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Behnami A, Zoroufchi Benis K, Pourakbar M, Yeganeh M, Esrafili A, Gholami M. Biosolids, an important route for transporting poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater treatment plants into the environment: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171559. [PMID: 38458438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171559] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in diverse products has led to their introduction into wastewater systems, making wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) significant PFAS contributors to the environment. Despite WWTPs' efforts to mitigate PFAS impact through physicochemical and biological means, concerns persist regarding PFAS retention in generated biosolids. While numerous review studies have explored the fate of these compounds within WWTPs, no study has critically reviewed their presence, transformation mechanisms, and partitioning within the sludge. Therefore, the current study has been specifically designed to investigate these aspects. Studies show variations in PFAS concentrations across WWTPs, highlighting the importance of aqueous-to-solid partitioning, with sludge from PFOS and PFOA-rich wastewater showing higher concentrations. Research suggests biological mechanisms such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, transamine metabolism, and beta-oxidation are involved in PFAS biotransformation, though the effects of precursor changes require further study. Carbon chain length significantly affects PFAS partitioning, with longer chains leading to greater adsorption in sludge. The wastewater's organic and inorganic content is crucial for PFAS adsorption; for instance, higher sludge protein content and divalent cations like calcium and magnesium promote adsorption, while monovalent cations like sodium impede it. In conclusion, these discoveries shed light on the complex interactions among factors affecting PFAS behavior in biosolids. They underscore the necessity for thorough considerations in managing PFAS presence and its impact on environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Behnami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khaled Zoroufchi Benis
- Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mojtaba Pourakbar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran; Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Yeganeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Esrafili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mitra Gholami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Yu Y, Wang Z, Yao B, Zhou Y. Occurrence, bioaccumulation, fate, and risk assessment of emerging pollutants in aquatic environments: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171388. [PMID: 38432380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Significant concerns on a global scale have been raised in response to the potential adverse impacts of emerging pollutants (EPs) on aquatic creatures. We have carefully reviewed relevant research over the past 10 years. The study focuses on five typical EPs: pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and microplastics (MPs). The presence of EPs in the global aquatic environment is source-dependent, with wastewater treatment plants being the main source of EPs. Multiple studies have consistently shown that the final destination of most EPs in the water environment is sludge and sediment. Simultaneously, a number of EPs, such as PFASs, MPs, and BFRs, have long-term environmental transport potential. Some EPs exhibit notable tendencies towards bioaccumulation and biomagnification, while others pose challenges in terms of their degradation within both biological and abiotic treatment processes. The results showed that, in most cases, the ecological risk of EPs in aquatic environments was low, possibly due to potential dilution and degradation. Future research topics should include adding EPs detection items for the aquatic environment, combining pollution, and updating prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuange Yu
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bin Yao
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yaoyu Zhou
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
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3
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Link GW, Reeves DM, Cassidy DP, Coffin ES. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in final treated solids (Biosolids) from 190 Michigan wastewater treatment plants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132734. [PMID: 37922581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132734] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Trends in concentration, distribution, and variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids are characterized using an extensive dataset of 350 samples from 190 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across Michigan. All samples are comprised of final treated solids generated at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Concentrations of both individual and Σ24 PFAS are lognormally distributed, with Σ24 PFAS concentrations ranging from 1-3200 ng/g and averaging 108 ± 277 ng/g dry wt. PFAS with carboxyl and sulfonic functional groups comprise 29% and 71% of Σ24 PFAS concentrations, respectively, on average. Primary sample variability in concentration is associated with long-chain PFAS with higher tendency for partitioning to biosolids. Short-chain carboxylic compounds, most notably PFHxA, are responsible for secondary concentration variability. Usage of FTSA and PFBS replacements to long-chain sulfonic compounds also contributes to variance in biosolids concentrations. Sulfonamide precursor compounds as a collective group are detected at a similar frequency as PFOS and often have higher concentrations. Trends in PFAS enrichment for individual PFAS vary at least 3 orders-of-magnitude and generally increase with compound hydrophobicity; however, partitioning of PFAS onto solids in WWTPs is a complex process not easily described nor constrained using experimentally-derived partitioning coefficients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett W Link
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Donald M Reeves
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA.
| | - Daniel P Cassidy
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Ethan S Coffin
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
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4
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Ilieva Z, Hamza RA, Suehring R. The significance of fluorinated compound chain length, treatment technology, and influent composition on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal in worldwide wastewater treatment plants. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:59-69. [PMID: 37096563 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are deemed major conveyors and point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment. This statistical meta-analysis of existing literature from the past 15 years focused on the significance of treatment type for PFAS removal efficiencies and the influence of PFAS sources (domestic vs. industrial) on their removal. Different sampling events, WWTPs across the world, different treatment technologies, configurations, and processes, as well as different PFAS classes and compounds were considered. This study evaluated 13 PFAS analyzed predominantly in 161 WWTPs across the world. The statistical test results revealed that these 13 frequently detected and reported PFAS can be divided into four groups based on their behavior during wastewater treatment, namely (1) C6-10 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), (2) C4,5,11,12 PFCAs, (3) C4,6,8 perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs), and (4) C10 PFSA. In this study, biological treatments such as (1) membrane bioreactors, (2) combination of two or more biological treatments, and (3) biofilm processes revealed the highest PFAS removals, although the addition of a tertiary treatment actually had a nonbeneficial effect on PFAS removal. Moreover, a strong statistical correlation was observed between industrial wastewater sources and the presence of high influent PFAS concentrations in the receiving WWTPs. This indicates that industrial sources were the main contributors of the PFAS load in the analyzed WWTPs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:59-69. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanina Ilieva
- Department of Civil Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rania A Hamza
- Department of Civil Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roxana Suehring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Gobelius L, Glimstedt L, Olsson J, Wiberg K, Ahrens L. Mass flow of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Swedish municipal wastewater network and wastewater treatment plant. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139182. [PMID: 37302497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed in wastewater, due to their numerous uses in industry and consumer products, but little is known of PFAS mass flows in municipal wastewater network systems and within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study assessed mass flows of 26 PFAS in a wastewater network and WWTP, to provide new insights into their sources, transport, and fate in different treatment steps. Wastewater and sludge samples were collected from pumping stations and the main WWTP in Uppsala, Sweden. PFAS composition profiles and mass flows were used to identify sources within the sewage network. Wastewater from one pumping station showed elevated concentrations of C3-C8 PFCA, likely caused by an industrial source, and two stations had elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTSA, probably originating from a nearby firefighter training facility. Within the WWTP, short-chain PFAS dominated in wastewater, whereas long-chain PFAS dominated in sludge. The ratio of perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSA) and ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (EtFOSAA) to ∑26PFAS decreased during the WWTP process, likely due to sorption to sludge, but also transformation (EtFOSAA). Overall, PFAS were not efficiently removed in the WWTP, with mean removal efficiency of 10 ± 68% for individual PFAS, resulting in discharge of 7000 mg d-1 ∑26PFAS into the recipient. This shows that conventional WWTPs are inefficient in removing PFAS from wastewater and sludge, so advanced treatment techniques are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gobelius
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Glimstedt
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jesper Olsson
- Uppsala Vatten Och Avfall AB, Box 1444, 75144, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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6
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Seay BA, Dasu K, MacGregor IC, Austin MP, Krile RT, Frank AJ, Fenton GA, Heiss DR, Williamson RJ, Buehler S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances fate and transport at a wastewater treatment plant with a collocated sewage sludge incinerator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162357. [PMID: 36858229 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162357] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to understand the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and inorganic fluoride (IF) at an undisclosed municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operating a sewage sludge incinerator (SSI). A robust statistical analysis characterized concentrations and mass flows at all WWTP and SSI primary influents/effluents, including thermal-treatment derived airborne emissions. WWTP-level net mass flows (NMFs) of total PFAS were not statistically different from zero. SSI-level NMFs indicate that PFAS, and specifically perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), are being broken down. The NMF of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs; -274 ± 34 mg/day) was statistically significant. The observed breakdown primarily occurred in the sewage sludge. However, the total PFAS destruction and removal efficiency of 51 % indicates the SSI may inadequately remove PFAS. The statistically significant IF source (NMF = 16 ± 4.2 kg/day) compared to the sink of PFAS as fluoride (NMF = -0.00036 kg/day) suggests that other fluorine-containing substances are breaking down in the SSI. WWTP PFAS mass discharges were primarily to the aquatic environment (>99 %), with <0.5 % emitted to the atmosphere/landfill. Emission rates for formerly phased-out PFOS and PFOA were compared to previously reported levels. Given the environmental persistence of these compounds, the observed decreases in PFOS and PFOA discharge rates from prior reports implies regional/local differences in emissions or possibly their accumulation elsewhere. PFAS were observed in stack gas emissions, but modestly contributed to NMFs and showed negligible contribution to ambient air concentrations observed downwind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brannon A Seay
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States.
| | - Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Ian C MacGregor
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Matthew P Austin
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Robert T Krile
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Aaron J Frank
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - George A Fenton
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Derik R Heiss
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Rhett J Williamson
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
| | - Stephanie Buehler
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
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7
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Castellani F, Galletti M, Charavgis F, Cingolani A, Renzi S, Nucci M, Protano C, Vitali M. Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) in River Waters of Central Italy: Monthly Variation and Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:332-346. [PMID: 37022436 PMCID: PMC10130131 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a wide class of emerging pollutants. In this study, we applied the US EPA method 533 for the determination of 21 PFCs in river water samples. In particular, this method was used to investigate the presence of the target PFCs in six rivers in central Italy during a 4-month-long monitoring campaign. In 73% of the analyzed samples, at least some of the target PFCs were detected at concentrations higher than the limit of detection (LOD). The sum of the 21 target analytes (∑21PFCs) ranged from 4.3 to 68.5 ng L-1, with the highest concentrations measured in the month of June, probably due to a minor river streamflow occurring in the warmer summer months. Considering the individual congeners, PFBA and PFPeA, followed by PFHxA and PFOA, were the predominantly detected compounds. Short- and medium-chain PFCs (C4-C9) prevail over the long-chain PFCs (C10-C18), likely due to the increased industrial use and the higher solubility of short-chain PFCs compared to long-chain PFCs. The ecological risk assessment, conducted by using the risk quotient method, highlighted that the risk for aquatic environments associated with PFBA, PFPeA, PFBS, PFHxA and PFOA was low or negligible. Only for PFOA, there was a medium level of risk in two rivers in the month of June. With regard to PFOS, 54% of the river water samples were classified as "high risk" for the aquatic environment. The remaining 46% of the samples were classified as "medium risk."
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Castellani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome la Sapienza, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Mara Galletti
- ARPA Umbria, Via Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, 23, 05100, Terni, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Renzi
- ARPA Umbria, Via Pievaiola 207/B-3, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mirko Nucci
- ARPA Umbria, Via Pievaiola 207/B-3, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome la Sapienza, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome la Sapienza, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Rehman AU, Crimi M, Andreescu S. Current and emerging analytical techniques for the determination of PFAS in environmental samples. TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2023; 37:e00198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.teac.2023.e00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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9
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Nganda A, Kumar M, Uday V, Srivastava P, Deka BJ, Zitouni F, Mahlknecht J. EI/IOT of PFCs: Environmental impacts/interactions, occurrences, and toxicities of perfluorochemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:114707. [PMID: 36436554 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114707] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Various studies have been conducted on the perfluorochemicals (PFCs) family over the years. These compounds have been sought in various industrial aspects involving the synthesis of everyday utilities due to their broad range of applications. As a result, PFCs have built up in the environment, causing concern. The presence of PFCs in various environmental media, such as terrestrial and marine settings, as well as the mechanisms of transport, bioaccumulation, and physio-chemical interactions of PFCs within plants, aquatic organisms, microplastics, and, ultimately, the human body, are discussed in this review, which draws on a variety of research publications. The interaction of PFCs with proteins, translocation, and adsorption by hydrophobic interactions were observed, and this had an impact on the natural functioning of biological processes, resulting in events such as phylogenic clustering, competitive inhibition, and many others, posing potential hazards to human health and other relevant organisms in the ecosystem. However, further research is needed to have a better knowledge of PFCs and their interactions so that low-cost treatments can be developed to eliminate them. It is therefore, future research should focus on the role of soil matrix as a defensive mechanism for PFCs, as well as the impact of PFC chain length rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armel Nganda
- Energy Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, 248007, India; Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico.
| | - Vismaya Uday
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Pankaj Srivastava
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Bhaskar Jyoti Deka
- Department of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India 247667
| | - Faiza Zitouni
- College of Engineering, Applied Science University (ASU), Bahrain
| | - Jurgen Mahlknecht
- Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico
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10
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Zhang J, Gao L, Bergmann D, Bulatovic T, Surapaneni A, Gray S. Review of influence of critical operation conditions on by-product/intermediate formation during thermal destruction of PFAS in solid/biosolids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158796. [PMID: 36115408 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic organofluorine compounds. Over 4700 PFAS compounds have been produced and used in our daily life since the 1940s. PFAS have received considerable interest because of their toxicity, environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and wide existence in the environment. Various treatment methods have been developed to overcome these issues. Thermal treatment such as combustion and pyrolysis/gasification have been employed to treat PFAS contaminated solids and soils. However, short-chain PFAS and/or volatile organic fluorine is produced and emitted via exhaust gas during the thermal treatment. Combustion can achieve complete mineralisation of PFAS at large scale operation using temperatures >1000 °C. Pyrolysis has been used in treatment of biosolids and has demonstrated that it could remove PFAS completely from the generated biochar by evaporation and degradation. Although pyrolysis partially degrades PFAS to short-chain fluorine containing organics in the syngas, it could not efficiently mineralise PFAS. Combustion of PFAS containing syngas at 1000 °C can achieve complete mineralisation of PFAS. Furthermore, the by-product of mineralisation, HF, should also be monitored due to its low regulated atmospheric discharge values. Alkali scrubbing is normally required to lower the HF concentration in the exhaust gas to acceptable discharge concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhang
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia.
| | - Li Gao
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia; South East Water Corporation, PO Box 2268, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia
| | - David Bergmann
- South East Water Corporation, PO Box 2268, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia
| | - Tamara Bulatovic
- South East Water Corporation, PO Box 2268, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia
| | - Aravind Surapaneni
- South East Water Corporation, PO Box 2268, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia
| | - Stephen Gray
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
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11
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Huang M, Ivantsova E, Konig I, Patel N, English C, Souders CL, Martyniuk CJ. Developmental and mitochondrial toxicity assessment of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 97:104037. [PMID: 36526081 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The potential toxicity of several perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to aquatic species are not well understood. Here, we assessed the sub-lethal toxicity potential of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) to developing zebrafish. PFHpA was not acutely toxic to fish up to 50 µM and there was > 96% survival in all treatments. Exposure to 200 µM PFHpA decreased ATP-linked respiration of embryos. There was no evidence for ROS induction in 7-day-old larvae fish exposed to 0.1 µM or 1 µM PFHpA. Twenty-four transcripts related to mitochondrial complexes I through V were measured and atp06, cox4i1, and cyc1 levels were decreased in larval zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner by PFHpA exposure. Locomotor activity was reduced in fish exposed to 0.1 µM PFHpA based on a visual motor response test. Anxiolytic-type behaviors were not affected by PFHpA. This study contributes to environmental risk assessments for perfluorinated chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Huang
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Emma Ivantsova
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Isaac Konig
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neep Patel
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Cole English
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher L Souders
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, USA.
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12
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Liu X, Chen L, Yu L, Hua Z, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Lu Y, Dong Y, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Xue H. Removing nutrients from wastewater by constructed wetlands under perfluoroalkyl acids stress. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113334. [PMID: 35452673 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113334] [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: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are often used to treat wastewater discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), while emerging contaminants (such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)) have been commonly discovered in WWTPs. However, no research has examined whether PFOA/OS (i.e. PFOA and PFOS) affects the performance of CW. Therefore, this study compared the nutrient removal efficiencies of four CWs with varied configurations under PFOA/OS and no PFOA/OS stress conditions. We found that CW containing plants or/and iron-carbon had higher removal efficiency for nutrients (except NH4+-N) than conventional CW in stable operation under wastewater without PFOA/OS. Plants or/and iron increased the nutrient removal efficiency by plant uptake, chemical reaction, and co-precipitation of iron hydroxides. In contrast, the iron-carbon inhibited the nitrification of nitrifying bacteria by consuming dissolved oxygen, converting NO3--N to NH4+-N. Although the removal efficiencies of nutrients by CWs differed after introducing PFOA/OS, the removal order was consistent with those before adding PFOA/OS. Plants or/and iron-carbon effectively increased CWs' resistance to PFOA/OS loading and toxicity, and the function of iron-carbon was superior to the plants. In addition, PFOA/OS reduced the abundances of microbes Hydrogenophaga, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Nitrospira, and Candidatus_Accumulibacter that contributed to nutrient removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Luying Chen
- Longteng Engineering Design CO., LTD., Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China.
| | - Zulin Hua
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Yixin Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Yueyang Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Zihao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai Universities, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China
| | - Hongqin Xue
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
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13
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Liu Z, Zhou J, Xu Y, Lu J, Chen J, Wang J. Distributions and sources of traditional and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances among multiple environmental media in the Qiantang River watershed, China. RSC Adv 2022; 12:21247-21254. [PMID: 35975075 PMCID: PMC9345021 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02385g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the food chain poses a threat to human health. Water and the atmosphere are the major transport pathways for PFASs in the environment, while water, soil and sediment are sinks. Herein, the concentrations and distributions of traditional and emerging PFASs in multi-environmental media samples in the Qiantang River watershed were comprehensively investigated. Twenty-five PFASs, including seven emerging PFASs, were identified. The concentrations in water, soil, sediment and PM2.5 ranged from 3.58 to 786 ng L-1, 0.72 to 12.3 ng g-1, 0.73 to 6.60 ng g-1, and 93.9 to 255 pg m-3, respectively, with mean concentrations of 149 ng L-1, 4.70 ng g-1, 4.31 ng g-1, and 156 pg m-3. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant contaminant in water, soil, and sediment, and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was the dominant contaminant in PM2.5. Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and 6 : 2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6 : 2 Cl-PFESA), as substitutes for PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were detected, indicating the gradual replacement of traditional PFOA and PFOS in this area. Perfluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA), as a component of the aqueous film-forming foam FN-3, was first detected in this area. Short-chain PFASs were mainly distributed in water and PM2.5, while long-chain PFASs were distributed in the solid phase, such as soil, sediment, and PM2.5. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), the major PFAS sources were emulsifiers from fluorine polymerization and surface-active agents from the textile, papermaking, leather, and other industries. In addition, correlation analysis showed that water was the main source and transport pathway of short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA), HFPO-DA, and NFDHA in this area, while the atmosphere combined with PM2.5 was the main transport pathway for both short- and long-chain PFCAs, PFOS, and 6 : 2 Cl-PFESA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Liu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China
| | - Jingqing Zhou
- Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control Hangzhou China
| | - Yalu Xu
- Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control Hangzhou China
| | - Jiafeng Lu
- Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control Hangzhou China
| | - Jinyuan Chen
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China
| | - Jing Wang
- Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control Hangzhou China
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14
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Li W, Li H, Zhang D, Tong Y, Li F, Cheng F, Huang Z, You J. Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Behave Distinctly in Spatial Distribution and Multimedia Partitioning: A Case Study in the Pearl River, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3492-3502. [PMID: 35199510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence, bioaccumulation, and toxicological effects, yet the fate of PFASs in a lotic ecosystem is largely unknown. To elucidate spatial distribution and multimedia partitioning of legacy and emerging PFASs in a lotic river flowing into an estuary, PFASs were synchronously analyzed in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), sediment, and biota samples collected along Guangzhou reach of the Pearl River, South China. Geographically, the concentrations of PFASs in the water phase showed a decreasing trend from the upper and middle sections (urban area) to the down section (suburban area close to estuary) of the river. While perfluorooctanoic acid predominated in water and SPM, more diverse compositions were observed in sediment and biota with the increase in contributions of long-chain PFASs. Field-derived sediment-water partitioning coefficients (Kd) and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of PFASs increased with the increase in perfluorinated carbons. Besides hydrophobicity, water pH and salinity significantly affected the multimedia partitioning of PFASs in a lotic ecosystem. In addition, 87 homologues (63 classes) were identified as emerging PFASs in four media using suspect analysis. Interestingly, Kd and BAF of the emerging PFASs were often higher than legacy PFASs containing the same perfluorinated carbons, raising a special concern on the environmental risk of emerging PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizong Li
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Huizhen Li
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Dainan Zhang
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yujun Tong
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Faxu Li
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhoubing Huang
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jing You
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
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15
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Johnson GR. PFAS in soil and groundwater following historical land application of biosolids. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:118035. [PMID: 35032876 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.118035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The land application of digested sewage sludge (biosolids) is widely employed across the globe. Studies show that biosolids contain significant amounts of inorganic and organic materials, as well as emerging pollutants, including per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). With the wide range of pollutants commonly reported in biosolids, the potential risks associated with long-term land application operations are concerning. In this study, PFAS in surface soils, deeper soils into the vadose zone, and immediately-underlying groundwater was measured at an agricultural station with a long record of biosolids applications plus irrigation using treated wastewater. Twelve PFAS homologues were detected in every near surface soil sampled 0-30 cm depth below ground surface with multiple PFAS (especially short-chain) distributed through the soil profile. Average measured concentrations of PFAS in these soils suggest the soil burden PFOS>PFDA>PFOA for all substations sampled, independent of the historical loading rates and patterns of agricultural operations on those substations. Measured concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in the soil profile (0-90 cm) suggest these compounds have migrated to deeper soil depths (up to 9 m below the surface) with quantifiable concentrations in the soil and the immediate underlying groundwater located approximately 17 m below. Estimates of the total mass of PFAS in surface soils were effectively made using PFAS levels reported in sludges from the USEPA NSSS combined with long-term loading rates on record at the substations. With the land application of biosolids in the USA regulated by the USEPA, additional and updated risk assessments and surveys to include emerging pollutants such as PFAS are needed to protect public health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwynn R Johnson
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, Portland State University, Portland OR 97201, United States.
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16
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Hong SH, Reiner JL, Jang M, Schuur SS, Han GM, Kucklick JR, Shim WJ. Levels and profiles of perfluorinated alkyl acids in liver tissues of birds with different habitat types and trophic levels from an urbanized coastal region of South Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151263. [PMID: 34715217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151263] [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: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Contamination status and characteristics of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) including perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) was examined using liver tissue of birds - black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris), domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica), pacific loons (Gavia pacifica), herons (Ardea cinerea), and egrets (Egretta garzetta and Ardea alba) - with different trophic levels, habitat types and migratory behaviors from an industrialized coastal region of South Korea. A wide range of PFAAs (1.09 ng/g to 1060 ng/g; median = 52.6 ng/g) were detected in bird livers from the Korean coasts with high detection frequency. Accumulation features of PFAAs in birds indicated that primarily trophic position and secondly habitat type influence the levels and composition of PFAAs, e.g., relatively high PFAA levels and high composition of odd-numbered long carbon chain PFCAs (perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTriDA)) and PFOS in higher trophic and marine birds. The prevalence of long carbon chain (≥14) PFCAs likely implies a wide use of fluorotelomer-based substances in Korea. Interspecies comparison in the accumulation profile of persistent organic pollutants (including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), and PFAAs) reveals relatively high load of PFAAs in inland (pigeons) and estuarine (egrets/herons) species compared to marine bird species, indicating wide use of PFAAs in the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Mi Jang
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Stacy S Schuur
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Gallen C, Bignert A, Taucare G, O'Brien J, Braeunig J, Reeks T, Thompson J, Mueller JF. Temporal trends of perfluoroalkyl substances in an Australian wastewater treatment plant: A ten-year retrospective investigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150211. [PMID: 34798742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a problematic group of chemicals used in various industrial and household products. They have been extensively detected in wastewater as a result of day-to-day product usage. Due to concerns about their safety, voluntary and regulatory action to limit the manufacture and use of some individual PFAS has occurred since the year 2000. The impact that this intervention has had on the use and potential exposure of Australians has not been measured. Wastewater serves as a powerful tool to assess the chemical use or consumption patterns of a population over time. We accessed a ten-year wastewater archiving program to conduct a temporal analysis of PFAS trends in an urban Australian population between the years 2010 and 2020. Results showed a decline in the concentrations for most PFAS, and a change in the PFAS profile from perfluorosulfonic acids and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, to the short-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and PFOS-replacement degradation products such as 5:3 FTCA. Intermittent pulses of PFAS that were significantly higher than 'background' levels (i.e., representing the PFAS input from primarily households) were observed, suggesting continuing industrial PFAS input within the wastewater catchment. This study highlights the long-term consequences of the diffuse use of persistent chemicals in products, and their ability to continue to enter the wastewater stream for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gallen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - A Bignert
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Frescativägen 40, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - G Taucare
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J Braeunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - T Reeks
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J Thompson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - J F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
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18
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Wang C, Wu L, Zhang YT, Wei W, Ni BJ. Unravelling the impacts of perfluorooctanoic acid on anaerobic sludge digestion process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:149057. [PMID: 34328882 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a type of persistent organic pollutant that has been detected in wastewater treatment systems, subsequently entering the waste activated sludge (WAS) anaerobic digesters. Nevertheless, how PFOA affects the anaerobic digestion of WAS has never been reported till now. In this study, a series of batch digesters were set up to assess the performance of the anaerobic sludge digestion processes with exposures to different levels of PFOA. Experimental results revealed that the increased PFOA concentration (3-60 μg/g-TS) caused the 11.1-19.2% decrease in methane production than the control. Correspondingly, the relative abundances of several key microbes related to acidification (e.g., Longilinea sp.) and methanation (e.g., Methanosaeta sp.) decreased when exposed to PFOA, as demonstrated by microbial community analysis. Further investigations based on modelling and intermediate metabolites analysis confirmed the inhibition of acidification and methanation caused by PFOA, thus decreasing the methane production potential of WAS in anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Lan Wu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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19
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Sim W, Park H, Yoon JK, Kim JI, Oh JE. Characteristic distribution patterns of perfluoroalkyl substances in soils according to land-use types. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130167. [PMID: 33725626 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a nationwide monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils was conducted for various land-use types around South Korea, such as industrial complexes, landfills, farmlands, mountains, and woodlands. The ∑15PFAS concentrations in soil samples ranged from 0.175 to 11.7 ng/g dry weight (dw) (median 2.39 ng/g dw). The soil samples from industrial complexes (0.346-11.7 ng/g dw; median 3.25 ng/g dw) and landfills (0.504-10.4 ng/g dw; median 2.13 ng/g dw) had higher median ∑15PFAS concentrations than other regions (0.175-3.01 ng/g dw; median 1.15 ng/g dw). In the soil samples from industrial areas, the ∑15PFAS concentrations ranged from 3.11 to 11.7 ng/g dw (median 6.32 ng/g dw) from the textile industries, 3.26-8.74 ng/g dw (median 6.20 ng/g dw) from the metal industries, 1.53-5.71 ng/g dw (median 3.38 ng/g) from the chemical industries, and 0.346-3.48 ng/g dw (median 2.39 ng/g dw) from the electronics industries. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and long chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) between C9 and C12 were generally dominant in these soils. In particular, PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and PFCAs with ≤ C6 were more frequently found in soils from industrial complexes than from other land-use types. On the other hand, PFCAs between C7 and C12 had relatively high detection frequencies regardless of the soil type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjin Sim
- Education & Research Center for Infrastructure of Smart Ocean City (i-SOC Center), Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejeong Park
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea; Seoul Institute, Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ki Yoon
- National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-In Kim
- National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Point AD, Holsen TM, Fernando S, Hopke PK, Crimmins BS. Trends (2005-2016) of perfluoroalkyl acids in top predator fish of the Laurentian Great Lakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146151. [PMID: 33711592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This work presents the first assessment of temporal trends (2005-2016) for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in top predator fish of the Laurentian Great Lakes except Lake Ontario, for which we provide a post-2008 update. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) or walleye (Sander vitreus; Lake Erie only) collected annually from 2005 to 2016 were analyzed for 12 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) with carbon chain lengths between 4 and 16 (C4-C16). Individual analyte concentrations generally decreased in fish basin-wide between 2005 and 2016, including Lake Ontario lake trout previously found to lack declining PFAA concentrations up until 2008. Declining fish PFAA burden reflects a positive response to the industrial phase-outs of these chemicals. Notable exceptions to this general decline included most analytes in lake trout collected from Lake Superior near Keweenaw Point and C6 and C8 PFSAs and C9 PFCAs in Lake Erie lake trout and walleye, which exhibited constant or increasing concentrations in recent years. Recent increases in Lake Superior shoreline development and mobilization from increased sediment resuspension and contamination from biosolids-amended agricultural soils in the Lake Erie watershed are plausible explanations for these cases. However, data scarcity prohibits confirmation of these suspected causes. The lingering lack of declining concentrations noted in this study together with the ongoing evolution of the fluorinated chemical industry emphasize the vigilance needed to better understand how past and future emissions will affect the Great Lakes and global ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Point
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Thomas M Holsen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Sujan Fernando
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Bernard S Crimmins
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America; AEACS, LLC, New Kensington, PA, United States of America
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21
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Tavasoli E, Luek JL, Malley JP, Mouser PJ. Distribution and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:903-913. [PMID: 34028475 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00032b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a major class of contaminants of emerging concern composed of nearly 5000 chemicals. Many PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, and their widespread use makes their environmental distribution a growing concern. Wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) are a conduit of PFAS to the environment, integrating common household products from municipal sewage, industrial wastewater sources, septic materials, and firefighting wastewaters in effluent and sludge. This study investigated the distribution and fate of twenty-four PFAS within six New Hampshire municipal WWTFs applying a range of biological and disinfection unit processes. PFAS quantification was conducted using two approaches: (1) liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of 24 known compounds and (2) a total oxidizable precursor assay (TOP assay) followed by LC-MS/MS to determine the total oxidizable PFAS concentration. Of the 24 PFAS analyzed, up to 7 and 12 constituents were detected in influent and effluent of WWTFs, respectively, with concentrations ranging from 30 to 128 ng L-1 in March. Effluent ΣPFAS concentration increased during July, with concentrations between 70 and 198 ng L-1 for the same detected constituents. Short-chain PFAS were dominant in both influent and effluent, while long-chain compounds dominated in WWTF sludge. The increase in terminal end-products after oxidation by the TOP assay indicates the presence of unquantified PFAS precursors in both influent and effluent. A significantly lower proportion of oxidizable PFAS precursors were detected in July influent and effluent relative to March, indicating a possible role of season or temperature on microbial transformation of these compounds prior to reaching WWTFs and during treatment. These results provide new insight into PFAS distribution and fate during two seasons in New England municipal WWTFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Tavasoli
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA. and HDR, Inc., Manchester, NH 03101, USA
| | - Jenna L Luek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.
| | - James P Malley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.
| | - Paula J Mouser
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.
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Moodie D, Coggan T, Berry K, Kolobaric A, Fernandes M, Lee E, Reichman S, Nugegoda D, Clarke BO. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Australian biosolids. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:129143. [PMID: 33429237 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biosolids samples were collected from 19 Australian WWTPs during 2018 that cover a range of catchment types (urban, rural, industrial waste discharges) and treatment technologies. Samples were analysed for 44 PFAS using isotope dilution and alkaline extraction coupled with quantification with LC-MS/MS. The Σ44PFAS mean concentration was 260 ng/g dry weight (dw) and ranged between 4.2 and 910 ng/g dw. The dominant compound class detected were the di-substituted phosphate esters (Σ3PAPs mean 140 ng/g dw; range ND - 730 ng/g dw) which contributed 45% of the total mean Σ44PFAS mass, followed by perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (Σ11PFCAs mean 39 ng/g dw; range 2.3-120 ng/g dw) contributing 17%, and the perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (Σ8PFSAs mean 28 ng/g dw; range 0.9-220 ng/g) which contributed 16%. Using the population data supplied by the participating WWTPs, the mean annual estimated biosolids-associated PFAS contribution is 6 mg per person per year and ranged between 0.6 mg and 15 mg. A similar population normalised concentration regardless of WWTP, region or capacity suggests that the domestic environment provides the baseline PFAS loading. Statistically significant higher Σ44PFAS and PFOS concentrations were observed at urban locations. A weak correlation was observed between annual mass of PFAS associated with each individual WWTP and their percentage industrial waste contribution. This may be important for elevated PFAS concentrations observed in WWTPs with higher industrial waste inputs and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Moodie
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia; Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Timothy Coggan
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Kathryn Berry
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Adam Kolobaric
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Milena Fernandes
- SA Water, GPO Box 1751, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elliot Lee
- Water Corporation, Leederville, Western Australia, 6007, Australia
| | - Suzie Reichman
- Centre for Anthropogenic Pollution Impact and Management (CAPIM), School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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23
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Im SJ, Lee H, Jang A. Effects of co-existence of organic matter and microplastics on the rejection of PFCs by forward osmosis membrane. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110597. [PMID: 33316231 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated chemical (PFC)-based materials have been widely applied in industry. In this study, the influence of PFCs on the physicochemical properties of membranes and that of the co-existence of organic matter and microplastics on the removal rate in the process of forward osmosis (FO) was examined. The water flux, reverse salt flux, and rejection of PFCs were evaluated under w and w/o contaminants. The lowest rejection rates of PFCs in FO membranes were observed to be 92.2% and 90.4% for FO-TFC and PA-Aqua FO membranes, respectively. The main rejection mechanism of the FO membrane is the sieving effect (p-value: PA-TFC-0.015, PA-Aqua-0.002) based on molecular volume, which is more dominant than the electrostatic repulsive force and hydrophobic interaction, the major rejection mechanisms of existing trace contaminants. In addition, we observed that the effects of co-existing pollutants in raw water have an insignificant effect on the rejection of PFCs because of the physical and chemical stability of PFCs. According to the results of this study, using the FO membrane, PFCs can effectively control not only their self-existence but also when contaminants co-exist with them in water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ju Im
- Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeonho Lee
- Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Am Jang
- Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Kim KY, Ndabambi M, Choi S, Oh JE. Legacy and novel perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in industrial wastewater and the receiving river water: Temporal changes in relative abundances of regulated compounds and alternatives. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 191:116830. [PMID: 33476798 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of 28 novel and legacy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in wastewater from 77 industrial plants in the largest industrial complex in Korea were determined. The industrial plants were of eight types (advanced electronic, battery, chemical, general electronic, glass and ceramic, metal, polymer, and textile). PFAS concentrations in river water receiving the wastewater were determined to assess the impact of wastewater from the industrial complex. Only 19 and nine target PFASs were detected in untreated industrial wastewater and river water, respectively. Novel PFASs such as F53B (6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate) were not detected. The mean PFASs concentration in industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent was 5.18 µg/L. The mean total PFASs concentration was highest in advanced electronic plant effluent, second highest in general electronic plant effluent, and lowest in battery and chemical plant effluents. Perfluorohexane sulfonate was the dominant homolog, being detected in effluent from plants of all classes and contributing 96% of total discharged PFASs by mass. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (included in the Stockholm Convention) use has decreased markedly since previous studies. Perfluorooctane sulfonate has largely been replaced by PFASs with fewer than seven carbon atoms. A similar change was found for river water receiving industrial wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Yong Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Mlamuli Ndabambi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Choi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Ahmad J, Memon AG, Shaikh AA, Ismail T, Giwa AS, Mahmood A. Insight into single-element nobel metal anisotropic silver nanoparticle shape-dependent selective ROS generation and quantification. RSC Adv 2021; 11:8314-8322. [PMID: 35423338 PMCID: PMC8695170 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra10616j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The biocidal action mechanism of single element noble metal anisotropic nanoparticles has remained a perplexing challenge. Herein, we investigated the photogenerated anisotropic AgNP ROS production kinetics and each ROS species' direct impact on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Three shapes (Triangular, Cubes, Rods) of AgNP with excellent morphology were fabricated via plasmon mediated synthesis. The results demonstrated a distinct bactericidal capacity of each NP shape where Ag-Tri outperformed Ag-Cub and Ag-Rod by displaying complete bacterial mutilation at a very low dose of 18 μg mL-1 for the shortest exposure time of 180 min. In contrast, Ag-Cub needed 66.6% higher NP concentration, while Ag-Rod was unable to achieve complete bacterial mutilation. In contrast to O2˙-, (Ag-Tri 69 ± 3.2, Ag-Cub 72 ± 2.9, Ag-Rod 68.5 ± 3.7 μM), the amount of ˙OH production was considerably lower (Ag-Tri 11 ± 1.6, Ag-Cub 10.4 ± 1.9, Ag-Rod 11.3 ± 2.2 μM), while 1O2 remained undetected for all NP shapes. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of selective ROS species revealed O2˙- as a dominant species among ROS. However, O2˙- was not found as a decisive factor in microbial mutilation. SEM images affirmed the significance of the specific geometrical shape and its resultant attachment to bacterial surface to be of paramount significance. The sharp-tip morphology with high-atom density active {111} facets played a pivotal role in physically deteriorating bacterial cells. Ag-Tri morphology in synchronization with ROS species assisted its wedging into the bacterial cell, translating into superior and multifaceted antibacterial performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabran Ahmad
- State Key Joint Laboratory of ESPC, School of Environment, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China +33610117616
| | - Abdul Ghaffar Memon
- State Key Joint Laboratory of ESPC, School of Environment, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China +33610117616
- Department of Environmental Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi 75270 Pakistan +92 3332348022 +92 2199261261-8 (Ext: 2225/2346)
| | - Asif Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi 75270 Pakistan +92 3332348022 +92 2199261261-8 (Ext: 2225/2346)
| | - Tariq Ismail
- Department of Plant Protection and Production, Szent Istvan University Hungary
| | - Abdulmoseen S Giwa
- Green Intelligence Environmental School, Yangtze Normal University Chongqing 408100 China
| | - Awais Mahmood
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center (CaSToRC), The Cyprus Institute Nicosia Cyprus
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26
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Choi GH, Lee DY, Bruce-Vanderpuije P, Song AR, Lee HS, Park SW, Lee JH, Megson D, Kim JH. Environmental and dietary exposure of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid in the Nakdong River, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:347-360. [PMID: 32949006 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study performed the first environmental and dietary exposure assessment to explore plant uptake of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from agricultural soil and irrigation water in the Nakdong River delta, South Korea. Annual average concentrations of total PFOA and PFOS ranged from 0.026 to 0.112 µg L-1 (irrigation water), and from 0.818 to 1.364 µg kg-1 (soil), respectively. PFOA and PFOS hotspots were identified downstream of the Nakdong River and were influenced by seasonal climatic variations. The observed average biennial concentration of the sum of PFOA and PFOS decreased in irrigation water, from 0.112 µg L-1 in 2013 to 0.026 µg L-1 in 2015, suggests that the 2013 Persistent Organic Pollutants Control Act may have helped to reduce levels of PFAS at this location. This study calculated some of the highest plant uptake factors reported to date, with values ranging from 0.962 in green onions to < 0.004 in plums. Leafy vegetables and rice are important components of the Korean diet; these groups had the largest contribution to the estimated dietary intake of PFOA and PFOS, which was calculated at 0.449 and 0.140 ng kg bw -1 day-1, respectively. This corresponded to 66.4% for PFOA and 7.9% for PFOS of the EFSA reference dose (RfD). The dietary intake of PFOA and PFOS from crops alone did not exceed the RfD. However, when the estimated daily intake (EDI) from other sources such as tap water, meat, fish, dairy, and beverages was included in the exposure risk assessment, both of the EDIs to PFOA and PFOS exceeded the RfDs, indicating that there may be a risk to human health. This study concludes that consumption of crops might, therefore, be a significant and underappreciated pathway for human exposure to PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun-Hyoung Choi
- Chemical Safety Division, National Institute of Agriculture Science, RDA, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Deuk-Yeong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Pennante Bruce-Vanderpuije
- Chemical Safety Division, National Institute of Agriculture Science, RDA, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
- CSIR Water Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 38, Achimota, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ah-Reum Song
- Chemical Safety Division, National Institute of Agriculture Science, RDA, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Sub Lee
- Chemical Safety Division, National Institute of Agriculture Science, RDA, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Park
- Chemical Safety Division, National Institute of Agriculture Science, RDA, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hwan Lee
- Department of Life Resource Industry, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - David Megson
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Jin-Hyo Kim
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), Its Occurrence, Fate, Transport and Removal in Various Environmental Media: A Review. CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING AND WASTEWATER SOURCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4599-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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28
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Gałęzowska G, Rogowska J, Olkowska E, Ratajczyk W, Wolska L. Environmental Risk Assessment Resulting from Sediment Contamination with Perfluoroalkyl Substances. Molecules 2020; 26:E116. [PMID: 33383779 PMCID: PMC7795547 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to wide use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (e.g., in metal-plating, in fire-fighting foam, lubricants) and their resistance to degradation, they occur widely in the environment. The aim of this study was to estimate the environmental risk resulting from the presence of PFASs in the Gulf of Gdansk. Therefore, 17 PFASs concentrations were determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UPLC-MS/MS). Additionally, sediment ecotoxicity was investigated. The results of the chemical analysis were used to asses environmental risk of PFASs. In samples collected around discharge collectors from a wastewater treatment plant and the Vistula mouth, Σ17PFASs values were 0.00403 ÷ 40.6 and 0.509 ÷ 614 ng/g d.w., respectively. In samples collected around discharge collectors, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFHpA, and PFOA were dominating, while at the Vistula River mouth, PFHxS, PFDS, and PFBS were prevalent. For most sediments, no toxic effect was observed in the toxicity tests with Heterocypris inconguens and Aliivibrio ficsheri. There was no observed correlation between the PFASs level and their ecotoxicity. Generally, the results of environmental risk assessment indicate that the PFASs would not generate high impact on the aquatic life (five water samples have shown medium risk related to PFBS and PFDoA).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justyna Rogowska
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Debowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland; (G.G.); (E.O.); (W.R.); (L.W.)
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29
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Sinclair GM, Long SM, Jones OAH. What are the effects of PFAS exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations? CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127340. [PMID: 32563917 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The group of synthetic chemicals known as poly and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are currently of high concern to environmental regulators and the public due to their widespread occurrence, resistance to degradation and reported toxicity. However, little data exists on the effects of exposure to PFAS at environmentally relevant concentrations and this hampers the effective management of these compounds. This paper reviews current research on the occurrence and ecotoxicology of PFAS at environmentally relevant doses to assess their potential biological impacts. Hazard Quotient (HQ) analysis was undertaken as part of this assessment. Most PFAS detected in the environment were found to have a HQ risk value of <1 meaning their reported concentrations are below their predicted no effect concentration. This indicates many reported toxic effects of PFAS are, theoretically, unlikely to occur outside the laboratory. However, lack of information on new PFAS as well as their precursors and degradation products, coupled with lack of knowledge of their mixture toxicity means our understanding of the risks of PFAS is incomplete, especially in regard to sub-lethal and/or chronic effects. It is proposed that the development of molecular markers for PFAS exposure are needed to aid in the development of environmental PFAS regulations that are effective in fully protecting the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Sinclair
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research Group (AQUEST), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sara M Long
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research Group (AQUEST), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Oliver A H Jones
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
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30
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Degradation mechanism of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) during electrocoagulation using Fe electrode. Sep Purif Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.116911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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31
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Lee YM, Lee JY, Kim MK, Yang H, Lee JE, Son Y, Kho Y, Choi K, Zoh KD. Concentration and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Asan Lake area of South Korea. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 381:120909. [PMID: 31352148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal and spatial variations in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in different environmental media in the Asan Lake area of South Korea were investigated by measuring liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The mean concentrations of Σ16 PFAS in the different media were in the ranges of 20.7-98.2 pg/m3 in air, 17.7-467 ng/L in water, 0.04-15.0 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediments, and not detected (n.d.)-12.9 ng/g dw in soils, and the mean concentrations of Σ19 PFAS in fish ranged from n.d. to 197 ng/g wet weight. The most frequently detected PFAS were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in air and soils, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) in water, and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in sediment and fish. Long-chain PFAS species dominated over short-chain PFAS in most media samples except for the water phase. Sediment-water partition coefficients (log Kd) and bioaccumulation factors (log BAF) of PFAS were calculated using measured concentrations in water, sediments, and fish. Log Kd of PFAS tended to increase with increasing CF2 units of PFAS, and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and PFOS showed the highest log BAF value (> 3.0) in all fish species. These results indicate that longer-chain PFAS, especially PFOS, can be effectively accumulated in biota such as fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Young Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Moon-Kyung Kim
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heedeuk Yang
- Department of Food Technology & Service, Eulji University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeongjo Son
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Younglim Kho
- Department of Health, Environment and Safety, Eulji University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
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32
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Kang YM, Kim MK, Kim T, Kim TK, Zoh KD. Occurrence and Fate of Micropollutants in Private Wastewater Treatment Facility (WTF) and Their Impact on Receiving Water. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 64:650-660. [PMID: 31606773 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-019-01211-5] [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: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and removals of micropollutants in the sewage treatment tank (STT) which is a typical private wastewater treatment facility used in the rural communities in Korea, and their impact on receiving water. STTs were selected in eight provinces to examine the regional difference in the composition of micropollutant occurrence. We measured ten selected micropollutants in influents and effluents of STTs, as well as upstream and downstream of its receiving surface water. The dominant micropollutants in the influent of the STTs were caffeine (13,346 ng/L), acetaminophen (11,331 ng/L), ibuprofen (1440 ng/L), and naproxen (1313 ng/L), in agreement with the amounts produced annually in Korea. In the effluent, caffeine (1912 ng/L), acetaminophen (1586 ng/L), naproxen (475 ng/L), and ibuprofen (389 ng/L) were detected in relatively high concentrations. The composition of micropollutants in STT influents showed little regional variation by provinces, suggesting that the consumption pattern of these micropollutants did not show regional variation. The removal efficiencies of the selected micropollutants at the STTs ranged from 12% (carbamazepine) to 88% (acetaminophen), lower than typical removal by sewage treatment plants (STPs). This result is probably due to the automatic operation systems and simple treatment processes in STTs compared with STPs. The concentrations of selected micropollutants upstream of the receiving water were generally lower compared with those observed downstream, indicating that effluent from STTs was the main source. The per capita discharge loads of STTs and annual emissions rates (kg/year) from private wastewater treatment facilities were estimated for the selected micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Moon-Kyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Taeyeon Kim
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Tae-Kyoung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
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Pan CG, Yu KF, Wang YH, Zhang W, Zhang J, Guo J. Perfluoroalkyl substances in the riverine and coastal water of the Beibu Gulf, South China: Spatiotemporal distribution and source identification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 660:297-305. [PMID: 30640098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contamination in less-developed coastal regions. In the present study, we collected 19 riverine and 21 coastal surface water samples in the summer and winter of 2017 to investigate PFASs contamination in the Beibu Gulf, South China. The results show that eleven and twelve target PFASs were detected in the summer and winter, respectively. The total PFASs (ΣPFASs) concentrations in the water of the Beibu Gulf were in the range of 1609-4727 pg/L and 610-4920 pg/L in summer and winter, respectively. Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were the predominantly detected PFASs in both seasons with maximum concentrations of 2968 pg/L, 1771 pg/L, and 1764 pg/L, respectively. Strong positive correlations between some PFASs were observed (e.g., PFBA and PFBS, PFOS and PFBS, p < 0.05), suggesting these correlated pollutants may share similar sources. PFASs contamination in the Beibu Gulf was strongly affected by ocean currents, and their concentrations were lower than most coastal waters around the world. Risk assessment indicates a low risk associated with target PFASs to aquatic organisms in the Beibu Gulf. The results of the present research provided a baseline and good overview of the spatial distribution of PFASs along the Beibu Gulf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ke-Fu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Ying-Hui Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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Krzeminski P, Tomei MC, Karaolia P, Langenhoff A, Almeida CMR, Felis E, Gritten F, Andersen HR, Fernandes T, Manaia CM, Rizzo L, Fatta-Kassinos D. Performance of secondary wastewater treatment methods for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern implicated in crop uptake and antibiotic resistance spread: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 648:1052-1081. [PMID: 30340253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) discharged in effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), not specifically designed for their removal, pose serious hazards to human health and ecosystems. Their impact is of particular relevance to wastewater disposal and re-use in agricultural settings due to CEC uptake and accumulation in food crops and consequent diffusion into the food-chain. This is the reason why the chemical CEC discussed in this review have been selected considering, besides recalcitrance, frequency of detection and entity of potential hazards, their relevance for crop uptake. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been included as microbial CEC because of the potential of secondary wastewater treatment to offer conditions favourable to the survival and proliferation of ARB, and dissemination of ARGs. Given the adverse effects of chemical and microbial CEC, their removal is being considered as an additional design criterion, which highlights the necessity of upgrading conventional WWTPs with more effective technologies. In this review, the performance of currently applied biological treatment methods for secondary treatment is analysed. To this end, technological solutions including conventional activated sludge (CAS), membrane bioreactors (MBRs), moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs), and nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands (CWs) are compared for the achievable removal efficiencies of the selected CEC and their potential of acting as reservoirs of ARB&ARGs. With the aim of giving a picture of real systems, this review focuses on data from full-scale and pilot-scale plants treating real urban wastewater. To achieve an integrated assessment, technologies are compared considering also other relevant evaluation parameters such as investment and management costs, complexity of layout and management, present scale of application and need of a post-treatment. Comparison results allow the definition of design and operation strategies for the implementation of CEC removal in WWTPs, when agricultural reuse of effluents is planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Krzeminski
- Section of Systems Engineering and Technology, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Concetta Tomei
- Water Research Institute, C.N.R., Via Salaria km 29.300, CP 10, 00015 Monterotondo Stazione (Rome), Italy.
| | - Popi Karaolia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Nireas-International Water Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alette Langenhoff
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - C Marisa R Almeida
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Ewa Felis
- Environmental Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Power and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Akademicka 2, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Fanny Gritten
- CEBEDEAU, Research and Expertise Center for Water, Allée de la Découverte 11 (B53), Quartier Polytech 1, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Henrik Rasmus Andersen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Telma Fernandes
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Arquiteto Lobão Vital, 172, 4200-374 Porto, Portugal
| | - Celia M Manaia
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Arquiteto Lobão Vital, 172, 4200-374 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luigi Rizzo
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Despo Fatta-Kassinos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Nireas-International Water Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Elmoznino J, Vlahos P, Whitney M. Occurrence and partitioning behavior of perfluoroalkyl acids in wastewater effluent discharging into the Long Island Sound. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:453-461. [PMID: 30212799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were measured in aqueous and suspended particulate matter (SPM) fractions in the final effluents from 12 wastewater treatment facilities located around the Connecticut shoreline. Aqueous phase concentrations ranged from 53 to 198 ng/L for ∑PFAAs with ≤7 perfluorinated carbons (CF2) and 2-73 ng/L for >7 CF2 PFAAs. Predominant PFAAs associated with effluent derived SPM were perfluorodecanoic acid and perflurorooctane sulfonic acid, detected in 48% and 52% of samples in concentrations ranging from <LOQ-1770 ng/g and <LOQ-2750 ng/g respectively. Based on the range of concentrations detected and the average flow of final effluent to the Long Island Sound (LIS), average total annual PFAA mass loads from wastewater treatment facilities to the LIS is estimated in the range of 70-315 kg/year, with 4-100 kg/year consisting of >7 CF2 PFAAs. Partitioning coefficients (log KOC) derived for effluent water and SPM phases (4.2 ± 0.3, 4.4 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.2 and 5.3 ± 0.2 for PFOA, PFNA PFDA and PFUnA; 4.5 ± 0.2 and 5.2 ± 0.2 for PFOS and PFHsX respectively) were found to be of similar magnitude to aeration tank particles, though 0.5 to 2 log units greater than sludge solids and to natural system particulates including riverine SPM, estuarine SPM and sediments. Results from this study suggest that effluent derived suspended particulate matter could be an effective vector in the transport of long-chained PFAAs through wastewater treatment into receiving waters, and a potential vector to the local food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Elmoznino
- Environmental Science- PDM, Pfizer Global R&D, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Michael Whitney
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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Chen S, Zhou Y, Meng J, Wang T. Seasonal and annual variations in removal efficiency of perfluoroalkyl substances by different wastewater treatment processes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:2059-2067. [PMID: 30231460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important in the migration and transformation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water bodies. Six municipal WWTPs located in the upper reaches of the Guanting reservoir, along the Yanghe River, were sampled from November 2016 to July 2017. Influents, effluents, and activated sludge solutions were sampled and the concentrations of 17 PFASs were analyzed. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), Perfluorobutane sulfonat (PFBS) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) accounted for more than 90% of these. Seasonal variations in PFASs in influent directly influenced concentrations in supernatant and effluent. The annual average PFAS concentrations were 46.4, 45.1, and 38.5 ng L-1 in influent, supernatant, and effluent, respectively, indicating that WWTPs do not efficiently remove PFASs from wastewater. Annual average PFAS removal efficiencies differed among WWTPs, were influenced primarily by the treatment process used at each, and followed the order Cyclic Activated Sludge System (CASS, 32.2%) > Orbal Oxidation Ditch (OD, 17.5%) > Anaeroxic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2/O, -1.49%). Short-chain PFASs were removed significantly more efficiently in the CASS compared to the other systems. These results can show how traditional wastewater treatment plants can help remove PFASs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, Anqing Normal University, Anhui 246011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tieyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, 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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Cai Y, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhao S, Li Y, Ma L, Chen C, Huang J, Yu G. Temporal trends and transport of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in a subtropical estuary: Jiulong River Estuary, Fujian, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 639:263-270. [PMID: 29787910 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal variations and spatial distributions of fifteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in the water of the subtropical Jiulong River Estuary (JRE) in Fujian, China. The concentrations and composition profiles of PFASs showed significant seasonal variations. ∑PFASs concentrations ranged from 4.8 to 37.6 ng L-1, 12.2 to 110 ng L-1 and 3.3 to 43.0 ng L-1 in the dry, medium and wet seasons, respectively. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found to be the most abundant PFAS in the dry season, with a composition of 33% ± 5%, Perfluorohexanoic acid PFHxA (47% ± 13%) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) (52% ± 15%) were the dominant compounds in the medium and wet seasons, respectively. Seasonal and spatial distributions of ∑PFASs were different in the upstream and downstream sections. High concentration of PFHxA occurred in the medium season, and showed a linear decreasing trend from upstream to downstream. The majority of other PFASs did not show clear seasonal variation. Composition profiles indicated that the JRE was mainly contaminated by short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), shipbuilding industry, multiple wastewater and river runoff were identified as major potential sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Shanwei Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, State Oceanic Administration, Shanwei 516600, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Yuling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Songhe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yongyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Liya Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Can Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gang Yu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Stahl T, Gassmann M, Falk S, Brunn H. Concentrations and Distribution Patterns of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Sewage Sludge and in Biowaste in Hesse, Germany. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:10147-10153. [PMID: 30192140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A total of 201 sewage sludge and 45 biowaste samples were examined for 14 different perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA). For perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, maximum concentrations of 698 μg/kg dry weight were measured in sewage sludge and for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid 29.0 μg/kg dry weight were found in biowaste. Looking at the fingerprints of both these matrixes it can be see that long-chain PFAA make up 85.9% of the total concentration in sewage sludge whereas short-chain PFAA only account for 14.1%. In contrast, the trend in biowaste is just the opposite, with 53.2% long-chain and 46.8% short-chain PFAA. These results lead to the conclusion that sewage sludge functions as a sink for long-chain PFAA, and the plants preferentially take up short-chain PFAA from the sludge/soil, as seen by the concentrations found in biowaste. It can be calculated that the total yearly amount of PFAA spread onto agricultural lands amount to 15.3 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Stahl
- Hessian State Laboratory , Am Versuchsfeld 11-13 , 34128 Kassel , Germany
| | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department of Water Quality Management-Modelling and Simulation , University of Kassel , Kurt-Wolters-Strasse 3 , 34125 Kassel , Germany
| | - Sandy Falk
- Hessian State Laboratory , Glarusstrasse 6 , 65203 Wiesbaden , Germany
| | - Hubertus Brunn
- Hessian State Laboratory , Schubertstrasse 60 , 35392 Giessen , Germany
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Wang Y, Yu N, Zhu X, Guo H, Jiang J, Wang X, Shi W, Wu J, Yu H, Wei S. Suspect and Nontarget Screening of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Wastewater from a Fluorochemical Manufacturing Park. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:11007-11016. [PMID: 30211545 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have always been a key issue in the global environmental field, there are still a lot of undiscovered PFASs in the environment due to new PFAS alternatives developed by manufacturers. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as one of the sources for PFASs, are an important part of the process of releasing new PFASs into the environment. In this study, suspect screening and PFAS homologue analysis with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry were used to discover PFASs in wastewater from a WWTP near Yangtze River. Fifteen classes with 90 PFASs were identified, including 12 legacy PFASs (2 classes), 41 previously reported PFASs (7 classes), and 37 new PFASs (6 classes), and 18 of these PFASs were also detected in the nearby Yangtze River. Only 1 PFAS class was removed through the treatment processes (fold change < 1/6). Conversely, 4 PFAS classes increased through the treatment processes (fold change > 6), which could be the transformation products of PFAS precursors. These results implied that most discovered PFASs were not effectively removed in the WWTP. Chlorine-substituted perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (Cl-PFCAs) as the main component of wastewater were detected only in downstream, meaning that Cl-PFCAs in downstream possibly originated from the WWTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Department of Hydrosciences, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Nanyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Xiaobin Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Department of Hydrosciences, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Huiwei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Jianguo Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Department of Hydrosciences, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Xuebing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Jichun Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Department of Hydrosciences, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
| | - Si Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
- School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210008 , P. R. China
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Jian JM, Chen D, Han FJ, Guo Y, Zeng L, Lu X, Wang F. A short review on human exposure to and tissue distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:1058-1069. [PMID: 29913568 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PFASs are widely distributed in natural and living environment and can enter human bodies via different routes. Many studies have reported that PFASs may be associated with human diseases, such as urine acid and thyroid diseases. In this study, we reviewed PFAS levels in human bodies reported in past seven years, including blood, urine, milk, and tissues (hair and nails). Most studies focused on human blood. Blood type, spatiality, human age, and gender were found to have a strong relationship with PFAS levels in blood samples. The PFAS distribution in urine samples was reported to be associated with the chain length of PFASs and human gender. Urinary excretion was found to be an important pathway of PFAS elimination. PFAS levels in human milk might be affected by various factors, such as mothers' age, dietary habit, parity of mothers and the interval of interpregnancy. Data in hair and nails remain very limited, but these matrices offer a non-invasive approach to evaluate human exposure to PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Meng Jian
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fu-Juan Han
- Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center, Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100082, China
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lixi Zeng
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xingwen Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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41
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Yeh A, Marcinek DJ, Meador JP, Gallagher EP. Effect of contaminants of emerging concern on liver mitochondrial function in Chinook salmon. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 190:21-31. [PMID: 28668760 PMCID: PMC5590637 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported the bioaccumulation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and perfluorinated compounds, in field-collected juvenile Chinook salmon from urban estuaries of Puget Sound, WA (Meador et al., 2016). Although the toxicological impacts of CECs on salmon are poorly understood, several of the detected contaminants disrupt mitochondrial function in other species. Here, we sought to determine whether environmental exposures to CECs are associated with hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction in juvenile Chinook. Fish were exposed in the laboratory to a dietary mixture of 16 analytes representative of the predominant CECs detected in our field study. Liver mitochondrial content was reduced in fish exposed to CECs, which occurred concomitantly with a 24-32% reduction in expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) Y coactivator-1a (pgc-1α), a positive transcriptional regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. The laboratory exposures also caused a 40-70% elevation of state 4 respiration per unit mitochondria, which drove a 29-38% reduction of efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation relative to controls. The mixture-induced elevation of respiration was associated with increased oxidative injury as evidenced by increased mitochondrial protein carbonyls, elevated expression of glutathione (GSH) peroxidase 4 (gpx4), a mitochondrial-associated GSH peroxidase that protects against lipid peroxidation, and reduction of mitochondrial GSH. Juvenile Chinook sampled in a WWTP effluent-impacted estuary with demonstrated releases of CECs showed similar trends toward reduced liver mitochondrial content and elevated respiratory activity per mitochondria (including state 3 and uncoupled respiration). However, respiratory control ratios were greater in fish from the contaminated site relative to fish from a minimally-polluted reference site, which may have been due to differences in the timing of exposure to CECs under laboratory and field conditions. Our results indicate that exposure to CECs can affect both mitochondrial quality and content, and support the analysis of mitochondrial function as an indicator of the sublethal effects of CECs in wild fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Yeh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, United States
| | - David J Marcinek
- Department of Radiology, Pathology, and Bioengineering University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - James P Meador
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
| | - Evan P Gallagher
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, United States.
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Chen H, Peng H, Yang M, Hu J, Zhang Y. Detection, Occurrence, and Fate of Fluorotelomer Alcohols in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:8953-8961. [PMID: 28728413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are the most well-known precursors of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), but limited information is available on their occurrence and fate in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The occurrence of FTOHs was investigated in influent, secondary effluent, and sludge of 12 municipal WWTPs in nine cities of China. FTOHs were detected in all WWTPs, and 8:2 FTOH was the predominant congener, with concentrations of 2.10-11.0 ng/L, 3.05-12.4 ng/L, and 0.36-1.91 ng/g dry weight in the influent, secondary effluent, and sludge, respectively. Relatively high proportions of long-chain FTOHs (C10-16) were mainly detected in sludge samples. The mass balance of FTOHs and PFCAs in one of the WWTPs with an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process was further explored. The decrease of mass loads was observed for 4:2 FTOH (mass change percentage: 21 ± 3.3%), 8:2 FTOH (22 ± 1.5%), and 10:2 FTOH (29 ± 7.3%) through aerobic treatment, while the increase of mass loads was observed for 12 PFCAs from 18 ± 16% (perfluorononanoic acid) to 165 ± 15% (perfluorobutyric acid)), suggesting the potential biotransformation of FTOHs to PFCAs in the aerobic unit. This work provides the first report on the occurrence of FTOHs in sludge samples of municipal WWTPs and their mass balance and highlights a new emission route to environment via WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianying Hu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Chen H, Reinhard M, Nguyen TV, You L, He Y, Gin KYH. Characterization of occurrence, sources and sinks of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in a tropical urban catchment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:397-405. [PMID: 28486183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the sources, occurrence and sinks of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the urban water cycle is important to protect and utilize local water resources. Concentrations of 22 target PFASs and general water quality parameters were determined monthly for a year in filtered water samples from five tributaries and three sampling stations of an urban water body. Of the 22 target PFASs, 17 PFASs were detected with a frequency >93% including PFCAs: C4-C12 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, C4, C6, C8, and C10 perfluoroalkane sulfonates, perfluorooctane sulfonamides and perfluorooctane sulfonamide substances (FOSAMs), C10 perfluoroalkyl phosphonic acid (C10 PFPA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) and C8/C8 perfluoroalkyl phosphinic acid (C8/C8-PFPIA). The most abundant PFASs in water were PFBS (1.4-55 ng/L), PFBA (1.0-23 ng/L), PFOS (1.5-24 ng/L) and PFOA (2.0-21 ng/L). In the tributaries, PFNA concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 87.1 ng/L except in the May 2013 samples of two tributaries, which reached 520 and 260 ng/L. Total PFAS concentrations in the sediment samples ranged from 1.6 to 15 ng/g d.w. with EtFOSAA, PFDoA, PFOS and PFDA being the dominant species. Based on water and sediment data, two types of sources were inferred: one-time or intermittent point sources and continuous non-point sources. FOSAMs and PFOS released continually from non-point sources, C8/C8 PFPIA, PFDoA and PFUnA was released from point sources. The highly water soluble short-chain PFASs including PFBA, PFPeA and PFBS remained predominantly in the water column. The factors governing solution phase concentrations appear to be compound hydrophobicity and sorption to suspended particles. Correlation of the dissolved phase concentrations with precipitation data suggested stormwater was a significant source of PFBA, PFBS, PFUnA and PFDoA. Negative correlations with precipitation indicated sources feeding FOSAA and FOSA directly into the tributaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiting Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, E1A 07-03, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Martin Reinhard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, E1A 07-03, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Tung Viet Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, E1A 07-03, Singapore 117576, Singapore; Environment Building, 40 Scott Road, Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore
| | - Luhua You
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, E1A 07-03, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Yiliang He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, E1A 07-03, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, #02-01, Singapore 117411, Singapore.
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Qi Y, He Z, Huo S, Zhang J, Xi B, Hu S. Source apportionment of perfluoroalkyl substances in surface sediments from lakes in Jiangsu Province, China: Comparison of three receptor models. J Environ Sci (China) 2017. [PMID: 28647252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Receptor models have been proved as useful tools to identify source categories and quantitatively calculate the contributions of extracted sources. In this study, sixty surface sediment samples were collected from fourteen lakes in Jiangsu Province, China. The total concentrations of C4-C14-perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (∑12PFASs) in sediments ranged from 0.264 to 4.44ng/gdw (dry weight), with an average of 1.76ng/gdw. Three commonly-applied receptor models, namely principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR), positive matrix factorization (PMF) and Unmix models, were employed to apportion PFAS sources in sediments. Overall, these three models all could well track the ∑12PFASs concentrations as well as the concentrations explained in sediments. These three models identified consistently four PFAS sources: the textile treatment sources, the fluoropolymer processing aid/fluororesin coating sources, the textile treatment/metal plating sources and the precious metal sources, contributing 28.1%, 37.0%, 29.7% and 5.3% by PCA-MLR model, 30.60%, 39.3%, 22.4% and 7.7% by PMF model, and 20.6%, 52.4%, 20.2% and 6.8% by Unmix model to the ∑12PFASs, respectively. Comparative statistics of multiple analytical methods could minimize individual-method weaknesses and provide convergent results to enhance the persuasiveness of the conclusions. The findings could give us a better knowledge of PFAS sources in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhuoshi He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shouliang Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Jingtian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shibin Hu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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Weber AK, Barber LB, LeBlanc DR, Sunderland EM, Vecitis CD. Geochemical and Hydrologic Factors Controlling Subsurface Transport of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:4269-4279. [PMID: 28285525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence that certain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with negative human health effects prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue lifetime drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in 2016. Given that groundwater is a major source of drinking water, the main objective of this work was to investigate geochemical and hydrological processes governing the subsurface transport of PFASs at a former fire training area (FTA) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams were used historically. A total of 148 groundwater samples and 4 sediment cores were collected along a 1200-m-long downgradient transect originating near the FTA and analyzed for PFAS content. The results indicate that unsaturated zones at the FTA and at hydraulically downgradient former domestic wastewater effluent infiltration beds both act as continuous PFAS sources to the groundwater despite 18 and 20 years of inactivity, respectively. Historically different PFAS sources are evident from contrasting PFAS composition near the water table below the FTA and wastewater-infiltration beds. Results from total oxidizable precursor assays conducted using groundwater samples collected throughout the plume suggest that some perfluoroalkyl acid precursors at this site are transporting with perfluoroalkyl acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Weber
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Larry B Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey , Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Denis R LeBlanc
- U.S. Geological Survey , Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Chad D Vecitis
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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Meng J, Lu Y, Wang T, Wang P, Giesy JP, Sweetman AJ, Li Q. Life cycle analysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:11254-11264. [PMID: 28299566 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
China has been the largest producer and emitter of perfluorooctanoic acid and its salts (PFOA/PFO). However, the flows of PFOA/PFO from manufacture and application to the environment are indistinct, especially flows from waste treatment sites to the environment. Here, a life cycle analysis of PFOA/PFO is conducted in which all major flows of PFOA/PFO have been characterized for 2012. Processes related to uses and possible releases of PFOA/PFO include manufacture and use, waste management, and environmental storage. During manufacture and use, emission from application was the most important (117.0 t), regardless of whether it flowed first to waste treatment facilities or was directly released to the environment, followed by manufacture of PFOA/PFO (3.9 t), while flows from the service life and end of life of consumer products were the lowest (1.2 t). Among five waste treatment routes, flows through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were the highest (10.6 t), which resulted in 12.8 t of PFOA/PFO being emitted into the environment. Masses of PFOA/PFO emission were estimated to be 96.3 t to the hydrosphere, 25.6 t to the atmosphere, and 3.2 t to soils. Therefore, control over reduction of PFOA/PFO should focus on application of reliable alternatives and emission reduction from WWTPs using effective treatment techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yonglong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Tieyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Pei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Andrew J Sweetman
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Qifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, 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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Dauchy X, Boiteux V, Bach C, Colin A, Hemard J, Rosin C, Munoz JF. Mass flows and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the wastewater treatment plant of a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 576:549-558. [PMID: 27810744 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although industrial sites producing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may introduce these chemicals into the aquatic environment, they are rarely investigated. This study entailed measuring concentrations, mass flows and the fate of 51 PFASs in an industrial wastewater treatment plant receiving raw effluents from a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. Grab and 24-h composite samples were collected at various stages of wastewater treatment over four sampling campaigns. One perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) and nine fluorotelomers (FTs) were systematically detected in the facility's raw effluent. The overall PFCA mass flow ranged from 0.6 to 8.6g/day and was negligible compared to the overall mass flow of FTs (from 647 to 2,892g/day). PFCA mass flows increased drastically after secondary treatment (degradation of precursors) and decreased notably after the floatation tank (adsorption onto floatation sludge), but remained at relatively high levels in the final effluent (from 21 to 247g/day). Similar patterns in mass flow were observed for the FTs, with mass loadings discharged into the river ranging from 1,623 to 6,963g/day. Despite analyzing dozens of PFASs, adsorbable organic fluorine determination and oxidative conversion of PFCA precursors showed that a significant part of PFASs remained unidentified. Nevertheless, two overwhelmingly predominant PFASs-6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB) and 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonamide propyl N,N dimethylamine (M4)-were detected and quantified for the first time in water samples, accounting for >75% of the total PFAS mass flow in the final effluent. This study also provided evidence of soil contamination by the aerosol produced over the aeration basin and inadvertent spillage of pieces of sludge cake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Dauchy
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Virginie Boiteux
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Cristina Bach
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Adeline Colin
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jessica Hemard
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Rosin
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Munoz
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, 40 rue Lionnois, 54000 Nancy, France
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Kwon HO, Kim HY, Park YM, Seok KS, Oh JE, Choi SD. Updated national emission of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from wastewater treatment plants in South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:298-306. [PMID: 27692882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A nationwide emission estimate of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is required to understand the source-receptor relationship of PFASs and to manage major types of WWTPs. In this study, the concentrations of 13 PFASs (8 perfluorocarboxylic acids, 3 perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and 2 intermediates) in wastewater and sludge from 81 WWTPs in South Korea were collected. The emission pathways of PFASs were redefined, and then the national emission of PFASs from WWTPs was rigorously updated. In addition to the direct calculations, Monte Carlo simulations were also used to calculate the likely range of PFAS emissions. The total (Σ13PFAS) emission (wastewater + sludge) calculated from the direct calculation with mean concentrations was 4.03 ton/y. The emissions of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 1.19 ton/y) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 1.01 ton/y) were dominant. The Monte Carlo simulations suggested that the realistic national emission of Σ13PFASs is between 2 ton/y and 20 ton/y. Combined WWTPs treating municipal wastewater from residential and commercial areas were identified as a major emission source, contributing 65% to the total PFAS emissions. The Han and Nakdong Rivers were the primary contaminated rivers, receiving 89% of the total PFAS discharge from WWTPs. The results and methodologies in this study can be useful to establish a management policy for PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Ok Kwon
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Young Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Park
- Chemical Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Inchon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Seol Seok
- Chemical Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Inchon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Deuk Choi
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
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Gremmel C, Frömel T, Knepper TP. HPLC–MS/MS methods for the determination of 52 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aqueous samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 409:1643-1655. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-0110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Occurrence and source apportionment of Per- and poly-fluorinated compounds (PFCs) in North Canal Basin, Beijing. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36683. [PMID: 27845351 PMCID: PMC5109260 DOI: 10.1038/srep36683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Various per- and poly-fluorinated compounds (PFCs) were first systematically investigated in North Canal Basin, Beijing, China. A total of 68 surface water samples were collected from North Canal Basin, Beijing, at high spatial resolution. The seasonal disparity was compared and associated with source variation. PFCs concentrations in low-water period ranged from 26 to 207 ng/L, and significantly declined levels were found in high-water period. The individual component proportions among different sites varied less in high-water period, when runoff played a role in mixing and diluting PFCs. A methodology combined with principal component analysis (PCA), heat map-hierarchical cluster analysis (HM-HCA), and correlation analysis were introduced to discriminate sources of PFCs in surface water. The statistical results agreed with each other, and daily domestic consumption, fire-fighting products and related industries were identified as sources of PFCs in this region. In addition, two composition ratios were proposed through the methodology to distinguish the impact of nonpoint source, and the outcome demonstrates that great disparities exist in compositional profiles between nonpoint source and others. Overall, the results showed that this comprehensive analysis method has great potential for source apportionment in surface water and other environmental compartments.
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