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Chen H, Zou Y, Kang X, Yang G, Yang X, Yao Y, Magnuson JT, Cao X, Qiu W, Xu EG, Zheng C. Perfluorooctane Sulfonamide Induced Autotoxic Effects on the Zebrafish Immune System. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38976350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) is an immediate perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) precursor (PreFOS). Previous studies have shown PFOSA to induce stronger toxic responses compared to other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). However, the specific nature of PFOSA-induced toxicity, whether autonomous or mediated by its metabolite PFOS, has not been fully elucidated. This study systematically investigates the immunomodulatory effects of PFOSA and PFOS in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Exposure to PFOSA compromised the zebrafish's ability to defend against pathogenic infections, as evidenced by increased bacterial adhesion to their skin and reduced levels of the biocidal protein lysozyme (LYSO). Moreover, PFOSA exposure was associated with disruptions in inflammatory markers and immune indicators, along with a decrease in immune cell counts. The findings from this study suggest that the immunotoxicity effects of PFOSA are primarily due to its own toxicity rather than its metabolite PFOS. This conclusion was supported by dose-dependent responses, the severity of observed effects, and multivariate analysis. In addition, our experiments using NF-κB-morpholino knock-down techniques further confirmed the role of the Nuclear factor-κappa B pathway in mediating PFOSA-induced immunotoxicity. In conclusion, this study reveals that PFOSA impairs the immune system in zebrafish through an autotoxic mechanism, providing valuable insights for assessing the ecological risks of PFOSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Chen
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo 315200, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yao Zou
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Society of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510045, China
| | - Xinyuan Kang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ge Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yingying Yao
- Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Xinde Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo 315200, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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2
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Soerensen AL, Benskin JP, Faxneld S. Four Decades of Spatiotemporal Variability of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in the Baltic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10806-10816. [PMID: 38829301 PMCID: PMC11192033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Temporal and spatial variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in herring, cod, eelpout, and guillemot covering four decades and more than 1000 km in the Baltic Sea was investigated to evaluate the effect of PFAS regulations and residence times of PFASs. Overall, PFAS concentrations responded rapidly to recent regulations but with some notable basin- and homologue-specific variability. The well-ventilated Kattegat and Bothnian Bay showed a faster log-linear decrease for most PFASs than the Baltic Proper, which lacks a significant loss mechanism. PFOS and FOSA, for example, have decreased with 0-7% y-1 in the Baltic Proper and 6-16% y-1 in other basins. PFNA and partly PFOA are exceptions and continue to show stagnant or increasing concentrations. Further, we found that Bothnian Bay herring contained the highest concentrations of >C12 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), likely from rivers with high loads of dissolved organic carbon. In the Kattegat, low PFAS concentrations, but a high FOSA fraction, could be due to influence from the North Sea inflow below the halocline and possibly a local source of FOSA and/or isomer-specific biotransformation. This study represents the most comprehensive spatial and temporal investigation of PFASs in Baltic wildlife while providing new insights into cycling of PFASs within the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Soerensen
- Department
of Environmental Monitoring and Research, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P. Benskin
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Suzanne Faxneld
- Department
of Environmental Monitoring and Research, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Fang X, Jin L, Sun X, Huang H, Wang Y, Ren H. A data-driven analysis to discover research hotspots and trends of technologies for PFAS removal. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118678. [PMID: 38493846 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The frequent detection of persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in organisms and environment coupled with surging evidence for potential detrimental impacts, have attracted widespread attention throughout the world. In order to reveal research hotspots and trends of technologies for PFAS removal, herein, we performed a data-driven analysis of 3975 papers and 436 patents from Web of Science Core Collection and Derwent Innovation Index databases up to 2023. The results showed that China and the USA led the way in the research of PFAS removal with outstanding contributions to publications. The progression generally transitioned from accidental discovery of decomposition, to experimentation with removal effects and mechanisms of existing methods, and finally to enhanced defluorination and mechanism-driven design approaches. The keywords co-occurrence network and technology classification together revealed the main knowledge framework, which was constructed and correlated through contaminants, substrates, materials, processes and properties. Moreover, adsorption was demonstrated to be the dominant removal process among the current studies. Subsequently, we concluded the principles, advances and drawbacks of enrichment and separation, biological methods, advanced oxidation and reduction processes. Further exploration indicated the hotspots such as alternatives and precursors for PFAS ("genx": 1.258, "f-53b": 0.337), degradable mineralization technologies ("photocatalytic degrad": 0.529, "hydrated electron": 0.374), environment-friendly remediation technologies ("phytoremedi": 0.939, "constructed wetland": 0.462) and combination with novel materials ("metal-organic framework": 1.115, "layered double hydroxid": 0.559) as well as computer science ("molecular dynamics simul": 0.559, "machine learn"). Furthermore, the future direction of technological innovation might lie in high-performance processes that minimize secondary pollution, the development of recyclable and renewable treatment agents, and collaborative control strategies for multiple pollutants. Overall, this study offers comprehensive and objective review for researchers and industry professionals in this field, enabling rapid access to knowledge guidance and insights into research frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lili Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiangzhou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yanru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
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Hohweiler K, Krometis LA, Ling EJ, Xia K. Incidence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private drinking water supplies in Southwest Virginia, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172539. [PMID: 38649039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172539] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made contaminants of human health concern due to their resistance to degradation, widespread environmental occurrence, bioaccumulation in living organisms, and potential negative health impacts. Private drinking water supplies may be uniquely vulnerable to PFAS contamination in impacted areas, as these systems are not protected under federal regulations and often include limited treatment or remediation, if contaminated, prior to use. The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of PFAS contamination in private drinking water supplies in two counties in Southwest Virginia, USA (Floyd and Roanoke) that share similar bedrock geologies, are representative of different state Department of Health risk categories, and to examine the potential for reliance on citizen-science based strategies for sample collection in subsequent efforts. Samples for inorganic ions, bacteria, and PFAS analysis were collected on separate occasions by participants and experts at the home drinking water point of use (POU) for comparison. Experts also collected outside tap samples for analysis of 30 PFAS compounds. At least one PFAS was detectable in 95 % of POU samples collected (n = 60), with a mean total PFAS concentration of 23.5 ± 30.8 ppt. PFOA and PFOS, two PFAS compounds which presently have EPA health advisories, were detectable in 13 % and 22 % of POU samples, respectively. On average, each POU sample contained >3 PFAS compounds, and one sample contained as many as 8 compounds, indicating that exposure to a mixture of PFAS in drinking water may be occurring. Although there were significant differences in total PFAS concentrations between expert and participant collected samples (Wilcoxon, alpha = 0.05), collector bias was inconsistent, and may be due to the time of day of sampling (i.e. morning, afternoon) or specific attributes of a given home. Further research is required to resolve sources of intra-sample variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Hohweiler
- Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
| | - Leigh-Anne Krometis
- Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
| | - Erin J Ling
- Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
| | - Kang Xia
- Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 185 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
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O’Rourke E, Losada S, Barber JL, Scholey G, Bain I, Pereira MG, Hailer F, Chadwick EA. Persistence of PFOA Pollution at a PTFE Production Site and Occurrence of Replacement PFASs in English Freshwaters Revealed by Sentinel Species, the Eurasian Otter ( Lutra lutra). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10195-10206. [PMID: 38800846 PMCID: PMC11171452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Concentrations of 33 PFASs were determined in 20 Eurasian otters, sampled 2015-2019, along a transect away from a factory, which used PFOA in PTFE manufacture. Despite cessation of usage in 2012, PFOA concentrations remained high near the factory (>298 μg/kg ww <20 km from factory) and declined with increasing distance (<57 μg/kg ww >150 km away). Long-chain legacy PFASs dominated the Σ33PFAS profile, particularly PFOS, PFOA, PFDA, and PFNA. Replacement compounds, PFECHS, F-53B, PFBSA, PFBS, PFHpA, and 8:2 FTS, were detected in ≥19 otters, this being the first report of PFBSA and PFECHS in the species. Concentrations of replacement PFASs were generally lower than legacy compounds (max: 70.3 μg/kg ww and 4,640 μg/kg ww, respectively). Our study underscores the utility of otters as sentinels for evaluating mitigation success and highlights the value of continued monitoring to provide insights into the longevity of spatial associations with historic sources. Lower concentrations of replacement, than legacy, PFASs likely reflect their lower bioaccumulation potential, and more recent introduction. Continued PFAS use will inevitably lead to increased environmental and human exposure if not controlled. Further research is needed on fate, toxicity, and bioaccumulation of replacement compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily O’Rourke
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
| | - Sara Losada
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33
0HT, U.K.
| | - Jonathan L. Barber
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33
0HT, U.K.
| | - Graham Scholey
- Environment
Agency, Red Kite House, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BD, U.K.
| | - Isobel Bain
- Environment
Agency, Red Kite House, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BD, U.K.
| | - M. Glória Pereira
- Lancaster
Environment Centre, UK Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology, Library
Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, U.K.
| | - Frank Hailer
- School
of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, U.K.
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6
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Leuthner TC, Zhang S, Kohrn BF, Stapleton HM, Baugh LR. Structure-specific variation in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances toxicity among genetically diverse Caenorhabditis elegans strains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596269. [PMID: 38854041 PMCID: PMC11160736 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background There are >14,500 structurally diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Despite knowledge that these "forever chemicals" are in 99% of humans, mechanisms of toxicity and adverse health effects are incompletely known. Furthermore, the contribution of genetic variation to PFAS susceptibility and health consequences is unknown. Objectives We determined the toxicity of a structurally distinct set of PFAS in twelve genetically diverse strains of the genetic model system Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods Dose-response curves for four perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFNA, PFOA, PFPeA, and PFBA), two perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFOS and PFBS), two perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (PFOSA and PFBSA), two fluoroether carboxylic acids (GenX and PFMOAA), one fluoroether sulfonic acid (PFEESA), and two fluorotelomers (6:2 FCA and 6:2 FTS) were determined in the C. elegans laboratory reference strain, N2, and eleven genetically diverse wild strains. Body length was quantified by image analysis at each dose after 48 hr of developmental exposure of L1 arrest-synchronized larvae to estimate effective concentration values (EC50). Results There was a significant range in toxicity among PFAS: PFOSA > PFBSA ≈ PFOS ≈ PFNA > PFOA > GenX ≈ PFEESA > PFBS ≈ PFPeA ≈ PFBA. Long-chain PFAS had greater toxicity than short-chain, and fluorosulfonamides were more toxic than carboxylic and sulfonic acids. Genetic variation explained variation in susceptibility to PFBSA, PFOS, PFBA, PFOA, GenX, PFEESA, PFPeA, and PFBA. There was significant variation in toxicity among C. elegans strains due to chain length, functional group, and between legacy and emerging PFAS. Conclusion C. elegans respond to legacy and emerging PFAS of diverse structures, and this depends on specific structures and genetic variation. Harnessing the natural genetic diversity of C. elegans and the structural complexity of PFAS is a powerful New Approach Methodology (NAM) to investigate structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of toxicity which may inform regulation of other PFAS to improve human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess C. Leuthner
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brendan F Kohrn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - L. Ryan Baugh
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Morales M, Arp HPH, Castro G, Asimakopoulos AG, Sørmo E, Peters G, Cherubini F. Eco-toxicological and climate change effects of sludge thermal treatments: Pathways towards zero pollution and negative emissions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134242. [PMID: 38626686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The high moisture content and the potential presence of hazardous organic compounds (HOCs) and metals (HMs) in sewage sludge (SS) pose technical and regulatory challenges for its circular economy valorisation. Thermal treatments are expected to reduce the volume of SS while producing energy and eliminating HOCs. In this study, we integrate quantitative analysis of SS concentration of 12 HMs and 61 HOCs, including organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with life-cycle assessment to estimate removal efficiency of pollutants, climate change mitigation benefits and toxicological effects of existing and alternative SS treatments (involving pyrolysis, incineration, and/or anaerobic digestion). Conventional SS treatment leaves between 24 % and 40 % of OPFRs unabated, while almost no degradation occurs for PFAS. Thermal treatments can degrade more than 93% of target OPFRs and 95 % of target PFAS (with the rest released to effluents). The different treatments affect how HMs are emitted across environmental compartments. Conventional treatments also show higher climate change impacts than thermal treatments. Overall, thermal treatments can effectively reduce the HOCs emitted to the environment while delivering negative emissions (from about -56 to -111 kg CO2-eq per tonne of sludge, when pyrolysis is involved) and producing renewable energy from heat integration and valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Morales
- Industrial Ecology Programme (IndEcol), Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7034 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), 0886 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Institute for Research in Chemical and Biological Analysis (IAQBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Erlend Sørmo
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), 0886 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1430 Ås, Norway
| | - Gregory Peters
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE 412 96, Sweden
| | - Francesco Cherubini
- Industrial Ecology Programme (IndEcol), Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7034 Trondheim, Norway
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8
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Chu F, Wei W, Zhao G, Zhu J, Sun C, Pan Y, Wang X, Feng H. Nonderivatized Method for the Detection of Perfluoroalkane Sulfonyl Fluorides by Liquid Chromatography-Microwave Plasma Torch Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:5664-5668. [PMID: 38530953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have caused widespread environmental concern in recent years. Among them, the levels of perfluoroalkane sulfonyl fluorides (PFASFs) in the environment have rarely been reported due to the lack of sensitive analytical methods. Herein, a novel liquid chromatography-microwave plasma torch ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-MPTI-MS) technique was designed for the direct analysis of PFASFs in the environment. The collaborative action of reactive oxygen species (such as hydroxyl radicals) and the elevated temperature within the ambient MPTI environment results in the replacement of the fluorine atom in sulfonyl fluoride by oxygen, leading to the detection of perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid (PFSA) ions by MS. Concurrently, LC was employed to separate other PFSAs that are present in the environment. Three PFASFs exhibited good linearity within the range of 1-500 μg/L with R2 > 0.994. The limit of detections (LODs) and the limit of quantifications (LOQs) were measured at 39.32-87.87 and 131.07-292.90 ng/L, respectively. The method was utilized for the direct detection of spiked perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF) in wastewater with recoveries of 77.16 to 124.81%. Our approach circumvents the laborious process of chemical derivatization and is anticipated to serve as a robust tool for determining the levels and behaviors of PFASFs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjian Chu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaosheng Zhao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Junchen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuirong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanjiang Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhi Wang
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongru Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Pickard HM, Haque F, Sunderland EM. Bioaccumulation of Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonamides (FASA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2024; 11:350-356. [PMID: 38645703 PMCID: PMC11027762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Hundreds of sites across the United States have high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASA), but little is known about their propensity to accumulate in fish. FASA are precursors to terminal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are abundant in diverse consumer products and aqueous film-forming foams manufactured using electrochemical fluorination (ECF AFFF). In this study, FASA with C3-C8 carbon chain lengths were detected in all fish samples from surface waters up to 8 km downstream of source zones with ECF AFFF contamination. Short-chain FASA ≤ C6 have rarely been included in routine screening for PFAS, but availability of new standards makes such analyses more feasible. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) for FASA were between 1 and 3 orders of magnitude greater than their terminal perfluoroalkyl sulfonates. Across fish species, BAF for FASA were greater than for perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), which is presently the focus of national advisory programs. Similar concentrations of the C6 FASA (<0.36-175 ng g-1) and PFOS (0.65-222 ng g-1) were detected in all fish species. No safety thresholds have been established for FASA. However, high concentrations in fish next to contaminated sites and preliminary findings on toxicity suggest an urgent need for consideration by fish advisory programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Faiz Haque
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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10
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Dong F, Zhang H, Sheng N, Hu J, Dai J, Pan Y. Nationwide distribution of perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids in Chinese diets: An emerging concern. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108648. [PMID: 38615540 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
With the phase-out of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its replacement by perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), there is a potential for increased exposure to various new PFECAs among the general population in China. While there are existing studies on dietary exposure to legacy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), research on dietary exposure to PFECAs, especially among the general Chinese populace, remains scarce. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of PFECAs in dietary sources from 33 cities across five major regions in China, along with the associated dietary intake. Analysis indicated that aquatic animal samples contained higher concentrations of legacy PFASs compared to those from terrestrial animals and plants. In contrast, PFECAs were found in higher concentrations in plant and terrestrial animal samples. Notably, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer (HFPO-DA) was identified as the dominant compound in vegetables, cereals, pork, and mutton across the five regions, suggesting widespread dietary exposure. PFECAs constituted the majority of PFAS intake (57 %), with the estimated daily intake (EDI) of HFPO-DA ranging from 2.33 to 3.96 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponds to 0.78-1.32 times the reference dose (RfD) (3.0 ng/kg bw/day) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Given the ubiquity of HFPO-DA and many other PFECAs in the nationwide diet of China, there is an urgent need for further research into these chemicals to establish relevant safety benchmarks or consumption advisory values for the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfeng Dong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianglin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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11
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Ye B, Wang J, Zhou L, Yu X, Sui Q. Perfluoroalkyl acid precursors in agricultural soil-plant systems: Occurrence, uptake, and biotransformation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168974. [PMID: 38036134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors have been used in various consumer and industrial products due to their hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. In recent years, PFAA precursors in agricultural soil-plant systems have received increasing attention as they are susceptible to biotransformation into metabolites with high biotoxicity risks to human health. In this review, we systematically assessed the occurrence of PFAA precursors in agricultural soils, taking into account their sources and biodegradation pathways. In addition, we summarized the findings of the relevant literature on the uptake and biotransformation of PFAA precursors by agricultural plants. The applications of biosolids/composts and pesticides are the main sources of PFAA precursors in agricultural soils. The physicochemical properties of PFAA precursors, soil organic carbon (SOC) contents, and plant species are the key factors influencing plant root uptakes of PFAA precursors from soils. This review revealed, through toxicity assessment, the potential of PFAA precursors to generate metabolites with higher toxicity than the parent precursors. The results of this paper provide a reference for future research on PFAA precursors and their metabolites in soil-plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Ye
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaxi Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xia Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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12
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Ao J, Zhang R, Huo X, Zhu W, Zhang J. Environmental exposure to legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and endometriosis in women of childbearing age. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167838. [PMID: 37839491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167838] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals known for their adverse effects on humans. Growing concern has risen regarding the reproductive toxicity of PFAS, but whether PFAS affect endometriosis remains to be explored. This hospital-based case-control study included 240 laparoscopic-confirmed endometriosis cases and 334 normal controls in China from 2014 to 2018. Concentrations of thirty-three legacy and emerging PFAS were measured in the plasma samples. Associations between single PFAS and endometriosis were estimated by binary logistic regression. The elastic net regression (ENR) model was used to identify dominant PFAS related to endometriosis. The joint effect of the PFAS mixture on endometriosis was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g-computation (q-gcomp). In the single-PFAS model, significant positive associations of PFOA [adjusted odds ratio (95 % CI): 1.22 (1.00, 1.51)], total PFOS [1.19 (1.05, 1.34)] and two branched PFOS isomers [1.16 (1.09, 1.22) for 1m-PFOS; 1.18 (1.04, 1.34) for 6m-PFOS] with increased endometriosis odds were observed. Mixture models showed that the joint effect of PFAS mixture on endometriosis was significant [1.24 (1.05, 1.48)], mainly driven by 1m-PFOS. The PFOS isomers profile suggested a PFOS precursor biotransformation source of 1m-PFOS in our population. Our study suggests that branched isomers of PFOS may be associated with endometriosis.
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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
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaona Huo
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Wenting Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, 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; International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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13
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Chen X, Lv Z, Yang Y, Yang R, Shan G, Zhu L. Screening Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Human Blood Based on Nontarget Analysis and Underestimated Potential Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:150-159. [PMID: 38153813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Nontarget analysis has gained prominence in screening novel perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment, yet remaining limited in human biological matrices. In this study, 155 whole blood samples were collected from the general population in Shijiazhuang City, China. By nontarget analysis, 31 legacy and novel PFASs were assigned with the confidence level of 3 or above. For the first time, 11 PFASs were identified in human blood, including C1 and C3 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), C4 ether PFSA, C8 ether perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (ether PFCA), C4-5 unsaturated perfluoroalkyl alcohols, C9-10 carboxylic acid-perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (CA-PFSMs), and C1 perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide. It is surprising that the targeted PFASs were the highest in the suburban population which was impacted by industrial emission, while the novel PFASs identified by nontarget analysis, such as C1 PFSA and C9-11 CA-PFSMs, were the highest in the rural population who often drank contaminated groundwater. Combining the toxicity prediction results of the bioaccumulation potential, lethality to rats, and binding affinity to target proteins, C3 PFSA, C4 and C7 ether PFSAs, and C9-11 CA-PFSMs exhibit great health risks. These findings emphasize the necessity of broadening nontarget analysis in assessing the PFAS exposure risks, particularly in rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- 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, P. R. China
| | - Zixuan Lv
- 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, P. R. China
| | - Yi 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, P. R. China
| | - Rongyan 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, P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Shan
- 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, P. R. 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, P. R. China
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14
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Xuan R, Qiu X, Wang J, Liu S, Magnuson JT, Xu B, Qiu W, Zheng C. Hepatotoxic response of perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) in early life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) is greater than perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132552. [PMID: 37716261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132552] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), a typical perfluorooctane sulfonate precursor (PreFOS), has been detected in the aquatic environment globally. However, the effects of PFOSA at levels measured in the environment have not been well characterized in aquatic organisms. In this study, we evaluated the transcriptional, biochemical, histopathological, and morphological effects of PFOSA to characterize the underlying mechanisms of toxicity by using a universal model in aquatic ecotoxicology, zebrafish (Danio rerio). Transcriptional changes in PFOSA-exposed zebrafish predicted hepatic fibrosis and associated immune function. Subsequent, sublethal impacts were observed, which included significant alterations in liver-specific protein levels, increased immune cell numbers, and liver pathological structural damage. In addition, we compared the effects caused by PFOSA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) at the same exposure concentration and found a greater hepatotoxic effect of PFOSA relative to PFOS, indicating that the adverse impacts of PFOSA may be more severe. This was the first study to comparatively explore the hepatotoxic response of PFOSA and PFOS in aquatic organisms, which can be used for ecological risk assessments of PreFOS compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Xuan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Xiaojian Qiu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Jiazhen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bentuo Xu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Chashan University Town, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China; EIT Institute for Advanced Study, 568 Tongxin Road, Zhenhai District, Ningbo 315410, China
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15
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Bierbaum T, Hansen SK, Poudel B, Haslauer C. Investigating rate-limited sorption, sorption to air-water interfaces, and colloid-facilitated transport during PFAS leaching. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:121529-121547. [PMID: 37957494 PMCID: PMC10724089 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Various sorption processes affect leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOA and PFOS. The objectives of this study are to (1) compare rate-limited leaching in column and lysimeter experiments, (2) investigate the relevance of sorption to air-water interfaces (AWI), and (3) examine colloid-facilitated transport as a process explaining early experimental breakthrough. A continuum model (CM) with two-domain sorption is used to simulate equilibrium and rate-limited sorption. A random walk particle tracking (PT) model was developed and applied to analyze complex leaching characteristics. Results show that sorption parameters derived from column experiments underestimate long-term PFOA leaching in lysimeter experiments due to early depletion, suggesting that transformation of precursors contributes to the observed long-term leaching in the lysimeters (approximately 0.003 µg/kg/d PFOA). Both models demonstrate that sorption to AWI is the dominant retention mechanism for PFOS in lysimeter experiments, with retardation due to AWI being 3 (CM) to 3.7 (PT) times higher than retardation due to solid phase sorption. Notably, despite a simplified conception of AWI sorption, the PT results are closer to the observations. The PT simulations demonstrate possible colloid-facilitated transport at early time; however, results using substance-specific varying transport parameters align better with the observations, which should be equal if colloid-facilitated transport without additional kinetics is the sole mechanism affecting early breakthrough. Possibly, rate-limited sorption to AWI is relevant during the early stages of the lysimeter experiment. Our findings demonstrate that rate-limited sorption is less relevant for long-term leaching under field conditions compared to transformation of precursors and that sorption to AWI can be the dominant retention mechanism on contaminated sites. Moreover, they highlight the potential of random walk particle tracking as a practical alternative to continuum models for estimating the relative contributions of various retention mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bierbaum
- Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Environmental Systems (IWS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Scott K Hansen
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, 8499000, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Bikash Poudel
- Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Environmental Systems (IWS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claus Haslauer
- Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), University of Stuttgart, Institute for Modelling Environmental Systems (IWS), Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
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16
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Chiang SYD, Saba M, Leighton M, Ballenghien D, Hatler D, Gal J, Deshusses MA. Supercritical water oxidation for the destruction of spent media wastes generated from PFAS treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132264. [PMID: 37633016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Granular activated carbon (GAC) and anion exchange resin (AIX) have been successfully demonstrated to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water and wastewater. These treatment technologies, when applied for PFAS removal, generate spent media loaded with a high mass of PFAS requiring further treatment and disposal. This project is the first study on the use of supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) to destroy both the spent media and the PFAS adsorbed onto it. One sample of spent GAC and one sample of spent AIX were collected from full-scale groundwater remediation systems treating PFAS. A second spent AIX sample was collected from a mobile PFAS treatment unit. The total PFAS concentrations reported in the GAC, AIX and second AIX feedstock slurries were 0.21 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg and 0.9 mg/kg, respectively. Each feedstock was processed separately in a one (1) wet metric ton per day tubular reactor SCWO system. The study demonstrated that SCWO is a very effective PFAS destruction technology for spent GAC and AIX, derived from water remediation systems treating PFAS. The spent media were completely mineralized to water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and a negligible amount of residual minerals. Total target PFAS compound concentrations in the SCWO system effluents after treating spent GAC, AIX and second AIX feedstocks were 548, 77 and 796 ng/L, respectively. The results indicated that the percentage elimination of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) was better than that of perfluosulfonic acids (PFSAs) and long-chain PFAS elimination was better than short-chain PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheau-Yun Dora Chiang
- WSP USA, Environmental Remediation and PFAS Innovation, Earth & Environment, 1075 Big Shanty Rd NW #100, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA.
| | - Matthew Saba
- 374Water Inc., 3710 Shanon R. #51877, Durham, NC 27717, USA; Duke University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Macon Leighton
- 374Water Inc., 3710 Shanon R. #51877, Durham, NC 27717, USA; Duke University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | - Douglas Hatler
- 374Water Inc., 3710 Shanon R. #51877, Durham, NC 27717, USA
| | - Justin Gal
- WSP USA, Environmental Remediation and PFAS Innovation, Earth & Environment, 1075 Big Shanty Rd NW #100, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | - Marc A Deshusses
- 374Water Inc., 3710 Shanon R. #51877, Durham, NC 27717, USA; Duke University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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17
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Haque F, Soerensen AL, Sköld M, Awad R, Spaan KM, Lauria MZ, Plassmann MM, Benskin JP. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in white-tailed sea eagle eggs from Sweden: temporal trends (1969-2021), spatial variations, fluorine mass balance, and suspect screening. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1549-1563. [PMID: 37622471 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00141e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Temporal and spatial trends of 15 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were determined in white-tailed sea eagle (WTSE) eggs (Haliaeetus albicilla) from two inland and two coastal regions of Sweden between 1969 and 2021. PFAS concentrations generally increased from ∼1969 to ∼1990s-2010 (depending on target and site) and thereafter plateaued or declined, with perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) declining faster than most perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). The net result was a shift in the PFAS profile from PFOS-dominant in 1969-2010 to an increased prevalence of PFCAs over the last decade. Further, during the entire period higher PFAS concentrations were generally observed in coastal populations, possibly due to differences in diet and/or proximity to more densely populated areas. Fluorine mass balance determination in pooled samples from three of the regions (2019-2021) indicated that target PFAS accounted for the vast majority (i.e. 81-100%) of extractable organic fluorine (EOF). Nevertheless, high resolution mass-spectrometry-based suspect screening identified 55 suspects (31 at a confidence level [CL] of 1-3 and 24 at a CL of 4-5), of which 43 were substances not included in the targeted analysis. Semi-quantification of CL ≤ 2 suspects increased the identified EOF to >90% in coastal samples. In addition to showing the impact of PFAS regulation and phase-out initiatives, this study demonstrates that most extractable organofluorine in WTSE eggs is made up of known (legacy) PFAS, albeit with low levels of novel substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Haque
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
| | - Anne L Soerensen
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Sköld
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Mathematics, Stockholm University, Albanovägen 28, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raed Awad
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Valhallavägen 81, 114 28, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kyra M Spaan
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mélanie Z Lauria
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Merle M Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 8, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Dewapriya P, Nilsson S, Ghorbani Gorji S, O’Brien JW, Bräunig J, Gómez Ramos MJ, Donaldson E, Samanipour S, Martin JW, Mueller JF, Kaserzon SL, Thomas KV. Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Discovered in Cattle Exposed to AFFF-Impacted Groundwater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13635-13645. [PMID: 37648245 PMCID: PMC10501377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from Australian firefighting training grounds has resulted in extensive contamination of groundwater and nearby farmlands. Humans, farm animals, and wildlife in these areas may have been exposed to complex mixtures of PFASs from aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). This study aimed to identify PFAS classes in pooled whole blood (n = 4) and serum (n = 4) from cattle exposed to AFFF-impacted groundwater and potentially discover new PFASs in blood. Thirty PFASs were identified at various levels of confidence (levels 1a-5a), including three novel compounds: (i) perfluorohexanesulfonamido 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (FHxSA-HOPrA), (ii) methyl((perfluorohexyl)sulfonyl)sulfuramidous acid, and (iii) methyl((perfluorooctyl)sulfonyl)sulfuramidous acid, belonging to two different classes. Biotransformation intermediate, perfluorohexanesulfonamido propanoic acid (FHxSA-PrA), hitherto unreported in biological samples, was detected in both whole blood and serum. Furthermore, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, including perfluoropropane sulfonamide (FPrSA), perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), and perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA) were predominantly detected in whole blood, suggesting that these accumulate in the cell fraction of blood. The suspect screening revealed several fluoroalkyl chain-substituted PFAS. The results suggest that targeting only the major PFASs in the plasma or serum of AFFF-exposed mammals likely underestimates the toxicological risks associated with exposure. Future studies of AFFF-exposed populations should include whole-blood analysis with high-resolution mass spectrometry to understand the true extent of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Dewapriya
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Jake W. O’Brien
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
- Van
‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Department
of Chemistry and Physics, University of
Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3
(ceiA3), Carretera Sacramento
s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería 04120, Spain
| | - Eric Donaldson
- Aviation
Medical Specialist, The Australasian Faculty of Occupational &
Environmental Medicine (AFOEM), The Royal
Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
- Van
‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Department
of Environmental Science (ACES, Exposure & Effects), Science for
Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
| | - Jochen F. Mueller
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarit L. Kaserzon
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin V. Thomas
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
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19
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Hedgespeth ML, Taylor DL, Balint S, Schwartz M, Cantwell MG. Ecological characteristics impact PFAS concentrations in a U.S. North Atlantic food web. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163302. [PMID: 37031936 PMCID: PMC10451026 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This is the first comprehensive study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a coastal food web of the U.S. North Atlantic, in which we characterize the presence and concentrations of 24 targeted PFAS across 18 marine species from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, and surrounding waters. These species reflect the diversity of a typical North Atlantic Ocean food web with organisms from a variety of taxa, habitat types, and feeding guilds. Many of these organisms have no previously reported information on PFAS tissue concentrations. We found significant relationships of PFAS concentrations with respect to various ecological characteristics including species, body size, habitat, feeding guild, and location of collection. Based upon the 19 PFAS detected in the study (5 were not detected in samples), benthic omnivores (American lobsters = 10.5 ng/g ww, winter skates = 5.77 ng/g ww, Cancer crabs = 4.59 ng/g ww) and pelagic piscivores (striped bass = 8.50 ng/g ww, bluefish = 4.30 ng/g ww) demonstrated the greatest average ∑PFAS concentrations across all species sampled. Further, American lobsters had the highest concentrations detected in individuals (∑PFAS up to 21.1 ng/g ww, which consisted primarily of long-chain PFCAs). The calculation of field-based trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for the top 8 detected PFAS determined that perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) associated with the pelagic habitat biomagnified, whereas perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) associated with the benthic habitat demonstrated trophic dilution in this food web (calculated trophic levels ranged from 1.65 to 4.97). While PFAS exposure to these organisms may have adverse implications for ecological impacts via toxicological effects, many of these species are also key recreational and commercial fisheries resulting in potential for human exposure via dietary consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L Hedgespeth
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA.
| | - David L Taylor
- Department of Marine Biology, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
| | - Sawyer Balint
- ORISE Research Participant at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Morgan Schwartz
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Mark G Cantwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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20
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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21
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Ekperusi AO, Bely N, Pollono C, Mahé K, Munschy C, Aminot Y. Prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine seafood from the Gulf of Guinea. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139110. [PMID: 37270038 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PFASs are ubiquitous in the global environment due to their wide use, persistence and bioaccumulation, and are of concern for human health. This study investigated the levels of PFASs in seafood with a view to provide knowledge on the occurrence of PFASs in marine resources and to evaluate seafood safety and human health risk via dietary exposure to coastal communities in the Gulf of Guinea, where there is currently very little data. The sum of targeted PFASs was between 91 and 1510 pg g-l ww (mean 465 ± 313 pg g-l ww), with PFOS and long-chain PFCAs prevailing. The concentrations of PFASs in the three species of croakers were species- and location-dependent, with habitat and anthropogenic pressure as likely drivers of the differences. Significantly higher contamination levels were found in male croakers. The trophic transfer and biomagnification of PFASs from shrimps to croakers was evidenced for PFOS and long-chain PFCAs (with a significant increase of contaminants from the prey to the predator). The calculated estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and hazard ratio (HR) for PFOS in croakers (whole fish and muscles) and shrimp were lower than the European Food and Safety Agency's recommended level for PFOS (1.8 ng kg-1 day-1) and below the HR safety threshold value of 1. From the results, based on present safety limits, PFOS levels in croakers and shrimps from the Gulf of Guinea do not pose immediate health risks to the human population. This study provides the first insight regarding the distribution of PFASs in seafood from the tropical NE Atlantic region of the Gulf of Guinea and highlights the need for further monitoring across the Gulf.
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22
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Point AD, Crimmins BS, Holsen TM, Fernando S, Hopke PK, Darie CC. Can blood proteome diversity among fish species help explain perfluoroalkyl acid trophodynamics in aquatic food webs? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162337. [PMID: 36848995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse family of industrially significant synthetic chemicals infamous for extreme environmental persistence and global environmental distribution. Many PFAS are bioaccumulative and biologically active mainly due to their tendency to bind with various proteins. These protein interactions are important in determining the accumulation potential and tissue distribution of individual PFAS. Trophodynamics studies including aquatic food webs present inconsistent evidence for PFAS biomagnification. This study strives to identify whether the observed variability in PFAS bioaccumulation potential among species could correspond with interspecies protein composition differences. Specifically, this work compares the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) serum protein binding potential and the tissue distribution of ten perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) detected in alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii), and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) of the Lake Ontario aquatic piscivorous food web. These three fish sera and fetal bovine reference serum all had unique total serum protein concentrations. Serum protein-PFOS binding experiments showed divergent patterns between fetal bovine serum and fish sera, suggesting potentially two different PFOS binding mechanisms. To identify interspecies differences in PFAS-binding serum proteins, fish sera were pre-equilibrated with PFOS, fractionated by serial molecular weight cut-off filter fractionation, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the tryptic protein digests and the PFOS extracts of each fraction. This workflow identified similar serum proteins for all fish species. However, serum albumin was only identified in lake trout, suggesting apolipoproteins are likely the primary PFAA transporters in alewife and deepwater sculpin sera. PFAA tissue distribution analysis provided supporting evidence for interspecies variations in lipid transport and storage, which may also contribute to the varied PFAA accumulation in these species. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD039145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Point
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America.
| | - Bernard S Crimmins
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; AEACS, LLC, New Kensington, PA, United States of America
| | - Thomas M Holsen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Sujan Fernando
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Costel C Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
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23
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Mikkonen AT, Martin J, Upton RN, Barker AO, Brumley CM, Taylor MP, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS. Spatio-temporal trends in livestock exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) inform risk assessment and management measures. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 225:115518. [PMID: 36841522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The migration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) onto agricultural properties has resulted in the accumulation of PFAS in livestock. The environmental determinants of PFAS accumulation in livestock from the grazing environment are poorly understood, resulting in limited capacity to manage livestock exposure and subsequent transfer of PFAS through the food chain. Analytical- (n = 978 samples of soil, water, pasture, and serum matrices), farm management/practice- and livestock physiology data were collated and interrogated from environmental PFAS investigations across ten farms, from four agro-ecological regions of Victoria (Australia). Statistical analysis identified perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) as key analytes of concern for livestock bioaccumulation. PFOS and PFHxS concentrations in livestock drinking water were positively correlated with serum concentrations while other intake pathways (pasture and soil) had weaker correlations. Seasonal trends in PFAS body burden (serum concentrations) were identified and suggested to be linked to seasonal grazing behaviours and physiological water requirements. The data showed for the first time that livestock exposure to PFAS is dynamic and with relatively short elimination half-lives, there is opportunity for exposure management. Meat from cattle, grazed on PFAS impacted sites, may exceed health-based guideline values for PFAS, especially for markets with low limits (like the European Commission Maximum Limits or EC MLs). This study found that sites with mean livestock drinking water concentrations as low as 0.003 μg PFOS/L may exceed the EC ML for PFOS in cattle meat. Risk assessment can be used to prioritise site cleanup and development of management plans to reduce PFAS body burden by considering timing of stock rotation and/or supplementation of primary exposure sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti T Mikkonen
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; Arcadis L18, Queen & Collins Tower, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard N Upton
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn M Brumley
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; Arcadis L18, Queen & Collins Tower, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark P Taylor
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorraine Mackenzie
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Queensland, Australia
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24
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Meng L, Tian H, Lv J, Wang Y, Jiang G. Influence of microplastics on the photodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 127:791-798. [PMID: 36522106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are omnipresent in the environment and their transportation and transformation have attracted increased attention. Microplastics are another potential risk substances that can serve as a carrier for ubiquitous pollutants, thus affecting the presence of PFAS in the environment. In this study, the adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on four microplastics (PE, PVC, PS, and PTFE) and their effect on the photodegradation of FOSA were studied. The adsorption capacity of FOSA by PS was the highest, in similar, PS displayed the highest adsorption capacity in the presence of PFOA. Different effects of pH and salinity on the adsorption of FOSA and PFOA were observed among different microplastics indicating inconsistent interaction mechanisms. Furthermore, FOSA could be photodegraded, with PFOA as the main product, while the presence of microplastics had a negligible effect on the degradation of this contaminant. The results indicated that microplastics could act as PFAS concentrators. Moreover, their photochemical inertias make the pollutants enriched on microplastics more resistant to degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoting Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jitao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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25
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Jia X, Li X, Zhou L, Hui Y, Li W, Cai Y, Shi Y. Variations of the Level, Profile, and Distribution of PFAS around POSF Manufacturing Facilities in China: An Overlooked Source of PFCA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5264-5274. [PMID: 36939348 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was investigated inside two manufacturing facilities in China. Levels, profiles, and spatial distribution of the detected PFAS were found to be distinctly site-specific and influenced by the area's historic function, production structure of the plant, downpour-induced accidental pollution, and variations in the adsorption and transport of compounds. Very high concentrations of PFAS [mainly C4 and C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs)] were found in topsoil and groundwater from both plants, with the highest values of 4.89 × 106 μg/kg dw and 1.10 × 104 μg/L, respectively. Elevated concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in this study were attributed to their unintentional formation during the electrochemical fluorination process, which might be an overlooked source of PFCA. PFAS generally showed decreasing trends from shallow layers to the bottom of the soil core and demonstrated some downward migrations at different soil depths with time, and C4-C8 PFAS presented a deeper seepage than their long-chain homologues. Total organic carbon appeared to be more important for PFAS sorption to the topsoil than to the soil core. Workers were at potential risk of exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid via soil at production and storage related sites. This study provides a critical reference for the systematic control of PFAS pollution around manufacturing facilities and a proof for an overlooked source of PFCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Longfei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yamei Hui
- CSD IDEA (Beijing) Environmental Test & Analysis Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- CSD IDEA (Beijing) Environmental Test & Analysis Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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26
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Bao M, Feng H, Zheng Y, Luo H, Sun C, Pan Y. Determination of Perfluorooctane Sulfonyl Fluoride and Perfluorohexane Sulfonyl Fluoride in Soil by Chemical Derivatization and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4180-4186. [PMID: 36848521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF) and perfluorohexane sulfonyl fluoride (PFHxSF) were listed as persistent organic pollutants by the Stockholm Convention in 2009 and 2022, respectively. To date, their concentrations in environmental samples have not been reported due to the lack of sensitive methods. Herein, a novel chemical derivatization was developed for quantitative analysis of trace PFOSF and PFHxSF in soil by derivatizing them to the corresponding perfluoroalkane sulfinic acids. The method showed good linearity in the range from 25 to 500 ng L-1 with correlation coefficients (R2) better than 0.99. The detection limit of PFOSF in soil was 0.066 ng g-1 with recoveries in the range of 96-111%. Meanwhile, the detection limit of PFHxSF was 0.072 ng g-1 with recoveries in the range of 72-89%. Simultaneously, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were also detected accurately without being affected by the derivative reaction. By applying this method in an abandoned fluorochemical manufacturing facility, PFOSF and PFHxSF were successfully detected at concentrations ranging from 2.7 to 357 ng g-1 and 0.23 to 26 ng g-1 dry weight, respectively. It is very interesting that 2 years after factory relocation, there still exists high concentrations of PFOSF and PFHxSF, which is of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Bao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongru Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiwei Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuirong Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanjiang Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
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27
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Khan EA, Grønnestad R, Krøkje Å, Bartosov Z, Johanson SM, Müller MHB, Arukwe A. Alteration of hepato-lipidomic homeostasis in A/J mice fed an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107838. [PMID: 36822005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we have investigated liver lipid homeostasis and corresponding changes in transcript and functional product levels in A/J mice exposed to environmental relevant concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixture. Mice were fed environmentally relevant concentrations of a PFAS mixture during a period of 10 weeks. The concentrations of the 8 individual PFAS in the mixture were chosen based on measured concentrations in earthworms at a Norwegian skiing area. Our data show high liver accumulation of ∑PFAS in exposed mice, which paralleled significant elevation in body weight and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of male mice. UPC2 -MS/MS analysis in both positive and negative mode, respectively, indicated significant differences between control and exposure groups in the liver of exposed mice. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the features revealed separation of control and exposure groups in both sexes. From the significantly differential 207 lipids, only 72 were identified and shown to belong to eight different lipid classes. PCA of fatty acids (FAs) profile showed a clear separation between control and PFAS exposure groups in both female and male mice, with differential abundant levels of 5 and 4 hydrolyzed FAs, respectively. Transcript and protein analysis of genes associated with lipid homeostasis (ppar-α and β, lxr-α and β, rxr, fasn and srebp) showed that PFAS exposure produced sex- and individual response related alterations. Glutathione reductase (Gr) activity showed exposure-related changes in both female and male mice, compared with controls. Overall, the present study has demonstrated changes in lipid metabolism after PFAS exposure, showing that PFAS accumulation in the liver resulted to hepatotoxic effects, potential interference with membrane lipid profile and homeostasis, and oxidative stress. Given the structural similarity with FAs, interaction between PFAS and nuclear receptors such as PPARs may have severe consequences for general health and physiology in exposed animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa A Khan
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Randi Grønnestad
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Åse Krøkje
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Zdenka Bartosov
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Silje Modahl Johanson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette H B Müller
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Augustine Arukwe
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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28
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Bowers BB, Thornton JA, Sullivan RC. Evaluation of iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometry for gas and aerosol-phase per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:277-287. [PMID: 36189623 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00275b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of ultra-persistent anthropogenic contaminants. PFAS are ubiquitous in environmental and built systems, but very few online methods exist for their characterization in atmospheric gases and aerosols. Iodide time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometry (iodide-ToF-CIMS) is a promising technology for online characterization of PFAS in the atmosphere. Previous work using iodide-ToF-CIMS was successful in measuring gas-phase perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and fluorotelomer alcohols, but those are just two of the myriad classes of PFAS that are atmospherically relevant. Therefore, our first objective was to test other sample introduction methods coupled to iodide-TOF-CIMS to evaluate its ability to measure a wider suite of PFAS in both gas and aerosol phases. Using a variety of sample introduction techniques, we successfully measured gas-phase fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), gas and aerosol-phase perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and aerosol-phase perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids and polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters (PFSAs and diPAPs). We also determined iodide-ToF-CIMS response factors for these compounds by introducing known quantities using a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO). These response factors ranged from 400 to 6 × 104 ions per nanogram, demonstrating low limits of detection. Furthermore, PFAS are a poorly understood diverse class of molecules that exhibit unusual and often unexpected physicochemical properties due to their highly fluorinated nature. Since detection of PFAS with iodide-ToF-CIMS relies on the analyte molecule to either undergo proton transfer or adduct formation with iodide, understanding PFAS behavior during chemical ionization gives rise to a more fundamental understanding of these compounds. Through voltage scanning experiments and DFT calculations, we found that PFCAs and FTOHs readily form iodide adducts, while PFSAs and diPAPs preferentially undergo proton transfer to iodide. Generally, binding energy increased with increasing linear chain length, and PFCAs had stronger binding than FTOHs. Overall, our results suggest that iodide-ToF-CIMS can be used to measure even nonvolatile PFAS such as PFSAs and diPAPs in the aerosol phase in a semi-continuous online fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey B Bowers
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joel A Thornton
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan C Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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29
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Nilsson S, Bräunig J, Carey RN, Hui J, Smurthwaite K, Toms LM, Kirk MD, Mueller JF, Fritschi L. Longitudinal measurements of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in archived human serum samples between 1975 and 1995 in Australia. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130307. [PMID: 36444050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade compounds produced since the 1950 s and used in a range of industrial processes and consumer products. In Australia, PFAS serum concentrations have been measured in the general population since 2002. However, few studies have retrospectively measured PFAS concentrations in serum samples representative of a general population prior to 2000, none of which have been conducted in Australia. To understand the general population's exposure to PFAS prior to 2002, longitudinal PFAS serum concentration measurements are required. In the current study, we accessed 'The Busselton Health Study Data Bank' to analyse archived serum samples for PFAS. Repeat serum samples collected in 1975, 1981 and 1995 were obtained from 17 participants. Of the 35 PFAS analysed, 13 PFAS were detected in the serum samples collected in 1975. Both the detection frequency and ∑PFAS serum concentrations increased between 1975 and 1995. Median ∑PFAS serum concentration increased over 7-fold; from 3.3 ng/mL in 1975-26 ng/mL in 1995. The increase in serum concentrations reflects the global production history of these PFAS during this period in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Renee N Carey
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jennie Hui
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kayla Smurthwaite
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Martyn D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Soerensen AL, Faxneld S, Pettersson M, Sköld M. Fish tissue conversion factors for mercury, cadmium, lead and nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances for use within contaminant monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159740. [PMID: 36461579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fish tissue levels have to comply with environmental quality standards (EQSs) within the European Water Framework Directive. However, within monitoring, contaminants are sometimes measured in a different tissue than the tissue for which the environmental (whole fish) or human (fillet (equivalent to muscle tissue)) quality standard is set. Tissue conversion factors (k), describing the relationship between concentrations in different tissues, can be used to obtain a quality standard for the appropriate tissue. Several different approaches have been suggested for the calculation of k. For monitoring purposes, we propose the use of a simple, easy reproducible approach that assumes proportionality between two tissue, or tissue and whole fish, concentrations. This allows for an easy comparison of studies and adoption of ks into independent monitoring programs. Here, we determined ks for three metals (mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd)) and nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) across six marine and freshwater fish species from Northern European lakes and the Baltic Sea. We found significant species differences for Hg for kmuscle/whole fish, for Cd and Pb for kliver/whole fish and for Cd for kliver/muscle. For perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA), we found a chain length dependence with lowest kliver/muscle at low and high chain lengths (C8, C13) and highest for median chain lengths (C9-C12). Further, there were differences between fish species with kliver/muscle for PFOS almost doubling from eelpout (10.3) to herring (19.2) and increasing up to a factor 4 between eelpout and herring for other PFASs. FOSA had two distinctive groups, herring with a kliver/muscle of 48.7 and a second group with ks of 2.3 to 5.9 for all other fish species. Our results suggest that differences in the tissue somatic index, and contaminant uptake, tissue transfer and metabolism result in the need for species-specific ks within monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Soerensen
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Sweden.
| | - Suzanne Faxneld
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Sweden
| | - Maria Pettersson
- Environment and Health Administration, City of Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Sköld
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Sweden; Department of Mathematics, Stockholm University, Sweden
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Liu D, Tang B, Nie S, Zhao N, He L, Cui J, Mao W, Jin H. Distribution of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and their precursors in human blood. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129908. [PMID: 36115093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have examined per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in human blood. However, the distribution of PFASs in human blood remains not well known, especially for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) precursors. In this study, human blood samples (n = 162) were collected from general Chinese population, and then the isomer-specific partitioning of PFASs between human plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) were investigated. Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and PFOS were consistently the predominant PFASs in both human plasma and RBCs. In human blood, among C4-C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), the calculated mean mass fraction in plasma (Fp) values increased from 0.76 to 0.82 with the increasing chain length. C7-C13 PFCAs exhibited a trend of gradually decreasing mean Fp with chain length. Among PFAS precursors, 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester had the highest mean Fp value (0.87 ± 0.11). Calculated Fp values of N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-MeFOSA) and N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-EtFOSA) were 0.66 ± 0.13 and 0.70 ± 0.12, respectively. Individual branched isomers consistently had greater Fp values than their corresponding linear isomers for PFOA, PFHxS, and perfluoroctane sulfonamide. To our knowledge, this study first reports the distribution of N-MeFOSA and N-EtFOSA in human blood, contributing to the better understanding of the occurrence and fate of PFASs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Saisai Nie
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Li He
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Jiansheng Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China.
| | - Weili Mao
- Department of Pharmacy, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
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Cao X, Xin S, Liu X, Wang S. Occurrence and behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and conversion of oxidizable precursors in the waters of coastal tourist resorts in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120460. [PMID: 36273687 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorolkyl substances (PFAS) were measured in the water and fish from 20 coastal tourist resorts in China, to investigate their sources, seasonal differences, and bioconcentration. An oxidative method with hydroxyl radicals was used to extract potential perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors in the water of resorts. The results indicated that the total concentrations of target chemicals (i.e., ΣPFAS) in the original water were 59.4-138, 32.7-77.2, and 14.6-29.9 ng L-1 in December, April, and August, respectively. C4-C10 perfluorocarboxlate (PFCA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) accounted for 67%-92% of the ΣPFAS contents in all water samples. The PFAS concentrations in the muscles and liver of fish were 16.0-162 ng g-1 ww and 186-1240 ng g-1 ww, respectively. The dominant compounds were perfluorobutanoate acid (PFBA) and PFOS in the water, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOS in fish tissues. High bioconcentration were observed for PFCA (C ≥ 8) and perfluorosulfonate (PFSA, C ≥ 6). After oxidative conversion, the water exhibited a noticeable increase in the ΣPFAS value. Precursors that generated C4-C9 PFCA were more prevalent than precursors that generated other PFCA upon oxidation. The concentration of C8-based precursor was higher than that of C6-based precursor in wet and dry seasons. This study is the first to apply an oxidative method to investigate PFAS pollution in the water of coastal tourist resorts. The results verified that PFAA precursors exist in the water of coastal tourist resorts, and more attention should be given to the existence of PFAA precursors and the safety of water in coastal tourist resorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhi Cao
- School of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China; School of History and Culture, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, China
| | - Shuhan Xin
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, China
| | - Shiliang Wang
- School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, China.
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Cook EK, Olivares CI, Antell EH, Yi S, Nickerson A, Choi YJ, Higgins CP, Sedlak DL, Alvarez-Cohen L. Biological and Chemical Transformation of the Six-Carbon Polyfluoroalkyl Substance N-Dimethyl Ammonio Propyl Perfluorohexane Sulfonamide (AmPr-FHxSA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15478-15488. [PMID: 36257682 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00261] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sites impacted by aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contain co-contaminants that can stimulate biotransformation of polyfluoroalkyl substances. Here, we compare how microbial enrichments from AFFF-impacted soil amended with diethyl glycol monobutyl ether (found in AFFF), aromatic hydrocarbons (present in co-released fuels), acetate, and methane (substrates used or formed during bioremediation) impact the aerobic biotransformation of an AFFF-derived six-carbon electrochemical fluorination (ECF) precursor N-dimethyl ammonio propyl perfluorohexane sulfonamide (AmPr-FHxSA). We found that methane- and acetate-oxidizing cultures resulted in the highest yields of identifiable products (38 and 30%, respectively), including perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Using these data, we propose and detail a transformation pathway. Additionally, we examined chemical oxidation products of AmPr-FHxSA and FHxSA to provide insights on remediation strategies for AmPr-FHxSA. We demonstrate mineralization of these compounds using the sulfate radical and test their transformation during the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. While perfluorohexanoic acid accounted for over 95% of the products formed, we demonstrate here for the first time two ECF-based precursors, AmPr-FHxSA and FHxSA, that produce PFHxS during the TOP assay. These findings have implications for monitoring poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances during site remediation and application of the TOP assay at sites impacted by ECF-based precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Cook
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Christopher I Olivares
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Edmund H Antell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Shan Yi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - David L Sedlak
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Lisa Alvarez-Cohen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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Venkatesan AK, Lee CS, Gobler CJ. Hydroxyl-radical based advanced oxidation processes can increase perfluoroalkyl substances beyond drinking water standards: Results from a pilot study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157577. [PMID: 35882318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are popular technologies employed across the U.S. for wastewater reclamation and drinking water treatment of recalcitrant chemicals. Although there is consensus about the ineffectiveness of AOPs to treat perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs; not polyfluoro compounds by definition here), there is a lack of field data demonstrating their impact on the transformation of unknown PFAS precursors during groundwater treatment. In this study, the fate of PFASs in seven pilot-scale AOPs, including four different technologies (UV/H2O2, UV/Cl2, UV/TiO2, and O3/H2O2), was assessed at four drinking water systems across New York State (NYS), USA. Seven of 18 PFASs were detected in the influent at concentrations ranging from below method detection to 64 ng/L. Across all systems, all detected PFASs showed an increase in concentration after treatment presumably due to unknown precursor transformation with specific increases for perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) averaging 405 (range: 0 - 1220) %, 1.0 (-7 - 9) %, 3.8 (0 - 9.5) %, 3.3 (-11 - 13) %, 14 (0 - 48) %, 13 (3 - 25) %, and 2 (0 - 5.2) %, respectively. The increase in PFAS concentration was dependent on UV and oxidant dose, further confirming that transformation reactions were occurring due to AOPs similar to a total oxidizable precursor assay. At one of the sites, PFOA levels exceeded the current NYS drinking water standard of 10 ng/L after, but not before treatment, highlighting the importance of considering the potential impact of AOP on treated water quality when designing treatment systems for regulatory compliance. The increase in PFAS concentration in the AOP systems positively correlated (r = 0.91) with nitrate levels in groundwater, suggesting that onsite septic discharges may be an important source of PFAS contamination in these unsewered study areas. Results from this pilot-scale demonstration reveal that hydroxyl radical-based AOPs, although ineffective in treating PFASs, can help to reveal the true extent of PFAS contamination in source waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Venkatesan
- New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Cheng-Shiuan Lee
- New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Christopher J Gobler
- New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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35
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Nutritional Quality and Assessment of Contaminants in Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) of Different Origins. J FOOD QUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9318889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atlantic salmon represents an important source of valuable proteins and lipids rich in n-3 fatty acids and micronutrients. However, there are reports that these marine fish still contain contaminants at levels that raise health concerns. Although the Stockholm Convention already bans some compounds, they can still be detected because of their persistence. The present study reports nutritional parameters and the occurrence of persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals in the tissues of fifty-five salmon from several major farming areas. The protein content of all samples was almost identical, averaging to 19.2% w/w, while lipids averaged 14.9% w/w. Fish from Chilean farms contained 6.0% less fat and a lower level of vitamin E than from other sources, that is, 2.2 mg per 100 g (w/w). Fish from Scottish farms contained higher levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. Halogenated contaminants from polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorinated pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances were measured, and generally, they were found to be at very low concentrations that did not exceed the legislation limits applicable in the European Union. These results showed that the compositional differences between Atlantic salmon from several important farming areas were only minor, but some significant differences were demonstrated in total fat content and fatty acid profiles.
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36
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Yang L, Chen X, Zhu L, Wang Y, Shan G. Analysis of Specific Perfluorohexane Sulfonate Isomers by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Method Development and Application in Source Apportionment. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 2022:8704754. [PMID: 36248053 PMCID: PMC9553683 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8704754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) isomers, a chemical proposed for listing under the Stockholm Convention, is important to elucidate its environmental behaviors and sources. Optimized chromatographic separation coupled with monitoring of the characteristic fragments enabled the identification of four mono-substituted and two di-substituted branched PFHxS isomers. The transitions of molecular ions m/z 399 to the fragments m/z 80 (n-), m/z 169 (iso-), m/z 319 (1m-), m/z 80 (2m-), and m/z 180 (3m-) were selected for quantifying the mono-substituted isomers. Method accuracy of the established LC-MS/MS was verified by comparing the results of technical products with those determined by 19F-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The developed method was then used to quantify the isomeric compositions of PFHxS in the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) industrial products which contained PFHxS as an impurity, as well as in several kinds of water samples, with the limits of detection for all isomers in the range of 4 to 30 pg/L. For the first time, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established to separate and quantify the PFHxS isomers. The isomeric profiling of water samples suggested that PFHxS in the waters was mainly due to the direct contamination of PFHxS rather than from PFOS contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, China
| | - Xin Chen
- 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, 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, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- 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, China
| | - Guoqiang Shan
- 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, China
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37
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Nyström J, Benskin JP, Plassmann M, Sandblom O, Glynn A, Lampa E, Gyllenhammar I, Lignell S, Moraeus L. Healthy eating index and diet diversity score as determinants of serum perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations in a national survey of Swedish adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113170. [PMID: 35339470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113170] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Food is an important source of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) exposure for the general adult population, but few data exist for adolescents. Healthy food habits established during adolescence may positively influence health later in life. Associations between serum PFAA concentrations and a healthy eating index (SHEIA15), as well as a diet diversity score (RADDS), were determined in a nationally representative adolescent population from Sweden (Riksmaten Adolescents 2016-2017, RMA). Using consumption data from food registrations and frequency questionnaires, we additionally analyzed associations with commonly consumed food groups. Associations were analyzed by fitting a cumulative probability model using ordinal regression. Among the seven PFAAs detected in ≥70% of the 1098 participants (age 10-21 years), median concentrations ranged from <1 ng/g serum of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perflurorundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), linear (lin-) perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and branched (br-) perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to 1-2 ng/g serum of lin-perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and lin-PFOS. PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA and lin-PFOS concentrations were positively associated with both SHEIA15 and RADDS, a finding most likely driven by higher consumption of seafood. PFDA, PFUnDA and lin-PFOS concentrations were positively related to commonly consumed fish/shellfish groups, such as lean marine fish and shellfish. Inverse associations between PFAA concentrations and dairy consumption suggest an underlying factor behind dairy consumption that similarly affects adolescent exposure to the different PFAAs. Isomeric differences in dietary exposure between lin-PFOS and br-PFOS were suggested, as br-PFOS concentrations, in contrast to lin-PFOS, were not associated with SHEIA15, RADDS and consumption of different food groups. We conclude that Swedish adolescents, adhering to a diverse and healthy diet, appears to be more highly exposed to legacy PFAAs than those eating less healthy. Additional research is necessary for a better understanding of the health implications of healthy eating from a PFAA exposure perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nyström
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oskar Sandblom
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Glynn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Lampa
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Irina Gyllenhammar
- Department of Risk and Benefit Assessment, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanna Lignell
- Department of Risk and Benefit Assessment, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lotta Moraeus
- Department of Risk and Benefit Assessment, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
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38
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Piva E, Ioime P, Dall'Ara S, Fais P, Pascali JP. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) determination in shellfish by liquid chromatography coupled to accurate mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1652-1659. [PMID: 35562100 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sonia Dall'Ara
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, Cesenatico, Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer P Pascali
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Tansel B. PFAS risk propagation terminology in spatial and temporal scales: Risk intensification, risk attenuation, and risk amplification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155503. [PMID: 35483458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155503] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and per fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that are used in many industrial applications to improve performance and durability of products. The CF bond is one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry which makes PFAS highly persistent in the environment. Therefore, PFAS levels have increased in different environmental compartments (air, water, soil) at global scale over time since the early 1950s. Terminology used for describing potential risks and those used in risk communication can be confusing as different disciplines use risk concepts and vocabulary that are different from those used for exposure and/or health risk assessment for hazardous materials. For example, terms such as emergent risk, emerging risk, risk intensification, risk awareness, risk perception, risk attenuation, risk amplification, and risk absorption are often misused or misinterpreted, especially in describing and communicating risks associated with PFAS in the environment or PFAS exposure. In addition, appropriate risk terms associated with psychological, social, institutional, and cultural elements are often misused. Here, appropriate risk terminology for describing and quantifying risks and health risks in reference to PFAS exposure and PFAS related risk propagation in spatial and temporal scales are explained with examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berrin Tansel
- Florida International University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, FL, USA.
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40
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Dickman RA, Aga DS. A review of recent studies on toxicity, sequestration, and degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129120. [PMID: 35643010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The fate, effects, and treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), an anthropogenic class of chemicals used in industrial and commercial production, are topics of great interest in recent research and news cycles. This interest stems from the ubiquity of PFAS in the global environment as well as their significant toxicological effects in humans and wildlife. Research on toxicity, sequestration, removal, and degradation of PFAS has grown rapidly, leading to a flood of valuable knowledge that can get swamped out in the perpetual rise in the number of publications. Selected papers from the Journal of Hazardous Materials between January 2018 and May 2022 on the toxicity, sequestration, and degradation of PFAS are reviewed in this article and made available as open-access publications for one year, in order to facilitate the distribution of critical knowledge surrounding PFAS. This review discusses routes of toxicity as observed in mammalian and cellular models, and the observed human health effects in exposed communities. Studies that evaluate of toxicity through in-silico approaches are highlighted in this paper. Removal of PFAS through modified carbon sorbents, nanoparticles, and anion exchange materials are discussed while comparing treatment efficiencies for different classes of PFAS. Finally, various biotic and abiotic degradation techniques, and the pathways and mechanisms involved are reviewed to provide a better understanding on the removal efficiencies and cost effectiveness of existing treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Dickman
- Department of Chemistry, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, United States
| | - Diana S Aga
- Department of Chemistry, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, United States.
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41
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Truong L, Rericha Y, Thunga P, Marvel S, Wallis D, Simonich MT, Field JA, Cao D, Reif DM, Tanguay RL. Systematic developmental toxicity assessment of a structurally diverse library of PFAS in zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128615. [PMID: 35263707 PMCID: PMC8970529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of widely used chemicals with limited human health effects data relative to the diversity of structures manufactured. To help fill this data gap, an extensive in vivo developmental toxicity screen was performed on 139 PFAS provided by the US EPA. Dechorionated embryonic zebrafish were exposed to 10 nominal water concentrations of PFAS (0.015-100 µM) from 6 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). The embryos were assayed for embryonic photomotor response (EPR), larval photomotor response (LPR), and 13 morphological endpoints. A total of 49 PFAS (35%) were bioactive in one or more assays (11 altered EPR, 25 altered LPR, and 31 altered morphology). Perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA) was the only structure that was bioactive in all 3 assays, while Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was the most potent teratogen. Low PFAS volatility was associated with developmental toxicity (p < 0.01), but no association was detected between bioactivity and five other physicochemical parameters. The bioactive PFAS were enriched for 6 supergroup chemotypes. The results illustrate the power of a multi-dimensional in vivo platform to assess the developmental (neuro)toxicity of diverse PFAS and in the acceleration of PFAS safety research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, the Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, and the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Rericha
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, the Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, and the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Skylar Marvel
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dylan Wallis
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Michael T Simonich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, the Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, and the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Chemistry at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Dunping Cao
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Chemistry at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - David M Reif
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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42
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Lewis AJ, Yun X, Spooner DE, Kurz MJ, McKenzie ER, Sales CM. Exposure pathways and bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in freshwater aquatic ecosystems: Key considerations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153561. [PMID: 35101505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Due to the bioaccumulative behavior, toxicity, and recalcitrance to degradation, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a focus for many researchers investigating freshwater aquatic ecosystems. PFAS are a diverse set of chemicals that accumulate and transport quite differently in the environment depending on the length of their fluoroalkyl chains and their functional groups. This diversity in PFAS chemical characteristics combined with varying environmental factors also impact the bioaccumulation of these compounds in different organisms. In this review, we evaluate environmental factors (such as organic carbon, proteins, lipids, and dissolved cations) as well as PFAS characteristics (head group, chain-length, and concentration) that contribute to the significant variation seen in the literature of bioaccumulation metrics reported for organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Of the factors evaluated, it was found that PFAS concentration, dissolved organic matter, sediment organic matter, and biotransformation of precursor PFAS tended to significantly impact reported bioaccumulation metrics the most. Based on this review, it is highly suggested that future studies provide sufficient details of important environmental factors, specific organism traits/ behavior, and PFAS concentrations/compounds when reporting on bioaccumulation metrics to further fill data gaps and improve our understanding of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa J Lewis
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Xiaoyan Yun
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Daniel E Spooner
- Department of Biology, Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745, USA
| | - Marie J Kurz
- Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Erica R McKenzie
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Christopher M Sales
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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43
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McDonough CA, Li W, Bischel HN, De Silva AO, DeWitt JC. Widening the Lens on PFASs: Direct Human Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Acid Precursors (pre-PFAAs). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6004-6013. [PMID: 35324171 PMCID: PMC10782884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Determining health risks associated with per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is a highly complex problem requiring massive efforts for scientists, risk assessors, and regulators. Among the most poorly understood pressing questions is the relative importance of pre-PFAAs, which are PFASs that degrade to highly persistent perfluoroalkyl acids. How many of the vast number of existing pre-PFAAs are relevant for direct human exposure, and what are the predominant exposure pathways? What evidence of direct exposure to pre-PFAAs is provided by human biomonitoring studies? How important are pre-PFAAs and their biotransformation products for human health risk assessment? This article outlines recent progress and recommendations toward widening the lens on human PFAS exposure to include the pre-PFAA subclass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A. McDonough
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Heather N. Bischel
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Amila O. De Silva
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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44
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Chen X, Feng X, Sun X, Li Y, Yang Y, Shan G, Zhu L. Quantifying Indirect Contribution from Precursors to Human Body Burden of Legacy PFASs Based on Paired Blood and One-Week Duplicate Diet. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:5632-5640. [PMID: 35417148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The restriction on legacy perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has led to increasing application and contamination of their precursors and novel alternatives. However, the indirect contribution from precursors has not been well characterized. In this study, 24 PFASs were measured in the paired human blood and urine from general volunteers (n = 20), as well as their corresponding exposure matrices (7 day duplicate diet, drinking water and dust). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was predominant, followed by 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), contributing 21.6-47.0 and 6.6-20.0% of the total concentrations, respectively. Total oxidable precursor (TOP) assay and isomeric analysis coupled with a toxicokinetic model suggested that around 19% of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in human was contributed by its precursors. The strong correlation between the estimated daily intake (EDI) and human blood concentration for 6:2 Cl-PFESA suggested that it was mainly contributed by direct exposure. The bioavailability of 6:2 Cl-PFESA in the food matrices was estimated as 18.6% by comparing the estimated and measured blood concentrations, implying that human exposure might be overestimated if the bioavailability of PFASs in food was not considered. Assuming that they had a similar bioavailability, it was estimated that ca. 20% of PFOS body burden was from indirect exposure to its precursors, which was supported by TOP assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- 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
| | - Xiao Sun
- 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
| | - Yao Li
- 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
| | - Yi 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
| | - Guoqiang Shan
- 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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45
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Xie MY, Lin ZY, Liu LY, Wu CC, Liu YW, Huang GL, Zeng EY. Use of glioma to assess the distribution patterns of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in human brain. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112011. [PMID: 34492276 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human brain has a complex structure and is able to perform powerful functions. Blood-brain barrier blocks the entry of foreign substances and maintains the homeostasis of the brain. However, some exogenous substances are still able to pass through the blood-brain barrier, with distribution patterns yet to be clarified. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), a precursor (perfluorooctane sulfonamide that can be degraded to other substances), and emerging PFASs, were analyzed for the first time in living human brain glioma. The target compounds were detected and quantified in 25 out of 26 glioma samples. The concentration range of ∑PFAS was < RL-51 ng g-1 wet weight (applied to all reported concentrations), with a median of 2.9 ng g-1. The most abundant compound was PFCAs (40%), followed by PFSAs (28%), emerging PFASs (22%), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (10%). Abundant alternatives PFASs, including short-chain PFCAs, short-chain PFSAs, and emerging PFASs (52% of ∑PFAS), were found in the glioma samples, supporting the notion that low molecular weight exogenous compounds have high permeability to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue. Gender difference was not significant (p > 0.05) in the concentrations of PFASs in the glioma samples. Concentrations of PFASs increased with increasing age, from 0.61 ng g-1 (0-14 years old) to 1.6 ng g-1 (>48 years old), with no significant linear correlation with age. The present study suggested that glioma is an effective indicator for monitoring exogenous contaminants in brain tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yi Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Lin
- Neurosurgical Institute of Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Chen-Chou Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Ya-Wei Liu
- Neurosurgical Institute of Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guang-Long Huang
- Neurosurgical Institute of Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
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46
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Zhang S, Guo X, Lu S, He J, Wu Q, Liu X, Han Z, Xie P. Perfluorohexanoic acid caused disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in zebrafish larvae. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 232:113283. [PMID: 35131581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113283] [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] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) has been recognized as an alternative to the wide usage of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the fluoropolymer industry for years. PFHxA has been frequently detected in the environment due to its wide application. However, the ecological safety of PFHxA, especially its toxicological effects on aquatic organisms, remains obscure. In the present study, PFHxA at different concentrations (0, 0.48, 2.4, and 12 mg/L) was added to the culture medium for zebrafish embryo/larval exposure at 96 h postfertilization (hpf). Zebrafish larvae showed a slow body growth trend and changes in thyroid hormone levels (THs) upon PFHxA exposure, indicating the interference effect of PFHxA on fish larval development. Moreover, the transcription levels of genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis were also analyzed. The gene expression level of thyroid hormone receptor β (trβ) was upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to 0.48 mg/L PFHxA increased the expression levels of the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone (trh) and thyroid hormone receptor α (trα). Significant increases in corticotrophin-releasing hormone (crh) and transthyretin (ttr) gene expression were also observed when the zebrafish larvae were treated with 12 mg/L PFHxA, except iodothyronine deiodinases (dio1), which decreased obviously at that point. There were significant declines in the transcription of both thyroid-stimulating hormone β (tshβ) and uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (ugt1ab) upon exposure to 2.4 mg/L PFHxA. In addition, PFHxA induced a dose-related inhibitory effect on the transcription of sodium/iodide symporter (nis). Finally, the thyroid status will be destroyed after exposure to PFHxA, thus leading to growth impairment in zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaochun Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jia He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urban Hydrological Cycle and Sponge City Technology, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Hubei Engineering Research Center of Special Wild Vegetables Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization Technology, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhenyang Han
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology of China, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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47
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McDonough JT, Anderson RH, Lang JR, Liles D, Matteson K, Olechiw T. Field-Scale Demonstration of PFAS Leachability Following In Situ Soil Stabilization. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:419-429. [PMID: 35036711 PMCID: PMC8756798 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A field-scale validation is summarized comparing the efficacy of commercially available stabilization amendments with the objective of mitigating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) leaching from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted source zones. The scope of this work included bench-scale testing to evaluate multiple amendments and application concentrations to mitigate PFAS leachability and the execution of field-scale soil mixing in an AFFF-impacted fire-training area with nearly 2.5 years of post-soil mixing monitoring to validate reductions in PFAS leachability. At the bench scale, several amendments were evaluated and the selection of two amendments for field-scale evaluation was informed: FLUORO-SORB Adsorbent (FS) and RemBind (RB). Five ∼28 m3 test pits (approximately 3 m wide by 3 m long by 3 m deep) were mixed at a site using conventional construction equipment. One control test pit (Test Pit 1) included Portland cement (PC) only (5% dry weight basis). The other four test pits (Test Pits 2 through 5) compared 5 and 10% ratios (dry weight basis) of FS and RB (also with PC). Five separate monitoring events included two to three sample cores collected from each test pit for United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 1315 leaching assessment. After 1 year, a mass balance for each test pit was attempted comparing the total PFAS soil mass before, during, and after leach testing. Bench-scale and field-scale data were in good agreement and demonstrated >99% decrease in total PFAS leachability (mass basis; >98% mole basis) as confirmed by the total oxidizable precursor assay, strongly supporting the chemical stabilization of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T. McDonough
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
- . Phone: 267-615-1863
| | - Richard H. Anderson
- Air
Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), San Antonio, Texas 78056, United States
| | - Johnsie R. Lang
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| | - David Liles
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| | - Kasey Matteson
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
| | - Theresa Olechiw
- Arcadis, 630 Plaza Drive
Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United
States
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48
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Barhoumi B, Sander SG, Driss MR, Tolosa I. Survey of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in Mediterranean seafood from a North African ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118398. [PMID: 34695516 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ubiquity of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in all environmental compartments, little is known about the pollution they cause on the African continent, neither on levels, nor effects. Here we examined the occurrence and levels of 21 legacy and emerging PFAS in 9 marine species (3 fish, 2 crustaceans and 4 mollusks) collected from Bizerte lagoon, Northern Tunisia. Furthermore, assessment of potential human health risks through consumption of contaminated seafood was examined. This is the first study assessing PFAS in Mediterranean coastal areas of North Africa. Twelve out of the 21 targeted PFAS were detected, evidencing the occurrence of PFAS in seafood from North Africa, albeit at low levels. The Ʃ21PFAS concentrations in all seafood samples ranged from 0.202 ng g-1 dry weight (dw) to 2.89 ng g-1 dw, with a mean value of 1.10 ± 0.89 ng g-1 dw. The profiles of PFAS varied significantly among different species, which might be related to their different trophic level, protein content, feeding behaviour and metabolism. Generally, current exposure to PFAS through seafood consumption indicates that it should not be of concern to the local consumers, at least for those PFAS for which information is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badreddine Barhoumi
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco, Monaco.
| | - Sylvia G Sander
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco, Monaco; GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
| | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Imma Tolosa
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco, Monaco.
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49
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Guo X, Zhang S, Liu X, Lu S, Wu Q, Xie P. Evaluation of the acute toxicity and neurodevelopmental inhibition of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in zebrafish embryos. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 225:112733. [PMID: 34478978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112733] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a widely used emerging alternative for 8-carbon PFAAs, has been detected at a high level in the water environment. While its toxicity and environmental health risk are still largely unknown in aquatic life. The present study aimed to evaluated the possible developmental neurotoxicity induced by PFHxA exposure (0, 0.48, 2.4, and 12 mg/L for 120 h) in the zebrafish embryo. Here, both developmental endpoints, neurotransmitters concentrations, locomotor behavior were analyzed. No significant effects on mortality, malformation rate, and growth delay were detected in the low dose treatment groups except for in the high dose group (12 mg/L). A significant increase in swimming speed were noted in the 0.48 mg/L group. Other changes including neurotransmitters concentrations and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in Tg (HuC-GFP) zebrafish larvae were significantly increased in 12 mg/L group. Beyond that, genes related to neurodevelopment were significantly decreased in larvae. Moreover, downregulations of protein expression levels of α1-tubulin, elavl3, and gap43 were identified. These results demonstrate that the PFAAs alternative PFHxA have no significant neurodevelopmental effects on zebrafish larvae under acute low-dose exposure, while, it is important to note that PFHxA perform inhibiting effects on neurotransmitter and central nervous system under a relatively high dose. This in vivo study could provide reliable toxicity information for risk assessments of PFHxA on aquatic ecosystems. CAPSULE: PFHxA have no significant neurodevelopmental effects on zebrafish larvae under acute low-dose exposure, while exposed with relatively high-dose, could induced the alternations of neurotransmitter concentrations as well as the genes involved in the early developmental stages of zebrafish, leading to the impairment of the nervous system in zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Hubei Engineering Research Center of Special Wild Vegetables Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization Technology, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology of China, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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50
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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems: Environmental Exposure and Human Health Risks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312550. [PMID: 34886275 PMCID: PMC8657007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic organic contaminants that can cause serious human health concerns such as obesity, liver damage, kidney cancer, hypertension, immunotoxicity and other human health issues. Integrated crop–livestock systems combine agricultural crop production with milk and/or meat production and processing. Key sources of PFAS in these systems include firefighting foams near military bases, wastewater sludge and industrial discharge. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances regularly move from soils to nearby surface water and/or groundwater because of their high mobility and persistence. Irrigating crops or managing livestock for milk and meat production using adjacent waters can be detrimental to human health. The presence of PFAS in both groundwater and milk have been reported in dairy production states (e.g., Wisconsin and New Mexico) across the United States. Although there is a limit of 70 parts per trillion of PFAS in drinking water by the U.S. EPA, there are not yet regional screening guidelines for conducting risk assessments of livestock watering as well as the soil and plant matrix. This systematic review includes (i) the sources, impacts and challenges of PFAS in integrated crop–livestock systems, (ii) safety measures and protocols for sampling soil, water and plants for determining PFAS concentration in exposed integrated crop–livestock systems and (iii) the assessment, measurement and evaluation of human health risks related to PFAS exposure.
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