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Yan PF, Dong S, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. A review of the occurrence and microbial transformation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171883. [PMID: 38531439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been extensively used for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fuel fires at military sites, airports, and fire-training areas. Despite being a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), our understanding of PFAS occurrence in AFFF formulations and AFFF-impacted environments is limited, as is the impact of microbial transformation on the environment fate of AFFF-derived PFAS. This literature review compiles PFAS concentrations in electrochemical fluorination (ECF)- and fluorotelomer (FT)-based AFFFs and provides an overview of PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. Our analysis reveals that AFFF use is a predominant point source of PFAS contamination, including primary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl substances as AFFF components), secondary precursors (polyfluoroalkyl transformation products of primary precursors), and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Moreover, there are discrepancies between PFAS concentration profiles in AFFFs and those measured in AFFF-impacted media. For example, primary precursors constitute 52.6 % and 99.5 % of PFAS mass in ECF- and FT-based AFFFs, respectively, whereas they represent only 0.7 % total mass in AFFF-impacted groundwater. Conversely, secondary precursors, which constitute <1 % of PFAS in AFFFs, represent 4.0-27.8 % of PFAS in AFFF-impacted environments. The observed differences in PFAS levels between AFFFs and environmental samples are likely due to in-situ biotransformation processes. Biotransformation rates and pathways reported for AFFF-derived primary and secondary precursors varied among different classes of precursors, consistent with the PFAS occurrence in AFFF-impacted environments. For example, readily biodegradable primary precursors, N-dimethyl ammonio propyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (AmPr-FASA) and n:2 fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonate (n:2 FtTAoS), were rarely detected in AFFF-impacted environments. In contrast, key secondary precursors, perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) and n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (n:2 FTS), were widely detected, which was attributed to their resistance to biotransformation. Key knowledge gaps and future research priorities are presented to better understand the occurrence, fate, and transport of AFFF-derived PFAS in the environment and to design more effective remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
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2
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Wu C, Goodrow S, Chen H, Li M. Distinctive biotransformation and biodefluorination of 6:2 versus 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids by municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121431. [PMID: 38471201 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) represent an important group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) given their high toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and frequent detection in landfill leachates and PFAS-impacted sites. In this study, we assessed the biodegradability of 6:2 FTCA and 5:3 FTCA by activated sludges from four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the New York Metropolitan area. Coupling with 6:2 FTCA removal, significant fluoride release (0.56∼1.83 F-/molecule) was evident in sludge treatments during 7 days of incubation. Less-fluorinated transformation products (TPs) were formed, including 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 FTUCA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). In contrast, little fluoride (0.01∼0.09 F-/molecule) was detected in 5:3 FTCA-dosed microcosms, though 25∼68% of initially dosed 5:3 FTCA was biologically removed. This implies the dominance of "non-fluoride-releasing pathways" that may contribute to the formation of CoA adducts or other conjugates over 5:3 FTCA biotransformation. The discovery of defluorinated 5:3 FTUCA revealed the possibility of microbial attacks of the C-F bond at the γ carbon to initiate the transformation. Microbial community analysis revealed the possible involvement of 9 genera, such as Hyphomicrobium and Dechloromonas, in aerobic FTCA biotransformation. This study unraveled that biotransformation pathways of 6:2 and 5:3 FTCAs can be divergent, resulting in biodefluorination at distinctive degrees. Further research is underscored to uncover the nontarget TPs and investigate the involved biotransformation and biodefluorination mechanisms and molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra Goodrow
- Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mengyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States.
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3
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Zhu H, Xia Y, Zhang Y, Kang Y, Ding Y, Chen R, Feng H. Distribution characteristics and transformation mechanism of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water sources: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:169566. [PMID: 38160823 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised significant concerns within the realm of drinking water due to their widespread presence in various water sources. This prevalence poses potential risks to human health, ecosystems, and the safety of drinking water. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically categorize the distribution characteristics and transformation mechanisms of PFASs in drinking water sources. This review aims to address this gap by concentrating on the specific sources of PFASs contamination in Chinese drinking water supplies. It seeks to elucidate the migration and transformation processes of PFASs within each source, summarize the distribution patterns of PFASs in surface and subsurface drinking water sources, and analyze how PFASs molecular structure, solubility, and sediment physicochemical parameters influence their presence in both the water phase and sediment. Furthermore, this review assesses two natural pathways for PFASs degradation, namely photolysis and biodegradation. It places particular emphasis on understanding the degradation mechanisms and the factors that affect the breakdown of PFASs by microorganisms. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for the prevention and control of PFAS contamination and the assurance of drinking water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heying Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijing Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ying Kang
- Zhejiang Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center, 117 Xueyuan Road, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangcheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruya Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Huajun Feng
- Ecological-Environment & Health College (EEHC), Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China.
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4
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Xu C, Xu C, Zhou Q, Shen C, Peng L, Liu S, Yin S, Li F. Spatial distribution, isomer signature and air-soil exchange of legacy and emerging poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123222. [PMID: 38145639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Widespread occurrences of various poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in terrestrial environment calls for the growing interest in their transport behaviors. However, limited studies detected PFAS with structural diversity in tree barks, which reflect the long-term contamination in atmosphere and play a vital role in air-soil exchange behaviors. In this study, 26 PFAS congeners and typical branched isomers were investigated in surface soils and tree barks at 28 sites along the Taihu Lake, Taipu River, and Huangpu River. Concentrations of total PFAS in soils and tree barks were 0.991-29.4 and 7.99-188 ng/g dw, with PFPeA and PFDoA were the largest contributors in the two matrices. The highest PFAS levels were found in the Taihu Lake watershed, where textile manufacturing and metal plating activities highly prosper. With regard to the congener and isomer signatures, short-chain homologs dominated in soils (65.5%), whereas long-chain PFAS showed a major proportion in barks (41.9%). The composition of linear isomers of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS implied that precursor degradation might be an important source of PFAS in addition to the 3M electrochemical fluorination (ECF). Additionally, the distance from the emission source, total organic carbon (TOC), logKOA and logKOW were considered potential influencing factors in PFAS distributions. Based on the multi-media fugacity model, about 71% of the fugacity fraction (ffs) values of the PFAS were below 0.3, indicating the dominant deposition from the atmosphere to the soil. The average fluxes of air-soil exchange for PFAS were -0.700 ± 11.0 ng/(m2·h). Notably, the estimated daily exposure to PFAS ranged from 9.57 × 10-2 to 8.59 × 10-1 ng/kg·bw/day for children and 3.31 × 10-2 to 3.09 × 10-1 ng/kg·bw/day for adults, suggesting low risks from outdoor inhalation and dermal uptake. Overall, results from distribution with structural diversity, air-soil exchange and preliminary risk assessment. This study provided in-depth insight of PFAS in multi-medium environment and bridged gaps between field data and policy-making for pollution control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chenman Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chensi Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Leni Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Shuren Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Fang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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5
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Fang B, Zhang Y, Chen H, Qiao B, Yu H, Zhao M, Gao M, Li X, Yao Y, Zhu L, Sun H. Stability and Biotransformation of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid, Sulfonamide Amine Oxide, and Sulfonamide Alkylbetaine in Aerobic Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2446-2457. [PMID: 38178542 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide (6:2 FTSAm)-based compounds signify a prominent group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used in contemporary aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations. Despite their widespread presence, the biotransformation behavior of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants remains uncertain. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTSAm-based amine oxide (6:2 FTNO), alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) in aerobic sludge over a 100-day incubation period. The biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylamine (6:2 FTAA), a primary intermediate product of 6:2 FTNO, was indirectly assessed. Their stability was ranked based on the estimated half-lives (t1/2): 6:2 FTAB (no obvious products were detected) ≫ 6:2 FTSA (t1/2 ≈28.8 days) > 6:2 FTAA (t1/2 ≈11.5 days) > 6:2 FTNO (t1/2 ≈1.2 days). Seven transformation products of 6:2 FTSA and 15 products of 6:2 FTNO were identified through nontarget and suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The transformation pathways of 6:2 FTNO and 6:2 FTSA in aerobic sludge were proposed. Interestingly, 6:2 FTSAm was hardly hydrolyzed to 6:2 FTSA and further biotransformed to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Furthermore, the novel pathways for the generation of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) from 6:2 FTSA were revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yaozhi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Biting Qiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Maosen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Meng Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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6
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Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Woodcock MJ, Liu C, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate in soils from two aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120941. [PMID: 38070347 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a common ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations, its environmental fate at AFFF-impacted sites remains poorly understood. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTS in microcosms prepared with soils collected from two AFFF-impacted sites; the former Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Robins AFB. The half-life of 6:2 FTS in Loring soil was 43.3 days; while >60 mol% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS remained in Robins soil microcosms after a 224-day incubation. Differences in initial sulfate concentrations and the depletion of sulfate over the incubation likely contributed to the different 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates between the two soils. At day 224, stable transformation products, i.e., C4C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, were formed with combined molar yields of 13.8 mol% and 1.2 mol% in Loring and Robins soils, respectively. Based on all detected transformation products, the biotransformation pathways of 6:2 FTS in the two soils were proposed. Microbial community analysis suggests that Desulfobacterota microorganisms may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. In addition, species from the genus Sphingomonas, which exhibited higher tolerance to elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTS and its biotransformation products, are likely to have contributed to 6:2 FTS biotransformation. This study demonstrates the potential role of biotransformation processes on the fate of 6:2 FTS at AFFF-impacted sites and highlights the need to characterize site biogeochemical properties for improved assessment of 6:2 FTS biotransformation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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7
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Merino N, Wang N, Gao Y, Wang M, Mahendra S. Roles of various enzymes in the biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) by a white-rot fungus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131007. [PMID: 36871371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131007] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Six-carbon-chained polyfluoroalkyl substances, such as 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH), are being used to replace longer chained compounds in the manufacture of various commercial products. This study examined the effects of growth substrates and nutrients on specific intracellular and extracellular enzymes mediating 6:2 FTOH aerobic biotransformation by the white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Cellulolytic conditions with limited glucose were a suitable composition, resulting in high 5:3 FTCA yield (37 mol%), which is a key intermediate in 6:2 FTOH degradation without forming significant amounts of terminal perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Sulfate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were also essential for 5:3 FTCA production, but, at lower levels, resulted in the buildup of 5:2 sFTOH (52 mol%) and 6:2 FTUCA (20 mol%), respectively. In non-ligninolytic nutrient-rich medium, 45 mol% 6:2 FTOH was transformed but produced only 12.7 mol% 5:3 FTCA. Enzyme activity studies imply that cellulolytic conditions induce the intracellular cytochrome P450 system. In contrast, extracellular peroxidase synthesis is independent of 6:2 FTOH exposure. Gene expression studies further verified that peroxidases were relevant in catalyzing the downstream transformations from 5:3 FTCA. Collectively, the identification of nutrients and enzymatic systems will help elucidate underlying mechanisms and biogeochemical conditions favorable for fungal transformation of PFCA precursors in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Merino
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Ning Wang
- DuPont Haskell Global Centers for Health and Environmental Sciences, Newark, DE 19711, United States
| | - Yifan Gao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Shaily Mahendra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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8
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Grgas D, Petrina A, Štefanac T, Bešlo D, Landeka Dragičević T. A Review: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances-Biological Degradation. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050446. [PMID: 37235260 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), highly stable synthetic organic compounds with multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, are emerging as environmental contaminants, toxic, bioaccumulative, and environmentally persistent. PFASs are strongly resistant to biological and chemical degradation, and therefore PFASs present a challenge to researchers and scientists for a better understanding and application of remediation methods and biodegradation of PFASs and have become subject to strict government regulations. The review summarizes the recent knowledge of bacterial and fungal degradation of PFASs, as well as the enzymes involved in the processes of transformation/degradation of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Grgas
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Petrina
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tea Štefanac
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Drago Bešlo
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tibela Landeka Dragičević
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti Str. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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9
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Liu M, Munoz G, Hermiston J, Zhang J, Vo Duy S, Wang D, Sundar Dey A, Bottos EM, Van Hamme JD, Lee LS, Sauvé S, Liu J. High Persistence of Novel Polyfluoroalkyl Betaines in Aerobic Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7442-7453. [PMID: 37144860 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Some contemporary aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) contain n:3 and n:1:2 fluorotelomer betaines (FTBs), which are often detected at sites impacted by AFFFs. As new chemical replacements, little is known about their environmental fate. For the first time, we investigated the biotransformation potential of 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTBs and a commercial AFFF that mainly contains n:3 and n:1:2 FTBs (n = 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13). Although some polyfluoroalkyl compounds are precursors to perfluoroalkyl acids, 5:3 and 5:1:2 FTBs exhibited high persistence, with no significant changes even after 120 days of incubation. While the degradation of 5:3 FTB into suspected products such as fluorotelomer acids or perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) could not be conclusively confirmed, we did identify a potential biotransformation product, 5:3 fluorotelomer methylamine. Similarly, 5:1:2 FTB did not break down or produce short-chain hydrogen-substituted polyfluoroalkyl acids (n:2 H-FTCA), hydrogen-substituted PFCA (2H-PFCA), or any other products. Incubating the AFFF in four soils with differing properties and microbial communities resulted in 0.023-0.25 mol % PFCAs by day 120. Most of the products are believed to be derived from n:2 fluorotelomers, minor components of the AFFF. Therefore, the findings of the study cannot be fully explained by the current understanding of structure-biodegradability relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Juliana Hermiston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Anindya Sundar Dey
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Eric M Bottos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Van Hamme
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
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10
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Berhanu A, Mutanda I, Taolin J, Qaria MA, Yang B, Zhu D. A review of microbial degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Biotransformation routes and enzymes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160010. [PMID: 36356780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, copious amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (dubbed "forever chemicals") have been dumped into the environment, causing heavy contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater sources. Humans, animals, and the environment are frequently exposed to PFAS through food, water, consumer products, as well as waste streams from PFAS-manufacturing industries. PFAS are a large group of synthetic organic fluorinated compounds with widely diverse chemical structures that are extremely resistant to microbial degradation. Their persistence, toxicity to life on earth, bioaccumulation tendencies, and adverse health and ecological effects have earned them a "top priority pollutant" designation by regulatory bodies. Despite that a number of physicochemical methods exist for PFAS treatment, they suffer from major drawbacks regarding high costs, use of high energy and incomplete mineralization (destruction of the CF bond). Consequently, microbial degradation and enzymatic treatment of PFAS are highly sought after as they offer a complete, cheaper, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative. In this critical review, we provide an overview of the classification, properties, and interaction of PFAS within the environment relevant to microbial degradation. We discuss latest developments in the biodegradation of PFAS by microbes, transformation routes, transformation products and degradative enzymes. Finally, we highlight the existing challenges, limitations, and prospects of bioremediation approaches in treating PFAS and proffer possible solutions and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Berhanu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Haramaya Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Ishmael Mutanda
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ji Taolin
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Majjid A Qaria
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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11
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Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Liu C, Woodcock MJ, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Biotransformation of 8:2 Fluorotelomer Alcohol in Soil from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs)-Impacted Sites under Nitrate-, Sulfate-, and Iron-Reducing Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13728-13739. [PMID: 36127292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The environmental fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) remains largely unknown, especially under the conditions representative of natural subsurface systems. In this study, the biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH), a component of new-generation AFFF formulations and a byproduct in fluorotelomer-based AFFFs, was investigated under nitrate-, iron-, and sulfate-reducing conditions in microcosms prepared with AFFF-impacted soils. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) were employed to identify biotransformation products. The biotransformation was much slower under sulfate- and iron-reducing conditions with >60 mol % of initial 8:2 FTOH remaining after ∼400 days compared to a half-life ranging from 12.5 to 36.5 days under nitrate-reducing conditions. Transformation products 8:2 fluorotelomer saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids (8:2 FTCA and 8:2 FTUA) were detected under all redox conditions, while 7:2 secondary fluorotelomer alcohol (7:2 sFTOH) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were only observed as transformation products under nitrate-reducing conditions. In addition, 1H-perfluoroheptane (F(CF2)6CF2H) and 3-F-7:3 acid (F(CF2)7CFHCH2COOH) were identified for the first time during 8:2 FTOH biotransformation. Comprehensive biotransformation pathways for 8:2 FTOH are presented, which highlight the importance of accounting for redox condition and the related microbial community in the assessment of PFAS transformations in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Matthew J Woodcock
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030-3411, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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12
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Weidemann E, Lämmer R, Stahl T, Göckener B, Bücking M, Breuer J, Kowalczyk J, Just H, Boeddinghaus RS, Gassmann M. Leaching and Transformation of Perfluoroalkyl Acids and Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diesters in Unsaturated Soil Column Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2065-2077. [PMID: 35751449 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally ubiquitous, anthropogenic substances with adverse effects on organisms, which shows the need to study their environmental fate and leaching behavior. In the present soil columns study, the leaching behavior and fate of nontransformable and transformable (precursors) were investigated. Ten nontransformable PFAS in two different soils, two precursors and two field soils, which were already contaminated with a mixture of PFAS, and two uncontaminated controls, were set up for a time span of 2 years. At the end of the study, the molecular balance could not be closed for nontransformable PFAS. This effect was positively correlated to the fluorinated carbon chain length. The precursors, which were both polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diesters (diPAP), had different transformation products and transformation rates, with a higher rate for 6:2 diPAP than 8:2 diPAP. After 2 years, amounts of diPAP were still found in the soil with no significant vertical movement, showing high adsorption to soils. Transformation products were estimated to be simultaneously formed. They were predominantly found in the percolation water; the amounts left in soil were negligible. Up to half of the initial precursor amounts could not be balanced and were considered missing amounts. The results of contaminated field soil experiments showed the challenge to estimate PFAS leaching without knowing all occurring precursors and complex transformation dynamics. For this purpose, it was shown that a broad examination of contaminated soil with different analytical methods can help with qualitative estimations of leaching risks. For a better quantitative estimation, analytical determination of more PFAS and a quantification of the missing amounts are needed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2065-2077. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Weidemann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - René Lämmer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stahl
- Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe, Münster, Germany
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Mark Bücking
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Schmallenberg, Germany
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Center for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Hildegard Just
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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13
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Titaley IA, Khattak J, Dong J, Olivares CI, DiGuiseppi B, Lutes CC, Field JA. Neutral Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Butyl Carbitol, and Organic Corrosion Inhibitors in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams: Implications for Vapor Intrusion and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10785-10797. [PMID: 35852516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), butyl carbitol, and corrosion inhibitors are components of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). Volatile (neutral) fluorotelomerization (FT)- and electrochemical fluorination (ECF)-based PFAS, butyl carbitol, and organic corrosion inhibitors were quantified in 39 military specification (MilSpec), non-MilSpec, and alcohol resistant-AFFF concentrates (undiluted) from 1974 to 2010. Fluorotelomer alcohols were found only in FT-based AFFFs and N-methyl- and N-ethyl-perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, and sulfonamido ethanols were found only in ECF-based AFFFs. Neutral PFAS and benzotriazole, 4-methylbenzotriazole, and 5-methybenzotriazole occurred at mg/L levels in the AFFFs, while butyl carbitol occurred at g/L levels. Neutral PFAS concentrations in indoor air due to vapor intrusion of a nearby undiluted AFFF release are estimated to be anywhere from 2 to >10 orders of magnitude higher than documented background indoor air concentrations. Estimated butyl carbitol and organic corrosion inhibitor concentrations were lower than and comparable to indoor concentrations recently measured, respectively. The wide range of neutral PFAS concentrations and Henry's law constants indicate that field, soil-gas measurements are needed to validate the estimations. Co-discharged butyl carbitol likely contributes to oxygen depletion in AFFF-impacted aquifers and may hinder the natural PFAS aerobic biotransformation. Organic corrosion inhibitors in AFFFs indicate that these are another source of corrosion inhibitors in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan A Titaley
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | | | - Jialin Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Christopher I Olivares
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | | | | | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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14
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Ma C, Peng H, Chen H, Shang W, Zheng X, Yang M, Zhang Y. Long-term trends of fluorotelomer alcohols in a wastewater treatment plant impacted by textile manufacturing industry. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134442. [PMID: 35346737 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134442] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are important precursors and substitutes of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). This study investigated the long-term trends of FTOHs in a municipal wastewater treatment plant impacted by textile manufacturing industry (T-WWTP) in Wuxi city from 2013 to 2021. For comparison, four domestic wastewater treatment plants (D-WWTPs) were also selected for the investigation. The total concentrations of FTOHs, which were 9.8-43 ng/L, 5.9-29 ng/L and 10-50 ng/g in influent, secondary effluent, and sludge samples from the T-WWTP, were significantly higher than those of the D-WWTPs (p < 0.01). The significant correlation between decrease of mass loads for FTOHs and the increase for PFCAs was observed, suggesting the potential biotransformation of FTOHs to PFCAs. Concentration variation in FTOH concentrations was observed for the T-WWTP, which was in accord with the variation in annual output of textile products in Wuxi city (p = 0.005). The predominance of 8:2 FTOH in the influents of T-WWTP between 2013 and 2016 switched over to 6:2 FTOH in 2020-2021. This work highlighted the textile manufacturing industry as a significant discharge route for FTOHs to municipal WWTP, as well as the dramatic change in the usage of FTOHs in the textile manufacturing industry in Wuxi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S3H6, Canada
| | - Hongrui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Wei Shang
- North China Municipal Engineering Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Xingcan Zheng
- North China Municipal Engineering Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Min Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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15
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Weber EJ, Tebes-Stevens C, Washington JW, Gladstone R. Development of a PFAS reaction library: identifying plausible transformation pathways in environmental and biological systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:689-753. [PMID: 35485941 PMCID: PMC9361427 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00445j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in many consumer applications due to their stain repellency, surfactant properties, ability to form water-proof coatings and use in fire suppression. The production, application, transport, use and disposal of PFAS and PFAS-treated products have resulted in their wide-spread occurrence in environmental and biological systems. Concern over exposure to PFAS and their transformation products and metabolites has necessitated the development of tools to predict the transformation of PFAS in environmental systems and metabolism in biological systems. We have developed reaction libraries for predicting transformation products and metabolites in a variety of environmental and biological reaction systems. These reaction libraries are based on generalized reaction schemes that encode the process science of PFAS reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The PFAS reaction libraries will be executed through the Chemical Transformation Simulator, a web-based tool that is available to the public. These reaction libraries are intended for predicting the environmental transformation and metabolism of PFAS only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Weber
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - Caroline Tebes-Stevens
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - John W Washington
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA.
| | - Rachel Gladstone
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Hosted at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA
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16
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Meng P, DeStefano NJ, Knappe DRU. Extraction and Matrix Cleanup Method for Analyzing Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Ether Acids and Other Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Fruits and Vegetables. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:4792-4804. [PMID: 35188387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c07665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs) are a subclass of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are detected with increasing frequency in environmental matrices. Diet can be an important route of PFEA exposure, but the presence of PFEAs in food is poorly understood. Extraction methods for food samples exist for traditionally studied PFAS, but their suitability for PFEAs and other novel PFAS remains unknown. In this study, an extraction and matrix cleanup method was developed to quantify 45 PFAS, including 13 PFEAs, 3 perfluoroalkane sulfonamides, and 6 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids in 10 types of fruits and vegetables. Homogenized samples were extracted with basic methanol, and resulting extracts were diluted with water and cleaned up using solid-phase extraction with weak anion-exchange cartridges. The method was validated by performing spike-recovery experiments at spike levels of 1 ng/g in all 10 matrices and 0.1 ng/g in 2 matrices. For PFAS without a corresponding isotopically labeled internal standard (IS), adopting an IS with a similar chromatographic retention time generated the most accurate recoveries. Dependent upon the matrix, recoveries of 38-44 PFAS (including 10-13 PFEAs) fell within 50-150% for samples spiked at 1 ng/g. Recoveries of 40 and 38 PFAS in blueberries and corn, respectively, fell within 50-150% for samples spiked at 0.1 ng/g. Method quantification limits (MQLs) of PFAS in pure solvents were determined as the lowest calibration level with an accuracy between 70 and 130%. To compensate for matrix effects, a matrix factor was applied on the basis of the analyte response in different matrices relative to the pure solvent. The MQLs of 45 PFAS (including 13 PFEAs) in 10 matrices ranged from 0.025 to 0.25 ng/g. Overall, this method is capable of sensitively quantifying 45 PFAS in many fruits and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Meng
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Noelle J DeStefano
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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17
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Ali AM, Sanden M, Higgins CP, Hale SE, Alarif WM, Al-Lihaibi SS, Ræder EM, Langberg HA, Kallenborn R. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in sediment and edible fish from the Eastern Red Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 280:116935. [PMID: 33773302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
POLY: and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitously detected all around the world. Herein, for the first time, concentrations of 16 selected legacy and emerging PFASs are reported for sediment and edible fish collected from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. Mean concentrations varied from 0.57 to 2.6 μg kg-1 dry weight (dw) in sediment, 3.89-7.63 μg kg-1 dw in fish muscle, and 17.9-58.5 μg kg-1 dw in fish liver. Wastewater treatment plant effluents represented the main source of these compounds and contributed to the exposure of PFAS to biota. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the most abundant compound in sediment and fish tissues analysed, comprising between 42 and 99% of the ∑16PFAS. The short chain perfluorobutanoate (PFBA) was the second most dominant compound in sediment and was detected at a maximum concentration of 0.64 μg kg-1 dw. PFAS levels and patterns differed between tissues of investigated fish species. Across all fish species, ∑16PFAS concentrations in liver were significantly higher than in muscle by a factor ranging from 3 to 7 depending on fish species and size. The PFOS replacements fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) exhibited a bioaccumulation potential in several fish species and 6:2 FTS, was detected at a maximum concentration of 7.1 ± 3.3 μg kg-1 dw in a doublespotted queenfish (Scomberoides lysan) liver. PFBS was detected at a maximum concentration of 2.65 μg kg-1 dw in strong spine silver-biddy (Gerres longirostris) liver. The calculated dietary intake of PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) exceeded the safety threshold established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2020 in doublespotted queenfish muscle, indicating a potential health risk to humans consuming this fish in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasim M Ali
- Section of Contaminants and Biohazards, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O 1870 Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Monica Sanden
- Section of Contaminants and Biohazards, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O 1870 Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Sarah E Hale
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), N-0855 Oslo, Norway
| | - Walied M Alarif
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80207, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan S Al-Lihaibi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80207, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Erik Magnus Ræder
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håkon Austad Langberg
- Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), N-0855 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, Christian M. Falsen Veg 1, No-1432, Ås, Norway; Arctic Technology Department (AT), University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
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18
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Marchiandi J, Szabo D, Dagnino S, Green MP, Clarke BO. Occurrence and fate of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater after an industrial fire of unknown chemical stockpiles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116839. [PMID: 33740602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An industrial warehouse illegally storing a large quantity of unknown chemical and industrial waste ignited in an urban area in Melbourne, Australia. The multiday fire required firefighters to use large amounts of fluorine-free foam that carried contaminated firewater runoff into an adjacent freshwater creek. In this study, the occurrence and fate of 42 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was determined from triplicate surface water samples (n = 45) from five locations (upstream, point-source, downstream; 8 km) over three sampling campaigns from 2018 to 2020. Out of the 42 target PFASs, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C4-C14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C4-C10), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g. 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA)) were ubiquitously detected in surface waters (concentration ranges: <0.7-3000 ng/L). A significant difference in ΣPFAS concentration was observed at the point-source (mean 5500 ng/L; 95% CI: 4800, 6300) relative to upstream sites (mean 100 ng/L; 95% CI: 90, 110; p ≤ 0.001). The point-source ΣPFAS concentration decreased from 5500 ± 1200 ng/L to 960 ± 42 ng/L (-83%) after two months and to 430 ± 15 ng/L (-98%) two years later. 6:2 FTSA and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) dominated in surface water, representing on average 31% and 20% of the ΣPFAS, respectively. Emerging PFASs including a cyclic perfluoroalkanesulfonate (PFECHS) and a C4 perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (FBSA) were repeatedly present in surface water (concentration ranges <0.3-77 ng/L). According to the updated Australian PFAS guidelines for ecological conservation, the water samples collected at the time of monitoring may have posed a short-term risk to aquatic organisms in regard to PFOS levels. These results illustrate that acute high dose exposure to PFASs can result from industrial fires at sites storing or stockpiling PFAS-based waste products. Continued monitoring will be crucial to evaluate potential long-term risk to wildlife in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye Marchiandi
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sonia Dagnino
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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19
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Wang Q, Zhao Z, Ruan Y, Hua X, Chen H, Wang Y, Jin L, Tsui MMP, Yao Y, Lam PKS, Sun H. Occurrence and seasonal distribution of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in different environmental compartments from areas around ski resorts in northern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124400. [PMID: 33168314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Skiing is an important direct input route of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the environment. However, there has been no study on the occurrence of PFASs in Chinese ski area. In this study, 27 neutral PFASs (n-PFASs) and ionic PFASs (i-PFASs), including 4 emerging PFASs, were analyzed in the multimedia samples collected from areas around six ski resorts in Zhangjiakou and Shenyang to investigate the occurrence and seasonal distribution of PFASs. Both i-PFASs and n-PFASs were found in the air (13.2 ± 9.5 pg/m3 and 167 ± 173 pg/m3, respectively) and pine needles [1.44 ± 0.96 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 0.983 ± 0.590 ng/g dw], whereas only i-PFASs were found in the soil (0.755 ± 0.281 ng/g dw) and snow (3.30 ± 2.66 ng/kg). i-PFASs were significantly higher in samples collected around ski resorts than those from rural sites (n = 105, p < 0.05). Significantly higher perfluorooctanoate concentrations were found in the air around the ski resorts in winter (n = 33, p < 0.05). The i-PFASs were stable in the needle, and the short-chain PFASs in the needle could be ascribed to both air and root uptake. More attention should be paid to PFASs emissions in Zhangjiakou with the approaching 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Xia Hua
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Litao Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mirabelle M P Tsui
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environment Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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20
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Zhang W, Pang S, Lin Z, Mishra S, Bhatt P, Chen S. Biotransformation of perfluoroalkyl acid precursors from various environmental systems: advances and perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:115908. [PMID: 33190976 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in industrial production and daily life because of their unique physicochemical properties, such as their hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, surface activity, and thermal stability. Perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) are the most studied PFAAs due to their global occurrence. PFAAs are environmentally persistent, toxic, and the long-chain homologs are also bioaccumulative. Exposure to PFAAs may arise directly from emission or indirectly via the environmental release and degradation of PFAA precursors. Precursors themselves or their conversion intermediates can present deleterious effects, including hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, and genetic toxicity. Therefore, exposure to PFAA precursors constitutes a potential hazard for environmental contamination. In order to comprehensively evaluate the environmental fate and effects of PFAA precursors and their connection with PFSAs and PFCAs, we review environmental biodegradability studies carried out with microbial strains, activated sludge, plants, and earthworms over the past decade. In particular, we review perfluorooctyl-sulfonamide-based precursors, including perfluroooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and its N-ethyl derivative (EtFOSA), N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol (EtFOSE), and EtFOSE-based phosphate diester (DiSAmPAP). Fluorotelomerization-based precursors are also reviewed, including fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH), fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTSA), and a suite of their transformation products. Though limited information is currently available on zwitterionic PFAS precursors, a preliminary review of data available for 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine (FTAB) was also conducted. Furthermore, we update and refine the recent knowledge on biotransformation strategies with a focus on metabolic pathways and mechanisms involved in the biotransformation of PFAA precursors. The biotransformation of PFAA precursors mainly involves the cleavage of carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds and the degradation of non-fluorinated functional groups via oxidation, dealkylation, and defluorination to form shorter-chained PFAAs. Based on the existing research, the current problems and future research directions on the biotransformation of PFAA precursors are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shimei Pang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ziqiu Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Sandhya Mishra
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Pankaj Bhatt
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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21
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Degradation and effect of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol in aerobic composting of sludge. Biodegradation 2021; 32:99-112. [PMID: 33481147 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-020-09924-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) is toxic to the environment and human health. However, the degradation characteristics of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), precursors of PFACAs biodegradation, in the sludge during aerobic composting remain unclear. In this study, the degradation characteristics of 6:2 FTOH in sewage sludge by composting were researched and the influences of 6:2 FTOH on the composting process and microbial communities of the sludge were evaluated. After 52 days of composting, 6:2 FTOH retained only 0.73% of its original concentration, and its half-life was less than 1 d; 6:2 FTOH was degraded finally to perfluorohex unsaturated acid, perfluoropentanoic acid, 5:3 polyfluorinated acid (FTCA), 4:3 FTCA, and perfluorobutanoic acid through two pathways; and 6:2 FTCA and 6:2 fluorotel unsaturated acid were the intermediate products. Notably, dosing with 6:2 FTOH affected the composting process of sewage sludge. Additionally, 50 mg/kg 6:2 FTOH resulted in a decrease in the microbial richness and diversity of sludge compost. When compared with the compost without 6:2 FTOH, the proportion of Proteobacteria had increased, and the proportion of Firmicutes had decreased as the concentration of 6:2 FTOH increased. The negative effect of a dosage of 50 mg/kg 6:2 FTOH was more obvious than the effect of other treatments. This study expanded our understanding of the risk of sludge contaminated by 6:2 FTOH being used as a fertilizer after composting.
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22
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Bolan N, Sarkar B, Yan Y, Li Q, Wijesekara H, Kannan K, Tsang DCW, Schauerte M, Bosch J, Noll H, Ok YS, Scheckel K, Kumpiene J, Gobindlal K, Kah M, Sperry J, Kirkham MB, Wang H, Tsang YF, Hou D, Rinklebe J. Remediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soils - To mobilize or to immobilize or to degrade? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123892. [PMID: 33113753 PMCID: PMC8025151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals, which are introduced to the environment through anthropogenic activities. Aqueous film forming foam used in firefighting, wastewater effluent, landfill leachate, and biosolids are major sources of PFAS input to soil and groundwater. Remediation of PFAS contaminated solid and aqueous media is challenging, which is attributed to the chemical and thermal stability of PFAS and the complexity of PFAS mixtures. In this review, remediation of PFAS contaminated soils through manipulation of their bioavailability and destruction is presented. While the mobilizing amendments (e.g., surfactants) enhance the mobility and bioavailability of PFAS, the immobilizing amendments (e.g., activated carbon) decrease their bioavailability and mobility. Mobilizing amendments can be applied to facilitate the removal of PFAS though soil washing, phytoremediation, and complete destruction through thermal and chemical redox reactions. Immobilizing amendments are likely to reduce the transfer of PFAS to food chain through plant and biota (e.g., earthworm) uptake, and leaching to potable water sources. Future studies should focus on quantifying the potential leaching of the mobilized PFAS in the absence of removal by plant and biota uptake or soil washing, and regular monitoring of the long-term stability of the immobilized PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yubo Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Marina Schauerte
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julian Bosch
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Noll
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kirk Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jurate Kumpiene
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Kapish Gobindlal
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Sperry
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 USA
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea
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23
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Mastropietro TF, Bruno R, Pardo E, Armentano D. Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes for highly efficient PFASs removal: overview, challenges and future perspectives. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:5398-5410. [DOI: 10.1039/d1dt00360g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PFASs are called “forever chemicals” because they do not fully degrade. They have become so ubiquitous in the environment that it is difficult to prevent exposure. This review aims to provide a set of improved technologies to remove PFASs from water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosaria Bruno
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche
- Università della Calabria
- Italy
| | - Emilio Pardo
- Departament de Química Inorgànica
- Instituto de Ciencia Molecular (ICMOL)
- Universitat de València
- 46980 Paterna
- Spain
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24
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Liu Y, Robey NM, Bowden JA, Tolaymat TM, da Silva BF, Solo-Gabriele HM, Townsend TG. From Waste Collection Vehicles to Landfills: Indication of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Transformation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:66-72. [PMID: 37850075 PMCID: PMC10581401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste contain diverse and significant amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and these compounds may transform throughout the "landfilling" process from transport through landfill degradation. Fresh vehicle leachates, from commercial and residential waste collection vehicles at a transfer station, were measured for 51 PFAS. Results were compared to PFAS levels obtained from aged landfill leachate at the disposal facility. The landfill leachate was dominated by perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs); 86% of the total PFAS, by median mass concentration), while the majority of PFAS present in commercial and residential waste vehicle leachate were PFAA-precursors (70% and 56% of the total PFAS, by median mass concentration, respectively), suggesting precursor transformation to PFAAs during the course of landfill disposal. In addition, several PFAS, which are not routinely monitored-perfluoropropane sulfonic acid (PFPrS), 8-chloro-perfluoro-1-octane sulfonic acid (8Cl-PFOS), chlorinated polyfluoroether sulfonic acids (6:2, 8:2 Cl-PFESAs), sodium dodecafluoro-3H-4,8-dioxanonanoate (NaDONA), and perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS)-were detected. Potential degradation pathways were proposed based on published studies: transformation of polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (diPAPs) and fluorotelomer sulfonic acids (FTS) to form PFCAs via formation of intermediate products such as fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Nicole M Robey
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Thabet M Tolaymat
- National Risk Management Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Bianca F da Silva
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental, Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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25
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Sun M, Cui J, Guo J, Zhai Z, Zuo P, Zhang J. Fluorochemicals biodegradation as a potential source of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to the environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126894. [PMID: 32957292 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The anthropogenic release of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) into the environmental media is not limited to photochemical oxidation of CFC alternatives and industrial emissions. Biological degradation of some fluorochemicals is expected to be a potential TFA source. For the first time, we assess if the potential precursors [6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH), 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (4:2 FTOH), acrinathrin, trifluralin, and 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid (TFMAA)] can be biologically degraded to TFA. Results show that 6:2 FTOH was terminally transformed to 5:3 polyfluorinated acid (5:3 FTCA; 12.5 mol%), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA; 2.0 mol%), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA; 1.6 mol%), perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA; 1.7 mol%), and TFA (2.3 mol%) by day 32 in the landfill soil microbial culture system. 4:2 FTOH could remove multiple -CF2 groups by microorganisms and produce PFPeA (2.6 mol%), PFBA (17.4 mol%), TFA (7.8 mol%). We also quantified the degradation products of TFMAA as PFBA (1.3 mol%) and TFA (6.3 mol%). Furthermore, we basically analyzed the biodegradation contribution of short-chain FTOH as raw material residuals in commercial products to the TFA burden in the environmental media. We estimate global emission of 3.9-47.3 tonnes of TFA in the period from 1961 to 2019, and project 3.8-46.4 tonnes to be emitted from 2020 to 2040 via the pathway of 4:2 and 6:2 FTOH biodegradation (0.6-7.1 and 0.6-7.0 tonnes in China, respectively). Direct evidence of the experiments indicates that biodegradation of fluorochemicals is an overlooked source of TFA and there are still some unspecified mechanisms of TFA production pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jia'nan Cui
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Junyu Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zihan Zhai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, The Ministry of Land and Resources, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Peng Zuo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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26
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Gao L, Liu J, Bao K, Chen N, Meng B. Multicompartment occurrence and partitioning of alternative and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in an impacted river in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 729:138753. [PMID: 32375068 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging global environmental contaminants. Exploring the occurrence and environmental behavior of PFASs in the aquatic environment is a key step in solving global fluorine chemical pollution problems. In this study, surface water, pore water, and sediment were collected from the main tributary and the middle and lower reaches of the Daling River, adjacent to the Fuxin fluorochemical manufacturing facilities in Liaoning Province in China, to elucidate the occurrence and partition behavior of PFASs. The total concentrations of PFASs ranged from 48.4 to 4578 ng/L in the overlying water, from 173 to 9952 ng/L in the pore water, and from 2.16 to 40.3 ng/g dw in the sediment fraction. Generally, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were the predominant congeners in the samples, with the mean relative content fractions being almost consistently >40% in the dissolved phase and >25% in the sediment. Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA) were detected, albeit at low levels. In addition, the detection frequency and the contribution of legacy long-chain PFASs in sediment were higher than those in the overlying water and pore water. Except for perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), the concentrations of the alternative PFASs in the pore water were higher than in the overlying water. The organic carbon fraction was a more important controlling factor for PFAS sediment levels than cations content. As with legacy long-chain PFASs, HFPO-DA and 6:2 Cl-PFESA tended to partition into the solid phase, whereas short-chain PFASs were readily distributed in the aqueous phase. Such research results will be helpful in modeling the transport and fate of PFASs released by point sources into coastal waters through rivers and in developing effective risk assessment and management strategies for the control of PFAS pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Gao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jingling Liu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Kun Bao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Nannan Chen
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bo Meng
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
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27
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Hamid H, Li LY, Grace JR. Aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds in landfill leachate-sediment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136547. [PMID: 31958722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Consumer products containing fluorotelomer polymers are a source of fluorotelomer compounds to the environment following their disposal at landfills. The fate and transformation of fluorotelomer compounds are unknown in landfill leachates. This study investigates the aerobic biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosms using batch tests. Spiked 8:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTS and their known biotransformation products were quantified in sediment-leachate and headspace over 90 days under aerobic conditions. 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS biotransformation was slow (half-life >>30 d) in landfill leachate-sediment microcosm, suggesting persistence of fluorotelomer compounds under the conditions investigated. Significant volatilization (>20%) of 8:2 FTOH was observed in the microcosm headspace after 90 days. C6 - C8 and C4 - C6 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the most abundant products for 8:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTS, respectively. PFCAs accounted for 4-9 mol% of the initially spiked parent compounds at 90 days. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the single most abundant product of 8:2 FTOH (>2.8 mol% at 90 days). The unaccounted mass (20 to 35 mol%) of the initially spiked parent compounds indicated formation of fluorotelomer intermediates and sediment-bound residue. Overall the findings suggest that aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer compounds acts as a secondary source of long- and short-chain (≤C7) PFCAs in the environment. Partitioning of semi-volatile fluorotelomer compounds (e.g., 8:2 FTOH) to the gas-phase indicates possible long-range transport and subsequent release of PFCAs in pristine environments. Short-chain fluorotelomer replacements (e.g., 6:2 FTS) result in a higher abundance of short-chain PFCAs in landfill leachate. Future research is needed to understand the long-term exposure effects of short-chain PFCAs to humans, aquatic life and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - John R Grace
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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28
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Zhang H, Wen B, Huang H, Wang S, Cai Z, Zhang S. Biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol by the whole soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) seedlings. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113513. [PMID: 31733959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are important precursors of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the environment and biota. With the growing application of 6:2 FTOH [F(CF2)6CH2CH2OH] in product formulation, it is becoming increasingly urgent to investigate its biological fates in different species. In this study, biotransformation of 6:2 FTOH by young soybean plants (Glycine max L. Merrill) were investigated using hydroponic experiments. During the 144 h-exposure, 6:2 FTCA [F(CF2)6CH2COOH], 6:2 FTUCA [F(CF2)5CFCHCOOH], 5:3 FTUCA [F(CF2)5CHCHCOOH], 5:3 FTCA [F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH], PFHxA [F(CF2)5COOH] and PFPeA [F(CF2)4COOH] were phase I metabolites in soybean. At the end of exposure, 5:3 FTCA (5.08 mol%), PFHxA (2.34 mol%) and PFPeA (0.58 mol%) were three main metabolites in soybean-solution system. 5:3 FTCA was predominant in soybean roots and stems, while PFHxA was the most abundant product in leaves. PFBA [F(CF2)3COOH] and 4:3 FTCA [F(CF2)4CH2CH2COOH] detected in the hydroponic solution most-likely came from the transformation of 5:3 FTCA by root-associated microbes. Moreover, phase II metabolites of 6:2 FTOH were identified and monitored in soybean tissues. Alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase and glutathione S-transferase were found to participate in 6:2 FTOH metabolism. Based on the phase I and phase II metabolism of 6:2 FTOH in soybean, this study for the first time provides evidences for the transformation pathways of 6:2 FTOH in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Bei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Honglin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710027, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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29
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Zhang X, Lohmann R, Sunderland EM. Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Seawater and Plankton from the Northwestern Atlantic Margin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:12348-12356. [PMID: 31565932 PMCID: PMC6992416 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The ocean is thought to be the terminal sink for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been produced and released in large quantities for more than 60 years. Regulatory actions have curbed production of legacy compounds such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), but impacts of regulations on PFAS releases to the marine environment are poorly understood. Here, we report new data for 21 targeted PFAS in seawater and plankton from the coast, shelf, and slope of the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean. We find strong inverse correlations between salinity and concentrations of most PFAS, indicating that ongoing continental discharges are the major source to the marine environment. For legacy PFAS such as PFOS and PFOA, a comparison of inland and offshore measurements from the same year (2014) suggests that there are ongoing releases to the marine environment from sources such as submarine groundwater discharges. Vertical transport of most PFAS associated with settling particles from the surface (10 m) to deeper waters is small compared to advective transport except for perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; 35% of vertical flux) and precursor compounds to PFOS (up to 86%). We find higher than expected bioaccumulation factors (BAFs = Cplankton/Cwater) for perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with five and six carbons (log BAF = 2.9-3.4) and linear PFOS (log BAF = 2.6-4.3) in marine plankton compared to PFCAs with 7-11 carbons. We postulate that this reflects additional contributions from precursor compounds. Known precursor compounds detected here have among the highest BAFs (log BAF > 3.0) for all PFAS in this study, suggesting that additional research on the bioaccumulation potential of unknown organofluorine compounds is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianming Zhang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge MA USA 02138
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston MA USA 02115
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge MA USA 02138
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston MA USA 02115
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Riedel TP, Lang JR, Strynar MJ, Lindstrom AB, Offenberg JH. Gas-Phase Detection of Fluorotelomer Alcohols and Other Oxygenated Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2019; 6:289-293. [PMID: 31179348 PMCID: PMC6550326 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.9b00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are incorporated into an ever-increasing number of modern products and inevitably enter the environment and ultimately human bodies. Herein, we show that chemical ionization mass spectrometry with iodide reagent ion chemistry is a useful technique for the detection of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and other oxygenated PFAS, including per- and polyfluoro carboxylic acids such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid. This technique offers direct, high-time resolution measurement capability with parts per trillion by volume (nanograms per cubic meter) gas-phase detection limits. Measurements were taken by direct volatilization of samples without prior processing, allowing for fast measurements and reduced sample treatment compared to established PFAS methods. We demonstrate the utility of this technique by sampling volatile and semivolatile PFAS from fluoro additives and fluoro products to quantify levels of FTOHs and identify additional fluorinated compounds for which standards were unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theran P Riedel
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Johnsie R Lang
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Mark J Strynar
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Andrew B Lindstrom
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - John H Offenberg
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
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31
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Sharma A, Ahmad J, Flora SJS. Application of advanced oxidation processes and toxicity assessment of transformation products. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 167:223-233. [PMID: 30055452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are the techniques employed for oxidation of various organic contaminants in polluted water with the objective of making it suitable for human consumption like household and drinking purpose. AOPs use potent chemical oxidants to bring down the contaminant level in the water. In addition to this function, these processes are also capable to kills microbes (as disinfectant) and remove odor as well as improve taste of the drinking water. The non-photochemical AOPs methods include generation of hydroxyl radical in absence of light either by ozonation or through Fenton reaction. The photochemical AOPs methods use UV light along with H2O2, O3 and/or Fe+2 to generate reactive hydroxyl radical. Non-photochemical method is the commonly used whereas, photochemical method is used when conventional O3 and H2O2 cannot completely oxidize organic pollutants. However, the choice of AOPs methods is depended upon the type of contaminant to be removed. AOPs cause loss of biological activity of the pollutant present in drinking water without generation of any toxicity. Conventional ozonation and AOPs can inactivate estrogenic compounds, antiviral compounds, antibiotics, and herbicides. However, the study of different AOPs methods for the treatment of drinking water has shown that oxidation of parent compound can also lead to the generation of a degradation/transformation product having biological activity/chemical toxicity similar to or different from the parent compound. Furthermore, an increased toxicity can also occur in AOPs treated drinking water. This review discusses various methods of AOPs, their merits, its application in drinking water treatment, the related issue of the evolution of toxicity in AOPs treated drinking water, biocatalyst, and analytical methods for identification of pollutants /transformed products and provides future directions to address such an issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Sharma
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shree Bhawani Paper Mill Road, ITI Compound, Raebareli 229010, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Javed Ahmad
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shree Bhawani Paper Mill Road, ITI Compound, Raebareli 229010, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - S J S Flora
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shree Bhawani Paper Mill Road, ITI Compound, Raebareli 229010, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Chen H, Yao Y, Zhao Z, Wang Y, Wang Q, Ren C, Wang B, Sun H, Alder AC, Kannan K. Multimedia Distribution and Transfer of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) Surrounding Two Fluorochemical Manufacturing Facilities in Fuxin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:8263-8271. [PMID: 29947229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Industrial facilities can be point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) emission to the surrounding environment. In this study, 25 neutral and ionizable PFASs were analyzed in 94 multimedia samples including air, rain, outdoor settled dust, soil, plant leaves, river water, surface sediment, and shallow groundwater from two fluorochemical manufacturing parks (FMPs) in Fuxin, China, to elucidate the multimedia distribution and transfer pattern of PFASs from a point source. The concentrations of individual PFASs in air, outdoor settled dust, and surface river water decreased exponentially as the distance increases from the FMPs, whereas the concentrations of short-chain (C2-C4) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) remained high (3000 ng/L) in the surface water 38 km away. At FMPs, air concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols and iodides were found dominant with levels of up to 7900 pg/m3 and 920 pg/m3, respectively. Trifluoroacetic acid was directly released from FMPs and occurred in all the environmental matrices at levels 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than other PFCAs. Higher air-water concentration ratios of short-chain PFCAs (C2-C4) suggested their transfer tendency from air to water. Both short-chain (C2) and long-chain (>C6) PFCAs have greater sediment-water distribution coefficients and deposit dust-air coefficients, which have great influences on the long-range transport potential of different analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Yu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Chao Ren
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Bin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Alfredo C Alder
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health , State University of New York at Albany , Albany , New York 12201 , United States
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TAKEMINE S, MOTEGI M, NOJIRI K. Analysis of Fluorotelomer Alcohols in Ambient Air by Dansyl Chrolide Derivatization LC/MS/MS. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2018. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.67.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Merino N, Wang M, Ambrocio R, Mak K, O'Connor E, Gao A, Hawley EL, Deeb RA, Tseng LY, Mahendra S. Fungal biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/rem.21550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Merino
- Research fellow, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Rocio Ambrocio
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Kimberly Mak
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Ellen O'Connor
- Graduate Student in Molecular Toxicology, University of California Los Angeles
| | - An Gao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Linda Y. Tseng
- Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies Program & Department of Physics and Astronomy, Colgate University New York
| | - Shaily Mahendra
- Associate Professor and Samueli Fellow, University of California Los Angeles
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Tian Y, Yao Y, Chang S, Zhao Z, Zhao Y, Yuan X, Wu F, Sun H. Occurrence and Phase Distribution of Neutral and Ionizable Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in the Atmosphere and Plant Leaves around Landfills: A Case Study in Tianjin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:1301-1310. [PMID: 29309135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of 23 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in the air, dry deposition, and plant leaves at two different landfills and one suburban reference site in Tianjin, China. The potential of landfills as sources of PFASs to the atmosphere and the phase distribution therein were evaluated. The maximum concentrations of ∑PFASs in the two landfills were up to 9.5 ng/m3 in the air, 4.1 μg/g in dry deposition, and 48 μg/g lipid in leaves with trifluoroacetic acid and perfluoropropionic acid being dominant (71%-94%). Spatially, the distribution trend of ionizable and neutral PFASs in all three kinds of media consistently showed the central landfill > the downwind > the upwind > the reference sites, indicating that landfills are important sources to PFASs in the environment. Plant leaves were found effective in uptake of a variety of airborne PFASs including polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters, thus capable of acting as a passive air sampling approach for air monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
| | - Yangyang Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojia Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science , 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University , 300350 Tianjin, China
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Yu X, Nishimura F, Hidaka T. Effects of microbial activity on perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) generation during aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer alcohols in activated sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 610-611:776-785. [PMID: 28826115 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can release toxic intermediates and perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) to the aqueous environment. However, little information is known about the role of relevant microbial activity (i.e., autotrophs and/or heterotrophs) in biotransformation of FTOHs. Additionally, the dynamics of microbial community in sludge after exposure to FTOHs remain unclear. In the present research, using domestic and industrial WWTP sludge, we performed lab-scale batch experiments to characterize the FTOHs biodegradation property under aerobic condition. Both heterotrophs and the autotrophs were associated with FTOHs biotransformation. However, the microbial activity influenced PFCAs generation efficiency. Autotrophs based on ammonia oxidation (50mgN/L) resulted in more effective generation of PFCAs than heterotrophs based on glucose (200mgC/L) metabolism. Moreover, autotrophs generated more amounts of short-chain PFCAs (carbon number ≤7) than the heterotrophs. The ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) in ammonia oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) are suggested as responsible for the enhanced generation of PFCAs during FTOHs biotransformation. In the sludge that had been exposed to poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances in an industrial WWTP, Chlorobi was the predominant microorganisms (36.9%), followed by Proteobacteria (20.2%), Bacteroidetes (11.1%), Chloroflexi (6.2%), Crenarchaeota (5.6%), Planctomycetes (4.2%), and Acidobacteria (3.5%). In the present research, the dosed 8:2 FTOH (12.1mg/L) and its biotransformation products (intermediates and PFCAs) could force a shift in microbial community composition in the sludge. After 192h, Proteobacteria significantly increased and dominated. These results provide knowledge for comprehending the effects of microbial activity on FTOHs biodegradation and the information about interaction between microbial community and the exposure to FTOHs in activated sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Yu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Fumitake Nishimura
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Taira Hidaka
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
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Munoz G, Labadie P, Botta F, Lestremau F, Lopez B, Geneste E, Pardon P, Dévier MH, Budzinski H. Occurrence survey and spatial distribution of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl surfactants in groundwater, surface water, and sediments from tropical environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 607-608:243-252. [PMID: 28692894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and spatial distribution of 22 selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water (n=75), groundwater (n=80) and surficial sediment (n=15) were investigated for the first time in the tropical areas constituted by the French Overseas Territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion). Descriptive statistics and correlations between PFASs were evaluated through the use of specific statistical treatments to handle left-censored data ("non-detects"). PFASs were ubiquitous in these samples and detection frequencies as high as 79% for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 65% for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were reported in surface waters. ∑PFASs was in the range<LOD-77ngL-1 (median=1.8ngL-1) in surface waters and <LOD-638ngL-1 (median=0.56ngL-1) in groundwater. PFOS and PFOA dominated PFAS composition profiles in surface water, while shorter-chain compounds prevailed in groundwater, highlighting their higher transfer potential through infiltration processes and the possible influence of precursors. Elevated levels of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA) and short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates were found in groundwater near several industrial facilities such as oil refineries or electricity power plants. This may be related to the existence of firefighting operations involving the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) that contain precursors to such compounds. These findings would also tend to confirm recent trends regarding the increasing proportion of C4- or C6-based perfluoroalkyl acids, their precursors, or even shorter-chain congeners at PFAS hot spots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Munoz
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Fabrizio Botta
- INERIS, Parc Technologique Alata, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - François Lestremau
- INERIS, Parc Technologique Alata, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Benjamin Lopez
- BRGM, 3 avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 36009, 45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Emmanuel Geneste
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Patrick Pardon
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Dévier
- Université de Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Hélène Budzinski
- CNRS, EPOC, UMR 5805, LPTC, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33400 Talence, France..
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Shi G, Cui Q, Pan Y, Sheng N, Guo Y, Dai J. 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (6:2 FTCA) exposure induces developmental toxicity and inhibits the formation of erythrocytes during zebrafish embryogenesis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 190:53-61. [PMID: 28688371 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Saturated fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) are intermediates in the degradation of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) to perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Recent studies have detected FTCAs in precipitation, surface waters, and wildlife, but few studies have focused on their toxicity. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of 6:2 FTCA (0, 4, 8, and 12mg/L) from 6 to 120h post-fertilization (hpf) to investigate its developmental toxicity. Results showed that 6:2 FTCA exposure decreased the hatching and survival percentages, reduced the heart rate, and increased the malformation of zebrafish embryos. The median lethal concentration of 6:2 FTCA was 7.33mg/L at 120 hpf, which was lower than that of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), thus indicating higher toxicity for zebrafish. The most common developmental malformation was pericardial edema, which appeared in the 8 and 12mg/L 6:2 FTCA-exposed embryos from 60 hpf. Using o-dianisidine staining, we found that the hemoglobin content in embryos was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner after 6:2 FTCA exposure at 72 hpf. Based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) and whole-mount in situ hybridization, the transcriptional levels of hemoglobin markers (hbae1, hbbe1, and hbae3) were down-regulated at 48 and 72 hpf, even though no observed malformation appeared in zebrafish at 48 hpf. Moreover, 6:2 FTCA exposure decreased the protein level of gata1, a principal early erythrocytic marker, in Tg (gata1:DsRed) transgenic zebrafish at 72 hpf. We analyzed the transcriptional level of other erythrocyte-related genes using q-RT-PCR assay. For heme formation, the transcription of alas2, which encodes the key enzyme for heme biosynthesis, was down-regulated after 6:2 FTCA exposure, whereas the transcription of ho-1, which is related to heme degradation, was up-regulated at 48 and 72 hpf. The transcriptional patterns of gata1 and gata2, which are related to erythroid differentiation, differed. At 48 hpf, the mRNA level of gata2 was significantly increased, whereas that of gata1 exhibited no significant changes in any treatment group. At 72 hpf, the expressions of both were down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, 6:2 FTCA exposure decreased the erythrocyte number and disrupted erythroid differentiation during zebrafish embryonic development. Our results suggest that 6:2 FTCA can cause developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and that FTCAs exhibit greater toxicity than that of PFCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Qianqian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yitao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China.
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Sammut G, Sinagra E, Helmus R, de Voogt P. Perfluoroalkyl substances in the Maltese environment - (I) surface water and rain water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 589:182-190. [PMID: 28259432 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in rain water on the Maltese Islands is reported here for the first time and an extensive survey of these substances in surface water also reported. The Maltese archipelago lies at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea and consists of three main inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Surface water was collected from 41 valleys during the months of February and March 2015 at the peak of the wet season. Rain water was collected during the months of December 2014, February, August, September and October 2015. PFASs were extracted from the water samples using solid phase extraction and the extracts were then analysed using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem (UPLC-MS/MS). All surface and rain water samples were contaminated with at least one PFAS. PFOS (<LOD - 8.6ng/L) and PFOA (ND - 16ng/L) were the two major PFASs being detected in 100% and 95% of the surface waters respectively. The ΣPFAS concentrations in rain water ranged between 0.38ng/L (1st October 2015) and 6ng/L (21st February 2015). The Maltese archipelago is surrounded by sea and disconnected from any other mainland; therefore the results confirm that remote environments can become contaminated by PFASs from rain events depending on wind prevailing trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sammut
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malta, Malta
| | - E Sinagra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malta, Malta.
| | - R Helmus
- IBED, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - P de Voogt
- IBED, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; KWR, Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
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Soriano Á, Gorri D, Urtiaga A. Efficient treatment of perfluorohexanoic acid by nanofiltration followed by electrochemical degradation of the NF concentrate. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 112:147-156. [PMID: 28157603 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at the development of a strategy for removing and degrading perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) from industrial process waters at concentrations in the range 60-200 mg L-1. The treatment train consisted of nanofiltration (NF) separation followed by electrochemical degradation of the NF concentrate. Using a laboratory-scale system and working in the total recirculation mode, the DowFilm NF270 membrane provided PFHxA rejections that varied in the range 96.6-99.4% as the operating pressure was increased from 2.5 to 20 bar. The NF operation in concentration mode enabled a volume reduction factor of 5 and increased the PFHxA concentration in the retentate to 870 mg L-1. Results showed that the increase in PFHxA concentration and the presence of calcium sulfate salts did not induce irreversible membrane fouling. The NF retentate was treated in a commercial undivided electrochemical cell provided with two parallel flow-by compartments separated by bipolar boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode, BDD counter anode, and counter cathode. Current densities ranging from 20 to 100 A m-2 were examined. The electrochemical degradation rate of PFHxA reached 98% and was accompanied by its efficient mineralization, as the reduction of total organic carbon was higher than 95%. Energy consumption, which was 15.2 kWh m-3 of treated NF concentrate, was minimized by selecting operation at 50 A m-2. While most of the previous research on the treatment of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) focused on the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), these compounds have been phased out by chemical manufacturers. Our findings are relevant for the treatment of PFHxA, which appears to be one of the present alternatives to long-chain PFASs thanks to its lower bioaccumulative potential than PFOA and PFOS. However, PFHxA also behaves as a persistent pollutant. Moreover, our results highlight the potential of combining membrane separation and electrochemical oxidation for the efficient treatment of PFAS-impacted waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Soriano
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Daniel Gorri
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Ane Urtiaga
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Av. de Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain.
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Zhang S, Merino N, Wang N, Ruan T, Lu X. Impact of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol aerobic biotransformation on a sediment microbial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 575:1361-1368. [PMID: 27756549 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sediment microbial communities are responsible for many chemical biotransformation processes in the aquatic environment and play a critical role in various ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling. However, the impact of polyfluoroalkyl substances on sediment microbial communities remains unclear. These substances are increasingly being used in consumer and industrial products to replace environmentally persistent perfluoroalkyl substances. In this study, we investigated the effects of low (5mg/L) and high (15mg/L) doses of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol [6:2 FTOH, F(CF2)6CH2CH2OH] on the structure of a sediment microbial community. 6:2 FTOH biotransformation was rapid in the sediment mixture with a half-life <3days, regardless of the initial doses. After 28days, major products produced in the high dose condition included 28mol% 5:2 sFTOH [F(CF2)5CH(OH)CH3], 9.6mol% 5:3 Acid [F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH] and 11mol% PFHxA [F(CF2)5COOH], while 73mol% 5:2 sFTOH, 23mol% 5:3 Acid and 26mol% PFHxA were observed in the low dose condition. In the original (control) sediment without 6:2 FTOH dosing, Proteobacteria was the predominant microorganism (18%), followed by Chloroflexi (14%), Verrucomicrobia (13%), Firmicutes (3.4%), Bacterioidetes (2.4%), Actinobacteria (1.7%) and Planctomycetes (1.3%). The presence of 6:2 FTOH and the accumulation of transient transformation products in the sediment exerted selection pressure on the microbial taxonomic distribution and diversity. Our observations indicate that potential 6:2 FTOH degraders and tolerant strains, such as Dokdonella spp., Thauera spp., Albidovulum spp. and Caldanaerovirga spp., existed in the sediment mixture and began to dominate over time. This suggests that these genera might have higher tolerance towards elevated 6:2 FTOH and its transformation products. These findings on the characterization of sediment microbial community stability and dynamics will help predict changes in response to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and also help identify robust microbial strains to degrade polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Nancy Merino
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Ning Wang
- 132 Shrewsbury Dr., Wilmington, DE 19810, USA.
| | - Ting Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Lewis M, Kim MH, Wang N, Chu KH. Engineering artificial communities for enhanced FTOH degradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:935-942. [PMID: 27519322 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs, [F(CF2)nCH2CH2OH]) are concerned environmental pollutants with perfluorinated carbon chains. FTOHs can be biotransformed; however, the extent, the pace of the defluorination, and types of metabolites produced vary depending on degradative microorganisms under different environment. In this study, we examined ways to increase the effectiveness of the FTOH defluorination process to less persistent major metabolites. Defined mixed cultures and bioaugmented microbial cultures were engineered to study their ability to biotransform 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol [F(CF2)6CH2CH2OH]. The effects of carbon sources and the concentration of carbon sources were also examined. All experiments resulted in 5:2 sFTOH [F(CF2)5CH(OH)CH3] as the primary metabolite at the end point. The carbon sources resulted in different amounts of pathway utilization as well as overall changes in effectiveness. The best overall effectiveness was observed when cosubstrate carbon was kept at low concentrations. Pathway II was best utilized by the P. butanovora+P. fluorescens mixed culture, with lactate having a slight negative impact on pathway II utilization. Additional carbon to augmented activated sludge resulted in decreased 6:2 FTOH biotransformation by 60%. Enrichment cultures showed that shorter chain FTOHs are easier to degrade, with the n-octane enriched culture transforming 20% of 8:2 FTOH, 60% of 6:2 FTOH and 70% of 4:2 FTOH. The microbial communities of the enrichment cultures and the alkane hydroxylase gene were also examined to help understand FTOH biotransformation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lewis
- Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, United States
| | - Myung-Hee Kim
- Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, United States
| | - Ning Wang
- 132 Shrewsbury Dr., Wilmington DE19810, United States
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, United States.
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Mejia-Avendaño S, Vo Duy S, Sauvé S, Liu J. Generation of Perfluoroalkyl Acids from Aerobic Biotransformation of Quaternary Ammonium Polyfluoroalkyl Surfactants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:9923-32. [PMID: 27477739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The aerobic biotransformation over 180 days of two cationic quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) with perfluoroalkyl chains was determined in soil microcosms, and biotransformation pathways were proposed. This is the first time that polyfluoroalkyl cationic surfactants used in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations were studied for their environmental fate. The biotransformation of perfluorooctaneamido quaternary ammonium salt (PFOAAmS) was characterized by a DT50 value (time necessary to consume half of the initial mass) of 142 days and significant generation of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFOA) at a yield of 30 mol % by day 180. The biotransformation of perfluorooctane sulfonamide quaternary ammonium salt (PFOSAmS) was very slow with unobservable change of the spiked mass; yet the generation of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) at a yield of 0.3 mol % confirmed the biotransformation of PFOSAmS. Three novel biotransformation intermediates were identified for PFOAAmS and three products including perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) for PFOSAmS through high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) analysis and t-MS(2) fragmentation. The significantly slower PFOSAmS biotransformation is hypothesized to be due to its stronger sorption to soil owing to a longer perfluoroalkyl chain and a bulkier sulfonyl group, when compared to PFOAAmS. This study has demonstrated that despite overall high stability of QACs and their biocide nature, the ones with perfluoroalkyl chains can be substantially biotransformed into perfluoroalkyl acids in aerobic soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mejia-Avendaño
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal , Montreal H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal , Montreal H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
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Zhang S, Lu X, Wang N, Buck RC. Biotransformation potential of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA) in aerobic and anaerobic sediment. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:224-230. [PMID: 27058914 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) products are used in industrial and military firefighting around the globe. These products contain fluoroalkylthioamido sulfonates, fluoroalkylthiobetaine, and other related substances as the major ingredients, which can be biotransformed in the environment to form 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA, F(CF2)6CH2CH2SO3-) as one of the major initial biotransformation products. Limited information is available on 6:2 FTSA aerobic biotransformation in activated sludge and pure microbial culture. This is the first study to report 6:2 FTSA biotransformation in aerobic and anaerobic sediment. 6:2 FTSA was rapidly biotransformed in aerobic river sediment with a half-life less than 5 d. Major stable transformation products observed after 90 d included 5:3 Acid [F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH), 16 mol%), PFPeA [F(CF2)4COOH, 21 mol%] and PFHxA (F(CF2)5COOH, 20 mol%). 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol [6:2 FTOH, F(CF2)6CH2CH2OH] was readily biotransfomed whereas 6:2 FTSA biotransformation did not occur in anaerobic sediment over 100 d, indicating that the enzymatic desulfonation step limited 6:2 FTSA biotransformation in anaerobic sediment. These results suggest that 6:2 FTSA related products, after release to the aerobic environment, is likely to biodegrade forming 5:3 Acid, PFPeA and PFHxA. This study also indicates that 6:2 FTSA formed from its aforementioned precursors may be persistent in the anaerobic environment after their potential release. This work provides insight to understanding the fate and environmental loading of AFFF-related products and their major transformation products in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA.
| | - Robert C Buck
- The Chemours Company, 1007 Market Street, P.O. Box 2047, Wilmington, DE, 19899, USA
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45
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Anumol T, Dagnino S, Vandervort DR, Snyder SA. Transformation of polyfluorinated compounds in natural waters by advanced oxidation processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 144:1780-1787. [PMID: 26524147 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The presence of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in source and finished drinking waters is a concern with studies showing bioaccumulation and adverse toxicological effects in wildlife and potentially humans. Per/Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as fluorotelomer alcohols have been identified as precursors for PFCAs in biological pathways. In this study, we investigated the fate of 6:2 and 8:2 homologues of the fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acids (FTUCAs) during advanced oxidation process (AOPs). Results showed 6:2 FTUCA and 8:2 FTUCA transformed into 6-C PFCA (PFHxA) and 8-C PFCA (PFOA) respectively with very little other PFCA formation for all AOPs. The degradation of 6:2 FTUCA and 8:2 FTUCA was greater in the GW compared to SW for the ozone processes but similar for UV/H2O2. The formation of n-C PFCA followed O3>O3/H2O2 at same dose and UV/H2O2 had much lower formation at the doses tested. Non-targeted analysis with the LC-MS-qTOF indicated the production of other PFCAs which contribute to the total mass balance, although no intermediate product was discovered indicating a rapid and direct transformation from the FTUCAs to the PFCAs and/or significant volatilization of intermediates. With the use of AOPs essential to water reuse treatment schemes, this work raises concerns over the risk of potential formation of PFCAs in the treatment and their adverse health effects in finished drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Anumol
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Sonia Dagnino
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Darcy R Vandervort
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Shane A Snyder
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
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Unice KM, Bare JL, Kreider ML, Panko JM. Experimental methodology for assessing the environmental fate of organic chemicals in polymer matrices using column leaching studies and OECD 308 water/sediment systems: Application to tire and road wear particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 533:476-87. [PMID: 26184905 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Automobile tires require functional rubber additives including curing agents and antioxidants, which are potentially environmentally available from tire and road wear particles (TRWP) deposited in soil and sediment. A novel methodology was employed to evaluate the environmental fate of three commonly-used tire chemicals (N-cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide (CBS), N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (6-PPD) and 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG)), using a road simulator, an artificial weathering chamber, column leaching tests, and OECD 308 sediment/water incubator studies. Environmental release factors were quantified for curing (f(C)), tire wear (f(W)), terrestrial weathering (f(S)), leaching from TRWP (f(L)), and environmental availability from TRWP (f(A)) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS) analyses. Cumulative fractions representing total environmental availability (F(T)) and release to water (FR) were calculated for the tire chemicals and 13 transformation products. F(T) for CBS, DPG and 6-PPD inclusive of transformation products for an accelerated terrestrial aging time in soil of 0.1 years was 0.08, 0.1, and 0.06, respectively (equivalent to 6 to 10% of formulated mass). In contrast, a wider range of 5.5×10(-4) (6-PPD) to 0.06 (CBS) was observed for F(R) at an accelerated age of 0.1 years, reflecting the importance of hydrophobicity and solubility for determining the release to the water phase. Significant differences (p<0.05) in the weathering factor, f(S), were observed when chemicals were categorized by boiling point or hydrolysis rate constant. A significant difference in the leaching factor, f(L), and environmental availability factor, f(A), was also observed when chemicals were categorized by log K(ow). Our methodology should be useful for lifecycle analysis of other functional polymer chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julie M Panko
- Cardno ChemRisk, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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47
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Determination of fluorotelomer alcohols and their degradation products in biosolids-amended soils and plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1404:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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48
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49
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Methodology for studying biotransformation of polyfluoroalkyl precursors in the environment. Trends Analyt Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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50
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Targeted and non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric workflows for identification of transformation products of emerging pollutants in the aquatic environment. Trends Analyt Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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