane process that excels in several unique environmental applications of growing interests. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time that intercalation of surfactant self-assemblies in the polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) can lead to significant performance enhancement of salt-rejecting dense NF membranes fabricated using layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes. Specifically, the intercalation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) bilayers in a PEM comprising poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) resulted in a decrease in PEM thickness, increase in pore size, and a smoother and more hydrophilic surface. The water permeance of the resulting PEM NF membrane increased by 100% without compromising the rejection of Na2SO4. Experiments with a quartz crystal microbalance also provide direct evidence that the intercalation of the surfactants substantially reduces the subsequent adsorption of the polyelectrolytes of a similar charge. Based on its mechanism of performance enhancement, surfactant intercalation may become a universally applicable and highly cost-effective approach for dramatically enhancing the performance of PEM NF membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhe Liang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Interdisciplinary Material Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Shihong Lin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Interdisciplinary Material Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
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Wu Y, Miller GZ, Gearhart J, Peaslee G, Venier M. Side-chain fluorotelomer-based polymers in children car seats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115477. [PMID: 33221613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fabric and foam samples from popular children car seats marketed in the United States during 2018 were tested for fluorine content by particle-included gamma ray emission spectroscopy (PIGE, n = 93) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, n = 36), as well as for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS and GC/MS, n = 36). PFAS were detected in 97% of the car seat samples analyzed with MS, with total concentrations of 43 PFAS (∑PFAS) up to 268 ng/g. Fabric samples generally had greater ∑PFAS levels than foam and laminated composites of foam and fabric. The three fabric samples with the highest total fluorine content as represented by the highest PIGE signal were also subjected to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. Results from these treatments, as well as the much higher organofluorine levels measured by PIGE compared to LC/MS and GC/MS, suggested the presence of side-chain fluorotelomer-based polymers (FTPs), which have the potential to readily degrade into perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) under UV light. Furthermore, fluorotelomer (meth)acrylates were found to be indicators for the presence of (meth)acrylate-linked FTPs in consumer products, and thus confirmed that at least half of the tested car seats had FTP-treated fabrics. Finally, extraction of selected samples with synthetic sweat showed that ionic PFAS, particularly those with fluorinated carbons ≤8, can migrate from fabric to sweat, suggesting a potential dermal route of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | | | | | - Graham Peaslee
- University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, United States
| | - Marta Venier
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States.
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Stoiber T, Evans S, Naidenko OV. Disposal of products and materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A cyclical problem. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127659. [PMID: 32698118 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), highly stable and persistent chemicals used in numerous industrial applications and consumer goods, pose an exceptionally difficult challenge for disposal. Three approaches are currently available for PFAS wastes: landfilling, wastewater treatment and incineration. Each disposal approach can return either the original PFAS or their degradation products back to the environment, illustrating that the PFAS problem is cyclical. Landfilling and wastewater treatment do not destroy PFAS and simply move PFAS loads between sites. Consumer products and various materials discarded in landfills leach PFAS over time, and landfill leachate is commonly sent to wastewater treatment plants. From wastewater treatment plants, PFAS are carried over to sludge and effluent. Sewage sludge can be landfilled, incinerated, or applied on agricultural fields, and PFAS from treated sludge (biosolids) can contaminate soil, water, and crops. Incineration of PFAS-containing wastes can emit harmful air pollutants, such as fluorinated greenhouse gases and products of incomplete combustion, and some PFAS may remain in the incinerator ash. Volatile PFAS are emitted into the air from landfills and wastewater treatment plants, and research is urgently needed on the potential presence of PFAS compounds in air emissions from commercially run incinerators. Monitoring of waste streams for PFAS, stopping PFAS discharges into water, soil and air and protecting the health of fence-line communities close to the waste disposal sites are essential to mitigate the impacts of PFAS pollution on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha Stoiber
- Environmental Working Group, 1436 U Street NW Suite 100, Washington, DC, 20009, USA.
| | - Sydney Evans
- Environmental Working Group, 1436 U Street NW Suite 100, Washington, DC, 20009, USA.
| | - Olga V Naidenko
- Environmental Working Group, 1436 U Street NW Suite 100, Washington, DC, 20009, USA.
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Lohmann R, Cousins IT, DeWitt JC, Glüge J, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lindstrom AB, Miller MF, Ng CA, Patton S, Scheringer M, Trier X, Wang Z. Are Fluoropolymers Really of Low Concern for Human and Environmental Health and Separate from Other PFAS? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12820-12828. [PMID: 33043667 PMCID: PMC7700770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fluoropolymers are a group of polymers within the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the evidence regarding the environmental and human health impacts of fluoropolymers throughout their life cycle(s). Production of some fluoropolymers is intimately linked to the use and emissions of legacy and novel PFAS as polymer processing aids. There are serious concerns regarding the toxicity and adverse effects of fluorinated processing aids on humans and the environment. A variety of other PFAS, including monomers and oligomers, are emitted during the production, processing, use, and end-of-life treatment of fluoropolymers. There are further concerns regarding the safe disposal of fluoropolymers and their associated products and articles at the end of their life cycle. While recycling and reuse of fluoropolymers is performed on some industrial waste, there are only limited options for their recycling from consumer articles. The evidence reviewed in this analysis does not find a scientific rationale for concluding that fluoropolymers are of low concern for environmental and human health. Given fluoropolymers' extreme persistence; emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal; and a high likelihood for human exposure to PFAS, their production and uses should be curtailed except in cases of essential uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Juliane Glüge
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU in Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
- Institute for Arctic and Marine Biology; The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Andrew B. Lindstrom
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mark F. Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences & U.S. Public Health Service, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carla A. Ng
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Health and Environment Program Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 94924, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, Kgs. Nytorv 6, DK-1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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45
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Washington JW, Rosal CG, McCord JP, Strynar MJ, Lindstrom AB, Bergman EL, Goodrow SM, Tadesse HK, Pilant AN, Washington BJ, Davis MJ, Stuart BG, Jenkins TM. Nontargeted mass-spectral detection of chloroperfluoropolyether carboxylates in New Jersey soils. Science 2020; 368:1103-1107. [PMID: 32499438 PMCID: PMC7814412 DOI: 10.1126/science.aba7127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity and environmental persistence of anthropogenic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of global concern. To address legacy PFAS concerns in the United States, industry developed numerous replacement PFAS that commonly are treated as confidential information. To investigate the distribution of PFAS in New Jersey, soils collected from across the state were subjected to nontargeted mass-spectral analyses. Ten chloroperfluoropolyether carboxylates were tentatively identified, with at least three congeners in all samples. Nine congeners are ≥(CF2)7 Distinct chemical formulas and structures, as well as geographic distribution, suggest airborne transport from an industrial source. Lighter congeners dispersed more widely than heavier congeners, with the most widely dispersed detected in an in-stock New Hampshire sample. Additional data were used to develop a legacy-PFAS fingerprint for historical PFAS sources in New Jersey.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Washington
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Charlita G Rosal
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, USA
| | - James P McCord
- EPA, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mark J Strynar
- EPA, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Andrew B Lindstrom
- EPA, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Erica L Bergman
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Site Remediation and Waste Management Program, Trenton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Haile K Tadesse
- EPA, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Andrew N Pilant
- EPA, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Mary J Davis
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Thomas M Jenkins
- Senior Environmental Employment Program, Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Athens, GA, USA
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46
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van der Veen I, Hanning AC, Stare A, Leonards PEG, de Boer J, Weiss JM. The effect of weathering on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from durable water repellent (DWR) clothing. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 249:126100. [PMID: 32062207 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To assess the effects of weathering on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from durable water repellent (DWR) clothing, thirteen commercial textile samples were exposed to elevated ultra violet (UV) radiation, humidity, and temperature in an aging device for 300 h, which mimics the lifespan of outdoor clothing. Before and after aging, the textile samples were extracted and analysed for the ionic PFASs (perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA)) and volatile PFASs (fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), acrylates (FTACs) and methacrylates (FTMACs)). Results showed that weathering can have an effect on PFASs used in DWR of outdoor clothing, both on the PFAS profile and on the measured concentrations. In most weathered samples the PFAA concentrations increased by 5- to more than 100-fold, while PFAAs not detected in the original textiles were detected in the weathered samples. DWR chemistries are based on side-chain fluorinated polymers. A possible explanation for the increase in concentration of the PFAAs is hydrolysis of the fluorotelomer based polymers (FTPs), or degradation of the FTOHs, which are used in the manufacturing of the FTPs. The concentrations of volatile PFASs also increased, by a factor up to 20. Suggested explanations are the degradation of the DWR polymers, making non-extractable fluorines extractable, or the transformation or degradation of unknown precursors. Further research is needed to unravel the details of these processes and to determine the transformation routes. This study shows that setting maximum tolerance limits only for a few individual PFASs is not sufficient to control these harmful substances in outdoor clothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ike van der Veen
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Ann Stare
- RISE IVF AB, Argongatan 30, SE-431 53, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob de Boer
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jana M Weiss
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusv. 8, SE-11418, Stockholm, Sweden
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47
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Hamid H, Li LY, Grace JR. Aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds in landfill leachate-sediment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136547. [PMID: 31958722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Consumer products containing fluorotelomer polymers are a source of fluorotelomer compounds to the environment following their disposal at landfills. The fate and transformation of fluorotelomer compounds are unknown in landfill leachates. This study investigates the aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosms using batch tests. Spiked 8:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTS and their known biotransformation products were quantified in sediment-leachate and headspace over 90 days under aerobic conditions. 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS biotransformation was slow (half-life >>30 d) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosm, suggesting persistence of fluorotelomer compounds under the conditions investigated. Significant volatilization (>20%) of 8:2 FTOH was observed in the microcosm headspace after 90 days. C6 - C8 and C4 - C6 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the most abundant products for 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS, respectively. PFCAs accounted for 4-9 mol% of the initially spiked parent compounds at 90 days. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the single most abundant product of 8:2 FTOH (>2.8 mol% at 90 days). The unaccounted mass (20 to 35 mol%) of the initially spiked parent compounds indicated formation of fluorotelomer intermediates and sediment-bound residue. Overall the findings suggest that aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds acts as a secondary source of long- and short-chain (≤C7) PFCAs in the environment. Partitioning of semi-volatile fluorotelomer compounds (e.g., 8:2 FTOH) to the gas-phase indicates possible long-range transport and subsequent release of PFCAs in pristine environments. Short-chain fluorotelomer replacements (e.g., 6:2 FTS) result in a higher abundance of short-chain PFCAs in landfill leachate. Future research is needed to understand the long-term exposure effects of short-chain PFCAs to humans, aquatic life and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - John R Grace
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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48
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Schellenberger S, Jönsson C, Mellin P, Levenstam OA, Liagkouridis I, Ribbenstedt A, Hanning AC, Schultes L, Plassmann MM, Persson C, Cousins IT, Benskin JP. Release of Side-Chain Fluorinated Polymer-Containing Microplastic Fibers from Functional Textiles During Washing and First Estimates of Perfluoroalkyl Acid Emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:14329-14338. [PMID: 31697071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The quantity and composition of fibers released from functional textiles during accelerated washing were investigated using the GyroWash method. Two fabrics [polyamide (PA) and polyester/cotton (PES/CO)] were selected and coated with perfluorohexane-based side-chain fluorinated polymers. Fibers released during washing ranged from ∼10 to 500 μ with a similar distribution for the two textile types. The PA-based fabric released considerably more fibers >20 μm in length compared to the PES/CO-based fabric (>1000/GyroWash for PA vs ∼200/GyroWash fibers for PES/CO). After one GyroWash (2-15 domestic washes), fibers that contained approximately 240 and 1300 μg total fluorine per square meter (μg F/m2) were released from the PA and PES/CO fabrics, respectively. Current understanding of the fate of microplastic fibers suggests that a large fraction of these fibers reach the environment either in effluent wastewater or sewage sludge applied to land. In the environment, the fluorinated side chains will be slowly cleaved from the backbone of the side-chain fluorinated polymers coated on the fibers and then transformed into short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids. On the European scale, emissions of up to ∼0.7 t of fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) per year were estimated for outdoor rain jackets treated with fluorotelomer-based side-chain fluorinated polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schellenberger
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Christina Jönsson
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Pelle Mellin
- Swerim, Powder Materials & Additive Manufacturing , Kista 164 40 , Sweden
| | - Oscar A Levenstam
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Ioannis Liagkouridis
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Anton Ribbenstedt
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Anne-Charlotte Hanning
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Lara Schultes
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Merle M Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Caiza Persson
- Division Materials and Production , RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , Stockholm and Gothenburg 111 21 , Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm 114 19 , Sweden
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49
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Characterization of non-radiolabeled Thyroxine (T 4) uptake in cryopreserved rat hepatocyte suspensions: Pharmacokinetic implications for PFOA and PFOS chemical exposure. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 58:230-238. [PMID: 30930230 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The alteration of thyroxine (T4) cellular uptake by an environmental chemical can serve as a contributing factor in thyroid hormone (TH) disruption. Herein, we describe a non-radiolabeled (LC-MS/MS) oil-filtration technique designed to characterize the mechanism(s) responsible for T4 cellular uptake in cryopreserved rat hepatocyte suspensions. The environmental chemicals perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were evaluated for their effect on T4 hepatic uptake. At 37 °C, hepatic assays demonstrated saturable kinetics with increasing T4 concentrations, while a linear uptake rate consistent with passive diffusion was detected at 4 °C. Carrier-mediated (37-4 °C) transport of T4 was the predominant hepatic uptake process versus passive diffusion. Cyclosporin A (CsA) chemically inhibited T4 hepatic uptake, whereas PFOA/PFOS displayed no inhibition of T4 translocation. Increasing PFOA/PFOS concentration levels with the T4 serum carrier-protein transthyretin (TTR) present resulted in a dose-response increase in T4 hepatic uptake rates, correlating with increased T4 free fraction values. Hepatic assays conducted in the presence of PFOA/PFOS and TTR displayed an enhanced first-order T4 hepatic uptake rate consistent with carrier-mediated transport. These in vitro findings characterizing increased T4 hepatic uptake provides mechanistic insight regarding decreased T4 serum levels (hypothyroxinemia) previously observed within in vivo rodent studies following perfluorinated chemical exposure.
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50
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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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