Sources, Fate, and Detection of Dust-Associated Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A Review

Abstract

The occurrence of sand and dust storms (SDSs) is essential for the geochemical cycling of nutrients; however, it is considered a meteorological hazard common to arid regions because of the adverse impacts that SDSs brings with them. One common implication of SDSs is the transport and disposition of aerosols coated with anthropogenic contaminants. Studies have reported the presence of such contaminants in desert dust; however, similar findings related to ubiquitous emerging contaminants, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been relatively scarce in the literature. This article reviews and identifies the potential sources of dust-associated PFAS that can accumulate and spread across SDS-prone regions. Furthermore, PFAS exposure routes and their toxicity through bioaccumulation in rodents and mammals are discussed. The major challenge when dealing with emerging contaminants is their quantification and analysis from different environmental media, and these PFAS include known and unknown precursors that need to be quantified. Consequently, a review of various analytical methods capable of detecting different PFAS compounds embedded in various matrices is provided. This review will provide researchers with valuable information relevant to the presence, toxicity, and quantification of dust-associated PFAS to develop appropriate mitigation measures.

Optimization of iron electrocoagulation parameters for enhanced turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal from laundry greywater

“…Laundry greywater usually contains different substances originating from organic and inorganic sources. Organics can include grease, soaps, detergents, biological substances, and fat, whereas metal ions, heavy metals, sand, and dust may constitute inorganic or emerging substances 29 , 32 , 33 . Therefore, laundry greywater from very dirty items can have COD values as high as 20,000 mg/L while greywater generated from typical households can have COD concentrations in the range of 400–1200 mg/L 34 .…”

Environmental Impacts on Cardiovascular Health and Biology: An Overview

“…Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are anthropogenic organic compounds widely used in manufacturing 80,81 and universally detected in humans. 82 PFASs are absorbed via oral, inhalation and dermal exposure, with the highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and blood; they are not readily metabolized.…”