Biochar sorption of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFHxA in two soils with contrasting texture

The ability to immobilise PFAS in soil may be an essential interim tool while technologies are developed for effective long-term treatment of PFAS contaminated soils. Serial sorption experiments were undertaken using a pine derived biochar produced at 750 °C (P750). All experiments were carried out either in individual mode (solution with one PFAS at 5 μg/L) or mix mode (solution with 5 μg/L of each: PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFHxA), and carried out in 2:1 water to soil solutions. Soils had biochar added in the range 0-5% w/w. Kinetic data were fitted to the pseudo-second order model for both amended soils, with equilibrium times ranging 0.5-96 h for all congeners. PFOS sorption was 11.1 ± 4.5% in the loamy sand compared to 69.8 ± 4.9% in the sandy clay loam. While total sorption was higher in the unamended loamy sand than sandy clay loam for PFHxA, PFOA and PFOS, the effect of biochar amendment for each compound was found to be significantly higher in amended sandy clay loam than in amended loamy sand. Application of biochar reduced the desorbed PFAS fraction of all soils. Soil type and experimental mode played a significant role in influencing desorption. Overall, the relationship between sorbent and congener was demonstrated to be highly impacted by soil type, however the unique physiochemical properties of each PFAS congener greatly influenced its unique equilibrium, sorption and desorption behaviour for each amended soil and mode tested.

Diatom-assisted biomicroreactor targeting the complete removal of perfluorinated compounds

Persistent perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been recognized as a global environmental issue. Developing methods without leading to additional burden in nature will be essential for PFCs removal. Herein, we functionalized iron nanoparticles on living diatom (Dt) to efficiently enable the Fenton reaction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Iron nanoparticles at the surface of living diatom act as promising catalytic agents to trigger OH radical generation from H₂O₂. Dt plays dual roles: i) as solid support for effective adsorption, and ii) it supplies oxygen and inherently produces ROS under stress conditions, which improves removal efficiency of PFCs. We also demonstrated its reusability by simple magnetic separation and 85% of decomposition efficiency could still be achieved. This newly developed diatom-assisted bioremediation strategy enables green and efficient PFC decomposition and shall be readily applicable to other persistent pollutants.

Investigating isomers/enantiomers of perfluorooctanoic acid in river water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with chiral derivatization

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in environmental media contains numerous isomers/enantiomers because of the PFOA manufacturing process and biological degradation of PFOA precursors. Few methods for analyzing PFOA enantiomers have been described. A simple derivatization method using (S)-1-phenethyl chloride that was developed to allow PFOA isomers/enantiomers to be separated by gas chromatography and analyzed by electron-capture negative ionization mass spectrometry is described here. PFOA standards were analyzed, and enantiomers of the chiral isomers perfluoro-3-methyl-heptanoic acid, perfluoro-4-methyl-heptanoic acid, and perfluoro-3,5-dimethyl-hexanoic acid were separated using an HP-5MS column. Linear PFOA and perfluoro-6-methyl-heptanoic acid were chromatographically separated from these enantiomers. The linear ranges (giving correlation coefficients r > 0.997) of the calibration curves for the isomers were 0.010-3.00 ng/mL. PFOA isomer/enantiomer concentrations in river water were determined using the method. The method separated the enantiomers of perfluoro-3-methyl-heptanoic acid and perfluoro-4-methyl-heptanoic acid, the isomers of perfluoro-6-methyl-heptanoic acid, and linear PFOA in river water. No significant differences were found between the PFOA enantiomer/isomer compositions of the sample and technical PFOA. Enantiomer ratios can provide information about the sources and transport of pollutant isomers/enantiomers in the environment. Enantiomeric separation requires effective separation techniques. Our method achieved chiral separation using a non-chiral GC column that is often used in general analytical laboratories. The method could be used to investigate the sources and fates of PFOA and the isomers/enantiomers of other potentially toxic persistent pollutants in the environment and the risks posed to humans.

Guanidinocalix[5]arene for sensitive fluorescence detection and magnetic removal of perfluorinated pollutants

Perfluorinated alkyl substances, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are toxic materials that are known to globally contaminate water, air, and soil resources. Strategies for the simultaneous detection and removal of these compounds are desired to address this emerging health and environmental issue. Herein, we develop a type of guanidinocalix[5]arene that can selectively and strongly bind to PFOS and PFOA, which we use to demonstrate the sensitive and quantitative detection of these compounds in contaminated water through a fluorescent indicator displacement assay. Moreover, by co-assembling iron oxide nanoparticle with the amphiphilic guanidinocalix[5]arene, we are able to use simple magnetic absorption and filtration to efficiently remove PFOS and PFOA from contaminated water. This supramolecular approach that uses both molecular recognition and self-assembly of macrocyclic amphiphiles is promising for the detection and remediation of water pollution.

Novel chitosan-ethylene glycol hydrogel for the removal of aqueous perfluorooctanoic acid

It is urgent to explore an effective removal method for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) due to its recalcitrant nature. In this study, a novel chitosan-based hydrogel (CEGH) was prepared with a simple method using chitosan and ethylene glycol through a repeated freezing-thawing procedure. The adsorption of PFOA anions to CEGH agreed well to the Freundlich-Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity as high as 1275.9 mg/g, which is higher than reported values of most adsorbents for PFOA. The adsorption was influenced by experimental conditions. Experimental results showed that the main removal mechanism was the ionic hydrogen bond interaction between carbonyl groups (COO^-) of PFOA and protonated amine (NH⁺) of the CEGH adsorbent. Therefore, CEGH is a very attractive adsorbent that can be used to remove PFOA from water in the future.

Removal of PFAS from aqueous solution using PbO2 from lead-acid battery

Whilst advanced electrochemical oxidation can break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the requirement for expensive electrode materials usually prevents its widespread application. Here we use an industrial material of lead peroxide (PbO₂) from a lead-acid battery to break down PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 FTS). By optimising the PbO₂ panel (activating and doping) and working conditions including supporting electrolyte (1 L 10 mM Na₂SO₄), initial concentration (10 μM), temperature (room temperature), current density (5 A for a 10 cm × 10 cm PbO₂ panel) etc., we successfully remove > 99% PFAS (individual PFAS monitored via HPLC-MS) whilst mineralising ∼59% PFOA (defluorination, F^- released and monitored via F-ISE, fluoride-ion selective electrode). By studying the pseudo-first-order kinetics of the PFAS breakdown (0.0028-0.007 min^-1) and defluorination (0.84-5.9 × 10^-8 min^-1), we assign the difference to the adsorption of PFAS on the PbO₂ panel and the appearance of intermediates before the full defluorination. The leaked HF gas (∼10^-5 M, collected using 0.25 L 0.1 M NaOH) and Pb²⁺ (∼12 μM, or ∼ 2.5 ppm) are also confirmed. This study employs an economic industrial material, highlights the contribution of adsorption towards the PFAS removal and breakdown, and identifies the possible leakage of secondary contaminants.

Rapid and high-capacity adsorption of PFOS and PFOA by regenerable ammoniated magnetic particle

Adsorption is well accepted as an effective method for perfluorinated compounds' (PFCs) removal from water among various conventional methods. However, development of adsorbents that combine good performance of PFC removal and regenerability has not yet been realized. This work demonstrated the fabrication and application of an ammoniated magnetic adsorbent for efficient and economical PFOS and PFOA removal. Functional ammonium groups and γ-Fe₂O₃ were effectively incorporated in the particle with the proposed method. These fabricated magnetic particles presented superior adsorption performance for PFOS and PFOA with short equilibrium time of 120 min and high adsorption capacity. The isotherms revealed that the adsorption process belonged to multilayer sorption with their intricate interactions including anion exchange and hydrophobic interaction. The magnetic particle maintained its removal efficacy over a wide pH range of 3-9 or with coexisting substances. Moreover, the regeneration and reuse of the magnetic particle were successfully carried out with PFOS and PFOA removal efficiency sustained higher than 80% in 15 consecutive treatment cycles. Along with the efficient adsorption and easy separation of adsorbents, we expect that this ammoniated magnetic particle can serve as an excellent alternative for PFOS and PFOA removal from water.

Reversible and irreversible sorption of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) by sediments of an urban reservoir

Uncertainty about the extent to which contaminant sorption by suspended solids and bed sediments is irreversible is a major impediment for modeling and managing the water quality of surface water resources. This study examined reversible and irreversible sorption of several perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) to bed sediments from an urban reservoir. PFCs investigated include C4, C6, C8, C9 and C10 perfluoroalkanoate homologues (PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA and PFDA, respectively) and perfluorooctane and hexane sulfonate (PFOS and PFHxS, respectively). Although sorption branches of the PFOS, PFNA and PFDA isotherms were nearly linear (implying a partitioning-like process), desorption experiments indicated that a fraction of the sorbed PFCs were entrapped and resistant to desorption. The hysteretic desorption branches were approximately linear. Irreversibility increased with chain length and was nearly complete for PFDA (thermodynamic irreversibility index (TII) 0.98). For the weakly sorbing PFOA and PFHxS, sorption was largely reversible. Data suggest that (1) for the strongly sorbing PFCs, e.g. PFNA, PFDA and PFOS, bed sediments acted predominantly as irreversible sinks, (2) aqueous concentrations of the moderately sorbing PFCs (PFOA and PFHxS) are buffered by reversibly sorbing suspended solids, and (3) the short-chain PFCs (PFBA and PFHxA) are not significantly sorbed and therefore not expected to be significantly influenced by sediment transport. Situations in which highly contaminated particles entering relatively clean water bodies, equilibrium is approached from the reverse (desorption) direction. For irreversibly sorbed contaminants field-based K(D) values will be higher than the K(D) values derived from laboratory sorption data obtained from forward sorption experiments.

A comparative study of coagulation, granular- and powdered-activated carbon for the removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate in drinking water treatment

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are persistent organic pollutants in the environment and their occurrence causes toxicological effects on humans. We examined different conventional coagulant treatments such as alum, ferric chloride and polyaluminium chloride in removing these compounds. These were then compared with a natural coagulant (Moringa oleifera). We also investigated the powdered-activated carbon (PAC) and granular-activated carbon (GAC) for removing these compounds. At an initial dose of 5 mg/L, polyaluminium chloride led to a higher reduction of PFOS/PFOA compared with alum which in turn was higher than ferric. The removal efficiency increased with the increase in coagulant dose and decrease in pH. M. oleifera was very effective in reducing PFOS and PFOA than conventional coagulants, with a reduction efficiencies of 65% and 72%, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/L. Both PAC and GAC were very effective in reducing these compounds than coagulations. PAC led to a higher reduction in PFOS and PFOA than GAC due to its greater surface area and shorter internal diffusion distances. The addition of PAC (10 min contact time) with coagulation (at 5 mg/L dosage) significantly increased the removal efficiency, and the maximum removal efficiency was for M. oleifera with 98% and 94% for PFOS and PFOA, respectively. The reduction efficiency of PFOS/PFOA was reduced with the increase in dissolved organic concentration due to the adsorption competition between organic molecules and PFOS/PFOA.

Comparison of the sorption behaviors and mechanisms of perfluorosulfonates and perfluorocarboxylic acids on three kinds of clay minerals

The sorption of four perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) [perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)] on three typical minerals [montmorillonite (MM), kaolinite (KL) and hematite (HM)] was studied. The sorption of PFOS and PFHxS was much stronger than PFOA and PFHxA. The sorption of each PFAA on the minerals followed an order of HM>KL>MM, even though MM was positively while KL and HM were negatively charged, implying that the sorption is driven by some other interactions besides electrostatic attraction. The sorption decreased with an increase in pH and a decrease in ionic strength of the solution, and their impacts on PFOS were much stronger than other three PFAAs. Surface complexing and hydrogen-bonding could make great contributions to the sorption of PFOS on the minerals. The results are important for understanding the transport and fate of PFAAs in sediment and ground water.

Sorption of Perfluorinated Compounds onto different types of sewage sludge and assessment of its importance during wastewater treatment

The distribution coefficient (Kd) and the organic carbon distribution coefficient (KOC) were determined for four Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) to three different types of sludge taken from a conventional Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Batch experiments were performed in six different environmental relevant concentrations (200ngL(-1)to 5μgL(-1)) containing 1gL(-1) sludge. Kd values ranged from 330 to 6015, 329 to 17432 and 162 to 11770Lkg(-1) for primary, secondary and digested sludge, respectively. The effects of solution's pH, ionic strength and cation types on PFCs sorption were also evaluated. Sorption capacities of PFCs significantly decreased with increased pH values from 6 to 8. Furthermore, the divalent cation (Ca(2+)) enhanced PFCs sorption to a higher degree in comparison with the monovalent cation (Na(+)) at the same ionic strength. The obtained Kd values were applied to estimate the sorbed fractions of each PFC in different stages of a typical STP and to calculate their removal through treated wastewater and sludge. In primary settling tank, the predicted sorbed fractions ranged from 3% for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) to 55% for Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), while in activated sludge tank and anaerobic digester sorption was more than 50% for all target compounds. Almost 86% of initial PFOA load is expected to be detected in treated wastewater; while Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), PFUdA and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) can be significantly removed (>49%) via sorption to primary and excess secondary sludge. In anaerobic digester, the major part (>76%) of target PFCs is expected to be sorbed to sludge, while almost 3% of initial PFOA load will be detected in sludge leachates.

Perfluoroalkyl acids and the isomers of perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoate in the sera of 50 new couples in Tianjin, China

A total of 100 serum samples from 50 new couples (none of the females in this study has ever been pregnant) in Tianjin, North China, were analyzed for eleven perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) with isomer-specific method. Among all samples, total perfluorooctanesulfonate (∑PFOS, mean 11.3 ng/mL) was predominant followed by total perfluorooctanoate (∑PFOA, 2.95 ng/mL), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA, 1.17 ng/mL), perfluorononanoate (PFNA, 0.93 ng/mL) and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS, 0.67 ng/mL). The mean concentrations of ∑PFOS and PFHxS in males (14.2 and 0.89 ng/mL) were significantly higher (p=0.001) than in females (8.36 and 0.45 ng/mL). No statistical difference between genders was observed for the other PFAAs. This suggests that menstruation is one important elimination pathway for ∑PFOS and PFHxS in females. Linear PFOA was the dominant isomer with mean proportion of 99.7%, suggesting that telomeric PFOA (and its precursors), which contains almost pure linear isomer, might be the dominant exposure source of PFOA in Tianjin. On average, the proportion of linear PFOS (n-PFOS) was 59.2% of ∑PFOS, which was lower than that in technical PFOS products (ca. 70% linear). Except perfluoroisopropyl PFOS, all the other monomethyl branched PFOS isomers were enriched in human serum compared to the commercial products, suggesting the monomethyl branched PFOS precursors were preferentially biotransformed in humans.

Photochemical decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid mediated by iron in strongly acidic conditions

The performance of a ferric ion mediated photochemical process for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) decomposition in strongly acidic conditions of pH 2.0 was evaluated in comparison with those in weakly acidic conditions, pH 3.7 or pH 5.0, based on iron species composition and ferric ion regeneration. Complete decomposition of PFOA under UV irradiation was confirmed at pH 2.0, whereas perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and other intermediates were accumulated in weakly acidic conditions. Iron states at each pH were evaluated using a chemical equilibrium model, Visual MINTEQ. The main iron species at pH 2.0 is Fe(3+) ion. Although Fe(3+) ion is consumed and is transformed to Fe(2+) ion by photochemical decomposition of PFOA and its intermediates, the produced Fe(2+) ion will change to Fe(3+) ion to restore chemical equilibrium. Continuous decomposition will occur at pH 2.0. However, half of the iron cannot be dissolved at pH 3.7. The main species of dissolved iron is Fe(OH)(2+). At pH 3.7 or higher pH, Fe(3+) ion will only be produced from the oxidation of Fe(2+) ion by hydroxyl radical produced by Fe(OH)(2+) under UV irradiation. These different mechanisms of Fe(3+) regeneration that prevail in strongly and weakly acidic conditions will engender different performances of the ferric ion.

Comparative study on adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) by different adsorbents in water

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are emerging environmental pollutants. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are the two primary PFC contaminants that are widely found in water, particularly in groundwater. This study compared the adsorption behaviors of PFOS and PFOA on several commercially available adsorbents in water. The tested adsorbents include granular activated carbon (GAC: Filtrasorb 400), powdered activated carbon, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCN), double-walled carbon nanotube, anion-exchange resin (AER: IRA67), non-ion-exchange polymer, alumina, and silica. The study demonstrated that adsorption is an effective technique for the removal of PFOS/PFOA from aqueous solutions. The kinetic tests showed that the adsorption onto AER reaches equilibrium rapidly (2 h), while it takes approximately 4 and 24 h to reach equilibrium for MCN and GAC, respectively. In terms of adsorption capacity, AER and GAC were identified as the most effective adsorbents to remove PFOS/PFOA from water. Furthermore, MCN, AER, and GAC proved to have high PFOS/PFOA removal efficiencies (≥98%). AER (IRA67) and GAC (Filtrasorb 400) were thus identified as the most promising adsorbents for treating PFOS/PFOA-contaminated groundwater at mg L(-1) level based on their equilibrium times, adsorption capacities, removal efficiencies, and associated costs.

Occurrence of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in N.E. Spanish surface waters and their removal in a drinking water treatment plant that combines conventional and advanced treatments in parallel lines

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are two emerging contaminants that have been detected in all environmental compartments. However, while most of the studies in the literature deal with their presence or removal in wastewater treatment, few of them are devoted to their detection in treated drinking water and fate during drinking water treatment. In this study, analyses of PFOS and PFOA have been carried out in river water samples and in the different stages of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) which has recently improved its conventional treatment process by adding ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis in a parallel treatment line. Conventional and advanced treatments have been studied in several pilot plants and in the DWTP, which offers the opportunity to compare both treatments operating simultaneously. From the results obtained, neither preoxidation, sand filtration, nor ozonation, removed both perfluorinated compounds. As advanced treatments, reverse osmosis has proved more effective than reverse electrodialysis to remove PFOA and PFOS in the different configurations of pilot plants assayed. Granular activated carbon with an average elimination efficiency of 64±11% and 45±19% for PFOS and PFOA, respectively and especially reverse osmosis, which was able to remove ≥99% of both compounds, were the sole effective treatment steps. Trace levels of PFOS (3.0-21 ng/L) and PFOA (<4.2-5.5 ng/L) detected in treated drinking water were significantly lowered in comparison to those measured in precedent years. These concentrations represent overall removal efficiencies of 89±22% for PFOA and 86±7% for PFOS.

Removal of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate via ozonation under alkaline condition

The elimination of recalcitrant, ubiquitous perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is desirable for reducing potential human health and environmental risks. We here report the degradation of PFOA and PFOS by 85-100% via ozonation under alkaline condition being studied at environmentally relevant contaminant concentrations of 50 μg L(-1) to 5 mg L(-1), with enhanced removal rates by addition of hydrogen peroxide. Enhanced removal is achieved by ozonation pretreatment for 15 min at the ambient pH (i.e. 4-5), followed by elevation of pH to 11 and continued ozonation treatment for 4h. The ozonation pretreatment resulted in increased degradation of PFOA by 56% and PFOS by 42%. The results indicated hydroxyl radical-driven degradation of PFOA and PFOS in both treatments by ozone and peroxone under alkaline conditions. Wastewaters from electronics and semiconductor fabrication plants in the Science Park of Hsinchu city, Taiwan containing PFOA and PFOS have been readily treated by ozonation under alkaline condition. Treatment of PFAAs by ozone or peroxone proves to be efficient in terms of energy requirement, contact time, and removal rate.

Removing perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid from solid matrices, paper, fabrics, and sand by mineral acid suppression and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

The removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from solid matrices has received considerable attention because of the environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity of these compounds. This study presents a simple method using concentrated HNO(3) as a suppression agent, and methanol-modified supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO(2)) extraction for removing PFOS and PFOA from solid matrices. The optimal conditions were 16 M HNO(3) and 20% (v/v) methanol containing Sc-CO(2), under a pressure of 20.3 MPa and a temperature of 50 °C. Extraction time was set at 70 min (40 min for static and 30 min for dynamic extraction). PFOA and PFOS were identified and quantitated by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The extraction efficiencies (with double extractions) were close to 100% for PFOA and 80% for PFOS for both paper and fabric matrices. The extraction efficiencies for sand were approximately 77% for PFOA and 59% for PFOS. The results show that this method is accurate, and effective, and that it provides a promising and convenient approach to remediate the environment of hazardous PFOA and PFOS contamination.

Photodegradation of perfluorooctanoic acid by synthesized TiO2-MWCNT composites under 365nm UV irradiation

Degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is of great importance due to its global distribution, persistence and toxicity to bioorganisms. In present study, a composite TiO(2) with multiple wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized using sol-gel method and it was used as photocatalyst to degrade PFOA in water. The prepared composite catalyst displayed significant absorption in UV to visible light region. The loading content of TiO(2) on MWCNTs could be adjusted by changing the ratio of precursor to MWCNTs. Due to the combined effect of the adsorption ability and e(-) transport capacity of MWCNT, the composites displayed much higher photocatalytic ability to PFOA as compared to pure TiO(2) under UV irradiation. The photocatalyst prepared with 10:1 of tetrabutyl titanate/MWCNT was the most effective. With the optimal dosage at 1.6 g L(-1), almost 100% of PFOA was degraded in acid medium after irradiation for 8h. It was proposed that PFOA were mainly degraded by stepwise losing a moiety of CF(2).

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)-derived national discharge loads of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)

The discharge of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) was investigated for 15 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), comprising 25% of total domestic wastewater and 23% of total industrial wastewater produced in Korea. PFCs concentrations in influent, effluent, and sludge were greater in industrial wastewater than in the majority of domestic wastewater. Individual PFCs were found to have differing industrial sources, with perfluorocarboxylates used in fabric/textiles, paper-mill, and dyeing industries, and perfluoroalkylsulfonates occurring in oil/chemical and metal-plating/processing industries. Total WWTP-derived national discharge loads were calculated based on the average concentrations in effluents and the total volume of wastewaters produced in Korea. The average WWTP-derived national discharge loads of individual PFCs were 0.04-0.61 ton/year, with 63% of perfluorooctanoate being from domestic wastewater, and 75% of perfluorooctanesulfonate being from industrial wastewater. These estimates accounted for the majority of national emissions, based on measurements in major river mouths, indicating the major contribution of WWTPs to PFC occurrence in Korean aquatic environments. Both the per capita emission factor (μg/capita/day) for domestic discharge, and area-normalized national discharge loads (g/capita/km(2)/day) for all wastewaters were several factors lower in Korea than in Japan or Europe, which is consistent with the lower levels of human exposure to PFCs in Korea.

Fate of perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoate in drinking water treatment processes

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) have been recognized as global environmental pollutants. Although PFOS and PFOA have been detected in tap water from Japan and several other countries, very few studies have examined the fate, especially removal, of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in drinking water treatment processes. In this study, we analyzed PFOS and PFOA at every stages of drinking water treatment processes in several water purification plants that employ advanced water treatment technologies. PFOS and PFOA concentrations did not vary considerably in raw water, sand filtered water, settled water, and ozonated water. Sand filtration and ozonation did not have an effect on the removal of PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. PFOS and PFOA were removed effectively by activated carbon that had been used for less than one year. However, activated carbon that had been used for a longer period of time (>1 year) was not effective in removing PFOS and PFOA from water. Variations in the removal ratios of PFOS and PFOA by activated carbon were found between summer and winter months.

Removal of perfluorooctanoate from surface water by polyaluminium chloride coagulation

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) has been detected in surface water all over the world, and little is known of its removal by coagulation in water treatment plants. In this study, polyaluminium chloride (PACl) was used to remove PFOA from surface water, and the effects of coagulant dose, solution pH, temperature, and initial turbidity on the removal of both PFOA and suspended solids (SS) from water were investigated. Since the SS had high sorption affinity for PFOA, most PFOA was adsorbed on the particles and removed via the SS removal in the coagulation process. PFOA concentrations in aqueous phase decreased with increasing initial turbidity and PACl dose, while they increased with increasing solution pH and temperature. Other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) with different C-F chain lengths and functional groups were also compared with PFOA. It was proved that hydrophobic interaction played an important role in the adsorption of PFOA on the SS. The addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) before the coagulation process significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of PFOA in water, and the residual PFOA concentrations in water were less than 1 μg/L after the addition of 1-16 mg/L PAC and subsequent coagulation when the initial PFOA concentrations were in the range of 0.5-3 mg/L.

Application of the powder of porous titanium carbide ceramics to a reusable adsorbent for environmental pollutants

The aim of this study is to investigate the utilization of the powder of porous titanium carbide (TiC) ceramics as a novel adsorbent or a material for solid-phase extraction (SPE). The adsorption and elution of inorganic and organic pollutants, Pb(II), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), to the material were evaluated. The cartridge packed with TiC ceramics powder was used for the extraction test of pollutants. The solution containing pollutants at 1.0 μg mL(-1) was passed through the TiC cartridge, and the substances were almost quantitatively removed. Furthermore, the pollutants retained in the cartridge were eluted with 3N HCl for Pb(II) and with methanol for organic pollutants. The recoveries of pollutants were over 80%. In addition, we used the TiC cartridge for the solid-phase extraction of water samples (500 mL each of the distilled water and the river water) by adding pollutants at determined concentrations. Every pollutant was adsorbed almost quantitatively, and eluted by 3N HCl or methanol. From these results, we concluded that the powder of porous TiC ceramics is a useful reusable adsorbent for the water cleanup and solid-phase extraction.

[Photo-chemical decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acids in aqueous periodate]

The influence of reaction atmosphere and TiO2 on photochemical decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in aqueous periodate was investigated using a type of low-pressure mercury lamps emitted at 254 nm. PFOA photolysis was slight with 254 nm light irradiation under nitrogen, whereas significant decomposition PFOA obtained with the addition of IO4-. In addition, oxygen restrained photochemical decomposition of PFOA. In UV/TiO2/IO4- system, PFOA degradation ratio was 54%, 15% lower than that for UV/IO4- system. *OH radicals generated from UV/TiO2 system exhausted a lot of IO4-, resulting in lower degree of IO3* production. IO3* was high reactive radical which great excitated PFOA decomposition. The accumulation of short-chain perfluorocarbonxylic acids (PFCAs) as products were identified with HPLC/MS. PFCAs bearing shorter perfluoroalkyl groups were formed in a stepwise way from PFCAs that bear longer perfluoroalkyl groups.

Adsorption of four perfluorinated acids on non ion exchange polymer sorbents

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have attracted global concern due to their ubiquitous distribution and properties of persistence, bio accumulation and toxicity. The process of adsorption has been identified as an effective technique to remove PFCs in water. Different non ion-exchange polymeric adsorbents were tested with regard to their sorption kinetics and isotherms at low PFCs concentrations. Selected PFCs were perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and the tested polymers were three types of Dowex optopores (V-493, V503, and L493), Amberlite XAD-4, and Filtrasorb 400 (Granular Activated Carbon-GAC). We observed the selective adsorption of PFCs on synthetic polymers. For PFDA, Amberlite XAD-4 gave the Freundlich adsorption constant of 2,965 (microg PFCs/g sorbent)(microg PFCs/L)(-n), which was higher than that of GAC (121.89 (microg PFCs/g sorbent) (microg PFCS/L)(-n)). In the case of PFBA, GAC showed better performance (13.36) (microg PFCs/g sorbent) microg PFCS/L)(-n) than synthetic polymers (0.62-5.23) (microg PFCs/g sorbent) (microg PFCS/L)(-n). Adsorption kinetics of all adsorbents were well described (R2 = 0.85-1) by pseudo-second order kinetic model. Sorption capacity was influenced by initial PFCs concentration for all adsorbents. GAC reached the equilibrium concentration within 4 hours, Amberlite XAD 4 reached it within 10 hours and other polymers took more than 70 hours.

Phytochemical analysis and allelopathic activity of essential oils of Ecballium elaterium A. Richard growing in Iran

The hydrodistillated essential oils from leaves and fruits of Ecballium elaterium were analysed by GC-MS. Octyl octanoate (30.0%), 3-(6,6- dimethyl-5-oxohept-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone (20.4%) and hexahydro farnesyl acetone (19.1%) were the main components among 21 constituents characterised in the leaf oil. Twenty-one compounds were also identified in the oil of the fruits, with E-anethol (31.6%) and 3-(6,6-dimethyl-5-oxohept-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone (8.8%) as the main constituents. Furthermore, allelopatic activity of the oils was evaluated using lettuce assay method. The leaf oil exhibited strong allelopathy effects against lettuce.

Headspace volatile composition of the flowers of Caralluma europaea N.E.Br. (Apocynaceae)

The volatile constituents of the flowers of Caralluma europaea (Guss.) N.E.Br (Apocynaceae) from Lampedusa Island were analyzed by a headspace GC method. The analyses allowed the identification and quantification of 41 compounds. The main components were, among the monoterpenoids, terpinolene (23.3%), alpha-terpinene (19.1%) and linalool (18.4%), whereas, among the carbonylic compounds the major constituents were heptanal (2.0%), octanoic acid (2.4%) and hexanoic acid (1.7%). The presence of a nitrogen containing compound, indole (0.8%) and of a sulphur containing compound, dimethylsulphide (t), noteworthy. The compounds found in the flowers of C. europaea have been compared with data available in the literature as regard to their odor, presence in other sapromyiophilous taxa, possible role as semiochemicals, and presence in decaying organic matter. 89.3% of total constituents have been described in other sapromyiophilous taxa. Some of the compounds are present in several types of decaying organic matter (excrements, decomposing bodies, and spoiled fish, etc). Several volatiles found in C. europaea flowers are used as semiochemicals by Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and other insects. Sixteen volatiles, accounting for 32.4% of the total constituents, are described as attractants of some Diptera families, with a biology linked to decaying organic matter. Our data thus confirm that C. europaea floral bouquet falls within the sapromyiophilous pollination syndrome.

Equilibrium and kinetics study on the adsorption of perfluorooctanoic acid from aqueous solution onto powdered activated carbon

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) was applied to remove perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from the aqueous PFOA solution in this study. Contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature were analyzed as the effect factors in the adsorption reaction. The contact time of maximum PFOA uptake was around 1h while the sorption removal efficiency increased with the PAC concentrations. And the process of adsorption increased from 303 K to 313 K and then decreased from 313 K to 323 K. Among four applied models, the experimental isotherm data were discovered to follow Langmuir isotherm model more closely. Thermodynamically, adsorption was endothermic because enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs constants were 198.5 kJ/mol, 0.709 kJ/mol/K and negative, respectively, which also indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and feasible. From kinetic analysis, the adsorption was suggested to be pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption of PFOA on the PAC was mainly controlled by particle diffusion.

Spatial distribution of polyfluoroalkyl compounds in seawater of the German Bight

The spatial distribution of polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) and their composition profile was investigated in 48 water samples collected from the German Bight. All samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction with Strata XAW cartridges and analysed using high performance liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(-)ESI-MS/MS). Concentrations of various PFCs, including perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs), perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), unsaturated fluorotelomercarboxylic acids, perfluoralkyl sulfonamide and sulfonamidoethanol, were quantified. The Sigma PFC concentration ranges from 9.36 ng L(-1) to 31.2 ng L(-1), while perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS, 3.38-17.7 ng L(-1)) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 2.67-7.83 ng L(-1)) dominated. The rivers Elbe, Weser and Ems had a high influence on the distribution of most PFCs in the German Bight, with maximum PFC concentrations found in their estuaries, and concentrations decreasing with increasing distance from the coast. Conversely, PFBS had its maximum concentration not in the estuaries but in the western German Bight, which suggest an additional source, where PFBS was transported into the German Bight with the westerly current.

Sonochemical degradation of peerfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in landfill groundwater: environmental matrix effects

Perfluorinated chemicals such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are environmentally persistent and recalcitrant to most conventional chemical and microbial treatment technologies. In this paper, we show that sonolysis is able to decompose PFOS and PFOA present in groundwater beneath a landfill. However, the pseudo first-order rate constant for the sonochemical degradation in the landfill groundwater is reduced by 61 and 56% relative to MilliQ water for PFOS and PFOA, respectively, primarily due to the presence of other organic constituents. In this study, we evaluate the effect of various organic compounds on the sonochemical decomposition rates of PFOS and PFOA. Organic components in environmental matrices may reduce the sonochemical degradation rates of PFOS and PFOA by competitive adsorption onto the bubble-water interface or by lowering the average interfacial temperatures during transient bubble collapse events. The effect of individual organic compounds depends on the Langmuir adsorption constant the Henry's law constant the specific heat capacity, and the overall endothermic heat of dissociation. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are identified as the primary cause of the sonochemical rate reduction for PFOS and PFOA in landfill groundwater, whereas the effect of dissolved natural organic matter (DOM) is not significant Finally, a combined process of ozonation and sonolysis is shown to substantially recover the rate loss for PFOS and PFOA in landfill groundwater.

Removal of perfluorinated surfactants by sorption onto granular activated carbon, zeolite and sludge

Perfluorinated surfactants are emerging pollutants of increasing public health and environmental concern due to recent reports of their world-wide distribution, environmental persistence and bioaccumulation potential. Treatment methods for the removal of anionic perfluorochemical (PFC) surfactants from industrial effluents are needed to minimize the environmental release of these pollutants. Removal of PFC surfactants from aqueous solutions by sorption onto various types of granular activated carbon was investigated. Three anionic PFC surfactants, i.e., perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), were evaluated for the ability to adsorb onto activated carbon. Additionally, the sorptive capacity of zeolites and sludge for PFOS was compared to that of granular activated carbon. Adsorption isotherms were determined at constant ionic strength in a pH 7.2 phosphate buffer at 30 degrees C. Sorption of PFOS onto activated carbon was stronger than PFOA and PFBS, suggesting that the length of the fluorocarbon chain and the nature of the functional group influenced sorption of the anionic surfactants. Among all adsorbents evaluated in this study, activated carbon (Freundlich K(F) values=36.7-60.9) showed the highest affinity for PFOS at low aqueous equilibrium concentrations, followed by the hydrophobic, high-silica zeolite NaY (Si/Al 80, K(F)=31.8), and anaerobic sludge (K(F)=0.95-1.85). Activated carbon also displayed a superior sorptive capacity at high soluble concentrations of the surfactant (up to 80 mg l(-1)). These findings indicate that activated carbon adsorption is a promising treatment technique for the removal of PFOS from dilute aqueous streams.

Purification and thermal analysis of perfluoro-n-alkanoic acids

Purification of perfluoro-n-alkanoic acids (C(n)F(2n+1)COOH, n=7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17) was made by repeated recrystallizations from n-hexane/acetone mixed solvent, and their purity was found to be more than 99.5% by GC-MS, NMR, and elemental analysis. The thermal behaviors such as melting point and enthalpy change of fusion were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting point monotonously increased with increasing carbon number (n) of the acids, while the enthalpy change showed irregularity at n=14. The crystal structure of these acids was found to be dependent upon solvent used for recrystallization; that is, the acids recrystallized from the above solvent becomes more stable energetically, indicating their higher enthalpy change of fusion than that of the solidified acids from fused ones. The solid state was also found to vary depending upon the thermal history, indicating that a few crystal structures of the solid state are quite similar energetically. The melting points (T(m)) of perfluoro-n-alkanoic acids are higher than those of corresponding n-alkanoic acids, and the difference in T(m) increases with increasing carbon number in the acids.

[Isolation and structure identification of chemical constituents from the skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans]

The skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans, originated from Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor (Bufonidae), is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hepatoma, lung cancer and etc. The preparation of the aqueous components has significant therapeutic effect against the digestive tract cancer. The water-soluble chemical constituents in the skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans were then investigated to make clear the active compounds. Six compounds were isolated and purified by recrystallization and column chromatography on silica gel and ODS, their structures were elucidated as 4-amido-3-hydroxymethyl-cyclooctylamidezotetra-alpha-furanone (I), bufogargarizanine C (II), bufothionine (III), dehydrobufotenine hydrobromide (IV), suberic acid (V) and succinic acid (VI) on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral data (UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS). Of the above compounds, compounds I and II are new compounds and named bufogargarizanine B and C, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory and potential cancer chemopreventive constituents of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)

A new anthraquinone, 1,5,15-tri-O-methylmorindol (1), and two new saccharide fatty acid esters, 2-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-hexanoyl-beta-D-gluropyranose (4) and 2-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-octanoyl-beta-D-gluropyranose (5), have been isolated from a methanol extract of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (noni) along with 10 known compounds, namely, two anthraquinones (2, 3), six saccharide fatty acid esters (6-11), an iridoid glycoside (12), and a flavanol glycoside (13). Upon evaluation of six compounds (5-7, 9, 10, and 13) for inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation (1 microg/ear) in mice, four saccharide fatty acid esters, 5-7 and 9, exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, with ID50 values of 0.46-0.79 mg per ear. In addition, when compounds 1-13 were evaluated against the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by TPA, all of the compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory effects (IC50 values of 386-578 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA).

Optical resolution of racemic 2-hydroxy octanoic acid by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis in a biphasic membrane reactor

Racemic 2-hydroxy octanoic acid methyl ester was optically resolved by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis in a biphasic membrane reactor using hydrophilic/hydrophobic capillary membranes. In a buffer/hexane biphasic membrane reactor using hydrophilic ultrafiltration membranes, (S)-2-hydroxy octanoic acid was recovered from the aqueous phase at 59-67% yield and 0.9-0.92 enantiomeric excess (ee), and the ester of (R)-isomer was recovered from the organic phase at 73-75% yield and 0.92-0.99 ee.

Comparison of the efficacy of IGIV-C, 10% (caprylate/chromatography) and IGIV-SD, 10% as replacement therapy in primary immune deficiency. A randomized double-blind trial

A novel method of large-scale chromatography has been developed to improve recovery and purity of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from pooled plasma. The current study compares safety, toxicity and efficacy of two intravenous immunoglobulin products: a novel formulation, IGIV caprylate/chromatography (IGIV-C; Gamunex, 10%) and a licensed solvent/detergent-treated product, Gamimune N, 10% (IGIV-SD). The study, a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, therapeutic equivalence trial, was conducted at 25 treatment centers in Canada and the United States. Patients (n=172) having confirmed chronic primary immunodeficiency (PID), aged 1-75 years, and receiving IGIV therapy were enrolled. For 9 months, patients were treated with IGIV-C or IGIV-SD in accordance with the patient's individualized treatment regimen utilized before study entry. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with >or=1 validated acute sinopulmonary infection during the treatment period. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with all infections, time to first infection, annual infection rates, lung function parameters, infusion-related safety and viral safety. The annual validated infection rate in the IGIV-C group was 0.18 compared to 0.43 in the IGIV-SD group (p=0.023). Nine patients receiving IGIV-C experienced validated infections, compared to 17 patients in IGIV-SD group (p=0.06). Acute sinusitis (validated plus clinically defined) was less frequent in the IGIV-C group (p=0.012). Presence of bronchiectasis did not affect efficacy. Adverse reactions were similar in frequency and severity in both groups. No evidence of viral transmission was observed. IGIV-C appears to be superior to IGIV-SD in preventing validated sinopulmonary infections, especially acute sinusitis, in patients with PID.

Monitoring seasonal variation in apple fruit volatile emissions in situ using solid-phase microextraction

Emissions of volatiles from apple fruits (Malus domestica Borkh.) were monitored in situ over the course of a growing season (from early June to mid September) for two apple varieties, Golden Delicious and Maigold. Results indicate a characteristic time-course of volatile emissions as the sampling date was a statistically significant factor for nine of the 13 compounds considered. The amounts of volatiles collected were greatest early and late in the season. The temporal effect on emissions was generally much larger than the effect of variety, which was significant for only four of the 13 compounds considered. The possible sources of variation which are not explained by the statistical models are discussed, and it is considered that they are most likely related to differences in the emissions from individual fruits.

Separation of glyceride positional isomers by silver ion chromatography

Separation of triglyceride and diglyceride positional isomers by silver ion high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an evaporative light-scattering detector is described. The triglyceride isomers had a fatty acid composition of CLC and CCL, where C and L were caprylic acid and linoleic acid, respectively. Diglyceride isomers, 1,2(2,3)-diglyceride and 1,3-diglyceride, which contained caprylic acid were separated too. A solvent system based on n-hexane, 2-propanol, ethyl acetate, and acetonitrile with a flow-rate of 0.8 ml/min was developed. Calibration curves of CLC and CCL were achieved with triolein as internal standard. Using this method, the incorporation of linoleic acid onto specific a position of glycerol backbone can be monitored.

Novel drimane sesquiterpene esters from Aspergillus ustus var. pseudodeflectus with endothelin receptor binding activity

A series of novel drimane sesquiterpene esters (1-6) was isolated from fermentations of Aspergillus ustus var. pseudodeflectus and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods including the HMQC, HMBC and INADEQUATE NMR experiments. The major component of the fermentation, 1, was (2'E,4'E,6'E)-6-(1'-carboxy-2',4',6'-trien)-9-hydroxydrim-7-ene-11 ,12-olide. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 exhibited endothelin receptor binding inhibitory activity against rabbit endothelin-A and rat endothelin-B receptors with IC50 values in the range 20-150 microM. These compounds had similar levels of activity in assays for binding to human endothelin A and endothelin B receptors. The isolation of 9,11-dihydroxy-6-oxodrim-7-ene, 7, a probable biosynthetic precursor to the drimane esters is also reported.

Phellodonic acid, a new biologically active hirsutane derivative from Phellodon melaleucus (Thelephoraceae, Basidiomycetes)

A new hirsutane derivative, phellodonic acid (1), has been isolated from fermentations of Phellodon melaleucus strain 87113. Its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The compound exhibits antibiotic activities towards bacteria and fungi. 1 is the first bioactive metabolite from cultures of a species belonging to the family Thelephoraceae.

[Structure of pentaene antibiotic lavendofuseomycin]

By its UV spectrum lavendofuseomycin, a macrolide pentaene antibiotic, was referred to the subgroup of adeopentaenes with the spectral symmetrical patterns. The antibiotic contains a carbonyl, the end and 4 isolated double bonds and hemiketal ring. The molecule is lacking sugar. After the hydroantibiotic oxidation 2-methylhexadecane dicarboxylic and 4'-methyloctanoic acids were isolated. The antibiotic carbon skeleton was asserted on the basis of the mass spectral analysis of the products of the antibiotic complete reduction and the products of the antibiotic retroaldol cleavage. Determination of the position of the isolated double bonds, localization of chromophore, oxygen functions and the position of the amino group in the molecule resulted from investigation of the antibiotic azonolysis products.

Isolation and purification of perfluorodecanoic and perfluorooctanoic acids from rat tissues

A procedure for the extraction, separation, and isolation of perfluorodecanoic and perfluorooctanoic acids from biological samples is described. The use of conventional lipid extraction procedures leads to substantial loss of the perfluorinated fatty acids added to tissue. The presence of sulfuric acid in aqueous saline during phase partitioning is essential for the recovery of perfluorodecanoic and perfluorooctanoic acids in the organic phase following their extraction from tissue. The perfluorinated fatty acids are co-eluted with simple lipids from silica gel columns using diethyl ether/trifluoroacetic acid (100:1, v/v). Simple lipids are separated by thin layer chromatography. By substituting trifluoroacetic acid for acetic acid in the developing solvents, perfluorodecanoic and perfluorooctanoic acids migrate with other free fatty acids.