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Gonzalez de Vega R, Plassmann M, Clases D, Zangger K, Müller V, Rosenberg E, Reimann A, Skedung L, Benskin JP, Feldmann J. A multi-platform approach for the comprehensive analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorine mass balance in commercial ski wax products. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1314:342754. [PMID: 38876512 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The unique properties of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to their extensive use in consumer products, including ski wax. Based on the risks associated with PFAS, and to align with PFAS regulations, the international ski federation (FIS) implemented a ban on products containing "C8 fluorocarbons/perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)" at all FIS events from the 2021/2022 season, leading manufactures to shift their formulations towards short-chain PFAS chemistries. To date, most studies characterising PFAS in ski waxes have measured a suite of individual substances using targeted analytical approaches. However, the fraction of total fluorine (TF) in the wax accounted for by these substances remains unclear. In this study, we sought to address this question by applying a multi-platform, fluorine mass balance approach to a total of 10 commercially available ski wax products. Analysis of TF by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) revealed concentrations of 1040-51700 μg F g-1 for the different fluorinated waxes. In comparison, extractable organic fluorine (EOF) determined in methanol extracts by CIC (and later confirmed by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and 19F- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) ranged from 92 to 3160 μg g-1, accounting for only 3-8.8 % of total fluorine (TF). Further characterisation of extracts by cyclic ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMS) revealed 15 individual PFAS with perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid concentrations up to 33 μg F g-1, and 3 products exceeding the regulatory limit for PFOA (0.025 μg g-1) by a factor of up to 100. The sum of all PFAS accounted for only 0.01-1.0 % of EOF, implying a high percentage of unidentified PFAS, thus, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to provide evidence of the nature of the non-extractable fluorine present in the ski wax products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Clases
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Klaus Zangger
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Viktoria Müller
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Erwin Rosenberg
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Anders Reimann
- Department Materials and Surface Design, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Skedung
- Department Materials and Surface Design, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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2
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Crawford KA, Hartmann N. Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:39-45. [PMID: 38216812 PMCID: PMC10907454 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards ("skis") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings. RECENT FINDINGS Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Program, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
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3
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Serrano QA, Le Garf S, Martin V, Colson SS, Chevalier N. Is Physical Activity an Efficient Strategy to Control the Adverse Effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Context of Obesity? A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:883. [PMID: 38255955 PMCID: PMC10815489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity affects nearly 660 million adults worldwide and is known for its many comorbidities. Although the phenomenon of obesity is not fully understood, science regularly reveals new determinants of this pathology. Among them, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been recently highlighted. Mainly lipophilic, POPs are normally stored in adipose tissue and can lead to adverse metabolic effects when released into the bloodstream. The main objective of this narrative review is to discuss the different pathways by which physical activity may counteract POPs' adverse effects. The research that we carried out seems to indicate that physical activity could positively influence several pathways negatively influenced by POPs, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, lipid accumulation, adipogenesis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, that are associated with the development of obesity. This review also indicates how, through the controlled mobilization of POPs, physical activity could be a valuable approach to reduce the concentration of POPs in the bloodstream. These findings suggest that physical activity should be used to counteract the adverse effects of POPs. However, future studies should accurately assess its impact in specific situations such as bariatric surgery, where weight loss promotes POPs' blood release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincent Martin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
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4
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Müller V, Andrade Costa LC, Rondan FS, Matic E, Mesko MF, Kindness A, Feldmann J. Per and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) target and EOF analyses in ski wax, snowmelts, and soil from skiing areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1926-1936. [PMID: 37853802 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00375b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are common additives in ski waxes for their water repellent characteristic. Abrasion of ski wax leaves PFAS on the snow surface, however, little is known about the distribution and concentration of PFAS in snow and soil due to skiing. In this study we analysed different ski waxes, snowmelts and soil from family skiing areas from Alpine locations using targeted high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to understand more about PFAS distribution in the environment. In general, we found a very diverse PFAS pattern in the analysed media. PFAS level was higher in skiing areas compared to the non-skiing ones that were used as control. ∑target PFAS ranged between <1.7 ng L-1 and 143 ng L-1 in snowmelt, <0.62 ng g-1 and 5.35 ng g-1 in soil and <1.89 and 874 ± 240 ng g-1 in ski wax samples. Snowmelt was dominated by short-chained PFAS, while soil and wax contained both short and long-chained PFAS. Extractable organic fluorine (EOF) was several orders of magnitude higher for waxes (0.5-2 mg g-1) than for soils (up to 0.3 μg g-1), while total fluorine (TF) content of the waxes was even higher, up to 31 210 ± 420 μg g-1. We also showed that the ∑ target PFAS accounts for up to 1.5% in EOF content, showing that targeted LC-MS/MS gives a limited measure of the pollution originated from ski waxes and non-targeted analysis and EOF is necessary for a better overview on PFAS distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Müller
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
- TESLA-Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Larissa Cristine Andrade Costa
- Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Filipe Soares Rondan
- Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Matic
- TESLA-Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Marcia Foster Mesko
- Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Andrew Kindness
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
- University of KwaZulu Natal, School of Chemistry & Physics, Private Bag X54001, Westville Campus, ZA-4000 Durban, South Africa
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- TESLA-Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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Zhang J, Jaspers VLB, Røe J, Castro G, Kroglund IB, Gonzalez SV, Østnes JE, Asimakopoulos AG. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) feathers from Trøndelag, Norway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166213. [PMID: 37567298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of global concern due to their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment, bioaccumulation and the adverse effects on organisms. Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) are documented to be exposed to increasing concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and have been suggested in literature as a key raptor monitoring species. Therefore, non-destructive biomonitoring efforts are of high interest. Thus far, the use of feathers for biomonitoring PFASs in Tawny Owls has not been investigated. In this study, 32 PFASs were analyzed in 49 Tawny Owl body feather samples collected from 2017 to 2020 in Trøndelag, Norway. There were 30 PFASs detected in at least one feather, with the sum concentrations ranging from 31 to 203 ng/g (w.w.). Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) (median: 33 ng/g) and perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (FOSAA) (median: 18 ng/g) were the two compounds with the highest concentrations. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which is banned for production and use in Norway since 2007, was found in all samples (median: 4.14 ng/g), indicating its high persistence. 8 PFASs were detected in at least 50 % of the samples: FOSAA (11-127 ng/g), PFHpA (<0.04-115 ng/g), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (<0.28-21 ng/g), PFOS (0.23-13 ng/g), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) (0.24-5.15 ng/g), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) (<0.28-4.45 ng/g), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (<0.28-2.33 ng/g), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) (0.07-1.01 ng/g). No significant differences were found for the concentrations of PFASs between calendar years and locations, but a slight increase could be observed in the sum concentration of PFASs (Ʃ32PFASs) over the sampling years. As Tawny Owls are residential owls that usually do not cover great distances, their feathers can be used as a potential alternative matrix for future biomonitoring studies. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the occurrence of 32 PFASs investigated in feathers of a Tawny Owl population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jonas Røe
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingvild B Kroglund
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7229 Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Susana Villa Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Eivind Østnes
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7229 Steinkjer, Norway
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6
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Mann MM, Berger BW. A genetically-encoded biosensor for direct detection of perfluorooctanoic acid. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15186. [PMID: 37704644 PMCID: PMC10499884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41953-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water at the low levels set by regulatory officials has been a major focus for sensor developing researchers. However, it is becoming more apparent that detection of these contaminants in soils, foods and consumer products is relevant and necessary at part per billion and even part per million levels. Here, a fluorescent biosensor for the rapid detection of PFOA was engineered based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). By conjugating circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cp.GFP) to a split hLFABP construct, the biosensor was able to detect perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA in PBS as well as environmental water samples with LODs of 236 and 330 ppb respectively. Furthermore, E. coli cells cytosolically expressing the protein-based sensor were demonstrated to quickly detect PFOA, demonstrating feasibility of whole-cell sensing. Overall, this work demonstrates a platform technology utilizing a circularly permuted GFP and split hLFABP conjugate as a label-free optical biosensor for PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Mann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
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7
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Delatour T, Theurillat X, Eriksen B, Mujahid C, Mottier P. Inadequate definition of the limit of quantification used for the analysis of perfluoroalkyl substances in food by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry may compromise the reliability of the data requested by the European regulation. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9507. [PMID: 36951453 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a widespread technology used for the quantitative determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foodstuff. Specifically, LC-MS/MS offers an attractive performance by combining the sensitivity and selectivity required by the European Union for testing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid with maximum limits of quantification (LOQ) in the sub-parts-per-billion (μg/kg) or the parts-per-trillion (ng/kg) domains. In this article, we highlight the important diversity in LOQ definitions applied in LC-MS/MS methods described in the literature that raise concerns about the capability of some of those to generate reliable data requested by the European regulation. Here, we point out the risk of false response or misquantification if the criteria for assessing LOQ suffer from a lack of rigor. We emphasize the need to use PFAS-free samples spiked with the analyte(s) of interest and the application of identification criteria according to official documents for a sound measurement of the LOQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Delatour
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Bjørn Eriksen
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Mujahid
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mottier
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Crawford KA, Doherty BT, Gilbert-Diamond D, Romano ME, Claus Henn B. Waxing activity as a potential source of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other environmental contaminants among the US ski and snowboard community. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114335. [PMID: 36150439 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skiers and snowboarders apply waxes and solvents to their equipment to enhance glide across the snow. Waxing results in exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and particulate matter, which have been associated with adverse health effects among professional wax technicians in Scandinavia. However, little is known about exposure among people who participate at other levels of sport, including recreationally, in other regions. OBJECTIVE We sought to characterize wax-related exposures among US skiers and snowboarders who participate across numerous levels of sport to expand scientific understanding of environmental health risks among this population. METHODS We used an anonymous electronic survey to evaluate wax-related exposures among US cross-country and downhill skiers and snowboarders. Specifically, we assessed (Fang et al., 2020): duration of time involved with each sport in any role (Freberg et al., 2013), intensity of wax-related exposures based on time spent in waxing areas, wax use, and wax type (Rogowski et al., 2007), frequency of fluorinated wax application, and (Freberg et al., 2010) use of exposure interventions. RESULTS Participants tended to be long-term winter sports enthusiasts (e.g., median downhill skiing duration: 31 years). Nearly all (92%) participants personally applied some wax to their skis/snowboards and most applied waxes containing PFAS (67%) and solvents (62%). Ski professionals waxed the most pairs of skis with fluorinated waxes annually (median (IQR): 20 (1, 100)), though individuals participating recreationally also applied fluorinated waxes regularly. Exposure interventions were not widely used. SIGNIFICANCE Waxing activities may pose significant risk of exposure to PFAS and other environmental contaminants among the US ski and snowboard community. Efforts are needed to reduce these exposures through changes to wax use patterns and broader adoption of exposure reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Zhu W, Khan K, Roakes H, Maker E, Underwood KL, Zemba S, Badireddy AR. Vermont-wide assessment of anthropogenic background concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances in surface soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129479. [PMID: 35803188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Shallow surface soils from 66 suburban sampling locations across Vermont were analyzed for 17 different perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA). PFAA were detected in all 66 surface soils, with a total concentration of PFAA ranging from 540 to 36,000 ng/kg dry soil weight (dw). Despite the complexity of site-specific factors, some general trends and correlations in PFAA concentrations were observed. For instance, perfluoro-1-octanesulfonate (PFOS) dominated in all soil samples while seven other PFAA, including perfluoro-n-nonanoic acid, perfluoro-n-octanoic acid, perfluoro-n-hexanoic acid, perfluoro-n-heptanoic acid, perfluoro-n-decanoic acid, perfluoro-n-undecanoic acid, perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate, and perfluoro-1-hexanesulfonate (PFNA, PFOA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFDA, PFUnDA, and PFBS, respectively), were identified at more than 50 % of the locations. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) showed a positive correlation with total organic carbon, whereas no clear correlation was observed for perfluoroalkyl sulfonate acids (PFSA). In addition, variations in geographical distributions of PFAA were observed, with relatively higher total PFAA in northern regions when compared to Southern Vermont. Moreover, PFHxA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFOS, and total PFAA were positively correlated to land-use types in Northern Vermont. These results are useful for understanding unique behaviors of PFCA vs. PFSA in geospatially distributed surface soils and for providing anthropogenic background data for setting PFAS cleanup standards for surface soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Kamruzzaman Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Harrison Roakes
- Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc., 187 Saint Paul Street suite 4-C, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Elliot Maker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Kristen L Underwood
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Stephen Zemba
- Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc., 187 Saint Paul Street suite 4-C, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Appala Raju Badireddy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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10
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Hassan MH, Khan R, Andreescu S. Advances in electrochemical detection methods for measuring contaminants of emerging concerns. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H. Hassan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Clarkson University Potsdam New York USA
| | - Reem Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Clarkson University Potsdam New York USA
| | - Silvana Andreescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Clarkson University Potsdam New York USA
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11
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Mann MM, Tang JD, Berger BW. Engineering human liver fatty acid binding protein for detection of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 119:513-522. [PMID: 34723386 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals with surface active and water-repellent properties. The combination of wide-spread use in numerous consumer and industrial products and extended biological half-lives arising from strong carbon-fluorine bonds has led to significant accumulation of PFAS in humans. As most human interaction with PFAS comes from ingestion, it is important to be able to detect PFAS in drinking water as well as in agricultural water. Here we present an approach to designing a fluorescence-based biosensor for the rapid detection of PFAS based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). Introduction of solvatochromic fluorophores within the ligand binding pocket (L50) allowed for intrinsic detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) via blue-shifts in fluorescence emission spectra. Initially, a single tryptophan mutation (L50W) was found to be able to detect PFOA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.8 ppm. We improved the sensitivity of the biosensor by exchanging tryptophan for the thiol reactive fluorophore, acrylodan. The acrylodan conjugated C69S/F50C hLFABP variant is capable of detecting PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in PBS with LODs of 112 ppb, 345 ppb, and 1.09 ppm, respectively. The protein-based sensor is also capable of detecting these contaminants at similar ranges in spiked environmental water samples, including samples containing an interfering anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. Overall, this study demonstrates engineered hLFABP is a useful platform for detection of PFAS in environmental water samples and highlights its ease of use and versatility in field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Mann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - James D Tang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
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12
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De Silva AO, Armitage JM, Bruton TA, Dassuncao C, Heiger-Bernays W, Hu XC, Kärrman A, Kelly B, Ng C, Robuck A, Sun M, Webster TF, Sunderland EM. PFAS Exposure Pathways for Humans and Wildlife: A Synthesis of Current Knowledge and Key Gaps in Understanding. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:631-657. [PMID: 33201517 PMCID: PMC7906948 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We synthesize current understanding of the magnitudes and methods for assessing human and wildlife exposures to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most human exposure assessments have focused on 2 to 5 legacy PFAS, and wildlife assessments are typically limited to targeted PFAS (up to ~30 substances). However, shifts in chemical production are occurring rapidly, and targeted methods for detecting PFAS have not kept pace with these changes. Total fluorine measurements complemented by suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry are thus emerging as essential tools for PFAS exposure assessment. Such methods enable researchers to better understand contributions from precursor compounds that degrade into terminal perfluoroalkyl acids. Available data suggest that diet is the major human exposure pathway for some PFAS, but there is large variability across populations and PFAS compounds. Additional data on total fluorine in exposure media and the fraction of unidentified organofluorine are needed. Drinking water has been established as the major exposure source in contaminated communities. As water supplies are remediated, for the general population, exposures from dust, personal care products, indoor environments, and other sources may be more important. A major challenge for exposure assessments is the lack of statistically representative population surveys. For wildlife, bioaccumulation processes differ substantially between PFAS and neutral lipophilic organic compounds, prompting a reevaluation of traditional bioaccumulation metrics. There is evidence that both phospholipids and proteins are important for the tissue partitioning and accumulation of PFAS. New mechanistic models for PFAS bioaccumulation are being developed that will assist in wildlife risk evaluations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:631-657. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carla Ng
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna Robuck
- University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI USA
| | - Mei Sun
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC USA
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