1
|
Mothersole RG, Mothersole MK, Goddard HG, Liu J, Van Hamme JD. Enzyme Catalyzed Formation of CoA Adducts of Fluorinated Hexanoic Acid Analogues using a Long-Chain acyl-CoA Synthetase from Gordonia sp. Strain NB4-1Y. Biochemistry 2024; 63:2153-2165. [PMID: 39152907 PMCID: PMC11376266 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of anthropogenic fluorinated chemicals of increasing environmental concern. Over recent years, numerous microbial communities have been found to be capable of metabolizing some polyfluoroalkyl substances, generating a range of low-molecular-weight PFAS metabolites. One proposed pathway for the microbial breakdown of fluorinated carboxylates includes β-oxidation, this pathway is initiated by the formation of a CoA adduct. However, until recently no PFAS-CoA adducts had been reported. In a previous study, we were able to use a bacterial medium-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (mACS) to form CoA adducts of fluorinated adducts of propanoic acid and pentanoic acid but were not able to detect any products of fluorinated hexanoic acid analogues. Herein, we expressed and purified a long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (lACS) and a A461K variant of mACS from the soil bacterium Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y and performed an analysis of substrate scope and enzyme kinetics using fluorinated and nonfluorinated carboxylates. We determined that lACS can catalyze the formation of CoA adducts of 1:5 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (FTCA), 2:4 FTCA and 3:3 FTCA, albeit with generally low turnover rates (<0.02 s-1) compared with the nonfluorinated hexanoic acid (5.39 s-1). In addition, the A461K variant was found to have an 8-fold increase in selectivity toward hexanoic acid compared with wild-type mACS, suggesting that Ala-461 has a mechanistic role in selectivity toward substrate chain length. This provides further evidence to validate the proposed activation step involving the formation of CoA adducts in the enzymatic breakdown of PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Mothersole
- Department of Chemistry, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Mina K Mothersole
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Hannah G Goddard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Van Hamme
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kowalska D, Sosnowska A, Zdybel S, Stepnik M, Puzyn T. Predicting bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143146. [PMID: 39181470 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The bioconcentration factor (BCF) is an important parameter that gives information regarding the ability of a contaminant to be taken up by organisms from the water. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread in the environment, causing concern regarding their impact on human health. Due to the lack of available bioaccumulation data for most compounds in the PFAS group, we developed a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model to predict the log BCF for fish (taxonomic class Teleostei), based on experimental data available for the most studied 33 representatives of this group of compounds. Furthermore, we implemented the developed model to predict log BCF for an external dataset of 2209 PFAS. Consequently, 1045 PFAS were found not to be bioaccumulative, 208 were classified as bioaccumulative, and 956 were predicted to be very bioaccumulative. Finally, we obtained the high correlation (R2 = 0.844) between the log BCFs obtained in laboratory and field studies for 13 PFAS. In silico analyses indicate that PFAS bioconcentration depends on the size (chain length - number of CF2 groups in alkyl tail/chain) of a molecule, as well as on the atomic distribution properties. In general, long-chain PFAS - above 8 and 6 carbon atoms for perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs)and perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs), respectively - tend to bioconcentrate more compared to the short-chain ones. In conclusion, predicting BCF on fish is possible for a wide range of fluorinated compounds, which can be further used for estimating PFAS behavior in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita Sosnowska
- QSAR Lab, ul. Trzy Lipy 3, Gdańsk, Poland; Laboratory of Environmental Chemometrics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Szymon Zdybel
- QSAR Lab, ul. Trzy Lipy 3, Gdańsk, Poland; Laboratory of Environmental Chemometrics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Puzyn
- QSAR Lab, ul. Trzy Lipy 3, Gdańsk, Poland; Laboratory of Environmental Chemometrics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bayode AA, Emmanuel SS, Akinyemi AO, Ore OT, Akpotu SO, Koko DT, Momodu DE, López-Maldonado EA. Innovative techniques for combating a common enemy forever chemicals: A comprehensive approach to mitigating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 261:119719. [PMID: 39098711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," in water systems poses a significant threat to both the environment and public health. PFAS are persistent organic pollutants that are incredibly resistant to degradation and have a tendency to accumulate in the environment, resulting in long-term contamination issues. This comprehensive review delves into the primary impacts of PFAS on both the environment and human health while also delving into advanced techniques aimed at addressing these concerns. The focus is on exploring the efficacy, practicality, and sustainability of these methods. The review outlines several key methods, such as advanced oxidation processes, novel materials adsorption, bioremediation, membrane filtration, and in-situ chemical oxidation, and evaluates their effectiveness in addressing PFAS contamination. By conducting a comparative analysis of these techniques, the study aims to provide a thorough understanding of current PFAS remediation technologies, as well as offer insights into integrated approaches for managing these persistent pollutants effectively. While acknowledging the high efficiency of adsorption and membrane filtration in reducing persistent organic pollutants due to their relatively low cost, versatility, and wide applicability, the review suggests that the integration of these methods could result in an overall enhancement of removal performance. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for researcher attention in key areas and underscores the necessity of collaboration between researchers, industry, and regulatory authorities to address this complex challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajibola A Bayode
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong, 643000, China; Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, P.M.B. 230, 232101, Ede, Nigeria.
| | - Stephen Sunday Emmanuel
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - Amos O Akinyemi
- Department of Toxicology & Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Odunayo T Ore
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Achievers University, P.M.B. 1030, Owo, Nigeria
| | - Samson O Akpotu
- Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Daniel T Koko
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, P.M.B. 230, 232101, Ede, Nigeria
| | - David E Momodu
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, P.M.B. 230, 232101, Ede, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vujic E, Ferguson SS, Brouwer KLR. Effects of PFAS on human liver transporters: implications for health outcomes. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:213-227. [PMID: 38724241 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become internationally recognized over the past three decades as persistent organic pollutants used in the production of various consumer and industrial goods. Research efforts continue to gauge the risk that historically used, and newly produced, PFAS may cause to human health. Numerous studies report toxic effects of PFAS on the human liver as well as increased serum cholesterol levels in adults. A major concern with PFAS, also dubbed "forever chemicals," is that they accumulate in the liver and kidney and persist in serum. The mechanisms responsible for their disposition and excretion in humans are poorly understood. A better understanding of the interaction of PFAS with liver transporters, as it pertains to the disposition of PFAS and other xenobiotics, could provide mechanistic insight into human health effects and guide efforts toward risk assessment of compounds in development. This review summarizes the current state of the literature on the emerging relationships (eg, substrates, inhibitors, modulators of gene expression) between PFAS and specific hepatic transporters. The adaptive and toxicological responses of hepatocytes to PFAS that reveal linkages to pathologies and epidemiological findings are highlighted. The evidence suggests that our understanding of the molecular landscape of PFAS must improve to determine their impact on the expression and function of hepatocyte transporters that play a key role in PFAS or other xenobiotic disposition. From here, we can assess what role these changes may have in documented human health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ena Vujic
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen S Ferguson
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kim L R Brouwer
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee CS, Shipley ON, Ye X, Fisher NS, Gallagher AJ, Frisk MG, Talwar BS, Schneider EV, Venkatesan AK. Accumulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Coastal Sharks from Contrasting Marine Environments: The New York Bight and The Bahamas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13087-13098. [PMID: 38995999 PMCID: PMC11270988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02044] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) enter the marine food web, accumulate in organisms, and potentially have adverse effects on predators and consumers of seafood. However, evaluations of PFAS in meso-to-apex predators, like sharks, are scarce. This study investigated PFAS occurrence in five shark species from two marine ecosystems with contrasting relative human population densities, the New York Bight (NYB) and the coastal waters of The Bahamas archipelago. The total detected PFAS (∑PFAS) concentrations in muscle tissue ranged from 1.10 to 58.5 ng g-1 wet weight, and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were dominant. Fewer PFAS were detected in Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) from The Bahamas, and concentrations of those detected were, on average, ∼79% lower than in the NYB sharks. In the NYB, ∑PFAS concentrations followed: common thresher (Alopias vulpinus) > shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) > sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) > smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis). PFAS precursors/intermediates, such as 2H,2H,3H,3H-perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonamide, were only detected in the NYB sharks, suggesting higher ambient concentrations and diversity of PFAS sources in this region. Ultralong-chain PFAS (C ≥ 10) were positively correlated with nitrogen isotope values (δ15N) and total mercury in some species. Our results provide some of the first baseline information on PFAS concentrations in shark species from the northwest Atlantic Ocean, and correlations between PFAS, stable isotopes, and mercury further contextualize the drivers of PFAS occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Shiuan Lee
- Research
Center for Environmental Changes, Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Oliver N. Shipley
- School
of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony
Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Xiayan Ye
- New
York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Nicholas S. Fisher
- School
of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony
Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | | | - Michael G. Frisk
- School
of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony
Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | | | | | - Arjun K. Venkatesan
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Britton KN, Judson RS, Hill BN, Jarema KA, Olin JK, Knapp BR, Lowery M, Feshuk M, Brown J, Padilla S. Using Zebrafish to Screen Developmental Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). TOXICS 2024; 12:501. [PMID: 39058153 PMCID: PMC11281043 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many consumer and industrial products. While some PFAS, notably perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are developmentally toxic in mammals, the vast majority of PFAS have not been evaluated for developmental toxicity potential. A concentration-response study of 182 unique PFAS chemicals using the zebrafish medium-throughput, developmental vertebrate toxicity assay was conducted to investigate chemical structural identifiers for toxicity. Embryos were exposed to each PFAS compound (≤100 μM) beginning on the day of fertilization. At 6 days post-fertilization (dpf), two independent observers graded developmental landmarks for each larva (e.g., mortality, hatching, swim bladder inflation, edema, abnormal spine/tail, or craniofacial structure). Thirty percent of the PFAS were developmentally toxic, but there was no enrichment of any OECD structural category. PFOS was developmentally toxic (benchmark concentration [BMC] = 7.48 μM); however, other chemicals were more potent: perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), N-methylperfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-MeFOSA), ((perfluorooctyl)ethyl)phosphonic acid, perfluoro-3,6,9-trioxatridecanoic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonamide. The developmental toxicity profile for these more potent PFAS is largely unexplored in mammals and other species. Based on these zebrafish developmental toxicity results, additional screening may be warranted to understand the toxicity profile of these chemicals in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katy N. Britton
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Richard S. Judson
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Computational Toxicology and Bioinformatics Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Bridgett N. Hill
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (B.N.H.); (B.R.K.)
| | - Kimberly A. Jarema
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Immediate Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Jeanene K. Olin
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (J.K.O.); (M.L.)
| | - Bridget R. Knapp
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (B.N.H.); (B.R.K.)
| | - Morgan Lowery
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (J.K.O.); (M.L.)
| | - Madison Feshuk
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Scientific Computing and Data Curation Division, Data Extraction and Quality Evaluation Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Jason Brown
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Scientific Computing and Data Curation Division, Application Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (J.K.O.); (M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dukes DA, McDonough CA. N-glucuronidation and Excretion of Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonamides in Mice Following Ingestion of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38923620 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASAs) and other FASA-based per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can transform into recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl sulfonates in vivo. We conducted high-resolution mass spectrometry suspect screening of urine and tissues (kidney and liver) from mice dosed with an electrochemically fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to better understand the biological fate of AFFF-associated precursors. The B6C3F1 mice were dosed at five levels (0, 0.05, 0.5, 1, and 5 mg kg-1 day-1) based on perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate content of the AFFF mixture. Dosing continued for 10 days followed by a 6-day depuration. Total oxidizable precursor assay of the AFFF suggested significant contributions from precursors with three to six perfluorinated carbons. We identified C4 to C6 FASAs and N-glucuronidated FASAs (FASA-N-glus) excreted in urine collected throughout dosing and depuration. Based on normalized relative abundance, FASA-N-glus accounted for up to 33% of the total excreted FASAs in mouse urine, highlighting the importance of phase II metabolic conjugation as a route of excretion. High-resolution mass spectrometry screening of liver and kidney tissue revealed accumulation of longer-chain (C7 and C8) FASAs not detected in urine. Chain-length-dependent conjugation of FASAs was also observed by incubating FASAs with mouse liver S9 fractions. Shorter-chain (C4) FASAs conjugated to a much greater extent over a 120-min incubation than longer-chain (C8) FASAs. Overall, this study highlights the significance of N-glucuronidation as an excretion mechanism for short-chain FASAs and suggests that monitoring urine for FASA-N-glus could contribute to a better understanding of PFAS exposure, as FASAs and their conjugates are often overlooked by traditional biomonitoring studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-11. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Dukes
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Carrie A McDonough
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jeong Y, Mok S, Park KJ, Moon HB. Accumulation features and temporal trends (2002-2015) for legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in finless porpoises bycaught off Korean coasts. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123925. [PMID: 38593937 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123925] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in livers of finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis; n = 167) collected in Korean waters from 2002 to 2015 to investigate their occurrence, bioaccumulation feature, temporal trends, and ecotoxicological implications. Perfulorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrDA) were the predominant PFASs found in the porpoises. The concentration of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (F-53B), an alternative to PFOS, was comparable to that of PFTrDA. Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), a precursor of PFOS, was also detected in all the porpoises examined. All PFASs, including F-53B, accumulated to higher concentrations in immature porpoises compared with mature specimens, implying substantial maternal transfer and limited metabolizing capacity for PFASs. A significant correlation was observed between PFOS and F-53B concentrations, indicating similar bioaccumulation processes. Based on prenatal exposure and toxicity, F-53B is an emerging contaminant in marine ecosystems. Significantly increasing trends were observed in the concentrations of sulfonates, carboxylates, and F-53B between 2002/2003 and 2010, whereas the FOSA concentration significantly decreased. During 2010-2015, decreasing trends were observed in the concentrations of FOSA and sulfonates, whereas concentrations of carboxylate and F-53B increased without statistical significance, likely due to a gap for the implementation of regulatory actions between sulfonates and carboxylates. Although PFOS and PFOA were found to pose little health risk to porpoises, the combined toxicological effects of other contaminants should be considered to protect populations and to mitigate PFAS contamination in marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunsun Jeong
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sori Mok
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyum Joon Park
- Cetacean Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Ulsan, 44780, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vardy S, Baddiley B, Braun C, Limpus C, Limpus DJ, Du Plessis M, Nilsson S, Gonzalez-Astudillo V, Beale D. Partitioning of PFAS to serum, tissues, eggs, and hatchlings of an Australian freshwater turtle. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133885. [PMID: 38484658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133885] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Turtles are a potential sentinel species of aquatic ecosystem health as they inhabit aquatic ecosystems, are long lived, and potentially have high exposure to anthropogenic chemicals via food and water. This study investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) tissue partitioning in female Emydura macquarii macquarii turtle, and the maternal offloading of (PFAS) into eggs and then hatchlings as well as the accumulation of PFAS in male and female Emydura macquarii macquarii serum. Significantly higher levels of perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were measured in the male serum compared to the female turtle serum, whereas perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) were significantly higher in the female turtle serum. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS in the turtles whereas PFHxA was the predominant PFAS found in the surrounding water. PFHxA was not reported in any turtle tissue or the serum. The short-chain PFSAs and FASAs appeared to be highly associated with blood; long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs were more likely to be associated with tissue. Half of the PFHxS and all the long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs reported in the yolks were transferred into the hatchlings (by mass), suggesting a potential intergenerational effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Vardy
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia; Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Brenda Baddiley
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Christoph Braun
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Col Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Duncan J Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Martha Du Plessis
- Organic Chemistry, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - David Beale
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ling AL. Estimated scale of costs to remove PFAS from the environment at current emission rates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170647. [PMID: 38325453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
This discussion article builds upon existing data to ask whether environmental remediation and treatment is an economically viable solution to manage global environmental stocks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) without extensive use restrictions. Their environmental persistence means that PFAS released into the environment will remain there until actively removed and destroyed. Thus, removing and destroying PFAS from the global environment at the same rate they are currently being added reflects a theoretical steady-state condition where global PFAS stocks remain constant. Current costs to remove perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a subclass of PFAS, from the environment at the same rate they are being added were estimated here at 20 to 7000 trillion USD per year. If the ratio of total PFAS emissions to PFAAs emissions matches current production ratios, total PFAS release rates and associated treatment costs could be 10 to 10,000 higher than presented above for PFAAs only. Thus, current costs to remove and destroy the total PFAS mass released annually into the environment would likely exceed the global GDP of 106 trillion USD. While this level of treatment is not technically or economically achievable, it highlights the unaffordability of using environmental remediation alone to manage environmental PFAS stocks. Without significant reductions in production and emissions, the mass of PFAS present in the global environment will continue to rise. Treating targeted environmental media will be needed to manage human and environmental health impacts, but we are limited to the level of treatment that is practical and affordable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Ling
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave, OSS 100, St. Paul, MN 55105, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ao J, Tang W, Liu X, Ao Y, Zhang Q, Zhang J. Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) as PFAS substitutes and precursors: An overview. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133018. [PMID: 37984148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are emerging substitutes for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely applied in consumer products and closely related to people's daily lives. Increasing concern has been raised about the safety of PAPs due to their metabolism into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) in vivo. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PAPs and highlights the knowledge gaps. PAPs dominated the PFAS profiles in wastewater, sludge, household dust, food-contact materials, paper products, paints, and cosmetics. They exhibit biomagnification due to their higher levels in top predators. PAPs have been detected in human blood worldwide, with the highest mean levels being found in the United States (1.9 ng/mL) and China (0.4 ng/mL). 6:2 diPAP is the predominant PAP among all identified matrices, followed by 8:2 diPAP. Toxicokinetic studies suggest that after entering the body, most PAPs undergo biotransformation, generating phase Ⅰ (i.e., PFCAs), phase II, and intermediate products with toxicity to be verified. Several epidemiological and toxicological studies have reported the antiandrogenic effect, estrogenic effect, thyroid disruption, oxidative damage, and reproductive toxicity of PAPs. More research is urgently needed on the source and fate of PAPs, human exposure pathways, toxicity other than reproductive and endocrine systems, toxic effects of metabolites, and mixed exposure effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Weifeng Tang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chu S, Letcher RJ. A targeted and non-targeted discovery screening approach for poly-and per-fluoroalkyl substances in model environmental biota samples. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1715:464584. [PMID: 38157583 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive analytical approach for targeted and non-targeted discovery screening of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was developed and applied to model complex environmental biotic samples. Samples were extracted by formic acid-acetonitrile solution and cleaned up and fractionated by SPE (WAX). Target PFAS quantification was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography interfaced with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Non-targeted analysis (NTA) PFAS screening was performed with UPLC coupled with a quadrupole-Exactive orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-Exactive-HRMS). An iterative exclusion (IE) approach was applied to data acquisition for NTA suspect screening to increase the potential for unknown PFAS discovery with MS/MS. A complex workflow in Compound Discoverer was set up to automate data processing of the PFAS suspects search. New mass lists and MS/MS databases, which included a large number of PFAS, were set up and introduced into the search for high-throughput structure identification using HRMS techniques. The integrated targeted-NTA method successfully analyzed for legacy and alternative PFAS in model environmental biota samples, namely polar bear liver and bird egg samples. Targeted analysis provided unequivocal identification of well known/established PFAS (mainly perfluoroalkyl acids) with quantification at very low levels. The NTA suspect screening was able to determine a broader range of PFAS. The data analysis method offered high-confidence annotations for PFAS despite lacking available authentic standards. Overall, the analytical coverage of PFAS was greater and elucidated other PFAS present in these model apex predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaogang Chu
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rice PA, Kabadi SV, Doerge DR, Vanlandingham MM, Churchwell MI, Tryndyak VP, Fisher JW, Aungst J, Beland FA. Evaluating the toxicokinetics of some metabolites of a C6 polyfluorinated compound, 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in pregnant and nonpregnant rats after oral exposure to the parent compound. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 183:114333. [PMID: 38061571 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) is a common impurity in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) used in many applications. Our previous toxicokinetic (TK) evaluation of 6:2 FTOH calculated times to steady state (tss) of one of its metabolites, 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (5:3A), in the plasma and tissues of up to a year after oral exposure to rats. Our current work further elucidated the TK of 5:3A and other metabolites of 6:2 FTOH in pregnant and nonpregnant rats after repeated oral exposure and examined the role of renal transporters in the biopersistence of 5:3A. The tss values for 5:3A in serum and tissues of adult nonpregnant animals ranged from 150 days to over a year. 4:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (4:3A) was an additional potentially-biopersistent metabolite. 5:3A was the major metabolite of 6:2 FTOH in serum of pregnant dams and fetuses at each time interval. 5:3A was not a substrate for renal transporters in a human kidney cell line in vitro, indicating that renal reuptake of 5:3A is unlikely contribute to its biopersistence. Further research is needed to identify the underlying processes and evaluate the impact of these 6:2 FTOH metabolites on human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope A Rice
- FDA/CFSAN/OFAS/DFCN, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS 275, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
| | - Shruti V Kabadi
- FDA/CFSAN/OFAS/DFCN, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS 275, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jason Aungst
- FDA/CFSAN/OFAS/DFCN, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS 275, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Renyer A, Ravindra K, Wetmore BA, Ford JL, DeVito M, Hughes MF, Wehmas LC, MacMillan DK. Dose Response, Dosimetric, and Metabolic Evaluations of Replacement PFAS Perfluoro-(2,5,8-trimethyl-3,6,9-trioxadodecanoic) Acid (HFPO-TeA). TOXICS 2023; 11:951. [PMID: 38133352 PMCID: PMC10747602 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Few studies are available on the environmental and toxicological effects of perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), such as GenX, which are replacing legacy PFAS in manufacturing processes. To collect initial data on the toxicity and toxicokinetics of a longer-chain PFECA, male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to perfluoro-(2,5,8-trimethyl-3,6,9-trioxadodecanoic) acid (HFPO-TeA) by oral gavage for five days over multiple dose levels (0.3-335.2 mg/kg/day). Clinically, we observed mortality at doses >17 mg/kg/day and body weight changes at doses ≤17 mg/kg/day. For the 17 mg/kg/day dose level, T3 and T4 thyroid hormone concentrations were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from controls and HFPO-TeA plasma concentrations were significantly different between sexes. Non-targeted analysis of plasma and in vitro hepatocyte assay extractions revealed the presence of another GenX oligomer, perfluoro-(2,5-dimethyl-3,6-dioxanonanoic) acid (HFPO-TA). In vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) parameterized with in vitro toxicokinetic data predicted steady-state blood concentrations that were within seven-fold of those observed in the in vivo study, demonstrating reasonable predictivity. The evidence of thyroid hormone dysregulation, sex-based differences in clinical results and dosimetry, and IVIVE predictions presented here suggest that the replacement PFECA HFPO-TeA induces a complex and toxic exposure response in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aero Renyer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA;
| | - Krishna Ravindra
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA;
| | - Barbara A. Wetmore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Durham, NC 27709, USA; (B.A.W.); (J.L.F.); (M.D.); (M.F.H.); (L.C.W.)
| | - Jermaine L. Ford
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Durham, NC 27709, USA; (B.A.W.); (J.L.F.); (M.D.); (M.F.H.); (L.C.W.)
| | - Michael DeVito
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Durham, NC 27709, USA; (B.A.W.); (J.L.F.); (M.D.); (M.F.H.); (L.C.W.)
| | - Michael F. Hughes
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Durham, NC 27709, USA; (B.A.W.); (J.L.F.); (M.D.); (M.F.H.); (L.C.W.)
| | - Leah C. Wehmas
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Durham, NC 27709, USA; (B.A.W.); (J.L.F.); (M.D.); (M.F.H.); (L.C.W.)
| | - Denise K. MacMillan
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Durham, NC 27709, USA; (B.A.W.); (J.L.F.); (M.D.); (M.F.H.); (L.C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gkika IS, Xie G, van Gestel CAM, Ter Laak TL, Vonk JA, van Wezel AP, Kraak MHS. Research Priorities for the Environmental Risk Assessment of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2302-2316. [PMID: 37589402 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5729] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of ubiquitously applied persistent industrial chemicals. The field of PFAS environmental research is developing rapidly, but suffers from substantial biases toward specific compounds, environmental compartments, and organisms. The aim of our study was therefore to highlight current developments and to identify knowledge gaps and subsequent research needs that would contribute to a comprehensive environmental risk assessment for PFAS. To this end, we consulted the open literature and databases and found that knowledge of the environmental fate of PFAS is based on the analysis of <1% of the compounds categorized as PFAS. Moreover, soils and suspended particulate matter remain largely understudied. The bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and food web transfer studies of PFAS also focus on a very limited number of compounds and are biased toward aquatic biota, predominantly fish, and less frequently aquatic invertebrates and macrophytes. The available ecotoxicity data revealed that only a few PFAS have been well studied for their environmental hazards, and that PFAS ecotoxicity data are also strongly biased toward aquatic organisms. Ecotoxicity studies in the terrestrial environment are needed, as well as chronic, multigenerational, and community ecotoxicity research, in light of the persistency and bioaccumulation of PFAS. Finally, we identified an urgent need to unravel the relationships among sorption, bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicity on the one hand and molecular descriptors of PFAS chemical structures and physicochemical properties on the other, to allow predictions of exposure, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2302-2316. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna S Gkika
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ge Xie
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas L Ter Laak
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- KWR Water Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - J Arie Vonk
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie P van Wezel
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel H S Kraak
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mothersole R, Wynne FT, Rota G, Mothersole MK, Liu J, Van Hamme JD. Formation of CoA Adducts of Short-Chain Fluorinated Carboxylates Catalyzed by Acyl-CoA Synthetase from Gordonia sp. Strain NB4-1Y. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:39437-39446. [PMID: 37901528 PMCID: PMC10601079 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) make up a group of anthropogenic chemicals with a myriad of applications. However, some PFAS have been shown to negatively impact human health and the environment, leading to increased regulation, with some countries making efforts to phase out their use. PFAS fate in the environment is driven by physical, chemical, and biological processes, with microbial communities in matrices such as soil and sewage sludge being known to generate a range of low-molecular-weight PFAS metabolites. Proposed metabolic intermediates for both mixed and pure microbial cultures include fluorinated carboxylates that may be activated by CoA prior to β-oxidation and defluorination, although thus far, no PFAS-CoA adducts have been reported. Herein, we expressed and purified acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) from the soil bacterium Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y and performed an analysis of substrate scope and enzyme kinetics using fluorinated and nonfluorinated carboxylates. We determined that ACS was able to catalyze the formation of CoA adducts of 3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid, 5,5,5-trifluoropentanoic acid, 4,5,5-trifluoropent-4-enoic acid, and 4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentanoic acid. Kinetic analysis revealed a 90-98% decrease in kcat between nonfluorinated carboxylates and their fluorinated analogues. This provides evidence to validate proposed enzymatic pathways for microbial PFAS metabolism that proceed via an activation step involving the formation of CoA adducts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert
G. Mothersole
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers
University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Foster T. Wynne
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers
University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Gaia Rota
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers
University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Mina K. Mothersole
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers
University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department
of Civil Engineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A
0C3, Canada
| | - Jonathan D. Van Hamme
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers
University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Oró-Nolla B, Dulsat-Masvidal M, Bertolero A, Lopez-Antia A, Lacorte S. Target and untargeted screening of perfluoroalkyl substances in biota using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1701:464066. [PMID: 37207413 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to bioaccumulate and trigger adverse effects in marine birds. This study develops an extraction and analytical methodology for the target/untargeted analysis of PFAS in eggs of Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) and Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) and blood of Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), which are used as bioindicators of organic chemical pollution. Samples were extracted by ultrasonication with acetonitrile and cleaned-up with activated carbon, and analysis was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-TOF) with negative electrospray ionization. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) was performed through full-scan acquisition to obtain MS1 at 6 eV and MS2 at 30 eV. In a first step, quantitative analysis of 25 PFAS was performed using 9 mass-labelled internal standard PFAS and quality parameters of the method developed are provided. Then, an untargeted screening workflow is proposed using the high-resolution PFAS library database from NORMAN to identify new chemicals through accurate mass measurement of MS1 and MS2 signals. The method permitted to detect several PFAS at concentrations ranging from 0.45 to 55.2 ng/g wet weight in gull eggs and from 0.75 to 125 ng/mL wet weight in flamingos' blood, with PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFUdA, PFTrDA, PFDoA, PFHxS and PFHpA the main compounds detected. In addition, perfluoro-p-ethylcyclohexylsulfonic acid (PFECHS, CAS number 646-83-3) and 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethanol (6:2 FTOH, CAS number 647-42-7) were tentatively identified. The developed UHPLC-Q-TOF target/untargeted analytical approach increases the scope of PFAS analysis, enabling a better assessment on contaminant exposure and promoting the use of bird species as bioindicators of chemical pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Oró-Nolla
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - M Dulsat-Masvidal
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - A Bertolero
- Associació Ornitològica Picampall de les Terres de l'Ebre, La Galera 53, Amposta 43870, Spain
| | - A Lopez-Antia
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - S Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Barber LB, Pickard HM, Alvarez DA, Becanova J, Keefe SH, LeBlanc DR, Lohmann R, Steevens JA, Vajda AM. Uptake of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Fish, Mussel, and Passive Samplers in Mobile-Laboratory Exposures Using Groundwater from a Contamination Plume at a Historical Fire Training Area, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5544-5557. [PMID: 36972291 PMCID: PMC10116195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams historically were used during fire training activities on Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and created an extensive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) groundwater contamination plume. The potential for PFAS bioconcentration from exposure to the contaminated groundwater, which discharges to surface water bodies, was assessed with mobile-laboratory experiments using groundwater from the contamination plume and a nearby reference location. The on-site continuous-flow 21-day exposures used male and female fathead minnows, freshwater mussels, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS), and polyethylene tube samplers (PETS) to evaluate biotic and abiotic uptake. The composition of the PFAS-contaminated groundwater was complex and 9 PFAS were detected in the reference groundwater and 17 PFAS were detected in the contaminated groundwater. The summed PFAS concentrations ranged from 120 to 140 ng L-1 in reference groundwater and 6100 to 15,000 ng L-1 in contaminated groundwater. Biotic concentration factors (CFb) for individual PFAS were species, sex, source, and compound-specific and ranged from 2.9 to 1000 L kg-1 in whole-body male fish exposed to contaminated groundwater for 21 days. The fish and mussel CFb generally increased with increasing fluorocarbon chain length and were greater for sulfonates than for carboxylates. The exception was perfluorohexane sulfonate, which deviated from the linear trend and had a 10-fold difference in CFb between sites, possibly because of biotransformation of precursors such as perfluorohexane sulfonamide. Uptake for most PFAS in male fish was linear over time, whereas female fish had bilinear uptake indicated by an initial increase in tissue concentrations followed by a decrease. Uptake of PFAS was less for mussels (maximum CFb = 200) than for fish, and mussel uptake of most PFAS also was bilinear. Although abiotic concentration factors were greater than CFb, and values for POCIS were greater than for PETS, passive samplers were useful for assessing PFAS that potentially bioconcentrate in fish but are present at concentrations below method quantitation limits in water. Passive samplers also accumulate short-chain PFAS that are not bioconcentrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larry B Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Heidi M Pickard
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - David A Alvarez
- U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Jitka Becanova
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Horn Building 118, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Steffanie H Keefe
- U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Denis R LeBlanc
- U.S. Geological Survey, 10 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, United States
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Horn Building 118, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, United States
| | - Jeffery A Steevens
- U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Alan M Vajda
- University of Colorado Denver, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
| |
Collapse
|