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Joseph NT, Schwichtenberg T, Cao D, Jones GD, Rodowa AE, Barlaz MA, Charbonnet JA, Higgins CP, Field JA, Helbling DE. Target and Suspect Screening Integrated with Machine Learning to Discover Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Source Fingerprints. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14351-14362. [PMID: 37696050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
This study elucidates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) fingerprints for specific PFAS source types. Ninety-two samples were collected from aqueous film-forming foam impacted groundwater (AFFF-GW), landfill leachate, biosolids leachate, municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (WWTP), and wastewater effluent from the pulp and paper and power generation industries. High-resolution mass spectrometry operated with electrospray ionization in negative mode was used to quantify up to 50 target PFASs and screen and semi-quantify up to 2,266 suspect PFASs in each sample. Machine learning classifiers were used to identify PFASs that were diagnostic of each source type. Four C5-C7 perfluoroalkyl acids and one suspect PFAS (trihydrogen-substituted fluoroethernonanoic acid) were diagnostic of AFFF-GW. Two target PFASs (5:3 and 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acids) and two suspect PFASs (4:2 fluorotelomer-thia-acetic acid and N-methylperfluoropropane sulfonamido acetic acid) were diagnostic of landfill leachate. Biosolids leachates were best classified along with landfill leachates and N-methyl and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid assisted in that classification. WWTP, pulp and paper, and power generation samples contained few target PFASs, but fipronil (a fluorinated insecticide) was diagnostic of WWTP samples. Our results provide PFAS fingerprints for known sources and identify target and suspect PFASs that can be used for source allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayantara T Joseph
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Trever Schwichtenberg
- Chemistry Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Dunping Cao
- Chemistry Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Gerrad D Jones
- Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Morton A Barlaz
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Joseph A Charbonnet
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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2
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Beggs C, Mackie R, Vrana B, Prokeš R, Gorji SG, Schulze B, Thomas KV, Mueller JF, Kaserzon SL. Estimation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances mass loads in the Danube River using passive sampling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164458. [PMID: 37247727 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
As Europe's second longest river, the Danube is an important water source for drinking water and irrigation for many countries, before discharging into the Black Sea in the East. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been observed over the last two decades in concentrations exceeding the European Union's drinking water guidelines for total sum of 20 select PFAS of 0.1 μg L-1. Their presence is a result of current and historical use and high environmental persistence, necessitating their monitoring for human risk assessments. The aim of this study is to use recently developed passive sampling technology to calculate time-integrated water concentrations and mass loads of 11 select PFAS at 9 sites along the Danube River. Results indicate ∑11 PFAS concentrations in the range of 9.3-29.6 ng L-1 were not in exceedance of EU drinking water guidelines, but perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was in exceedance of the environmental quality standard (0.65 ng L-1) at all sampling locations. The highest ∑11 PFAS mass loads were observed at Ruse (9.5 kg day-1) and Budapest (6.3 kg day-1), believed to be driven by proximity to industrial facilities and large populations (urban runoff). Finally, we estimate 4.9 kg of total PFAS (∑11 PFAS) were delivered to the Black Sea daily over Summer 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Beggs
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Rachel Mackie
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Branislav Vrana
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Prokeš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Bastian Schulze
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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3
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Novak PA, Hoeksema SD, Thompson SN, Trayler KM. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in a microtidal urban estuary: Sources and sinks. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115215. [PMID: 37392593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates PFAS contamination and determines the major drainage sources to a temperate microtidal estuary, the Swan Canning Estuary, in Perth Western Australia. We describe how variability in these sources influences PFAS concentrations within this urban estuary. Surface water samples were collected from 20 estuary sites and 32 catchment sites in June and December from 2016 to 2018. Modelled catchment discharge was used to estimate PFAS load over the study period. Three major catchment sources of elevated PFAS were identified with contamination likely resulting from historical AFFF use on a commercial airport and defence base. Estuary PFAS concentration and composition varied significantly with season and spatially with the two different estuary arms responding differently to winter and summer conditions. This study has found that the influence of multiple PFAS sources on an estuary depend on the historical usage timeframe, groundwater interactions and surface water discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Novak
- Rivers and Estuaries Science, Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - S D Hoeksema
- Rivers and Estuaries Science, Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - S N Thompson
- Rivers and Estuaries Science, Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - K M Trayler
- Rivers and Estuaries Science, Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
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4
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Mikkonen AT, Martin J, Upton RN, Barker AO, Brumley CM, Taylor MP, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS. Spatio-temporal trends in livestock exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) inform risk assessment and management measures. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 225:115518. [PMID: 36841522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The migration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) onto agricultural properties has resulted in the accumulation of PFAS in livestock. The environmental determinants of PFAS accumulation in livestock from the grazing environment are poorly understood, resulting in limited capacity to manage livestock exposure and subsequent transfer of PFAS through the food chain. Analytical- (n = 978 samples of soil, water, pasture, and serum matrices), farm management/practice- and livestock physiology data were collated and interrogated from environmental PFAS investigations across ten farms, from four agro-ecological regions of Victoria (Australia). Statistical analysis identified perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) as key analytes of concern for livestock bioaccumulation. PFOS and PFHxS concentrations in livestock drinking water were positively correlated with serum concentrations while other intake pathways (pasture and soil) had weaker correlations. Seasonal trends in PFAS body burden (serum concentrations) were identified and suggested to be linked to seasonal grazing behaviours and physiological water requirements. The data showed for the first time that livestock exposure to PFAS is dynamic and with relatively short elimination half-lives, there is opportunity for exposure management. Meat from cattle, grazed on PFAS impacted sites, may exceed health-based guideline values for PFAS, especially for markets with low limits (like the European Commission Maximum Limits or EC MLs). This study found that sites with mean livestock drinking water concentrations as low as 0.003 μg PFOS/L may exceed the EC ML for PFOS in cattle meat. Risk assessment can be used to prioritise site cleanup and development of management plans to reduce PFAS body burden by considering timing of stock rotation and/or supplementation of primary exposure sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti T Mikkonen
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; Arcadis L18, Queen & Collins Tower, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard N Upton
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn M Brumley
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia; Arcadis L18, Queen & Collins Tower, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark P Taylor
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorraine Mackenzie
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Riaz R, Junaid M, Rehman MYA, Iqbal T, Khan JA, Dong Y, Yue L, Chen Y, Xu N, Malik RN. Spatial distribution, compositional profile, sources, ecological and human health risks of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater reservoirs of Punjab, Pakistan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159144. [PMID: 36183770 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large group of chemicals reported in global environment and are responsible for various adverse impacts on humans and environment. We report a comprehensive study on occurrence of PFASs, including legacy, substitute and emerging ones, from Pakistan. Surface water samples were collected from five ecologically important freshwater reservoirs in Pakistan, namely, Head Panjnad (HP), Head Trimmu (HT), Chashma Barrage (CB), Head Blloki (HB), and Head Qadirabad (HQ). The detection frequencies of PFASs ranged between 37 %-100 %. The highest concentration of ∑15PFASs was detected at HP (114.1 ng L-1), whereas the lowest at HQ (19.9 ng L-1). Among the analyzed PFASs, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) showed maximum mean concentrations of 9.1 ng L-1 and 7 ng L-1 at HP, followed by Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) with level of 0.99 ng L-1 at HT. The ecological risk assessment for selected species i.e., daphnid, mysid, fish and green algae showed that PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) exhibited moderate risk i.e., Hazard Quotients (HQs) < 1 to the modeled organisms, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) showed the high risk to green algae (HQs = 8.6) and PFOA presented a high risk to all the organisms (HQs ranged between 1.04 and 7.38). The level of ∑PFASs at HP (114.1 ng L-1) exceed the EU guideline value of ∑PFASs in water (100 ng L-1), however the risk quotient (RQmix) values of all age groups were < 1 implying that the detected PFASs in water do not pose risk to human health. Source apportionment through Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) showed that industrial effluent is the main source of PFASs in freshwater reservoirs. Comparable concentrations of legacy and substitute PFASs in this study indicate that legacy PFASs are still in use adjacent to ecologically important water reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Riaz
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China; Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muhammad Yasir Abdur Rehman
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Taimoor Iqbal
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Aslam Khan
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yanran Dong
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Linxia Yue
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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6
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Huerta B, McHugh B, Regan F. Development and application of an LC-MS method to the determination of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking, sea and surface water samples. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:2090-2099. [PMID: 35551566 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00300g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of synthetic organic surfactants that have become a global concern because of their toxicity and widespread presence in the aquatic environment and organisms globally. In this study, a new analytical method has been developed and validated for the analysis of 15 perfluorinated compounds in different water matrices: river water, drinking water and seawater. Water extraction was performed in anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges, and extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry. Recoveries for target analytes were between 35 and 120%, depending on the water matrix. Method detection limits were in the range of 0.5-17 ng L-1. The validated method was applied to the determination of perfluorinated compounds in water samples around Ireland. Eight compounds out of fifteen were detected at least in one sample. Measured concentrations were higher in river water than seawater, and drinking water had the lowest levels, although still detectable for a considerable amount of compounds. The most prevalent compounds were PFPeA, PFOA and PFHxA, present in all types of water, and they had the highest concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Huerta
- DCU Water Institute, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 R673, Ireland
| | - Fiona Regan
- DCU Water Institute, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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7
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Sims JL, Stroski KM, Kim S, Killeen G, Ehalt R, Simcik MF, Brooks BW. Global occurrence and probabilistic environmental health hazard assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater and surface waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151535. [PMID: 34762945 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been used in consumer and military products since the 1950s but are increasingly scrutinized worldwide because of inherent chemical properties, environmental contamination, and risks to public health and the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) identified 24 PFASs of interest for further study and possible regulation. We examined 371 peer-reviewed studies published since 2001 to understand the occurrence and distribution of 24 priority PFASs in global surface waters and groundwater. We identified 77,541 and 16,246 data points for surface waters and groundwater, respectively, with total PFAS concentrations ranging from low pg/L to low mg/L levels. Most data were from Asia, Europe, and North America with some reports from Oceania. PFAS information from other geographic regions is lacking. PFASs levels are consistently higher in rivers and streams followed by lakes and reservoirs and then coastal and marine systems. When sufficient data were available, probabilistic environmental hazard assessments (PEHAs) were performed from environmental exposure distributions (EEDs) to identify potential exceedances of available guideline values for each compound by matrix, region, and aquatic system. Specifically, exceedances of USEPA drinking water lifetime health advisory levels were up to 74% for PFOS in groundwater from Oceania and 69% for PFOA in North American groundwater. Our findings support selection of environmentally relevant experimental treatment levels for future toxicology, ecotoxicology and bioaccumulation studies, and potable source water exposure investigations, while highlighting PFASs and major geographic locations requiring additional study and inclusion in global monitoring and surveillance campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaylen L Sims
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Kevin M Stroski
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Grace Killeen
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Ehalt
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Matt F Simcik
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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8
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Szabo D, Nuske MR, Lavers JL, Shimeta J, Green MP, Mulder RA, Clarke BO. A baseline study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in waterfowl from a remote Australian environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152528. [PMID: 34954161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of PFASs in the liver may pose a toxicological risk to bird species and humans that consume them. This study aimed to determine concentrations of 43 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in livers (n = 80) of Australian Shelducks (Tadorna tadornoides), Pacific Black Ducks (Anas superciliosa), and Teals (Anas sp.), as well as water and sediment from a remote Australian environment. Maximum concentrations of PFBA (1.9 ng L-1), PFOA (1.7 ng L-1) and PFOS (0.99 ng L-1) in water were consistent with long-range atmospheric and oceanic transport. PFOS (30%) and PFNA (22%) were the most frequently detected PFASs in Australian Shelduck livers (0.31 ± 0.68 ng g-1 ww and 0.16 ± 0.15 ng g-1 ww respectively). Maximum concentrations of PFOS in Pacific Black Ducks (50%) and Teals (44%) was 2.4 ng g-1 ww and 5.3 ng g-1 ww respectively. While PFAS levels in birds from this remote environment were below current animal consumption guidelines, continued monitoring of this ecosystem is recommended to assess the human health risk of consumption of wild game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Madison R Nuske
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 7004, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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10
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Selvaraj KK, Murugasamy M, Nikhil NP, Elaiyaraja A, Sampath S, Krishnamoorthi V, He H, Ramaswamy BR. Investigation of distribution, sources and flux of perfluorinated compounds in major southern Indian rivers and their risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 277:130228. [PMID: 34384168 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a group of emerging contaminants still less reported in rivers, particularly southern India. Therefore, we investigated the fate of 13 PFCs in three major rivers in southern India during post-monsoon and summer seasons. Twelve PFCs were detected, with an average total PFCs of 1853 ± 1463 pg/l. However, the total PFCs recorded in ppost-monsoon and summer seasons ranged from ND (none detected) to 10,545 pg/l and ND to 4960 pg/l, respectively. Among the individual congeners, perfluoro-n-hexanoic acid (PFHxA) had the highest detection average (929 ± 710 pg/l). The higher detection of short chain PFCs signifies their increasing wide usage as an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Higher levels of PFCs were observed in summer than post-monsoon season in the river Kaveri, which is mainly attributed to the decrease in river flow. A multidimensional source identification revealed domestic and commercial wastewater as the major source. A correlation analysis showed that most of the detected PFCs share the common source and undergo co-migration into rivers. The flux of PFCs into the Bay of Bengal, loaded by the Kaveri (15 kg/yr) and the Tamiraparani (2.2 kg/yr) rivers, signifies lower per capita emissions than other rivers in India and other countries. Further, the PFC levels found in the rivers can be considered safe for human consumption and aquatic organisms based on international guidelines. Being the first hand report in southern Indian rivers, the results warrant further investigation to understand the exact sources, fate and removal in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kumar Selvaraj
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Mayilsamy Murugasamy
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India; Hiyoshi India Ecological Services Private Limited, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nishikant Patil Nikhil
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arun Elaiyaraja
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srimurali Sampath
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India; ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Vimalkumar Krishnamoorthi
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Huan He
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Babu Rajendran Ramaswamy
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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11
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Marchiandi J, Szabo D, Dagnino S, Green MP, Clarke BO. Occurrence and fate of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater after an industrial fire of unknown chemical stockpiles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116839. [PMID: 33740602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An industrial warehouse illegally storing a large quantity of unknown chemical and industrial waste ignited in an urban area in Melbourne, Australia. The multiday fire required firefighters to use large amounts of fluorine-free foam that carried contaminated firewater runoff into an adjacent freshwater creek. In this study, the occurrence and fate of 42 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was determined from triplicate surface water samples (n = 45) from five locations (upstream, point-source, downstream; 8 km) over three sampling campaigns from 2018 to 2020. Out of the 42 target PFASs, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C4-C14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C4-C10), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g. 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA)) were ubiquitously detected in surface waters (concentration ranges: <0.7-3000 ng/L). A significant difference in ΣPFAS concentration was observed at the point-source (mean 5500 ng/L; 95% CI: 4800, 6300) relative to upstream sites (mean 100 ng/L; 95% CI: 90, 110; p ≤ 0.001). The point-source ΣPFAS concentration decreased from 5500 ± 1200 ng/L to 960 ± 42 ng/L (-83%) after two months and to 430 ± 15 ng/L (-98%) two years later. 6:2 FTSA and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) dominated in surface water, representing on average 31% and 20% of the ΣPFAS, respectively. Emerging PFASs including a cyclic perfluoroalkanesulfonate (PFECHS) and a C4 perfluoroalkane sulfonamide (FBSA) were repeatedly present in surface water (concentration ranges <0.3-77 ng/L). According to the updated Australian PFAS guidelines for ecological conservation, the water samples collected at the time of monitoring may have posed a short-term risk to aquatic organisms in regard to PFOS levels. These results illustrate that acute high dose exposure to PFASs can result from industrial fires at sites storing or stockpiling PFAS-based waste products. Continued monitoring will be crucial to evaluate potential long-term risk to wildlife in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye Marchiandi
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sonia Dagnino
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- School of Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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12
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Sharp S, Sardiña P, Metzeling L, McKenzie R, Leahy P, Menkhorst P, Hinwood A. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Ducks and the Relationship with Concentrations in Water, Sediment, and Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:846-858. [PMID: 32672850 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4818] [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: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the occurrence and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured in game ducks (13 compounds), water, sediment, and soils (33 compounds) in waterways in Victoria, Australia. The study aimed to identify potential ecological and human health risks from measured PFAS concentrations. Four species of duck and samples of water, sediment, and soil were collected from 19 wetlands, which were chosen based on their popularity as hunting locations. The risks posed by 3 PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS], and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS]) to the environment and human health were assessed using available national ecological and human health guidelines. A diverse range of short- and long-chain carboxylic and sulfonic acids were found in the environment and in ducks. Concentrations were generally low and varied between wetlands, duck species, tissue analyzed (breast or liver), and environmental compartment (water, sediment, soil). Higher PFOS concentrations in water and sediments were observed at wetlands near sources of contamination (i.e., a defense base or urban environment). Elevated PFOS and PFOS + PFHxS concentrations in ducks were observed near local point sources but also at wetlands with no known point sources of contamination. There were clear differences in PFAS concentrations detected in duck tissues versus the environment, highlighting complexities of bioaccumulation, movement of animals, and spatiotemporal variation and raising questions about the relevance of using abiotic criteria to assess risk to biota. Human health risk assessment showed that only ducks inhabiting wetlands near local sources of PFAS were likely to pose a risk to consumers. Further studies are required to improve our knowledge of PFAS toxicokinetics and chronic impacts in biota to guide management decisions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:846-858. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sharp
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paula Sardiña
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leon Metzeling
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rob McKenzie
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Leahy
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Menkhorst
- Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Hinwood
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Applied Sciences Division, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
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13
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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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14
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Taylor MD. Factors affecting spatial and temporal patterns in perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations in migratory aquatic species: a case study of an exploited crustacean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1946-1956. [PMID: 31263814 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00202b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs, including perfluoroakyl acids [PFAAs]) have been used in a range of applications, and are widely distributed throughout the environment including environmental media in aquatic systems. Recent literature provides multiple reports of these compounds in a range of aquatic species, but temporal and spatial variability in tissue concentrations is rarely assessed in a rigorous way. Using an important fishery species of representative biology as a case study (Eastern School Prawn, Metapenaeus macleayi), temporal (month-to-month, and year-to-year) and spatial (intra-estuarine and oceanic) variability in PFAAs concentrations was assessed alongside potential contributing factors. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant PFAA detected, and there was significant spatial variation in concentration driven primarily by distance to major point sources. There was also substantial variation in PFOS among months, likely driven by behavioural physiological or ecological factors. Importantly, muscle tissue concentrations were unrelated to surface water inputs of PFAAs into the estuary. A numerical model linking prawn migration data with concentrations in the estuarine nursery accurately predicted PFOS concentrations in adjacent oceanic trawling grounds. The results demonstrate the magnitude of temporal and spatial variation in PFAA concentrations, which has implications for assessing PFAA exposure risk through seafood consumption for free-ranging aquatic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taylor
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia. and The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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15
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Allinson M, Yamashita N, Taniyasu S, Yamazaki E, Allinson G. Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in selected Victorian rivers and estuaries: An historical snapshot. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02472. [PMID: 31687567 PMCID: PMC6819856 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This reconnaissance study was undertaken in 2012 to examine the occurrence of common perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids in rivers and estuaries in Port Philip Bay, Victoria, Australia. In total, 19 PFAS were screened in grab samples of water using a combination of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry measurement techniques. Eighteen of the PFAS screened were observed in samples. The highest level of PFOS observed at a freshwater site was 0.045 μg/L; this concentration is approximately half the draft Australian 95% species protection level for total PFOS. The highest level of PFOA in the study (0.014 μg/L) was some four orders of magnitude lower than the draft Australian trigger value for PFOA (220 μg/L). However, none of the PFAS observed at the freshwater sites had research quotient (RQ) or toxicity unit (TU) values above 1 or -3, respectively. The highest concentration of PFOS observed at an estuarine site was 0.075 μg/L; the highest level of PFOA, 0.09 μg/L). There are no Australian marine water quality trigger values for PFAS, so potential risk was assessed using the European environment quality standards (EQS) adopted in EU Directive 2013/39/EU, RQ and TU methods. In that context, none of the PFAS observed at estuary sites had concentrations higher than the EU standards, or RQ above 1 or Log 10 TU above -3. Together these assessments suggest none of the PFAS screened would have posed an acute risk to organisms in the fresh or estuary waters studied at the time of sampling on an individual or collective basis. However, the detection of these PFAS in Victorian estuaries highlights that the issue is not just an issue for more densely populated countries in the northern hemisphere, but also potentially of concern in Australia. And, in that context, more sampling campaigns in Port Philip Bay are of paramount importance to assess the potential risk pose by these compounds to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Allinson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nobuyoshi Yamashita
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Sachi Taniyasu
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Eriko Yamazaki
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Graeme Allinson
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
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16
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Wang Y, Shi Y, Cai Y. Spatial distribution, seasonal variation and risks of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in urban surface water in Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 673:177-183. [PMID: 30986677 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, we investigated the occurrence, spatial distribution and seasonal variation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including one group of emerging PFASs, the chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs), in urban surface water (river and lake) samples from October 2013 to September 2014 (except during the frozen period) in Beijing, China. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were the dominant compounds, with average concentrations of 12.79 and 9.90 ng/L, respectively. For Cl-PFESAs, only C8 Cl-PFESA could be detected, and its concentration ranged from <MLQ to 6.93 ng/L. Higher concentrations of ∑PFASs were observed in the northern and eastern regions of Beijing. The highest and lowest levels of ∑PFASs were found in summer and winter, respectively. For C8 Cl-PFESA, there were no significant differences in the concentrations among different sampling sites. Additionally, risk assessments indicated that the studied PFASs at present levels might pose a low risk to aquatic organisms (green algae, Daphnia sp. and fish). However, further studies should be conducted on the combined risk from PFASs or the risk to other sensitive species in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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17
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Cabrerizo A, Muir DCG, De Silva AO, Wang X, Lamoureux SF, Lafrenière MJ. Legacy and Emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Terrestrial Compartments in the High Arctic: Sorption and Secondary Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:14187-14197. [PMID: 30521332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and emerging perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in vegetation and soil samples collected at remote lakes in the Canadian High Arctic. Field studies were carried out in 2015 and 2016 to assess concentrations of POPs, study the relevant sorbing phases, and determine whether Arctic soils were sinks or sources of legacy POPs to the atmosphere and to neighboring lakes. The patterns of legacy POPs in vegetation and soils were dominated by low molecular weight PCB congeners along with OCPs, confirming the importance of long-range atmospheric transport. Lipid and non-lipid organic matter was a key determinant of legacy POPs in Arctic vegetation. Soil organic matter was the main descriptor of hydrophobic PCBs and OCPs in soils, while soil inorganic carbon content, was an important driver of the sorption of PFASs in soils. While contaminant concentrations were low in soil and vegetation, higher PCBs and PFOS organic and inorganic carbon-normalized concentrations were found at Resolute Lake indicating the presence of local sources of contamination. Comparison of fugacities of PCBs in soil and air from Resolute Lake indicated soils as net sources of PCBs to the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cabrerizo
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Aquatic Contaminant Research Division , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Aquatic Contaminant Research Division , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Aquatic Contaminant Research Division , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Xiaowa Wang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Aquatic Contaminant Research Division , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Scott F Lamoureux
- Department of Geography and Planning , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario K7L 3N6 , Canada
| | - Melissa J Lafrenière
- Department of Geography and Planning , Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario K7L 3N6 , Canada
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18
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Gredelj A, Barausse A, Grechi L, Palmeri L. Deriving predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) for emerging contaminants in the river Po, Italy, using three approaches: Assessment factor, species sensitivity distribution and AQUATOX ecosystem modelling. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 119:66-78. [PMID: 29935425 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) found in environmental matrices worldwide have raised concerns due to their toxicity, ubiquity and persistence. A widespread pollution of groundwater and surface waters caused by PFASs in Northern Italy has been recently discovered, becoming a major environmental issue, also because the exact risk for humans and nature posed by this contamination is unclear. Here, the Po River in Northern Italy was selected as a study area to assess the ecological risk posed by perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a class of PFASs, considering the noticeable concentration of various PFAAs detected in the Po waters over the past years. Moreover, the Po has a large environmental and socio-economic importance: it is the largest Italian river and drains a densely inhabited, intensely cultivated and heavily industrialized watershed. Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) were derived using two regulated methodologies, assessment factors (AFs) and species sensitivity distribution (SSD), which rely on published ecotoxicological laboratory tests. Results were compared to those of a novel methodology using the mechanistic ecosystem model AQUATOX to compute PNECs in an ecologically-sound manner, i.e. considering physical, chemical, biological and ecological processes in the river. The model was used to quantify how the biomasses of the modelled taxa in the river food web deviated from natural conditions due to varying inputs of the chemicals. PNEC for each chemical was defined as the lowest chemical concentration causing a non-negligible yearly biomass loss for a simulated taxon with respect to a control simulation. The investigated PFAAs were Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as long-chained compounds, and Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) as short-chained homologues. Two emerging contaminants, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) and triclosan, were also studied to assess the performance of the three methodologies for chemicals whose ecotoxicology and environmental fate are well-studied. The most precautionary approach was the use of AFs generally followed by SSD and then AQUATOX, except for PFOS, for which AQUATOX yielded a much lower PNEC compared to the other approaches since, unlike the other two methodologies, it explicitly simulates sublethal toxicity and indirect ecological effects. Our findings highlight that neglecting the role of ecological processes when extrapolating from laboratory tests to ecosystems can result in under-protective threshold concentrations for chemicals. Ecosystem models can complement existing laboratory-based methodologies, and the use of multiple methods for deriving PNECs can help to clarify uncertainty in ecological risk estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gredelj
- Environmental Systems Analysis Lab (LASA) Research Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Alberto Barausse
- Environmental Systems Analysis Lab (LASA) Research Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Laura Grechi
- Environmental Systems Analysis Lab (LASA) Research Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Palmeri
- Environmental Systems Analysis Lab (LASA) Research Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
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19
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Xu B, Ahmed MB, Zhou JL, Altaee A, Wu M, Xu G. Photocatalytic removal of perfluoroalkyl substances from water and wastewater: Mechanism, kinetics and controlling factors. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 189:717-729. [PMID: 28972910 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.09.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on heterogeneous photocatalysis of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are of worldwide concern as emerging persistent organic contaminants. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an effective and advanced technology for PFAS removal from water with relatively high efficacy. During photocatalysis, various short chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA) are produced as intermediates and the efficacy is related to the photo-generated hole (h+) and photo-generated electron (e-). PFAS photodegradation in water under UV irradiation is most effective by using In2O3 as the catalyst, followed by Ga2O3 and TiO2. Significantly, modifying the chemical composition or morphology of the catalyst can improve its efficacy for PFAS removal. In2O3 porous nanoplates were found to have the best performance of 100% PFAS decomposition under UV light with rate constant (kt) and half-time (τ1/2) of 0.158 min-1 and 4.4 min, respectively. Catalysts perform well in acidic solution and increasing temperature to a certain extent. The photocatalytic performance is reduced when treating wastewater due to the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM), with the catalysts following the order: needle-like Ga2O3 > In2O3 > TiO2. Future studies should focus on the development of novel photocatalysts, and their immobilization and application for PFAS removal in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bentuo Xu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Mohammad Boshir Ahmed
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - John L Zhou
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Ali Altaee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Minghong Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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20
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Tipton JJ, Guillette LJ, Lovelace S, Parrott BB, Rainwater TR, Reiner JL. Analysis of PFAAs in American alligators part 1: Concentrations in alligators harvested for consumption during South Carolina public hunts. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 61:24-30. [PMID: 29191311 PMCID: PMC6582648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination resulting from the production or release of harmful chemicals can lead to negative consequences for wildlife and human health. Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) were historically produced as protective coatings for many household items and currently persist in the environment, wildlife, and humans. PFAAs have been linked to immune suppression, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity in wildlife and laboratory studies. This study examines the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, as an important indicator of ecosystem contamination and a potential pathway for PFAA exposure in humans. Alligator meat harvested in the 2015 South Carolina (SC) public hunt season and prepared for human consumption was collected and analyzed for PFAAs to determine meat concentrations and relationships with animal body size (total length), sex, and location of harvest. Of the 15 PFAAs analyzed, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found in all alligator meat samples and at the highest concentrations (median 6.73ng/g). No relationship was found between PFAA concentrations and total length or sex. Concentrations of one or all compounds varied significantly across sampling locations, with alligators harvested in the Middle Coastal hunt unit having the highest PFOS concentrations (median 16.0ng/g; p=0.0001). Alligators harvested specifically from Berkley County, SC (located in the Middle Coastal hunt unit) had the highest PFOS concentrations and the greatest number of PFAAs detected (p<0.0001). The site-specific nature of PFAA concentrations in alligator meat observed in this study suggests a source of PFAA contamination in Berkley County, SC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Benjamin B Parrott
- University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Jackson, SC 29831, USA
| | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center & Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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21
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Bräunig J, Baduel C, Heffernan A, Rotander A, Donaldson E, Mueller JF. Fate and redistribution of perfluoroalkyl acids through AFFF-impacted groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 596-597:360-368. [PMID: 28441576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Leaching of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from a local point source, a fire-fighting training area, has led to extensive contamination of a groundwater aquifer which has spread underneath part of a nearby town, Oakey, situated in the State of Queensland, Australia. Groundwater is extracted by residents from privately owned wells for daily activities such as watering livestock and garden beds. The concentration of 10 PFAAs in environmental and biological samples (water, soil, grass, chicken egg yolk, serum of horses, cattle and sheep), as well as human serum was investigated to determine the extent of contamination in the town and discuss fate and redistribution of PFAAs. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant PFAA in all matrices investigated, followed by perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). PFOS concentrations measured in water ranged between <0.17-14μg/L, concentrations of PFHxS measured between <0.07-6μg/L. PFAAs were detected in backyards (soil, grass), livestock and chicken egg yolk. Significant differences (p<0.01) in PFOS and PFHxS concentrations in two groups of cattle were found, one held within the contamination plume, the other in the vicinity but outside of the contamination plume. In human serum PFOS concentrations ranged from 38 to 381μg/L, while PFHxS ranged from 39 to 214μg/L. Highest PFOS concentrations measured in human serum were >30-fold higher compared to the general Australian population. Through use of contaminated groundwater secondary sources of PFAA contamination are created on private property, leading to further redistribution of contamination and creation of additional human exposure pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Rd, 4108 Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia.
| | - Christine Baduel
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Rd, 4108 Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia
| | - Amy Heffernan
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Rd, 4108 Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia
| | - Anna Rotander
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Rd, 4108 Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Rd, 4108 Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia
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22
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Taylor MD, Bowles KC, Johnson DD, Moltschaniwskyj NA. Depuration of perfluoroalkyl substances from the edible tissues of wild-caught invertebrate species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 581-582:258-267. [PMID: 28057344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Detection and quantification of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic organisms is increasing, particularly for saltwater species. Depuration can remove PFASs from the tissues of some species once they are removed from the contaminant source, but it is not known if this process occurs for saltwater crustaceans. Such information is important for managing human health risks for exploited migratory species following exposure. We present the results of a depuration trial for School Prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi) and Mud Crab (Scylla serrata), two commercially important crustaceans in Australia. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were present in samples of both species collected following exposure under natural conditions in contaminated estuaries. Depuration was tested in uncontaminated water for 33days. PFOA was present at levels close to LOR in both species, and was not detected after 4.5h and 72h in School Prawn and Mud Crab respectively. PFHxS was rapidly depurated by School Prawn, and had a depuration half-life of 5.7h. PFOS was also depurated by School Prawn, with a depuration half-life of 158.5h. PFHxS and PFOS concentrations were highly variable in Mud Crab both at the start, and during the depuration experiment, and a depuration model could not be fitted to the data. For School Prawn, depuration of total PFASs to the relevant screening value for protection of human health (9.1μgkg-1) occurred within 7.1h. Rapid depuration of PFASs in School Prawn indicates that human health risks associated with consumption may decrease as this species migrates away from the contamination source. Further research is required to better understand the relationships between contaminant load and life-history characteristics (such as growth, reproduction, and moult cycle) in Mud Crab, and future work should target broader time frames for depuration in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taylor
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach Rd, Taylors Beach, New South Wales, Australia; School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Karl C Bowles
- New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, Goulburn St, Haymarket, NSW, Australia; CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Daniel D Johnson
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach Rd, Taylors Beach, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie A Moltschaniwskyj
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach Rd, Taylors Beach, New South Wales, Australia; School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Kwon HO, Kim HY, Park YM, Seok KS, Oh JE, Choi SD. Updated national emission of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from wastewater treatment plants in South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:298-306. [PMID: 27692882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A nationwide emission estimate of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is required to understand the source-receptor relationship of PFASs and to manage major types of WWTPs. In this study, the concentrations of 13 PFASs (8 perfluorocarboxylic acids, 3 perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and 2 intermediates) in wastewater and sludge from 81 WWTPs in South Korea were collected. The emission pathways of PFASs were redefined, and then the national emission of PFASs from WWTPs was rigorously updated. In addition to the direct calculations, Monte Carlo simulations were also used to calculate the likely range of PFAS emissions. The total (Σ13PFAS) emission (wastewater + sludge) calculated from the direct calculation with mean concentrations was 4.03 ton/y. The emissions of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 1.19 ton/y) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 1.01 ton/y) were dominant. The Monte Carlo simulations suggested that the realistic national emission of Σ13PFASs is between 2 ton/y and 20 ton/y. Combined WWTPs treating municipal wastewater from residential and commercial areas were identified as a major emission source, contributing 65% to the total PFAS emissions. The Han and Nakdong Rivers were the primary contaminated rivers, receiving 89% of the total PFAS discharge from WWTPs. The results and methodologies in this study can be useful to establish a management policy for PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Ok Kwon
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Young Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Park
- Chemical Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Inchon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Seol Seok
- Chemical Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Inchon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Deuk Choi
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Taylor MD, Johnson DD. Preliminary investigation of perfluoroalkyl substances in exploited fishes of two contaminated estuaries. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 111:509-513. [PMID: 27289281 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are being increasingly detected in a range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, often resulting from the use of legacy fire-fighting foams. This study conducted an initial investigation of the concentrations of PFASs in the commercially and recreationally exploited species Dusky Flathead, Mud Crab, School Prawn, Sea Mullet, Yellowfin Bream, Eastern King Prawn and Sand Whiting, across two contaminated estuaries. All samples contained perfluoro-n-octane sulfonate (PFOS) except four Yellowfin Bream samples (two from each estuary). Perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA) was detected only in School Prawn samples from Fullerton Cove, while perfluoro-n-hexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was detected in prawn muscle and in fish liver samples from both estuaries. This study presents one of the first surveys of PFAS in a range of edible saltwater fish and crustaceans in Australia, and these baseline levels of contamination will prove useful for informing future surveys of these emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taylor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach Rd, Taylor Beach, New South Wales 2316, Australia.
| | - Daniel D Johnson
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach Rd, Taylor Beach, New South Wales 2316, Australia
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25
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Gallen C, Drage D, Kaserzon S, Baduel C, Gallen M, Banks A, Broomhall S, Mueller JF. Occurrence and distribution of brominated flame retardants and perfluoroalkyl substances in Australian landfill leachate and biosolids. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 312:55-64. [PMID: 27016666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The levels of perfluroalkyl substances (PFASs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDDs) were studied in Australian landfill leachate and biosolids. Leachate was collected from 13 landfill sites and biosolids were collected from 16 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), across Australia. Perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA) (12-5700ng/L) was the most abundant investigated persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemical in leachate. With one exception, mean concentrations of PFASs were higher in leachate of operating landfills compared to closed landfills. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane isomers (HBCDDs) were detected typically at operating landfills in comparatively lower concentrations than the PFASs. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) (<0.4-2300ng/g) and perfluoroctanesulfonate (PFOS) (<LOD-380ng/g) were the predominant PBTs detected in biosolids. Using data provided by sites, the volume of leachate discharged to WWTPs for treatment was small (<1% total inflow), and masses of PBTs transferred reached a maximum of 16g/yr (PFHxA). A national estimate of masses of PBTs accumulated in Australian biosolids reached 167kg/yr (BDE-209), a per capita contribution of 7.2±7.2mg/yr. Nationally, approximately 59% of biosolids are repurposed and applied to agricultural land. To our knowledge this study presents the first published data of PFASs and HBCDDs in Australian leachate and biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gallen
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia.
| | - D Drage
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia
| | - S Kaserzon
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia
| | - C Baduel
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia
| | - M Gallen
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia
| | - A Banks
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia
| | - S Broomhall
- Australian Government Department of the Environment, John Gorton Building, Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - J F Mueller
- Entox, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D. Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Susana Y. Kimura
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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27
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Baduel C, Lai FY, Townsend K, Mueller JF. Size and age-concentration relationships for perfluoroalkyl substances in stingray livers from eastern Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 496:523-530. [PMID: 25108254 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
While the literature has reported a widespread occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine biota, very limited studies have been dedicated to the southern hemisphere. Hepatic concentrations of nine PFAAs were analysed in 49 stranded stingrays from eastern Australia using liquid chromatograph coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and relationships with biological parameters (i.e. body size, age and sex) were investigated. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were the predominant compounds quantified, with hepatic concentrations varying from 2 to 117 and from 0.2 to 19 ng·g(-1) w.w., respectively. A negative correlation between the concentration of PFASs in the livers of 32 blue-spotted stingrays and the body size/age was found. This relationship was independent of the animal's sex. We postulate that the dependence on body size is related to differing uptake kinetics of the chemicals, after the sting rays were exposed to an increased level of the contaminants in their environment. Such a pollution event could be related to a severe flood event that occurred at this location a few months before the samples' collection. Our results indicate that the influence of the body size/age should be taken into account when estimating bioaccumulation parameters from environmental measurements or exposure levels of biota to PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Baduel
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), Coopers Plains, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Foon Yin Lai
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), Coopers Plains, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathy Townsend
- The University of Queensland, Moreton Bay Research Station, Dunwich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), Coopers Plains, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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