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Zeng T, Chen X, van de Lavoir M, Robeyns R, Zhao L, Delgado Povedano MDM, van Nuijs ALN, Zhu L, Covaci A. Serum untargeted lipidomic characterization in a general Chinese cohort with residual per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances by liquid chromatography-drift tube ion mobility-mass spectrometry. Sci Total Environ 2024; 929:172483. [PMID: 38631629 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain controversial due to their high persistency and potential human toxicity. Although occupational exposure to PFAS has been widely investigated, the implications of PFAS occurrence in the general population remain to be unraveled. Considering that serum from most people contains PFAS, the aim of this study was to characterize the lipidomic profile in human serum from a general cohort (n = 40) with residual PFAS levels. The geometric means of ∑PFAS (11.8 and 4.4 ng/mL) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for the samples with the highest (n = 20) and lowest (n = 20) concentrations from the general population respectively. Reverse-phase liquid chromatography coupled to drift tube ion mobility and high-resolution mass spectrometry using dual polarity ionization was used to characterize the lipid profile in both groups. The structural elucidation involved the integration of various parameters, such as retention time, mass-to-charge ratio, tandem mass spectra and collision cross section values. This approach yielded a total of 20 potential biomarkers linked to the perturbed glycerophospholipid metabolism, energy metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. Among these alterations, most lipids were down-regulated and some specific lipids (PC 36:5, PC 37:4 and PI O-34:2) exhibited a relatively strong Spearman correlation and predictive capacity for PFAS contamination. This study could support further toxicological assessments and mechanistic investigations into the effects of PFAS exposure on the lipidome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zeng
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium
| | - Xin Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Maria van de Lavoir
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium
| | - Rani Robeyns
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium
| | - Lu Zhao
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium
| | | | - Alexander L N van Nuijs
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk 2610, Belgium.
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2
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Burdette T, Yakimavets V, Panuwet P, Ryan PB, Barr DB, Salamova A. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in senior care facilities and older adult residents. Sci Total Environ 2024; 928:172316. [PMID: 38593875 PMCID: PMC11075449 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated organic compounds used in a variety of consumer products and industrial applications that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in biological tissues, and can have adverse effects on human health, especially in vulnerable populations. In this study, we focused on PFAS exposures in residents of senior care facilities. To investigate relationships between indoor, personal, and internal PFAS exposures, we analyzed 19 PFAS in matched samples of dust collected from the residents' bedrooms, and wristbands and serum collected from the residents. The median ∑PFAS concentrations (the sum of all PFAS detected in the samples) measured in dust, wristbands, and serum were 120 ng/g, 0.05 ng/g, and 4.0 ng/mL, respectively. The most abundant compounds in serum were linear- and branched-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (L-PFOS and B-PFOS, respectively) at medians of 1.7 ng/mL and 0.83 ng/mL, respectively, followed by the linear perfluorooctanoic acid (L-PFOA) found at a median concentration of 0.59 ng/mL. Overall, these three PFAS comprised 80 % of the serum ∑PFAS concentrations. A similar pattern was observed in dust with L-PFOS and L-PFOA found as the most abundant PFAS (median concentrations of 13 and 7.8 ng/g, respectively), with the overall contribution of 50 % to the ∑PFAS concentration. Only L-PFOA was found in wristbands at a median concentration of 0.02 ng/g. Significant correlations were found between the concentrations of several PFAS in dust and serum, and in dust and wristbands, suggesting that the indoor environment could be a significant contributor to the personal and internal PFAS exposures in seniors. Our findings demonstrate that residents of assisted living facilities are widely exposed to PFAS, with several PFAS found in blood of each study participant and in the assisted living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tret Burdette
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Volha Yakimavets
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dana B Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Pollard S, De Silva AO, Simmons DBD. Metabolic, neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects of PFAAs and their mixtures on the proteome of the head kidney and plasma from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Sci Total Environ 2024; 928:172389. [PMID: 38615763 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
PFAAs (Perfluoroalkyl acids) are a class of bioaccumulative, persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants which primarily occupy the hydrosphere and its sediments. Currently, a paucity of toxicological information exists for short chain PFAAs and complex mixtures. In order to address these knowledge gaps, we performed a 3-week, aqueous exposure of rainbow trout to 3 different concentrations of a PFAA mixture (50, 100 and 500 ng/L) modeled after the composition determined in Lake Ontario. We conducted an additional set of exposures to individual PFAAs (25 nM each of PFOS (12,500 ng/L), PFOA (10,300 ng/L), PFBS (7500 ng/L) or PFBA (5300 ng/L) to evaluate differences in biological response across PFAA congeners. Untargeted proteomics and phosphorylated metabolomics were conducted on the blood plasma and head kidney tissue to evaluate biological response. Plasma proteomic responses to the mixtures revealed several unexpected outcomes including Similar proteomic profiles and biological processes as the PFOS exposure regime while being orders of magnitude lower in concentration and an atypical dose response in terms of the number of significantly altered proteins (FDR < 0.1). Biological pathway analysis revealed the low mixture, medium mixture and PFOS to significantly alter (FDR < 0.05) a number of processes including those involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and the nervous system. We implicate plasma increases in PPARD and PPARG as being directly related to these biological processes as they are known to be important regulators in all 3 processes. In contrast to the blood plasma, the high mixture and PFOA exposure regimes caused the greatest change to the head kidney proteome, altering many proteins being involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. Our findings support the pleiotropic effect PFAAs have on aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant doses including those on PPAR signaling, metabolic dysregulation, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pollard
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amila O De Silva
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Eze CG, Okeke ES, Nwankwo CE, Nyaruaba R, Anand U, Okoro OJ, Bontempi E. Emerging contaminants in food matrices: An overview of the occurrence, pathways, impacts and detection techniques of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:436-447. [PMID: 38645434 PMCID: PMC11033125 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in industrial and consumer applications for ages. The pervasive and persistent nature of PFAS in the environment is a universal concern due to public health risks. Experts acknowledge that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS have consequences, including reduced vaccine efficacy, elevated cholesterol, and increased risk of high blood pressure. While considerable research has been conducted to investigate the presence of PFAS in the environment, the pathways for human exposure through food and food packaging/contact materials (FCM) remain unclear. In this review, we present an exhaustive overview of dietary exposure pathways to PFAS. Also, the mechanism of PFAS migration from FCMs into food and the occurrence of PFAS in certain foods were considered. Further, we present the analytical techniques for PFAS in food and food matrices as well as exposure pathways and human health impacts. Further, recent regulatory actions working to set standards and guidelines for PFAS in food packaging materials were highlighted. Alternative materials being developed and evaluated for their safety and efficacy in food contact applications, offering promising alternatives to PFAS were also considered. Finally, we reported on general considerations and perspectives presently considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuebuka Gabriel Eze
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Science Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Chidiebele Emmanuel Nwankwo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Raphael Nyaruaba
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Uttpal Anand
- CytoGene Research & Development LLP, K-51, UPSIDA Industrial Area, Kursi Road (Lucknow), Dist.– Barabanki, 225001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Onyekwere Joseph Okoro
- Department of Zoology and Environment Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, Brescia 25123, Italy
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5
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Mehdi Q, Griffin EK, Esplugas J, Gelsleichter J, Galloway AS, Frazier BS, Timshina AS, Grubbs RD, Correia K, Camacho CG, Bowden JA. Species-specific profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in small coastal sharks along the South Atlantic Bight of the United States. Sci Total Environ 2024; 927:171758. [PMID: 38521272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained widespread commercial use across the globe in various industrial and consumer products, such as textiles, firefighting foams, and surface coating materials. Studies have shown that PFAS exhibit a strong tendency to accumulate within aquatic food webs, primarily due to their high bioaccumulation potential and resistance to degradation. Despite such concerns, their impact on marine predators like sharks remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the presence of 34 PFAS in the plasma (n = 315) of four small coastal sharks inhabiting the South Atlantic Bight of the United States (U.S). Among the sharks studied, bonnetheads (Sphyrna tiburo) had the highest ∑PFAS concentration (3031 ± 1674 pg g - 1 plasma, n = 103), followed by the Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, 2407 ± 969 pg g - 1, n = 101), blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus, 1713 ± 662 pg g - 1, n = 83) and finetooth shark (Carcharhinus isodon, 1431 ± 891 pg g - 1, n = 28). Despite declines in the manufacturing of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the long-chain (C8 - C13) perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were frequently detected, with PFOS, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) present as the most dominant PFAS. Furthermore, males exhibited significantly higher ∑PFAS concentrations than females in bonnetheads (p < 0.01), suggesting possible sex-specific PFAS accumulation or maternal offloading in some species. The results of this study underscore the urgency for more extensive biomonitoring of PFAS in aquatic/marine environments to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the impact and fate of these emerging pollutants on marine fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qaim Mehdi
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Emily K Griffin
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Juliette Esplugas
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jim Gelsleichter
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ashley S Galloway
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Bryan S Frazier
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Alina S Timshina
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - R Dean Grubbs
- Coastal and Marine Laboratory, Florida State University 3618 Highway 98, St. Teresa, FL 32358, USA
| | - Keyla Correia
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Camden G Camacho
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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6
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Kosarek NN, Preston EV. Contributions of Synthetic Chemicals to Autoimmune Disease Development and Occurrence. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:128-144. [PMID: 38653907 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Exposure to many synthetic chemicals has been linked to a variety of adverse human health effects, including autoimmune diseases. In this scoping review, we summarize recent evidence detailing the effects of synthetic environmental chemicals on autoimmune diseases and highlight current research gaps and recommendations for future studies. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 68 recent publications related to environmental chemical exposures and autoimmune diseases. Most studies evaluated exposure to persistent environmental chemicals and autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. Results of recent original research studies were mixed, and available data for some exposure-outcome associations were particularly limited. PFAS and autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases (UC and CD) and pesticides and RA appeared to be the most frequently studied exposure-outcome associations among recent publications, despite a historical research focus on solvents. Recent studies have provided additional evidence for the associations of exposure to synthetic chemicals with certain autoimmune conditions. However, impacts on other autoimmune outcomes, particularly less prevalent conditions, remain unclear. Owing to the ubiquitous nature of many of these exposures and their potential impacts on autoimmune risk, additional studies are needed to better evaluate these relationships, particularly for understudied autoimmune conditions. Future research should include larger longitudinal studies and studies among more diverse populations to elucidate the temporal relationships between exposure-outcome pairs and to identify potential population subgroups that may be more adversely impacted by immune modulation caused by exposure to these chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle N Kosarek
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Emma V Preston
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building 1, Floor 14, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Sands M, Zhang X, Jensen T, La Frano M, Lin M, Irudayaraj J. PFAS assessment in fish - Samples from Illinois waters. Sci Total Environ 2024; 927:172357. [PMID: 38614344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in various industries, including pesticide production, electroplating, packaging, paper making, and the manufacturing of water-resistant clothes. This study investigates the levels of PFAS in fish tissues collected from four target waterways (15 sampling points) in the northwestern part of Illinois during 2021-2022. To assess accumulation, concentrations of 17 PFAS compounds were evaluated in nine fish species to potentially inform on exposure risks to local sport fishing population via fish consumption. At least four PFAS (PFHxA, PFHxS, PFOS, and PFBS) were detected at each sampling site. The highest concentrations of PFAS were consistently found in samples from the Rock River, particularly in areas near urban and industrial activities. PFHxA emerged as the most accumulated PFAS in the year 2022, while PFBS and PFOS dominated in 2021. Channel Catfish exhibited the highest PFAS content across different fish species, indicating its bioaccumulation potential across the food chain. Elevated levels of PFOS were observed in nearly all fish, indicating the need for careful consideration of fish consumption. Additional bioaccumulation data in the future years is needed to shed light on the sources and PFAS accumulation potential in aquatic wildlife in relation to exposures for potential health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Sands
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Biomedical Research Center, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Biomedical Research Center, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Tor Jensen
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Biomedical Research Center, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Michael La Frano
- Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mindy Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Biomedical Research Center, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, United States.
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8
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Beale DJ, Nguyen TV, Bose U, Shah R, Nelis JLD, Stockwell S, Broadbent JA, Nilsson S, Rane R, Court L, Lettoof DC, Pandey G, Walsh TK, Shaw S, Llinas J, Limpus D, Limpus C, Braun C, Baddiley B, Vardy S. Metabolic disruptions and impaired reproductive fitness in wild-caught freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii) exposed to elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Sci Total Environ 2024; 926:171743. [PMID: 38494020 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a threat to organisms and ecosystems due to their persistent nature. Ecotoxicology endpoints used in regulatory guidelines may not reflect multiple, low-level but persistent stressors. This study examines the biological effects of PFAS on Eastern short-necked turtles in Queensland, Australia. In this study, blood samples were collected and analysed for PFAS, hormone levels, and functional omics endpoints. High levels of PFAS were found in turtles at the impacted site, with PFOS being the dominant constituent. The PFAS profiles of males and females differed, with males having higher PFAS concentrations. Hormone concentrations differed between impacted and reference sites in male turtles, with elevated testosterone and corticosterone indicative of stress. Further, energy utilisation, nucleotide synthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and amino acid synthesis were altered in both male and female turtles from PFAS-impacted sites. Both sexes show similar metabolic responses to environmental stressors from the PFAS-contaminated site, which may adversely affect their reproductive fitness. Purine metabolism, caffeine metabolism, and ferroptosis pathway changes in turtles can cause gout, cell death, and overall health problems. Further, the study showed that prolonged exposure to elevated PFAS levels in the wild could compromise turtle reproductive fitness by disrupting reproductive steroids and metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Beale
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia.
| | - Thao V Nguyen
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Utpal Bose
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - Rohan Shah
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora West, Vic 3083, Australia; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Vic 3122, Australia
| | - Joost Laurus Dinant Nelis
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - Sally Stockwell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - James A Broadbent
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Rahul Rane
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia
| | - Leon Court
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Acton, ACT 2602, Australia
| | - Damian C Lettoof
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia
| | - Gunjan Pandey
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Acton, ACT 2602, Australia
| | - Thomas K Walsh
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Acton, ACT 2602, Australia
| | - Stephanie Shaw
- Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Moggill, Qld 4070, Australia
| | - Josh Llinas
- The Unusual Pet Vets Jindalee, Veterinarian, Jindalee, Qld 4074, Australia
| | - Duncan Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Colin Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Christoph Braun
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Brenda Baddiley
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Suzanne Vardy
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
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9
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Zhu W, Liu W, Jin H. Sediment-seawater partitioning, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of perfluorobutane sulfonamide in marine environment. Water Res 2024; 255:121466. [PMID: 38493741 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Environmental occurrence of perfluorobutane sulfonamide (PFBSA) has only been recently discovered. The current knowledge regarding the occurrence and environmental behaviors of PFBSA in the marine environment is still relatively limited. In this study, PFBSA and other 37 poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances were analyzed in seawater (n = 43), sediment (n = 43), and marine fish (n = 176) samples collected from East China Sea and Antarctic Ocean. PFBSA was detected in > 90% of seawater from East China Sea and Antarctic Ocean, with the concentrations of 1.0 - 19 ng/L and < LOD-228 pg/L, respectively. The field-based mean log-transformed sediment-seawater partitioning coefficients of PFBSA were 1.6 ± 0.19 L/kg dw and 1.1 ± 0.19 L/kg dw in East China Sea and Antarctic Ocean, respectively, which are lower than that of perfluorooctanoate and perfluorooctane sulfonate. This indicates its long-range transport potential in global oceans with ocean currents. The mean log-transformed bioaccumulation factor values of PFBSA determined in the multiple species of whole-body marine fishes from East China Sea and Antarctic Ocean were 2.3 L/kg ww and 2.4 L/kg ww, respectively, which are comparable to that of perfluoroheptanoate (2.3 L/kg ww) in marine fishes from East China Sea. We did not observe an obvious biomagnification or biodilution of PFBSA along the marine food chain in East China Sea or Antarctic Ocean. This study provides the first data on the environmental behaviors of PFBSA in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Zhu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources for Key Fishing Grounds, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resources of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310032, China.
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10
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Kikanme KN, Dennis NM, Orikpete OF, Ewim DRE. PFAS in Nigeria: Identifying data gaps that hinder assessments of ecotoxicological and human health impacts. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29922. [PMID: 38694092 PMCID: PMC11061687 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the extensive use and environmental consequences of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on a global scale, specifically emphasizing their potential impact in Nigeria. Recognized for their resistance to water and oil, PFAS are under increased scrutiny for their persistent nature and possible ecotoxicological risks. Here, we consolidate existing knowledge on the ecological and human health effects of PFAS in Nigeria, focusing on their neurological effects and the risks they pose to immune system health. We seek to balance the advantages of PFAS with their potential ecological and health hazards, thereby enhancing understanding of PFAS management in Nigeria and advocating for more effective policy interventions and the creation of safer alternatives. The review concludes with several recommendations: strengthening regulatory frameworks, intensifying research into the ecological and health impacts of PFAS, developing new methodologies and longitudinal studies, fostering collaborative efforts for PFAS management, and promoting public awareness and education to support sustainable environmental practices and healthier communities in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole M. Dennis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Ochuko Felix Orikpete
- Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
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11
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Witt CC, Gadek CR, Cartron JLE, Andersen MJ, Campbell ML, Castro-Farías M, Gyllenhaal EF, Johnson AB, Malaney JL, Montoya KN, Patterson A, Vinciguerra NT, Williamson JL, Cook JA, Dunnum JL. Extraordinary levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in vertebrate animals at a New Mexico desert oasis: Multiple pathways for wildlife and human exposure. Environ Res 2024; 249:118229. [PMID: 38325785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment pose persistent and complex threats to human and wildlife health. Around the world, PFAS point sources such as military bases expose thousands of populations of wildlife and game species, with potentially far-reaching implications for population and ecosystem health. But few studies shed light on the extent to which PFAS permeate food webs, particularly ecologically and taxonomically diverse communities of primary and secondary consumers. Here we conducted >2000 assays to measure tissue-concentrations of 17 PFAS in 23 species of mammals and migratory birds at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico, USA, where wastewater catchment lakes form biodiverse oases. PFAS concentrations were among the highest reported in animal tissues, and high levels have persisted for at least three decades. Twenty of 23 species sampled at Holloman AFB were heavily contaminated, representing middle trophic levels and wetland to desert microhabitats, implicating pathways for PFAS uptake: ingestion of surface water, sediments, and soil; foraging on aquatic invertebrates and plants; and preying upon birds or mammals. The hazardous long carbon-chain form, perfluorooctanosulfonic acid (PFOS), was most abundant, with liver concentrations averaging >10,000 ng/g wet weight (ww) in birds and mammals, respectively, and reaching as high 97,000 ng/g ww in a 1994 specimen. Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) averaged thousands of ng/g ww in the livers of aquatic birds and littoral-zone house mice, but one order of magnitude lower in the livers of upland desert rodent species. Piscivores and upland desert songbirds were relatively uncontaminated. At control sites, PFAS levels were strikingly lower on average and different in composition. In sum, legacy PFAS at this desert oasis have permeated local aquatic and terrestrial food webs across decades, severely contaminating populations of resident and migrant animals, and exposing people via game meat consumption and outdoor recreation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Witt
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Chauncey R Gadek
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Environmental Stewardship, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Jean-Luc E Cartron
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., 6020 Academy Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM, 87109, USA
| | - Michael J Andersen
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Mariel L Campbell
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Marialejandra Castro-Farías
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Ethan F Gyllenhaal
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew B Johnson
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jason L Malaney
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, USA
| | - Kyana N Montoya
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, CA, 95605, USA
| | - Nicholas T Vinciguerra
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jessie L Williamson
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Joseph A Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jonathan L Dunnum
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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12
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Yadav A, Vuković L, Narayan M. An Atomic and Molecular Insight into How PFOA Reduces α-Helicity, Compromises Substrate Binding, and Creates Binding Pockets in a Model Globular Protein. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12766-12777. [PMID: 38656109 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant health risks due to their widespread presence in various environmental and biological matrices. However, the molecular-level mechanisms underlying the interactions between PFAS and biological constituents, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA, remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the interactions between a legacy PFAS, viz. perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and the milk protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG) obtained using a combination of experimental and computational techniques. Circular dichroism studies reveal that PFOA perturbs the secondary structure of BLG, by driving a dose-dependent loss of α-helicity and alterations in its β-sheet content. Furthermore, exposure of the protein to PFOA attenuates the on-rate constant for the binding of the hydrophobic probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS), suggesting potential functional impairment of BLG by PFOA. Steered molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling calculations reveal that PFOA binding leads to the formation of an energetically favorable novel binding pocket within the protein, when residues 129-142 are steered to unfold from their initial α-helical structure, wherein a host of intermolecular interactions between PFOA and BLG's residues serve to insert the PFOA into the region between the unfolded helix and beta-sheets. Together, the data provide a novel understanding of the atomic and molecular mechanism(s) by which PFAS modulates structure and function in a globular protein, leading to a beginning of our understanding of altered biological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Yadav
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Lela Vuković
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Computational Science Program, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Bioinformatics Program, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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13
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Vardy S, Baddiley B, Braun C, Limpus C, Limpus DJ, Du Plessis M, Nilsson S, Gonzalez-Astudillo V, Beale D. Partitioning of PFAS to serum, tissues, eggs, and hatchlings of an Australian freshwater turtle. J Hazard Mater 2024; 469:133885. [PMID: 38484658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Turtles are a potential sentinel species of aquatic ecosystem health as they inhabit aquatic ecosystems, are long lived, and potentially have high exposure to anthropogenic chemicals via food and water. This study investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) tissue partitioning in female Emydura macquarii macquarii turtle, and the maternal offloading of (PFAS) into eggs and then hatchlings as well as the accumulation of PFAS in male and female Emydura macquarii macquarii serum. Significantly higher levels of perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were measured in the male serum compared to the female turtle serum, whereas perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) were significantly higher in the female turtle serum. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS in the turtles whereas PFHxA was the predominant PFAS found in the surrounding water. PFHxA was not reported in any turtle tissue or the serum. The short-chain PFSAs and FASAs appeared to be highly associated with blood; long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs were more likely to be associated with tissue. Half of the PFHxS and all the long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs reported in the yolks were transferred into the hatchlings (by mass), suggesting a potential intergenerational effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Vardy
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia; Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Brenda Baddiley
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Christoph Braun
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Col Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Duncan J Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Martha Du Plessis
- Organic Chemistry, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - David Beale
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
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14
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Boatman AK, Chappel JR, Polera ME, Dodds JN, Belcher SM, Baker ES. Assessing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Fish Fillet Using Non-Targeted Analyses. bioRxiv 2024:2023.09.01.555938. [PMID: 37732276 PMCID: PMC10508736 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.01.555938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals that are persistent and highly stable in the environment. Fish consumption has been identified as a key route of PFAS exposure for humans. However, routine fish monitoring targets only a handful of PFAS, and non-targeted analyses have largely only evaluated fish from heavily PFAS-impacted waters. Here, we evaluated PFAS in fish fillets from recreational and drinking water sources in central North Carolina to assess whether PFAS are present in these fillets that would not be detected by conventional targeted methods. We used liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) to collect full scan feature data, performed suspect screening using an in-house library of 100 PFAS for high confidence feature identification, searched for additional PFAS features using non-targeted data analyses, and quantified perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in the fillet samples. A total of 36 PFAS were detected in the fish fillets, including 19 that would not be detected using common targeted methods, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 22 in individual fish. Median fillet PFOS levels were concerningly high at 11.6 to 42.3 ppb, and no significant correlation between PFOS levels and number of PFAS per fish was observed. Future PFAS monitoring in this region should target more of these 36 PFAS, and other regions not considered heavily PFAS contaminated should consider incorporating non-targeted analyses into ongoing fish monitoring studies.
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15
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Herlory O, Briand MJ, Munaron D, Boissery P, Giraud A, Marchand P, Bouchoucha M. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurrence, concentrations and spatial distribution along the French Mediterranean coast and lagoons, based on active biomonitoring. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 202:116419. [PMID: 38677107 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Tracking PFAS in ecosystems is challenging. In this context, monitoring programs are crucial to fill data gaps, especially in marine environments, which are the ultimate outlets for these forever chemicals. The 2021 chemical contamination monitoring campaign along the French Mediterranean coast established a baseline for PFAS concentrations in mussels, with 90 % of measurements below quantification limits. When detected, long-chain PFCA's were predominant. Spatial distribution patterns suggested continuous PFAS inputs and complex dynamics, shaped by the influence of large watersheds and rivers (Rhône, Aude, Huveaune). Lapeyrade shallow lagoon stood out as the most contaminated site. Similar PFAS profiles in connected sites implied shared sources but raised questions about accumulation processes in mussels. While certain sites had evident sources (e.g., military airbase for Palo lagoon), others remained uncertain (e.g., Toulon bay). Coastal stations (Banyuls, Cap Agde, Brégançon, Pampelonne) showed PFAS contamination without clear onshore sources, possibly due to insufficient transportation process understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Herlory
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France.
| | - Marine J Briand
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Dominique Munaron
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, Sète, CS 30171, 34203 Sète, France
| | - Pierre Boissery
- Agence de l'Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse - Délégation Paca Corse, 13001 Marseille, France
| | - Anaïs Giraud
- Agence de l'Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse - Délégation de Montpellier, 34961 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Marc Bouchoucha
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
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16
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Boretti A. Selectively addressing total risk avoidance for certain chemicals while overlooking others: The case of per-and-poly-fluoroalkyls. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 149:105602. [PMID: 38499056 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Boretti
- Melbourne Institute of Technology, 288 Latrobe Street, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Schlezinger JJ, Gokce N. Perfluoroalkyl/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Links to Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Circ Res 2024; 134:1136-1159. [PMID: 38662859 PMCID: PMC11047059 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.323697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Conservative estimates by the World Health Organization suggest that at least a quarter of global cardiovascular diseases are attributable to environmental exposures. Associations between air pollution and cardiovascular risk have garnered the most headlines and are strong, but less attention has been paid to other omnipresent toxicants in our ecosystem. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals that are extensively used in industrial and consumer products worldwide and in aqueous film-forming foam utilized in firefighting. As such, our exposure to PFAS is essentially ubiquitous. Given the long half-lives of these degradation-resistant chemicals, virtually, all people are carrying a body burden of PFAS. Health concerns related to PFAS are growing such that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has recommended standards for clinical follow-up of individuals with high PFAS blood levels, including prioritizing screening for dyslipidemia. The link between PFAS and dyslipidemia has been extensively investigated, and evidence for associations is compelling. However, dyslipidemia is not the only cardiovascular risk factor with which PFAS is associated. Here, we review the epidemiological evidence for links between PFAS of concern identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including overweight/obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Moreover, we review the potential connections of PFAS with vascular disease and atherosclerosis. While observational data support associations between the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine PFAS and selected cardiac risk factors, additional research is needed to establish causation and better understand how exposure to PFAS leads to the development of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noyan Gokce
- Evans Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Hu M, Scott C. Toward the development of a molecular toolkit for the microbial remediation of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0015724. [PMID: 38477530 PMCID: PMC11022551 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00157-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly fluorinated synthetic organic compounds that have been used extensively in various industries owing to their unique properties. The PFAS family encompasses diverse classes, with only a fraction being commercially relevant. These substances are found in the environment, including in water sources, soil, and wildlife, leading to human exposure and fueling concerns about potential human health impacts. Although PFAS degradation is challenging, biodegradation offers a promising, eco-friendly solution. Biodegradation has been effective for a variety of organic contaminants but is yet to be successful for PFAS due to a paucity of identified microbial species capable of transforming these compounds. Recent studies have investigated PFAS biotransformation and fluoride release; however, the number of specific microorganisms and enzymes with demonstrable activity with PFAS remains limited. This review discusses enzymes that could be used in PFAS metabolism, including haloacid dehalogenases, reductive dehalogenases, cytochromes P450, alkane and butane monooxygenases, peroxidases, laccases, desulfonases, and the mechanisms of microbial resistance to intracellular fluoride. Finally, we emphasize the potential of enzyme and microbial engineering to advance PFAS degradation strategies and provide insights for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Hu
- CSIRO Environment, Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Colin Scott
- CSIRO Environment, Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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19
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Mao X, Liu Y, Wei Y, Li X, Liu Y, Su G, Wang X, Jia J, Yan B. Threats of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl pollutants to susceptible populations. Sci Total Environ 2024; 921:171188. [PMID: 38395163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised significant global health concerns due to potential hazards in healthy adults. However, the impact of PFAS on susceptible populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, the older people, and those with underlying health conditions, has been overlooked. These susceptible groups often have physiological changes that make them less resilient to the same exposures. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the health risks posed by PFAS exposure to these populations. In this review, we delve into the potential health risks of PFAS exposure in these susceptible populations. Equally important, we also examine and discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie this susceptibility. These mechanisms include the induction of oxidative stress, disruption of the immune system, impairment of cellular metabolism, and alterations in gut microbiota, all of which contribute to the enhanced toxicity of PFAS in susceptible populations. Finally, we address the primary research challenges and unresolved issues that require further investigation. This discussion aims to foster research for a better understanding of how PFAS affect susceptible populations and to pave the way for strategies to minimize their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongyi Wei
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yin Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianbo Jia
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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20
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Yang C, Xie W, Fu H, Zhi M, Zhang H, Guo Y, Wang J. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the heterogeneity of hepatic non-parenchymal cell responses to chronic PFO5DoDA exposure in male mice. Environ Pollut 2024; 347:123721. [PMID: 38462192 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECA) have emerged as novel alternatives to legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Existing research has revealed hepatoxicity induced by various PFAS, including PFECA. However, these studies have primarily focused on overall changes in whole liver tissue, particularly in hepatocytes, with the impact of PFAS on diverse liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) still inadequately understood. In the present study, we examined the heterogeneous responses of hepatic NPCs following exposure to perfluoro-3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic acid (PFO5DoDA), a type of PFECA, by administering PFO5DoDA (5 μg/L)-contaminated water to male mice for one year. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 15 008 cells from the liver identified 10 distinct NPC populations. Notably, although relative liver weight remained largely unchanged following exposure to 5 μg/L PFO5DoDA, there was an observed increase in proliferating cells, indicating that proliferating NPCs may contribute to the hepatomegaly frequently noted in PFAS-exposed livers. There was also a considerable alteration in the composition of hepatic NPCs. Specifically, the total number of B cells decreased substantially, while many other cells, such as monocytes and macrophages, increased after PFO5DoDA exposure. In addition, interactions among the hepatic NPC populations changed variously after PFO5DoDA exposure. The findings emphasize the heterogeneity in the responses of hepatic NPCs to PFO5DoDA exposure. Taken together, the changes in immune cell populations and their intercellular interactions suggest that PFO5DoDA disrupts immune homeostasis in the liver. These findings offer new insights into the cellular mechanisms of PFAS-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Wei Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Huayu Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Mengxue Zhi
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianshe Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
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21
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Heimstad ES, Nygård T, Moe B, Herzke D. New insights from an eight-year study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in an urban terrestrial ecosystem. Environ Pollut 2024; 347:123735. [PMID: 38458514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analysed in a high number of terrestrial samples of soil, earthworm, bird eggs and liver from red fox and brown rat in an urban area in Norway from 2013 to 2020. PFOS and the long chain PFCAs were the most dominating compounds in all samples, proving their ubiquitous distribution. Other less studied compounds such as 6:2 FTS were first and foremost detected in earthworm. 8:2 FTS was found in many samples of fieldfare egg, sparrowhawk egg and earthworm, where the eggs had highest concentrations. Highest concentrations for both 6:2 FTS and 8:2 FTS were detected at present and former industry areas. FOSA was detected in many samples of the species with highest concentrations in red fox liver and brown rat liver of 3.3 and 5.5 ng/g ww. PFAS concentrations from the urban area were significantly higher than from background areas indicating that some of the species can be suitable as markers for PFAS emissions in an urban environment. Fieldfare eggs had surprisingly high concentrations of PFOS and PFCA concentrations from areas known to be or have been influenced by industry. Biota-soil-accumulation factor and magnification calculations indicate accumulation and magnification potential for several PFAS. Earthworm and fieldfare egg had average concentrations above the Canadian and European thresholds in diet for avian wildlife and predators. For earthworms, 18 % of the samples exceeded the European threshold (33 ng/g ww) of PFOS in prey for predators, and for fieldfare eggs, 35 % of the samples were above the same threshold. None of the soil samples exceeded a proposed PNEC of PFOS for soil living organisms of 373 ng/g dw.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- NINA-Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- NINA-Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU, The Fram Centre, P. box 6606 Stakkevollan, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway; NIPH-Norwegian Institute for Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Krlovic N, Saracevic E, Derx J, Gundacker C, Krampe J, Zessner M, Zoboli O. A source-based framework to estimate the annual load of PFAS in municipal wastewater. Sci Total Environ 2024; 920:170997. [PMID: 38365022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent chemicals, whose impact has been observed in various environmental compartments. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered a major emission pathway of PFAS, specifically in the context of the aquatic environment. The goal of this study was to develop a compartmentalized, source-based load estimation model of 7 PFAS within the municipal wastewater influent. Consumer statistics, data from literature on PFAS concentrations and release during use, and specific sampling activities for environmental flows in the related city were used to estimate per capita emission loads. Model results were compared with loads obtained through the monitoring campaign at the municipal WWTP influent. A wide range of discrepancies (≈5 % to ≈90 %) between loads observed in the WWTP influent and source based model estimates was noticed. The loads less accounted by the model were associated with sulfonic acids (PFSAs), whereas for carboxylic acids (PFCAs) most of the observed loads could be reasonably explained by the model, with even an overestimation of nearly 5 % noted for PFNA. Higher heterogeneity in sources was observed in the PFCA group, with a noticeable dominance in the share of consumer products. PFSAs had less of a consumer product input (<20 %), with the rest of the modelled load being attributed to environmental inputs. A large gap of unknown loads of PFSAs indicates a need for examination of other, not yet quantified activities that can potentially explain the remainder of the observed load. Especially commercial activities are considered as potential additional sources for PFSAs. These findings signify the importance of PFAS that originate from both consumer products, as well as environmental inputs in the overall load contribution into the sewage, while identifying the need for further investigation into commercial sources of PFAS emitted into the municipal wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Krlovic
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.
| | - E Saracevic
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Derx
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health (ICC Water & Health), Vienna, Austria; TU Wien, Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Krampe
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Zessner
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - O Zoboli
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Wei T, Leung JYS, Wang T. Can PFAS threaten the health of fish consumers? A comprehensive analysis linking fish consumption behaviour and health risk. Sci Total Environ 2024; 920:170960. [PMID: 38365019 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite being phased out for decades, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are still widely detected in the environment and accumulated in many aquaculture organisms for human consumption. Thus, there is growing concern about whether fish consumption can cause PFAS-associated health impacts on humans since fish is a vital protein source for global populations. Here, we assess the potential driving factors of fish consumption by analysing the aquaculture, demographic and socio-economic data across 31 provinces/municipalities in China, followed by estimating the health risk of PFAS via fish consumption. We found that per capita fish consumption was primarily driven by fish production and total area for freshwater aquaculture, while urbanization rate and median age of consumers were also important. The health risk of PFAS was low (hazard quotient <1) in most provinces, while urban consumers were more prone to PFAS than rural consumers across all provinces. Since PFAS have been phased out worldwide, their health risk to humans through fish consumption would be lower than previously thought. To reduce PFAS intake for the high-risk populations, we recommend that fish should be well cooked before consumption, preferably using water-based cooking methods, and that alternative protein sources should be consumed more as the substitute for fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Jonathan Y S Leung
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Tieyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
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24
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Li J, Zhang L, Li Q, Zhang S, Zhang W, Zhao Y, Zheng X, Fan Z. Hormetic effect of a short-chain PFBS on Microcystis aeruginosa and its molecular mechanism. J Hazard Mater 2024; 467:133596. [PMID: 38325097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Short-chain Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), used as substitutes for highly toxic long-chain PFCs, are increasingly entering the aquatic environment. However, the toxicity of short-chain PFCs in the environment is still controversial. This study investigated the effects of short-chain perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) at different concentrations (2.5, 6, 14.4, 36, and 90 mg/L) on M. aeruginosa growth under 12-day exposure and explored the molecular mechanism of toxicity using transcriptomics. The results showed that M. aeruginosa exhibited hormetic effects after exposure to PFBS. Low PFBS concentrations stimulated algal growth, whereas high PFBS concentrations inhibited it, and this inhibitory effect became progressively more pronounced with increasing PFBS exposure concentrations. Transcriptomics showed that PFBS promoted the pathways of photosynthesis, glycolysis, energy metabolism and peptidoglycan synthesis, providing the energy required for cell growth and maintaining cellular morphology. PFBS, on the other hand, caused growth inhibition in algae mainly through oxidative stress, streptomycin synthesis, and genetic damage. Our findings provide new insights into the toxicity and underlying mechanism of short-chain PFCs on algae and inform the understanding of the hormetic effect of short-chain PFCs, which are crucial for assessing their ecological risks in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Li
- Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qihui Li
- Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Fudan Zhangjiang Institute, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Zhengqiu Fan
- Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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25
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Khanal NB, Elbakidze L. Peril in the Pipeline: Unraveling the threads of PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water systems. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299789. [PMID: 38574164 PMCID: PMC10994316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined the spatial distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the US drinking water and explored the relationship between PFAS contamination, public water systems (PWS) characteristics, and socioeconomic attributes of the affected communities. Using data from the EPA's third Unregulated Contaminant Rule, the Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we identified spatial contamination hot spots and found that PFAS contamination was correlated with PWSs size, non-surface raw water intake sources, population, and housing density. We also found that non-white communities had less PFAS in drinking water. Lastly, we observed that PFAS contamination varied depending on regional industrial composition. The results showed that drinking water PFAS contamination was an externality of not only some industrial activities but also household consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabin B. Khanal
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Levan Elbakidze
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
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26
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Buckley JP, Zhou J, Marquess KM, Lanphear BP, Cecil KM, Chen A, Sears CG, Xu Y, Yolton K, Kalkwarf HJ, Braun JM, Kuiper JR. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bone mineral content in early adolescence: Modification by diet and physical activity. Environ Res 2024; 252:118872. [PMID: 38580001 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposures may negatively impact bone mineral accrual, but little is known about potential mitigators of this relation. We assessed whether associations of PFAS and their mixture with bone mineral content (BMC) in adolescence were modified by diet and physical activity. METHODS We included 197 adolescents enrolled in a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio (2003-2006). At age 12 years, we collected serum for PFAS measurements and used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure BMC. We calculated dietary calcium intake and Health Eating Index (HEI) scores from repeated 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity scores using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), and average moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on accelerometry. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in BMC z-scores per interquartile range (IQR) increase of individual PFAS concentrations using linear regression and per simultaneous IQR increase in all four PFAS using g-computation. We evaluated effect measure modification (EMM) using interaction terms between each modifier and PFAS. RESULTS Higher serum perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluorononanoic acid concentrations and the PFAS mixture were associated with lower BMC z-scores. An IQR increase in all PFAS was associated with a 0.27 (-0.54, 0.01) lower distal radius BMC z-score. Associations with lower BMC were generally stronger among adolescents classified as < median for calcium intake, HEI scores, or MVPA compared to those ≥ median. The difference in distal radius BMC z-score per IQR increase in all PFAS was -0.38 (-0.72, -0.04) for those with CONCLUSION Healthy, calcium-rich diets and higher intensity physical activity may mitigate the adverse impact of PFAS on adolescent bone health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie P Buckley
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Junyi Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Katherine M Marquess
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kim M Cecil
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Clara G Sears
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Department of Medicine, Division of Environmental Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Heidi J Kalkwarf
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Jordan R Kuiper
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, D.C., USA
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27
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Li Y, Zhi Y, Weed R, Broome SW, Knappe DRU, Duckworth OW. Commercial compost amendments inhibit the bioavailability and plant uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in soil-porewater-lettuce systems. Environ Int 2024; 186:108615. [PMID: 38582061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Compost is widely used in agriculture as fertilizer while providing a practical option for solid municipal waste disposal. However, compost may also contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potentially impacting soils and leading to PFAS entry into food chains and ultimately human exposure risks via dietary intake. This study examined how compost affects the bioavailability and uptake of eight PFAS (two ethers, three fluorotelomer sulfonates, and three perfluorosulfonates) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in commercial organic compost-amended, PFAS spiked soils. After 50 days of greenhouse experiment, PFAS uptake by lettuce decreased (by up to 90.5 %) with the increasing compost amendment ratios (0-20 %, w/w), consistent with their decreased porewater concentrations (by 30.7-86.3 %) in compost-amended soils. Decreased bioavailability of PFAS was evidenced by the increased in-situ soil-porewater distribution coefficients (Kd) (by factors of 1.5-7.0) with increasing compost additions. Significant negative (or positive) correlations (R2 ≥ 0.55) were observed between plant bioaccumulation (or Kd) and soil organic carbon content, suggesting that compost amendment inhibited plant uptake of PFAS mainly by increasing soil organic carbon and enhancing PFAS sorption. However, short-chain PFAS alternatives (e.g., perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA)) were effectively translocated to shoots with translocation factors > 2.9, increasing their risks of contamination in leafy vegetables. Our findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive risk assessment of compost-borne PFAS when using commercial compost products in agricultural lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States.
| | - Yue Zhi
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States; Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Rebecca Weed
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Stephen W Broome
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Owen W Duckworth
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
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28
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Wang YF, Li L, Wang X, Yun YN, Wang XL, He EY, Song MK, Xia XH, Zou YX. Environmental exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances mixture and asthma in adolescents. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:331-339. [PMID: 38411670 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous epidemiological studies about the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations and adolescent asthma have typically examined single PFAS, without considering the mixtures effects of PFAS. METHODS Using data from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 886 adolescents aged 12-19 years were included in this study. We explored the association between PFAS mixture concentrations and adolescent asthma using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models, respectively. RESULTS After adjusting for confounders, the results of the WQS regression and BKMR models were consistent, with mixed exposure to the five PFAS not significantly associated with asthma in all adolescents. The association remained nonsignificant in the subgroup analysis by sex. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated no significant association between mixed exposure to PFAS and adolescent asthma, and more large cohort studies are needed to confirm this in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Wang
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Li Li
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yun
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Xue-Lin Wang
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - En-Yang He
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming-Kun Song
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xue-Hong Xia
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying-Xue Zou
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China.
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29
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Lasters R, Groffen T, Eens M, Bervoets L. Dynamic spatiotemporal changes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and eggs of private gardens at different distances from a fluorochemical plant. Environ Pollut 2024; 346:123613. [PMID: 38423274 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Homegrown food serves as an important human exposure source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), yet little is known about their spatiotemporal distribution within and among private gardens. This knowledge is essential for more accurate site-specific risk assessment, identification of new sources and evaluating the effectiveness of regulations. The present study evaluated spatiotemporal changes of legacy and emerging PFAS in surface soil from vegetable gardens (N = 78) and chicken enclosures (N = 102), as well as in homegrown eggs (N = 134) of private gardens, across the Province of Antwerp (Belgium). Hereby, the potential influence of the wind orientation and distance towards a major fluorochemical plant was examined. The ∑short-chain PFAS and precursor concentrations were higher in vegetable garden soil (8.68 ng/g dry weight (dw)) compared to chicken enclosure soil (4.43 ng/g dw) and homegrown eggs (0.77 ng/g wet weight (ww)), while long-chain sulfonates and C11-14 carboxylates showed the opposite trend. Short-term (2018/2019-2022) changes were mostly absent in vegetable garden soil, while changes in chicken enclosure soils oriented S-SW nearby (<4 km) the fluorochemical plant were characterized by a local, high-concentration plume. Moreover, soil from chicken enclosures oriented SE and remotely from the plant site was characterized by a widespread, diffuse but relatively low-concentration plume. Long-term data (2010-2022) suggest that phaseout and regulatory measures have been effective, as PFOS concentrations nearby the fluorochemical plant in soil and eggs have declined from 25.8 to 2.86 ng/g dw and from 528 to 39.4 ng/g ww, respectively. However, PFOS and PFOA concentrations have remained largely stable within this timeframe in gardens remotely from the plant site, warranting further rapid regulation and remediation measures. Future monitoring efforts are needed to allow long-term comparison for multiple PFAS and better distinction from potential confounding variables, such as variable emission outputs and variability in wind patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lasters
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
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30
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Kirkwood-Donelson KI, Chappel J, Tobin E, Dodds JN, Reif DM, DeWitt JC, Baker ES. Investigating mouse hepatic lipidome dysregulation following exposure to emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Chemosphere 2024; 354:141654. [PMID: 38462188 PMCID: PMC10995748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental pollutants that have been associated with adverse health effects including liver damage, decreased vaccine responses, cancer, developmental toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and elevated cholesterol. The specific molecular mechanisms impacted by PFAS exposure to cause these health effects remain poorly understood, however there is some evidence of lipid dysregulation. Thus, lipidomic studies that go beyond clinical triglyceride and cholesterol tests are greatly needed to investigate these perturbations. Here, we have utilized a platform coupling liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) separations to simultaneously evaluate PFAS bioaccumulation and lipid metabolism disruptions. For the study, liver samples collected from C57BL/6 mice exposed to either of the emerging PFAS hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA or "GenX") or Nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2) were assessed. Sex-specific differences in PFAS accumulation and liver size were observed for both PFAS, in addition to disturbed hepatic liver lipidomic profiles. Interestingly, GenX resulted in less hepatic bioaccumulation than NBP2 yet gave a higher number of significantly altered lipids when compared to the control group, implying that the accumulation of substances in the liver may not be a reliable measure of the substance's capacity to disrupt the liver's natural metabolic processes. Specifically, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylinositols, and various specific fatty acyls were greatly impacted, indicating alteration of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular signaling processes due to emerging PFAS exposure. Overall, these results provide valuable insight into the liver bioaccumulation and molecular mechanisms of GenX- and NBP2-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylie I Kirkwood-Donelson
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jessie Chappel
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Emma Tobin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - James N Dodds
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - David M Reif
- Predictive Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jamie C DeWitt
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Erin S Baker
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Heinsberg LW, Niu S, Arslanian KJ, Chen R, Bedi M, Unasa-Apelu F, Fidow UT, Soti-Ulberg C, Conley YP, Weeks DE, Ng CA, Hawley NL. Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in a community-based sample of infants from Samoa. Chemosphere 2024; 353:141527. [PMID: 38401869 PMCID: PMC10997188 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants with documented harmful health effects. Despite increasing research, little attention has been given to studying PFAS contamination in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa. Using data and biosamples collected through the Foafoaga o le Ola ("Beginning of Life") Study, which recruited a sample of mothers and infants from Samoa, we conducted an exploratory study to describe concentrations of 40 PFAS analytes in infant cord blood collected at birth (n = 66) and infant dried blood spots (DBS) collected at 4 months post-birth (n = 50). Of the 40 PFAS analytes tested, 19 were detected in cord blood, with 10 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-PF3ONS); and 12 analytes were detected in DBS, with 3 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFHxS, and PFOS). PFAS concentrations were generally lower than those reported in existing literature, with the exception of PFHxS, which was detected at higher concentrations. In cord blood, we noted suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.006) associations between higher PFHxS and male sex; higher PFPeA and residence in Northwest 'Upolu (NWU) compared to the Apia Urban Area (AUA); lower PFUnA and 9Cl-PF3ONS and greater socioeconomic resources; lower PFOA and higher parity; higher PFDA and higher maternal age; and lower PFUnA, PFTrDA, and 9Cl-PF3ONS and higher maternal BMI. In DBS, we found suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.025) associations between lower PFBA and residence in NWU versus AUA; lower PFBA and PFHxS and higher maternal age; and higher PFBA and higher maternal BMI. Finally, we observed associations between nutrition source at 4 months and DBS PFBA and PFHxS, with formula- or mixed-fed infants having higher concentrations compared to exclusively breastfed infants. This study represents the first characterization of PFAS contamination in Samoa. Additional work in larger samples is needed to identify potentially modifiable determinants of PFAS concentrations, information that is critical for informing environmental and health policy measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey W Heinsberg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shan Niu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Kendall J Arslanian
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Ruiwen Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Megha Bedi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Folla Unasa-Apelu
- Obesity, Lifestyle and Genetic Adaptations Study Group, Apia, Samoa.
| | | | | | - Yvette P Conley
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Daniel E Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Carla A Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Nicola L Hawley
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Aker A, Nguyen V, Ayotte P, Ricard S, Lemire M. Characterizing Important Dietary Exposure Sources of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Inuit Youth and Adults in Nunavik Using a Feature Selection Tool. Environ Health Perspect 2024; 132:47014. [PMID: 38683744 PMCID: PMC11057678 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have identified the consumption of country foods (hunted/harvested foods from the land) as the primary exposure source of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) in Arctic communities. However, identifying the specific foods associated with PFAA exposures is complicated due to correlation between country foods that are commonly consumed together. METHODS We used venous blood sample data and food frequency questionnaire data from the Qanuilirpitaa? ("How are we now?") 2017 (Q2017) survey of Inuit individuals ≥ 16 y of age residing in Nunavik (n = 1,193 ). Adaptive elastic net, a machine learning technique, identified the most important food items for predicting PFAA biomarker levels while accounting for the correlation among the food items. We used generalized linear regression models to quantify the association between the most predictive food items and six plasma PFAA biomarker levels. The estimates were converted to percent changes in a specific PFAA biomarker level per standard deviation increase in the consumption of a food item. Models were also stratified by food type (market or country foods). RESULTS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) were associated with frequent consumption of beluga misirak (rendered fat) [14.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.3%, 18.9%; 14.6% (95% CI: 10.1%, 19.0%)], seal liver [9.3% (95% CI: 5.0%, 13.7%); 8.1% (95% CI: 3.5%, 12.6%)], and suuvalik (fish roe mixed with berries and fat) [6.0% (95% CI: 1.3%, 10.7%); 7.5% (95% CI: 2.7%, 12.3%)]. Beluga misirak was also associated with higher concentrations of perfluorohexanesulphonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), albeit with lower percentage changes. PFHxS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and PFNA followed some similar patterns, with higher levels associated with frequent consumption of ptarmigan [6.1% (95% CI: 3.2%, 9.0%); 5.1% (95% CI: 1.1%, 9.1%); 5.4% (95% CI: 1.8%, 9.0%)]. Among market foods, frequent consumption of processed meat and popcorn was consistently associated with lower PFAA exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies specific food items contributing to environmental contaminant exposure in Indigenous or small communities relying on local subsistence foods using adaptive elastic net to prioritize responses from a complex food frequency questionnaire. In Nunavik, higher PFAA biomarker levels were primarily related to increased consumption of country foods, particularly beluga misirak, seal liver, suuvalik, and ptarmigan. Our results support policies regulating PFAA production and use to limit the contamination of Arctic species through long-range transport. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13556.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Aker
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Vy Nguyen
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Ricard
- Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Kuujjuaq, Québec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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Ling AL. Estimated scale of costs to remove PFAS from the environment at current emission rates. Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170647. [PMID: 38325453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
This discussion article builds upon existing data to ask whether environmental remediation and treatment is an economically viable solution to manage global environmental stocks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) without extensive use restrictions. Their environmental persistence means that PFAS released into the environment will remain there until actively removed and destroyed. Thus, removing and destroying PFAS from the global environment at the same rate they are currently being added reflects a theoretical steady-state condition where global PFAS stocks remain constant. Current costs to remove perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a subclass of PFAS, from the environment at the same rate they are being added were estimated here at 20 to 7000 trillion USD per year. If the ratio of total PFAS emissions to PFAAs emissions matches current production ratios, total PFAS release rates and associated treatment costs could be 10 to 10,000 higher than presented above for PFAAs only. Thus, current costs to remove and destroy the total PFAS mass released annually into the environment would likely exceed the global GDP of 106 trillion USD. While this level of treatment is not technically or economically achievable, it highlights the unaffordability of using environmental remediation alone to manage environmental PFAS stocks. Without significant reductions in production and emissions, the mass of PFAS present in the global environment will continue to rise. Treating targeted environmental media will be needed to manage human and environmental health impacts, but we are limited to the level of treatment that is practical and affordable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Ling
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave, OSS 100, St. Paul, MN 55105, United States of America.
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Hansen S, Xu S, Huber S, Alvarez MV, Odland JØ. Profile of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, source appointment, and determinants in Argentinean postpartum women. Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:170096. [PMID: 38224894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals with potential adverse health effects. Information concerning PFAS concentrations in relation to pregnancy is scarce in South America and non-existent in Argentina. AIM We aimed to investigate an extended maternal PFAS profile herein serum concentrations in a regional and global view, source appointment, and determinants in Argentinean women. METHODS A cross-sectional study with a sampling period from 2011 to 2012 included 689 women from Ushuaia and Salta in Argentina. Serum samples collected two days postpartum were analyzed by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray negative ionisation tandem-quadrupole mass-spectrometry. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) following absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) was used for PFAS source appointments. Determinants of PFAS were explored through a MLR approach. A review of previous studies within the same period was conducted to compare with present levels. RESULTS Argentinean PFAS concentrations were the lowest worldwide, with PFOS (0.74 ng/mL) and PFOA (0.11 ng/mL) as the dominant substances. Detection frequencies largely aligned with the compared studies, indicating the worldwide PFAS distribution considering the restrictions. The PCA revealed region-specific loading patterns of two component groups of PFAS, a mixture of replaced and legacy substances in Ushuaia and long-chain in Salta. This might relate to a mix of non-diet and diet exposure in Ushuaia and diet in Salta. Region, age, lactation, parity, household members, migration, bottled water, and freshwater fish were among the determinants of various PFAS. CONCLUSION This is the first study to monitor human PFAS exposure in Argentina. Maternal PFAS concentrations were the lowest observed worldwide in the same period. Exposure contributions are suggested to be affected by restrictions and substitutions. Given the limited population-based studies and the emergence of PFAS, it is essential to conduct further monitoring of PFAS in Argentina and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solrunn Hansen
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Sandra Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of General Hygiene I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119992 Moscow, Russia; School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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Villeneuve DL, Blackwell BR, Bush K, Harrill J, Harris F, Hazemi M, Le M, Stacy E, Flynn KM. Transcriptomics-Based Points of Departure for Daphnia magna Exposed to 18 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024. [PMID: 38450772 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a large group of contaminants of concern based on their widespread use, environmental persistence, and potential toxicity. Many traditional models for estimating toxicity, bioaccumulation, and other toxicological properties are not well suited for PFAS. Consequently, there is a need to generate hazard information for PFAS in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In the present study, Daphnia magna were exposed to multiple concentrations of 22 different PFAS for 24 h in a 96-well plate format. Following exposure, whole-body RNA was extracted and extracts, each representing five exposed individuals, were subjected to RNA sequencing. Following analytical measurements to verify PFAS exposure concentrations and quality control on processed cDNA libraries for sequencing, concentration-response modeling was applied to the data sets for 18 of the tested compounds, and the concentration at which a concerted molecular response occurred (transcriptomic point of departure; tPOD) was calculated. The tPODs, based on measured concentrations of PFAS, generally ranged from 0.03 to 0.58 µM (9.9-350 µg/L; interquartile range). In most cases, these concentrations were two orders of magnitude lower than similarly calculated tPODs for human cell lines exposed to PFAS. They were also lower than apical effect concentrations reported for seven PFAS for which some crustacean or invertebrate toxicity data were available, although there were a few exceptions. Despite being lower than most other available hazard benchmarks, D. magna tPODs were, on average, four orders of magnitude greater than the maximum aqueous concentrations of PFAS measured in Great Lakes tributaries. Overall, this high-throughput transcriptomics assay with D. magna holds promise as a component of a tiered hazard evaluation strategy employing new approach methodologies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-16. © 2024 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Villeneuve
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, USA
- Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Kendra Bush
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant at US EPA, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Joshua Harrill
- Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, United States Environmental Protection Agency, NC, USA
| | - Felix Harris
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant at US EPA, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Oak Ridge, NC, USA
| | - Monique Hazemi
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant at US EPA, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Michelle Le
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant at US EPA, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Emma Stacy
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Kevin M Flynn
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, USA
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Crawford KA, Hartmann N. Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:39-45. [PMID: 38216812 PMCID: PMC10907454 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards ("skis") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings. RECENT FINDINGS Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Program, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
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Sands M, Zhang X, Gal A, Laws M, Spinella M, Erdogan ZM, Irudayaraj J. Comparative hepatotoxicity of novel lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI, ie. HQ-115) and legacy Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in male mice: Insights into epigenetic mechanisms and pathway-specific responses. Environ Int 2024; 185:108556. [PMID: 38461777 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI ie. HQ-115), a polymer electrolyte used in energy applications, has been detected in the environment, yet its health risks and environmental epigenetic effects remain unknown. This study aims to unravel the potential health risks associated with LiTFSI, investigate the role of DNA methylation-induced toxic mechanisms in its effects, and compare its hepatotoxic impact with the well-studied Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). Using a murine model, six-week-old male CD1 mice were exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of each chemical for 14 days as 14-day exposure and 1 and 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days as 30-day exposure. Results indicate that PFOA exposure induced significant hepatotoxicity, characterized by liver enlargement, and elevated serum biomarkers. In contrast, LiTFSI exposure showed lower hepatotoxicity, accompanied by mild liver injuries. Despite higher bioaccumulation of PFOA in serum, LiTFSI exhibited a similar range of liver concentrations compared to PFOA. Reduced Representative Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) analysis revealed distinct DNA methylation patterns between 14-day and 30-day exposure for the two compounds. Both LiTFSI and PFOA implicated liver inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism. Transcriptional results showed that differentially methylated regions in both exposures are enriched with cancer/disease-related motifs. Furthermore, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a regulator of lipid metabolism, was upregulated in both exposures, with downstream genes indicating potential oxidative damages. Overall, LiTFSI exhibits distinct hepatotoxicity profiles, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment of emerging PFAS compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Sands
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mary Laws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zeynep-Madak Erdogan
- Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Bedi M, Sapozhnikova Y, Ng C. Evaluating contamination of seafood purchased from U.S. retail stores by persistent environmental pollutants, pesticides and veterinary drugs. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2024; 41:325-338. [PMID: 38315767 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2024.2310128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Studies have reported health risks associated with seafood contamination, but few data exist on levels in commercially available seafood in the US. To better understand, the magnitude of foodborne exposure and identify vulnerable populations in the US, we measured concentrations of veterinary drugs, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], polybrominated diphenyl ethers [PBDEs] and polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]), and legacy and current-use pesticides in 46 seafood samples purchased from retail outlets. Measured levels were used to estimate risk based on available maximum residue limits (MRLs) and toxic equivalence (TEQ) factors for analytes. Only seventeen of the 445 analytes were detected, at low substance frequencies. However, half of the samples tested positive for one or more analyte, with total concentrations ranging from below the limit of detection (LOD) to as high as 156 µg/kg wet weight. Based on the risk assessment for individual pesticides and veterinary drugs, the hazard quotients (HQ) were all <1, indicating no risk. However, for the sum of PCB126 and PCB167, two dioxin-like PCBs detected in our samples, the TEQ was nearly two orders of magnitude higher than the WHO limits in one catfish sample. Moreover, vulnerable groups with higher rates of consumption of specific fish types may face higher risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Bedi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yelena Sapozhnikova
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, PA, USA
| | - Carla Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Villeneuve DL, Bush K, Hazemi M, Hoang JX, Le M, Blackwell BR, Stacy E, Flynn KM. Derivation of Transcriptomics-Based Points of Departure for 20 Per- or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Using a Larval Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) Reduced Transcriptome Assay. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024. [PMID: 38415853 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Traditional toxicity testing has been unable to keep pace with the introduction of new chemicals into commerce. Consequently, there are limited or no toxicity data for many chemicals to which fish and wildlife may be exposed. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emblematic of this issue in that ecological hazards of most PFAS remain uncharacterized. The present study employed a high-throughput assay to identify the concentration at which 20 PFAS, with diverse properties, elicited a concerted gene expression response (termed a transcriptomics-based point of departure [tPOD]) in larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas; 5-6 days postfertilization) exposed for 24 h. Based on a reduced transcriptome approach that measured whole-body expression of 1832 genes, the median tPOD for the 20 PFAS tested was 10 µM. Longer-chain carboxylic acids (12-13 C-F); an eight-C-F dialcohol, N-alkyl sulfonamide; and telomer sulfonic acid were among the most potent PFAS, eliciting gene expression responses at concentrations <1 µM. With a few exceptions, larval fathead minnow tPODs were concordant with those based on whole-transcriptome response in human cell lines. However, larval fathead minnow tPODs were often greater than those for Daphnia magna exposed to the same PFAS. The tPODs overlapped concentrations at which other sublethal effects have been reported in fish (available for 10 PFAS). Nonetheless, fathead minnow tPODs were orders of magnitude higher than aqueous PFAS concentrations detected in tributaries of the North American Great Lakes, suggesting a substantial margin of safety. Overall, results broadly support the use of a fathead minnow larval transcriptomics assay to derive screening-level potency estimates for use in ecological risk-based prioritization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-16. © 2024 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Villeneuve
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - Kendra Bush
- Research Participant at Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Monique Hazemi
- Research Participant at Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - John X Hoang
- Research Participant at Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michelle Le
- Research Participant at Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
- Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emma Stacy
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - Kevin M Flynn
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
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Mattila JM, Krug JD, Roberson WR, Burnette RP, McDonald S, Virtaranta L, Offenberg JH, Linak WP. Characterizing Volatile Emissions and Combustion Byproducts from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Using Online Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:3942-3952. [PMID: 38350647 PMCID: PMC10985785 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are used in firefighting applications and often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can detrimentally impact environmental and biological health. Incineration is a potential disposal method for AFFFs, which may produce secondary PFAS and other air pollutants. We used online chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) to measure volatile PFAS emissions from incinerating AFFF concentrate solutions. We quantified perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) during the incineration of legacy and contemporary AFFFs. These included trifluoroacetic acid, which reached mg m-3 quantities in the incinerator exhaust. These PFCAs likely arose as products of incomplete combustion of AFFF fluorosurfactants with lower peak furnace temperatures yielding higher PFCA concentrations. We also detected other short-chain PFAS, and other novel chemical products in AFFF combustion emissions. The volatile headspace above AFFF solutions contained larger (C ≥ 8), less oxidized PFAS detected by CIMS. We identified neutral PFAS resembling fluorotelomer surfactants (e.g., fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaines and fluorotelomer thioether amido sulfonates) and fluorotelomer alcohols in contemporary AFFF headspaces. Directly comparing the distinct chemical spaces of AFFF volatile headspace and combustion byproducts as measured by CIMS provides insight toward the chemistry of PFAS during thermal treatment of AFFFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Mattila
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Krug
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - William R. Roberson
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | | | - Stella McDonald
- Jacobs Technology Inc., Cary, North Carolina 27518, United States
| | - Larry Virtaranta
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - John H. Offenberg
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - William P. Linak
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
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Saleem MH, Mfarrej MFB, Khan KA, Alharthy SA. Emerging trends in wastewater treatment: Addressing microorganic pollutants and environmental impacts. Sci Total Environ 2024; 913:169755. [PMID: 38176566 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This review focuses on the challenges and advances associated with the treatment and management of microorganic pollutants, encompassing pesticides, industrial chemicals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment. The translocation of these contaminants across multiple media, particularly through atmospheric transport, emphasizes their pervasive nature and the subsequent ecological risks. The urgency to develop cost-effective remediation strategies for emerging organic contaminants is paramount. As such, wastewater-based epidemiology and the increasing concern over estrogenicity are explored. By incorporating conventional and innovative wastewater treatment techniques, this article highlights the integration of environmental management strategies, analytical methodologies, and the importance of renewable energy in waste treatment. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the current scenario, imminent threats, and future directions in mitigating the effects of these pollutants on the environment. Furthermore, the review underscores the need for international collaboration in developing standardized guidelines and policies for monitoring and controlling these microorganic pollutants. It advocates for increased investment in research and development of advanced materials and technologies that can efficiently remove or neutralize these contaminants, thereby safeguarding environmental health and promoting sustainable practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hamzah Saleem
- Office of Academic Research, Office of VP for Research & Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Applied College, Center of Bee Research and its Products, Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, and Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Saif A Alharthy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Toxicology and Forensic Sciences Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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Namazkar S, Ragnarsdottir O, Josefsson A, Branzell F, Abel S, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M, Harrad S, Benskin JP. Characterization and dermal bioaccessibility of residual- and listed PFAS ingredients in cosmetic products. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2024; 26:259-268. [PMID: 38226854 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00461a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
As a large group of chemicals with diverse properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have found extensive application throughout consumer products, including cosmetics. Little is known about the importance of dermal uptake as a human exposure pathway for PFAS. Here we investigate a suite of listed-ingredient and residual PFAS in cosmetic products, along with their dermal bioaccessibility using in vitro incubations with artificial sweat. Concentrations of volatile listed ingredients (including cyclic perfluorinated alkanes, perfluorinated ethers, and polyfluorinated silanes) in three products ranged from 876-1323 μg g-1, while polar listed ingredients (i.e., polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters [PAPs]) in a single product occurred at up to 2427 μg g-1 (6 : 2/6 : 2 diPAP)). Residual perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were also measured at concentrations ranging from 0.02-29 μg g-1. When listed ingredients were included, our targeted analysis accounted for up to 103% of the total fluorine, while highlighting ambiguous and/or incorrect International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) names used in several products. Bioaccessibility experiments revealed that residual PFCAs readily partitioned to artificial sweat (bioaccessible fractions ranging from 43-76% for detectable substances) while listed ingredients (i.e., PAPs and neutral/volatile PFAS) displayed negligible partitioning. This work provides new insight into the occurrence of PFAS in cosmetic products, while furthering our understanding on their mechanisms of dermal uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Namazkar
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Oddny Ragnarsdottir
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anton Josefsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Felice Branzell
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sebastian Abel
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Choi JW, Oh J, Bennett DH, Calafat AM, Schmidt RJ, Shin HM. Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and child behavioral problems. Environ Res 2024; 251:118511. [PMID: 38387490 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may adversely affect child behaviors; however, findings of epidemiologic studies are inconsistent. We examined prenatal PFAS exposure in association with child behavioral problems. METHODS Participants were 177 mother-child pairs from MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies - Learning Early Signs), a cohort with elevated familial likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We quantified nine PFAS in maternal serum (1-3 samples per mother) collected from the 1st to 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Child behavioral problems were assessed at 3 years of age using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), developed to test for various behavioral problems of children. We examined associations of the CBCL scores with individual PFAS concentrations and with their mixture using negative binomial regression and weighted quantile sum regression models. RESULTS Higher prenatal perfluorononanoate (PFNA) concentrations were associated with higher scores of externalizing problems [β = 0.16, 95% CI (0.01, 0.32)] and aggressive behavior [β = 0.17 (0.01, 0.32)]. Higher PFNA, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) were associated with higher scores of sleep problems [β = 0.34 (0.15, 0.54) for PFNA, β = 0.20 (0.02, 0.37) for PFOS, and β = 0.19 (0.00, 0.37) for PFDA]. No significant associations observed for typically developing children, whereas PFOS, PFNA, and PFDA were associated with several behavioral problems among children diagnosed with ASD or other neurodevelopmental concerns. Exposure to a mixture of PFAS was associated with higher scores of sleep problems and aggressive behavior, mostly contributed by PFNA and PFDA. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that prenatal exposure to some PFAS could increase child behavioral problems at 3 years of age. However, our results should be interpreted with caution because we relied on data from a cohort with increased familial likelihood of ASD and thereby had more behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Weon Choi
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Deborah H Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Hyeong-Moo Shin
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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Wells MR, Coggan TL, Stevenson G, Singh N, Askeland M, Lea MA, Philips A, Carver S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in little penguins and associations with urbanisation and health parameters. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169084. [PMID: 38056658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly detected in wildlife and present concerning and unknown health risks. While there is a growing body of literature describing PFAS in seabird species, knowledge from temperate Southern Hemisphere regions is lacking. Little penguins (Eudyptula minor) can nest and forage within heavily urbanised coastal environments and hence may be at risk of exposure to pollutants. We analysed scat contaminated nesting soils (n = 50) from 17 colonies in lutruwita/Tasmania for 16 PFAS, plasma samples (n = 45) from nine colonies, and three eggs for 49 PFAS. We detected 14 PFAS across the sample types, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) most commonly detected. Mean concentration of PFOS in plasma was 2.56 ± 4.3 ng/mL (
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Wells
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Battery Point 7004, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Timothy L Coggan
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, 200 Victoria Street, Carlton 3053, Victoria, Australia; ADE Consulting Group, U 4/95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin Stevenson
- Australian Ultra-Trace Laboratory, National Measurement Institute, North Ryde 2113, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Navneet Singh
- ADE Consulting Group, U 4/95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Askeland
- ADE Consulting Group, U 4/95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Lea
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Battery Point 7004, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Annie Philips
- Wildlife Veterinary Consultant, Hobart 7000, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia; Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, GA, USA 30602; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, GA, USA 30602
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45
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Ao J, Tang W, Liu X, Ao Y, Zhang Q, Zhang J. Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) as PFAS substitutes and precursors: An overview. J Hazard Mater 2024; 464:133018. [PMID: 37984148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are emerging substitutes for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely applied in consumer products and closely related to people's daily lives. Increasing concern has been raised about the safety of PAPs due to their metabolism into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) in vivo. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PAPs and highlights the knowledge gaps. PAPs dominated the PFAS profiles in wastewater, sludge, household dust, food-contact materials, paper products, paints, and cosmetics. They exhibit biomagnification due to their higher levels in top predators. PAPs have been detected in human blood worldwide, with the highest mean levels being found in the United States (1.9 ng/mL) and China (0.4 ng/mL). 6:2 diPAP is the predominant PAP among all identified matrices, followed by 8:2 diPAP. Toxicokinetic studies suggest that after entering the body, most PAPs undergo biotransformation, generating phase Ⅰ (i.e., PFCAs), phase II, and intermediate products with toxicity to be verified. Several epidemiological and toxicological studies have reported the antiandrogenic effect, estrogenic effect, thyroid disruption, oxidative damage, and reproductive toxicity of PAPs. More research is urgently needed on the source and fate of PAPs, human exposure pathways, toxicity other than reproductive and endocrine systems, toxic effects of metabolites, and mixed exposure effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Weifeng Tang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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46
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Cinzori ME, Pacyga DC, Rosas L, Whalen J, Smith S, Park JS, Geiger SD, Gardiner JC, Braun JM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maternal metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in early-to-mid-pregnancy. Environ Res 2024; 250:118434. [PMID: 38346483 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can disrupt metabolism. Early-to-mid pregnancy is characterized by amplified metabolic processes and inflammation to support maternal adaptations and fetal growth. Thus, we cross-sectionally evaluated whether PFAS are individually and jointly associated with these processes in early-to-mid pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant Illinois women (n = 452) provided fasted blood samples at median 17 weeks gestation. We quantified serum perfluorononanoic (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonic (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide acetic acid (Me-PFOSA-AcOH), perfluorohexanesulfonic (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic (PFDeA), and perfluoroundecanoic (PFUdA) acid. Key outcomes were plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, leptin, triglycerides, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin 6. We calculated homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). We evaluated associations of PFAS with each metabolic/inflammatory biomarker individually using covariate-adjusted linear regression and jointly using quantile-based g-computation. RESULTS In linear regression, all PFAS (except Me-PFOSA-AcOH) were negatively associated with insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin, whereas all PFAS were positively associated with HDL cholesterol. We also observed negative associations of some PFAS with TNF-α and MCP-1; positive associations with adiponectin and total cholesterol also emerged. Additionally, PFOS was positively, whereas Me-PFOSA-AcOH was negatively, associated with triglycerides and VLDL. Each 25% increase in the PFAS mixture was associated with -31.3% lower insulin (95%CI: -45.8, -12.9), -31.9% lower HOMA-IR (95%CI: -46.4, -13.4), and -9.4% lower leptin (95%CI: -17.3, -0.8), but 7.4% higher HDL cholesterol (95%CI: 4.6, 10.3). For most outcomes, the major contributors to the PFAS mixture often differed compared to single-PFAS analyses. IMPLICATIONS Individual and joint PFAS exposures were associated with markers of maternal metabolism and inflammation in pregnancy. Further investigation is needed to elucidate possible mechanisms and consequences of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Cinzori
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Diana C Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Libeth Rosas
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jason Whalen
- Michigan Diabetes Research Center Chemistry Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sarah D Geiger
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Link GW, Reeves DM, Cassidy DP, Coffin ES. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in final treated solids (Biosolids) from 190 Michigan wastewater treatment plants. J Hazard Mater 2024; 463:132734. [PMID: 37922581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Trends in concentration, distribution, and variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids are characterized using an extensive dataset of 350 samples from 190 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across Michigan. All samples are comprised of final treated solids generated at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Concentrations of both individual and Σ24 PFAS are lognormally distributed, with Σ24 PFAS concentrations ranging from 1-3200 ng/g and averaging 108 ± 277 ng/g dry wt. PFAS with carboxyl and sulfonic functional groups comprise 29% and 71% of Σ24 PFAS concentrations, respectively, on average. Primary sample variability in concentration is associated with long-chain PFAS with higher tendency for partitioning to biosolids. Short-chain carboxylic compounds, most notably PFHxA, are responsible for secondary concentration variability. Usage of FTSA and PFBS replacements to long-chain sulfonic compounds also contributes to variance in biosolids concentrations. Sulfonamide precursor compounds as a collective group are detected at a similar frequency as PFOS and often have higher concentrations. Trends in PFAS enrichment for individual PFAS vary at least 3 orders-of-magnitude and generally increase with compound hydrophobicity; however, partitioning of PFAS onto solids in WWTPs is a complex process not easily described nor constrained using experimentally-derived partitioning coefficients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett W Link
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Donald M Reeves
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA.
| | - Daniel P Cassidy
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
| | - Ethan S Coffin
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, USA
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48
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Rosato I, Bonato T, Fletcher T, Batzella E, Canova C. Estimation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) half-lives in human studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Res 2024; 242:117743. [PMID: 38008199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a heterogeneous group of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial applications. The estimation of PFAS half-life (t1/2) is essential to quantify their persistence, their toxicity and mechanism of action in humans. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence on PFAS half-lives in humans from the available literature, and to investigate the limitations and uncertainties characterizing half-life estimation. METHODS The search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to July 03, 2023 and was aimed at identifying all papers that estimated PFAS half-life in human populations. We excluded studies on temporal trends or providing estimates of half-life based solely on renal clearance. As persistent and ongoing exposures can influence half-life estimation, we decided to include only studies that were conducted after the main source of exposure to PFAS had ceased. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on studies that reported perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) or perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) half-life estimation. Risk of bias was evaluated using the OHAT tool. RESULTS A total of 13 articles were included in the review, with 5 studies conducted in exposed general populations and 8 studies conducted in exposed workers; the estimated mean half-life ranged from 1.48 to 5.1 years for PFOA, from 3.4 to 5.7 years for total PFOS, and from 2.84 to 8.5 years for PFHxS. High heterogeneity among studies was observed; potential reasons include the variability among the investigated populations, discrepancies in considering ongoing exposures, variability in PFAS isomeric compositions, accounting for background exposure, time since exposure stopped and methods used for half-life estimation. DISCUSSION Despite the efforts made to better understand PFAS toxicokinetics, further studies are needed to identify important characteristics of these persistent chemicals. Biomonitoring studies should focus on persistent and unaccounted sources of exposure to PFAS and on individual characteristics potentially determining half-life, to ensure accurate estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Rosato
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova, Italy
| | - Tiziano Bonato
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova, Italy
| | - Tony Fletcher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erich Batzella
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Canova
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova, Italy.
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Pavlovic R, Draghi S, Pellegrini A, Fornesi Silva C, Di Cesare F, Curone G, Arioli F, Fidani M. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Non-Targeted Detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus). Molecules 2024; 29:617. [PMID: 38338361 PMCID: PMC10856453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Among wildlife species, roe deer stands out as a valuable indicator of environmental pollution due to its ecological significance and role as a game animal. The assessment of poly- and perfluoro substances (PFASs) bioaccumulation is of the utmost importance, relying on the liver and muscles as the main organs of interest. The study concerned the identification of 60 PFAS through a non-target workflow analysis based on HPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry in a homogeneous group of 18 female roe deer species. The developed strategy allowed us to individuate the 60 PFAS compounds with different levels of confirmation. Apart from seven PFASs identified via analytical standards, the remaining fifty-three features were identified with CL 2 or 3. Moreover, by applying a differential statistic approach, it was possible to distinguish the bioaccumulation patterns in the liver and muscle, identifying 12 PFAS upregulated in the muscle and 20 in the liver. The analysis reveals that specific PFAS compounds present exclusively in either the muscle or in the liver. The study emphasises the specificity of the liver and muscle as significant bioaccumulation sites for PFAS, raising questions about the underlying mechanisms of this process. In conclusion, the presented non-targeted PFAS analysis workflow evidenced promising and reliable results, successfully demonstrating its feasibility in the field of environmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Pavlovic
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility (ProMeFa), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Alberto Pellegrini
- UNIRELAB Srl, Via Gramsci 70, 20019 Settimo Milanese, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Claudia Fornesi Silva
- UNIRELAB Srl, Via Gramsci 70, 20019 Settimo Milanese, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesco Arioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Marco Fidani
- UNIRELAB Srl, Via Gramsci 70, 20019 Settimo Milanese, Italy; (A.P.); (C.F.S.); (M.F.)
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Chu S, Letcher RJ. A targeted and non-targeted discovery screening approach for poly-and per-fluoroalkyl substances in model environmental biota samples. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1715:464584. [PMID: 38157583 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive analytical approach for targeted and non-targeted discovery screening of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was developed and applied to model complex environmental biotic samples. Samples were extracted by formic acid-acetonitrile solution and cleaned up and fractionated by SPE (WAX). Target PFAS quantification was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography interfaced with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Non-targeted analysis (NTA) PFAS screening was performed with UPLC coupled with a quadrupole-Exactive orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-Exactive-HRMS). An iterative exclusion (IE) approach was applied to data acquisition for NTA suspect screening to increase the potential for unknown PFAS discovery with MS/MS. A complex workflow in Compound Discoverer was set up to automate data processing of the PFAS suspects search. New mass lists and MS/MS databases, which included a large number of PFAS, were set up and introduced into the search for high-throughput structure identification using HRMS techniques. The integrated targeted-NTA method successfully analyzed for legacy and alternative PFAS in model environmental biota samples, namely polar bear liver and bird egg samples. Targeted analysis provided unequivocal identification of well known/established PFAS (mainly perfluoroalkyl acids) with quantification at very low levels. The NTA suspect screening was able to determine a broader range of PFAS. The data analysis method offered high-confidence annotations for PFAS despite lacking available authentic standards. Overall, the analytical coverage of PFAS was greater and elucidated other PFAS present in these model apex predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaogang Chu
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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