1
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Liu BL, Yu PF, Guo JJ, Xie LS, Liu X, Li YW, Xiang L, Zhao HM, Feng NX, Cai QY, Mo CH, Li QX. Congener-specific fate and impact of microcystins in the soil-earthworm system. J Hazard Mater 2024; 471:134439. [PMID: 38677123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134439] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) have a significant influence on aquatic ecosystems, but little is known about their terrestrial fate and impact. Here, we investigated the fate of two MCs (MC-LR and MC-RR) in the soil-earthworm system, with consideration of their congener-specific impact on earthworm health, soil bacteria, and soil metabolome. Although MCs had little acute lethal effect on earthworms, they caused obvious growth inhibition and setae rupture. Relative to MC-RR, MC-LR exhibited higher bioaccumulation and the resulting dermal lesions and deformation of longitudinal muscles. While the incorporation of both MCs into soils stimulated pathogenic bacteria and depressed oxidative stress tolerant bacteria, the response among soil nitrification and glutathione metabolism differed between the two congeners. The dissipation kinetics of MCs obeyed the first-order model. Earthworms stimulated soil N-cycling enzyme activities, increased the abundance of MC-degrading bacteria, and promoted bacterial metabolic functions related to glutathione metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation, and metabolism of amino acids that comprise MCs, which accelerated the dissipation of MC-LR and MC-RR by 227% and 82%, respectively. These results provide evidence of significant congener differences in the terrestrial fate and impact of MCs, which will enable a better understanding of their role in mediating soil functions and ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Lin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Peng-Fei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jing-Jie Guo
- College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Li-Si Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan-Wen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Lei Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hai-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nai-Xian Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Quan-Ying Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ce-Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Qing X Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
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2
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Ramos P, Ashworth DJ. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in agricultural contexts and mitigation of their impacts using biochar: A review. Sci Total Environ 2024; 927:172275. [PMID: 38583608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172275] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Growing concern over the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural compartments (e.g., soil, water, plants, soil fauna) has led to an increased interest in scalable and economically feasible remediation technologies. Biochar is the product of pyrolyzing organic materials (crop waste, wood waste, manures, grasses) and has been used as a low-cost adsorbent to remove contaminants including PFAS. This review frames biochar as a strategy for mitigating the detrimental impacts of PFAS in agricultural systems and discusses the benefits of this strategy within the framework of the needs and challenges of contaminant remediation in agriculture. To gauge the optimal physicochemical characteristics of biochar in terms of PFAS adsorption, principal component analysis using >100 data points from the available literature was performed. The main biochar-based PFAS treatment strategies (water filtration, soil application, mixing with biosolids) were also reviewed to highlight the benefits and complications of each. Life cycle analyses on the use of biochar for contaminant removal were summarized, and data from selected studies were used to calculate (for the first time) the global warming potential and net energy demand of various agriculturally important biochar classes (crop wastes, wood wastes, manures) in relation to their PFAS adsorption performance. This review serves to identify key gaps in our knowledge of (i) PFAS adsorption by biochars in agricultural remediation applications and (ii) environmental costs/benefits of biochars in relation to their adsorptive properties toward PFAS. The concepts introduced in this review may assist in developing large-scale biochar-based PFAS remediation strategies to help protect the agricultural food production environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Ramos
- USDA-ARS, United States Salinity Laboratory, 450 W. Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Ashworth
- USDA-ARS, United States Salinity Laboratory, 450 W. Big Springs Rd, Riverside, CA 92507, United States of America.
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3
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Liu Z, Liu S, Xiao F, Sweetman AJ, Cui Q, Guo H, Xu J, Luo Z, Wang M, Zhong L, Gan J, Tan W. Tissue-specific distribution and bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl acids, isomers, alternatives, and precursors in citrus trees of contaminated fields: Implication for risk assessment. J Hazard Mater 2024; 465:133184. [PMID: 38064944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133184] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The ingestion of fruits containing perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) presents potential hazards to human health. This study aimed to fill knowledge gaps concerning the tissue-specific distribution patterns and bioaccumulation behavior of PFAAs and their isomers, alternatives, and precursors (collectively as per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFASs) within citrus trees growing in contaminated fields. It also assessed the potential contribution of precursor degradation to human exposure risk of PFASs. High concentrations of total target PFASs (∑PFASstarget, 92.45-7496.16 ng/g dw) and precursors measured through the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay (130.80-13979.21 ng/g dw) were found in citrus tree tissues, and short-chain PFASs constituted the primary components. The total PFASs concentrations followed the order of leaves > fruits > branches, bark > wood, and peel > pulp > seeds. The average contamination burden of peel (∑PFASstarget: 57.75%; precursors: 71.15%) was highest among fruit tissues. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and translocation potentials of short-chain, branched, or carboxylate-based PFASs exceeded those of their relatively hydrophobic counterparts, while ether-based PFASs showed lower BAFs than similar PFAAs in above-ground tissues of citrus trees. In the risk assessment of residents consuming contaminated citruses, precursor degradation contributed approximately 36.07% to total PFASs exposure, and therefore should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Shun Liu
- The Seventh Geological Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Yichang 443100, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrew J Sweetman
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | | | - Hao Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ziyao Luo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mingxia Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Linlin Zhong
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jay Gan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wenfeng Tan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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4
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Sun R, Babalol S, Ni R, Dolatabad AA, Cao J, Xiao F. Efficient and fast remediation of soil contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by high-frequency heating. J Hazard Mater 2024; 463:132660. [PMID: 37898088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132660] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
This study presents a novel thermal technology (high-frequency heating, HFH) for the decontamination of soil containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). Ultra-fast degradation of short-chain PFAS, long-chain homologs, precursors, legacy PFAS, emerging PFAS was achieved in a matter of minutes. The concentrations of PFAS and the soil type had a negligible impact on degradation efficiency, possibly due to the ultra-fast degradation rate overwhelming potential differences. Under the current HFH experiment setup, we achieved near-complete degradation (e.g., >99.9%) after 1 min for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and 2 min for perfluoroalkanesulfonic acids. Polyfluoroalkyl precursors in AFFFs were found to degrade completely within 1 min of HFH; no residual cationic, zwitterionic, anionic, or non-ionic intermediate products were detected following the treatment. The gaseous byproducts were considered. Most of gaseous organofluorine products of PFAS at low-and-moderate temperatures disappeared when temperatures reached 890 °C, which is in the temperature zone of HFH. For the first time, we demonstrated minimal loss of PFAS in water during the boiling process, indicating a low risk of PFAS entering the atmosphere with the water vapor. The findings highlight HFH its potential as a promising remediation tool for PFAS-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runze Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Samuel Babalol
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Ruichong Ni
- Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8155, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Alireza Arhami Dolatabad
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jiefei Cao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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5
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Li Z, Lu Y, Chen T, He A, Huang Y, Li L, Pan W, Li J, Zhu N, Wang Y, Jiang G. Generation Mechanism of Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid from Polyfluoroalkyl Sulfonamide Derivatives During Chloramination in Drinking Water. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:18462-18472. [PMID: 36633968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07881] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), as emerging persistent organic pollutants widely detected in drinking water, have drawn increasing concern. The PFHxS contamination of drinking water always results from direct and indirect sources, especially the secondary generations through environmental transformations of precursors. However, the mechanism of the transformation of precursors to PFHXS during the drinking water treatment processes remains unclear. Herein, the potential precursors and formation mechanisms of PFHxS were explored during drinking water disinfection. Simultaneously, the factors affecting PFHxS generation were also examined. This study found PFHxS could be generated from polyfluoroalkyl sulfonamide derivatives during chlorination and chloramination. The fate and yield of PFHxS varied from different precursors and disinfection processes. In particular, monochloramine more favorably formed PFHxS. Several perfluoroalkyl oxidation products and decarboxylation intermediates were detected and identified in the chloraminated samples using Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Combined with density functional theory calculations, the results indicated that the indirect oxidation via the attack of the nitrogen atom in sulfonamide groups might be the dominant pathway for generating PFHxS during chloramination, and the process could be highly affected by the monochloramine dose, pH, and temperature. This study provides important evidence of the secondary formation of PFHxS during drinking water disinfection and scientific support for chemical management of PFHxS and PFHxS-related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Li
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Tianyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Anen He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Ying Huang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Lingxiangyu Li
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Wenxiao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
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6
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Jin B, Zhu Y, Zhao W, Liu Z, Che S, Chen K, Lin YH, Liu J, Men Y. Aerobic Biotransformation and Defluorination of Fluoroalkylether Substances (ether PFAS): Substrate Specificity, Pathways, and Applications. Environ Sci Technol Lett 2023; 10:755-761. [PMID: 37719205 PMCID: PMC10501197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00411] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Fluoroalkylether substances (ether PFAS) constitute a large group of emerging PFAS with uncertain environmental fate. Among them, GenX is the well-known alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid and one of the six proposed PFAS to be regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This study investigated the structure-biodegradability relationship for 12 different ether PFAS with a carboxylic acid headgroup in activated sludge communities. Only polyfluorinated ethers with at least one -CH2- moiety adjacent to or a C=C bond in the proximity of the ether bond underwent active biotransformation via oxidative and hydrolytic O-dealkylation. The bioreactions at ether bonds led to the formation of unstable fluoroalcohol intermediates subject to spontaneous defluorination. We further demonstrated that this aerobic biotransformation/defluorination could complement the advanced reduction process in a treatment train system to achieve more cost-effective treatment for GenX and other recalcitrant perfluorinated ether PFAS. These findings provide essential insights into the environmental fate of ether PFAS, the design of biodegradable alternative PFAS, and the development of cost-effective ether PFAS treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosen Jin
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yiwen Zhu
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Weiyang Zhao
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Zekun Liu
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Shun Che
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Kunpeng Chen
- Department
of Environmental Sciences, University of
California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Ying-Hsuan Lin
- Department
of Environmental Sciences, University of
California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Jinyong Liu
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yujie Men
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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7
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Xiao F, Challa Sasi P, Alinezhad A, Sun R, Abdulmalik Ali M. Thermal Phase Transition and Rapid Degradation of Forever Chemicals (PFAS) in Spent Media Using Induction Heating. ACS ES T Eng 2023; 3:1370-1380. [PMID: 37705671 PMCID: PMC10497035 DOI: 10.1021/acsestengg.3c00114] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we have developed an innovative thermal degradation strategy for treating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing solid materials. Our strategy satisfies three criteria: the ability to achieve near-complete degradation of PFASs within a short timescale, nonselectivity, and low energy cost. In our method, a metallic reactor containing a PFAS-laden sample was subjected to electromagnetic induction that prompted a rapid temperature rise of the reactor via the Joule heating effect. We demonstrated that subjecting PFASs (0.001-12 μmol) to induction heating for a brief duration (e.g., <40 s) resulted in substantial degradation (>90%) of these compounds, including recalcitrant short-chain PFASs and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids. This finding prompted us to conduct a detailed study of the thermal phase transitions of PFASs using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We identified at least two endothermic DSC peaks for anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic PFASs, signifying the melting and evaporation of the melted PFASs. Melting and evaporation points of many PFASs were reported for the first time. Our data suggest that the rate-limiting step in PFAS thermal degradation is linked with phase transitions (e.g., evaporation) occurring on different time scales. When PFASs are rapidly heated to temperatures similar to those produced during induction heating, the evaporation of melted PFAS slows down, allowing for the degradation of the melted PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Pavankumar Challa Sasi
- Department of Civil
Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
- EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031, United States
| | - Ali Alinezhad
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Runze Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Mansurat Abdulmalik Ali
- Department of Civil
Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
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8
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Zheng Y, Bao M, Yao Y, Zhao M, Chen H, Sun H, Sun C, Zhao H, Pan Y. Discovery of 35 novel classes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in representative commercial fluorinated products in China. J Hazard Mater 2023; 457:131780. [PMID: 37290352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131780] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received increasing scientific and regulatory attention due to their global distribution and health hazards. However, little is known about the PFAS composition of fluorinated products commercially available in China. In this study, a sensitive and robust analytical method was proposed for the comprehensive characterization of PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam and fluorocarbon surfactants in the domestic market based on liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry in full scan acquisition mode followed by parallel reaction monitoring mode. Consequently, a total of 102 PFAS from 59 classes were elucidated, of which 35 classes are reported for the first time, including 27 classes of anionic, seven classes of zwitterionic, and one class of cationic PFAS. The anionic-type products are mainly C6 fluorotelomerization-based (FT-based) PFAS. Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate are negligible, while some known electrochemical fluorination-based long-chain precursors in zwitterionic products are worthy of concern because of their high abundance and potential degradation. New precursors detected in zwitterionic products are FT-based PFAS, for example, 6:2 FTSAPr-AHOE and 6:2 FTSAPr-diMeAmPrC. The structural elucidation of PFAS in commercial products facilitates a better assessment of human exposure and environmental release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mian Bao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Maosen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Cuirong Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongzhi Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yuanjiang Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Yao B, Sun R, Alinezhad A, Kubátová A, Simcik MF, Guan X, Xiao F. The first quantitative investigation of compounds generated from PFAS, PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams and commercial fluorosurfactants in pyrolytic processes. J Hazard Mater 2022; 436:129313. [PMID: 35739805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pyrolysis as a thermochemical technology is commonly used in waste management and remediation of organic-contaminated soil. This study, for the first time, investigated fluorinated and non-fluorinated compounds emitted from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and relevant products upon pyrolysis (200-890 °C) and their formation mechanisms. Approximately 30 non-fluorinated compounds were detected from PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and commercial surfactant concentrates (SCs) after heating, including glycols and glycol ethers that were predominant at 200 °C. Oxygen (e.g., 1,4-dioxane) and nitrogen heterocycles and benzene were unexpectedly observed at higher temperatures (300-890 °C), which were likely formed as a consequence of the thermal dehydration, dehydrogenation, and intermolecular cyclization of glycols and glycol ethers. Fluorinated volatiles in six major classes were detected at low and moderate temperatures (200-500 °C), including perfluoroalkenes, perfluoroalkyl aldehydes, fluorotelomer alcohols, and polyfluorinated alkanes/alkenes. Several features of the pyrolyses of PFAS suggest that the underlying decomposition mechanism is radical-mediated. Perfluoroheptene thermally decomposed at 200 °C to shorter-chain homologues following a radical chain-scission mechanism. Most of these volatiles observed at low/moderate temperatures were not detected at 890 °C. Ultra-short-chain fluorinated greenhouse gases (e.g., perfluoromethane) were not found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Runze Sun
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Ali Alinezhad
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Alena Kubátová
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, 151 Cornell Street Stop 9024, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Matt F Simcik
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Xiaohong Guan
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
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10
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Huang J, Shi Y, Huang G, Huang S, Zheng J, Xu J, Zhu F, Ouyang G. Facile Synthesis of a Fluorinated‐Squaramide Covalent Organic Framework for the Highly Efficient and Broad‐Spectrum Removal of Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Pollutants. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202206749. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202206749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Huang
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Yueru Shi
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Guo‐zhang Huang
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Shuyao Huang
- Instrumental Analysis and Research Center (IARC) Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Juan Zheng
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Jianqiao Xu
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Fang Zhu
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Gangfeng Ouyang
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
- Institute of Analysis Guangdong Academy of Sciences (China National Analytical Center Guangzhou) Guangzhou 510070 China
- Chemistry College Center of Advanced Analysis and Gene Sequencing Zhengzhou University Kexue Avenue 100 Zhengzhou 450001 China
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11
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Huang J, Shi Y, Huang G, Huang S, Zheng J, Xu J, Zhu F, Ouyang G. Facile Synthesis of a Fluorinated‐Squaramide Covalent Organic Framework for the Highly Efficient and Board‐Spectrum Removal of Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Pollutants. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202206749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Huang
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Yueru Shi
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Guo‐zhang Huang
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Shuyao Huang
- Instrumental Analysis and Research Center (IARC) Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Juan Zheng
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Jianqiao Xu
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Fang Zhu
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
| | - Gangfeng Ouyang
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 China
- Institute of Analysis Guangdong Academy of Sciences (China National Analytical Center Guangzhou) Guangzhou 510070 China
- Chemistry College Center of Advanced Analysis and Gene Sequencing Zhengzhou University Kexue Avenue 100 Zhengzhou 450001 China
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12
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Macorps N, Le Menach K, Pardon P, Guérin-Rechdaoui S, Rocher V, Budzinski H, Labadie P. Bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance in fish from an urban river: Occurrence, patterns and investigation of potential ecological drivers. Environ Pollut 2022; 303:119165. [PMID: 35306089 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and a recent shift toward emerging PFAS is calling for new data on their occurrence and fate. In particular, understanding the determinants of their bioaccumulation is fundamental for risk assessment purposes. However, very few studies have addressed the combined influence of potential ecological drivers of PFAS bioaccumulation in fish such as age, sex or trophic ecology. Thus, this work aimed to fill these knowledge gaps by performing a field study in the Seine River basin (France). Composite sediment and fish (European chub, Squalius Cephalus) samples were collected from four sites along a longitudinal transect to investigate the occurrence of 36 PFAS. Sediment molecular patterns were dominated by fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaines (i.e. 6:2 and 8:2 FTAB, 46% of ∑PFAS on average), highlighting the non-negligible contribution of PFAS of emerging concern. C9-C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and 10:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (10:2 FTSA) were detected in all fish samples. Conversely, 8:2 FTAB was detected in a few fish from the furthest downstream station only, suggesting the low bioaccessibility or the biotransformation of FTABs. ∑PFAS in fish was in the range 0.22-3.8 ng g-1 wet weight (ww) and 11-140 ng g-1 ww for muscle and liver, respectively. Fish collected upstream of Paris were significantly less contaminated than those collected downstream, pointing to urban and industrial inputs. The influence of trophic ecology and biometry on the interindividual variability of PFAS burden in fish was examined through analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs), with sampling site considered as a categorical variable. While the latter was highly significant, diet was also influential; carbon sources and trophic level (i.e. estimated using C and N stable isotope ratios, respectively) equally explained the variability of PFAS levels in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick Pardon
- CNRS/Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5805 EPOC, Talence, France
| | | | | | | | - Pierre Labadie
- CNRS/Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5805 EPOC, Talence, France.
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13
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Kaboré HA, Goeury K, Desrosiers M, Vo Duy S, Liu J, Cabana G, Munoz G, Sauvé S. Novel and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in freshwater sporting fish from background and firefighting foam impacted ecosystems in Eastern Canada. Sci Total Environ 2022; 816:151563. [PMID: 34762942 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Emerging PFAS were recently reported at sites impacted by aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and near major manufacturing centers; however, few studies have evaluated whether these can occur far from release sites. Here, newly identified PFAS were investigated in wild sporting fish from boreal freshwater ecosystems (background sites, 2013-2014 summer seasons), compared to fish impacted by a major AFFF release (summer 2013 and autumn 2014). Different freshwater wild sporting fish species (Esox lucius, Esox masquinongy, Micropterus dolomieu, Sander vitreus, Perca flavescens, and Semotilus corporalis, n = 74) were collected from 13 ecosystems (lakes, reservoirs, and rivers) across Eastern Canada. Of 29 quantitative PFAS, 15 compounds were detected in fish from background sites, including perfluorocarboxylates (C6,8-14), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (C6,8,10), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), 7:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA), and a zwitterionic PFAS-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (PFOSB). To our knowledge, this is the first report of PFOSB in biota. It is also one of the first reports of anionic fluorotelomers (6:2 FTSA, 7:3 FTCA, 9:3 FTCA) in wildlife from background sites. Long-chain fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaines (e.g., 8:2 and 10:2 FTAB), fluorotelomer betaines (e.g., 9:3 and 9:1:2 FTB), and fluorotelomer sulfone propanoic acids (e.g., 8:2 FT(SO2)-PA, 10:2 FT(SO2)-PA)) were solely prevalent (up to 97% of summed suspect PFAS) in Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu) from the AFFF-impacted site. Perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA), 6:2 FTSA and 7:3 FTCA were detected in at least one Smallmouth Bass sample both at the AFFF-impacted and background sites. According to the estimated chronic daily intake and current tolerable daily intake suggested by national agencies, the observed PFOS levels would not pose a health risk to anglers who might consume these wild-caught fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann A Kaboré
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Ken Goeury
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Mélanie Desrosiers
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec (CEAEQ), Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Québec City, QC G1P 3W8, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Gilbert Cabana
- Département des Sciences de l'Environnement, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
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14
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Wu X, Zhu Y, Yang M, Zhang J, Lin D. Biological responses of Eisenia fetida towards the exposure and metabolism of tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate. Sci Total Environ 2022; 811:152285. [PMID: 34933047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of various organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) is of increasing concern. However, there is still a lack of research on the toxicity of OPFRs to terrestrial invertebrates and its metabolism in vivo. Herein, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed to soil spiked with 0, 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP, a typical alkyl OPFRs) for 28 d to study the biological responses to the exposure and metabolism of TBOEP. TBOEP exposure inhibited the activity of acetyl-cholinesterase (64.4-68.6% of that in the control group), increased the energy consumption level, and affected calcium-dependent pathways of E. fetida, which caused a 3.6-12.4% reduction in the weight gain rate (developmental toxicity), a 10.6-69.4% reduction in the number of juveniles (reproduction toxicity), and neurotoxicity to E. fetida. The 5 mg/kg TBOEP exposure caused a significant accumulation of malondialdehyde (1.68 times higher than that in the control group) in E. fetida, which indicated that the balance of oxidation and anti-oxidation of E. fetida was broken. Meanwhile, E. fetida maintained the absorption and metabolic abilities to TBOEP under the environmental condition. The removal rate of soil TBOEP was increased by 25.1-35.5% by the presence of E. fetida. Importantly, TBOEP could accumulate in E. fetida (0.09-76.0 μg/kg) and the activation of cytochrome P450 and glutathione detoxification pathway promoted the metabolism of TBOEP in E. fetida. These findings link the biological responses and metabolic behavior of earthworms under pollution stress and provide fundamental data for the environmental risk assessment and pollution removal of OPFRs in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Meirui Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Daohui Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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15
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Jarjour J, Yan B, Munoz G, Desrosiers M, Sauvé S, Liu J. Reduced bioaccumulation of fluorotelomer sulfonates and perfluoroalkyl acids in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) from soils amended with modified clays. J Hazard Mater 2022; 423:126999. [PMID: 34461538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Soils contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose long-term sources to adjacent water bodies and soil invertebrates. The study investigated the stabilization using a modified clay adsorbent (FLUORO-SORB100®) in reducing the bioaccumulation of 13 anionic PFAS by earthworms (Eisenia fetida), as compared to coal-based granular activated carbon. The target PFAS included four perfluoroalkyl sulfonates such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), six perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (e.g., perfluorooctanoate PFOA), and three (X:2) fluorotelomer sulfonates. Laboratory-spiked surface soil and the soil collected from a site contaminated by aqueous film-forming foams were examined. Both adsorbents resulted in reduced earthworm PFAS body burdens at the end of the 28-day uptake phase. The highest adsorbent amendment concentration (4 w/w%) was most effective, achieving >95% reduction of PFAS body burden. Soil leaching tests indicated better immobilization performance by the clay adsorbent for most analytes; in comparison, the activated carbon performed better at reducing total PFAS body burdens, possibly owing to the avoidance of larger-sized particles by earthworms. Strong positive logarithm relationships were observed between leachate concentrations and earthworm body burdens for most PFAS in the spiked soil. The study demonstrated that stabilization of PFAS using modified clay adsorbents can achieve concurrent benefits of lowering leachability and reducing bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jarjour
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bei Yan
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Desrosiers
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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16
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Abhijith GR, Ostfeld A. Model-based investigation of the formation, transmission, and health risk of perfluorooctanoic acid, a member of PFASs group, in drinking water distribution systems. Water Res 2021; 204:117626. [PMID: 34517266 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies identified fluoroalkyl amides (FAs) transformation to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) during disinfection as an indirect source of PFASs contamination of drinking water. This paper discerns the position of water disinfection systems (WDSs) as a PFOA exposure pathway. A new mechanistic model incorporating the derived knowledge about the zwitterionic/cationic FAs transformation to PFOA with the unsteady-state hydraulic characteristics of WDSs was developed. The simulation outputs from model application to a WDS from the USA established the significant role of delivery via distribution network in the PFOA formation in drinking water. PFOA exposure risk assessment studies predicted >95% of the system nodes to be at high risk when the existing stringent health-based guideline values are adopted. The 1 to 3 years and 4 to 8 years old age groups were found susceptible to PFOA exposure through drinking water beyond the tolerable limit of 3 ng/kg/day. The model predicted that reducing the chlorine dose from 2±0.2 to 1±0.1 mg/L at the treatment units drops the share of 1 to 3 years old and 4 to 8 years old consumers falling to PFOA exposure from 4.32 to 0.45% and 0.32 to <0.01%, respectively. Besides, 24.9% more, including ∼x223C10% of the consumers of 1 to 3 years old age group, were found exposed to PFOA risks when the organic loading of water was reduced by 60%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopinathan R Abhijith
- Post-Doctoral Fellow , Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, ISRAEL.
| | - Avi Ostfeld
- Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, ISRAEL.
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Xiao F, Sasi PC, Alinezhad A, Golovko SA, Golovko MY, Spoto A. Thermal Decomposition of Anionic, Zwitterionic, and Cationic Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams. Environ Sci Technol 2021; 55:9885-9894. [PMID: 34235932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated thermal decomposition mechanisms of cationic, zwitterionic, and anionic polyfluoroalkyl substances, including those present in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) samples. We present novel evidence that polyfluoroalkyl substances gave quantitative yields of perfluoroalkyl substances of different chain lengths during thermal treatment. The results support a radical-mediated transformation mechanism involving random-chain scission and end-chain scission, leading to the formation of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from certain polyfluoroalkyl amides and sulfonamides. Our results also support a direct thermal decomposition mechanism (chain stripping) on the nonfluorinated moiety of polyfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, resulting in the formation of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and other structurally related polyfluoroalkyl compounds. Thermal decomposition of 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate occurred through end-chain scission and recombination reactions, successively yielding PFOS. All of the studied polyfluoroalkyl substances began to degrade at 200-300 °C, exhibiting near-complete decomposition at ≥400 °C. Using a high-resolution parent ion search method, we demonstrated for the first time that low-temperature thermal treatments of AFFF samples led to the generation of anionic fluoroalkyl substances, including perfluoroheptanesulfonamide, 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide, and a previously unreported compound N-2-propenyl-perfluorohexylsulfonamide. This study provides key insights into the fate of polyfluoroalkyl substances in thermal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Pavankumar Challa Sasi
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Ali Alinezhad
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Svetlana A Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Mikhail Y Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Anthony Spoto
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
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Sasi PC, Alinezhad A, Yao B, Kubátová A, Golovko SA, Golovko MY, Xiao F. Effect of granular activated carbon and other porous materials on thermal decomposition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Mechanisms and implications for water purification. Water Res 2021; 200:117271. [PMID: 34082264 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Thermal treatment is routinely used to reactivate the spent granular activated carbon (GAC) from water purification facilities. It is also an integral part of sewage sludge treatment and municipal solid waste management. This study presents a detailed investigation of the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and one PFAS alternative (GenX) in thermal processes, focusing on the effect of GAC. We demonstrate that the thermolysis of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and GenX can occur at temperatures of 150‒200 °C. Three temperature zones were discovered for PFOA, including a stable and nonvolatile zone (≤90 °C), a phase-transfer and thermal decomposition zone (90‒400 °C), and a fast decomposition zone (≥400 °C). The thermal decomposition began with the homolysis of a C‒C bond next to the carboxyl group of PFCAs, which formed unstable perfluoroalkyl radicals. Dual decomposition pathways seem to exist. The addition of a highly porous adsorbent, such as GAC or a copolymer resin, compressed the intermediate sublimation zone of PFCAs, changed their thermal decomposition pathways, and increased the decomposition rate constant by up to 150-fold at 250 °C. The results indicate that the observed thermal decomposition acceleration was linked to the adsorption of gas-phase PFCA molecules on GAC. The presence of non-activated charcoals/biochars with a low affinity for PFOA did not accelerate its thermal decomposition, suggesting that the π electron-rich, polyaromatic surface of charcoal/GAC played an insignificant role compared to the adsorbent's porosity. Overall, the results indicate that (1) substantial decomposition of PFCAs and GenX during conventional thermal GAC/sludge/waste treatment is very likely, and (2) the presence or addition of GAC or other highly porous materials can accelerate thermal PFAS decomposition and alter decomposition pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavankumar Challa Sasi
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Ali Alinezhad
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Bin Yao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, 151 Cornell Street Stop 9024, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Alena Kubátová
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, 151 Cornell Street Stop 9024, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Svetlana A Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Mikhail Y Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 Columbia Road North Stop 9037, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, 243 Centennial Drive Stop 8115, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States.
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19
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Tian L, Guo H, Li J, Yan L, Zhu E, Liu X, Li K. Fabrication of a near-infrared excitation surface molecular imprinting ratiometric fluorescent probe for sensitive and rapid detecting perfluorooctane sulfonate in complex matrix. J Hazard Mater 2021; 413:125353. [PMID: 33609881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Construction of fluorescent probe for highly sensitive and selective detection of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water and biological samples is a very important strategy in related pollutant monitoring and environmental health risk appraisal. To overcome the drawback of low sensitivity caused by high-back ground signal of the conventional sensor, a molecularly imprinted near-infrared excitation ratiometric fluorescent probe was constructed and employed to determine PFOS. The sensing process was achieved through the selectively recognition of specific cavities in the probe surface with analyte, accompanied by fluorescence quenching due to the photoinduced electron transfer effect between upconversion materials and PFOS. Under optimized experimental conditions, the fluorescence quenching efficiency of the probe has good linearity against the concentrations of PFOS response divided into two segments within linear ranges of 0.001-0.1 nmol/L and 0.1-1 nmol/L, respectively, with low detection limit of 1 pmol/L. Selective experiment results indicate that the C-F chain length plays a dominant role in molecular recognition and high sensitively detection. The fabricated probe shows well detection performance in a wide pH range. Furthermore, real samples analyses indicate that such an efficient fluorescent probe has potentials in PFOS determination in surface water, human serum and egg extract sample analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Huiqin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Liushui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China.
| | - Enze Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Kexin Li
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang HangKong University, Nanchang 330063, China
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20
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Bräunig J, Baduel C, Barnes CM, Mueller JF. Sorbent assisted immobilisation of perfluoroalkyl acids in soils - effect on leaching and bioavailability. J Hazard Mater 2021; 412:125171. [PMID: 33529830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of soils and groundwater with perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) is widespread due to their use in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). In this study the effectiveness of RemBind®, a sorbent containing activated carbon and aluminium oxyhydroxides was tested, as a tool to reduce the leaching and bioavailability of 12 PFAAs in soils, by amending contaminated soils with 5-30% (by weight) of the sorbents. Batch tests were used to determine the leaching of PFAAs. Their bioavailability to earthworms and wheat grass was assessed in greenhouse microcosms. Leaching and bioavailability of PFOS was reduced by up to 99.9%, at most sorbent application rates. Lowest reduction of leaching was found for shorter perfluoroalkyl chain length chemicals. The specific formulation of RemBind®, which is available in a basic and superior formulation, as well as the application rate were parameters for increasing effectiveness of the treatment. Furthermore, differences in leaching as well as bioavailability were seen depending on the perfluoroalkyl chain length. A preliminary assessment of the long-term stability of the treatment, assessed after a three-year curing period, suggested that the sorbent continued to be effective in reducing PFAAs in leachates, thus showing the potential of this sorbent to hinder further environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 QLD, Australia.
| | - Christine Baduel
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 QLD, Australia
| | - Craig M Barnes
- Airservices Australia, 25 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 QLD, Australia
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21
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Sharifan H, Bagheri M, Wang D, Burken JG, Higgins CP, Liang Y, Liu J, Schaefer CE, Blotevogel J. Fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the vadose zone. Sci Total Environ 2021; 771:145427. [PMID: 33736164 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a heterogeneous group of persistent organic pollutants that have been detected in various environmental compartments around the globe. Emerging research has revealed the preferential accumulation of PFASs in shallow soil horizons, particularly at sites impacted by firefighting activities, agricultural applications, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the vadose zone, PFASs can sorb to soil, accumulate at interfaces, become volatilized, be taken up in biota, or leach to the underlying aquifer. At the same time, polyfluorinated precursor species may transform into highly recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl acids, changing their chemical identity and thus transport behavior along the way. In this review, we critically discuss the current state of the knowledge and aim to interconnect the complex processes that control the fate and transport of PFASs in the vadose zone. Furthermore, we identify key challenges and future research needs. Consequently, this review may serve as an interdisciplinary guide for the risk assessment and management of PFAS-contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Sharifan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Majid Bagheri
- Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Joel G Burken
- Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | | | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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22
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Nickerson A, Rodowa AE, Adamson DT, Field JA, Kulkarni PR, Kornuc JJ, Higgins CP. Spatial Trends of Anionic, Zwitterionic, and Cationic PFASs at an AFFF-Impacted Site. Environ Sci Technol 2021; 55:313-323. [PMID: 33351591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Soil and groundwater from an aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted site were sampled at high resolution (n = 105 for soil, n = 58 for groundwater) and analyzed for an extensive list of anionic, zwitterionic, and cationic poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Spatial trends for perfluoroalkyl acids and many precursors enabled a better understanding of PFAS composition, transport, and transformation. All PFASs without analytical standards were semi-quantified. Summed PFAS and individual PFAS concentrations were often higher at depth than near the surface in soil and groundwater. Zwitterionic and cationic compounds composed a majority of the total PFAS mass (up to 97%) in firefighter training area (FTA) soil. Composition of PFAS class, chain length, and structural isomers changed with depth and distance from the FTA, suggesting in situ transformation and differential transport. The percentage of branched perfluorooctane sulfonate increased with depth, consistent with differential isomeric transport. However, linear perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was enriched, suggesting fluorotelomer precursor transformation to linear PFOA. Perfluorohexane sulfonamide, a potential transformation product of sulfonamide-based PFASs, was present at high concentrations (maximum 448 ng/g in soil, 3.4 mg/L in groundwater). Precursor compounds may create long-term sources of perfluoroalkyl acids, although many pathways remain unknown; precursor analysis is critical for PFAS fate and transport understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Nickerson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - David T Adamson
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Poonam R Kulkarni
- GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77098, United States
| | - John J Kornuc
- NAVFAC EXWC, 1100 23rd Avenue, Port Hueneme, California 93041, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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