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Thompson JT, Lott DJ, Lin AM, Bowden JA, Stuchal L, Townsend TG. Assessing the suitability of leachability-based screening levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172430. [PMID: 38621546 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, soil screening levels have been adopted by regulatory agencies for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to assess the risk of groundwater contamination through leaching. These soil screening levels, determined using an established equilibrium-based partitioning equation, have high variability among regulatory groups largely attributed to the diverse reported partitioning coefficients in the literature. This variability between reported partitioning coefficients, and subsequently soil screening levels, is due to the complex leaching behavior of PFAS not being predicted well by the standard equilibrium-based model. This has led one regulatory group to require batch leaching to assess risk rather than setting default soil screening levels based on partitioning equations. In this work, we conducted leaching experiments on five field-sampled soils impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), following Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) Method 1316 and compared the results to expected leaching utilizing an equilibrium-based partitioning equation commonly employed by regulatory agencies to establish soil screening levels. Our analysis found among the six PFAS detected in the soils, which have regulatory leaching thresholds established, the partitioning values assumed by the U.S. EPA exhibited the highest accuracy in predicting leachate concentrations. These partitioning values predicted actual leaching within a ± 20 % margin of error for approximately 50 % of sample points, highlighting limitations in relying solely on equilibrium-based partitioning values as predictors of leaching behavior. This discrepancy between predicted and actual leaching has implications for site managers and regulatory entities overseeing PFAS-contaminated sites, suggesting that soil screening level determinations for PFAS might need to be revised to account for the unique transport characteristics of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake T Thompson
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
| | - Dreyton J Lott
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
| | - Ashley M Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 1333 Center Drive, Basic Science Building, Room 324, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Leah Stuchal
- Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, University of Florida; Gainesville, 2187 Mowry Road, CEHT-Building 471, Room 2, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
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Liu Y, Lin A, Thompson J, Bowden JA, Townsend TG. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in construction and demolition debris (CDD): discerning sources and fate during waste management. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134567. [PMID: 38735190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
As regulatory frameworks for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) evolve, the solid waste community seeks to manage PFAS risks effectively. Despite extensive research on PFAS in municipal solid waste (MSW) and wastewater sludge, there is limited information on a major global waste stream which seldom gleans regulatory oversight - construction and demolition debris (CDD). This study sampled a CDD processing facility to provide material-specific information on the PFAS profile within CDD. The bulk CDD accepted by this facility was separated into major categories, representatively sampled, then characterized for total available PFAS (∑92PFAS). As reprocessed CDD is ultimately recycled or landfilled, often unencapsulated or in unlined landfills, the PFAS leaching potential was also examined using two leaching procedures. Among the categories assessed for total PFAS, carpeting, carpet padding, and gypsum drywall showed elevated concentrations compared to other components, with most of the PFAS mass contributed by precursor species. However, materials with the highest total PFAS, such as carpeting, did not necessarily exhibit the highest leaching, and leachate was predominantly composed of terminal species rather than precursors. Extrapolating these findings with national CDD generation and management data inventories suggests that despite MSW having higher total available PFAS concentrations, the leachability of PFAS from landfilled CDD is comparable, raising legitimate concerns with CDD disposal practices, particularly in unlined CDD landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA
| | - Ashley Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA
| | - Jake Thompson
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA; Department of Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Basic Science Building, Room 324, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Timothy G Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
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Shahrokhi R, Rahman A, Hubbe MA, Park J. Aminated clay-polymer composite as soil amendment for stabilizing the short- and long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134470. [PMID: 38714051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Soils contaminated with per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) require immediate remediation to protect the surrounding environment and human health. A novel animated clay-polymer composite was developed by applying polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution onto a montmorillonite clay-chitosan polymer composite. The resulting product, PEI-modified montmorillonite chitosan beads (MMTCBs) were characterized as an adsorptive soil amendment for immobilizing PFAS contaminants. The MMTCBs exhibited good efficiency to adsorb the PFAS, showing adsorption capacities of 12.2, 16.7, 18.5, and 20.8 mg g-1 for PFBA, PFBS, PFOA, and PFOS, respectively, which were higher than those obtained by granular activated carbon (GAC) (i.e., an adsorbent used as a reference). Column leaching tests demonstrated that amending soil with 10% MMTCBs resulted in a substantial decrease in the leaching of PFOA, PFOS, PFBA, and PFBS by 90%, 100%, 64%, and 68%, respectively. These reductions were comparable to the values obtained for GAC-modified soil, particularly for long-chain PFAS. Incorporating MMTCBs into the soil not only preserved the structural integrity of the soil matrix but also enhanced its shear strength (kPa). Conversely, adding GAC to the soil resulted in a reduction of the soil's mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Shahrokhi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Aneesu Rahman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Martin A Hubbe
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, NC, United States
| | - Junboum Park
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Construction and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Green MP, Shearer C, Patrick R, Kabiri S, Rivers N, Nixon B. The perils of poly- and perfluorinated chemicals on the reproductive health of humans, livestock, and wildlife. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD24034. [PMID: 38744493 DOI: 10.1071/rd24034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a prominent class of persistent synthetic compound. The widespread use of these substances in various industrial applications has resulted in their pervasive contamination on a global scale. It is therefore concerning that PFAS have a propensity to accumulate in bodily tissues whereupon they have been linked with a range of adverse health outcomes. Despite this, the true extent of the risk posed by PFAS to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife remains unclear. Addressing these questions requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining the fields of chemistry, biology, and policy to enable meaningful investigation and develop innovative remediation strategies. This article combines the perspectives of chemists, soil scientists, reproductive biologists, and health policy researchers, to contextualise the issue of PFAS contamination and its specific impact on reproductive health. The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges associated with remediating PFAS-contaminated soils and waters and explore the consequences of PFAS contamination on health and reproduction. Furthermore, current actions to promote planetary health and protect ecosystems are presented to instigate positive social change among the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Cameron Shearer
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Rebecca Patrick
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Nicola Rivers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Research Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Zhou P, Gu Q, Zhou S, Cui X. A novel montmorillonite clay-cetylpyridinium chloride material for reducing PFAS leachability and bioavailability from soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133402. [PMID: 38183937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133402] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Soils contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present a significant threat to both ecological and human health. Extensive research efforts are currently underway to develop effective strategies for immobilizing these chemicals in soils. In this study, calcium montmorillonite was modified with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC-CM) to enhance its electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with PFAS. CPC-CM exhibited high adsorption for perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acids (8:2 FTSA) across initial concentrations of 50-1000 μg/L, outperforming both the parent CM and L-carnitine modified CM. Soil leaching tests demonstrated the superior immobilization capabilities of the CPC-CM, maintaining an average PFAS leaching rate below 7% after 120-day incubation. In the context of human exposure scenarios, the in vitro bioaccessibility and in vivo bioavailability of PFAS in soils were measured by gastrointestinal extraction and mouse assay. CPC-CM treatment effectively reduced the bioaccessibility (by up to 84%) and bioavailability (by up to 76%) of PFAS in soils. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of CPC-CM were evaluated using enteric microorganisms of mice. CPC-CM treatment mitigated PFAS-induced changes in the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, thereby reducing PFAS-induced health risks for humans. Overall, CPC-CM synthesized in this study demonstrated superior adsorption performance and application safety, offering a highly promising approach for remediating PFAS-contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Nativio A, Jovanovic O, van der Hoek JP, Kapelan Z. Environmental risk assessment related to using resource recovery-based bio-composite materials in the aquatic environment with new laboratory leaching test data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:21057-21072. [PMID: 38381287 PMCID: PMC10948581 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32522-8] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The concept of circular economy, aiming at increasing the sustainability of products and services in the water and other sectors, is gaining momentum worldwide. Driven by this concept, novel bio-composite materials produced by recovering resources from different parts of the water cycle are now manufactured in The Netherlands. The new materials are used for different products such as canal bank protection elements, as an alternative to similar elements made of hardwood. As much as these new materials are appealing from the sustainability point of view, they may leach toxic substances into the aquatic environment given some of their ingredients, e.g., cellulose recovered from wastewater treatment. Therefore, a methodology for the assessment of related environmental risks is needed and it does not exist currently. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by presenting a framework for this. The framework is based on European environmental risk assessment guidelines, and it includes four key steps: (i) hazard identification, (ii) dose-response modelling, (iii) exposure assessment and (iv) risk characterisation (i.e. assessment). As part of the first step, laboratory leaching tests were carried out to evaluate the potential release of specific chemical substances such as heavy metals and resin compounds into the aquatic environment. Laboratory test results were then used as input data to evaluate the risk of potential leaching from canal bank protection elements into surface water. A deterministic model was used first to identify the chemicals exceeding the guideline threshold. Subsequently, a stochastic model was applied to evaluate the environmental risks across a range of leachate concentrations and water velocities in the canal, thereby simulating a broader spectrum of possible situations. The risk analyses were conducted for four alternative bio-composite materials made of different ingredients, two different flow conditions (stagnant water and advective flow) in two types of canals (wide ditch and primary watercourse) and for two different water levels based on season conditions (summer and winter conditions). The results obtained from leaching tests identified Cu, Mn, Zn, styrene and furfuryl alcohol as potentially troublesome chemicals. In the case of stagnant water, the absence of a flow rate increases the residence time of the chemicals in the surface water, resulting in a higher PEC/PNEC (i.e. risk) value. However, under stagnant case conditions, environmental risks for all chemicals considered turned out to be below the safety threshold. In the advective case, the existence of a flow rate, even at low velocities simulating the conditions of 'almost no flow,' contributes to increased dilution, resulting in lower PEC/PNEC ratio values. The results presented here, even though representing real-case scenarios, are only indicative as these are based on laboratory leaching tests and a number of assumptions made. Additional field tests involving collecting and analysing water and sediment samples from the canal where the canal bank protection elements are located, over a prolonged period, are required to come up with more conclusive findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Nativio
- Department of Water Management, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Oriana Jovanovic
- Department of Water Management, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Department of Water Management, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet, Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 7, 1096 AC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zoran Kapelan
- Department of Water Management, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
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Biek SK, Khudur LS, Rigby L, Singh N, Askeland M, Ball AS. Assessing the impact of immobilisation on the bioavailability of PFAS to plants in contaminated Australian soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:20330-20342. [PMID: 38372916 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32496-7] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a key concern to both environmental and human health due to their extreme persistence in the environment and their ability to bioaccumulate in plants, animals, and humans. In this mesocosm study, Australian PFAS-contaminated soil with a mean total concentration of 8.05 mg/kg and a mean combined PFHxS + PFOS concentration of 7.89 mg/kg was treated with an immobilisation sorbent (RemBind®) at different application rates (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5% w/w). To assess the efficacy of this immobilisation treatment, PFAS leachability, PFAS plant uptake, and ecotoxicity tests were conducted. Leachability testing was performed according to the Australian Standard Leaching Procedure (ASLP) at pH 5 and 7. A grass species (Dactylis glomerata) was used to measure plant uptake of PFAS from untreated and treated contaminated soil. In addition, the Microtox test was used to assess the associated ecotoxicity. The immobilisation treatment resulted in a significant reduction of 88.5-99.8% in the total PFAS leachability and 88.7-99.8% in the combined PFOS and PFHxS leachability at pH 5. Similarly, significant reductions (5-12-fold) were observed in the plant uptake of total PFAS and combined PFOS and PFHxS in all treated soil samples. In addition, although the Microtox test showed relatively low ecotoxicity in all the experimental samples, including the untreated soil, a significant decrease in the ecotoxicity of treated soil samples was observed. The results from this study highlight that this treatment approach has the potential to reduce both PFAS leachability and plant bioavailability with a relatively low associated ecotoxicity. This is likely to reduce the risk of the transfer of PFAS into higher trophic levels. This immobilisation treatment may, therefore, reduce the risk associated with PFAS-contaminated soils and may be an important remediation tool for managing certain PFAS-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sali Khair Biek
- ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- School of Science, STEM Collage, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Leadin S Khudur
- ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
- School of Science, STEM Collage, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Laura Rigby
- School of Science, STEM Collage, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Navneet Singh
- ADE Consulting Group Pty Ltd, Williamstown North, VIC, 3016, Australia
| | - Matthew Askeland
- ADE Consulting Group Pty Ltd, Williamstown North, VIC, 3016, Australia
| | - Andrew S Ball
- ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- School of Science, STEM Collage, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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Sun FS, Wang MM, Zhao XY, Huang QY, Liu CQ, Yu GH. Synergistic binding mechanisms of co-contaminants in soil profiles: Influence of iron-bearing minerals and microbial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123353. [PMID: 38219894 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123353] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
In contaminated soil sites, the coexistence of inorganic and organic contaminants poses a significant threat to both the surrounding ecosystem and public health. However, the migration characteristics of these co-contaminants within the soil and their interactions with key components, including Fe-bearing minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms, remain unclear. This study involved the collection of a 4.3-m-depth co-contaminated soil profile to investigate the vertical distribution patterns of co-contaminants (namely, arsenic, cadmium, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) and their binding mechanisms with environmental factors. The results indicated a notable downward accumulation of inorganic contaminants with increasing soil depth, whereas PCBs were predominantly concentrated in the uppermost layer. Chemical extraction and synchrotron radiation analysis highlighted a positive correlation between the abundance of reactive iron (FeCBD) and both co-contaminants and microbial communities in the contaminated site. Furthermore, Mantel tests and structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated the direct impacts of FeCBD and microbial communities on co-contaminants within the soil profile. Overall, these results provided valuable insights into the migration and transformation characteristics of co-contaminants and their binding mechanisms mediated by minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Sheng Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Miao-Miao Wang
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Zhao
- DeepBiome. Co. Ltd., No. 38 Debao Road, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qiao-Yun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Cong-Qiang Liu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Guang-Hui Yu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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Uwayezu JN, Ren Z, Sonnenschein S, Leiviskä T, Lejon T, van Hees P, Karlsson P, Kumpiene J, Carabante I. Combination of separation and degradation methods after PFAS soil washing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168137. [PMID: 37890625 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The current study evaluated a three-stage treatment to remediate PFAS-contaminated soil. The treatment consisted of soil washing, foam fractionation (FF), and electrochemical oxidation (EO). The possibility of replacing the third stage, i.e., EO, with an adsorption process was also assessed. The contamination in the studied soils was dominated by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), with a concentration of 760 and 19 μg kg-1 in soil I and in soil II, accounting for 97 % and 70 % of all detected per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Before applying a pilot treatment of soil, soil washing was performed on a laboratory scale, to evaluate the effect of soil particle size, initial pH and a liquid-to-soil ratio (L/S) on the leachability of PFAS. A pilot washing system generated soil leachate that was subsequently treated using FF and EO (or adsorption) and then reused for soil washing. The results indicated that the leaching of PFAS occurred easier in 0.063-1 mm particles than in the soil particles having a size below 0.063 mm. Both alkaline conditions and a continual replacement of the leaching solution increased the leachability of PFAS. The analysis using one-way ANOVA showed no statistical difference in means of PFOS washed out in laboratory and pilot scales. This allowed estimating twenty washing cycles using 120 L water to reach 95 % PFOS removal in 60 kg soil. The aeration process removed 95-99 % PFOS in every washing cycle. The EO and adsorption processes achieved similar results removing up to 97 % PFOS in concentrated soil leachate. The current study demonstrated a multi-stage treatment as an effective and cost-efficient method to permanently clean up PFAS-contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Noel Uwayezu
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Zhongfei Ren
- Chemical Process Engineering, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sarah Sonnenschein
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Tiina Leiviskä
- Chemical Process Engineering, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tore Lejon
- Department of Chemistry, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | | | | | - Jurate Kumpiene
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Ivan Carabante
- Waste Science and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Zhu F, Yang Y, Ren W, Iribagiza RM, Wang W. Coupling electrokinetic remediation with flushing using green tea synthesized nano zero-valent iron/nickel to remediate Cr (VI). ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:9691-9707. [PMID: 37812370 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01767-6] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on a flushing-electrokinetic remediation technology of hexavalent chromium from the chromium slag dump site. A suspension of nanoscale zero-valent iron/nickel fabricated from green tea (GT-nZVI/Ni), was employed as an eluent to degrade Cr (VI) and enhance the remediation effectiveness of a single EK. The removal efficiency of Cr (VI) was compared under different voltages, electrode spacings and pH values of the anolyte. The results demonstrated that the combined flushing and EK achieved a removal rate of Cr (VI) in the soil throughout all the experiments ranging from 83.08 to 96.97% after 120 h. The optimal result was obtained when the voltage was 28 V, the pH value of anolyte was 3 and the electrode spacing was 15 cm. The removal of Cr (VI) reached 91.49% and the energy consumption was 0.32606 kW·h·g-1. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the removal of Cr (VI) by GT-nZVI/Ni flushing-EK primarily involved electromigration, reduction and adsorption co-precipitation processes. The fractionation analysis of Cr (VI) concentration in the soil after remediation showed that the presence of GT-nZVI/Ni facilitated the conversion of Cr (VI) into oxidizable and residual states with low mobility and toxicity. The results of toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) indicated that the leaching concentration of Cr (VI) was below 1 mg·L-1, complying with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the phytotoxicity testing revealed that the germination index (GI) of the remediated soil reached 54.75%, indicating no potential harm to plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Ren
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Rose Marie Iribagiza
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Weitao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
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Brahana PJ, Al Harraq A, Saab LE, Roberg R, Valsaraj KT, Bharti B. Uptake and release of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) from macro and microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1519-1531. [PMID: 37602395 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00209h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are two of the most notable emerging contaminants reported in the environment. Micron and nanoscale plastics possess a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which could increase their potential to adsorb pollutants such as PFAS. One of the most concerning sub-classes of PFAS are the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). PFCAs are often studied in the same context as other environmental contaminants, but their amphiphilic properties are often overlooked in determining their fate in the environment. This lack of consideration has resulted in a diminished understanding of the environmental mobility of PFCAs, as well as their interactions with environmental media. Here, we investigate the interaction of PFCAs with polyethylene microplastics, and identify the role of environmental weathering in modifying the nature of interactions. Through a series of adsorption-desorption experiments, we delineate the role of the fluoroalkyl tail in the binding of PFCAs to microplastics. As the number of carbon atoms in the fluoroalkyl chain increases, there is a corresponding increase in the adsorption of PFCAs onto microplastics. This relationship can become modified by environmental weathering, where the PFCAs are released from the macro and microplastic surface after exposure to simulated sunlight. This study identifies the fundamental relationship between PFCAs and plastic pollutants, where they can mutually impact their thermodynamic and transport properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Brahana
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA.
| | - Ahmed Al Harraq
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA.
| | - Luis E Saab
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA.
| | - Ruby Roberg
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA.
| | - Kaillat T Valsaraj
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA.
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA.
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12
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Li H, Dong Q, Zhang M, Gong T, Zan R, Wang W. Transport behavior difference and transport model of long- and short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in underground environmental media: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121579. [PMID: 37028785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), which are the most commonly regulated and most widely concerned per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received increasing attention on a global scale due to their amphiphilicity, stability, and long-range transport. Thus, understanding the typical PFAS transport behavior and using models to predict the evolution of PFAS contamination plumes is important for evaluating the potential risks. In this study, the effects of organic matter (OM), minerals, water saturation, and solution chemistry on the transport and retention of PFAS were investigated, and the interaction mechanism between long-chain/short-chain PFAS and the surrounding environment was analyzed. The results revealed that high content of OM/minerals, low saturation, low pH, and divalent cation had a great retardation effect on long-chain PFAS transport. The retention caused by hydrophobic interaction was the prominent mechanism for long-chain PFAS, whereas, the retention caused by electrostatic interaction was more relevant for short-chain PFAS. Additional adsorption at the air-water and nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPL)-water interface was another potential interaction for retarding PFAS transport in the unsaturated media, which preferred to retard long-chain PFAS. Furthermore, the developing models for describing PFAS transport were investigated and summarized in detail, including the convection-dispersion equation, two-site model (TSM), continuous-distribution multi-rate model, modified-TSM, multi-process mass-transfer (MPMT) model, MPMT-1D model, MPMT-3D model, tempered one-sided stable density transport model, and a comprehensive compartment model. The research revealed PFAS transport mechanisms and provided the model tools, which supported the theoretical basis for the practical prediction of the evolution of PFAS contamination plumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Qianling Dong
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tiantian Gong
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Rixia Zan
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Wenbing Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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13
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Kabiri S, Navarro DA, Hamad SA, Grimison C, Higgins CP, Mueller JF, Kookana RS, McLaughlin MJ. Physical and chemical properties of carbon-based sorbents that affect the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from solution and soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162653. [PMID: 36894096 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from water or their immobilization in soil using carbon-based sorbents is one of the cost-effective techniques. Considering the variety of carbon-based sorbents, identifying the key sorbent properties responsible for PFASs removal from solution or immobilization in the soil can assist in the selection of the best sorbents for management of contaminated sites. This study evaluated the performance of 28 carbon-based sorbents including granular and powdered activated carbon (GAC and PAC), mixed mode carbon mineral material, biochars, and graphene-based materials (GNBs). The sorbents were characterized for a range of physical and chemical properties. PFASs' sorption from an AFFF-spiked solution was examined via a batch experiment, while their ability to immobilize PFASs in soil was tested following mixing, incubation and extraction using the Australian Standard Leaching Procedure. Both soil and solution were treated with 1 % w/w sorbents. Comparing different carbon-based materials, PAC, mixed mode carbon mineral material and GAC were the most effective in sorbing PFASs in both solution and soil. Among the different physical characteristics measured, the sorption of long-chain and more hydrophobic PFASs in both soil and solution was best correlated with sorbent surface area measured using methylene blue, which highlights the importance of mesopores in PFASs sorption. Iodine number was found to be a better indicator of the sorption of short-chain and more hydrophilic PFASs from solution but was found to be poorly correlated with PFASs immobilization in soil for activated carbons. Sorbents with a net positive charge performed better than those with a net negative charge, or no net charge. This study showed that surface area measured by methylene blue and surface charge are the best indicators of sorbent performance with respect to sorption/reducing leaching of PFASs. These properties may be helpful in selecting sorbents for PFASs remediation of soils/waters.
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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.
| | | | - Suhair Ahmed Hamad
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | | | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - 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, SA 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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14
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Huang YR, Liu SS, Zi JX, Cheng SM, Li J, Ying GG, Chen CE. In Situ Insight into the Availability and Desorption Kinetics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Soils with Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7809-7817. [PMID: 37155686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The physicochemical exchange dynamics between the solid and solution phases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils needs to be better understood. This study employed an in situ tool, diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), to understand the distribution and exchange kinetics of five typical PFAS in four soils. Results show a nonlinear relationship between the PFAS masses in DGT and time, implying that PFAS were partially supplied by the solid phase in all of the soils. A dynamic model DGT-induced fluxes in soils/sediments (DIFS) was used to interpret the results and derive the distribution coefficients for the labile fraction (Kdl), response time (tc), and adsorption/desorption rates (k1 and k-1). The larger labile pool size (indicated by Kdl) for the longer chain PFAS implies their higher potential availability. The shorter chain PFAS tend to have a larger tc and relatively smaller k-1, implying that the release of these PFAS in soils might be kinetically limited but not for more hydrophobic compounds, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), although soil properties might play an important role. Kdl ultimately controls the PFAS availability in soils, while the PFAS release from soils might be kinetically constrained (which may also hold for biota uptake), particularly for more hydrophilic PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Rui Huang
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Si Liu
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Xin Zi
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Ming Cheng
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Er Chen
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
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15
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Navarro DA, Kabiri S, Ho J, Bowles KC, Davis G, McLaughlin MJ, Kookana RS. Stabilisation of PFAS in soils: Long-term effectiveness of carbon-based soil amendments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121249. [PMID: 36764376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Immobilisation/stabilisation is one of the most developed and studied approaches for treating soils contaminated with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, its application has been inhibited by insufficient understanding of the effectiveness of added soil sorbents over time. Herein, we present results on the effectiveness of select carbon-based sorbents, over 4 years (longevity) and multiple laboratory leaching conditions (durability). Standard batch leaching tests simulating aggressive, worst-case scenario conditions for leaching (i.e., shaking for 24-48 h at high liquid/solid ratios) were employed to test longevity and durability of stabilisation in clay-loam and sandy-loam soils historically contaminated with PFAS (2 and 14 mg/kg ∑28 PFAS). The different sorbents, which were applied at 1-6% (w/w), reduced leaching of PFAS from the soils to varying degrees. Among the 5 sorbents tested, initial assessments completed 1 week after treatment revealed that 2 powdered activated carbon (PAC) sorbents and 1 biochar were able to reduce leaching of PFAS in the soil by at least 95%. Four years after treatment, the performance of the PAC sorbents did not significantly change, whilst colloidal AC improved and was able to reduce leaching of PFAS by at least 94%. The AC-treated soils also appeared to be durable and achieved at least 95% reduction in PFAS leaching under repetitive leaching events (5 times extraction) and with minimal effect of pH (pH 4-10.5). In contrast, the biochars were affected by aging and were at least 22% less effective in reducing PFAS leaching across a range of leaching conditions. Sorbent performance was generally consistent with the sorbent's physical and chemical characteristics. Overall, the AC sorbents used in this study appeared to be better than the biochars in stabilising PFAS in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divina A Navarro
- CSIRO Environment, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia.
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Jonathan Ho
- AECOM Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Karl C Bowles
- RPS AAP Consulting Pty Ltd, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, level 4/20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Greg Davis
- CSIRO Environment, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia, 6014, Australia
| | - Mike J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Rai S Kookana
- CSIRO Environment, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
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16
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Nickerson A, Maizel AC, Schaefer CE, Ranville JF, Higgins CP. Effect of geochemical conditions on PFAS release from AFFF-impacted saturated soil columns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:405-414. [PMID: 36629138 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00367h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are frequently found at high concentrations in the subsurface of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites. Geochemical parameters affect the release of PFASs from source area soils into groundwater but have not been extensively studied for soils that have been historically impacted with AFFF. This study investigated the effects of pH and salt concentrations on release of anionic and zwitterionic PFASs from AFFF-impacted soils in flow-through saturated columns. High pH (10) columns with elevated sodium concentrations had higher cumulative masses eluted of several PFASs compared to pH 3 and pH 7 columns with lower sodium concentrations, likely caused by changes to soil organic matter surface charge. Four PFASs (e.g. 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate, perfluorobutane sulfonamido acetic acid) eluted significantly earlier in both pH 3 and pH 10/high NaCl columns compared to pH 7 columns. The results of this study suggest that shifts in pH for soils located at AFFF-impacted sites - particularly raising the pH - may mobilize sorbed PFASs, specifically longer-chain and zwitterionic compounds that are typically strongly sorbed to soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA.
| | - Andrew C Maizel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA.
| | | | - James F Ranville
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA.
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17
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Grimison C, Knight ER, Nguyen TMH, Nagle N, Kabiri S, Bräunig J, Navarro DA, Kookana RS, Higgins CP, McLaughlin MJ, Mueller JF. The efficacy of soil washing for the remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the field. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130441. [PMID: 36462244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to describe the performance of a soil washing plant (SWP) for remediating a per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)-contaminated soil with a high clay content (61%). The SWP used both physical and chemical processes; fractionation of the soil particles by size and partitioning of PFASs into the aqueous phase to remove PFASs from the soil. Contaminated water was treated in series with granulated activated carbon (GAC) and ion-exchange resin and reused within the SWP. Approximately 2200 t (dry weight) of PFAS-contaminated soil was treated in 25 batches of 90 t each, with a throughput of approximately 11 t soil/hr. Efficiency of the SWP was measured by observed decreases in total and leachable concentrations of PFASs in the soil. Average removal efficiencies (RE) were up to 97.1% for perfluorocarboxylic acids and 94.9% for perfluorosulfonic acids. REs varied among different PFASs depending on their chemistry (functional head group, carbon chain length) and were independent of the total PFAS concentrations in each soil batch. Mass balance analysis found approximately 90% of the PFAS mass in the soil was transferred to the wash solution and > 99.9% of the PFAS mass in the wash solution was transferred onto the GAC without any breakthrough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Grimison
- Ventia Services Pty Limited, Level 8, 80 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Emma R Knight
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Thi Minh Hong Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nathan Nagle
- Ventia Services Pty Limited, Level 8, 80 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1 Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Divina A Navarro
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), PMB 2 Land and Water, Waite Campus, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rai S Kookana
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), PMB 2 Land and Water, Waite Campus, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1 Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Schaefer CE, Lavorgna GM, Lippincott DR, Nguyen D, Schaum A, Higgins CP, Field J. Leaching of Perfluoroalkyl Acids during Unsaturated Zone Flushing at a Field Site Impacted with Aqueous Film Forming Foam. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1940-1948. [PMID: 36689630 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06903] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While several studies have focused on perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) leaching from soils, field studies evaluating the relationship between PFAA mass removal and porewater concentrations as the PFAA source becomes depleted are lacking. Herein, in situ water flushing was performed at a site historically impacted with AFFF to accelerate the leaching of PFAAs from unsaturated soils in a highly characterized field test cell. Porous cup suction lysimeters were used to assess the changes in PFAA porewater concentrations as a function of PFAA mass removal from the unsaturated soils, where flushing was intermittently paused to determine ambient PFAA porewater concentrations. Results showed that the fractional decreases in PFAA porewater concentrations during flushing exceeded the fractional decrease in PFAA mass removal from the soil. PFOS porewater concentrations decrease by 76% (with negligible rebound) compared to only a 7.4% decrease in overall PFOS mass removed from the unsaturated zone. Overall, the results observed herein suggest that, when considering soil impacts to groundwater, less stringent soil cleanup criteria than those that consider an equivalent relationship between mass removal and mass discharge may be appropriate. In addition, remedial approaches that remove only a modest fraction of the PFAA soil mass may be protective of underlying groundwater, particularly for perfluorinated sulfonates with at least six carbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Schaefer
- CDM Smith, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue, #8, 6th Floor, Edison, New Jersey08837, United States
| | - Graig M Lavorgna
- APTIM Federal Services, 17 Princess Rd, Lawrenceville, New Jersey08648, United States
| | - David R Lippincott
- APTIM Federal Services, 17 Princess Rd, Lawrenceville, New Jersey08648, United States
| | - Dung Nguyen
- CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way, # 100, Bellevue, Washington98007, United States
| | - Andre Schaum
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agricultural and Life Science Building, Corvallis, Oregon97331, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado80401, United States
| | - Jennifer Field
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agricultural and Life Science Building, Corvallis, Oregon97331, United States
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19
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Shen L, Zhou J, Liang X, Qin L, Wang T, Zhu L. Different Sources, Fractionation, and Migration of Legacy and Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances between Greenhouse and Open-Field Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1670-1679. [PMID: 36653896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07500] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely present in agricultural soils, but their sources and fate in greenhouse soils remain unclear. In this study, the sources, fractionation, and migration of PFASs were compared in the greenhouse and open-field soils of the Fen-Wei Plain, China. The total concentrations of PFASs (Σ17PFAS) were comparable in the greenhouse and open-field soils but with different profiles. Detrended correspondence and correlation analyses indicated that dry deposition was an important source of PFASs in the open-field soils, whereas surface water had a notable contribution to the greenhouse soils due to more frequent irrigation. The PFASs in the soils were mainly present in water-soluble fraction (F1). The F1 proportions of short-chain and long-chain PFASs were negatively correlated with the anion exchange capacity (AEC) and organic carbon content (foc) in soil, respectively, with that of short-chain PFASs being higher than long-chain ones. The AEC was significantly higher while foc was lower in the greenhouse soil than the open-field soil, leading to lower proportions of F1 for short-chain PFASs while higher for long-chain ones in the greenhouse soil. Frequent irrigation and elevated temperatures promoted the migration of PFASs in greenhouse soil; thus, the Σ17PFAS and F1 exhibited an increasing trend with soil depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Shen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, No.3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, P.R. China
| | - Lei Qin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, P.R. China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, No.3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, No.3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
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20
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Richardson MJ, Kabiri S, Grimison C, Bowles K, Corish S, Chapman M, McLaughlin MJ. Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances in Runoff and Leaching from AFFF-Contaminated Soils: a Rainfall Simulation Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16857-16865. [PMID: 36354276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05377] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mobilization and transport of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) via surface runoff (runoff) from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-contaminated soils during rainfall, flooding, or irrigation has not been thoroughly evaluated, and the effectiveness of carbonaceous sorbents in limiting PFASs in runoff is similarly unquantified. Here, laboratory-scale rainfall simulations evaluate PFAS losses in runoff and in leaching to groundwater (leachate) from AFFF-contaminated soils varying in texture, PFAS composition and concentration, and remediation treatment. Leaching dominated PFAS losses in soils with a concentration of ∑PFAS = 0.2-2 mg/kg. However, with higher soil PFAS concentrations (∑PFAS = 31 mg/kg), leachate volumes were negligible and runoff dominated losses. The concentration and variety of PFASs were far greater in leachates regardless of the initial concentrations in soil. Losses of PFASs were dependent on the C-chain length for leachates and more on the initial concentration in soil for runoff. Suspended materials did not meaningfully contribute to runoff losses. While concentrations of most PFASs declined significantly after the first rainfall event, desorption and transport in both runoff and leachates persisted over several rainfall events. Finally, results showed that sorption to AC mostly occurred during, not prior to, rainfall events and that 1% w/w AC substantially reduced losses in runoff and leachates from all soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Richardson
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia5064, Australia
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia5064, Australia
| | - Charles Grimison
- Ventia Proprietary Limited, North Sydney,, New South Wales2060, Australia
| | - Karl Bowles
- RPS AAP Consulting Proprietary Limited, Sydney, New South Wales2000, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland4102, Australia
| | - Stephen Corish
- Treo Environment Proprietary Limited, Bondi Junction, Woolloongabba, New South Wales2022, Australia
| | - Mark Chapman
- Aecom Australia, Adelaide, South Australia5000, Australia
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia5064, Australia
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21
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Lämmer R, Weidemann E, Göckener B, Stahl T, Breuer J, Kowalczyk J, Just H, Boeddinghaus RS, Gassmann M, Kling HW, Bücking M. Evaluation of the Transformation and Leaching Behavior of Two Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diesters in a Field Lysimeter Study. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:14329-14338. [PMID: 36323308 PMCID: PMC9673155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 6:2 and 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (diPAP) were individually investigated in lysimeters under near-natural conditions. Leachate was sampled for 2 years, as was the soil after the experiment. In the leachate of the diPAP-spiked soils, perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) of different chain lengths were detected [23.2% (6:2 diPAP variant) and 20.8% (8:2 diPAP variant) of the initially applied molar amount]. After 2 years, the soils still contained 36-37% 6:2 diPAP and 41-45% 8:2 diPAP, respectively, in addition to smaller amounts of PFCAs (1.5 and 10.6%, respectively). Amounts of PFCAs found in the grass were low (<0.1% in both variants). The recovery rate of both 6:2 diPAP and 8:2 diPAP did not reach 100% (63.9 and 83.2%, respectively). The transformation of immobile diPAPs into persistent mobile PFCAs and their transport into the groundwater shows a pathway for human exposure to hazardous PFCAs through drinking water and irrigation of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Lämmer
- Department of Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Eva Weidemann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Straße 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Department of Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stahl
- Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe, Joseph-König-Straße 40, 48147 Münster, Germany
| | - Jörn Breuer
- Center for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstraße 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Janine Kowalczyk
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hildegard Just
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Runa S Boeddinghaus
- Center for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), Neßlerstraße 25, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias Gassmann
- Department of Hydrology and Substance Balance, University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Straße 3, 34125 Kassel, Germany
| | - Hans-Willi Kling
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Mark Bücking
- Department of Environmental and Food Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Li Y, Thompson J, Wang Z, Bräunig J, Zheng Q, Thai PK, Mueller JF, Yuan Z. Transformation and fate of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during aerobic digestion of anaerobically digested sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118568. [PMID: 35598466 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Post-anaerobic aerobic digestion (PAAD) is a promising strategy to further reduce the volume and improve the quality of anaerobically digested sludge (ADS). However, the effect of PAAD process on the fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remains largely unknown. In this study, fourteen PPCPs and fifteen PFAS were detected in ADS and evaluated regarding their fate and transformation in a laboratory aerobic digester operated with a hydraulic retention time of 13 days under 22 ℃. Twelve PPCPs demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decrease in their total concentrations (dissolved and adsorbed fractions combined) with six compounds presenting substantial transformation (> 80%) after aerobic digestion. On the contrary, PFAS were not removed and their concentrations were either increased (increasing ratio: 91 - 571%) or consistent in the sludge during PAAD process, suggesting their recalcitrance to post aerobic digestion. More than half of PPCPs and PFAS demonstrated medium to strong sorption onto solids with their solid fraction higher than 50% in the ADS. After PAAD process, sorption of four PPCPs and three PFAAs to solids was enhanced in sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Li
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jack Thompson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zhiyao Wang
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Qiuda Zheng
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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