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Jahura FT, Mazumder NUS, Hossain MT, Kasebi A, Girase A, Ormond RB. Exploring the Prospects and Challenges of Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foams (F3) as Alternatives to Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF): A Review. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:37430-37444. [PMID: 39281906 PMCID: PMC11391440 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
This review provides a comparative analysis of the performance, toxicity, environmental impact, and health risks associated with fluorotelomer-based/short-chain AFFF and F3. Despite notable progress in F3 development, achieving comparable performance remains challenging in some cases. F3 formulations, while promising, are yet to be considered a direct replacement for AFFF in all Class B fire suppression scenarios due to variations in their performance across different fuel types and test conditions. Available studies indicate that commercially available F3 exhibit greater biodegradability and reduced environmental persistence compared to AFFF. However, some alternatives may still pose similar environmental impacts. Limited ecotoxicity studies suggest that some F3 may exhibit equal or even higher toxicity to aquatic species than short-chain (C6) AFFF. Toxicological assessments and risk evaluations of F3 should consider factors beyond environmental persistence, including acute and chronic ecotoxicity, potential endocrine disruption, and the full toxicological profile of foam formulations and their individual components. Further research is necessary to understand the fate, transport, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of F3 degradation products. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial to ensure the safe and sustainable implementation of F3 as an alternative fire suppression solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Tuj Jahura
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
| | - Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
| | - Md Tanjim Hossain
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
| | - Arash Kasebi
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
| | - Arjunsing Girase
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
| | - R Bryan Ormond
- Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8301, United States
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2
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Li M, Hu J, Cao X, Chen H, Lyu Y, Sun W. Nontarget Analysis Combined with TOP Assay Reveals a Significant Portion of Unknown PFAS Precursors in Firefighting Foams Currently Used in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39250774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Firefighting foam is a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution, yet the PFAS profiles in foam formulations, particularly in China, remain unclear. Here, using target and nontarget analyses, we investigated 50 target PFAS in firefighting foams currently utilized in China, identified novel PFAS, and discovered new end products through a total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. We identified a total of 54 PFAS compounds (spanning 34 classes and containing seven novel PFAS) with total PFAS concentrations of 0.03-21.21 mM. Among seven novel PFAS, four PFAS met persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity criteria, and another PFAS had the highest ToxPi score among the identified 54 PFAS. Moreover, the predominant PFAS varied significantly in the studied foams and differed markedly from those used in other countries. After the TOP assay, nontarget analysis uncovered 1.1-55.5% more PFAS precursors and 8.25-55.5% more fluorine equivalents compared to traditional target analysis combined with TOP assay. Specifically, three double-bond perfluorinated alcohols were identified for the first time as end products of the TOP assay. This study provides crucial information for pollution control and risk assessment associated with PFAS in firefighting foam applications and emphasizes the importance of combining nontarget analysis with TOP assay in uncovering unknown PFAS precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Li
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Jingrun Hu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
- Institute of Yellow River Delta Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Integrity, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Yitao Lyu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing 100871, China
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3
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Xu K, Huang J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Cai D, Hu G, Li Y, Ni Z, Lin Q, Wang S, Qiu R. Crop Contamination and Human Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances around a Fluorochemical Industrial Park in China. TOXICS 2024; 12:269. [PMID: 38668492 PMCID: PMC11054258 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Due to their significant environmental impact, there has been a gradual restriction of the production and utilization of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), leading to continuous development and adoption of novel alternatives. To effectively identify the potential environmental risks from crop consumption, the levels of 25 PFAS, including fourteen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), two precursor substances and nine novel alternatives, in agricultural soils and edible parts of various crops around a fluoride industrial park (FIP) in Changshu city, China, were measured. The concentration of ΣPFAS in the edible parts of all crops ranged from 11.64 to 299.5 ng/g, with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) being the dominant compound, accounting for an average of 71% of ΣPFAS. The precursor substance, N-methylperfluoro-octanesulfonamidoacetic acid (N-MeFOSAA), was detected in all crop samples. Different types of crops showed distinguishing accumulation profiles for the PFAS. Solanaceae and leafy vegetables showed higher levels of PFAS contamination, with the highest ΣPFAS concentrations reaching 190.91 and 175.29 ng/g, respectively. The highest ΣAlternative was detected in leafy vegetables at 15.21 ng/g. The levels of human exposure to PFAS through crop consumption for various aged groups were also evaluated. The maximum exposure to PFOA for urban toddlers reached 109.8% of the standard value set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In addition, short-chained PFAAs and novel alternatives may pose potential risks to human health via crop consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kairan Xu
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
| | - Jian Huang
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
| | - Xilong Wu
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
| | - Dan Cai
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; (G.H.); (Y.L.)
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Guocheng Hu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; (G.H.); (Y.L.)
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yu Li
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; (G.H.); (Y.L.)
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Simulation and Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zhuobiao Ni
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
| | - Qingqi Lin
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
| | - Shizhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Maoming and Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (K.X.); (J.H.); (Y.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.N.); (R.Q.)
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
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Asadi Zeidabadi F, Banayan Esfahani E, Moreira R, McBeath ST, Foster J, Mohseni M. Structural dependence of PFAS oxidation in a boron doped diamond-electrochemical system. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118103. [PMID: 38181849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118103] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Driven by long-term persistence and adverse health impacts of legacy perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), production has shifted towards shorter chain analogs (C4, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)) or fluorinated alternatives such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, known as GenX) and 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (6:2 FTCA). Yet, a thorough understanding of treatment processes for these alternatives is limited. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive study using an electrochemical approach with a boron doped diamond anode in Na2SO4 electrolyte for the remediation of PFOA common alternatives, i.e., PFBA, GenX, and 6:2 FTCA. The degradability, fluorine recovery, transformation pathway, and contributions from electro-synthesized radicals were investigated. The results indicated the significance of chain length and structure, with shorter chains being harder to break down (PFBA (65.6 ± 5.0%) < GenX (84.9 ± 3.3%) < PFOA (97.9 ± 0.1%) < 6:2 FTCA (99.4 ± 0.0%) within 120 min of electrolysis). The same by-products were observed during the oxidation of both low and high concentrations of parent PFAS (2 and 20 mg L-1), indicating that the fundamental mechanism of PFAS degradation remained consistent. Nevertheless, the ratio of these by-products to the parent PFAS concentration varied which primarily arises from the more rapid PFAS decomposition at lower dosages. For all experiments, the main mechanism of PFAS oxidation was initiated by direct electron transfer at the anode surface. Sulfate radical (SO4•-) also contributed to the oxidation of all PFAS, while hydroxyl radical (•OH) only played a role in the decomposition of 6:2 FTCA. Total fluorine recovery of PFBA, GenX, and 6:2 FTCA were 96.5%, 94.0%, and 76.4% within 240 min. The more complex transformation pathway of 6:2 FTCA could explain its lower fluorine recovery. Detailed decomposition pathways for each PFAS were also proposed through identifying the generated intermediates and fluorine recovery. The proposed pathways were also assessed using 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asadi Zeidabadi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ehsan Banayan Esfahani
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Raphaell Moreira
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sean T McBeath
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01002, United States
| | - Johan Foster
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Madjid Mohseni
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, Canada.
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5
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Yan PF, Dong S, Manz KE, Woodcock MJ, Liu C, Mezzari MP, Abriola LM, Pennell KD, Cápiro NL. Aerobic biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate in soils from two aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120941. [PMID: 38070347 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Although 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a common ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations, its environmental fate at AFFF-impacted sites remains poorly understood. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTS in microcosms prepared with soils collected from two AFFF-impacted sites; the former Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Robins AFB. The half-life of 6:2 FTS in Loring soil was 43.3 days; while >60 mol% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS remained in Robins soil microcosms after a 224-day incubation. Differences in initial sulfate concentrations and the depletion of sulfate over the incubation likely contributed to the different 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates between the two soils. At day 224, stable transformation products, i.e., C4C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, were formed with combined molar yields of 13.8 mol% and 1.2 mol% in Loring and Robins soils, respectively. Based on all detected transformation products, the biotransformation pathways of 6:2 FTS in the two soils were proposed. Microbial community analysis suggests that Desulfobacterota microorganisms may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. In addition, species from the genus Sphingomonas, which exhibited higher tolerance to elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTS and its biotransformation products, are likely to have contributed to 6:2 FTS biotransformation. This study demonstrates the potential role of biotransformation processes on the fate of 6:2 FTS at AFFF-impacted sites and highlights the need to characterize site biogeochemical properties for improved assessment of 6:2 FTS biotransformation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Yan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Chen Liu
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linda M Abriola
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie L Cápiro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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6
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Li Y, Key TA, Vo PHN, Porman S, Thapalia A, McDonough JT, Fiorenza S, Barnes CM, Mueller JF, Thai PK. Distribution and release of PFAS from AFFF-impacted asphalt: How does it compare to concrete? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133627. [PMID: 38301440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)-impacted asphalt and concrete may serve as potential secondary sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment through surficial leaching. We aimed to understand the vertical distribution and surficial release of PFAS from AFFF-impacted asphalt and concrete cores collected from various locations (∼10-70 m distance between samples). Among the PFAS analyzed, 6:2 FTS was observed as having the highest concentration in the surface layer (0 - 0.5 cm) of concrete (225 µg kg-1) and in the runoff from the concrete (2600 ng L-1). PFOS was detected at the highest concentration in the surface layer (0 - 0.5 cm) of asphalt (47 µg kg-1) and associated runoff (780 ng L-1). The total mass of PFAS released during three rainfall simulations accounts for a fraction of the total mass in the surface layer (0 - 0.5 cm), ranging from 0.10 - 9.8% and 0.078 - 2.4% for asphalt and concrete cores, respectively. Asphalt exhibited a higher release rate than concrete, demonstrated by the higher total release coefficient of PFAS (4 - 16 m-2) compared to that of concrete cores (1 - 5 m-2). These results suggested that, similar to concrete, AFFF-impacted asphalt may be a secondary source of PFAS to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Li
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Trent A Key
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc., Spring, TX 77389, USA
| | - Phong H N Vo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD 4102, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Scott Porman
- Mobil Oil Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3008, Australia
| | - Anita Thapalia
- ExxonMobil Environmental and Property Solutions Company, Spring, TX 77389, USA
| | | | | | - Craig M Barnes
- Airservices Australia, 25 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD 4102, Australia.
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7
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Zhang W, Liang Y. The wide presence of fluorinated compounds in common chemical products and the environment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:108393-108410. [PMID: 37775629 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30033-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The C-F bonds, due to their many unique features, have been incorporated into numerous compounds in countless products and applications. These fluorinated compounds eventually are disposed of and released into the environment through different pathways. In this review, we analyzed the occurrence of these fluorinated compounds in seven types of products (i.e., refrigerants/propellants, aqueous film-forming foam, cosmetics, food packaging, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, coating materials) and discussed their fate in the environment. This is followed by describing the quantity of fluorinated compounds from each source based on available data. Total on- and off-site disposal or other releases of 536 fluorinated compounds in 2021 were analyzed using the data sourced from the U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Among the chemicals examined, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were the primary contributors in terms of total mass. Upon examining the seven sources of fluorinated compounds, it became evident that additional contributors are also responsible for the presence of organofluorine compounds in the environment. Although various toxic degradation products of fluorinated compounds could form in the environment, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was specifically highlighted in this review given the fact that it is a common dead-end degradation product of > 1 million chemicals. This paper ended with a discussion of several questions raised from this study. The path forward was elaborated as well for the purpose of protecting the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
- , Albany, USA.
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
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8
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Vo PH, Key TA, Le TH, McDonough JT, Porman S, Fiorenza S, Nguyen HT, Dao VT, Mueller JF, Thai PK. Evaluation of sealants to mitigate the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from AFFF-impacted concrete: Characterization and forecasting. WATER RESEARCH X 2023; 20:100195. [PMID: 37637861 PMCID: PMC10448196 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within concrete pads impacted by historical firefighting training using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) may be potential secondary sources of PFAS due to surficial leaching. This study aimed to (i) characterize the effectiveness of two commercially available sealants (Product A and Product B) in mitigating leaching of five PFAS (e.g., PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFHxA, 6:2 FTS) from concrete surfaces at the laboratory-scale, and (ii) develop a model to forecast cumulative leaching of the same five PFAS over 20 years from sealed and unsealed concrete surfaces. Laboratory trials demonstrated that both sealants reduced the surficial leaching of the five PFAS studied, and Product B demonstrated a comparatively greater reduction in surface leaching than Product A as measured against unsealed controls. The cumulative PFOS leaching from an unsealed concrete surface is estimated by the model to be about 400 mg/m2 over 20 years and reached asymptotic conditions after 15 years. In contrast, the model output suggests asymptotic conditions were not achieved within the modeled time of 20 years after sealing with Product A and 85% of PFOS was predicted to have leached (∼340 mg/m2). Negligible leaching of PFOS after sealing with Product B was observed ( < 5 × 10-9 mg/m2). Results from modeled rainfall scenarios suggest PFAS leachability is reduced from sealed versus unsealed AFFF-impacted concrete surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong H.N. Vo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Queensland, 4102, Australia
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Trent A. Key
- ExxonMobil Environmental and Property Solutions Company, Spring, TX 77389, USA
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc., Spring, TX 77389, USA
| | - Tu Hoang Le
- Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Scott Porman
- Mobil Oil Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3008, Australia
| | | | - Hong T.M. Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Vinh T.N. Dao
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F. Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K. Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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9
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Brown AS, Yun X, McKenzie ER, Heron CG, Field JA, Salice CJ. Spatial and temporal variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental media of a small pond: Toward an improved understanding of PFAS bioaccumulation in fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163149. [PMID: 37011692 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly fluorinated compounds with many industrial applications, for instance as ingredients in fire-suppressing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). Several PFAS have been demonstrated to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. This study better characterizes the bioaccumulation of PFAS in freshwater fish through a spatial and temporal analysis of surface water and sediment from a stormwater pond in a former Naval air station (NAS) with historic AFFF use. We sampled environmental media from four locations twice per week for five weeks and sampled fish at the end of the sampling effort. The primary PFAS identified in surface water, sediment, and biota were perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in environmental media and perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) in biota. We observed significant temporal variability in surface water concentrations at the pond headwaters following stochastic events such as heavy rainfall for many compounds, particularly PFHxS. Sediment concentrations varied most across sampling locations. In fish, liver tissue presented the highest concentrations for all compounds except PFHxS, which was highest in muscle tissue, suggesting the influence of fine-scale aqueous PFAS fluctuations on tissue distribution. Calculated log bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) ranged from 0.13 to 2.30 for perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCA) and 0.29-4.05 for perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSA) and fluctuated greatly with aqueous concentrations. The variability of PFAS concentrations in environmental media necessitates more frequent sampling efforts in field-based studies to better characterize PFAS contamination in aquatic ecosystems as well as exercising caution when considering single time-point BAFs due to uncertainty of system dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi S Brown
- Environmental Science and Studies Program, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Yun
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erica R McKenzie
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher G Heron
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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10
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Hubert M, Arp HPH, Hansen MC, Castro G, Meyn T, Asimakopoulos AG, Hale SE. Influence of grain size, organic carbon and organic matter residue content on the sorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aqueous film forming foam contaminated soils - Implications for remediation using soil washing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162668. [PMID: 36894086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A soil that was historically contaminated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) was dry sieved into size fractions representative of those produced during soil washing. Batch sorption tests were then conducted to investigate the effect of soil parameters on in situ per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sorption of these different size fractions: < 0.063 mm, 0.063 to 0.5 mm, 0.5 to 2 mm, 2 to 4 mm, 4 to 8 mm, and soil organic matter residues (SOMR). PFOS (513 ng/g), 6:2 FTS (132 ng/g) and PFHxS (58 ng/g) were the most dominant PFAS in the AFFF contaminated soil. Non-spiked, in situ Kd values for 19 PFAS ranged from 0.2 to 138 L/Kg (log Kd -0.8 to 2.14) for the bulk soil and were dependant on the head group and perfluorinated chain length (spanning C4 to C13). The Kd values increased with decreasing grain size and increasing organic carbon content (OC), which were correlated to each other. For example, the PFOS Kd value for silt and clay (< 0.063 mm, 17.1 L/Kg, log Kd 1.23) were approximately 30 times higher compared to the gravel fraction (4 to 8 mm, 0.6 L/Kg, log Kd -0.25). The highest PFOS Kd value (116.6 L/Kg, log Kd 2.07) was found for the SOMR fraction, which had the highest OC content. Koc values for PFOS ranged from 6.9 L/Kg (log Koc 0.84) for the gravel fraction to 1906 L/Kg (log Koc 3.28) for the silt and clay, indicating that the mineral composition of the different size fractions also influenced sorption. The results here emphasize the need to separate coarse-grained fractions and fine-grained fractions, and in particular the SOMR, to optimize the soil washing process. Higher Kd values for the smaller size fractions indicate that coarser soils are better suited for soil washing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Hubert
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), NO-0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), NO-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Gabriela Castro
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Meyn
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Sarah E Hale
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), NO-0806 Oslo, Norway
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11
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Ghorbani Gorji S, Hawker DW, Mackie R, Higgins CP, Bowles K, Li Y, Kaserzon S. Sorption affinity and mechanisms of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with commercial sorbents: Implications for passive sampling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131688. [PMID: 37257384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Effective monitoring tools, including passive samplers, are essential for the wide range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic matrices. However, knowledge of the extent and mechanisms of PFASs sorption with sorbents in a passive sampling context is limited. To address this, sorption behavior of 45 anionic, neutral and zwitterionic PFASs ranging in perfluorocarbon chain length (C3-C16) and functional groups with 11 different commercial sorbents (cross-linked β-cyclodextrin polymers, activated carbon, anion exchange (AE), cation exchange, hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced (HLB) and non-polar) was investigated. A broad range of equilibrium sorbent-MilliQ water (MQ) distribution coefficients (Kd) were observed (10-1.95 to 108.30 mL g-1). Similar sorbent types (e.g., various AE and HLB sorbents) exhibited very different sorption behavior, likely due to their different polymeric structures and relative importance of sorbate/sorbent interactions other than coulombic interactions. HLB and AE with hydroxyl functionalities are most effective for sampling of the full suite of PFASs. Reduced sorptive affinity was observed in the presence of matrix co-constituents in wastewater influent for most PFASs. HLB had the smallest reduction in log Kd in wastewater suggesting that these sorbents are appropriate for applications in complex matrices. Sufficient sorbent capacity was observed for linear uptake of many target analytes which facilitates passive sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Darryl W Hawker
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachel Mackie
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, CO, United States
| | - Karl Bowles
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Jacobs, North Sydney, Australia
| | - Yan Li
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarit Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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12
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Zhang F, Ge R, Wan Z, Li G, Cao L. Dual effects of PFOA or PFOS on reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE). WATER RESEARCH 2023; 240:120093. [PMID: 37210970 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
PFASs and chlorinated solvents are the common co-contaminants in soil and groundwater at firefighter training areas (FTAs). Although PFASs mixtures could have adverse impacts on bioremediation of trichloroethylene (TCE) by inhibiting Dehalococcoides (Dhc), little is known about the effect and contribution of PFOA or PFOS on dechlorination of TCE by non-Dhc organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB). To study this, PFOA and PFOS were amended to the growth medium of a non-Dhc OHRB-containing enrichment culture to determine the impact on dechlorination. This study demonstrated that high levels of PFOA or PFOS (100 mg L-1) inhibited TCE dechlorination in four non-Dhc OHRB-containing community including Geobacter, Desulfuromonas, Desulfitobacterium, and Dehalobacter, but low levels of PFOA or PFOS (≤10 mg L-1) enhanced TCE dechlorination. Four non-Dhc OHRB were less inhibited by PFOA than that by PFOS, and high level of PFOS killed Desulfitobacterium and Dehalobacter and decreased the biodiversity of bacterial community. Although most fermenters were killed by the presence of 100 mg L-1 PFOS, two important co-cultures (Desulfovibrio and Sedimentibacter) of OHRB were enriched, indicating that the syntrophic relationships between OHRB and co-cultures still remained, and PFOA or PFOS inhibited TCE dechlorination by directly repressing non-Dhc OHRB. Our results highlight that the bioattenuation of chloroethene contamination could be confounded by non-Dhc OHRB in high levels of PFOS contaminated subsurface environments at FTAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- School of Environment and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, China State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Runlei Ge
- School of Environment and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, China State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Ziren Wan
- School of Environment and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, China State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Guanghe Li
- School of Environment and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, China State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Lifeng Cao
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China.
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13
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Williams M, Douglas G, Du J, Kirby J, Kookana R, Pengelly J, Watson G, Bowles K, Davis G. Quantification of the variability and penetration of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances through a concrete pad. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138903. [PMID: 37187372 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Historical use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for fire-fighting activities has contributed to widespread contamination of infrastructure which can represent an ongoing source of PFAS to the surrounding environment. A concrete fire training pad with historical use of Ansulite and Lightwater AFFF formulations had PFAS concentrations measured to quantify spatial variability of PFAS within the pad. Surface chips and whole cores of concrete through to the underlying aggregate base were collected over the 24 × 9 m concrete pad and depth profiles of PFAS concentrations in nine cores were analysed. PFOS and PFHxS dominated the PFAS for surface samples, along the depth profile of cores and in the underlying plastic and aggregate material, with substantial variability in the concentrations of PFAS in the samples. Although there was variability of individual PFAS along the depth profile, higher surface concentrations of PFAS generally followed the designed movement of water across the pad. Total oxidisable precursor (TOP) assessments of one core indicated additional PFAS were present along the entire length of the core. This study highlights concentrations of PFAS (up to low μg/kg) from historical use of AFFF can occur throughout concrete, with the variable concentrations throughout the profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Williams
- CSIRO Environment, Industry Environments Program, Waite Campus, Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Grant Douglas
- CSIRO Environment, Industry Environments Program, Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia; School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Jun Du
- CSIRO Environment, Industry Environments Program, Waite Campus, Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Jason Kirby
- CSIRO Environment, Industry Environments Program, Waite Campus, Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Rai Kookana
- CSIRO Environment, Industry Environments Program, Waite Campus, Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - John Pengelly
- CSIRO Environment, Charles Sturt University, Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Garth Watson
- CSIRO Environment, Charles Sturt University, Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Karl Bowles
- Jacobs, L7/177 Pacific Hwy, North Sydney, 2060, Australia; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Greg Davis
- CSIRO Environment, Industry Environments Program, Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia
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14
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Pang H, Allinson M, Scales PJ. Sub-ppm determination of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in solution by UV-vis high-performance liquid chromatography through solid phase extraction. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:605-616. [PMID: 37095699 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2204801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated a novel and sensitive analytical method based on a simple heat-based derivatization using 3-bromoacetyl coumarin as the reagent and analysis with a HPLC-UV system or just a UV-vis spectrometer to allow the sub-ppm determination of PFCAs in water solution with the potential for utilization in simple laboratories and field laboratory scenarios. A Strata-X-AW cartridge was used for the solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure and higher than 98% recoveries were obtained. The derivatization condition showed that a high efficiency of peak separation was obtained with obviously different retention time among various PFCAs derivatives using HPLC-UV analysis. The derivatization stability and repeatability showed favorable results with stable derivatized analytes for ≤12 h and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of <2% for all repetitions. The limit of detection for the HPLC-UV analysis was between 0.1 ppm and 0.5 ppm. A satisfactory linearity response was found with R2 >0.998 for all individual PFCA compounds. The limit of detection for simple UV-Vis analysis was <0.0003 ppm to measure the presence of PFCAs. Contamination of standards with humic substances and measurement of industrial samples in a complex wastewater matrix showed no adverse effects on the accuracy of PFCA determination by using the developed methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiao Pang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mayumi Allinson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J Scales
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Research Progress on Up-Conversion Fluorescence Probe for Detection of Perfluorooctanoic Acid in Water Treatment. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030605. [PMID: 36771906 PMCID: PMC9920290 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a new type of organic pollutant in wastewater that is persistent, toxic, and accumulates in living organisms. The development of rapid and sensitive analytical methods to detect PFOA in environmental media is of great importance. Fluorescence detection has the advantages of high efficiency and low cost, in which fluorescent probes have excellent fluorescence properties, excellent bio-solubility, and remarkable photostability. It is necessary to review the fluorescence detection routes for PFOA. In addition, the up-conversion of fluorescent materials (UCNPs), as fluorescent materials to prepare fluorescent probes with, has significant advantages and also attracts the attention of researchers, however, reviews related to their application in detecting PFOA and comparing them with other routes are rare. Furthermore, there are many strategies to improve the performance of up-conversion fluorescent probes including SiO2 modification and amino modification. These strategies can enhance the detection effect of PFOA. Thus, this work reviews the types of fluorescence detection, the design, and synthesis of UCNPs, their recognition mechanism, properties, and their application progress. Moreover, the development trend and prospects of these detection probes are given.
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16
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Le ST, Gao Y, Kibbey TCG, O'Carroll DM. Calculating PFAS interfacial adsorption as a function of salt concentration using model parameters determined from chemical structure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157663. [PMID: 35907553 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157663] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely-detected environmental contaminants known to concentrate at surfaces and interfaces. Many of the most commonly-detected PFAS function as ionic surfactants under environmental conditions. The interfacial behaviors of ionic surfactants, including PFAS, are strongly dependent on salt concentration and composition, with interfacial affinity potentially varying by orders of magnitude for the same compound under different conditions. The work described here presents a tool for predicting the salt-dependent adsorption of PFAS compounds based entirely on chemical structure, something of great value for predicting the real-world environmental behavior of many of the large numbers of PFAS compounds for which experimental data are not available. The approach combines two different previously-developed models, one a mass-action model designed to predict the effects of salts on interfacial adsorption of ionic PFAS (the UNSW-OU salt model), and the second a group-contribution model designed to predict interfacial adsorption of PFAS in the absence of salt based on chemical structure. The challenge of combining the two models comes from the fact that both are based on different isotherms. The salt model can produce sigmoidal isotherms under salt-limited conditions (an isotherm shape that is supported by experimental evidence), while the group-contribution model can generate Langmuir parameters from calculations based on chemical structure. Equations were derived to determine salt model isotherm parameters from Langmuir parameters (either from the group-contribution model or experimental sources) by matching surface tension curves in the vicinity of the concentration of highest second derivative. Refined group-contribution model parameters were determined based on data from an additional 40 surface tension curves to allow improved structure-based predictions for important classes of PFAS that were not sufficiently well-represented in the original model. The resulting equations provide a tool allowing quantitative predictions of PFAS behavior under realistic environmental conditions for compounds for which little or no experimental data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Thao Le
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Yi Gao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Tohren C G Kibbey
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
| | - Denis M O'Carroll
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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17
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Sörengård M, Travar I, Kleja D, Ahrens L. Fly ash-based waste for ex-situ landfill stabilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-contaminated soil. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2022.100396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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18
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Sörengård M, Bergström S, McCleaf P, Wiberg K, Ahrens L. Long-distance transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a Swedish drinking water aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119981. [PMID: 35988673 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) at firefighting training sites (FFTS) has been linked to PFAS contamination of drinking water. This study investigated PFAS transport and distribution in an urban groundwater aquifer used for drinking water production that has been affected by PFAS-containing AFFF. Soil, sediment, surface water and drinking water were sampled. In soil (n = 12) at a FFTS with high perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) content (87% of ∑PFAS), the ∑PFAS concentration (n = 26) ranged from below detection limit to 560 ng g-1 dry weight. In groundwater (n = 28), the ∑PFAS concentration near a military airbase FFTS reached 1000 ng L-1. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the military FFTS as the main source of PFAS contamination in drinking water wellfields >10 km down-gradient. Groundwater samples taken close to the military FFTS site showed no ∑PFAS concentration change between 2013 and 2021, while a location further down-gradient showed a transitory 99.6% decrease. Correlation analysis on PFAS composition profile indicated that this decrease was likely caused by dilution from an adjacent conflating aquifer. ∑PFAS concentration reached 15 ng L-1 (PFOS 47% and PFHxS 41% of ∑PFAS) in surface river water (n = 6) and ranged between 1 ng L-1 and 8 ng L-1 (PFHxS 73% and PFBS 17% of ∑PFAS) in drinking water (n = 4). Drinking water had lower PFAS concentrations than the wellfields due to PFAS removal at the water treatment plant. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring PFAS concentrations throughout a groundwater aquifer, to better understand variations in transport from contamination sources and resulting impacts on PFAS concentrations in drinking water extraction areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Sörengård
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philip McCleaf
- Uppsala Water and Waste Ltd., P.O. Box 1444, SE-751 44, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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19
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Rayner JL, Slee D, Falvey S, Kookana R, Bekele E, Stevenson G, Lee A, Davis GB. Laboratory batch representation of PFAS leaching from aged field soils: Intercomparison across new and standard approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156562. [PMID: 35690200 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156562] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Relating laboratory leaching methods to partitioning and transport of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in field soils is challenging, making estimation of fluxes to groundwater and surface water uncertain. Existing laboratory leaching methods have limitations when assessing field leaching. For 37 aged field soils from five sites historically contaminated with PFAS over decades, we assess PFAS leaching using new and existing laboratory leaching methods to provide alternative methods better reflecting PFAS risks posed by its leaching and movement. Dominant PFAS in the soils were perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and perfluorohexanoic acid and to a lesser extent perfluorooctanoic acid. Leaching from intact soil cores (Exp 1) was taken to reflect field conditions. These were compared to two new laboratory batch tests, saturate-spin (Exp 2) and saturate-tumble-spin (Exp 3), and two standard approaches; Australian Standard Leaching Procedure (ASLP, Exp 4) and the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF, Exp 5). The tests varied in terms of liquid:soil ratio, tumbling time and pH of the starting solution, with LEAF-1313 conducted across seven pHs (2-12). Correlations between leachate and soil concentrations were highest for Exp 4 and Exp 5 (R2 = 0.72-0.98) and lowest for Exp 3 (R2 = 0.53). The PFAS mass leached as a fraction of the total increased such that: soil core leaching (27 %) < saturate-spin (30 %) < saturate-tumble-spin (65 %) ≤ LEAF-1313 (65 to 88 % at pH 5-9) < ASLP (90 %). As a fraction of individual PFAS compounds in leachate compared with soil, the shorter chain PFAS (e.g., perfluorobutanoic acid) were higher in the leachate in all tests. Across all tests, the saturate-spin batch test most closely represented intact soil core leaching and therefore potentially provides a measure more analogous of in situ soil leaching at field sites. Other methods would apply to broader applications such as landfill disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Rayner
- CSIRO Land and Water, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia
| | - Daniel Slee
- National Measurement Institute, 105 Delhi Road, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Sam Falvey
- National Measurement Institute, 105 Delhi Road, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Rai Kookana
- CSIRO Land and Water, Waite Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Elise Bekele
- CSIRO Land and Water, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia
| | - Gavin Stevenson
- National Measurement Institute, 105 Delhi Road, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Lee
- Sage Environmental Services, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Greg B Davis
- CSIRO Land and Water, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia.
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20
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Nguyen TMH, Bräunig J, Kookana RS, Kaserzon SL, Knight ER, Vo HNP, Kabiri S, Navarro DA, Grimison C, Riddell N, Higgins CP, McLaughlin MJ, Mueller JF. Assessment of Mobilization Potential of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances for Soil Remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10030-10041. [PMID: 35763608 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the mobilization of a wide range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) present in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) in water-saturated soils through one-dimensional (1-D) column experiments with a view to assessing the feasibility of their remediation by soil desorption and washing. Results indicated that sorption/desorption of most of the shorter-carbon-chain PFASs (C ≤ 6) in soil reached greater than 99% rapidly─after approximately two pore volumes (PVs) and were well predicted by an equilibrium transport model, indicating that they will be readily removed by soil washing technologies. In contrast, the equilibrium model failed to predict the mobilization of longer-chain PFASs (C ≥ 7), indicating the presence of nonequilibrium sorption/desorption (confirmed by a flow interruption experiment). The actual time taken to attain 99% sorption/desorption was up to 5 times longer than predicted by the equilibrium model (e.g., ∼62 PVs versus ∼12 PVs predicted for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in loamy sand). The increasing contribution of hydrophobic interactions over the electrostatic interactions is suggested as the main driving factor of the nonequilibrium processes. The inverse linear relationship (R2 = 0.6, p < 0.0001) between the nonequilibrium mass transfer rate coefficient and the Freundlich sorption coefficient could potentially be a useful means for preliminary evaluation of potential nonequilibrium sorption/desorption of PFASs in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Minh Hong Nguyen
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rai S Kookana
- CSIRO, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Emma R Knight
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Hoang Nhat Phong Vo
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Divina A Navarro
- CSIRO, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Riddell
- Wellington Laboratories Inc., 345 Southgate Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1G 3M5, Canada
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
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21
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Zhao Z, Li J, Zhang X, Wang L, Wang J, Lin T. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater: current understandings and challenges to overcome. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:49513-49533. [PMID: 35593984 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been frequently detected in groundwater globally. With the phase-out of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanate (PFOA) due to their risk to the ecosystem and human population, various novel PFASs have been used as replacements and detected in groundwater. In order to summarize the current understanding and knowledge gaps on PFASs in groundwater, we reviewed the studies about environmental occurrence, transport, and risk of legacy and novel PFASs in groundwater published from 1999 to 2021. Our review suggests that PFOS and PFOA could still be detected in groundwater due to the long residence time and the retention in the soil-groundwater system. Firefighting training sites, industrial parks, and landfills were commonly hotspots of PFASs in groundwater. More novel PFASs have been detected via nontarget analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Some novel PFASs had concentrations comparable to that of PFOS and PFOA. Both legacy and novel PFASs can pose a risk to human population who rely on contaminated groundwater as drinking water. Transport of PFASs to groundwater is influenced by various factors, i.e., the compound structure, the hydrochemical condition, and terrain. The exchange of PFASs between groundwater and surface water needs to be better characterized. Field monitoring, isotope tracing, nontarget screening, and modeling are useful approaches and should be integrated to get a comprehensive understanding of PFASs sources and behaviors in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Jie Li
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xianming Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Leien Wang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jamin Wang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Tian Lin
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
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22
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Srivastava P, Williams M, Du J, Navarro D, Kookana R, Douglas G, Bastow T, Davis G, Kirby JK. Method for extraction and analysis of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in contaminated asphalt. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:1678-1689. [PMID: 35438700 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00221c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The legacy use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has led to the generation of large volumes of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated asphalt materials, especially at airports and fire training areas. The management of such PFAS-contaminated asphalt materials requires an understanding of PFAS concentrations in these materials. This study, therefore, aimed to develop a suitable extraction methodology for the analysis of 22 target PFAS (i.e., carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and fluorotelomers) in asphalt materials. A series of experiments was conducted to optimise extraction solvent composition, as well as to assess the performance of the chosen method under various conditions (i.e., sonication temperature, PFAS contamination level, asphalt core composition and timing of stable isotope addition used as internal standard). The methanol-based extractants performed best due to their accuracy and precision, which were within the acceptable range (extraction efficiency between 70 and 130% and RSD < 20%). The method which involved three successive extractions with methanol/1% NH3 by ultrasonication at 25 °C was selected due to its performance and ease of operation. The mean recovery of a vast majority of PFAS was found to be in the acceptable range. Tests on the timing of addition of stable isotope (SI)-labelled PFAS internal standards indicate that the recoveries obtained, regardless of when the stable isotopes were added, were within the acceptable range for PFAS. The accuracy and precision of PFAS recoveries were not affected by PFAS spike level (2 μg kg-1 and 200 μg kg-1), as well as sample composition (based on the location of asphalt material in the field). Low RSDs were achieved for asphalt cores collected from a contaminated site covering a wide range of concentrations (from LOQ to 2135 mg kg-1), demonstrating the suitability of the sample preparation method for real-world samples. The results from the interlaboratory testing were also in good agreement and validated the proposed PFAS extraction and analytical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Srivastava
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Mike Williams
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Jun Du
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Divina Navarro
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Rai Kookana
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Grant Douglas
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Trevor Bastow
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Greg Davis
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jason K Kirby
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia.
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23
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Roesch P, Vogel C, Huthwelker T, Wittwer P, Simon FG. Investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils and sewage sludges by fluorine K-edge XANES spectroscopy and combustion ion chromatography. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:26889-26899. [PMID: 34860340 PMCID: PMC8989862 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17838-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was applied to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various soil and sewage sludge samples. The method can be used to determine the speciation of inorganic and organic fluorides, without pre-treatment of solid samples. Therefore, XANES spectra of several inorganic fluorides as well as selected fluorinated organic compounds were recorded. While inorganic fluorides partially exhibit a variety of sharp spectral features in the XANES spectrum, almost all inspected organofluorine compounds show two distinct broad features at 688.5 and 692.0 eV. Moreover, the peak intensity ratio 688.5 eV/692.0 eV in the PFAS XANES spectrum can be inversely correlated to the chain length of the perfluoro sulfonic acid group. The detection of targeted PFAS by bulk-XANES spectroscopy in combination with linear combination fitting in soils and sewage sludges was not applicable due to the low organic fluorine to total fluorine ratio of the samples (0.01-1.84%). Nonetheless, direct analysis of pure PFAS revealed that analysis of organofluorine species might be achieved in higher concentrated samples. Furthermore, quantitative measurements by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) evaluated as sum parameters extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) and total fluorine (TF) emphasize that besides soils, sewage sludges are a significant source of organic fluorine in agriculture (154-7209 µg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Roesch
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian Vogel
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Huthwelker
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Swiss Light Source, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Wittwer
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz-Georg Simon
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Division 4.3 Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
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24
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Cao L, Xu W, Wan Z, Li G, Zhang F. Occurrence of PFASs and its effect on soil bacteria at a fire-training area using PFOS-restricted aqueous film-forming foams. iScience 2022; 25:104084. [PMID: 35372804 PMCID: PMC8971937 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fire-training areas (FTAs) are an important source of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) pollution. However, the effect of PFASs on soil bacterial communities remains limited. Here, we detected the PFASs in soils ranging from 3.4 to 531.7 μg kg−1 dry weight in seven plots at an FTA where PFOS-restricted aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been used for 6 years. PFOS was still the dominant homologue despite the restriction by Stockholm Convention, but it was almost three orders of magnitude lower than that in previous studies. PFASs played an important role in shaping the bacterial community, and high levels of PFASs (>100 μg kg−1 dw) reduced the biodiversity and connectivity of soil bacteria. The extreme condition-tolerant bacteria were identified as biomarkers at the FTA. Our study provides valuable insights into the effect of PFOS-restricted AFFFs on soil bacterial communities at the FTA. PFOS was still the dominant PFAS despite the restriction by Stockholm Convention PFASs played an important role in shaping bacterial community High level of PFASs reduced the biodiversity and connectivity of soil bacteria The extreme condition-tolerant bacteria were identified as biomarkers at the FTA
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25
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Kabiri S, Tucker W, Navarro DA, Bräunig J, Thompson K, Knight ER, Nguyen TMH, Grimison C, Barnes CM, Higgins CP, Mueller JF, Kookana RS, McLaughlin MJ. Comparing the Leaching Behavior of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Contaminated Soils Using Static and Column Leaching Tests. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:368-378. [PMID: 34932318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil contaminated with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at firefighting training sites has become a major concern worldwide. To date, most studies have focused on assessing soil-water partitioning behavior of PFASs and the key factors that can affect their sorption, whereas PFASs leaching from contaminated soils have not yet been widely investigated. This study evaluated the leaching and desorption of a wide range of PFASs from twelve contaminated soils using the Australian Standard Leaching Procedure (ASLP), the U.S. EPA Multiple Extraction Procedure (MEP), and Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF). All three leaching tests provided a similar assessment of PFAS leaching behavior. Leaching of PFASs from soils was related to C-chain lengths and their functional head groups. While short-chain (CF2 ≤ 6) PFASs were easily desorbed and leached, long-chain PFASs were more difficult to desorb. PFASs with a carboxylate head group were leached more readily and to a greater extent than those with a sulfonate or sulfonamide head group. Leaching of long-chain PFASs was pH-dependent where leaching increased at high pH, while leaching of short-chain PFASs was less sensitive to pH. Comparing different leaching tests showed that the results using the alkaline ASLP were similar to the cumulative MEP data and the former might be more practical for routine use than the MEP. No single soil property was adequately able to describe PFAS leaching from the soils. Overall, the PFAS chemical structure appeared to have a greater effect on PFAS leaching from soil than soil physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - William Tucker
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - Divina A Navarro
- CSIRO Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Kristie Thompson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Emma R Knight
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Thi Minh Hong Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | | | - Craig M Barnes
- Airservices Australia, 25 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Rai S Kookana
- CSIRO Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
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26
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Roscales JL, Suárez de Puga BR, Vicente A, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Sánchez AI, Ros M, Jiménez B. Levels and trends of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in water (2013-2020) and fish from selected riverine basins in Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131940. [PMID: 34435575 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), namely perfluoroalkane sulfonates and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, in Spanish river basins in order to: identify potential spatiotemporal variations; evaluate the effectiveness of the measures implemented for the reduction/elimination of these pollutants; verify the fulfillment of the Environmental Quality Standards (EQSs) in the European Union. PFOS and PFOA were determined in 116 water samples from four sites in the Duero basin, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, collected seasonally from 2013 to 2020. In addition, 30 fish sample composites from the sample banks of Duero, Tagus, Ebro, Eastern Cantabrian and Catalonian basins were analyzed for 15 PFAAs. Median PFOS and PFOA concentrations were 0.72 and 0.42 ng/L, ranging from values below the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 81 and 22 ng/L, respectively. During the studied period, 51% of water samples were above the EQS of 0.65 ng/L for PFOS. In the case of fish, the PFOS range was <LOQ-59 with 33% of the samples above the EQS of 9.1 ng/g wet weight. Moreover, fish from the Tagus and Catalonian basins showed median concentrations above the EQS. Particularly, fish collected around highly populated areas such as Madrid and Barcelona showed the greatest PFAA concentrations. Overall, PFAA concentrations in water and fish increased significantly with population density suggesting urban areas as their main source. Although our results suggested decreasing tendencies for PFOS and PFOA in water, significant trends only could be confirmed at two sampling sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Roscales
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén R Suárez de Puga
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Vicente
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Sánchez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ros
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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27
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Dasu K, Xia X, Siriwardena D, Klupinski TP, Seay B. Concentration profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in major sources to the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113879. [PMID: 34619593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A review of published literature was conducted to present the concentrations and composition profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from significant sources to the environment. The major sources of PFAS to the environment are categorized under direct and indirect sources. The characteristic compounds and concentrations are summarized as found from direct sources such as manufacturing facilities, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) applications, metal coating operations, and textile and paper coating operations; and from indirect sources such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The major findings are: 1) among the aqueous matrices for which data were reviewed, groundwater impacted by AFFF contamination showed the highest median concentrations for both perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), while the second-highest median concentrations were associated with landfill leachates for PFOA and metal-plating sources for PFOS; 2) many of the unknown polyfluorinated precursors present in AFFF-impacted sites could potentially convert to persistent PFAS by abiotic or biotic transformation, and therefore could act as the long-term source of contamination to the environment; 3) part per billion (ppb) concentrations of PFAS were detected in water bodies surrounding fluorochemical manufacturing plants; 4) in consumer products such as textile, paper, and personal care products, PFOA concentrations were an order of magnitude higher compared to other PFAS; 5) biotransformation products such as fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are detected in landfill leachates and WWTP effluents; and 6) many studies have shown increased PFAA concentrations in WWTP effluents compared to influents. This work provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the PFAS concentration and composition trends of select non-polymeric PFAS in different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA.
| | - Xiaoyan Xia
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | | | | | - Brannon Seay
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
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28
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Cormier B, Borchet F, Kärrman A, Szot M, Yeung LWY, Keiter SH. Sorption and desorption kinetics of PFOS to pristine microplastic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:4497-4507. [PMID: 34409531 PMCID: PMC8741692 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15923-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The sorption processes of persistent organic pollutants on microplastics particles are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the sorption processes of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) on polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles (MPs) which are representing a prominent environmental pollutant and one of the most abundant microplastic polymers in the aquatic environment, respectively. The focus was set on the investigation of the impact of the particle size on PFOS sorption using four different PE MPs size ranges. The sorption kinetics for 6 months was studied with one selected size range of PE MPs. Besides, the desorption of PFOS from PE MPs under simulated digestive conditions was carried out by using artificial gut fluid mimicking the intestinal juice of fish. The investigation of the size effects of particles over 6 months demonstrated a linear increase of PFOS concentration sorbed onto PE with a decrease of the particle size. Thus, our findings implicate efficient sorption of PFOS onto PE MPs of different sizes. The results showed that PFOS desorbed from the PE MPs into the artificial gut fluid with a rate of 70 to 80%. Besides, a longer exposure of PE MPs to PFOS leads to a higher concentration adsorbed by PE MPs, which may favor the ingestion of higher concentration of PFOS, and thus represents a higher risk to transfer relevant concentrations of PFOS during digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettie Cormier
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
- Bordeaux University, EPOC, UMR CNRS 5805, Avenue des Facultés, 33400, Talence, France.
| | - Flora Borchet
- RWTH Aachen, Institut für Umweltforschung (Biologie V), Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Marta Szot
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
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29
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Nickerson A, Maizel AC, Olivares CI, Schaefer CE, Higgins CP. Simulating Impacts of Biosparging on Release and Transformation of Poly- and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances from Aqueous Film-Forming Foam-Impacted Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15744-15753. [PMID: 34748313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03448] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) frequently co-occur with fuel-derived contaminants because of the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Biosparging is a common remediation technology that injects oxygen into the saturated zone to encourage aerobic biodegradation, thereby altering aquifer redox conditions and potentially facilitating the biotransformation of polyfluorinated substances. Between 136 and 280 pore volumes of nitrogen-sparged or oxygen-sparged artificial groundwater amended with toluene were pumped through four saturated, AFFF-impacted soil columns to assess impacts on PFAS release and transformation. Column effluents and soils were analyzed for PFASs by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Significantly higher concentrations of five PFASs eluted from O2-sparged columns compared to N2-sparged columns shortly after sparging was initiated. The mass fractions eluted of many zwitterionic, sulfonamide-based PFASs were higher in both sets of columns than unaltered, non-biostimulated columns. Mass balance calculations suggested the transformation of sulfonamide-based precursors to perfluorinated sulfonamides (i.e., perfluorohexanesulfonamide) in oxygen- and nitrogen-sparged columns: recoveries of perfluorinated sulfonamides were 158-235% for C3-C6 homologs but recoveries of several prominent sulfonamide-based zwitterions were low. For example, the recovery of n-carboxyethyldimethyl-ammoniopropyl perfluorohexanesulfonamide was 9-13%. These results suggest biosparging can enhance the transformation and release of PFASs in saturated soils, which has important implications for site characterization and remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Andrew C Maizel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Christopher I Olivares
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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30
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Shrestha B, Ezazi M, Ajayan S, Kwon G. Reversible adsorption and desorption of PFAS on inexpensive graphite adsorbents via alternating electric field. RSC Adv 2021; 11:34652-34659. [PMID: 35494755 PMCID: PMC9042681 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra04821j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively utilized in practical applications that include surfactants, lubricants, and firefighting foams due to their thermal stability and chemical inertness. Recent studies have revealed that PFAS were detected in groundwater and even drinking water systems which can cause severe environmental and health issues. While adsorbents with a large specific surface area have demonstrated effective removal of PFAS from water, their capability in desorbing the retained PFAS has been often neglected despite its critical role in regeneration for reuse. Further, they have demonstrated a relatively lower adsorption capacity for PFAS with a short fluoroalkyl chain length. To overcome these limitations, electric field-aided adsorption has been explored. In this work, reversible adsorption and desorption of PFAS dissolved in water upon alternating voltage is reported. An inexpensive graphite adsorbent is fabricated by using a simple press resulting in a mesoporous structure with a BET surface area of 132.9 ± 10.0 m2 g-1. Electric field-aided adsorption and desorption experiments are conducted by using a custom-made cell consisting of two graphite electrodes placed in parallel in a polydimethylsiloxane container. Unlike the conventional sorption process, a graphite electrode exhibits a higher adsorption capacity for PFAS with a short fluoroalkyl chain (perfluoropentanoic acid, PFPA) in comparison to that with a long fluoroalkyl chain (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA). Upon alternating the voltage to a negative value, the retained PFPA or PFOA is released into the surrounding water. Finally, we engineered a device module mounted on a gravity-assisted apparatus to demonstrate electrosorption of PFAS and collection of high purity water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishwash Shrestha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas 66045 USA
| | - Mohammadamin Ezazi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas 66045 USA
| | - Sanjay Ajayan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas 66045 USA
| | - Gibum Kwon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas 66045 USA
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Barth E, McKernan J, Bless D, Dasu K. Investigation of an immobilization process for PFAS contaminated soils. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 296:113069. [PMID: 34225046 PMCID: PMC8682492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A two-phased bench-scale study was conducted to evaluate various sorbents for possible use as chemical stabilizing agents, along with cement solidification, for possible use in an in-situ solidification/stabilization (immobilization) treatment process for per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contaminated soils. The first phase involved sorption experiments for six selected PFAS compounds diluted in a water solution, using five selected sorbents: granular activated carbon (GAC), activated carbon-clay blend, modified clay, biochar, iron (Fe)-amended biochar, and Ottawa sand as a control media. The second phase involved chemical stabilization treatment (via sorption), using the most effective sorbent identified in the first phase, followed by solidification of two soils from PFAS-contaminated sites. Physical solidification was achieved by adding cement as a binding agent. Results from the first phase (sorption experiments) indicated that GAC was slightly more successful than the other sorbents in sorption performance for a 3000 μg/L solution containing a mixture of the six selected PFAS analytes (500 μg/L concentration each of shorter- and longer-chain alkyl acids), and was the only sorbent used in the second phase of this study. While the GAC, activated carbon-clay blend, and modified clay sorbents showed similar sorption performance for the longer chain analytes tested, both the activated carbon-clay blend and modified clay, exhibited slightly less sorptive capacity than GAC for the shorter-chain alkyl acids. Immobilization effectiveness was evaluated by soil leachability testing using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1312, Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) on the samples collected from two PFAS-contaminated sites. For the majority of the PFAS soil analytes, the addition of GAC sorbent (chemical stabilization) substantially reduced the leachability of PFAS compounds from the contaminated soil samples, and the addition of cement as a physical binding agent (solidification) further decreased leachability for a few of the PFAS compounds. Overall immobilization of PFAS analytes that were detectable in the leachate from two PFAS contaminated soils ranged from 87.1% to 99.9%. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider that the laboratory testing results presented here may have application to further pilot or limited field-scale studies within a broader suite of PFAS-contaminated site treatment options that are currently available for treating PFAS contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Barth
- U.S. EPA. Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, 26 MLK Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
| | - John McKernan
- U.S. EPA. Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, 26 MLK Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
| | - Diana Bless
- U.S. EPA. Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, 26 MLK Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
| | - Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA.
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Rovero M, Cutt D, Griffiths R, Filipowicz U, Mishkin K, White B, Goodrow S, Wilkin RT. Limitations of Current Approaches for Predicting Groundwater Vulnerability from PFAS Contamination in the Vadose Zone. GROUND WATER MONITORING & REMEDIATION 2021; 41:62-75. [PMID: 35087263 PMCID: PMC8788618 DOI: 10.1111/gwmr.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Published literature for reported sorption coefficients (Kd) of eight anionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil was reviewed. Kd values spanned three to five log units indicating that no single value would be appropriate for use in estimating PFAS impacts to groundwater using existing soil-water partition equations. Regression analysis was used to determine if the soil or solution parameters might be used to predict Kd values. None of the 15 experimental parameters collected could individually explain variability in reported Kd values. Significant associations between Kd and soil calcium and sodium content were found for many of the selected PFAS, suggesting that soil cation content may be critical to PFAS sorption, as previously noted in sources like Higgins and Luthy (2006), while organic carbon content was significant only at elevated levels (>5%). Unexplained discrepancies between the results from studies where PFAS were introduced to soil and desorbed in the laboratory and those that used material from PFAS-impacted sites suggest that laboratory experiments may be overlooking some aspects critical to PFAS sorption. Future studies would benefit from the development and use of standardized analytical methods to improve data quality and the establishment of soil parameters appropriate for collection to produce more complete data sets for predictive analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Rovero
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Groundwater Characterization and Remediation Division, 919 Kerr Research Drive, Ada, OK 74820
| | - Diana Cutt
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Technical Support Coordination Division, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
| | - Rachel Griffiths
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
| | - Urszula Filipowicz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
| | - Katherine Mishkin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
| | - Brad White
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
| | - Sandra Goodrow
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 428 East State Street, 1st Floor, Trenton, NJ 08625
| | - Richard T Wilkin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Groundwater Characterization and Remediation Division, 919 Kerr Research Drive, Ada, OK 74820
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Borthakur A, Wang M, He M, Ascencio K, Blotevogel J, Adamson DT, Mahendra S, Mohanty SK. Perfluoroalkyl acids on suspended particles: Significant transport pathways in surface runoff, surface waters, and subsurface soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126159. [PMID: 34229412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eroded particles from the source zone could transport a high concentration of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) to sediments and water bodies. Yet, the contribution of suspended particles has not been systematically reviewed. Analyzing reported studies, we quantitatively demonstrate that suspended particles in surface water can contain significantly higher concentrations of PFAAs than the sediment below, indicating the source of suspended particles are not the sediment but particles eroded and carried from the source zone upstream. The affinity of PFAAs to particles depends on the particle composition, including organic carbon fraction and iron or aluminum oxide content. In soils, most PFAAs are retained within the top 5 m below the ground surface. The distribution of PFAAs in the subsurface varies based on site properties and local weather conditions. The depth corresponding to the maximum concentration of PFAA in soil decreases with an increase in soil organic carbon or rainfall amount received in the catchment areas. We attribute a greater accumulation of PFAAs near the upper layer of the subsurface to an increase in the accumulation of particles eroded from source zones upstream receiving heavy rainfall. Precursor transformation in the aerobic zone is significantly higher than in the anaerobic zone, thereby making the aerobic subsurface zone serve as a long-term source of groundwater pollution. Collectively, these results suggest that suspended particles, often an overlooked vector for PFAAs, can be a dominant pathway for the transport of PFAAs in environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesh Borthakur
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Meng He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katia Ascencio
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Shaily Mahendra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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34
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Bräunig J, Baduel C, Barnes CM, Mueller JF. Sorbent assisted immobilisation of perfluoroalkyl acids in soils - effect on leaching and bioavailability. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 412:125171. [PMID: 33529830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of soils and groundwater with perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) is widespread due to their use in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). In this study the effectiveness of RemBind®, a sorbent containing activated carbon and aluminium oxyhydroxides was tested, as a tool to reduce the leaching and bioavailability of 12 PFAAs in soils, by amending contaminated soils with 5-30% (by weight) of the sorbents. Batch tests were used to determine the leaching of PFAAs. Their bioavailability to earthworms and wheat grass was assessed in greenhouse microcosms. Leaching and bioavailability of PFOS was reduced by up to 99.9%, at most sorbent application rates. Lowest reduction of leaching was found for shorter perfluoroalkyl chain length chemicals. The specific formulation of RemBind®, which is available in a basic and superior formulation, as well as the application rate were parameters for increasing effectiveness of the treatment. Furthermore, differences in leaching as well as bioavailability were seen depending on the perfluoroalkyl chain length. A preliminary assessment of the long-term stability of the treatment, assessed after a three-year curing period, suggested that the sorbent continued to be effective in reducing PFAAs in leachates, thus showing the potential of this sorbent to hinder further environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 QLD, Australia.
| | - Christine Baduel
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 QLD, Australia
| | - Craig M Barnes
- Airservices Australia, 25 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 QLD, Australia
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35
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Gan CD, Gan ZW, Cui SF, Fan RJ, Fu YZ, Peng MY, Yang JY. Agricultural activities impact on soil and sediment fluorine and perfluorinated compounds in an endemic fluorosis area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:144809. [PMID: 33548703 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are organo-fluorine compounds which have been identified at significant levels in soils due to their widespread usage in industrial and commercial applications. However, few studies are available regarding the occurrence of PFCs in the environment of endemic fluorosis areas. To address the issue, soils collected from an endemic fluorosis area of southwestern China were analyzed for the distribution of fluorine and 21 kinds of PFCs. The average water-soluble fluorine concentration in cultivated soil (4.87 mg kg-1) was significantly higher than that in uncultivated soil (3.15 mg kg-1), which mainly ascribed to the utilization of fluorine-enriched fertilizers during agricultural practices. Concentrations of ΣPFCs in all soils ranged from 0.508 to 6.83 ng g-1, with an average of 2.81 ng g-1, dominated by perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Highest ΣPFCs was found in the soil samples collected from cropland with intensive agricultural activities. Long-chain PFCs, including four perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (PFCAs, C ≥ 8) and one perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids (PFSAs) (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), C8), exhibited high levels in soils, probably due to their higher hydrophobicity and lower water-solubility than short-chain PFCs. While in sediments, short-chain PFCAs were the dominant compounds. Based on correlation analysis, the relationship between total fluorine and PFCs was insignificant, and soil organic matter was a relevant factor affecting PFCs distribution in soils. This study is expected to present a more comprehensive information about fluorine contamination under the influence of agricultural activities in an endemic fluorosis area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Dan Gan
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Gan
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Si-Fan Cui
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Rui-Jun Fan
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuan-Zhou Fu
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Mu-Yi Peng
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jin-Yan Yang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, China.
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36
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Marchiandi J, Szabo D, Dagnino S, Green MP, Clarke BO. Occurrence and fate of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater after an industrial fire of unknown chemical stockpiles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116839. [PMID: 33740602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An industrial warehouse illegally storing a large quantity of unknown chemical and industrial waste ignited in an urban area in Melbourne, Australia. The multiday fire required firefighters to use large amounts of fluorine-free foam that carried contaminated firewater runoff into an adjacent freshwater creek. In this study, the occurrence and fate of 42 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was determined from triplicate surface water samples (n = 45) from five locations (upstream, point-source, downstream; 8 km) over three sampling campaigns from 2018 to 2020. Out of the 42 target PFASs, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C4-C14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C4-C10), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g. 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA)) were ubiquitously detected in surface waters (concentration ranges: <0.7-3000 ng/L). A significant difference in ΣPFAS concentration was observed at the point-source (mean 5500 ng/L; 95% CI: 4800, 6300) relative to upstream sites (mean 100 ng/L; 95% CI: 90, 110; p ≤ 0.001). The point-source ΣPFAS concentration decreased from 5500 ± 1200 ng/L to 960 ± 42 ng/L (-83%) after two months and to 430 ± 15 ng/L (-98%) two years later. 6:2 FTSA and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) dominated in surface water, representing on average 31% and 20% of the ΣPFAS, respectively. Emerging PFASs including a cyclic perfluoroalkanesulfonate (PFECHS) and a C4 perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (FBSA) were repeatedly present in surface water (concentration ranges <0.3-77 ng/L). According to the updated Australian PFAS guidelines for ecological conservation, the water samples collected at the time of monitoring may have posed a short-term risk to aquatic organisms in regard to PFOS levels. These results illustrate that acute high dose exposure to PFASs can result from industrial fires at sites storing or stockpiling PFAS-based waste products. Continued monitoring will be crucial to evaluate potential long-term risk to wildlife in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye Marchiandi
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sonia Dagnino
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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37
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Kabiri S, Centner M, McLaughlin MJ. Durability of sorption of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in soils immobilised using common adsorbents: 1. Effects of perturbations in pH. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144857. [PMID: 33446338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The global problem of groundwater being contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) originating from highly contaminated soils has created a need to remediate these locations. In situ immobilisation of PFASs in soil by applying sorbents is often a preferred low-cost technique to reduce their mobility and leaching to groundwater, but the long-term efficacy of sorbents has not yet been investigated. In this study, the longevity of remediation of two different soils by two common sorbents (RemBind®, and pulverized activated carbon, Filtrasorb™ 400) was assessed. Regulatory agencies often rely on standardised leaching procedures to assess the risk of contaminant mobility in soils. Hence, the Australian Standard Leaching Procedure and the U.S. EPA Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework were applied to quantify the desorption/leaching of a wide range of PFASs from unremediated and remediated soils under a range of pH conditions (pH 2 to 12). Ease of desorption and subsequent leaching from the unremediated soils was related to C-chain length; while short-chain PFASs were easily desorbed and leached, long-chain PFASs were more difficult to desorb. Desorption of long-chain PFASs was also pH dependent in unremediated soils, with desorption being greater at high pH. Both sorbents retained PFASs strongly in the remediated soils (> 99% for most PFASs) across a broad range of pH conditions, with only small differences between the sorbents in terms of efficacy. Both sorbents showed better retention of PFASs under low pH conditions. Remediation of PFAS-contaminated soils with these sorbents could be considered robust and durable in terms of changes in soil pH, with little risk of subsequent PFASs desorption under normal environmental pH conditions. Ultimately, to give regulators and site owners the greatest level of confidence that immobilisation is stable for the longer term, it should also be tested under repeated cycles of leaching and under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
| | - Marc Centner
- ALS, Life Sciences Division, 277 Woodpark Road Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
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38
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Kabiri S, McLaughlin MJ. Durability of sorption of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in soils immobilized using common adsorbents: 2. Effects of repeated leaching, temperature extremes, ionic strength and competing ions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144718. [PMID: 33536123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent use of aqueous film-forming foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in firefighting has led to severe contamination of soil and aquifers at training sites, which makes remediation of such sites a necessity. We investigated the persistence of binding of PFASs to a mixed-mode remediation agent including repeated leaching, and the effects of competing ions and temperature extremes. The sorbent (RemBind®) was added to PFAS-contaminated soils and standard leaching procedures - the U.S. EPA Multiple Extraction Procedure and the U.S. EPA Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework were applied to quantify desorption of PFASs from remediated and unremediated soils. Possible desorption by competing anions such as orthophosphate (H2PO4-) and humic acid (HA) were assessed, and effects of temperature extremes and ionic strength were also investigated. These are the main environmental factors that could potentially affect desorption of PFASs over time at a typical site. Desorption of PFASs from unremediated soils was related to C-chain length with short-chain PFASs easily desorbed and leached. PFASs with carboxylic head groups leached faster than those with a sulfonic acid head group. The sorbent retained PFASs strongly and reduced desorption and leaching from remediated soils by 92 to 99.9%. There were no detrimental effects on desorption of PFASs from temperature extremes or changes in ionic strength. In remediated soils, effects of competing ions were also absent or minimal. However, in unremediated soils increasing concentrations of orthophosphate and HA increased leaching of some long-chain PFASs. While short-term laboratory desorption experiments cannot exactly mimic long-term field conditions, these results provide site owners and regulatory authorities with a high level of confidence that PFASs binding by RemBind® is predicted to be persistent in the long term. However, to give the greatest level of confidence, these simulations should be validated under field conditions for at least several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
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39
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Sörengård M, Gago-Ferrero P, B Kleja D, Ahrens L. Laboratory-scale and pilot-scale stabilization and solidification (S/S) remediation of soil contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123453. [PMID: 32707463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Remediation of soil contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is critical due to the high persistence and mobility of these compounds. In this study, stabilization and solidification (S/S) treatment was evaluated at pilot-scale using 6 tons of soil contaminated with PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam. At pilot-scale, long-term PFAS removal over 6 years of precipitation (simulated using irrigation) in leachate from non-treated contaminated reference soil and S/S-treated soil with 15 % binder and 0.2 % GAC was compared. PFAS removal rate from leachate, corresponding to reduction in leaching potential after 6 years, was >97 % for four dominant PFASs (perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)), but low (3%) for short-chain perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA). During the pilot-scale experiment, PFAS sorption strength (i.e., soil-water partitioning coefficient (Kd)) increased 2- to 40-fold for both reference and S/S-treated soil, to much higher levels than in laboratory-scale tests. However, PFAS behavior in pilot-scale and laboratory-scale tests was generally well-correlated (p < 0.001), which will help in future S/S recipe optimization. In addition, seven PFASs were tentatively identified using an automated suspect screening approach. Among these, perfluorohexanesulfonamide and 3:2 fluorotelomer alcohol were tentatively identified and the latter had low removal rates from leachate (<12 %) in S/S treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Sörengård
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
| | - Pablo Gago-Ferrero
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Dan B Kleja
- Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI), SE-581 93, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7014, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
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40
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Nickerson A, Rodowa AE, Adamson DT, Field JA, Kulkarni PR, Kornuc JJ, Higgins CP. Spatial Trends of Anionic, Zwitterionic, and Cationic PFASs at an AFFF-Impacted Site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:313-323. [PMID: 33351591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Soil and groundwater from an aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted site were sampled at high resolution (n = 105 for soil, n = 58 for groundwater) and analyzed for an extensive list of anionic, zwitterionic, and cationic poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Spatial trends for perfluoroalkyl acids and many precursors enabled a better understanding of PFAS composition, transport, and transformation. All PFASs without analytical standards were semi-quantified. Summed PFAS and individual PFAS concentrations were often higher at depth than near the surface in soil and groundwater. Zwitterionic and cationic compounds composed a majority of the total PFAS mass (up to 97%) in firefighter training area (FTA) soil. Composition of PFAS class, chain length, and structural isomers changed with depth and distance from the FTA, suggesting in situ transformation and differential transport. The percentage of branched perfluorooctane sulfonate increased with depth, consistent with differential isomeric transport. However, linear perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was enriched, suggesting fluorotelomer precursor transformation to linear PFOA. Perfluorohexane sulfonamide, a potential transformation product of sulfonamide-based PFASs, was present at high concentrations (maximum 448 ng/g in soil, 3.4 mg/L in groundwater). Precursor compounds may create long-term sources of perfluoroalkyl acids, although many pathways remain unknown; precursor analysis is critical for PFAS fate and transport understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - David T Adamson
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Poonam R Kulkarni
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - John J Kornuc
- NAVFAC EXWC, 1100 23rd Avenue, Port Hueneme, California 93041, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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41
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Bolan N, Sarkar B, Yan Y, Li Q, Wijesekara H, Kannan K, Tsang DCW, Schauerte M, Bosch J, Noll H, Ok YS, Scheckel K, Kumpiene J, Gobindlal K, Kah M, Sperry J, Kirkham MB, Wang H, Tsang YF, Hou D, Rinklebe J. Remediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soils - To mobilize or to immobilize or to degrade? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123892. [PMID: 33113753 PMCID: PMC8025151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals, which are introduced to the environment through anthropogenic activities. Aqueous film forming foam used in firefighting, wastewater effluent, landfill leachate, and biosolids are major sources of PFAS input to soil and groundwater. Remediation of PFAS contaminated solid and aqueous media is challenging, which is attributed to the chemical and thermal stability of PFAS and the complexity of PFAS mixtures. In this review, remediation of PFAS contaminated soils through manipulation of their bioavailability and destruction is presented. While the mobilizing amendments (e.g., surfactants) enhance the mobility and bioavailability of PFAS, the immobilizing amendments (e.g., activated carbon) decrease their bioavailability and mobility. Mobilizing amendments can be applied to facilitate the removal of PFAS though soil washing, phytoremediation, and complete destruction through thermal and chemical redox reactions. Immobilizing amendments are likely to reduce the transfer of PFAS to food chain through plant and biota (e.g., earthworm) uptake, and leaching to potable water sources. Future studies should focus on quantifying the potential leaching of the mobilized PFAS in the absence of removal by plant and biota uptake or soil washing, and regular monitoring of the long-term stability of the immobilized PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanthi Bolan
- The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yubo Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Marina Schauerte
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julian Bosch
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Noll
- INTRAPORE GmbH, Advanced In Situ Groundwater Remediation, Essen, Leipzig, Mailand, Katernberger Str. 107, 45327 Essen, Germany
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kirk Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jurate Kumpiene
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Kapish Gobindlal
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Sperry
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 USA
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Soil Engineering, Waste- and Water-Management, Faculty of Architecture und Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea
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42
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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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Senevirathna STMLD, Mahinroosta R, Li M, KrishnaPillai K. In situ soil flushing to remediate confined soil contaminated with PFOS- an innovative solution for emerging environmental issue. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:127606. [PMID: 32805650 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PerFluoroOctane Sulfonate (PFOS), is a toxic anthropogenic chemical that has been produced and gradually released into the environment for the past seven decades. An accurate audit of global PFOS contamination and contaminated sites are yet to be published. The available technologies to remediate PFOS contaminated soil are limited and often basic strategies such as temporary soil containment are adopted as immediate measures to manage the contaminated sites. In this study, the in situ soil flushing technique is assessed for its capacity to remediate soil contaminated with PFOS. A complete treatment process with several operation units was proposed such as solvent flushing, ground water pumping, solvent recovery and water treatment for PFOS. Potential solvents were identified and it was observed that more than 98% PFOS removal could be attained by flushing with five bed volumes of 50% ethanol. In addition, the study investigated thirteen commercially available filter materials and identified PFA694E, K6362, MP 62, Amberlite IRA 67 and Dowexoptopore V493 as suitable to eliminate PFOS with competitive PFOS adsorption characteristics. The proposed method can be recommended to remediate PFOS in recognised contaminated soils, such as those at defence sites. Furthermore, a contaminated site with favourable characteristics to implement the suggested method was identified in Australia and described in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T M L D Senevirathna
- CSU Engineering, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW, Australia; Institute of Land, Water, and Society, Charles Sturt University, Australia.
| | - Reza Mahinroosta
- CSU Engineering, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW, Australia; Institute of Land, Water, and Society, Charles Sturt University, Australia
| | - Miao Li
- CSU Engineering, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW, Australia; Institute of Land, Water, and Society, Charles Sturt University, Australia
| | - Karthika KrishnaPillai
- CSU Engineering, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW, Australia; Institute of Land, Water, and Society, Charles Sturt University, Australia
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44
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Adamson DT, Nickerson A, Kulkarni PR, Higgins CP, Popovic J, Field J, Rodowa A, Newell C, DeBlanc P, Kornuc JJ. Mass-Based, Field-Scale Demonstration of PFAS Retention within AFFF-Associated Source Areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15768-15777. [PMID: 33270425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Transport of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites is limited by various processes that can retain PFAS mass within the source area. This study used concentration data obtained via a high-resolution sampling and analytical protocol to estimate the PFAS mass distribution in source and downgradient areas of a former firefighter training area. The total PFAS mass present at the site was approximately 222 kg, with 106 kg as perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and 116 kg as polyfluorinated precursors. Zwitterionic and cationic PFAS represented 83% of the total precursor mass and were found primarily in the source and up/side-gradient areas (75%), likely due to preferential hydrophobic partitioning, electrostatic interactions, and diffusion into lower-permeability soils. Based on the release history and the high percentage of total PFAS mass represented by precursors (primarily electrochemical fluorination-derived compounds), the estimated conversion rate of precursors to PFAAs was less than 2% annually. Eighty-two percent of the total PFAS mass was encountered in lower-permeability soils, which limited the potential for advection and transformation. This contributed to a 99% decrease in the mass discharge rate at the far-downgradient plume (0.048 kg/yr compared to the near-source area (3.6 kg/yr)). The results provide field-scale evidence of the importance of these PFAS retention processes at sites where AFFF has been released.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Adamson
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Poonam R Kulkarni
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Jovan Popovic
- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, 1100 23rd Avenue, Port Hueneme, California 93041, United States
| | - Jennifer Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Alix Rodowa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Charles Newell
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - Phil DeBlanc
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - John J Kornuc
- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, 1100 23rd Avenue, Port Hueneme, California 93041, United States
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45
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Bottos EM, Al-Shabib EY, Shaw DMJ, McAmmond BM, Sharma A, Suchan DM, Cameron ADS, Van Hamme JD. Transcriptomic response of Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y when provided with 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine or 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate as sole sulfur source. Biodegradation 2020; 31:407-422. [PMID: 33150552 PMCID: PMC7661421 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-020-09917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants of concern. We previously described biodegradation of two PFAS that represent components and transformation products of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (6:2 FTAB) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), by Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y. To identify genes involved in the breakdown of these compounds, the transcriptomic response of NB4-1Y was examined when grown on 6:2 FTAB, 6:2 FTSA, a non-fluorinated analog of 6:2 FTSA (1-octanesulfonate), or MgSO4, as sole sulfur source. Differentially expressed genes were identified as those with ± 1.5 log2-fold-differences (± 1.5 log2FD) in transcript abundances in pairwise comparisons. Transcriptomes of cells grown on 6:2 FTAB and 6:2 FTSA were most similar (7.9% of genes expressed ± 1.5 log2FD); however, several genes that were expressed in greater abundance in 6:2 FTAB treated cells compared to 6:2 FTSA treated cells were noted for their potential role in carbon–nitrogen bond cleavage in 6:2 FTAB. Responses to sulfur limitation were observed in 6:2 FTAB, 6:2 FTSA, and 1-octanesulfonate treatments, as 20 genes relating to global sulfate stress response were more highly expressed under these conditions compared to the MgSO4 treatment. More highly expressed oxygenase genes in 6:2 FTAB, 6:2 FTSA, and 1-octanesulfonate treatments were found to code for proteins with lower percent sulfur-containing amino acids compared to both the total proteome and to oxygenases showing decreased expression. This work identifies genetic targets for further characterization and will inform studies aimed at evaluating the biodegradation potential of environmental samples through applied genomics. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10532-020-09917-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Bottos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Ebtihal Y Al-Shabib
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Dayton M J Shaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Breanne M McAmmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Danae M Suchan
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Andrew D S Cameron
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Van Hamme
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada.
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46
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Costanza J, Abriola LM, Pennell KD. Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Exhibit Greater Interfacial Activity than PFOA, PFOS, or FOSA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:13590-13597. [PMID: 32965107 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids spontaneously concentrate at air-water and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL)-water interfaces, which can influence their retention during subsurface transport. This work presents measurements of air- and NAPL-water interfacial tension for synthetic groundwater containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA), or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to greater than 1000 mg/L. The NAPLs tested included dodecane, tetrachloroethylene, and jet fuel. AFFF formulations were less efficient at lowering interfacial tension than PFOA, FPOS, or FOSA substances below 100 mg/L, while above 100 mg/L, these formulations were more effective, achieving tensions of less than 3 mN/m. Infiltration of solutions with such low tension could lead to mobilization of residual NAPL. Equations based on interfacial tension measurements show that concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, and FOSA at the air-water interface were from 2 to 16 times greater than at the NAPL-water interface below 100 mg/L and were 10-50 times greater for AFFF below 20 mg/L. Calculations for unsaturated soil estimate that up to 87% of PFOS mass was at the air-water interface and less than 4% at the dodecane-water interface for bulk-water concentrations below 1 mg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jed Costanza
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Linda M Abriola
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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47
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Liu X, Wei W, Xu J, Wang D, Song L, Ni BJ. Photochemical decomposition of perfluorochemicals in contaminated water. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 186:116311. [PMID: 32836148 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a set of chemicals containing C-F bonds, which are concerned due to their bioaccumulation property, persistent and toxicological properties. Photocatalytic approaches have been widely studied for the effective removal of PFCs due to the mild operation conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date summary on the homogenous and heterogeneous photocatalytic processes for PFCs removal. Specifically, the homogenous photocatalytic methods for remediating PFCs are firstly discussed, including generation of hydrated electrons (eaq‒) and its performance and mechanisms for photo-reductive destruction of PFCs, the active species responsible for photo-oxidative degradation of PFCs and the corresponding mechanisms, and metal-ion-mediated (Fe(III) mainly used) processes for the remediation of PFCs. The influences of molecular structures of PFCs and water matrix, such as dissolved oxygen, humic acid, nitrate, chloride on the homogenous photocatalytic degradation of PFCs are also discussed. For heterogeneous photocatalytic processes, various semiconductor photocatalysts used for the decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are then discussed in terms of their specific properties benefiting photocatalytic performances. The preparation methods for optimizing the performance of photocatalysts are also overviewed. Moreover, the photo-oxidative and photo-reductive pathways are summarized for remediating PFOA in the presences of different semiconductor photocatalysts, including active species responsible for the degradation. We finally put forward several key perspectives for the photocatalytic removal of PFCs to promote its practical application in PFCs-containing wastewater treatment, including the treatment of PFCs degradation products such as fluoride ion, and the development of noble-metal free photocatalysts that could efficiently remove PFCs under solar light irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Juan Xu
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Zhejiang Tiantong Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Institute of Eco-Chongming, No. 20 Cuiniao Road, ChenJiazhen, Shanghai, 202162, China.
| | - Dongbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Lan Song
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - 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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Demographic and exposure characteristics as predictors of serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) levels - A community-level biomonitoring project in Pennsylvania. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 231:113631. [PMID: 33035738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products and have been linked to various adverse health effects. Communities near two former military bases in Pennsylvania were exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water for several decades. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) conducted biomonitoring of 235 randomly selected community members living in four public water system (PWS) service areas to evaluate a toolkit developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). DOH also collected data on participants' demographics, exposure history and self-reported health conditions. Serum PFAS levels were compared with the national averages for 2013-2014 and their relationships with demographic and exposure characteristics were analyzed. Of the 11 PFASs analyzed for, only perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were consistently detected in the serum samples. The average levels of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA among the study participants were 3.13, 10.24, 6.64 and 0.74 μg per liter (μg/L), respectively. Overall, 75, 81, 94 and 59 percent of the study participants had levels exceeding the national average for PFOA (1.94 μg/L), PFOS (4.99 μg/L), PFHxS (1.35 μg/L) and PFNA (0.66 μg/L), respectively. Results indicated associations between serum levels of some PFAS compounds and sex, age, employment in the study area, PWS area, quantity of daily tap water consumption, and length of residence in the study area.
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49
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Sörengård M, Lindh AS, Ahrens L. Thermal desorption as a high removal remediation technique for soils contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234476. [PMID: 32584848 PMCID: PMC7316335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Soils contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are an important source for impacting drinking water delivery systems and surface water bodies world-wide, posing an urgent risk to human health and environmental quality. However, few treatment techniques have been tested for PFAS-contaminated soil hotspots. This study investigated the possibility of thermal desorption as a possible technique to remediate soils contaminated with multiple PFASs. Two fortified soils (∑9PFAS ≈ 4 mg kg-1) and one field-contaminated soil (∑9PFAS ≈ 0.025 mg kg-1) were subjected to a 75-min thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 150 to 550°C. Soil concentrations of PFASs showed a significant decrease at 350°C, with the ∑9PFAS concentration decreasing by, on average, 43% and 79% in the fortified and field contaminated soils, respectively. At 450°C, >99% of PFASs were removed from the fortified soils, while at 550°C the fraction removed ranged between 71 and 99% for the field contaminated soil. In the field contaminated soil, PFAS classes with functional groups of sulfonates (PFSAs) and sulfonamides (FOSAs) showed higher removal than the perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs). Thus thermal desorption has the potential to remove a wide variety of PFASs from soil, although more studies are needed to investigate the cost-effectiveness, creation of transformation products, and air-phase vacuum filtration techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Sörengård
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - A-S. Lindh
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L. Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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50
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Jouanneau W, Bårdsen BJ, Herzke D, Johnsen TV, Eulaers I, Bustnes JO. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in White-Tailed Eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla) Nestlings from Northern Norway-A Ten-Year Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:5011-5020. [PMID: 32200622 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Scandinavia has suffered from impaired reproduction due to high exposure to industrial pollution between the 1960s and 1980s. While population numbers are rising again, new contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are increasingly found in high trophic avifauna and are of concern to potentially impact once again on population health. In the present study, we examined PFAS levels in plasma of white-tailed eagle nestlings from northern Norway over the last decade (2008-2017). While PFOA and PFNA exposure did not follow a significant time trend, PFOS and PFHxS concentrations decreased over time, and ≥C11 perfluorinated carboxylic acids only seem to level off during the last four years. This may in fact be the first evidence for a change in the trend for some of these compounds. Furthermore, since several PFAS are expected to be highly present in aqueous film-forming foams used at airports, we also investigate the potential of the two main airports in the region to act as hotspots for PFAS. Our results indeed show decreasing exposure to PFOA with distance to the airports. Altogether, our results seem to show that legislation actions are effective, and continued concern for PFAS exposure of high trophic wildlife is still warranted, even in the northern environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jouanneau
- NINA - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen
- NINA - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Trond Vidar Johnsen
- NINA - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Arctic Research Centre, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- NINA - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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