Presence and biodistribution of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in Paracentrotus lividus highlight its potential application for environmental biomonitoring

Abstract

The first determination of presence and biodistribution of PFOA in ninety specimens of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus from two differently contaminated sites along Palermo’s coastline (Sicily) is reported. Analyses were performed on the sea urchins’ coelomic fluids, coelomocytes, gonads or mixed organs, as well as on seawater and Posidonia oceanica leaves samples from the collection sites. PFOA concentration ranged between 1 and 13 ng/L in seawater and between 0 and 794 ng/g in P. oceanica. The analyses carried out on individuals of P. lividus from the least polluted site (A) showed PFOA median values equal to 0 in all the matrices (coelomic fluid, coelomocytes and gonads). Conversely, individuals collected from the most polluted site (B) showed median PFOA concentrations of 21 ng/g in coelomic fluid, 153 ng/g in coelomocytes, and 195 ng/g in gonads. Calculated bioconcentration factors of log10BCF > 3.7 confirmed the very bioaccumulative nature of PFOA. Significant correlations were found between the PFOA concentration of the coelomic fluid versus the total PFOA concentration of the entire sea urchin. PERMANOVA (p = 0.001) end Welch's t-test (p < 0.001) analyses showed a difference between specimens collected from the two sites highlighting the potential application of P. lividus as sentinel species for PFOA biomonitoring.

Road Runoff Characterization: Ecotoxicological Assessment Combined with (Non-)Target Screenings of Micropollutants for the Identification of Relevant Toxicants in the Dissolved Phase

“…The 2 preceding samples (2016-11-22; 2017-03-23) concentrations were 40.9 ng/L and 10.1 ng/L, respectively. Although this analysis has not been performed on the 2017-09-14 sample, it is likely that PFOA would have still been detectable given its known persistence in the environment [87,88]. Its presence at the R site has been hypothesized to be linked to construction work in the neighborhood at the sampling time and to illegal dumping of construction waste in the sewer system.…”

Bisphenol A analysis and quantification inconsistencies via HPLC-UV: a systematic review with technical notes

“…BPA, as well as other well-known plasticizers such as phthalate esters (PAEs), or additives like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOAs) are highly persistent organic pollutants that tend to bioaccumulate [25][26][27][28]. Taking into consideration the massive varieties of impacts on human health and those on the environment, it is critical to consider the analytical methods for BPA as well, and assist with what was described as a "mindboggling complexity around BPA" [29].…”

A portable molecularly imprinted polymer-modified microchip sensor for the rapid detection of perfluorooctanoic acid

“…As an emerging persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is linked to kidney and testicular cancer and poses a massive threat to the human and marine environment. 1,2 Therefore, strategies are urgently required for the real-time monitoring of PFOA to ensure environmental safety. [3][4][5] Due to its widespread use and high persistence, PFOA is detected worldwide in virtually all forms of life and aquatic environments, and the concentration ranges up to hundreds of ng L −1 on average, with higher values found in coastal areas and river basins around industrial cities.…”