1
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Coffin ES, Reeves DM, Cassidy DP, Danielson ND, Henry MA. PFAS distribution in cascade derived foam at wastewater treatment plants: The role of non-linear drainage, collapse induced enrichment, and implications for removal. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135334. [PMID: 39096635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) enrichment in foam was investigated for the first time at a wastewater treatment plant cascade. A novel sampling device was utilized to allow spatial and temporal heterogeneity in PFAS concentrations and liquid content to be characterized. Concentrations of 8 PFAS compounds were normalized to liquid content and fit to a power law model revealing strong correlation (R2 = 0.91) between drainage induced enrichment and PFAS molar volume. Short chain PFAS such as perfluorobutanoate (PFBA) exhibited minor to no enrichment factors in foam (0.24-5.9) compared to effluent concentrations across the range of foam liquid contents (0.28-6.24 %), while long chain compounds such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) became highly enriched with factors of 295-143,000. A conceptual model is proposed to explain higher than expected enrichment of more surface-active PFAS relative to liquid content, which combines continuous partitioning of PFAS to air bubbles during foam formation with additional partitioning during non-linear drainage and foam collapse, both controlled by their affinity for the air-water interface. Scoping calculations suggest the majority of PFOS and other long chain PFAS may be removed if foam is continuously collected with potential to reduce waste volume under economic barriers for current destructive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Coffin
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA.
| | - Donald M Reeves
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Daniel P Cassidy
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Neil D Danielson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E. High Street, Oxford, OH 45056-1846, USA
| | - Mark A Henry
- M.H.E. Products, 3371 Sherman Rd, East Tawas, MI 48730, USA
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2
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Brahana P, Patel R, Bharti B. Surface Science View of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in the Environment. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2024; 4:173-185. [PMID: 39035868 PMCID: PMC11258754 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a notorious category of anthropogenic contaminants, detected across various environmental domains. Among these PFAS, perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) stand out as a focal point in discussions due to their historical industrial utilization and environmental prominence. Their extensive industrial adoption is a direct consequence of their remarkable stability and outstanding amphiphilic properties. However, these very traits that have made PFAAs industrially desirable also render them environmentally catastrophic, leading to adverse consequences for ecosystems. The amphiphilic nature of PFAAs has made them highly unique in the landscape of anthropogenic contaminants and, thereby, difficult to study. We believe that well-established principles from surface science can connect the amphiphilic nature of PFAAs to their accumulation and transport in the environment. Specifically, we discuss the role of interfacial science in describing the stability, interfacial uptake (air-liquid and solid-liquid), and wetting capability of PFAAs. Surface science principles can provide new insights into the environmental fate of PFAAs, as well as provide context on their deleterious effects on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip
J. Brahana
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Ruchi Patel
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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3
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Bălan SA, Bruton TA, Harris K, Hayes L, Leonetti CP, Mathrani VC, Noble AE, Phelps DSC. The Total Mass of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in California Cosmetics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12101-12112. [PMID: 38935436 PMCID: PMC11238533 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06539] [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: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Cosmetics make up one of the consumer product categories most widely known to contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including precursors to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Because of the way cosmetics are used, most of the PFASs present in these products are likely to reach wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which suggests that cosmetics may contribute significantly to the load of PFOA and other PFASs at WWTPs. However, the majority of PFASs present as intentional ingredients in cosmetics cannot be quantified with the available analytical methods. To address this issue, we developed a methodology to estimate the total PFAS mass in cosmetics as well as the corresponding mass of total organic fluorine and of fluorinated side chains associated with PFAA precursors, using various ingredient databases and ingredient concentrations reported by manufacturers. Our results indicate that the cosmetics sold in California during a one-year period cumulatively contain 650-56 000 kg of total PFASs, 370-37 000 kg of organic fluorine, and 330-20 000 kg of fluorinated side chains associated with PFAA precursors. Among the 16 product subcategories considered, >90% of the PFAS mass came from shaving creams and gels, hair care products, facial cleansers, sun care products, and lotions and moisturizers, while the sum of all nine makeup subcategories accounted for <3%. Comparing our estimates to available WWTP influent data from the San Francisco Bay Area suggests that cosmetics may account for at least 4% of the precursor-derived PFAAs measured in wastewater. As the first study ever to estimate the total mass of PFASs contained in cosmetics sold in California, our results shed light on the significance of certain cosmetics as a source of PFASs to WWTPs and can inform effective source reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona A Bălan
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
- University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Thomas A Bruton
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Kyle Harris
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Logan Hayes
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Christopher P Leonetti
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Vivek C Mathrani
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, California 94710, United States
| | - Abigail E Noble
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Diana S C Phelps
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
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4
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Arefi-Oskoui S, Khataee A, Marzi Khosrowshahi E, Kudaibergenov N. Application of cobalt-cerium-iron ternary layered double hydroxide for extraction of perfluorooctane sulfonate followed by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118838. [PMID: 38570124 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118838] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Herein, Ce-doped CoFe layered double hydroxide (LDH), noted as CoCeFe ternary LDH, was prepared using the co-precipitation route. Prosperous synthesis of CoFe LDH and successful partial replacement of iron cations with cerium cations in CoCeFe ternary LDH were confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and elemental dot-mapping images. Nanosheet morphology was recognized for both CoFe LDH and CoCeFe ternary LDH from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy micrographs. In the following, a dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) method was developed using the synthesized CoCeFe ternary LDH as a sorbent for extracting perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from wastewater samples. For the selective analysis of PFOS, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring mode was used. Analytical parameters such as the limit of detection equal to 0.02 μg/L, with a linear range of 0.05-300 μg/L, the limit of quantification equal to 0.05 μg/L, and an enrichment factor equal to 23.3 were achieved for PFOS at the optimized condition (sorbent: 5 mg of CoCeFe ternary LDH, eluent type and volume: 150 μL mobile phase, pH: 3, adsorption time: 3 min, and desorption time: 5 min). The developed strategy for the analysis of PFOS was tested in real wastewater samples, including copper mine and petrochemical wastewater. The amount of analytes in real samples was calculated using the standard addition method, and good relative recovery in the range of 86%-105% was obtained. The main novelty of this research is the application of CoCeFe ternary LDH to extract the PFOS from wastewater using the DSPE method for determination by HPLC-MS/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Arefi-Oskoui
- Research Laboratory of Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, 51666-16471, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Khataee
- Research Laboratory of Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, 51666-16471, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 34469 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elnaz Marzi Khosrowshahi
- Research Laboratory of Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, 51666-16471, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nurbolat Kudaibergenov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi 71, Almaty, 050038, Kazakhstan
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5
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van Leeuwen SPJ, Verschoor AM, van der Fels-Klerx HJ, van de Schans MGM, Berendsen BJA. A novel approach to identify critical knowledge gaps for food safety in circular food systems. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:34. [PMID: 38898053 PMCID: PMC11187133 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from linear production towards a circular agro-food system is an important step towards increasing Europe's sustainability. This requires re-designing the food production systems, which inevitably comes with challenges as regards controlling the safety of our food, animals and the ecosystem. Where in current food production systems many food safety hazards are understood and well-managed, it is anticipated that with the transition towards circular food production systems, known hazards may re-emerge and new hazards will appear or accumulate, leading to new -and less understood- food safety risks. In this perspective paper, we present a simple, yet effective approach, to identify knowledge gaps with regard to food safety in the transition to a circular food system. An approach with five questions is proposed, derived from current food safety management approaches like HACCP. Applying this to two cases shows that risk assessment and management should emphasize more on the exposure to unexpected (with regards to its nature and its origin) hazards, as hazards might circulate and accumulate in the food production system. Five knowledge gaps became apparent: there's a need for (1) risk assessment and management to focus more on unknown hazards and mixtures of hazards, (2) more data on the occurrence of hazards in by-products, (3) better understanding the fate of hazards in the circular food production system, (4) the development of models to adequately perform risk assessments for a broad range of hazards and (5) new ways of valorization of co-products in which a safe-by-design approach should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan P J van Leeuwen
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - A M Verschoor
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - H J van der Fels-Klerx
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M G M van de Schans
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - B J A Berendsen
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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6
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Ramos P, Ashworth DJ. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in agricultural contexts and mitigation of their impacts using biochar: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172275. [PMID: 38583608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172275] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Growing concern over the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural compartments (e.g., soil, water, plants, soil fauna) has led to an increased interest in scalable and economically feasible remediation technologies. Biochar is the product of pyrolyzing organic materials (crop waste, wood waste, manures, grasses) and has been used as a low-cost adsorbent to remove contaminants including PFAS. This review frames biochar as a strategy for mitigating the detrimental impacts of PFAS in agricultural systems and discusses the benefits of this strategy within the framework of the needs and challenges of contaminant remediation in agriculture. To gauge the optimal physicochemical characteristics of biochar in terms of PFAS adsorption, principal component analysis using >100 data points from the available literature was performed. The main biochar-based PFAS treatment strategies (water filtration, soil application, mixing with biosolids) were also reviewed to highlight the benefits and complications of each. Life cycle analyses on the use of biochar for contaminant removal were summarized, and data from selected studies were used to calculate (for the first time) the global warming potential and net energy demand of various agriculturally important biochar classes (crop wastes, wood wastes, manures) in relation to their PFAS adsorption performance. This review serves to identify key gaps in our knowledge of (i) PFAS adsorption by biochars in agricultural remediation applications and (ii) environmental costs/benefits of biochars in relation to their adsorptive properties toward PFAS. The concepts introduced in this review may assist in developing large-scale biochar-based PFAS remediation strategies to help protect the agricultural food production environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Ramos
- USDA-ARS, United States Salinity Laboratory, 450 W. Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Ashworth
- USDA-ARS, United States Salinity Laboratory, 450 W. Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507, United States of America.
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7
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Hamid H, Nicomel NR, Mohamed BA, Abida O, Li LY. Adsorption and leaching of fluorotelomer compounds and perfluoroalkyl acids in aqueous media by activated carbon prepared from municipal biosolids. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120839. [PMID: 38599091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120839] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ubiquitous in nature and pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Limiting PFAA exposure requires novel technology for their effective removal from water. We investigated the efficacy of biosolid-based activated carbon (Bio-SBAC) in removing frequently detected PFAAs and their precursor fluorotelomer compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations (∼50 μg/L). Batch experiments were performed to investigate adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and leachability. Bio-SBAC achieved >95% removal of fluorotelomeric compounds, indicating that the need for PFAA removal from the environment could be minimised if the precursors were targeted. Kinetic data modelling suggested that chemisorption is the dominant PFAA adsorption mechanism. As evidenced by the isotherm modelling results, Freundlich adsorption intensity, n-1, values of <1 (0.707-0.938) indicate chemisorption. Bio-SBAC showed maximum capacities for the adsorption of perfluorooctanoic acid (1429 μg/g) and perfluorononanoic acid (1111 μg/g). Batch desorption tests with 100 mg/L humic acid and 10 g/L NaCl showed that Bio-SBAC effectively retained the adsorbed PFAA with little or no leaching, except perfluorobutanoic acid. Overall, this study revealed that Bio-SBAC is a value-added material with promising characteristics for PFAA adsorption and no leachability. Additionally, it can be incorporated into biofilters to remove PFAAs from stormwater, presenting a sustainable approach to minimise biosolid disposal and improve the quality of wastewater before discharge into receiving waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Nina Ricci Nicomel
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, El-Gamma Street, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Otman Abida
- African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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8
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Winchell LJ, Wells MJM, Ross JJ, Kakar F, Teymouri A, Gonzalez DJ, Dangtran K, Bessler SM, Carlson S, Almansa XF, Norton JW, Bell KY. Fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through two full-scale wastewater sludge incinerators. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11009. [PMID: 38444297 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging issue in wastewater treatment. High-temperature thermal processes, incineration being time-tested, offer the opportunity to destroy and change the composition of PFAS. The fate of PFAS has been documented through wastewater sludge incinerators, including a multiple hearth furnace (MHF) and a fluidized bed furnace (FBF). The dewatered wastewater sludge feedstock averaged 247- and 1280-μmol targeted PFAS per sample run in MHF and FBF feed, respectively. Stack emissions (reportable for all targeted PFAS from MHF only) averaged 5% of that value with shorter alkyl chain compounds comprising the majority of the targeted PFAS. Wet scrubber water streams accumulated nonpolar fluorinated organics from the furnace exhaust with an average of 0.740- and 0.114-mol F- per sample run, for the MHF and FBF, respectively. Simple alkane PFAS measured at the stack represented 0.5%-4.5% of the total estimated facility greenhouse gas emissions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The MHF emitted six short chain PFAS from the stack, which were shorter alkyl chain compounds compared with sludge PFAS. The FBF did not consistently emit reportable PFAS from the stack, but contamination complicated the assessment. Five percent of the MHF sludge molar PFAS load was reported in the stack. MHF and FBF wet scrubber water streams accumulated nonpolar fluorinated organics from the furnace exhaust. Ultra-short volatile alkane PFAS measured at the stack represented 0.5%-4.5% of the estimated facility greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John J Ross
- Brown and Caldwell, Walnut Creek, California, USA
| | - Farokh Kakar
- Brown and Caldwell, Walnut Creek, California, USA
| | - Ali Teymouri
- Brown and Caldwell, Walnut Creek, California, USA
| | | | - Ky Dangtran
- Dangtran Combustion Consulting, Katy, Texas, USA
| | - Scott M Bessler
- Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shane Carlson
- Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xavier Fonoll Almansa
- Great Lakes Water Authority, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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9
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Liao M, Zheng Z, Jiang H, Ma M, Wang L, Wang Y, Zhuang S. MXenes as emerging adsorbents for removal of environmental pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169014. [PMID: 38040375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
MXenes are a recently emerging class of two-dimensional nanomaterials that have gained considerable interest in the field of environmental protection. Owing to their high surface area, abundant terminal groups, and unique two-dimensional layered structures, MXenes have demonstrated high efficacy as adsorbents for various pollutants. Here we focused on the latest developments in the field of MXene-based adsorbents, including the structure and properties of MXenes, their synthesis and modification methods, and their adsorption performance and mechanisms for various pollutants. Among the pollutants that have been reported to be adsorbed by MXenes are radionuclides (U(VI), Sr(II), Cs(I), Eu(III), Ba(II), Th(IV), and Tc(VII)/Re(VII)), heavy metals (Hg(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI), and Pb(II)), dyes, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotics (tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and sulfonamides), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and other contaminates. Moreover, future directions in MXene research are also suggested in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjia Liao
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Zhili Zheng
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Mingyu Ma
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Liming Wang
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology, INET, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Shuting Zhuang
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China.
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10
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Tolaymat T, Robey N, Krause M, Larson J, Weitz K, Parvathikar S, Phelps L, Linak W, Burden S, Speth T, Krug J. A critical review of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) landfill disposal in the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167185. [PMID: 37734620 PMCID: PMC10842600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Landfills manage materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from municipal solid waste (MSW) and other waste streams. This manuscript summarizes state and federal initiatives and critically reviews peer-reviewed literature to define best practices for managing these wastes and identify data gaps to guide future research. The objective is to inform stakeholders about waste-derived PFAS disposed of in landfills, PFAS emissions, and the potential for related environmental impacts. Furthermore, this document highlights data gaps and uncertainties concerning the fate of PFAS during landfill disposal. Most studies on this topic measured PFAS in liquid landfill effluent (leachate); comparatively fewer have attempted to estimate PFAS loading in landfills or other effluent streams such as landfill gas (LFG). In all media, the reported total PFAS heavily depends on waste types and the number of PFAS included in the analytical method. Early studies which only measured a small number of PFAS, predominantly perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), likely report a significant underestimation of total PFAS. Major findings include relationships between PFAS effluent and landfill conditions - biodegradable waste increases PFAS transformation and leaching. Based on the results of multiple studies, it is estimated that 84% of PFAS loading to MSW landfills (7.2 T total) remains in the waste mass, while 5% leaves via LFG and 11% via leachate on an annual basis. The environmental impact of landfill-derived PFAS has been well-documented. Additional research is needed on PFAS in landfilled construction and demolition debris, hazardous, and industrial waste in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabet Tolaymat
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Nicole Robey
- Innovative Technical Solutions, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Max Krause
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judd Larson
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Keith Weitz
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Lara Phelps
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - William Linak
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan Burden
- Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tom Speth
- The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Management, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan Krug
- The Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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11
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Mancini M, Gioia V, Simonetti F, Frugis A, Cinti S. Evaluation of Pure PFAS Decrease in Controlled Settings. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2023; 3:444-451. [PMID: 38145023 PMCID: PMC10740118 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Since 1940, poly- or perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been largely used in many applications, including paints, fire foaming, household items, product packaging, and fabrics. Because of their extremely high persistency, they have been defined as "forever chemicals". Although the EU is taking action to reduce their use, their widespread occurrence in environmental matrices and their harmful effects on human health require the use of highly performing analytical methods for efficient monitoring. Furthermore, novel PFAS are constantly revealed by both EU and National environmental agencies. The objective of this work is to investigate the cause of the signal decrease during the analysis of a standard PFAS mixture in water-based matrices, by proposing an efficient technical procedure for laboratory specialists. The analyses were carried out on a mixture of 30 PFAS, including both regulated and unknown substances (which are expected to be introduced in the guidelines), characterized by different chemical features, using LC-vials of two different materials, namely, glass and polypropylene, and dissolved in two solvents, namely, water and water-methanol. The temperature of analysis and the concentration of PFAS were also considered through LC-MS analyses at different times, in the 0-15 h range. Depending on the chemical structure and length of the PFAS, sampling and treatment procedures may be adopted to tackle the decrease and the release from the containers, reducing the risk of underestimating PFAS also in real water matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mancini
- Department
of Organic Micropollutants, Acea Elabori, Via Vitorchiano 165, 00191 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Gioia
- Department
of Organic Micropollutants, Acea Elabori, Via Vitorchiano 165, 00191 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Simonetti
- Department
of Chemistry and Drug Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le
Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frugis
- Department
of Research, Acea Elabori, Via Vitorchiano 165, 00191 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Cinti
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- BAT
Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental
Technology, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80055 Naples, Italy
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12
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Xing Y, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Lin X, Li J, Liu P, Lee HK, Huang Z. The sources and bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in animal-derived foods and the potential risk of dietary intake. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167313. [PMID: 37742961 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted increasing attention due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. Diet is one of the main routes of human exposure to PFAS, particularly through the consumption of animal-derived foods (e.g., aquatic products, livestock and poultry, and products derived from them). This review summarizes the source, bioaccumulation, and distribution of PFAS in animal-derived foods and key influential factors. In most environmental media, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate are the dominant PFAS, with the levels of short-chain PFAS such as perfluorobutyric acid and perfluorohexane sulfonate surpassing them in some watersheds and coastal areas. The presence of PFAS in environmental media is mainly influenced by suspended particulate matter, microbial communities as well as temporal and spatial factors, such as season and location. Linear PFAS with long carbon chains (C ≥ 7) and sulfonic groups tend to accumulate in organisms and contribute significantly to the contamination of animal-derived foods. Furthermore, PFAS, due to their protein affinity, are prone to accumulate in the blood and protein-rich tissues such as the liver and kidney. Species differences in PFAS bioaccumulation are determined by diet, variances in protein content in the blood and tissues and species-specific activity of transport proteins. Carnivorous fish usually show higher PFAS accumulation than omnivorous fish. Poultry typically metabolize PFAS more rapidly than mammals. PFAS exposures in the processing of animal-derived foods are also attributable to the migration of PFAS from food contact materials, especially those in higher-fat content foods. The human health risk assessment of PFAS exposure from animal-derived foods suggests that frequent consumption of aquatic products potentially engender greater risks to women and minors than to adult males. The information and perspectives from this review would help to further identify the toxicity and migration mechanism of PFAS in animal-derived foods and provide information for food safety management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Xing
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Jiaoyang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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13
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Joseph NT, Schwichtenberg T, Cao D, Jones GD, Rodowa AE, Barlaz MA, Charbonnet JA, Higgins CP, Field JA, Helbling DE. Target and Suspect Screening Integrated with Machine Learning to Discover Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Source Fingerprints. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14351-14362. [PMID: 37696050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03770] [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: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
This study elucidates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) fingerprints for specific PFAS source types. Ninety-two samples were collected from aqueous film-forming foam impacted groundwater (AFFF-GW), landfill leachate, biosolids leachate, municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (WWTP), and wastewater effluent from the pulp and paper and power generation industries. High-resolution mass spectrometry operated with electrospray ionization in negative mode was used to quantify up to 50 target PFASs and screen and semi-quantify up to 2,266 suspect PFASs in each sample. Machine learning classifiers were used to identify PFASs that were diagnostic of each source type. Four C5-C7 perfluoroalkyl acids and one suspect PFAS (trihydrogen-substituted fluoroethernonanoic acid) were diagnostic of AFFF-GW. Two target PFASs (5:3 and 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids) and two suspect PFASs (4:2 fluorotelomer-thia-acetic acid and N-methylperfluoropropane sulfonamido acetic acid) were diagnostic of landfill leachate. Biosolids leachates were best classified along with landfill leachates and N-methyl and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid assisted in that classification. WWTP, pulp and paper, and power generation samples contained few target PFASs, but fipronil (a fluorinated insecticide) was diagnostic of WWTP samples. Our results provide PFAS fingerprints for known sources and identify target and suspect PFASs that can be used for source allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayantara T Joseph
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Trever Schwichtenberg
- Chemistry Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Dunping Cao
- Chemistry Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Gerrad D Jones
- Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Morton A Barlaz
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Joseph A Charbonnet
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- 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
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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14
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Schaefer CE, Hooper JL, Strom LE, Abusallout I, Dickenson ERV, Thompson KA, Mohan GR, Drennan D, Wu K, Guelfo JL. Occurrence of quantifiable and semi-quantifiable poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in united states wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119724. [PMID: 36801573 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Both quantifiable and semi-quantifiable poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were evaluated in the influent, effluent, and biosolids of 38 wastewater treatment plants. PFAS were detected in all streams at all facilities. For the means of the sums of detected, quantifiable PFAS concentrations were 98 ± 28 ng/L, 80 ± 24 ng/L, and 160,000 ± 46,000 ng/kg (dry weight basis) in the influent, effluent, and biosolids (respectively). In the aqueous influent and effluent streams this quantifiable PFAS mass was typically associated with perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). In contrast, quantifiable PFAS in the biosolids were primarily polyfluoroalkyl substances that potentially serve as precursors to the more recalcitrant PFAAs. Results of the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay on select influent and effluent samples showed that semi-quantified (or, unidentified) precursors accounted for a substantial portion (21 to 88%) of the fluorine mass compared to that associated with quantified PFAS, and that this fluorine precursor mass was not appreciably transformed to perfluoroalkyl acids within the WWTPs, as influent and effluent precursor concentrations via the TOP assay were statistically identical. Evaluation of semi-quantified PFAS, consistent with results of the TOP assay, showed the presence of several classes of precursors in the influent, effluent, and biosolids; perfluorophosphonic acids (PFPAs) and fluorotelomer phosphate diesters (di-PAPs) occurred in 100 and 92% of biosolid samples, respectively. Analysis of mass flows showed that, for both quantified (on a fluorine mass basis) and semi-quantified PFAS, the majority of PFAS exited WWTPs through the aqueous effluent compared to the biosolids stream. Overall, these results highlight the importance of semi-quantified PFAS precursors in WWTPs, and the need to further understand the impacts of their ultimate fate in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurel E Strom
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | | | - Eric R V Dickenson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson, NV, 89015, USA
| | - Kyle A Thompson
- Water Quality Research and Development, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson, NV, 89015, USA; Carollo Engineers, 8911N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Gayathri Ram Mohan
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, Lawrenceville, GA 30045, USA
| | - Dina Drennan
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
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15
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Koban LA, Pfluger AR. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure through munitions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:376-381. [PMID: 35983736 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4672] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Considered contaminants of emerging concern, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of toxic, manufactured chemicals found in commercial and consumer products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Human exposure to PFAS through inhalation and ingestion can cause a variety of harmful effects and negative health outcomes. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances possess high polarity and chemical stability, enabling them to resist degradation in most environmental conditions. These characteristics allow PFAS to be mobile in soil, air, and water, and bioaccumulate in living organisms. Due to their thermally resistant chemical properties, PFAS are used as binders in polymer-bonded explosives (PBX) and in various components of munitions. Thus, when munitions are detonated, PFAS are released into the environment as aerosols and can deposit in the soil, surface water, or biota. Air emission modeling suggests that ground-level and airborne detonation of munitions can increase PFAS deposition both locally and long range. Further, if industrial facilities with PFAS are damaged or destroyed, there is greater potential for environmental degradation from increased release of PFAS into the environment. As a consequence of their persistent nature, PFAS can remain in an environment long after armed conflict, indirectly affecting ecosystems, food sources, and human health. The toxic contamination from munitions could present a greater hazard to a larger population over time than acute detonation events. This article discusses methods for estimating war-related damage from PFAS by exploring predictive modeling approaches and postwar ground validation techniques. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:376-381. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Koban
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew R Pfluger
- Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, USA
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16
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Giffard NG, Gitlin SA, Rardin M, Petali JM, Chen CY, Romano ME. Occurrence and Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Shellfish. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:591-603. [PMID: 36255596 PMCID: PMC9841895 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of persistent, fluorinated surfactants used widely in industrial and commercial applications with known adverse health effects. Seafood consumption is thought to be an underappreciated source of PFAS exposure in the general population. This review synthesizes the current understanding of PFAS occurrence in shellfish, a term used to describe animals such as mollusk bivalves, certain gastropods (snails), cephalopods (e.g., octopuses and squid), and crustaceans, and highlights scientific gaps relative to bioaccumulation and the protection of shellfish consumers. RECENT FINDINGS A range of sampling methodologies are used across studies, and the suite of PFAS surveyed across studies is highly variable. Concentrations of PFAS observed in shellfish vary by geographic location, shellfish species, habitat, and across PFAS compounds, and studies informing estimates of bioaccumulation of PFAS in shellfish are extremely limited at this time. This review identifies several important opportunities for researchers to standardize PFAS sampling techniques, sample preparation, and analytical methodologies to allow for better comparison of PFAS analytes both within and across future studies. Increasing the range of geographic locations where samples are collected is also a critical priority to support a greater knowledge of worldwide PFAS contamination. When put into the context of risk to consumer, concentrations of PFAS, especially PFOS, found in shellfish collected from sites containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and industrial contamination may present risks to frequent consumers. Further research is needed to protect shellfish consumers and to inform shellfish advisories and health protective policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan G Giffard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Saige A Gitlin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Marta Rardin
- Environmental Health Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH, USA
| | - Jonathan M Petali
- Environmental Health Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH, USA
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- One Medical Center Drive, Hinman, Box 7927, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
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17
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Mroczko O, Preisendanz HE, Wilson C, Mashtare ML, Elliott HA, Veith TL, Soder KJ, Watson JE. Spatiotemporal patterns of PFAS in water and crop tissue at a beneficial wastewater reuse site in central Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2022; 51:1282-1297. [PMID: 36070520 PMCID: PMC9828414 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a collective name for thousands of synthetic compounds produced to enhance consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. They do not easily degrade, and some are known to pose serious ecological and human health concerns at trace concentrations (ng L-1 levels). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances persist in treated wastewater and are inadvertently introduced into the environment when treated wastewater is reused as an irrigation source. The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) has been spray-irrigating its wastewater at a 2.45 km2 mixed-use agricultural and forested site known as the "Living Filter" since the 1960s. To understand the spatiotemporal patterns of 20 PFAS at the Living Filter, water samples were collected bimonthly from fall 2019 through winter 2021 from the PSU's wastewater effluent and from each of the site's 13 monitoring wells. Crop tissue was collected at the time of harvest to assess PFAS presence in corn silage and tall fescue grown at the study site. Total measured PFAS concentrations in the monitoring wells ranged from nondectable to 155 ng L-1 , with concentrations increasing with the direction of groundwater flow. Concentrations within each well exhibited little temporal variability across sampling events, with mixed relationships between PFAS and groundwater elevation observed between wells. Further, >84% of the PFAS present in livestock feed crops were short-chain compounds, with PFAS consumed annually by livestock fed crops harvested from the site estimated to be 2.46-7.67 mg animal-1 yr-1 . This research provides insight into the potential impacts of long-term beneficial reuse of treated wastewater on groundwater and crop tissue quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Mroczko
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Heather E Preisendanz
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Christopher Wilson
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Michael L Mashtare
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Herschel A Elliott
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Tamie L Veith
- USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Kathy J Soder
- USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - John E Watson
- Dep. of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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18
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Cao D, Rericha Y, Powley C, Truong L, Tanguay RL, Field JA. Background per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in laboratory fish diet: Implications for zebrafish toxicological studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156831. [PMID: 35750184 PMCID: PMC9957603 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Current attention is focused on determining the potential for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to adversely impact human health. Zebrafish are a popular biological model because they share early development pathways with humans. A dietary exposure paradigm is growing in popularity in the zebrafish model because the outcomes often translate to humans. To create a diet of known composition, it is crucial to understand background PFAS levels present in zebrafish diet. Background PFAS, if present, potentially confounds interpretation of toxicological data. To date, no studies document the PFAS background levels in laboratory fish diet and there is only limited information on some pet foods. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an analytical method for up to 50 target PFAS in high lipid and protein content laboratory fish diets and pet foods. Long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C9-C13) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were quantified in 11 out of 16 laboratory fish diets and in three out of five pet fish foods. Foods for pet birds, lizards, and dogs were below the limit of detection for all PFAS. In two of the laboratory fish diets, PFOS concentrations were >1.3 ng/g and the total PFAS for the three laboratory fish diets exceeded 1.0 ng/g. Hundreds of biomedical laboratories across the world utilize these commercial laboratory fish diets, and these results indicate that numerous zebrafish colonies may be inadvertently receiving significant dietary PFAS exposures. In light of this new information, it is critical to design PFAS studies with appropriate controls with measured background PFAS concentrations in the diet and to urge caution when interpreting the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunping Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, 153 Gilbert Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Yvonne Rericha
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 ALS Bldg, 2750 Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Charles Powley
- STRIDE Center for PFAS Solutions, 272 Quigley Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720, United States
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 ALS Bldg, 2750 Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 ALS Bldg, 2750 Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 ALS Bldg, 2750 Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States.
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19
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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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20
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Liu S, Jin B, Arp HPH, Chen W, Liu Y, Zhang G. The Fate and Transport of Chlorinated Polyfluorinated Ether Sulfonates and Other PFAS through Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facilities in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3002-3010. [PMID: 35133129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater from certain industrial processes can be primary emission sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorinated alternatives like chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESA). Two such industrial processes are electroplating and textile printing and dyeing (PD). This study focused on the fate of Cl-PFESA in wastewater from these two industrial processes, in comparison to other PFAS, as they went through different wastewater treatment plants located in southeast China. The total target PFAS concentrations were 520 ± 30 and 4200 ± 270 ng/L at the effluents of the PD WWTP and electroplating WWTP, respectively. Specifically, 6:2 Cl-PFESA (18%) and 8:2 Cl-PFESA (0.7%) were abundant in electroplating-wastewater. Cl-PFESA were also detected in PD wastewater but at trace concentrations and were likely present due to diffuse emissions. The dissolved-phase Cl-PFESA and PFAS mass flows through the WWTPs were fairly constant throughout both facilities. The majority of Cl-PFESA was captured by sludge sedimentation. However, there were individual treatment processes that could cause the wastewater concentrations to fluctuate, and also could lead to relative enrichment of specific Cl-PFESAs as indicated by the 6:2/8:2 Cl-PFESA ratios. Cl-PFESA and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids were more influenced by the investigated treatment processes than perfluorocarboxylic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Biao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo N-0806, Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Wenwen Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
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21
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Gallen C, Bignert A, Taucare G, O'Brien J, Braeunig J, Reeks T, Thompson J, Mueller JF. Temporal trends of perfluoroalkyl substances in an Australian wastewater treatment plant: A ten-year retrospective investigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150211. [PMID: 34798742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a problematic group of chemicals used in various industrial and household products. They have been extensively detected in wastewater as a result of day-to-day product usage. Due to concerns about their safety, voluntary and regulatory action to limit the manufacture and use of some individual PFAS has occurred since the year 2000. The impact that this intervention has had on the use and potential exposure of Australians has not been measured. Wastewater serves as a powerful tool to assess the chemical use or consumption patterns of a population over time. We accessed a ten-year wastewater archiving program to conduct a temporal analysis of PFAS trends in an urban Australian population between the years 2010 and 2020. Results showed a decline in the concentrations for most PFAS, and a change in the PFAS profile from perfluorosulfonic acids and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, to the short-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and PFOS-replacement degradation products such as 5:3 FTCA. Intermittent pulses of PFAS that were significantly higher than 'background' levels (i.e., representing the PFAS input from primarily households) were observed, suggesting continuing industrial PFAS input within the wastewater catchment. This study highlights the long-term consequences of the diffuse use of persistent chemicals in products, and their ability to continue to enter the wastewater stream for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gallen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - A Bignert
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Frescativägen 40, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - G Taucare
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J Braeunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - T Reeks
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J Thompson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
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22
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Hidrovo A, Luek JL, Antonellis C, Malley JP, Mouser PJ. The fate and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products within wastewater treatment facilities discharging to the Great Bay Estuary. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2022; 94:e1680. [PMID: 35075725 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that derive primarily in the water environment from combined sewer overflows and discharges from industrial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs). Due to incomplete removal during wastewater treatment, PPCP impacts to aquatic ecosystems are a major concern. The Great Bay Estuary (New Hampshire, USA) is an important ecological, commercial, and recreational resource where upstream WWTFs have recently been under pressure to reduce nitrogen loading to the estuary and consequently upgrade treatment systems. Therefore, we investigated the distribution and abundance of 18 PPCPs and three flame retardants within the Great Bay Estuary and WWTFs discharging to the estuary to examine how WWTF type influenced PPCP removal. All 21 analytes were frequently detected at μg/L to ng/L concentrations in influent and effluent and ng/kg in sludge. WWTFs with enhanced nutrient removal and longer solids retention times correlated to higher PPCP removal, indicating facility upgrades may have benefits related to PPCP removal. Understanding PPCP fate during treatment and in downstream waters informs our ability to assess the environmental and ecological impacts of PPCPs on estuarine resources and develop mitigation strategies to better protect marine ecosystems from emerging contaminant exposure. PRACTITIONER POINTS: PPCP removal positively correlated with solids retention time and varied by treatment facility and compound. Upgrade of WWTFs for biological nitrogen removal may also increase PPCP removal. Surface water fluoxetine concentrations may present an ecological risk to the Great Bay Estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Hidrovo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
- Weston & Sampson, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jenna L Luek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Carmela Antonellis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - James P Malley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Paula J Mouser
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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