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Peter L, Modiri-Gharehveran M, Alvarez-Campos O, Evanylo GK, Lee LS. PFAS fate using lysimeters during degraded soil reclamation using biosolids. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 38816342 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Carbon- and nutrient-rich biosolids are used in agriculture and land reclamation. However, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) typically present in biosolids raise concerns of PFAS leaching to groundwater and plant uptake. Here, we investigated PFAS persistence and leaching from biosolids applied to a site constructed artificially to mimic degraded soils. Treatments included biosolids and biosolids blended with mulch applied at different rates to attain either one and five times the agronomic N rate for vegetable crops and a control treatment with synthetic urea and triple superphosphate fertilizer. Leachates were collected for a 2-year period from 15-cm depth zero-tension drainage lysimeters. Soils were analyzed post biosolids application. PFAS were quantified using isotope-dilution, solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Leachate profiles exemplified an initial high total PFAS concentration, followed by a sharp decline and subsequent small fluctuations attributed to pre-existing soil conditions and rainfall patterns. Quantifiable PFAS in leachate were proportional to biosolids application rates. Short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (CF2 < 6) were dominant in leachate, while the percentage of longer chains homologues was higher in soils. A 43% biosolids blend with mulch resulted in 21% lower PFAS leachate concentrations even with the blend application rate being 1.5 times higher than biosolids due to the blend's lower N-content. The blending effect was more pronounced for long-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids that have a greater retention by soils and the air-water interface. Biosolids blending as a pragmatic strategy for reducing PFAS leachate concentrations may aid in the sustainable beneficial reuse of biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Peter
- Department of Agronomy, Ecological Sciences & Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Mahsa Modiri-Gharehveran
- Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA
| | - Odiney Alvarez-Campos
- USAID, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Gregory K Evanylo
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Ecological Sciences & Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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2
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Behnami A, Zoroufchi Benis K, Pourakbar M, Yeganeh M, Esrafili A, Gholami M. Biosolids, an important route for transporting poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater treatment plants into the environment: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171559. [PMID: 38458438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171559] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in diverse products has led to their introduction into wastewater systems, making wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) significant PFAS contributors to the environment. Despite WWTPs' efforts to mitigate PFAS impact through physicochemical and biological means, concerns persist regarding PFAS retention in generated biosolids. While numerous review studies have explored the fate of these compounds within WWTPs, no study has critically reviewed their presence, transformation mechanisms, and partitioning within the sludge. Therefore, the current study has been specifically designed to investigate these aspects. Studies show variations in PFAS concentrations across WWTPs, highlighting the importance of aqueous-to-solid partitioning, with sludge from PFOS and PFOA-rich wastewater showing higher concentrations. Research suggests biological mechanisms such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, transamine metabolism, and beta-oxidation are involved in PFAS biotransformation, though the effects of precursor changes require further study. Carbon chain length significantly affects PFAS partitioning, with longer chains leading to greater adsorption in sludge. The wastewater's organic and inorganic content is crucial for PFAS adsorption; for instance, higher sludge protein content and divalent cations like calcium and magnesium promote adsorption, while monovalent cations like sodium impede it. In conclusion, these discoveries shed light on the complex interactions among factors affecting PFAS behavior in biosolids. They underscore the necessity for thorough considerations in managing PFAS presence and its impact on environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Behnami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khaled Zoroufchi Benis
- Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mojtaba Pourakbar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran; Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Yeganeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Esrafili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mitra Gholami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Timshina AS, Robey NM, Oldnettle A, Barron S, Mehdi Q, Cerlanek A, Townsend TG, Bowden JA. Investigating the sources and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food waste compost. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 180:125-134. [PMID: 38564913 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Composting municipal food waste is a key strategy for beneficially reusing methane-producing waste that would otherwise occupy landfill space. However, land-applied compost can cycle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) back into the food supply and the environment. We partnered with a pilot-scale windrow composting facility to investigate the sources and fate of 40 PFAS in food waste compost. A comparison of feedstock materials yielded concentrations of ∑PFAS under 1 ng g-1 in mulch and food waste and at 1380 ng g-1 in leachate from used compostable food contact materials. Concentrations of targeted ∑PFAS increased with compost maturity along the windrow (1.85-23.1 ng g-1) and in mature stockpiles of increasing curing age (12.6-84.3 ng g-1). Among 15 PFAS quantified in compost, short-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) - C5 and C6 PFCAs in particular - led the increasing trend, suggesting biotransformation of precursor PFAS into these terminal PFAS through aerobic decomposition. Several precursor PFAS were also measured, including fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) and polyfluorinated phosphate diesters (PAPs). However, since most targeted analytical methods and proposed regulations prioritize terminal PFAS, testing fully matured compost would provide the most relevant snapshot of PFAS that could be land applied. In addition, removing co-disposed food contact materials from the FW feedstock onsite yielded only a 37 % reduction of PFAS loads in subsequent compost, likely due to PFAS leaching during co-disposal. Source-separation of food contact materials is currently the best management practice for meaningful reduction of PFAS in food waste composts intended for land application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina S Timshina
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nicole M Robey
- Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc., Gainesville, FL 32606, USA
| | - Allison Oldnettle
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | | | - Qaim Mehdi
- University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Allison Cerlanek
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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4
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Wu C, Goodrow S, Chen H, Li M. Distinctive biotransformation and biodefluorination of 6:2 versus 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids by municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121431. [PMID: 38471201 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) represent an important group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) given their high toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and frequent detection in landfill leachates and PFAS-impacted sites. In this study, we assessed the biodegradability of 6:2 FTCA and 5:3 FTCA by activated sludges from four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the New York Metropolitan area. Coupling with 6:2 FTCA removal, significant fluoride release (0.56∼1.83 F-/molecule) was evident in sludge treatments during 7 days of incubation. Less-fluorinated transformation products (TPs) were formed, including 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 FTUCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). In contrast, little fluoride (0.01∼0.09 F-/molecule) was detected in 5:3 FTCA-dosed microcosms, though 25∼68% of initially dosed 5:3 FTCA was biologically removed. This implies the dominance of "non-fluoride-releasing pathways" that may contribute to the formation of CoA adducts or other conjugates over 5:3 FTCA biotransformation. The discovery of defluorinated 5:3 FTUCA revealed the possibility of microbial attacks of the C-F bond at the γ carbon to initiate the transformation. Microbial community analysis revealed the possible involvement of 9 genera, such as Hyphomicrobium and Dechloromonas, in aerobic FTCA biotransformation. This study unraveled that biotransformation pathways of 6:2 and 5:3 FTCAs can be divergent, resulting in biodefluorination at distinctive degrees. Further research is underscored to uncover the nontarget TPs and investigate the involved biotransformation and biodefluorination mechanisms and molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra Goodrow
- Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mengyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
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5
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Zhang Y, Meng J, Zhou Y, Song N, Zhao Y, Hong M, Yu J, Cao L, Dou Y, Kong D. Transport and health risk of legacy and emerging per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the water cycle in an urban area, China: Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters are of concern. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:171010. [PMID: 38369148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171010] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are a group of emerging alternatives to the legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To better understand the transport and risk of PAPs in the water cycle, 21 PFAS including 4 PAPs and 17 perfluoroalkyl acids were investigated in multiple waterbodies in an urban area, China. PFAS concentrations ranged from 85.8 to 206 ng/L, among which PAPs concentrations ranged from 35.0 to 71.8 ng/L, in river and lake water with major substances of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate (6:2 monoPAP), and 8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate (8:2 monoPAP). As transport pathways, municipal wastewater and precipitation were investigated for PFAS mass loading estimation, and PAPs transported via precipitation more than municipal wastewater discharge. Concentrations of PFAS in tap water and raw source water were compared, and PAPs cannot be removed by drinking water treatment. In tap water, PFAS concentrations ranged from 132 to 271 ng/L and among them PAPs concentrations ranged from 41.6 to 61.9 ng/L. Human exposure and health risk to PFAS via drinking water were assessed, and relatively stronger health risks were induced from PFOS, PAPs, and PFOA. The environmental contamination and health risk of PAPs are of concern, and management implications regarding their sources, exposure, and hazards were raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ninghui Song
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yaxin Zhao
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Minghui Hong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Li Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yezhi Dou
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deyang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of China, Nanjing 210042, China.
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6
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Ao J, Tang W, Liu X, Ao Y, Zhang Q, Zhang J. Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) as PFAS substitutes and precursors: An overview. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133018. [PMID: 37984148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are emerging substitutes for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely applied in consumer products and closely related to people's daily lives. Increasing concern has been raised about the safety of PAPs due to their metabolism into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) in vivo. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PAPs and highlights the knowledge gaps. PAPs dominated the PFAS profiles in wastewater, sludge, household dust, food-contact materials, paper products, paints, and cosmetics. They exhibit biomagnification due to their higher levels in top predators. PAPs have been detected in human blood worldwide, with the highest mean levels being found in the United States (1.9 ng/mL) and China (0.4 ng/mL). 6:2 diPAP is the predominant PAP among all identified matrices, followed by 8:2 diPAP. Toxicokinetic studies suggest that after entering the body, most PAPs undergo biotransformation, generating phase Ⅰ (i.e., PFCAs), phase II, and intermediate products with toxicity to be verified. Several epidemiological and toxicological studies have reported the antiandrogenic effect, estrogenic effect, thyroid disruption, oxidative damage, and reproductive toxicity of PAPs. More research is urgently needed on the source and fate of PAPs, human exposure pathways, toxicity other than reproductive and endocrine systems, toxic effects of metabolites, and mixed exposure effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Weifeng Tang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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7
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Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Woodcock MJ, Liu C, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate in soils from two aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120941. [PMID: 38070347 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a common ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations, its environmental fate at AFFF-impacted sites remains poorly understood. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTS in microcosms prepared with soils collected from two AFFF-impacted sites; the former Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Robins AFB. The half-life of 6:2 FTS in Loring soil was 43.3 days; while >60 mol% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS remained in Robins soil microcosms after a 224-day incubation. Differences in initial sulfate concentrations and the depletion of sulfate over the incubation likely contributed to the different 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates between the two soils. At day 224, stable transformation products, i.e., C4C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, were formed with combined molar yields of 13.8 mol% and 1.2 mol% in Loring and Robins soils, respectively. Based on all detected transformation products, the biotransformation pathways of 6:2 FTS in the two soils were proposed. Microbial community analysis suggests that Desulfobacterota microorganisms may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. In addition, species from the genus Sphingomonas, which exhibited higher tolerance to elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTS and its biotransformation products, are likely to have contributed to 6:2 FTS biotransformation. This study demonstrates the potential role of biotransformation processes on the fate of 6:2 FTS at AFFF-impacted sites and highlights the need to characterize site biogeochemical properties for improved assessment of 6:2 FTS biotransformation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Folkerson AP, Mabury SA. A Comparative Biodegradation Study to Assess the Ultimate Fate of Novel Highly Functionalized Hydrofluoroether Alcohols in Wastewater Treatment Plant Microcosms and Surface Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 38131503 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals present in a wide range of commercial and consumer products due to their water-repellency, nonstick, or surfactant properties, resulting from their chemical and thermal stability. This stability, however, often leads to persistence in the environment when they are inevitability released. We utilized microbial microcosms from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge to determine how employing different functional groups such as heteroatom linkages, varying chain lengths, and hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) will impact the ultimate fate of these novel PFAS structures. A suite of five novel fluorosurfactant building blocks (F7 C3 OCHFCF2 SCH2 CH2 OH (FESOH), F3 COCHFCF2 SCH2 CH2 OH (MeFESOH), F7 C3 OCHFCF2 OCH2 CH2 OH (ProFdiEOH), F7 C3 OCHFCF2 CH2 OH (ProFEOH), and F3 COCHFCF2 OCH2 CH2 OH (MeFdiEOH)) and their select transformation products, were incubated in WWTP aerobic microcosms to determine structure-activity relationships. The HFE alcohol congeners with a thioether (FESOH and MeFESOH) were observed to transform faster than the ether congeners, while also producing second-generation HFE acid products (F7 C3 OCHFC(O)OH (2H-3:2 polyfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acid [PFECA]) and F3 COCHFC(O)OH (2H-1:2 PFECA). Subsequent biodegradation experiments with 2H-1:2 PFESA and 2H-1:2 PFECA displayed no further transformation over 74 days. Surface water Photofate experiments compared 2H-1:2 PFECA, and 2H-1:2 polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (PFESA) with their fully fluorinated ether acid counterparts, and demonstrated the potential for both HFE acid species to completely mineralize over extended periods of time, a fate that highlights the value of studying novel PFAS functionalization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-9. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Folkerson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott A Mabury
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Tolaymat T, Robey N, Krause M, Larson J, Weitz K, Parvathikar S, Phelps L, Linak W, Burden S, Speth T, Krug J. A critical review of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) landfill disposal in the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167185. [PMID: 37734620 PMCID: PMC10842600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Landfills manage materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from municipal solid waste (MSW) and other waste streams. This manuscript summarizes state and federal initiatives and critically reviews peer-reviewed literature to define best practices for managing these wastes and identify data gaps to guide future research. The objective is to inform stakeholders about waste-derived PFAS disposed of in landfills, PFAS emissions, and the potential for related environmental impacts. Furthermore, this document highlights data gaps and uncertainties concerning the fate of PFAS during landfill disposal. Most studies on this topic measured PFAS in liquid landfill effluent (leachate); comparatively fewer have attempted to estimate PFAS loading in landfills or other effluent streams such as landfill gas (LFG). In all media, the reported total PFAS heavily depends on waste types and the number of PFAS included in the analytical method. Early studies which only measured a small number of PFAS, predominantly perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), likely report a significant underestimation of total PFAS. Major findings include relationships between PFAS effluent and landfill conditions - biodegradable waste increases PFAS transformation and leaching. Based on the results of multiple studies, it is estimated that 84% of PFAS loading to MSW landfills (7.2 T total) remains in the waste mass, while 5% leaves via LFG and 11% via leachate on an annual basis. The environmental impact of landfill-derived PFAS has been well-documented. Additional research is needed on PFAS in landfilled construction and demolition debris, hazardous, and industrial waste in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabet Tolaymat
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Nicole Robey
- Innovative Technical Solutions, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Max Krause
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judd Larson
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Keith Weitz
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Lara Phelps
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - William Linak
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan Burden
- Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tom Speth
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan Krug
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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10
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Röhler K, Susset B, Grathwohl P. Production of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from precursors in contaminated agricultural soils: Batch and leaching experiments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166555. [PMID: 37633401 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of soils with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (e.g., aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) or PFAS containing biosolids applied to agricultural soils) can lead to large scale groundwater pollution. For site management, knowledge about the extent and time scales of PFAS contamination is crucial. At such sites, often persistent perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and so-called precursors, which can be transformed into PFAAs, co-occur. In this study, the release of PFAAs from 14 soil samples from an agricultural site in southwest Germany contaminated via compost/paper sludge was investigated. Rapid leaching of C4-C8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) was observed in saturated column tests, while slowing down with increasing chain-length (≥ C9 PFCAs). Two selected samples were further incubated in batch-tests after removal of existing C4-C8 PFCAs in extensive column leaching tests until a liquid-solid ratio of 10 l/kg. During 60 days of incubation, aqueous concentrations of C4-C8 PFCAs increased linearly by a factor of 29-222, indicating continuous production by transformation of precursors. The potential PFAA-precursor reservoir was estimated by the direct total oxidizable precursor (dTOP) assay. PFCA concentrations after the dTOP increased up to two orders of magnitude. Production rates determined in batch-tests combined with the results of dTOP assay were used to estimate time scales for the duration of C4-C8 PFCAs emission from the contaminated agricultural soils which likely will last for several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Röhler
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Susset
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Grathwohl
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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11
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Bierbaum T, Klaas N, Braun J, Nürenberg G, Lange FT, Haslauer C. Immobilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Comparison of leaching behavior by three different leaching tests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162588. [PMID: 36871732 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of PFAS immobilization performance in laboratory experiments, especially the long-term stability, is a challenge. To contribute to the development of adequate experimental procedures, the impact of experimental conditions on the leaching behavior was studied. Three experiments on different scales were compared: batch, saturated column, and variably saturated laboratory lysimeter experiments. The Infinite Sink (IS) test - a batch test with repeated sampling - was applied for PFAS for the first time. Soil from an agricultural field amended with paper-fiber biosolids polluted with various perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs; 655 μg/kg ∑18PFAAs) and polyfluorinated precursors (1.4 mg/kg ∑18precursors) was used as the primary material (N-1). Two types of PFAS immobilization agents were tested: treatment with activated carbon-based additives (soil mixtures: R-1 and R-2), and solidification with cement and bentonite (R-3). In all experiments, a chain-length dependent immobilization efficacy is observed. In R-3, the leaching of short-chain PFAAs was enhanced relative to N-1. In column and lysimeter experiments with R-1 and R-2, delayed breakthrough of short-chain PFAAs (C4) occurred (> 90 days; in column experiments at liquid-to-solid ratio (LS) > 30 L/kg) with similar temporal leaching rates suggesting that leaching in these cases was a kinetically controlled process. Observed differences between column and lysimeter experiments may be attributed to varying saturation conditions. In IS experiments, PFAS desorption from N-1, R-1, and R-2 is higher than in the column experiments (N-1: +44 %; R-1: +280 %; R-2: +162 %), desorption of short-chain PFAS occurred predominantly in the initial phase (< 14 days). Our findings demonstrate that sufficient operating times are essential in percolation experiments, e.g., in column experiments >100 days and LS > 30 L/kg. IS experiments may provide a faster estimate for nonpermanent immobilization. The comparison of experimental data from various experiments is beneficial to evaluate PFAS immobilization and to interpret leaching characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bierbaum
- University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS), Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70597 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Norbert Klaas
- University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS), Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70597 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Braun
- University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS), Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70597 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gudrun Nürenberg
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frank Thomas Lange
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Claus Haslauer
- University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS), Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70597 Stuttgart, Germany
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12
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Timshina AS, Sobczak WJ, Griffin EK, Lin AM, Townsend TG, Bowden JA. Up in the air: Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) in airborne dust captured by air conditioning (AC) filters. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 325:138307. [PMID: 36878365 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously present in our indoor living environments. Dust is thought to accumulate PFAS released indoors and serve as an exposure pathway for humans. Here, we investigated whether spent air conditioning (AC) filters can be exploited as opportunistic samplers of airborne dust for assessing PFAS burden in indoor environments. Used AC filters from campus facilities (n = 19) and homes (n = 11) were analyzed for 92 PFAS via targeted ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). While 27 PFAS were measured (in at least one filter), the predominant species were polyfluorinated dialkylated phosphate esters (diPAPs), with the sum of 6:2-, 8:2-, and 6:2/8:2diPAPs accounting for approximately 95 and 98 percent of ∑27PFAS in campus and household filters, respectively. Exploratory screening of a subset of the filters revealed the presence of additional species of mono-, di-, and tri-PAPs. Considering the constant human exposure to dust indoors and the potential of PAPs to degrade into terminal species with well-established toxicological risks, assessing dust for these precursor PFAS warrants further investigation with respect to both human health and PFAS loading to landfills from this under studied waste stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina S Timshina
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - William J Sobczak
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Emily K Griffin
- University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Ashley M Lin
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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13
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Hnatko JP, Liu C, Elsey JL, Dong S, Fortner JD, Pennell KD, Abriola LM, Cápiro NL. Microbial Reductive Dechlorination by a Commercially Available Dechlorinating Consortium Is Not Inhibited by Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) at Field-Relevant Concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37216485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been shown to inhibit biodegradation (i.e., organohalide respiration) of chlorinated ethenes. The potential negative impacts of PFAAs on microbial species performing organohalide respiration, particularly Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc), and the efficacy of in situ bioremediation are a critical concern for comingled PFAA-chlorinated ethene plumes. Batch reactor (no soil) and microcosm (with soil) experiments, containing a PFAA mixture and bioaugmented with KB-1, were completed to assess the impact of PFAAs on chlorinated ethene organohalide respiration. In batch reactors, PFAAs delayed complete biodegradation of cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) to ethene. Maximum substrate utilization rates (a metric for quantifying biodegradation rates) were fit to batch reactor experiments using a numerical model that accounted for chlorinated ethene losses to septa. Fitted values for cis-DCE and vinyl chloride biodegradation were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in batch reactors containing ≥50 mg/L PFAAs. Examination of reductive dehalogenase genes implicated in ethene formation revealed a PFAA-associated change in the Dhc community from cells harboring the vcrA gene to those harboring the bvcA gene. Organohalide respiration of chlorinated ethenes was not impaired in microcosm experiments with PFAA concentrations of 38.7 mg/L and less, suggesting that a microbial community containing multiple strains of Dhc is unlikely to be inhibited by PFAAs at lower, environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Hnatko
- Environmental Resources Management (ERM), Boston, Massachusetts 02108, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Jack L Elsey
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - John D Fortner
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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14
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Liu Y, Lu MY, Bao J, Shao LX, Yu WJ, Hu XM, Zhao X. Periodically reversing electrocoagulation technique for efficient removal of short-chain perfluoroalkyl substances from contaminated groundwater around a fluorochemical facility. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:138953. [PMID: 37196788 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Widespread distributions of short-chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been recognized as a crucial environmental issue. However, multiple treatment techniques were ineffective due to their high polarity and mobility, contributing to a never-ending existence in the aquatic environment ubiquitously. The present study revealed potential technique of periodically reversing electrocoagulation (PREC) to perform efficient removal of short-chain PFASs including experimental factors (in the conditions of 9 V for voltage, 600 r/min of stirring speed, 10 s of reversing period, and 2 g/L of NaCl electrolyte), orthogonal experiments, actual application, and removal mechanism. Accordingly, based upon the orthogonal experiments, the removal efficiencies of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) in simulated solution could achieve 81.0% with the optimal parameters of Fe-Fe electrode materials, addition of 665 μL H2O2 per 10 min, and pH at 3.0. The PREC was further applied for treating the actual groundwater around a fluorochemical facility, consequently the removal efficiencies for typical short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFBS, and perfluoropentane sulfonate (PFPeS) were 62.5%, 89.0%, 96.4%, 90.0%, and 97.5%, respectively. The other long-chain PFASs contaminants had superior removal with the removal efficiencies up to 97%-100%. In addition, a comprehensive removal mechanism related to electric attraction adsorption for short-chain PFASs could be verified through the morphological analysis of ultimate flocs composition. The oxidation degradation was further revealed as the other removal mechanism by suspect and nontarget screening of intermediates formed in simulated solution, as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculation theory. Moreover, the degradation pathways about one CF2O molecule or CO2 eliminated with one C atom removed in PFBS by ·OH generated from the PREC oxidation process were further proposed. As a result, the PREC would be a promising technique for the efficient removal of short-chain PFASs from severely contaminated water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China.
| | - Meng-Yuan Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China
| | - Jia Bao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China.
| | - Li-Xin Shao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yu
- School of Water Resources & Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiao-Min Hu
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
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15
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Gao Z, Yi S, Xue M, Zhu K, Yang R, Wang T, Sun H, Zhu L. Microbial biotransformation mechanisms of PFPiAs in soil unveiled by metagenomic analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130896. [PMID: 36764254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As alternatives of long-chain PFASs (Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), perfluoroalkyl phosphinic acids (PFPiAs) are increasingly observed in the environment, but their environmental behaviors have not been well understood. Here, the microbial biotransformation of C6/C6 and C8/C8 PFPiA in two soils (Soil N and Y) was investigated. After 252 d and 330 d of incubation with PFPiAs in Soil N and Y respectively, the levels of PFPiAs decreased distinctly, accompanied by the increasing perfluorohexaphosphonic acid (PFHxPA) or perfluorooctanophosphonic acid (PFOPA) formation, magnifying PFPiAs were susceptible to C-P cleavage, which was also confirmed by the density functional theory calculations. The half-lives of the PFPiAs were longer than one year, while generally shorter in Soil N than in Soil Y and that of C6/C6 was shorter than C8/C8 PFPiA (392 d and 746 d in Soil N, and 603 and 1155 d in Soil Y, respectively). Metagenomic sequencing analysis revealed that Proteobacteria as the primary host of the potential functional genes related to CP bond cleavage might be the crucial phyla contributing to the biotransformation of PFPiAs. Meanwhile, the more intensive interactions between the microbes in Soil N consistently contribute to its greater capacity for transforming PFPiAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Gao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Shujun Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Mengzhu Xue
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Kecheng Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Rongyan Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
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16
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Szabo D, Marchiandi J, Samandra S, Johnston JM, Mulder RA, Green MP, Clarke BO. High-resolution temporal wastewater treatment plant investigation to understand influent mass flux of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130854. [PMID: 36701979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and reveals previously undescribed variability in daily PFAS concentrations by measuring their occurrence in WWTP influent each hour over the course of a week. ∑50PFAS concentrations ranged between 89 ± 38 on Monday and 173 ± 110 ng L-1 on Friday, where perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), disubstituted phosphate esters (diPAPs), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) contributed the largest proportion to overall weekly concentrations 37%, 30%, and 17% respectively. Simultaneous pulse events of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; 400 ng L-1) and perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS; 18 ng L-1) indicate significant industrial or commercial waste discharge that persists for up to 3 h. The minimum number of hourly grab samples required to detect variation of PFOS and PFHpS concentrations are 7 and 9 samples respectively, indicating a high degree of variability in PFAS concentrations between days. Overall, the risk of sampling bias from grab samples is high given the variability in PFAS concentrations and more frequent sampling campaigns must be balanced against the cost of analysis carefully to avoid the mischaracterisation of mass flux to receiving surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 11418, Sweden
| | - Jaye Marchiandi
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Subharthe Samandra
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Julia M Johnston
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Guo M, Liu X, Dong C, Wu F, Geng Q, Li F, Tan Z. New insights into the oxidative damage and antioxidant defense mechanism in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) exposed to 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester stress. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 259:106500. [PMID: 37141848 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
8:2 perfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (8:2 diPAP) is the main precursor of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, and it has been detected in a wide range of environments. In this study, conventional biochemical and histopathological analyses and transcriptome methods were used to investigate the accumulation and oxidative stress of 8:2 diPAP in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) as well as the clam's defense mechanisms for the first time. The hepatopancreas was the main target organ for 8:2 diPAP accumulation; the concentration reached 484.0 ± 15.5 ng/g after 7 days of exposure to 10 μg/L of 8:2 diPAP, which was 2-100 times higher than that found in other organs. 8:2 diPAP accumulation resulted in significant lipid peroxidation, and the change in malondialdehyde content was highly correlated with 8:2 diPAP accumulation (r > 0.8). The antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase were significantly activated at 7 days of exposure. Although the levels subsequently returned to normal, this restoration was unable to prevent damage. Histopathological analysis showed that 8:2 diPAP exposure resulted in inflammatory damage to the hepatopancreas, which failed to resolve during the recovery period. Transcriptomic analyses showed that the expression of differentially expressed genes had different degrees of positive/negative correlation with antioxidant indicators, and they were significantly enriched in cell death regulatory pathways such as autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis. The core factor expression results indicated that 8:2 diPAP exposure induced activation of the organismal autophagy factor followed by a shift towards apoptosis. In addition, pathways related to amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism were involved in determining the cell fate of Manila clams. Overall, these results indicated that 8:2 diPAP induced peroxidation of membrane lipids, disturbed physiological processes, and ultimately initiated programmed cell death in Manila clams. The findings of this study provide new insights into the mechanism of toxicity of 8:2 diPAP exposure in marine bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang 261325, China
| | - Chenfan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qianqian Geng
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Fengling Li
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhijun Tan
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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18
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Thompson JT, Robey NM, Tolaymat TM, Bowden JA, Solo-Gabriele HM, Townsend TG. Underestimation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Biosolids: Precursor Transformation During Conventional Treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3825-3832. [PMID: 36749308 PMCID: PMC10500628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants generate a solid waste known as biosolids. The most common management option for biosolids is to beneficially reuse them as an agricultural amendment, but because of the risk of pathogen exposure, many regulatory bodies require pathogen reduction before biosolids reuse. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are well documented in biosolids, but limited information is available on how biosolids treatment processes impact PFAS. Furthermore, quantification of PFAS has focused on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) which are a small fraction of thousands of PFAS known to exist. The objective of this study was to quantify 92 PFAS in biosolids collected from eight biosolids treatment facilities before and after four pathogen treatment applications: composting, heat treatment, lime treatment, and anaerobic digestion. Overall, total PFAS concentrations before and after treatment were dominated by PFAA precursor species, in particular, diPAPs which accounted for a majority of the mass of the Σ92PFAS. This differs from historic data that found PFAAs, primarily PFOS, to dominate total PFAS concentrations. Treatment options such as heat treatment and composting changed the ratio of PFAA precursors to PFAAs indicating a transformation of PFAS during treatment. This study finds that PFAA precursors are likely underrepresented by other studies and make up a larger percentage of the total PFAS concentration in biosolids than previously estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake T Thompson
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116450, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6450, United States
| | - Nicole M Robey
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116450, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6450, United States
| | - Thabet M Tolaymat
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100144, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33124, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116450, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6450, United States
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Berhanu A, Mutanda I, Taolin J, Qaria MA, Yang B, Zhu D. A review of microbial degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Biotransformation routes and enzymes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160010. [PMID: 36356780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, copious amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (dubbed "forever chemicals") have been dumped into the environment, causing heavy contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater sources. Humans, animals, and the environment are frequently exposed to PFAS through food, water, consumer products, as well as waste streams from PFAS-manufacturing industries. PFAS are a large group of synthetic organic fluorinated compounds with widely diverse chemical structures that are extremely resistant to microbial degradation. Their persistence, toxicity to life on earth, bioaccumulation tendencies, and adverse health and ecological effects have earned them a "top priority pollutant" designation by regulatory bodies. Despite that a number of physicochemical methods exist for PFAS treatment, they suffer from major drawbacks regarding high costs, use of high energy and incomplete mineralization (destruction of the CF bond). Consequently, microbial degradation and enzymatic treatment of PFAS are highly sought after as they offer a complete, cheaper, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative. In this critical review, we provide an overview of the classification, properties, and interaction of PFAS within the environment relevant to microbial degradation. We discuss latest developments in the biodegradation of PFAS by microbes, transformation routes, transformation products and degradative enzymes. Finally, we highlight the existing challenges, limitations, and prospects of bioremediation approaches in treating PFAS and proffer possible solutions and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Berhanu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Haramaya Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Ishmael Mutanda
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ji Taolin
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Majjid A Qaria
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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20
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Dong B, Wu J, Zhuang Y, Wang F, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zheng H, Yang L, Peng L. Trace Analysis Method Based on UPLC-MS/MS for the Determination of (C2-C18) Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Its Application to Tap Water and Bottled Water. Anal Chem 2023; 95:695-702. [PMID: 36598765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As the usage of long-chain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may be gradually restricted, short-chain and even ultra-short-chain PFASs have been widely produced and used, which has put forward new requirements for the simultaneous analysis of the above substances. Using solid phase extraction two-fraction elution and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), an experimental method was established for the simultaneous analysis of ultrashort-chain, short-chain, and long-chain PFASs and the precursor perfluorohexanesulfonamide (FHxSA) in low-concentration water, such as tap water and bottled water. By optimizing the volume of methanol in the first-fraction elution, the concentration of ammonia in the second-fraction elution, and the concentration of ammonium acetate in the mobile phase, the high recovery and low detection limit (0.01-3 ng/L) were obtained. In addition, this method was used to measure nine tap water samples and six bottled water samples for validation, and the results showed that the concentration of PFASs in bottled water was lower than that in tap water. This study first reported the trifluoroacetic acid concentration in bottled water (6.61 ± 9.60 ng/L), which was lower than that in tap water (1712 ± 174 ng/L). The main substances in tap water and bottled water are both ultrashort-chain PFASs (C2-C3), accounting for more than 50%. There are few reports on the simultaneous analysis of ultrashort-chain, short-chain, and long-chain PFASs (C2-C18) and the precursor FHxSA in low-concentration water samples, and the new method can be further developed for different environmental media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqi Dong
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Institute of Transport Energy and Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.,School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yiru Zhuang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Fan Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Resource and Environmental System Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Hebei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Hebei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- Hebei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Lin Peng
- Institute of Transport Energy and Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.,School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
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21
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Lämmer R, Weidemann E, Göckener B, Stahl T, Breuer J, Kowalczyk J, Just H, Boeddinghaus RS, Gassmann M, Kling HW, Bücking M. Evaluation of the Transformation and Leaching Behavior of Two Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diesters in a Field Lysimeter Study. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:14329-14338. [PMID: 36323308 PMCID: PMC9673155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 6:2 and 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (diPAP) were individually investigated in lysimeters under near-natural conditions. Leachate was sampled for 2 years, as was the soil after the experiment. In the leachate of the diPAP-spiked soils, perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) of different chain lengths were detected [23.2% (6:2 diPAP variant) and 20.8% (8:2 diPAP variant) of the initially applied molar amount]. After 2 years, the soils still contained 36-37% 6:2 diPAP and 41-45% 8:2 diPAP, respectively, in addition to smaller amounts of PFCAs (1.5 and 10.6%, respectively). Amounts of PFCAs found in the grass were low (<0.1% in both variants). The recovery rate of both 6:2 diPAP and 8:2 diPAP did not reach 100% (63.9 and 83.2%, respectively). The transformation of immobile diPAPs into persistent mobile PFCAs and their transport into the groundwater shows a pathway for human exposure to hazardous PFCAs through drinking water and irrigation of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Lämmer
- Department of Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Straße 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Department of Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stahl
- Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe, Joseph-König-Straße 40, 48147 Münster, Germany
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Center for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstraße 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Janine Kowalczyk
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hildegard Just
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Runa S Boeddinghaus
- Center for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstraße 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Straße 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Hans-Willi Kling
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Mark Bücking
- Department of Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Peskett ST, Rand AA. The human fecal microbiome contributes to the biotransformation of the PFAS surfactant 8:2 monosubstituted polyfluoroalkyl phosphate ester. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1758-1768. [PMID: 35979739 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00225f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) can be found throughout society due to their numerous commercial applications. However, they also pose an environmental and health concern given their ability to undergo hydrolysis and oxidation to several bioactive and persistent products, including the perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). The metabolism of PAPs has been shown to occur in mammalian liver and intestine, however metabolism by the gut microbiome has not yet been investigated. In this study, human fecal samples were used to model the microbial population of the colon, to test whether these anaerobic microbes could facilitate 8:2 monosubstituted PAP (monoPAP) transformation. In vitro testing was completed by incubating the fecal samples with 8:2 monoPAP (400-10,000 nM) up to 120 minutes in an anaerobic chamber. Reactions were then terminated and the samples prepared for GC- and LC-MS/MS analysis. Metabolites of interest were the immediate hydrolysis product, the 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH), and 11 additional metabolites previously shown to form from 8:2 FTOH in both oxic and anoxic environments. The kinetics of 8:2 monoPAP transformation by gut microbiota were compared to those in human S9 liver and intestine fractions, both of which have active levels of hydrolyzing and oxidative enzymes that transform 8:2 monoPAP. Transformation rates from 8:2 monoPAP to 8:2 FTOH were highest in liver S9 > intestine S9 > fecal suspensions. The gut microbiome also produced a unique composition of oxidative metabolites, where the following intermediate metabolites were more abundant than terminal PFCAs: 8:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (FTUCA) > 8:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (FTCA) > 7:2 Ketone ≈ perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). Hydrolytic and oxidative metabolites contributed up to 30% of the molar balance after microbial 8:2 monoPAP transformation. Together, the results suggest that the gut microbiome can play a notable role in PAP biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra T Peskett
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, USA.
| | - Amy A Rand
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, USA.
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23
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Harris KJ, Munoz G, Woo V, Sauvé S, Rand AA. Targeted and Suspect Screening of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:14594-14604. [PMID: 36178710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02660] [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
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals reported in cosmetics and personal care products as ingredients, possible impurities in the raw material manufacturing process, or degradation products. The purpose of this study was to further delineate contributions of these varying PFAS sources to these products. Thirty-eight cosmetics and personal care products were selected and analyzed for polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (PAPs), perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), fluorotelomer sulfonic acids (FTSAs), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) using targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A subset of products was also subjected to suspect screening using LC-high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for >200 compounds. Results of LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS indicated a predominant and ubiquitous presence of PAPs (detection frequency 99.7%, mean and median ΣPAPs 1 080 000 and 299 ng/g). Total median PFCA and PFSA concentrations were 3 and 38 times lower, respectively. There were significant correlations (Spearman's correlation coefficients = 0.60-0.81, p < 0.05) between 6:2 PAPs and their biotransformation products. Low levels of other PFAS classes were detected, including those previously measured in wastewater and human blood (e.g., hydrido-PFCAs), and five compounds associated with aqueous film-forming foams. Overall, these data highlight that cosmetics and personal care products can contain a breadth of PFAS at extremely high levels, leading to human and environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keegan J Harris
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Montréal, Montréal H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Vivian Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, University of Montréal, Montréal H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Amy A Rand
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa K1S 5B6, Canada
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24
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Weidemann E, Lämmer R, Stahl T, Göckener B, Bücking M, Breuer J, Kowalczyk J, Just H, Boeddinghaus RS, Gassmann M. Leaching and Transformation of Perfluoroalkyl Acids and Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diesters in Unsaturated Soil Column Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2065-2077. [PMID: 35751449 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5417] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally ubiquitous, anthropogenic substances with adverse effects on organisms, which shows the need to study their environmental fate and leaching behavior. In the present soil columns study, the leaching behavior and fate of nontransformable and transformable (precursors) were investigated. Ten nontransformable PFAS in two different soils, two precursors and two field soils, which were already contaminated with a mixture of PFAS, and two uncontaminated controls, were set up for a time span of 2 years. At the end of the study, the molecular balance could not be closed for nontransformable PFAS. This effect was positively correlated to the fluorinated carbon chain length. The precursors, which were both polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diesters (diPAP), had different transformation products and transformation rates, with a higher rate for 6:2 diPAP than 8:2 diPAP. After 2 years, amounts of diPAP were still found in the soil with no significant vertical movement, showing high adsorption to soils. Transformation products were estimated to be simultaneously formed. They were predominantly found in the percolation water; the amounts left in soil were negligible. Up to half of the initial precursor amounts could not be balanced and were considered missing amounts. The results of contaminated field soil experiments showed the challenge to estimate PFAS leaching without knowing all occurring precursors and complex transformation dynamics. For this purpose, it was shown that a broad examination of contaminated soil with different analytical methods can help with qualitative estimations of leaching risks. For a better quantitative estimation, analytical determination of more PFAS and a quantification of the missing amounts are needed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2065-2077. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Weidemann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - René Lämmer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stahl
- Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe, Münster, Germany
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Mark Bücking
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Center for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Hildegard Just
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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25
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Lin K, Han T, Wang R, Tan L, Yang X, Zhao T, Chen Y, Wan M, Wang J. Spatiotemporal distribution, ecological risk assessment and source analysis of legacy and emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Bohai Bay, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134378. [PMID: 35398068 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Bohai Sea is one of the most polluted hotspots by per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the world and studies on the vertical distribution of PFASs at different water layers and phase partitioning between water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were still limited. 23 legacy and emerging PFASs were investigated in seawater and SPM throughout the Bay in this study. The average concentrations of ∑PFASs in seawater were 48.21 ng/L and 52.71 ng/L during the periods of wet and normal water, respectively. In general, the concentrations of ∑PFASs in surface water were higher than that in deep water. Legacy PFASs in seawater were dominated by PFOA and short-chain PFASs, while the emerging alternative HFPO-DA was detected in the whole water layer of the Bohai Bay with an average concentration of 1.09 ng/L. The spatial distribution showed that ∑PFASs were higher nearshore than inside the bay and higher in the south than that in the north of the bay. The average concentration of ∑PFASs in SPM was 9.02 ng/g. Long-chain PFASs and the emerging alternative 6:2 Cl-PFESA accounted for the major contaminants. The partition coefficients log Kd and φspm-w showed a linear positive correlation with carbon chain length. Preliminary risk assessments revealed that the ecological risk of common PFASs in the Bohai Bay was low, while PFOA was at moderate risk. The principal component analysis demonstrated that the production process of traditional fluorochemical factories, fire-fighting and emerging electroplating industries were the main sources of PFASs. This was the first comprehensive survey of emerging PFASs in different water depths and in SPM of the Bohai Bay during different seasons, which provided important scientific data for studying the ecological risks and pollution prevention of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Tongzhu Han
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Bioresource and Environment Research Center, Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, The First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Liju Tan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Xue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Yanshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Mengmeng Wan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Jiangtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
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26
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Just H, Göckener B, Lämmer R, Wiedemann-Krantz L, Stahl T, Breuer J, Gassmann M, Weidemann E, Bücking M, Kowalczyk J. Degradation and Plant Transfer Rates of Seven Fluorotelomer Precursors to Perfluoroalkyl Acids and F-53B in a Soil-Plant System with Maize ( Zea mays L.). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:8920-8930. [PMID: 35840126 PMCID: PMC9335875 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer precursors in soil constitute a reservoir for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the environment. In the present study, precursor degradation and transfer rates of seven fluorotelomer precursors and F-53B (chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates) were investigated in pot experiments with maize plants (Zea mays L.). The degradation of fluorotelomer precursors to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and their uptake spectra corresponded to those of fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) in terms of the number of perfluorinated carbon atoms. Short-chain PFCAs were translocated into the shoots (in descending order perfluoropentanoic, perfluorobutanoic, and perfluorohexanoic acid), whereas long-chain PFCAs mainly remained in the soil. In particular, fluorotelomer phosphate diesters (diPAPs) were retained in the soil and showed the highest degradation potential including evidence of α-oxidative processes. F-53B did not degrade to PFAAs and its constituents were mainly detected in the roots with minor uptake into the shoots. The results demonstrate the important role of precursors as an entry pathway for PFCAs into the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Just
- Department
Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment, Unit Feed, and Feed Additives, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- . Phone: +4930 18412 28409
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
| | - René Lämmer
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
| | - Lars Wiedemann-Krantz
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stahl
- Chemical
and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe
(CVUA-MEL), Joseph-König-Strasse
40, 48147 Münster, Germany
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Agricultural
Technology Centre Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstraße 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department
of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University
of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Strasse 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department
of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University
of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Strasse 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Mark Bücking
- Fraunhofer-Institute
for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg-Grafschaft, Germany
- School of
Chemistry, Monash University, Box 23, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Janine Kowalczyk
- Department
Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment, Unit Feed, and Feed Additives, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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27
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Li Y, Bräunig J, Thai PK, Rebosura M, Mueller JF, Yuan Z. Formation and fate of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in a laboratory-scale urban wastewater system. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 216:118295. [PMID: 35316679 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The fate and formation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been investigated during wastewater treatment processes but studies for the entire urban wastewater system comprising the sewage transport and wastewater and sludge treatment processes are scarce. This work performs an integrated assessment of the formation and fate of PFAAs in the urban wastewater system together with their behavior in separate components of the system. To achieve this, PFAAs were monitored over five weeks in a laboratory-scale urban wastewater system comprising sewer reactors, a wastewater treatment reactor, and an anaerobic sludge digester. The system was fed with real domestic wastewater. The total mass of 11 PFAAs flowing out of the laboratory wastewater system significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 112 ± 14 (mean ± standard error)% compared to that entering the system. Formation of PFAAs was observed in all three biological processes of the system. In anaerobic sewer process, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exhibited significant formation (p < 0.05) with the mass flow increased by 79 ± 24%, 109 ± 31%, and 57 ± 17%, respectively. During the wastewater treatment process, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) demonstrated significant increase (p < 0.05) in their mass flows by 176 ± 56%, 92 ± 21%, and 516 ± 184%, respectively. In contrast, only PFHxA was found to significantly (p < 0.05) increase by 130 ± 40% during anaerobic digestion process. The total mass of 11 PFAAs discharged through the effluent (201 ± 24 ng day-1) was 5 times higher than that through the digested sludge (29 ± 6 ng day-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Li
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mario Rebosura
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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28
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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29
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Efficient workflow for suspect screening analysis to characterize novel and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:4497-4507. [PMID: 35608671 PMCID: PMC9142425 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Land application of treated sewage sludge (also known as biosolids) is considered a sustainable route of disposal because it reduces waste loading into landfills while improving soil health. However, this waste management practice can introduce contaminants from biosolids, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), into the environment. PFAS have been observed to be taken up by plants, accumulate in humans and animals, and have been linked to various negative health effects. There is limited information on the nature and amounts of PFAS introduced from biosolids that have undergone different treatment processes. Therefore, this study developed analytical techniques to improve the characterization of PFAS in complex biosolid samples. Different clean-up techniques were evaluated and applied to waste-activated sludge (WAS) and lime-stabilized primary solids (PS) prior to targeted analysis and suspect screening of biosolid samples. Using liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry, a workflow was developed to achieve parallel quantitative targeted analysis and qualitative suspect screening. This study found that concentrations of individual PFAS (27 targeted analytes) can range from 0.6 to 84.6 ng/g in WAS (average total PFAS = 241.4 ng/g) and from 1.6 to 33.8 ng/g in PS (average total PFAS = 72.1 ng/g). The suspect screening workflow identified seven additional PFAS in the biosolid samples, five of which have not been previously reported in environmental samples. Some of the newly identified compounds are a short-chain polyfluorinated carboxylate (a PFOS replacement), a diphosphate ester (a PFOA precursor), a possible transformation product of carboxylate PFAS, and an imidohydrazide which contains a sulfonate and benzene ring.
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Liu Y, Mendoza-Perilla P, Clavier KA, Tolaymat TM, Bowden JA, Solo-Gabriele HM, Townsend TG. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash co-disposal: Influence on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentration in landfill leachate. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 144:49-56. [PMID: 35306465 PMCID: PMC10536760 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash is often managed through co-disposal with unburned wastes in landfills, a practice previously reported to result in enhanced leaching of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals) in landfill leachate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of co-disposed unburned wastes on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in MSWI ash landfill leachate. Leachate was collected from four landfills containing MSWI ash, either as a sole waste stream or co-disposed of with sewage sludge and MSW screenings. Samples of ash and unburned materials were collected and assessed separately for leachable PFAS in the laboratory. All samples were analyzed for 26 PFAS. Results showed that greater ash content was associated with lower leachate PFAS concentrations. The pure ash monofill exhibited the lowest PFAS in landfill leachate (290 ng L-1) while the landfill contained a large amount of unburned waste had the highest PFAS (11,000 ng L-1). For laboratory leaching tests, average ∑26PFAS concentration in lab ash leachate (310 ng L-1) was 10 and 24 times lower than observed in lab sewage sludge leachate (3,200 ng L-1) and lab MSW screenings leachate (7,500 ng L-1), respectively. Leachate from the ash-only landfill had ∑26PFAS concentration similar to what was measured in the ash itself. On the contrary, ∑26PFAS concentration in co-disposal landfill leachates were similar to those in PFAS-rich unburned waste itself, regardless of the percentages of landfilled unburned wastes. We hypothesize that leachate generated in co-disposal scenarios preferentially flows through PFAS-rich unburned materials and that biotransformation of precursors enhanced by unburned waste degradation further contributes to higher concentrations of terminal PFAS in ash co-disposal sites. Landfill operators should expect PFAS in leachates to be higher when PFAS-rich unburned wastes are disposed of alongside MSWI ash, even if the unburned fraction is small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Paola Mendoza-Perilla
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kyle A Clavier
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Thabet M Tolaymat
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- University of Miami, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Yang SH, Shi Y, Strynar M, Chu KH. Desulfonation and defluorination of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) by Rhodococcus jostii RHA1: Carbon and sulfur sources, enzymes, and pathways. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127052. [PMID: 34523492 PMCID: PMC8823295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) is one per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances commonly detected in the environment. While biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA has been reported, factors affecting desulfonation and defluorination of 6:2 FTSA remain poorly understood. This study elucidated the effects of carbon and sulfur sources on the gene expression of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 which is responsible for the 6:2 FTSA biotransformation. While alkane monooxygenase and cytochrome P450 were highly expressed in ethanol-, 1-butanol-, and n-octane-grown RHA1 in sulfur-rich medium, these cultures only defluorinated 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol but not 6:2 FTSA, suggesting that the sulfonate group in 6:2 FTSA hinders enzymatic defluorination. In sulfur-free growth media, alkanesulfonate monooxygenase was linked to desulfonation of 6:2 FTSA; while alkane monooxygenase, haloacid dehalogenase, and cytochrome P450 were linked to defluorination of 6:2 FTSA. The desulfonation and defluorination ability of these enzymes toward 6:2 FTSA were validated through heterologous gene expression and in vitro assays. Four degradation metabolites were confirmed and one was identified as a tentative metabolite. The results provide a new understanding of 6:2 FTSA biotransformation by RHA1. The genes encoding these desulfonating- and defluorinating-enzymes are potential markers to be used to assess 6:2 FTSA biotransformation in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ying Shi
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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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: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 169.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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,corresponding: ,
| | - John W. Washington
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling,corresponding: ,
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Joudan S, Mabury SA. Aerobic biotransformation of a novel highly functionalized polyfluoroether-based surfactant using activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:62-71. [PMID: 34935819 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00358e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A replacement fluorosurfactant has been recently introduced to the European market as an alternative to other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been phased-out or banned. Here, we incubated this novel fluorosurfactant (diFESOS, [F7C3OCHFCF2SCH2CH2OC(O)]2C2H3SO3-) which contains ether and thioether insertions, and its known polyfluoroalkyl degradation products, an alcohol (FESOH) and carboxylic acid (FESCA), with activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant under sulfur-limited conditions. Dosed chemicals and their transformation products were monitored using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to FESOH and FESCA, two smaller metabolites were identified: C3F7OCHFCOO- (2H-3:2 PFECA) and perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA). 2H-3:2 PFECA presumably was a result of S-dealkylation of FESCA, which then resulted in the abiotic cleavage of two C-F bonds; no S-oxygenation was observed. Overall, the terminal products of this biotransformation likely have lower bioaccumulation potential than the parent fluorosurfactant based on comparison to other similar PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Joudan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Scott A Mabury
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Androulakakis A, Alygizakis N, Gkotsis G, Nika MC, Nikolopoulou V, Bizani E, Chadwick E, Cincinelli A, Claßen D, Danielsson S, Dekker RWRJ, Duke G, Glowacka N, Jansman HAH, Krone O, Martellini T, Movalli P, Persson S, Roos A, O'Rourke E, Siebert U, Treu G, van den Brink NW, Walker LA, Deaville R, Slobodnik J, Thomaidis NS. Determination of 56 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in top predators and their prey from Northern Europe by LC-MS/MS. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:131775. [PMID: 34509025 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of emerging substances that have proved to be persistent and highly bioaccumulative. They are broadly used in various applications and are known for their long-distance migration and toxicity. In this study, 65 recent specimens of a terrestrial apex predator (Common buzzard), freshwater and marine apex predators (Eurasian otter, harbour porpoise, grey seal, harbour seal) and their potential prey (bream, roach, herring, eelpout) from northern Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden) were analyzed for the presence of legacy and emerging PFAS, employing a highly sensitive liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. 56 compounds from 14 classes were measured; 13 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), 7 perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids (PFSAs), 3 perfluorooctane sulfonamides (FOSAs), 4 perfluoroalkylphosphonic acids (PFAPAs), 3 perfluoroalkylphosphinic acids (PFPi's), 5 telomer alcohols (FTOHs), 2 mono-substituted polyfluorinated phosphate esters (PAPs), 2 di-substituted polyfluorinated phosphate esters (diPAPs), 6 saturated fluorotelomer acids (FTAS), 3 unsaturated fluorotelomer acids (FTUAs), 2 N-Alkyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanols (FOSEs), 3 fluorotelomer sulphonic acids (FTSAs), 2 perfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) and 1 chlorinated perfluoroether sulphonic acid (Cl-PFESA). All samples were lyophilized before analysis, in order to enhance extraction efficiency, improve the precision and achieve lower detection limits. The analytes were extracted from the dry matrices through generic methods of extraction, using an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), followed by clean-up through solid phase extraction (SPE). Method detection limits and method quantification limits ranged from 0.02 to 1.25 ng/g wet weight (ww) and from 0.05 to 3.79 ng/g (ww), respectively. Recovery ranged from 40 to 137%. Method precision ranged from 3 to 20 %RSD. The sum of PFAS concentration in apex predators livers ranged from 0.2 to 20.2 μg/g (ww), whereas in the fish species muscle tissues it ranged from 16 to 325 ng/g (ww). All analyzed specimens were primarily contaminated with PFOS, while the three PFPi's included in this study exhibited frequency of appearance (FoA) 100 %. C9 to C13 PFCAs were found at high concentrations in apex predator livers, while the overall PFAS levels in fish fillets also exceeded ecotoxicological thresholds. The findings of our study show a clear association between the PFAS concentrations in apex predators and the geographical origin of the specimens, with samples that were collected in urban and agricultural zones being highly contaminated compared to samples from pristine or semi-pristine areas. The high variety of PFAS and the different PFAS composition in the apex predators and their prey (AP&P) samples is alarming and strengthens the importance of PFAS monitoring across the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Androulakakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikiforos Alygizakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece; Environmental Institute, Okružná 784/42, 97241, Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Georgios Gkotsis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Christina Nika
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Varvara Nikolopoulou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Erasmia Bizani
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Elizabeth Chadwick
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Sara Danielsson
- Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Guy Duke
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, 3 South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Glowacka
- Environmental Institute, Okružná 784/42, 97241, Koš, Slovak Republic
| | - Hugh A H Jansman
- Wageningen Environmental Research, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paola Movalli
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Persson
- Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Roos
- Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emily O'Rourke
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761, Buesum, Germany
| | | | - Nico W van den Brink
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, 6700EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece.
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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: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [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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Xiao SK, Wu Q, Pan CG, Yin C, Wang YH, Yu KF. Distribution, partitioning behavior and potential source of legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water and sediments from a subtropical Gulf, South China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111485. [PMID: 34139227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids (PFASs) have received global concern over the scientific and public community since this century. However, the information on alternative PFASs pollution in the marine environment, especially in the subtropical marine environment is extremely limited. This study investigated the occurrence, partitioning, potential sources, and ecological risks of PFASs, including perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs), perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and alternative PFASs, in surface water and sediments from the subtropical Beibu Gulf, South China. Concentrations of total PFASs (∑PFASs) were in the range of 0.98-2.64 ng/L in water and 0.19-0.66 ng/g (dry weight, dw) in sediment, respectively. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the most abundant PFAS in water, while PFASs in sediment were dominated by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and PFOA. Among investigated environmental parameters (total organic carbon (TOC), grain size, water pH, sediment pH, and salinity), TOC and salinity were the dominant factors influencing the sediment-water distribution coefficient (Kd) of PFOA, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Log Kd and log soil organic carbon-water distribution coefficient (Koc) both increase with increasing carbon chain length of PFASs. Significantly positive correlations between PFOS and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (p < 0.05), PFOA and perfluoro-1-butane-sulfonamide (FBSA) were observed, suggesting that these PFASs might have similar sources and transport routes. Preliminary environmental risk assessment showed that PFOA and PFOS would not pose risks to the marine aquatic environment. This is the first comprehensive survey of legacy and alternative PFASs in a subtropical area of the Beibu Gulf, which provides significant data and scientific basis to better understand the fate of PFASs and pollution control management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Ke Xiao
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China.
| | - Chao Yin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ying-Hui Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ke-Fu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
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37
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Yao Y, Meng Y, Sun H. Heterogeneous photooxidation of 6:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diester on dust mineral components under simulated sunlight and the influence of relative humidity and oxygen. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130713. [PMID: 34023761 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters (diPAPs) have been widely and increasingly detected in various environmental mediums. The degradation of diPAPs brings perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) concerned of adverse health effects. DiPAPs mainly occur in particulate matter in ambient air and their photo-degradation behaviors have not been investigated. In this study, heterogeneous photo-degradation of 6:2 diPAP was studied on four model mineral components in ambient dust. 6:2 diPAP was found to undergo a fast degradation on titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles as well as on artificial mineral dust containing TiO2 (2.67% in mass) to produce C5-C7 PFCAs and other intermediates. Based on monitored intermediates and further degradation tests on important intermediates, thermodynamic calculation of energy barrier and Gibbs Free Energy was used to explain the observed degradation patterns and accordingly the degradation pathways of diPAPs were proposed. The increase in relative humidity promotes the production of hydroxyl radicals, which enhances the hydrolysis of 6:2 mono- and di-PAPs and the yield of C5 and C7 PFCAs. Oxygen is critical for radical formation, which bypasses the production of fluorotelomer carboxylic acid. Results of this study for the first time demonstrate that diPAP may account for additional PFCA sources in both indoor and outdoor environments and the heterogeneous degradation pathways were different from those of volatile fluorotelomer alcohols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yue Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Weiss JM, Jones B, Koekkoek J, Bignert A, Lamoree MH. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Swedish household dust and exposure of pet cats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:39001-39013. [PMID: 33745045 PMCID: PMC8310504 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a wide range of products and have been found ubiquitously in our indoor environment, and there is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse endocrine effects, such as thyroid hormone disruption. Pet cats have a high dust intake due to their grooming behavior and have been shown to be a suitable sentinel species for assessment of toddler's exposure. Here we used paired household dust (n=46) and cat serum (n=27) samples to establish whether dust is a relevant exposure pathway to PFASs. An analytical method for PFAS analysis was optimized using a low volume of cat serum samples, combining solid-phase extraction and online sample cleanup. Dust was extracted with methanol by sonication and cleaned up by addition of active carbon. In total, 27 PFASs were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The correlation between PFAS levels in dust and serum, serum lipids and thyroid hormone levels, and PFAS levels in dust between different rooms were statistically evaluated. PFOS and PFDA could be quantified in all cat serum samples (median 2300 pg/mL and 430 pg/mL, respectively), followed by PFOA (median 1100 pg/mL), quantified in 96% of the samples. The levels of 6:2 and 8:2 diPAPs were determined in 65% and 92% of the serum samples, respectively, and were an order of magnitude lower (1.4-160 pg/mL). Household dust on the other hand was dominated by 6:2 and 8:2 diPAPs, with a median of 65 ng/g dust and 49 ng/g dust, respectively. PFOS (median 13 ng/g dust) and PFOA (median 9 ng/g dust) were quantified in 93% of the dust samples. Only eight PFASs were detected (>LOD) in at least 50% of the samples of both matrices and could be paired. Significant correlations between cat serum and dust were found for PFOA (rS=0.32, p<0.049) and PFUnDA (rS=0.55, p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between serum total thyroxine (rS=0.11, p<0.05) and PFNA and between serum cholesterol and PFHpA (rS=0.46, p<0.01), PFUnDA (rS=0.40, p<0.05), PFDoDA (rS=0.44, p<0.01), and sum PFAS (rS=0.48, p<0.01). In conclusion, this study confirmed that dust is a relevant exposure pathway for the ingestion of some PFASs for cats, and the serum levels of PFASs could be of relevance for the cat's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana M Weiss
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusväg 12, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Bernt Jones
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacco Koekkoek
- Department Environment & Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anders Bignert
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusväg 12, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marja H Lamoree
- Department Environment & Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Zweigle J, Bugsel B, Schmitt M, Zwiener C. Electrochemical Oxidation of 6:2 Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diester-Simulation of Transformation Pathways and Reaction Kinetics with Hydroxyl Radicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:11070-11079. [PMID: 34327989 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diesters (diPAPs) are widely used for paper and cardboard impregnation and discharged via waste streams from production processes and consumer products. To improve the knowledge about the environmental fate of diPAPs, electrochemical oxidation (EO) was used to characterize the transformation pathways and reaction kinetics. 6:2 diPAP was transformed electrochemically to perfluorocarboxylic acids (C5-C7 PFCAs) and two intermediates (6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, FTCA, and 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid, FTUCA). EO of potential intermediates 6:2 monoPAP and 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) showed similar transformation products but with different ratios. We show that 6:2 diPAP is initiated by OH radical (•OH) reactions, as evidenced by the measured steady-state concentrations of •OH with the probe molecule terephthalic acid, quenching experiments, and pH dependency of the reaction. PFHpA was the main product of 6:2 diPAP oxidation, and it was formed in a pseudo-first-order reaction for which a bimolecular rate constant was estimated to be k O • H , diPAP form PFHpA = 9.4(±1.4) × 107 M-1 s-1 by an initial rate approach. This can be utilized to estimate the environmental half-life of 6:2 diPAP for the reaction with •OH and the formation kinetics of persistent PFCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Zweigle
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Boris Bugsel
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Markus Schmitt
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christian Zwiener
- Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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Xiao F, Sasi PC, Alinezhad A, Golovko SA, Golovko MY, Spoto A. Thermal Decomposition of Anionic, Zwitterionic, and Cationic Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9885-9894. [PMID: 34235932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated thermal decomposition mechanisms of cationic, zwitterionic, and anionic polyfluoroalkyl substances, including those present in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) samples. We present novel evidence that polyfluoroalkyl substances gave quantitative yields of perfluoroalkyl substances of different chain lengths during thermal treatment. The results support a radical-mediated transformation mechanism involving random-chain scission and end-chain scission, leading to the formation of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from certain polyfluoroalkyl amides and sulfonamides. Our results also support a direct thermal decomposition mechanism (chain stripping) on the nonfluorinated moiety of polyfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, resulting in the formation of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and other structurally related polyfluoroalkyl compounds. Thermal decomposition of 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate occurred through end-chain scission and recombination reactions, successively yielding PFOS. All of the studied polyfluoroalkyl substances began to degrade at 200-300 °C, exhibiting near-complete decomposition at ≥400 °C. Using a high-resolution parent ion search method, we demonstrated for the first time that low-temperature thermal treatments of AFFF samples led to the generation of anionic fluoroalkyl substances, including perfluoroheptanesulfonamide, 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide, and a previously unreported compound N-2-propenyl-perfluorohexylsulfonamide. This study provides key insights into the fate of polyfluoroalkyl substances in thermal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Pavankumar Challa Sasi
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Ali Alinezhad
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Svetlana A Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Mikhail Y Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Anthony Spoto
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
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Sasi PC, Alinezhad A, Yao B, Kubátová A, Golovko SA, Golovko MY, Xiao F. Effect of granular activated carbon and other porous materials on thermal decomposition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Mechanisms and implications for water purification. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 200:117271. [PMID: 34082264 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Thermal treatment is routinely used to reactivate the spent granular activated carbon (GAC) from water purification facilities. It is also an integral part of sewage sludge treatment and municipal solid waste management. This study presents a detailed investigation of the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and one PFAS alternative (GenX) in thermal processes, focusing on the effect of GAC. We demonstrate that the thermolysis of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and GenX can occur at temperatures of 150‒200 °C. Three temperature zones were discovered for PFOA, including a stable and nonvolatile zone (≤90 °C), a phase-transfer and thermal decomposition zone (90‒400 °C), and a fast decomposition zone (≥400 °C). The thermal decomposition began with the homolysis of a C‒C bond next to the carboxyl group of PFCAs, which formed unstable perfluoroalkyl radicals. Dual decomposition pathways seem to exist. The addition of a highly porous adsorbent, such as GAC or a copolymer resin, compressed the intermediate sublimation zone of PFCAs, changed their thermal decomposition pathways, and increased the decomposition rate constant by up to 150-fold at 250 °C. The results indicate that the observed thermal decomposition acceleration was linked to the adsorption of gas-phase PFCA molecules on GAC. The presence of non-activated charcoals/biochars with a low affinity for PFOA did not accelerate its thermal decomposition, suggesting that the π electron-rich, polyaromatic surface of charcoal/GAC played an insignificant role compared to the adsorbent's porosity. Overall, the results indicate that (1) substantial decomposition of PFCAs and GenX during conventional thermal GAC/sludge/waste treatment is very likely, and (2) the presence or addition of GAC or other highly porous materials can accelerate thermal PFAS decomposition and alter decomposition pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavankumar Challa Sasi
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Ali Alinezhad
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Bin Yao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, 151 Cornell Street Stop 9024, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Alena Kubátová
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, 151 Cornell Street Stop 9024, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Svetlana A Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Mikhail Y Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States.
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LC-HRMS screening of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in impregnated paper samples and contaminated soils. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 414:1217-1225. [PMID: 34240229 PMCID: PMC8724098 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03463-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations have been detected in agricultural soils in Southwest Germany. Discharges of PFAS-contaminated paper sludge and compost are suspected to be the cause of the contamination. Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) have been detected also in groundwater, drinking water, and plants in this area. Recently, previously unknown compounds have been identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Major contaminants were polyfluorinated dialkylated phosphate esters (diPAPs) and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanol–based phosphate diester (diSAmPAP). In this study, HRMS screening for PFAS was applied to 14 soil samples from the contaminated area and 14 impregnated paper samples which were from a similar period than the contamination. The paper samples were characterized by diPAPs (from 4:2/6:2 to 12:2/12:2), fluorotelomer mercapto alkyl phosphates (FTMAPs; 6:2/6:2 to 10:2/10:2), and diSAmPAP. In soil samples, diPAPs and their transformation products (TPs) were the major contaminants, but also FTMAPs, diSAmPAP, and their TPs occurred. The distribution patterns of the carbon chain lengths of the precursor PFAS in soil samples were shown to resemble those in paper samples. This supports the hypothesis that paper sludge is a major source of contamination. The presence of major degradation products like PFCAs, FTSAs, or PFOS and their distribution of carbon chain lengths indicate the activity of biotic or abiotic degradation processes and selective leaching processes from the upper soil horizons.
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Cui W, Tan Z, Chen J, Wu H, Geng Q, Guo M, Zhai Y. Uptake, Tissue Distribution, and Elimination of 8:2 Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diesters in Mytilus galloprovincialis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1992-2004. [PMID: 33818814 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although the distribution of 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (8:2 diPAP) in aquatic environments has been reported, details on its uptake, tissue specificity, and elimination in bivalve mollusks remain to be clarified. The present study is the first report on the accumulation and elimination of 8:2 diPAP in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The tissue-specific accumulation and depuration of 8:2 diPAP and its metabolites were investigated via semistatic seawater exposure (8:2 diPAP at a nominal concentration of 10 μg/L), through water-borne exposure with static daily renewal over a 72-h exposure period and a 360-h depuration period. The digestive gland was found to be the target organ where accumulation and biotransformation primarily occur. The bioaccumulation factor values (mL/g dry wt) in different organs were in the following order: digestive gland (1249) > adductor muscle (315) > gills (289) > gonad (82.9) > mantle (33.0). Moreover, the distribution of 8:2 diPAP among tissues may be related to the total protein content. The 8:2 diPAP tended to be excreted in feces. The compounds 8:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, 8:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid, 7:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluoroheptanoic acid were detected and quantified as phase I metabolites, and the concentration of all phase I metabolites relative to the 8:2 diPAP concentration (72 h) was 0.304 mol%. A phase II metabolite, 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol conjugated with sulfate, was detected but not quantitated in the digestive gland. A biotransformation pathway of 8:2 diPAP in M. galloprovincialis was proposed on the basis of the results obtained in the present study and previous studies. These findings improve our understanding of the accumulation of perfluorocarboxylic acids in bivalve mollusks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1992-2004. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Cui
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhijun Tan
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Qianqian Geng
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuxiu Zhai
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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Rodríguez-Varela M, Durán-Álvarez JC, Jiménez-Cisneros B, Zamora O, Prado B. Occurrence of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in Mexico City's wastewater: A monitoring study in the sewerage and a mega wastewater treatment plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145060. [PMID: 33609836 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was validated to quantify five perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCA) namely, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), in wastewater produced in a megacity. Sampling was performed on a monthly basis, obtaining samples from the undergrounded sewerage system and the main open-air canal transporting wastewater out the city. Steady levels of the sum of the target PFCA (ƩPFCA) were determined on both sites through the study: 419.4 ± 24.3 ng L-1 in undergrounded sewage and 591.1 ± 39 ng L-1 in the open-air canal. Short-chain PFCA (PFBA, PFHxA, and PFHpA) were abundant, while concentrations of PFOA and PFUnA remained lower in both sampling sites. The open-air canal was transected in four sampling points, which were sampled throughout the monitoring campaign, finding that furtive discharges of municipal and industrial wastewater increased the levels of short-chain PFCA, while those of PFOA and PFUnA were depleted. Relevant concentrations of PFBA (176.9 ± 3.3 ng L-1), PFHxA (133.4 ± 2.5 ng L-1), PFHpA (116.6 ± 3.9 ng L-1), PFOA (133.1 ± 3.5 ng L-1), and PFUnA (23.5 ± 6.5 ng L-1) were found 60 km downstream, where the wastewater transported by the open-air canal is used in irrigation. A fraction of sewage is treated in a conventional wastewater treatment plant. The concentration of short-chain PFCA increased in effluent, adding extra loads of PFBA, PFHxA, and PFHpA to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Varela
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan C Durán-Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Blanca Jiménez-Cisneros
- Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de Mexico 04510, Mexico
| | - Olivia Zamora
- Instituto de Geología y LANGEM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Blanca Prado
- Instituto de Geología y LANGEM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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Zhu Y, Jia Y, Liu M, Yang L, Yi S, Feng X, Zhu L. Mechanisms for tissue-specific accumulation and phase I/II transformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester in earthworm (M. guillelmi). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 151:106451. [PMID: 33647835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are high production volume surfactants used in the food contact paper and packaging industries. They are prone to partition to soil due to their strong hydrophobicity and may biotransform into recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs); little is known about their fate and behaviors in terrestrial organisms. Here, geophagous earthworms (M. guillelmi) were exposed to 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester (6:2 diPAP)-contaminated soil to examine tissue-specific accumulation and biotransformation. 6:2 diPAP quickly accumulated in M. guillelmi with the highest biota-soil-accumulation factor (BSAF) in the gut, followed by the organs, skin, and body fluid. The total amount of 6:2 diPAP accumulated in the skin was the highest due to its high mass content. These results indicated that skin absorption and gut processes were two major pathways for earthworms to accumulate 6:2 diPAP from soil. In vitro desorption experiments indicated that the gut digestion fluid greatly promoted the desorption of 6:2 diPAP from the soil and enhanced its bioavailability. Degradation of 6:2 diPAP in the soil was stimulated when the earthworm appeared. In contrast to the soil, a more extensive transformation occurred in the earthworm. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was the primary phase Ⅰ product, followed by perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (FPePA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid (FHEA), and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), which confirmed the occurrence of α- and β-oxidation in earthworms. For the first time, a new phase II product, namely, a 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol sulfate conjugate, was identified in earthworms at unexpectedly high levels, which might be the primary way earthworms eliminate 6:2 diPAP. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that 6:2 diPAP experienced faster and more extensive biotransformation in the gut than in the organs. This work sheds light on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of 6:2 diPAP in terrestrial invertebrates, providing strong evidence of indirect sources of PFCAs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Yibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Menglin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Liping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Shujun Yi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Xuemin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China.
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Marchiandi J, Szabo D, Dagnino S, Green MP, Clarke BO. Occurrence and fate of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater after an industrial fire of unknown chemical stockpiles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116839. [PMID: 33740602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An industrial warehouse illegally storing a large quantity of unknown chemical and industrial waste ignited in an urban area in Melbourne, Australia. The multiday fire required firefighters to use large amounts of fluorine-free foam that carried contaminated firewater runoff into an adjacent freshwater creek. In this study, the occurrence and fate of 42 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was determined from triplicate surface water samples (n = 45) from five locations (upstream, point-source, downstream; 8 km) over three sampling campaigns from 2018 to 2020. Out of the 42 target PFASs, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C4-C14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C4-C10), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g. 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA)) were ubiquitously detected in surface waters (concentration ranges: <0.7-3000 ng/L). A significant difference in ΣPFAS concentration was observed at the point-source (mean 5500 ng/L; 95% CI: 4800, 6300) relative to upstream sites (mean 100 ng/L; 95% CI: 90, 110; p ≤ 0.001). The point-source ΣPFAS concentration decreased from 5500 ± 1200 ng/L to 960 ± 42 ng/L (-83%) after two months and to 430 ± 15 ng/L (-98%) two years later. 6:2 FTSA and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) dominated in surface water, representing on average 31% and 20% of the ΣPFAS, respectively. Emerging PFASs including a cyclic perfluoroalkanesulfonate (PFECHS) and a C4 perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (FBSA) were repeatedly present in surface water (concentration ranges <0.3-77 ng/L). According to the updated Australian PFAS guidelines for ecological conservation, the water samples collected at the time of monitoring may have posed a short-term risk to aquatic organisms in regard to PFOS levels. These results illustrate that acute high dose exposure to PFASs can result from industrial fires at sites storing or stockpiling PFAS-based waste products. Continued monitoring will be crucial to evaluate potential long-term risk to wildlife in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye Marchiandi
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sonia Dagnino
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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Moodie D, Coggan T, Berry K, Kolobaric A, Fernandes M, Lee E, Reichman S, Nugegoda D, Clarke BO. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Australian biosolids. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:129143. [PMID: 33429237 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biosolids samples were collected from 19 Australian WWTPs during 2018 that cover a range of catchment types (urban, rural, industrial waste discharges) and treatment technologies. Samples were analysed for 44 PFAS using isotope dilution and alkaline extraction coupled with quantification with LC-MS/MS. The Σ44PFAS mean concentration was 260 ng/g dry weight (dw) and ranged between 4.2 and 910 ng/g dw. The dominant compound class detected were the di-substituted phosphate esters (Σ3PAPs mean 140 ng/g dw; range ND - 730 ng/g dw) which contributed 45% of the total mean Σ44PFAS mass, followed by perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (Σ11PFCAs mean 39 ng/g dw; range 2.3-120 ng/g dw) contributing 17%, and the perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (Σ8PFSAs mean 28 ng/g dw; range 0.9-220 ng/g) which contributed 16%. Using the population data supplied by the participating WWTPs, the mean annual estimated biosolids-associated PFAS contribution is 6 mg per person per year and ranged between 0.6 mg and 15 mg. A similar population normalised concentration regardless of WWTP, region or capacity suggests that the domestic environment provides the baseline PFAS loading. Statistically significant higher Σ44PFAS and PFOS concentrations were observed at urban locations. A weak correlation was observed between annual mass of PFAS associated with each individual WWTP and their percentage industrial waste contribution. This may be important for elevated PFAS concentrations observed in WWTPs with higher industrial waste inputs and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Moodie
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia; Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Timothy Coggan
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Kathryn Berry
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Adam Kolobaric
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Milena Fernandes
- SA Water, GPO Box 1751, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elliot Lee
- Water Corporation, Leederville, Western Australia, 6007, Australia
| | - Suzie Reichman
- Centre for Anthropogenic Pollution Impact and Management (CAPIM), School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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48
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Getzinger GJ, Higgins CP, Ferguson PL. Structure Database and In Silico Spectral Library for Comprehensive Suspect Screening of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Environmental Media by High-resolution Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2021; 93:2820-2827. [PMID: 33496574 PMCID: PMC8011993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are an important class of organic pollutants. Many diverse PFASs are used in commerce and most are not amenable to conventional targeted chemical analysis due to lack of reference standards. Therefore, methods for elucidating the chemical structure of previously unreported or unexpected PFASs in the environment rely extensively on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). High-throughput structure identification by HRMS is hindered by a lack of PFAS molecular databases and tandem mass spectral libraries. Here, we report a new approach for generating an environmentally relevant PFAS molecular database constructed from curated structure lists and biotic/abiotic in silico predicted transformation products. Further, we have generated a predicted tandem mass spectral library using computational mass spectrometry tools. Results demonstrate the utility of the generated database and approach for identifying PFASs in HRMS-enabled suspect- and nontarget screening studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon J Getzinger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 121 Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0287, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 121 Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0287, United States
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Barrett H, Du X, Houde M, Lair S, Verreault J, Peng H. Suspect and Nontarget Screening Revealed Class-Specific Temporal Trends (2000-2017) of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in St. Lawrence Beluga Whales. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:1659-1671. [PMID: 33444015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The global use of >3000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has given rise to chemical regulatory action. However, limited information exists regarding current and historical emissions for the majority of PFASs under currently implemented regulations. This study employed suspect and nontarget screening to examine the temporal trends of legacy and unregulated PFASs in liver of the endangered beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population from the St. Lawrence Estuary in Canada collected from 2000 to 2017. A suite of 54 PFASs were tentatively identified, and were grouped into nine structurally distinct classes. Single-hydrogenated perfluoro carboxylic acids (H-PFCAs), single-hydrogenated sulfonamides (H-Sulfonamides), as well as other select sulfonamides were detected for the first time in wildlife. Greater concentrations of the majority of PFASs were determined in newborns and juveniles than in adults, suggesting effective placental and lactational transfer of PFASs. Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids and perfluorooctane sulfonamide in beluga whale liver were found to significantly decrease in concentration between 2000 and 2017, while unregulated short-chain PFAS alternatives, H-PFCAs, and odd-chain FTCAs were found to increase over time. The implementation of suspect and nontarget screening revealed class-specific temporal trends of PFASs in SLE beluga whales, and supported continuous emissions of unregulated PFASs into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Barrett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Xuan Du
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Magali Houde
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill Street, Montréal, Québec H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de Recherche en Toxicologie de l'Environnement (TOXEN), Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S3H6 Ontario, Canada
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50
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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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