Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoai Le Tran, Dieu-Anh Van, Duc Thao Vu, Trung Hai Huynh
Summary: This study evaluates the distribution of PFOS and PFOA in sediment of the Cau River and identifies factors affecting their sorption onto sediment. The results show that PFOS and PFOA are mainly concentrated in areas receiving wastewater and decrease with sediment depth. The study also finds significant correlations between PFOS, PFOA concentration in sediment and total organic carbon content.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Diana Ordonez, Aditi Podder, Andrea Valencia, A. H. M. Anwar Sadmani, Debra Reinhart, Ni-Bin Chang
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms and efficiencies of removal of PFOS and PFOA from C-23 canal water, with IFGEM outperforming CTS in terms of PFOA removal due to its larger rate constant, higher adsorption capacity, and larger surface area.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Diana Ordonez, Aditi Podder, Andrea Valencia, A. H. M. Anwar Sadmani, Debra Reinhart, Ni-Bin Chang
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals with adverse effects on ecological and human health. This study investigated the removal mechanisms and efficiencies of PFOS and PFOA from water using two different filtration media, IFGEM and CTS. The study found that IFGEM outperformed CTS in terms of PFOA removal due to its larger rate constant, higher adsorption capacity, and larger surface area. PFOS removal was influenced by the affinity of alumina for PFOS functional groups, while PFOA removal was governed by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. IFGEM sustained PFAS removal for a longer period of time compared to CTS.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuning Hu, Yuhang Zhan, Cuiyun Wei, Fengjie Chen, Jing Cheng, Yunxiang Shen, Zhen Zhou, Ling Wang, Yong Liang
Summary: This study presents a highly efficient photodegradation technique using a combination of ultraviolet radiation, hydrochar (H-BC), and potassium iodide (KI) to effectively decompose PFOA and PFOS. After 60 minutes of photolysis, the degradation rates of PFOA and PFOS reached 99.5% and 94.1%, respectively, with defluorination percentages of 87.8% and 71.7%, respectively. Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids with less than seven carbons were the main degradation intermediates, suggesting a stepwise photodegradation process. This study is expected to contribute to the development of new strategies for treating water systems contaminated with PFOA and PFOS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rui Xu, Wan Tao, Hanzhi Lin, Duanyi Huang, Pingzhou Su, Pin Gao, Xiaoxu Sun, Zhaohui Yang, Weimin Sun
Summary: The exposure to PFASs was found to impact the diversity and composition of soil microbial communities, enriching more PFAS-tolerant bacteria. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that microbe-microbe interactions differed under different PFASs treatments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yun Deng, Zhihong Liang, Xingwen Lu, Da Chen, Zhe Li, Fei Wang
Summary: PFASs are a class of artificial compounds with a perfluoroalkyl main chain and a terminal functional group, drawing regulatory attention and research interests for their harmful effects. Chemical treatments have been proven as important methods for PFAS degradation, yet the pathways and mechanisms of degradation through these methods are not well documented. This article provides a review on the degradation mechanisms of important PFASs (PFOA and PFOS) with photochemical, electrochemical, and thermal methods, highlighting the importance of understanding their degradation mechanisms for future complete degradation or mineralization of PFASs.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zahra Sobhani, Cheng Fang, Ravi Naidu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: The accumulation of microplastics in soil has become a serious global issue, impacting living organisms and the environment. Research shows that the presence of microplastics in soil significantly increases the bioaccumulation risk of perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid in earthworms, affecting their reproduction negatively.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sana Sungur, Burcu Cevik, Muaz Koroglu
Summary: Dietary intake is a major route of exposure to perfluorinated compounds, particularly through the consumption of agricultural products. This study examined the levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) in composts and their migration to wheat and corn plants. The results showed that perfluorinated compounds were more concentrated in stalks than in leaves and grains, and their presence led to a decrease in chlorophyll formation and soluble protein content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Amanda L. Jarvis, James R. Justice, Brian Schnitker, Kathryn Gallagher
Summary: PFOA and PFOS are frequently detected chemicals in aquatic environments, and their high detection frequency, persistence, and potential toxicity have attracted increasing interest. However, many toxicity tests only report nominal treatment concentrations, which may complicate the determination of protective values. This critical review examined the agreement between nominal and measured concentrations in current PFOA and PFOS aquatic toxicity literature and the influence of experimental conditions on the observed differences.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amin Mojiri, Mansoureh Nazari Vishkaei, Hanieh Khoshnevis Ansari, Mohammadtaghi Vakili, Hossein Farraji, Norhafezah Kasmuri
Summary: In this study, the toxicity effects of PFOS and PFOA mixture on two microalgae species were investigated. The results showed that the cell viability, chlorophyll content, and protein content decreased with increased contact time and PFAS concentration, with a greater decrease observed in Scenedesmus obliquus. The toxicity effects were further optimized using response surface methodology and studied through molecular docking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jordan McAdam, Erin M. Bell
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found to be associated with adverse health outcomes in pregnant mothers and infants, and can be transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta. A systematic review identified 35 studies that evaluated determinants of PFAS concentrations in maternal and neonatal blood. Factors such as parity, breastfeeding history, maternal race and country of origin, and household income were found to be strong and consistent determinants of PFAS concentrations in pregnant mothers. Factors like smoking status, alcohol consumption, and pre-pregnancy BMI were not found to be important determinants. Further research is needed on factors such as consumer product use, detailed dietary information, and consumed water sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Juergen Hoelzer, Hellmuth Lilienthal, Michael Schuemann
Summary: In 2016, the German Human Biomonitoring Commission developed HBM-I values for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), finding associations with fertility, pregnancy, newborn weights, lipid metabolism, immunity, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, onset of menopause, and uric acid metabolism. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying pathomechanisms and provide definitive evidence of genotoxicity.
REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Michael Schumann, Hellmuth Lilienthal, Juergen Hoelzer
Summary: The Human Biomonitoring Commission of the German Environment Agency develops toxicologically justified assessment values (HBM-I and HBM-II) to evaluate internal exposure to harmful substances, with HBM-I corresponding to no adverse health effects expected and HBM-II indicating potential health impairments. Different HBM-II values are established for various population groups.
REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Sana Sungur, Erdi Kanan, Muaz Koroglu
Summary: Various cooking methods were examined for their effectiveness in reducing PFOA and PFOS levels in fish, with frying in sunflower oil for 20 minutes showing the greatest reduction. This study highlights the importance of considering cooking methods when assessing the presence of perfluorinated compounds in fish consumed by people.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
B. O. Fagbayigbo, B. O. Opeolu, O. S. Fatoki, O. S. Olatunji, M. O. Akharame, I. S. Human
Summary: This study investigated the partitioning behavior of PFOA and PFOS in sediment samples from river systems. The results showed that the sediments had high sorption capacities for PFOA and PFOS, with the sorption increasing over time. Lower pH values and increasing ionic strength favored the sorption and partitioning of PFAS onto sediments in aqueous solution. This study provides important data and scientific knowledge for understanding the fate and sorption of PFAS in aquatic systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
D. Richterova, E. Govarts, L. Fabelova, K. Rausova, L. Rodriguez Martin, L. Gilles, S. Remy, A. Colles, L. Rambaud, M. Riou, C. Gabriel, D. Sarigiannis, S. Pedraza-Diaz, J. J. Ramos, T. Kosjek, J. Snoj Tratnik, S. Lignell, I Gyllenhammar, C. Thomsen, L. S. Haug, M. Kolossa-Gehring, N. Vogel, C. Franken, N. Vanlarebeke, L. Bruckers, L. Stewart, O. Sepai, G. Schoeters, M. Uhl, A. Castano, M. Esteban Lopez, T. Goeen, L' Palkovicova Murinova
Summary: This study describes the current levels of PFAS in European teenagers and investigates the determinants of serum/plasma concentrations in this age group. The results indicate that sex, educational level, and food consumption frequencies are associated with PFAS concentrations. These findings can be helpful for targeted monitoring of PFAS in food.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Veronica van Der Schyff, Jiri Kalina, Eva Govarts, Liese Gilles, Greet Schoeters, Argelia Castano, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Jiri Kohoutek, Petr Kukucka, Adrian Covaci, Gudrun Koppen, Lenka Andryskova, Pavel Piler, Jana Klanova, Tina Kold Jensen, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Marja Lamoree, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Nina Vogel, Till Weber, Thomas Goen, Catherine Gabriel, Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis, Amrit Kaur Sakhi, Line Smastuen Haug, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Lucia Fabelova, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Darja Mazej, Lisa Melymuk
Summary: This study reports the adverse health effects of various legacy and emerging flame retardants (FRs) on human and environmental health in children from nine European countries. The study detected ten halogenated FRs in blood and four organophosphate FR metabolites in urine samples from 2136 children. The concentrations of FRs were associated with lifestyle factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johan Gustafsson, Jessica Legradi, Marja H. Lamoree, Lillemor Asplund, Pim E. G. Leonards
Summary: This study is the first to focus on the effects of OH-PBDEs at the metabolite level in vivo and uses metabolomics to investigate the metabolic effects of exposure to OH-PBDEs. The results suggest that OH-PBDEs may disrupt energy metabolism, neurotoxicity, and potential immunotoxicity, and different compounds have different metabolic effects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maurice de Jonker, Pim E. G. Leonards, Marja H. Lamoree, Sicco H. Brandsma
Summary: A novel method using AP-MALDI coupled with qTOF-MS was developed for fast-screening analysis of additives in electronics and plastic consumer products. A GNP-doped target plate was developed to simplify sample preparation and increase sample throughput. The method showed high desorption/ionization capability for low molecular weight molecules and identified 56 additives in various products. The identification of certain additives in plastic toys suggests their recycling from electronic waste.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Pablo Gago-Ferrero, Akhgar Ghassabian, Marja Lamoree, Leisa-Maree Toms
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eva Govarts, Liese Gilles, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Tiina Santonen., Petra Apel., Paula. Alvito, Elena. Anastasi, Helle Raun Andersen, Anna-Maria Andersson, Lenka Andryskova, Jean-Philippe Antignacj, Brice Appenzeller, Fabio Barbone, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Robert Barouki, Tamar Berman, Wieneke Bil, Teresa Borges, Jurgen Buekers, Ana Canas-Portilla, Adrian Covaci, Zsofia Csako, Elly Den Hond, Darina Dvorakova, Lucia Fabelova, Tony Fletcherx, Hanne Frederiksen, Catherine Gabriel, Catherine Ganzleben, Thomas Goen, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Line S. Haug, Milena Horvat, Pasi Huuskonen, Medea Imboden, Marta Jagodic Hudobivnik, Beata Janasik, Natasa Janev Holcer, Spyros Karakitsios, Andromachi Katsonouri, Jana Klanova, Venetia Kokaraki, Tina Kold Jensen, Jani Koponen, Michelle Laeremans, Federica Laguzzi, Rosa Lange, Nora Lemke, Sanna Lignell, Anna Karin Lindroos, Joana Lobo Vicente, Mirjam Luijten, Konstantinos C. Makris, Darja Mazej, Lisa Melymuki, Matthieu Meslin, Hans Molar, Parisa Montazeri, Aline Murawski, Sonia Namorado, Lars Niemann, Stefanie Nabler, Baltazar Nunes, Kristin Olafsdottir, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Nafsika Papaioannou, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Pavel Pileri, Veronika Plichta, Michael Poteser, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Loic Rambaud, Elke Rauscher-Gabernig, Katarina Rausova, Sylvie Remy, Margaux Riou, Valentina Rosolen, Christophe Rousselle, Maria Rather, Denis Sarigiannis, Maria J. Silva, Zdenka Slejkovec, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Anja Stajnko, Tamas Szigeti, Jose V. Tarazona, Cathrine Thomsen, Ziga Tkalec, Hanna Tolonen, Tomas Trnovec, Maria Uhl, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Elsa Vasco, Veerle J. Verheyen, Susana Viegas, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Nina Vogel, Katrin Vorkamp, Wojciech Wasowicz, Till Weber, Sona Wimmerova, Marjolijn Woutersen, Philipp Zimmermann, Martin Zvonari, Holger Koch, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban Lopez, Argelia Castano, Lorraine Stewartx, Ovnair Sepaix, Greet Schoeters
Summary: As part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative, a human biomonitoring survey was conducted in 23 countries to produce comparable data for the EU. The survey utilized existing HBM capacity in Europe and aligned national or regional studies under the HBM4EU program. The survey included over 10,000 participants from different age groups and measured various biomarkers to assess exposure levels to different chemicals. The data obtained can be used as a reference for global comparison, evaluate the effectiveness of the European Commission's chemical strategy, and guide policy-making.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Uhl, Greet Schoeters, Eva Govarts, Wieneke Bil, Tony Fletcher, Line Smastuen Haug, Ron Hoogenboom, Claudia Gundacker, Xenia Trier, Mariana F. Fernandez, Argelia Castano Calvo, Marta Esteban Lopez, Dries Coertjens, Tiina Santonen, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Denisa Richterova, Katleen De Brouwere, Ingrid Hauzenberger, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Porhallur Ingi Halldorrsson
Summary: The European Joint Programme HBM4EU conducted research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and found that teenagers in Europe are frequently and highly exposed to PFASs. The main sources of exposure are drinking water and certain foods, and specific workplaces also have high levels of PFASs exposure. Therefore, measures need to be taken to prevent further contamination of the European population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nina Vogel, Phillipp Schmidt, Rosa Lange, Antje Gerofke, Amrit K. Sakhi, Line S. Haug, Tina Kold Jensen, Hanne Frederiksen, Tamas Szigeti, Zsofia Csako, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Miroslava Sidlovska, Beata Janasik, Wojciech Wasowicz, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Darja Mazej, Catherine Gabriel, Spyros Karakitsios, Fabio Barbonem, Valentina Rosolen, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Aline Murawski, Daan Leseman, Gudrun Koppen, Adrian Covaci, Sanna Lignell, Anna Karin Lindroos, Martin Zvonar, Lenka Andryskova, Lucia Fabelova, Denisa Richterova, Milena Horvatj, Tina Kosjekj, Denis Sarigiannis, Marios Maroulis, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Ana Canas, Veerle J. Verheyen, Michiel Bastiaensen, Liese Gilles, Greet Schoeters, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Eva Govarts, Holger M. Kochx, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Summary: Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers for PVC and are associated with adverse effects on the reproductive system. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies have investigated the exposure to ten phthalates and the substitute chemical DINCH in European children and adolescents. The study provides detailed data on exposure levels and differences across European regions, as well as comparisons to biomonitoring guidance values.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Drake W. Phelps, Anika I. Palekar, Haleigh E. Conley, Giuliano Ferrero, Jacob H. Driggers, Keith E. Linder, Seth W. Kullman, David M. Reif, M. Katie Sheats, Jamie C. DeWitt, Jeffrey A. Yoder
Summary: This report investigates the impact of nine environmentally-relevant PFASs on the respiratory burst, and finds that PFHxA and GenX can suppress the respiratory burst. The study demonstrates for the first time that these PFASs can suppress neutrophil function, and supports the use of zebrafish larvae and a human cell line as screening tools for identifying chemicals that may suppress human immune function.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Krystal D. Taylor, Tracey L. Woodlief, Aya Ahmed, Qing Hu, Patrick C. Duncker, Jamie C. DeWitt
Summary: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure affects B-cell subclasses and markers of their metabolism, hindering B-cell development and survival, but not activation of the remaining B cells.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Rodriguez-Carrillo, Sylvie Remy, Gudrun Koppen, Natasha Wauters, Carmen Freire, Alicia Olivas-Martinez, Tessa Schillemans, Agneta Akesson, Anteneh Desalegn, Nina Iszatt, Elly den Hond, Veerle Verheyen, Lucia Fabelova, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Argelia Castana, Jose Vicente Garcia-Lario, Bianca Cox, Eva Govarts, Kirsten Baken, Manuel Tena-Sempere, Nicolas Olea, Greet Schoeters, Mariana F. Fernandez
Summary: Exposure to PFAS can impair human reproductive function, and this study aimed to evaluate its relationship with the HPG axis through analyzing reproductive hormones and kisspeptin levels. PFAS compounds and reproductive markers were measured in 733 European teenagers. Results showed sex-specific associations, with higher testosterone levels in girls and lower FSH levels in boys associated with PFAS mixture. This study enhances our understanding of the adverse effects of PFAS on the HPG axis.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Rodriguez-Carrillo, Elena Salamanca-Fernandez, Elly den Hond, Veerle J. Verheyen, Lucia Fabelova, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Argelia Castano, Jose Vicente Garcia-Lario, Sylvie Remy, Eva Govarts, Greet Schoeters, Nicolas Olea, Carmen Freire, Mariana F. Fernandez
Summary: This study investigated the association between exposure to PFAS and phthalates and serum levels of thyroid hormones in European adolescents, and found sex-specific differences in the effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Juliane Hollender, Emma L. Schymanski, Lutz Ahrens, Nikiforos Alygizakis, Frederic Been, Lubertus Bijlsma, Andrea M. Brunner, Alberto Celma, Aurelie Fildier, Qiuguo Fu, Pablo Gago-Ferrero, Ruben Gil-Solsona, Peter Haglund, Martin Hansen, Sarit Kaserzon, Anneli Kruve, Marja Lamoree, Christelle Margoum, Jeroen Meijer, Sylvain Merel, Cassandra Rauert, Pawel Rostkowski, Saer Samanipour, Bastian Schulze, Tobias Schulze, Randolph R. Singh, Jaroslav Slobodnik, Teresa Steininger-Mairinger, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Anne Togola, Katrin Vorkamp, Emmanuelle Vulliet, Linyan Zhu, Martin Krauss
Summary: The increasing production and use of chemicals have led to a growing interest in understanding their impact on ecosystems and human health through suspect and non-target screening (NTS). To promote effective implementation of NTS, more harmonisation is needed. The NORMAN Association has prepared a guidance document to provide guidance on conducting high-quality NTS studies and interpreting data while addressing the challenges and pitfalls of these techniques. The document covers various steps of NTS, from sampling and analysis to data evaluation and reporting, and also introduces analytical methods, processing techniques, and databases commonly used in NTS workflows.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Katarina Babinska, G. Pleschova
Summary: This study explores the outcomes of internationalizing a Nutrition course for medical students. Two interventions, including introducing new readings and activities and employing purposefully mixed groups, were implemented to encourage students to consider cultural and geographical factors in dietary recommendations and to promote peer learning. The interventions led to increased awareness of cultural and geographical contexts of nutrition and were more impactful for international students.
INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION AND TEACHING INTERNATIONAL
(2023)