Aquatic Vegetation, an Understudied Depot for PFAS

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of manufactured chemicals that have been extensively utilized worldwide. We hypothesize that the presence, uptake, and accumulation of PFAS in aquatic vegetation (AV) is dependent upon several factors, such as the physiochemical properties of PFAS and proximity to potential sources. In this study, AV was collected from eight locations in Florida to investigate the PFAS presence, accumulation, and spatiotemporal distribution. PFAS were detected in AV at all sampling locations, with a range from 0.18 to 55 ng/g sum (∑)PFAS. Individual PFAS and their concentrations varied by sampling location, time, and AV species. A total of 12 PFAS were identified, with the greatest concentrations measured in macroalgae. The average bioconcentration factor (BCF) among all samples was 1225, indicating high PFAS accumulation in AV from surface water. The highest concentrations, across all AV types, were recorded in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), a location with a history of elevated PFAS burdens. The present study represents the first investigation of PFAS in naturally existing estuarine AV, filling an important gap on PFAS partitioning within the environment, as well as providing insights into exposure pathways for aquatic herbivores. Examining the presence, fate, and transport of these persistent chemicals in Florida’s waterways is critical for understanding their effect on environmental, wildlife, and human health.

Expanding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Coverage in Nontargeted Analysis Using Data-Independent Analysis and IonDecon

“…The sample extraction technique was adapted from previously published work . In brief, 1 g of domestic sludge (NIST SRM 2781) powder was gravimetrically added to 15 mL Falcon tubes and spiked with 40 μL of isotopically labeled internal standard (Wellington Laboratories, MPFAC-24ES).…”

“…The sample extraction technique was adapted from previously published work. 30 In brief, 1 g of domestic sludge (NIST SRM 2781) powder was gravimetrically added to 15 mL Falcon tubes and spiked with 40 μL of isotopically labeled internal standard (Wellington Laboratories, MPFAC-24ES). After internal standard was spiked in, samples were placed in −20 °C for 24 h. Three milliliters of 0.3% ammonium hydroxide in methanol then was added to each sample as the extraction solvent.…”

The Transformation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Aquatic Environment of a Fluorochemical Industrial Park

“…To date, research on PFAS uptake and distribution in plants has focused on terrestrial plants and agricultural species. Notably, conclusions obtained from soil environments may vary when extrapolated to aquatic ecosystems, due to the differences in environmental factors such as temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen [32].…”