PFAS

Cureus. 2026 Jul 29;18(7):e113584. doi: 10.7759/cureus.113584. eCollection 2026 Jul.

ABSTRACT

Background Regional variation in breast cancer incidence may reflect environmental factors in addition to established risk factors. Southwestern Ohio overlies the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer (GMBVA), a sole-source aquifer that has experienced long-term contamination by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and documented detections of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This ecological study examined breast cancer incidence in counties overlying portions of the GMBVA with the most extensively documented groundwater contamination. Contamination was defined at the county level using publicly available environmental records, including federal Superfund site designations, US Geological Survey (USGS) PFAS detections, and Department of Defense inventories of PFAS response sites. County location over the aquifer was used strictly as a contextual population-level proxy rather than as a measure of individual exposure. Methods Age-adjusted invasive female breast cancer incidence rates for 2017-2021 and 2018-2022 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, the National Cancer Institute State Cancer Profiles, and the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System for all ages, women aged 50 years and older, and women aged 65 years and older. Rates were compared with the corresponding Ohio statewide and US reference rates from the same reporting periods. Age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were computed by dividing the Montgomery County age-adjusted rate by the corresponding Ohio statewide and US reference rates, with 95% CIs derived by log transformation of the published rate standard errors. Publicly available data from the USGS, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ohio EPA, Miami Conservancy District, and US Air Force were used to characterize groundwater contamination and remediation in the region. Results Ohio's statewide rate was 132.3 per 100,000 (95% CI: 131.2-133.4), compared with 130.8 nationally (95% CI: 129.9-131.7). Montgomery County, which overlies heavily contaminated sections of the GMBVA, had a rate of 141.4 per 100,000 (95% CI: 135.7-147.3), approximately 8% above the national benchmark (standardized incidence ratio (SIR): 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13 vs. the US; SIR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.11 vs. Ohio). Relative differences appeared somewhat larger in the older age strata (SIRs: approximately 1.08-1.13), although the ecological design precludes interpreting age as a proxy for cumulative exposure duration or timing. PFAS were detected in 11 of 23 GMBVA wells (USGS, 2019-2020); VOC concentrations at Montgomery County Superfund sites historically exceeded maximum contaminant levels by orders of magnitude. Descriptively, several core industrialized counties appeared to have higher incidence rates than less-industrialized counties in the region. Conclusions This ecological, hypothesis-generating analysis identified descriptive county-level patterns of modestly elevated age-adjusted invasive female breast cancer incidence in parts of southwestern Ohio overlying historically contaminated portions of the GMBVA. The ecological design, severe potential for exposure misclassification, lack of adjustment for confounding, qualitative rather than formal spatial comparison, and inability to assess residential history, water source, exposure timing, or latency preclude causal inference or individual-level interpretation. These findings should be interpreted strictly as contextual and descriptive.

PMID:42666845 | PMC:PMC13523543 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.113584

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Aug 29;48(14):561. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-03419-x.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics (NPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can enter soils through biosolids, compost, landfill leachate, reclaimed-water irrigation, treated textiles, and industrial releases. However, whether plastic particles modify PFAS fate in terrestrial environments remains uncertain because most evidence derives from simplified laboratory conditions. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and identified 430 records from Scopus (n = 208) and Web of Science (n = 222). After screening, environmental-domain classification, and critical reassessment, 37 original studies were included in a two-level evidence framework comprising eight core soil or soil-relevant studies and 29 complementary mechanistic studies. PFAS-MP/NP interactions depended on polymer composition, particle size and charge, PFAS chain length and functional group, solution chemistry, weathering, organic matter, mineral coatings, and biofilms. Although pristine plastics often showed substantial PFAS adsorption in aqueous systems, their affinity frequently changed after contact with soils or other environmental matrices. Transport studies did not support a universal carrier effect. Plastic particles facilitated PFAS movement under some conditions, retarded it when particle retention dominated, and had little effect when most PFAS remained dissolved. Biological responses were also context-dependent. MPs increased PFAS bioaccumulation and reproductive toxicity in earthworms, while plant and aquatic studies showed both enhanced and reduced uptake or toxicity depending on particle properties and exposure conditions. Overall, the PFAS vector effect of MPs and NPs is conditional rather than universal. Field monitoring, intact-soil experiments, environmentally conditioned particles, realistic concentrations, complete mass balances, and long-term assessments are needed to determine when plastic-mediated processes become environmentally significant.

PMID:42667455 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-03419-x

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Aug 29;48(14):561. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-03419-x.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics (NPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can enter soils through biosolids, compost, landfill leachate, reclaimed-water irrigation, treated textiles, and industrial releases. However, whether plastic particles modify PFAS fate in terrestrial environments remains uncertain because most evidence derives from simplified laboratory conditions. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and identified 430 records from Scopus (n = 208) and Web of Science (n = 222). After screening, environmental-domain classification, and critical reassessment, 37 original studies were included in a two-level evidence framework comprising eight core soil or soil-relevant studies and 29 complementary mechanistic studies. PFAS-MP/NP interactions depended on polymer composition, particle size and charge, PFAS chain length and functional group, solution chemistry, weathering, organic matter, mineral coatings, and biofilms. Although pristine plastics often showed substantial PFAS adsorption in aqueous systems, their affinity frequently changed after contact with soils or other environmental matrices. Transport studies did not support a universal carrier effect. Plastic particles facilitated PFAS movement under some conditions, retarded it when particle retention dominated, and had little effect when most PFAS remained dissolved. Biological responses were also context-dependent. MPs increased PFAS bioaccumulation and reproductive toxicity in earthworms, while plant and aquatic studies showed both enhanced and reduced uptake or toxicity depending on particle properties and exposure conditions. Overall, the PFAS vector effect of MPs and NPs is conditional rather than universal. Field monitoring, intact-soil experiments, environmentally conditioned particles, realistic concentrations, complete mass balances, and long-term assessments are needed to determine when plastic-mediated processes become environmentally significant.

PMID:42667455 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-03419-x

Methods Mol Biol. 2026;3072:101-110. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-5527-6_7.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a category of persistent and extensively spread environmental contaminants that have raised significant global concerns. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a conventional detection gold standard, can accurately identify them, but its drawbacks include high costs, complicated procedures, and limited portability. Therefore, we developed a nanopore-based single-molecule sensing platform that combines cyclodextrin (CD) host-guest interactions to achieve precise identification of PFAS. By employing an α-hemolysin (α-HL) biological nanopore, when each CD-PFAS complex interacts with the pore, it creates a unique ionic current blockade that discriminates homologous compounds for single-molecular sensing, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Molecular dynamics simulations combined with experimental data reveal the structural and energetic foundations of CD-PFAS interactions. This work demonstrates a sensitive and selective platform for PFAS monitoring, paving the way toward environmental protection.

PMID:42663954 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-5527-6_7

Sci Adv. 2026 Aug 28;12(35):eaeg8495. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aeg8495. Epub 2026 Aug 28.

ABSTRACT

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a widely used recalcitrant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) polymer, poses environmental challenges in its defluorination because conventional thermal methods release toxic volatile fluorinated compounds (VFCs). Here, we report an electrochemical water-mediated strategy for efficient, VFC-free PVDF defluorination under ambient conditions. The method achieves a high fluorine-to-fluoride conversion (93%) and is validated with an industrially relevant capacity of 8.5 kg·m^-3·day^-1 on real wasted battery electrodes containing PVDF as the binder. The high efficiency originates from the spatial confinement of electrochemically generated hydroxide ions near the cathode surface. Mechanistically, isotopic labeling and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations reveal water's unprecedented dual role as both a reactant and a catalyst, driving an ionic pathway that fundamentally suppresses VFCs. This offers a scalable, sustainable, and nontoxic alternative for the critical challenge of C─F breaking and PFAS defluorination.

PMID:42664343 | PMC:PMC13524013 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.aeg8495

Waste Manag. 2026 Aug 28;226:115839. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115839. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural soils can migrate into crops and may alter soil greenhouse gas emissions, yet remediation strategies rarely address these risks simultaneously. This study evaluated tea waste biochar (TWB) produced at 400, 500, and 600 °C and applied at 5-20 g per pot by whole-soil mixing or surface-layer placement in a simulated PFAS-contaminated soil-leachate-plant system. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) distributions, nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) fluxes, and microbial responses were examined. TWB produced at 500 °C showed the most favorable combination of pore accessibility, surface hydrophobicity, and interfacial charge, with material-associated PFOS and PFOA enrichments of 0.12 and 0.57 μg/g, respectively. Whole-soil mixing with TWB-500 lowered soil and leachate PFAS levels and reduced PFAS concentrations in plant shoots by approximately 36% relative to the contaminated control. TWB treatments also reduced cumulative N₂O emissions and enhanced net CH₄ uptake. Metagenomic analysis showed lower relative abundances of genes associated with nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation, and several N₂O-producing pathways, whereas CH₄-cycling genes responded differently to the two application methods. Organic fluorine transformation genes were not enriched, indicating that PFAS control mainly resulted from physicochemical retention rather than enhanced microbial defluorination. Overall, TWB-500 can integrate PFAS stabilization with greenhouse gas management, but the optimal placement depends on the remediation objective: whole-soil mixing favors PFAS immobilization, whereas surface-layer application provides greater greenhouse gas mitigation.

PMID:42664608 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115839

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 28:129045. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129045. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) form a large chemical universe, yet comparable developmental and reproductive toxicity points of departure are available for only a small fraction of chemicals. We developed and evaluated a multi-pathway mechanism-informed read-across approach for screening data-poor PFAS while separating prediction from regulatory hazard classification. An EPA CompTox EPAPFASINV inventory was standardized with RDKit, restricted to 69 PFAS in four strict acid classes, linked to ToxCast bioactivity across seven nuclear-receptor and thyroid-related pathway groups, and evaluated against a narrow matrix of eight PFAS with rat oral developmental or reproduction/developmental endpoints. Three GenRA-style models were compared: structure similarity, structure plus chemical-domain gating, and a mechanism-informed model. Validation was preliminary because endpoint counts were small and model coverage differed. On the common target-endpoint subset predicted by all models, the mechanism-informed model had similar aggregate error to the structural baselines (MAE 1.41 log10 units) but lower coverage, indicating a coverage-performance tradeoff, not broad superiority. In the hierarchical screening application, 44 of 61 data-poor PFAS received predictions; 14 were classified as high screening priority, 19 as moderate, 11 as lower, and 17 as insufficient evidence. Most ether-containing replacement PFAS lacked same-class in vivo source endpoints. These results support use of the approach for prioritizing testing needs and documenting analogue rationales; they do not establish a validated regulatory point-of-departure model.

PMID:42665079 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129045

Antioxidants (Basel). 2026 Aug 14;15(8):1016. doi: 10.3390/antiox15081016.

ABSTRACT

Honey bee colonies play a vital role in ecosystem stability and global food security. Together with bumble bees and other wild bee species, they form a diverse pollinator community that is particularly vulnerable to environmental pollution. Among stressors, environmental xenobiotics including heavy metals, metalloids, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and emerging contaminants such as microplastics pose a growing concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential and capacity to trigger oxidative stress and interact with pathogens, nutritional stress and climate-related extremes. The antioxidant defense system, encompassing enzymatic components (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-dependent enzymes and glutathione-S-transferase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, represents a key protective mechanism, and its disruption leads to redox imbalance, immunosuppression, and behavioral alterations that can reduce honey bee colony vitality. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, exposure pathways and toxicological effects of major environmental xenobiotics on the antioxidant defense systems of honey bees, with particular emphasis on oxidative-stress biomarkers for early detection of sublethal impairment in field and experimental settings. Where available, evidence from bumble bees and other wild bees is considered to place findings in a broader pollinator-health context and to highlight taxa-specific sensitivities. Work should now concentrate on a validated core panel of redox biomarkers, on chronic multi-stressor exposures that include PFAS and plastic particles, and on biomarker baselines for bumble bees and solitary bees tied to colony- or population-level endpoints.

PMID:42650280 | PMC:PMC13509840 | DOI:10.3390/antiox15081016

Antioxidants (Basel). 2026 Aug 14;15(8):1016. doi: 10.3390/antiox15081016.

ABSTRACT

Honey bee colonies play a vital role in ecosystem stability and global food security. Together with bumble bees and other wild bee species, they form a diverse pollinator community that is particularly vulnerable to environmental pollution. Among stressors, environmental xenobiotics including heavy metals, metalloids, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and emerging contaminants such as microplastics pose a growing concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential and capacity to trigger oxidative stress and interact with pathogens, nutritional stress and climate-related extremes. The antioxidant defense system, encompassing enzymatic components (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-dependent enzymes and glutathione-S-transferase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, represents a key protective mechanism, and its disruption leads to redox imbalance, immunosuppression, and behavioral alterations that can reduce honey bee colony vitality. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, exposure pathways and toxicological effects of major environmental xenobiotics on the antioxidant defense systems of honey bees, with particular emphasis on oxidative-stress biomarkers for early detection of sublethal impairment in field and experimental settings. Where available, evidence from bumble bees and other wild bees is considered to place findings in a broader pollinator-health context and to highlight taxa-specific sensitivities. Work should now concentrate on a validated core panel of redox biomarkers, on chronic multi-stressor exposures that include PFAS and plastic particles, and on biomarker baselines for bumble bees and solitary bees tied to colony- or population-level endpoints.

PMID:42650280 | PMC:PMC13509840 | DOI:10.3390/antiox15081016

Medicina (Kaunas). 2026 Jul 28;62(8):1460. doi: 10.3390/medicina62081460.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: We aimed to examine the demographic characteristics, prenatal imaging findings, genetic evaluation results, and postnatal outcomes of fetuses with posterior fossa anomalies (PFAs), and also to evaluate the diagnostic concordance between prenatal ultrasonography (USG) and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: This descriptive study analyzed singleton pregnancies referred to Izmir City Hospital and Tepecik Training and Research Hospital for suspected fetal PFA between 2016 and 2024. Data including USG findings, fetal MRI reports, genetic results, and perinatal outcomes were extracted from institutional records. Diagnostic concordance between USG and MRI was statistically assessed using the kappa coefficient. Results: Out of 152 fetuses with suspected PFA on USG, 116 underwent fetal MRI. Following the exclusion of normal MRI findings (n = 23), the final cohort comprised 93 fetuses with confirmed PFA. Mega cisterna magna (MCM) was the most prevalent diagnosis (54.8%), followed by cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) (15.1%) and Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) (10.8%). A moderate-to-good diagnostic concordance was observed between USG and MRI (kappa = 0.640, p < 0.001). Significant differences were noted across MRI groups regarding gestational age at diagnosis (p < 0.001) and birth weight, which was notably lower in CH compared to MCM (p = 0.004). Clinical outcomes varied significantly by diagnosis (p < 0.001); while 74.5% of MCM cases showed normal development, adverse outcomes predominated in CH and Walker-Warburg syndrome. Conclusions: Fetal PFAs are a heterogeneous group of anomalies with different diagnostic and variable prognostic profiles. Fetal MRI improves anatomical classification and provides clinically significant contributions to prenatal counseling and perinatal management.

PMID:42654358 | PMC:PMC13514509 | DOI:10.3390/medicina62081460

Materials (Basel). 2026 Aug 17;19(16):3470. doi: 10.3390/ma19163470.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a critical class of persistent environmental pollutants that challenge conventional remediation technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and the emerging metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) have attracted growing interest as tunable porous platforms for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. This review critically summarizes recent advances in the synthesis, structural characterization, and adsorptive performance of these three framework families. We examine key factors affecting adsorption, including solution chemistry and PFAS chain length, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms-hydrophobic/fluorophilic interactions, electrostatics, anion exchange, and coordination-through combined experimental and computational evidence. A comparative assessment evaluates adsorption capacities, kinetics, stability, and regenerability, identifying the distinctive advantages of each material class. Practical applications in fixed-bed columns and magnetic composites are also discussed. Finally, we highlight persistent challenges, particularly in the removal of ultrashort-chain PFAS, and outline future directions involving machine learning, defect engineering, and dual-functional adsorptive-catalytic platforms to guide rational adsorbent design.

PMID:42654624 | PMC:PMC13514648 | DOI:10.3390/ma19163470

Biol Reprod. 2026 Aug 27:ioag184. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioag184. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Phthalates and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants that are consistently detected in follicular fluid, serum, and reproductive tissues. This review synthesizes current experimental and epidemiological evidence on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which phthalates and PFAS impair ovarian function and female fertility. Human studies primarily identify exposure-outcome associations, whereas animal, ex vivo, and in vitro models provide most of the causal and mechanistic evidence. Phthalates and PFAS disrupt interconnected pathways involved in folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, mitochondrial homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and cell survival. These chemicals dysregulate pathways governing primordial follicle activation and ovarian reserve maintenance, and impair estradiol and progesterone synthesis. A central mechanistic theme by which phthalates and PFAS impair ovarian function and fertility involves mitochondrial dysfunction, which promotes oxidative stress and contributes to apoptosis. However, evidence for phthalate- and PFAS-induced ovarian necroptosis, pyroptosis, immune-cell infiltration, and inflammation-driven fibrosis remains limited and is often based on a small number of studies conducted at doses above typical human exposures. Although mixture studies are relatively scarce, available data indicate that mixtures can perturb mitochondrial activity, steroid secretion, follicle dynamics, inflammatory signaling, and Hippo-pathway endpoints. Overall, altered folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis emerge as the best-supported mechanisms linking phthalate and PFAS exposure to ovarian toxicity. This review also highlights the need for exposure-relevant studies, quantitative pathology, and stronger integration of experimental mechanisms with human biomonitoring data.

PMID:42658824 | DOI:10.1093/biolre/ioag184

Talanta. 2026 Aug 22;312(Pt B):130499. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130499. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humans are exposed to a multitude of non-genetic factors throughout their lives, all of which are encompassed in the concept of the exposome. To assess its chemical component, combinations of complementary analytical techniques are needed for broad chemical space coverage. However, approaches for combined organic and inorganic analysis remain scarce and are further constrained by limited sample availability (e.g., in historical biobanks or preterm infants), as individual techniques require different sample preparation workflows. Therefore, we developed and evaluated an approach to combine sample preparation and analysis of organic and inorganic constituents of the exposome from a single low-volume sample aliquot (50 μL of blood or 50 mg of tissue). Liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed to target 94 organic and 55 inorganic analytes, including food and environmental contaminants (e.g., PFAS, mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and heavy metals) as well as hormones, trace elements, metalloids and mineral elements. In a proof-of-principle study, the workflow was applied to human placental tissue and matched umbilical cord blood plasma samples from twelve individuals. In total, the workflow enables quantitative assessment of 66 to 71 targeted organic analytes, of which 24 to 35 were detected in the cord blood, cord plasma, or placental tissue samples studied. Moreover, it allowed for the quantification of 14 to 20 inorganic analytes, with another 16 to 29 analytes below the limit of detection in the biological samples. Moreover, non-targeted analysis (NTA) using high resolution MS further expanded the analyte coverage of the workflow. This first-of-its-kind approach enables (semi-)quantitative analysis of trace levels of a broad range of chemical exposures from a single sample aliquot, which is particularly advantageous when sample availability is limited.

PMID:42659820 | DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130499

Environ Int. 2026 Aug 25;215:110480. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110480. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chemical mixture studies often require methods that account for predefined exposure groups, prioritize active components within correlated groups, and allow positive and negative associations in the same analysis. We developed Sparse Group Lasso Weighted Quantile Sum regression (SGL-WQS), an index-based method that combines WQS regression with sparse group lasso regularization. SGL-WQS estimates group- and direction-specific indices in training data and evaluates downstream associations in held-out data as exploratory conditional summaries. Evaluation included a large-scale simulation; 30-seed studies of correlation, component prioritization, sample size, dimensionality, outcome family, group-size imbalance, and signal heterogeneity; repeated split-stability analyses; benchmark comparisons; and a survey-aware urinary VOC demonstration. In the large-scale simulation, estimates were consistent with the expected positive PCB, mixed-direction metal, and null PFAS patterns. In matched Gaussian simulations, direction assignment improved with sample size and remained stable from p = 50 to 200 under baseline signals, although component attribution and validation-stage conditional informativeness declined with dimensionality. Within-scenario group-size imbalance did not produce a consistent loss of direction accuracy; weak and dense signals had a larger effect across methods. In exactly paired binary/Gaussian global-null analyses, conditional p < 0.05 proportions did not exceed 0.05 (0.025-0.045). In the survey-aware VOC demonstration, SGL-WQS provided group- and direction-specific summaries across four metabolite groups using NHANES subsample weights in the downstream refit. SGL-WQS may therefore be useful for exploratory, group-aware bidirectional prioritization rather than estimation of a single overall mixture effect or formal selective inference.

PMID:42659846 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110480

Environ Health (Wash). 2026 May 25;4(8):1674-1687. doi: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00763. eCollection 2026 Aug 21.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is an environmental contaminant increasingly associated with neurotoxicity, although its precise molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of the NF-κB/NLRP3-GSDMD pyroptotic pathway in PFOA-induced neurotoxicity and evaluated the protective potential of apigenin. In in-vitro, N2a neuronal cells were exposed to PFOA, with or without apigenin, and assessed for cell viability, oxidative stress, and inflammasome activation. In in-vivo, mice were administered PFOA with or without apigenin, followed by behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological analyses. PFOA exposure induced significant oxidative stress, reduced neuronal viability, and activated NF-κB signaling, leading to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. These molecular alterations were associated with neuroinflammation, neuronal injury, demyelination, and cognitive and behavioral deficits in mice. Apigenin treatment markedly attenuated oxidative stress, suppressed NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling, inhibited caspase-1 and GSDMD activation, and improved neurobehavioral outcomes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PFOA induces neurotoxicity via activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3-GSDMD pyroptotic axis and identify apigenin as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating PFAS-associated neurological damage.

PMID:42643978 | PMC:PMC13504574 | DOI:10.1021/envhealth.5c00763

Environ Health (Wash). 2026 Apr 16;4(8):1778-1789. doi: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00832. eCollection 2026 Aug 21.

ABSTRACT

Emerging evidence implicates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in adverse alterations to the follicular microenvironment, yet their potential contribution to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remains poorly characterized. This study systematically quantified both legacy and novel PFAS in matched plasma and follicular fluid samples from reproductive-aged women in Shenyang, China (2017-2020), and determined compound-specific blood-follicle transfer efficiencies (BFTEs). A matched case-control design, controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), was applied to evaluate associations between PFAS concentrationsboth as individual analytes and as chemical mixturesin follicular fluid and the presence of DOR, as assessed by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). Two perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECA) (PFMOAA and PFO5DoDA) were identified for the first time in human follicular fluid. BFTEs exhibited substantial variability (62.43%-470.93%) and a clear inverse relationship with carbon chain length, with short-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA) (PFBA and PFHpA) and PFECA (PFMOAA and PFO5DoDA) showing marked preferential partitioning into follicular fluid (BFTE > 1). Elevated follicular concentrations of PFBA and PFPeA were significantly associated with increased DOR risk, accompanied by concomitant reductions in AMH and AFC. Mixture modeling further demonstrated a positive association between total PFAS burden and DOR. Bayesian kernel machine regression identified short-chain PFCA and PFECA as the principal contributors, with PFBA representing the dominant driver of the observed effect. These findings reveal the bioaccumulation of short-chain PFAS in follicles, including emerging compounds, and provide compelling evidence for their involvement in impaired ovarian function which has direct implications for reproductive risk assessment in women.

PMID:42643968 | PMC:PMC13504563 | DOI:10.1021/envhealth.5c00832

J Xenobiot. 2026 Jul 27;16(4):137. doi: 10.3390/jox16040137.

ABSTRACT

Aquatic animals are increasingly exposed to complex mixtures of emerging environmental toxicants, including microplastics, nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This raises serious concerns for reproductive health, offspring survival rates, and long-term population stability. This narrative review synthesizes the available peer-reviewed evidence on the reproductive and developmental effects of these contaminant groups in aquatic animals. Growing evidence indicates that these contaminants adversely affect reproductive processes, impair offspring development, and reduce survival and fitness across a wide range of aquatic species. Their effects are mediated through interconnected pathways involving oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. These changes may weaken wild fish populations, reduce aquaculture productivity, and compromise aquatic biodiversity. However, interpretation of the available evidence is constrained by substantial heterogeneity in species, contaminant properties and concentrations, exposure durations, and reproductive endpoints, together with the predominance of laboratory-based single-contaminant studies. This review integrates current knowledge on the reproductive and developmental impacts of emerging contaminants by connecting mechanistic toxicity pathways with population-level and ecosystem consequences. Overall, this review emphasizes that protecting aquatic reproductive health requires an integrated framework linking contaminant monitoring, mechanistic biomarkers, reproductive performance, and ecosystem-level risk assessment.

PMID:42646051 | PMC:PMC13514258 | DOI:10.3390/jox16040137

J Xenobiot. 2026 Jul 27;16(4):137. doi: 10.3390/jox16040137.

ABSTRACT

Aquatic animals are increasingly exposed to complex mixtures of emerging environmental toxicants, including microplastics, nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This raises serious concerns for reproductive health, offspring survival rates, and long-term population stability. This narrative review synthesizes the available peer-reviewed evidence on the reproductive and developmental effects of these contaminant groups in aquatic animals. Growing evidence indicates that these contaminants adversely affect reproductive processes, impair offspring development, and reduce survival and fitness across a wide range of aquatic species. Their effects are mediated through interconnected pathways involving oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. These changes may weaken wild fish populations, reduce aquaculture productivity, and compromise aquatic biodiversity. However, interpretation of the available evidence is constrained by substantial heterogeneity in species, contaminant properties and concentrations, exposure durations, and reproductive endpoints, together with the predominance of laboratory-based single-contaminant studies. This review integrates current knowledge on the reproductive and developmental impacts of emerging contaminants by connecting mechanistic toxicity pathways with population-level and ecosystem consequences. Overall, this review emphasizes that protecting aquatic reproductive health requires an integrated framework linking contaminant monitoring, mechanistic biomarkers, reproductive performance, and ecosystem-level risk assessment.

PMID:42646051 | PMC:PMC13514258 | DOI:10.3390/jox16040137

J Xenobiot. 2026 Jul 27;16(4):137. doi: 10.3390/jox16040137.

ABSTRACT

Aquatic animals are increasingly exposed to complex mixtures of emerging environmental toxicants, including microplastics, nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This raises serious concerns for reproductive health, offspring survival rates, and long-term population stability. This narrative review synthesizes the available peer-reviewed evidence on the reproductive and developmental effects of these contaminant groups in aquatic animals. Growing evidence indicates that these contaminants adversely affect reproductive processes, impair offspring development, and reduce survival and fitness across a wide range of aquatic species. Their effects are mediated through interconnected pathways involving oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. These changes may weaken wild fish populations, reduce aquaculture productivity, and compromise aquatic biodiversity. However, interpretation of the available evidence is constrained by substantial heterogeneity in species, contaminant properties and concentrations, exposure durations, and reproductive endpoints, together with the predominance of laboratory-based single-contaminant studies. This review integrates current knowledge on the reproductive and developmental impacts of emerging contaminants by connecting mechanistic toxicity pathways with population-level and ecosystem consequences. Overall, this review emphasizes that protecting aquatic reproductive health requires an integrated framework linking contaminant monitoring, mechanistic biomarkers, reproductive performance, and ecosystem-level risk assessment.

PMID:42646051 | PMC:PMC13514258 | DOI:10.3390/jox16040137

Metabolomics. 2026 Aug 26;22(5):145. doi: 10.1007/s11306-026-02481-x.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite technological advancements over the last three decades in small-molecule omics, compound annotation remains a major bottleneck in untargeted metabolomics and non-targeted environmental analysis. This is especially true for exposomics applications, which remain significantly affected by the limited chemical space coverage.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims at describing the development of an MS/MS spectral library containing > 170 relevant xenobiotics from different classes of food, environmental, and microbial toxicants.

METHODS: LC-MS/MS data was acquired using collision-induced dissociation in data dependent acquisition mode under 13 different single collision energies with four additional collision energy spread experiments. A diverse set of compounds including natural toxins produced by bacteria, fungi (mycotoxins), and plants (phytotoxins), as well as anthropogenic chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS chemicals, drugs, consumer care products ingredients, and pesticides, and additional toxicologically relevant chemical classes were screened. Metabolic products for which commercially available reference standards and/or MS/MS spectra are not available in any public or commercial database have been included (e.g. colibactin-DNA-adduct, cereulide, deoxynivalenol-3-glucuronide). Library generation was performed in mzmine.

RESULTS: Open-format data based on representative spectra are provided.This new resource, available at https://zenodo.org/records/20715576 , is aimed at providing a ready-to-use tool for the annotation of key exogenous compounds which are frequently overlooked in clinical metabolomics but may exert potent biological effects. A detailed discussion from a user perspective is provided regarding the library generation workflow in mzmine, aiming at facilitating the work of fellow researchers in the creation of their own in-house libraries.

CONCLUSION: We intend to provide the metabolomics community with better tools for exposomics research and to reduce perceived barriers in developing specialized MS/MS libraries for widening chemical space coverage and increasing quality and confidence.

PMID:42645717 | PMC:PMC13518374 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-026-02481-x

J Xenobiot. 2026 Aug 21;16(4):155. doi: 10.3390/jox16040155.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, structurally diverse contaminants whose ecological hazard assessment remains challenging, particularly for primary producers. Conventional growth-based algal bioassays often overlook sublethal responses associated with chronic exposure. Here, we developed a 7-day multigenerational bioassay using the freshwater diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana that integrates chlorophyll fluorescence (photosynthetic biomass) and lipid accumulation (oxidative stress and carbon reallocation) as complementary endpoints. Ten PFAS spanning carbon chain lengths from C4 to C11 and representing both perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and sulfonates were evaluated under identical nominal exposure conditions. Distinct structure-dependent toxicity patterns emerged. Long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids elicited the strongest responses, whereas short-chain compounds produced no measurable effects. Among the sulfonates, PFHxS reduced chlorophyll fluorescence with limited effects on lipid accumulation, whereas PFOS produced no measurable response. Exploratory species sensitivity distribution analyses indicated compound-specific differences, although predicted no-effect concentrations should be interpreted cautiously because they combine literature-derived growth endpoints with endpoint-specific values generated in this study. This dual-endpoint diatom bioassay provides a proof-of-concept platform for structure-informed PFAS hazard ranking rather than regulatory toxicity assessment.

PMID:42646069 | PMC:PMC13514860 | DOI:10.3390/jox16040155

Toxics. 2026 Jul 27;14(8):661. doi: 10.3390/toxics14080661.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of persistent pollutants, and China's electroplating industry is a major source of their emissions. This paper systematically reviews the sources, occurrence characteristics, and treatment technologies of PFASs in electroplating wastewater. The chrome plating process is the primary source of PFASs, with concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA, F-53B) in some chromium mist suppressants reaching up to 985, 735, and 875 g/kg, respectively. Monitoring data from 15 electroplating parks and 97 enterprises revealed that 29 PFAS were detected in electroplating wastewater, with long-chain compounds dominating and PFOS concentrations reaching up to 3.6 × 10⁷ ng/L. Non-target screening further identified the widespread presence of various concealed PFAS, including monohydro-substituted perfluorobutanoic acid (H-PFBA) and sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS). Regarding treatment technologies, coagulation/flocculation showed very poor PFAS removal efficiency; flotation achieved up to 88% removal of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) but was constrained by process integration; biological treatment led to an increase in dissolved-phase PFAS concentrations; ion exchange resins achieved 98% removal of PFOS but were ineffective for short-chain PFASs due to their low affinity and rapid breakthrough; membrane technology achieved nearly 100% removal of long-chain PFASs but faced challenges, such as membrane fouling and concentrate disposal. This paper aims to provide a reference for PFAS pollution control in China's electroplating industry.

PMID:42646943 | PMC:PMC13517630 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14080661

Toxics. 2026 Aug 14;14(8):722. doi: 10.3390/toxics14080722.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants associated with higher serum lipids, although primarily in cross-sectional studies, limiting causal inference. We aim to determine whether there is a causal relationship between PFAS and serum lipid levels by emulating a target trial of a hypothetical PFAS-reduction intervention using observational data. The target trial would enroll adults aged ≥20 years without prior cardiovascular, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, or use of related medications. Participants would be randomly assigned to either PFAS-reduction counseling or no counseling, with adherence evaluated after 10 years, and then followed up after 10 years to assess effects on serum lipids. To emulate the target trial, we will use data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study on three successive clinical visits: baseline, follow-up, and outcome assessment visit, 10 years apart. Eligible participants meet the target trial criteria, have available blood samples for PFAS quantification at follow-up, and information on serum lipids at the outcome assessment. Intervention strategies will be evaluated based on observed reductions in PFAS concentrations between baseline and follow-up visit. Serum lipids are assessed at the outcome assessment visit. The emulation assumes exchangeability by adjusting for baseline and time-varying confounders using G-computation. This protocol explores applying the target trial emulation framework to improve causal inference in environmental epidemiology.

PMID:42647004 | PMC:PMC13517899 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14080722

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Aug 25;516:143370. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143370. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted attention because of their persistence and widespread occurrence in indoor environments. This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and exposure risks of PFAS in indoor dust from different university environments. The associations between indoor dust and hair PFAS concentrations were explored. The average ∑PFAS concentration in dust from unrenovated dormitories (Type Ⅱ, 126.61 ng/g) exceeded that in renovated dormitories (Types Ⅰ and Ⅲ, 63.81 and 54.65 ng/g, respectively). Hair samples from students across all three dormitory types showed PFAS accumulation, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as the dominant compound (75.46%, average: 1.15 ng/g). PFAS burdens in hair varied markedly across dormitory types, with average ∑PFAS concentrations of 4.67 ng/g for Type Ⅰ (renovated), 1.00 ng/g for Type Ⅲ (renovated), and 0.49 ng/g for Type Ⅱ (unrenovated). Significant positive correlations between ∑PFAS concentrations in dust and hair (r = 0.77, p < 0.01) suggest that indoor dust may represent a potential contributor to PFAS accumulation in human hair, highlighting the potential of hair as a non-invasive biomonitoring matrix for long-term PFAS exposure. Although the estimated exposure risks were relatively low, the widespread occurrence of PFAS highlights indoor environments as a potential source of chronic human exposure.

PMID:42648187 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143370

Front Toxicol. 2026 Aug 11;8:1904192. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2026.1904192. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Environmental pollutants have been implicated in colorectal cancer risk, but the association between plasma per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations and TNM stage remains unclear. We recruited 110 patients with colorectal cancer in Beijing, China, between March and June 2024. Plasma concentrations of 32 PFAS were measured, and 23 PFAS with detection rates greater than 70% were included in the analysis. Random forest analysis was used to identify the highest-ranking PFAS for TNM-stage classification, followed by multivariable ordinal logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models to evaluate single-PFAS associations and concentration-response patterns. Bayesian kernel machine regression was further applied to assess the joint associations of the selected PFAS mixture, and stratified analyses were conducted by sex and age. PFOA and n-PFOS showed the highest median concentrations, at 2.899 ng/mL and 2.444 ng/mL, respectively. Random forest analysis identified PFPeS, PFTrDA, PFTeDA, HFPO-DA and 8:2 Cl-PFESA as five highest-ranking PFAS for TNM-stage classification. In single-pollutant models, HFPO-DA was positively associated with more advanced TNM stage (odds ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 1.39-5.46; P = 0.004), with a linear concentration-response association suggested by restricted cubic spline analysis (overall P = 0.012). Mixture analysis further indicated that higher combined PFAS concentrations were associated with more advanced TNM stage, with a more pronounced positive mixture-response pattern among female patients. These findings suggest that higher plasma PFAS concentrations, particularly HFPO-DA, may be associated with more advanced TNM stage in colorectal cancer and warrant confirmation in larger prospective studies.

PMID:42643639 | PMC:PMC13504314 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2026.1904192

Environ Health (Wash). 2026 Apr 17;4(8):1818-1831. doi: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00627. eCollection 2026 Aug 21.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as PFAS, PAHs, and phthalates has been associated with gut dysbiosis and developmental abnormalities in children, yet the underlying immunological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether disruption of the Treg/effector Th cell balance is association with these adverse effects. Our results demonstrated that exposure to specific pollutants, including 2-OHFlu, mBP, miBP, and mEHHP were significantly reduced Treg cell frequency and the Treg/effector T cell ratio. Furthermore, exposure to PFHxS, 3-OHFlu, and mBP was negatively correlated with gut microbiota α-diversity. Additionally, PFHxS, PFNA, 2-OHNap, and mBP were associated with reduced levels of SCFAs, key metabolites that were positively correlated with α-diversity. Notably, our studies showed most SCFAs showed negative correlations with the Treg/Th cell ratio, with valeric acid demonstrating a specific and significant association with Treg/Th17 cell ratio balance. Finally, linear regression confirmed that several pollutants, including PFHxS, mBP, 3-OHFlu, and 2-OHNap, were negatively associated with the Body Mass Index-for-Age Z-score. Collectively, these findings delineate a potential mechanistic pathway whereby PFAS, PAHs, and may impair child growth by reducing gut microbiota diversity, suppressing SCFA production, and disrupting Treg/effector Th cell-mediated intestinal immune tolerance. This study provides the first evidence linking the microbiome-SCFA-immune tolerance axis to pollutant-associated developmental toxicity in children.

PMID:42643665 | PMC:PMC13504573 | DOI:10.1021/envhealth.5c00627

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Oct 22;1420:345959. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.345959. Epub 2026 Jul 10.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The growing concern of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," with serious health implications across the globe necessitates the development of sophisticated analytical techniques for the sensitive analysis of these compounds in biological samples. However, the critical limitations of common SPE sorbents in terms of low selectivity, poor recoveries in biological samples containing high protein content, and high susceptibility to matrix effects in the form of ion suppression have hindered the analysis of these compounds. To overcome these problems, a new dual-functional sorbent was synthesized using a novel composite material consisting of chromia nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃) and hydrophobic octadecyl chains (C₁₈) on a high-surface-area silica support.

RESULTS: Comprehensive characterization (FTIR, TEM, XPS, BET) confirmed uniform chromia dispersion, successful dense C₁₈ grafting, and high structural stability. Under optimized SPE-LC-MS/MS conditions, the sorbent provided enrichment factors (194-198) for three representative perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFHpA, PFOA, PFDoA), yielding ultra-trace limits of detection (LOD) of 25 - 26 ng L^-1. To rigorously evaluate its practical utility, the method was validated in standardized synthetic human plasma. The dual-retention mechanism successfully mitigated protein fouling and severe ion suppression, demonstrating an absolute matrix effect of <15% (representing an >85% reduction compared to the direct injection of untreated plasma). Furthermore, the sorbent exhibited robust operational reusability (>50 extraction cycles with <5% efficiency loss).

SIGNIFICANCE: The sorbent exhibited an excellent green analytical profile, achieving a Sample Preparation Metric of Sustainability (SPMS) score of 5.16. This scalable and environmentally friendly platform establishes a highly reliable analytical methodology for PFAS trace analysis in complex biological matrices, offering a robust solution for accurate human biomonitoring and exposure assessment.

PMID:42648836 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.345959

Metabolomics. 2026 Aug 26;22(5):145. doi: 10.1007/s11306-026-02481-x.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite technological advancements over the last three decades in small-molecule omics, compound annotation remains a major bottleneck in untargeted metabolomics and non-targeted environmental analysis. This is especially true for exposomics applications, which remain significantly affected by the limited chemical space coverage.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims at describing the development of an MS/MS spectral library containing > 170 relevant xenobiotics from different classes of food, environmental, and microbial toxicants.

METHODS: LC-MS/MS data was acquired using collision-induced dissociation in data dependent acquisition mode under 13 different single collision energies with four additional collision energy spread experiments. A diverse set of compounds including natural toxins produced by bacteria, fungi (mycotoxins), and plants (phytotoxins), as well as anthropogenic chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS chemicals, drugs, consumer care products ingredients, and pesticides, and additional toxicologically relevant chemical classes were screened. Metabolic products for which commercially available reference standards and/or MS/MS spectra are not available in any public or commercial database have been included (e.g. colibactin-DNA-adduct, cereulide, deoxynivalenol-3-glucuronide). Library generation was performed in mzmine.

RESULTS: Open-format data based on representative spectra are provided.This new resource, available at https://zenodo.org/records/20715576 , is aimed at providing a ready-to-use tool for the annotation of key exogenous compounds which are frequently overlooked in clinical metabolomics but may exert potent biological effects. A detailed discussion from a user perspective is provided regarding the library generation workflow in mzmine, aiming at facilitating the work of fellow researchers in the creation of their own in-house libraries.

CONCLUSION: We intend to provide the metabolomics community with better tools for exposomics research and to reduce perceived barriers in developing specialized MS/MS libraries for widening chemical space coverage and increasing quality and confidence.

PMID:42645717 | PMC:PMC13518374 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-026-02481-x

Environ Health (Wash). 2026 Apr 1;4(8):1732-1740. doi: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00797. eCollection 2026 Aug 21.

ABSTRACT

Humans are frequently exposed to diverse environmental pollutants that may pose potential risks during early embryonic development. Advances in stem cell toxicology have introduced new opportunities for environmental toxicity assessment, enabling the development of physiologically relevant models based on human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, current systems remain limited by low throughput and the inability to achieve real-time monitoring. In this study, we established a NANOG-EGFP iPSC reporter line by precisely inserting a T2A-EGFP cassette into the endogenous NANOG locus using CRISPR/Cas9, enabling dynamic and quantitative visualization of pluripotency status. Using this reporter system, we systematically evaluated the effects of 38 representative environmental pollutants spanning six major chemical categories, including bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), halogenated flame retardants, organophosphate esters, neonicotinoids, and phenolic compounds. Most pollutants induced varying degrees of reduction in NANOG-EGFP expression, suggesting perturbation of core transcriptional networks involved in pluripotency maintenance rather than nonspecific cytotoxic effects. Notably, bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol Z (BPZ), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), tributyl phosphate (TnBP), tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (BHT-COOH) exhibited pronounced low-dose activity, causing significant suppression of NANOG-EGFP signals even at 10 nmol/L. Furthermore, during neuroectoderm differentiation, several bisphenols and PFAS delayed the normal downregulation of NANOG, indicating disruption of the tightly regulated timing of pluripotency exit and lineage transition during early developmental progression. Overall, the NANOG-EGFP iPSC reporter model provides a sensitive, stable, and practical platform for high-throughput screening of environmental toxicants and offers mechanistically informed insight into how pollutant exposure may interfere with early human developmental regulatory programs.

PMID:42644011 | PMC:PMC13504553 | DOI:10.1021/envhealth.5c00797

Chem Sci. 2026 Aug 19. doi: 10.1039/d6sc03628g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The central bottleneck in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) remediation lies in the large amounts of adsorbent typically required for effective PFAS removal, which ultimately dictates regeneration burden, energy demand, cost, and waste generation. This constraint reflects a fundamental chemical shortcoming of bulk adsorbents, in which PFAS uptake proceeds through nonspecific physisorption rather than controlled, stoichiometric binding. Here, we present two Metal-Organic Cages (MOCs)-MOC-Pd-NO₃ and MOC-Pd-H₂PO₄-that address this challenge through molecularly controlled, counter-anion-regulated ion exchange. These discrete cages achieve quantitative removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) across seven orders of magnitude in concentration, reaching 99.8% removal at 10⁴ ppm and 93.9% at 10³ ppt. Remarkably, PFAS capture occurs at unprecedented [MOC]/[PFAS] molar ratios of ∼0.05 at high concentrations and ∼10 at environmentally relevant levels. The MOCs loadings demonstrated here are several orders of magnitude lower than what is required by state-of-the-art adsorbent materials. Each cage exchanges its native counter-anions to bind 22-32 PFAS molecules, and remains recyclable, retaining up to 98% uptake capacity after ten cycles. These results establish MOCs as a general molecular platform for efficient, regenerative PFAS sequestration, and recognize counter-anion identity as a key chemical design parameter for next-generation sustainable remediation strategies.

PMID:42639379 | PMC:PMC13501375 | DOI:10.1039/d6sc03628g

J Air Waste Manag Assoc. 2026 Aug 25:1-17. doi: 10.1080/10962247.2026.2708755. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is a long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) recognized for its environmental persistence and associated health concerns. This case study investigated indigenous microbial communities exposed to PFNA at a PFAS-impacted municipal landfill by isolating and characterizing PFNA-tolerant microorganisms from environmental samples. The presence of PFNA was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet - visible (UV - Vis) spectrophotometry, and liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC - MS). Five distinct microbial strains were isolated and incubated for 30 days in PFNA-enriched media (50 mg/L). All isolates maintained sustained growth and viability, as assessed through optical density measurements, dry biomass quantification, Gram staining, and morphological analysis. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing revealed bacterial genera including Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Pseudomonas, as well as fungal genera such as Talaromyces and Paracremonium. The persistence of these bacterial and fungal isolates under continued PFNA exposure identifies them as candidates for further investigation in studies focused on PFNA transformation and degradation. This work provides site-specific insight into microbial tolerance to PFNA in landfill environments and establishes a foundation for future research on microbe - PFAS interactions.Implications: This study demonstrates that indigenous microbial communities in municipal landfill environments can tolerate prolonged exposure to perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). Identifying PFNA-tolerant bacterial and fungal genera is an essential step toward evaluating their potential use in future biodegradation and transformation studies. These findings are relevant to waste management professionals and environmental regulators because they improve understanding of PFNA persistence in landfill systems and help inform the design of biologically informed PFAS monitoring and remediation strategies.

PMID:42640704 | DOI:10.1080/10962247.2026.2708755

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2026 Aug 22;1283:125264. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2026.125264. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A sensitive and robust micro-solid phase extraction LC-tandem mass spectrometry (μSPE-LC-MS/MS) method was established for quantifying 23 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in mouse feces and liver. Method development identified interferences due to the complex fecal matrix, especially at unit-mass resolution detection, where co-eluting endogenous compounds caused transition-specific interferences. Conventional C18 stationary phases failed to adequately resolve these matrix components, particularly for perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), resulting in compromised selectivity. To reduce these matrix effects, alternative stationary phases, including Phenyl-Hexyl (Phe) and Pentafluorophenyl (PFP) columns, were systematically evaluated. The PFP column, operated with acetonitrile in the mobile phase, demonstrated superior chromatographic selectivity and effectively eliminated co-eluting interferences. Notably, transition-specific interferences previously observed for PFOS on C18 columns were resolved, allowing accurate quantification using both m/z 499 → 80 and 499 → 99 transitions. Using the improved selectivity of the PFP column, automated μSPE cleanup combined with isotope-labelled internal standards achieved high extraction efficiencies (96-104%), ensuring reliable accuracy and precision (recoveries 96-99%, RSD <5%) for most analytes despite matrix complexity. These findings demonstrate the importance of chromatographic selectivity, rigorous cleanup, and isotopic correction for quantifying PFAS in highly complex biological matrices using unit-resolution mass spectrometry. The developed workflow provides a reliable analytical platform for toxicokinetic studies and may be applicable to other challenging biological matrices.

PMID:42641208 | DOI:10.1016/j.jchromb.2026.125264

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Aug 24;516:143384. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143384. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams represent a persistent source of groundwater contamination due to their extreme environmental stability and toxicological properties. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of PFAS in eleven in-use firefighting foams collected from China's Yangtze River Delta, integrating non-targeted screening with total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assays. A total of 185 distinct PFAS compounds were identified, including 119 anionic, 100 cationic, and 34 zwitterionic species, representing the most diverse PFAS profile reported to date for firefighting foams in the Yangtze River Delta. Parallel analysis detected 139 hydrocarbon surfactants, underscoring the chemical complexity of real-world foam residues. QSAR-ToxPi modeling classified the identified PFAS into three tiers, with 95 compounds (51.4%) falling into the high-hazard category. TOP assays demonstrated that ostensibly PFAS-reduced formulations contained precursor reservoirs capable of generating terminal PFOA at concentrations up to 5198.4 mg/L, nearly 30-fold above initial measurements. These findings demonstrate that expanding water-quality monitoring programs to include PFAS precursors is essential to improve risk assessments for AFFF-impacted groundwater and drinking water sources.

PMID:42641516 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143384

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 25;409:129044. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129044. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), man-made fluorinated chemicals, are widely distributed in the environment and can enter human habitats through various pathways. However, the mechanisms by which PFAS affect metabolic health are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to systematically uncover the key molecular pathways through which PFAS influence metabolic diseases.

METHODS: We selected five representative metabolic diseases: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), osteoporosis, hyperuricemia, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Network toxicology methods were used to integrate data from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and GeneCards, identifying important PFAS-related targets for each disease. We created protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks using the STRING platform and subsequently performed topological analysis in Cytoscape, which revealed 20 core targets associated with PFAS and metabolic diseases. These include INS, PPARG, TP53, IL6, ALB, PTGS2, APOE, CAV1, SIRT1, CD44, LPL, GCK, TLR4, NFKB1, NOS3, EP300, G6PC, SREBF1, PLIN1, and RXRA. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess PFAS interactions with these target proteins.

RESULTS: Results showed that PFAS molecules bind strongly to multiple core targets. Ranking targets by average binding energy highlighted those with the greatest PFAS binding potential. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated these targets are involved in critical processes like glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, purine metabolism, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study offers novel insights into the close link between environmental PFAS exposure and metabolic diseases, providing a strong foundation for developing personalized prevention and targeted treatments for these conditions.

PMID:42641853 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129044

Arch Toxicol. 2026 Aug 25. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04523-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To review recent advances in research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and outline priority steps for risk assessment in consumer health protection, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) organized the 'International PFAS Conference' in Berlin in October 2025. Building on the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) opinion in 2020, global research activities on PFAS have intensified. The conference was attended by 200 participants from 18 countries and covered topics such as analytical methods, human exposure, toxicokinetics, toxicity, and future perspectives. Given that there are more than 21,000 different PFAS in use, discussions highlighted the need for further data collection and a basis for prioritizing substances. Robust exposure assessment requires improved analytical methods combined with newly developed predictive tools to quantify, identify, and make better use of non-target data. Hazard characterization may benefit from the combined use of classic experimental data sets, epidemiological data, and new approach methodologies (NAMs) data. The participants emphasized the continuous need for refined data and proposed a systematic consolidation of global data on shared data platforms, accompanied by corresponding guidelines for data usage. In the final panel discussion, effective risk communication was identified as a critical challenge, necessitating clear and consistent messaging for the public and policymakers. The conference concluded with five key recommendations for future health risk assessments: prioritizing PFAS; improving analytical methods; promoting generation of robust data and data gap filling; promoting open science, including the development of shared data infrastructure and cross-institutional knowledge exchange; and strengthening risk communication. These recommendations aim to support transparent, evidence-based and effective PFAS consumer health risk management in the decades ahead.

PMID:42637957 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04523-8

Arch Toxicol. 2026 Aug 25. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04525-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Immunotoxicity has emerged as a key health concern for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with animal studies showing reduced T-dependent antibody responses (TDAR) and epidemiological studies reporting decreased vaccine antibody titres. Notably, immunotoxicity is considered one of the most sensitive endpoints for PFAS exposure and has been used to inform regulatory guidance and health-based values. Given that more than 14,000 PFAS exist and are highly environmentally persistent, evaluating the immunotoxicity of individual compounds is critical but impractical, highlighting the need for efficient, human-relevant test systems that provide mechanistically informative, immune-relevant endpoints. Here, we assessed immunomodulatory effects of six PFAS analogues using an in vitro human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) model. Two immune stimuli were applied, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger innate responses and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to simulate T-cell-mediated adaptive immune activation. Critically, several PFAS analogues enhanced T-cell proliferation following PHA activation, while a non-inclusive but overlapping subset of analogues suppressed cytokine secretion in response to PHA and LPS. Transcriptomic analyses indicate reduced B-cell identity and immunoglobulin gene expression alongside increased expression of genes associated with T-cell activation and proliferation. These findings implicate a dysregulated coordination between T- and B-cell responses as a potential mechanism underlying PFAS-associated immunotoxicity. Overall, the human PBMC model demonstrated that it is a cost-effective and ethical method for identifying and characterizing key events (KEs) in the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for PFAS-induced immunotoxicity and has the potential to be refined and incorporated into a robust new approach method (NAM) to assess the next generation of commercial PFAS.

PMID:42637958 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04525-6

Chemosphere. 2026 Aug 24;411:145043. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bacterial dehalogenase enzymes catalyze the cleavage of carbon-halogen bonds and play important roles in the microbial transformation of many halogenated contaminants. This review critically examines major classes of bacterial dehalogenases, including haloalkane dehalogenases, haloacid dehalogenases, fluoroacetate dehalogenases, reductive dehalogenases, and halohydrin dehalogenases, with emphasis on their structural features, catalytic residues, cofactor requirements, substrate specificity, and environmental controls on enzyme activity. Particular attention is given to the relevance and limitations of these enzymes for persistent, fluorinated contaminants, using hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX) as a case study. Although microbial dehalogenation is well established for many chlorinated and brominated pollutants, direct enzymatic defluorination of GenX remains insufficiently demonstrated. Current evidence suggests that PFAS structure, including strong carbon-fluorine bonds, ether linkages, chain length, and terminal functional groups, strongly constrains microbial and enzymatic transformation. Therefore, this review distinguishes established dehalogenase-mediated organohalide degradation from emerging and still-unverified applications to GenX and related short-chain PFAS. Key research needs include identification of GenX-transforming microorganisms and enzymes, biochemical validation of reaction pathways, kinetic characterization, transformation-product toxicity assessment, enzyme engineering, computational modeling, and scalable hybrid treatment systems. By integrating mechanistic enzymology, environmental operating conditions, and sustainability considerations, this review provides a critical framework for evaluating whether dehalogenase-based approaches can contribute to future PFAS remediation strategies.

PMID:42636618 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145043

Vet Anim Sci. 2026 Aug 6;33:100804. doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100804. eCollection 2026 Sep.

ABSTRACT

The increasing global demand for poultry products has intensified the need for intervention strategies that enhance productivity while maintaining animal health and food safety. Antimicrobials have historically been used in poultry production to support growth performance and maintain gut health; however, their routine and prolonged use have raised significant concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, which poses a serious threat to public health. The growing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance have motivated researchers to seek safer, more sustainable alternatives. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms by which phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) regulate gut health and their potential to support sustainable poultry production as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Phytogenic compounds have been shown to enhance intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins, improve nutrient absorption by stimulating digestive enzyme activity, and promote villus development and mucosal health. Furthermore, these bioactive molecules have demonstrated potential to modulate microbial ecology by favoring beneficial taxa while suppressing pathogenic colonization, thereby improving gut homeostasis and immune competence. These combined effects contribute to improved overall production sustainability. Despite the beneficial effects of PFAs, variation in plant sources, bioactive component concentrations, extraction methods, and dosage leads to inconsistent poultry responses, a limitation that warrants further investigation and standardization. However, advances in formulation technologies and standardization strategies are progressively improving their consistency and practical application. Therefore, PFAs represent a viable nutritional strategy to support gut health and promote more sustainable poultry production with reduced reliance on conventional antimicrobials.

PMID:42633378 | PMC:PMC13499487 | DOI:10.1016/j.vas.2026.100804

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Aug 22;516:143363. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143363. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging contaminants (ECs), particularly PFAS and antibiotics, occur as mixtures in urban rivers, yet conventional mass-based receptor models provide limited support for toxicity-oriented source-category prioritization. Here, we apply a PMF-SRC workflow that integrates toxicity weighting into receptor modeling to enable comparative source-associated risk prioritization across chemically distinct classes. Applied to an urbanized watershed in central China, the workflow revealed substantial differences between mass-based and toxicity-weighted rankings in both campaigns. Under base-flow, the factors interpreted as livestock/aquaculture-associated accounted for the largest reconstructed mass share (51.3%), whereas factors associated with municipal wastewater and industrial sources contributed 46.6% and 40.9% of the screening-level risk index, respectively. Under higher-flow, municipal-wastewater-associated factors accounted for 30.7% of mass but 64.4% of the screening-level risk index, while urban-runoff-associated factors were associated with 13.3% of mass and 25.6% of the risk index. PFOS drove the higher-flow contrast, contributing 67.0% of the screening-level risk index on average despite representing only 1.9% of the measured mass concentration. Overall, the PMF-SRC reveals that the dominant contributors to contaminant mass are not necessarily the dominant contributors to screening-level risk index, suggesting toxicity-weighted comparison may offer complementary information beyond mass-based apportionment alone when identifying priority source categories in chemically complex urban watersheds.

PMID:42633725 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143363

Medicine (Baltimore). 2026 Aug 21;105(34):e50239. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000050239.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are persistent environmental pollutants with potential immunotoxic effects. Emerging epidemiological evidence suggests a link between PFAS exposure and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the causal nature of this relationship remains unclear. Genetic instruments for circulating PFOA and PFOS levels were obtained from genome-wide association studies of European populations, while RA outcome data were sourced from the FinnGen consortium and United Kingdom Biobank. Associations were evaluated using multiple Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to assess the robustness of the findings. The inverse variance weighted method served as the primary approach. Additional methods, including MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, maximum likelihood estimation, and robust adjusted profile score, were applied to address potential pleiotropy and weak instrument bias. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochran Q-test for heterogeneity, MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) for pleiotropy detection, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to validate the robustness of the findings. MR analysis identified a significant association between genetically predicted PFOA levels and increased RA risk (odds ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [1.13-3.11], P = .015). Similarly, genetically predicted PFOS levels were positively associated with seropositive RA risk (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [1.00-1.29], P = .049). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and reverse MR analysis did not indicate bidirectional causality. Our findings provide genetic evidence suggesting a potential association between PFAS exposure and RA risk. Given the widespread environmental persistence of PFAS, further investigation into potential health impacts and strategies to reduce exposure may be warranted. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate the biological pathways underlying the potential relationship between PFAS exposure and RA.

PMID:42629712 | PMC:PMC13502828 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000050239

Environ Int. 2026 Aug 18;215:110463. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110463. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that can disrupt human hepatic metabolism both directly and through alterations of the gut microbiota. However, the contribution of microbiota-mediated mechanisms to PFAS-induced hepatic dysfunction remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how PFAS-modified gut microbial metabolites affect human hepatocyte metabolism using an in vitro colon fermentation model, supported by an in vivo mouse and in vitro human hepatocyte exposure studies. PFAS exposure altered the fecal metabolome in human colonic fermentations, particularly affecting pathways related to fatty acid, amino acid, vitamin, and mitochondrial metabolism. Fecal metabolomics from PFOA-exposed mice showed overlapping pathway-level alterations, including effects on fatty acid, bile acid, and steroid hormone metabolism, supporting the biological relevance of the in vitro findings. Exposure of HepaRG hepatocytes to control fermentation extracts markedly altered lipid profiles, confirming that gut-derived metabolites actively regulate hepatic metabolism. Notably, PFAS-exposed fermentation extracts induced distinct hepatocyte metabolic changes compared with PFAS-spiked control extracts, indicating effects driven by PFAS-modified microbial metabolites rather than direct PFAS carry-over. These changes included decreased acyl-carnitines and increased L-carnitine, consistent with altered fatty acid transport and mitochondrial β-oxidation. PFAS-modified extracts also altered bile acids, steroid metabolites, inosine, and sialic acid derivatives, suggesting broader alteration of bile acid signaling, endocrine-related metabolism, purine metabolism, glycoprotein turnover, and lipid-glucose homeostasis. These findings from our pilot study demonstrate that PFAS exposure reshapes gut microbial metabolite profiles with downstream consequences for hepatocyte metabolism. Our findings provide new mechanistic insight into how PFAS may contribute to metabolic disorders.

PMID:42632263 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110463

Toxicol Sci. 2026 Aug 22:kfag107. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfag107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are linked to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but effects of developmental PFAS exposures on the human heart remain unclear. Using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM), the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of PFAS exposure during cardiac differentiation on gene expression and function of cardiomyocytes. We exposed two hiPSC lines (one male and one female donor) to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common and ubiquitous PFAS (0.05, 0.5, 5, 50, 100, 150, 200 μM), followed by assessment of cellular number and pluripotency marker expression. PFOA exposure for 72 hours had no significant effects on hiPSC pluripotency, and modest inhibition of proliferation was observed only at the highest concentration. hiPSCs were then differentiated into ventricular cardiomyocytes in the continued presence or absence of PFOA using an established protocol. Optical mapping studies revealed dose and cell line-specific effects of PFOA on cardiomyocyte voltage and calcium dynamics that were still present 10 days after cessation of exposure. Patch clamping studies demonstrated small but significant reductions in repolarizing IKr currents with 5µM PFOA exposure in cardiomyocytes from both donors. Using RNA-seq, we found that exposure to PFOA led to significant changes in transcriptional pathways related to lipids and lipoproteins in the female hiPSC-CM, and developmental pathways and calcium homeostasis in the male hiPSC-CM. These findings provide direct experimental evidence that transient developmental exposure to PFOA can durably reprogram human cardiomyocyte gene expression and function, supporting a developmental origin of PFAS-associated cardiovascular disease risk.

PMID:42631691 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfag107

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Aug 22;198(9):974. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15785-1.

ABSTRACT

Urban freshwater ecosystems are increasingly exposed to mixtures of pollutants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, their ecological effects remain poorly understood, especially in tropical regions with limited sanitation infrastructure. This study investigated PFAS contamination, water quality, and microbial community structure in Pampulha Lake, a tropical urban reservoir in southeastern Brazil. Spatiotemporal patterns in prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity were assessed over a year (2022-2023) using environmental DNA metabarcoding of 16S and 18S rRNA genes by integrating taxonomic data with PFAS concentrations and water quality. Physicochemical and multivariate analyses revealed strong seasonal and spatial heterogeneity, influenced by eutrophication, hydrological variability, and pollution gradients. Among the seven PFAS detected above quantification limits, PFBS and PFOA were the most common. Prokaryotic communities showed significant correlations with PFAS, especially with sulfonated forms, while eukaryotic communities were more stable. Diversity patterns highlighted microbial community sensitivity to environmental stress. Overall, results indicate that PFAS influenced microbial assemblages, supporting their inclusion in monitoring frameworks, and eDNA was proved effective for assessing ecological risks in tropical urban reservoirs.

PMID:42631748 | PMC:PMC13499821 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15785-1

Environ Int. 2026 Aug 18;215:110463. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110463. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that can disrupt human hepatic metabolism both directly and through alterations of the gut microbiota. However, the contribution of microbiota-mediated mechanisms to PFAS-induced hepatic dysfunction remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how PFAS-modified gut microbial metabolites affect human hepatocyte metabolism using an in vitro colon fermentation model, supported by an in vivo mouse and in vitro human hepatocyte exposure studies. PFAS exposure altered the fecal metabolome in human colonic fermentations, particularly affecting pathways related to fatty acid, amino acid, vitamin, and mitochondrial metabolism. Fecal metabolomics from PFOA-exposed mice showed overlapping pathway-level alterations, including effects on fatty acid, bile acid, and steroid hormone metabolism, supporting the biological relevance of the in vitro findings. Exposure of HepaRG hepatocytes to control fermentation extracts markedly altered lipid profiles, confirming that gut-derived metabolites actively regulate hepatic metabolism. Notably, PFAS-exposed fermentation extracts induced distinct hepatocyte metabolic changes compared with PFAS-spiked control extracts, indicating effects driven by PFAS-modified microbial metabolites rather than direct PFAS carry-over. These changes included decreased acyl-carnitines and increased L-carnitine, consistent with altered fatty acid transport and mitochondrial β-oxidation. PFAS-modified extracts also altered bile acids, steroid metabolites, inosine, and sialic acid derivatives, suggesting broader alteration of bile acid signaling, endocrine-related metabolism, purine metabolism, glycoprotein turnover, and lipid-glucose homeostasis. These findings from our pilot study demonstrate that PFAS exposure reshapes gut microbial metabolite profiles with downstream consequences for hepatocyte metabolism. Our findings provide new mechanistic insight into how PFAS may contribute to metabolic disorders.

PMID:42632263 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110463

Medicine (Baltimore). 2026 Aug 21;105(34):e50047. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000050047.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are recognized environmental pollutants that have negative health effects. The association between PFAS and untreated root and coronal caries among adults is unknown. This study focused on the blood levels of various PFAS utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included a sample of 3340 individuals from the 2015 to 2020 cycles. The association between an individual's PFAS and their risk of untreated root and coronal caries was examined in this study using multivariable logistic regression, which adjusted for factors to provide odds ratios. Reduced risks of untreated coronal caries were associated with higher blood concentrations of PFUnDA. WQS and quantile g-computation analysis yielded similar negative associations between PFAS mixtures and untreated coronal caries. There was no apparent pattern in the untreated root and coronal caries estimates throughout the PFAS mixture according to Bayesian kernel machine regression. An increase in PFAS mixture was linked to a lower risk of untreated root and coronal caries in females, according to the results of stratified analysis. This cross-sectional study suggests that associations between different individual PFAS and their mixes may be associated with untreated root and coronal caries. Given the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be established.

PMID:42629675 | PMC:PMC13502756 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000050047

RSC Adv. 2026 Aug 20. doi: 10.1039/d6ra05815a. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ice accumulation on exposed surfaces remains a major challenge in transportation, energy, and outdoor infrastructures, motivating the development of environmentally friendly anti-icing coatings without fluorinated compounds. In this study, fluorine free hierarchical silica coatings were fabricated using a candle soot templating strategy followed by surface functionalization with methyl trichlorosilane (MTCS) and octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTCS). The influence of alkyl silane chain length on surface morphology, wettability, and anti-icing performance was systematically investigated. SEM and AFM analyses revealed that the MTCS modified surface developed a more pronounced micro/nano hierarchical structure with higher surface roughness compared to the OTCS modified counterpart. As a result, the MTCS coating exhibited superior superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 163.8°, whereas the OTCS coating showed lower hydrophobicity. Anti-icing tests demonstrated that the MTCS coated surface significantly delayed water freezing for up to ∼80 min at -20 °C and reduced ice adhesion strength to 24.2 ± 3.2 kPa. In addition, the coating maintained its superhydrophobic behavior after repeated freeze thaw cycles, abrasion, tape-peeling, thermal treatment, UV exposure, and chemical stability tests. The coating also exhibited efficient self-cleaning performance in both air and oil environments. The findings indicate that surface morphology makes a significant contribution to the observed water-repellency and anti-icing performance. However, it is believed that the observed performance results from the combined effects of alkyl chain length, the resulting silane network structure, and the reaction conditions applied. Furthermore, the developed coating system offers a promising approach for low-cost, PFAS-free, and multifunctional anti-icing coatings.

PMID:42626341 | PMC:PMC13492240 | DOI:10.1039/d6ra05815a

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2026 Aug 21:1-9. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2026.2716169. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Food contact paper (FCP) coated with grease-proofing and water-resistant polymers were a potential source of dietary exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While there were a variety of polymer types, historically, fluorotelomer-based acrylate polymers have been a common subset; first, with long-chain PFAS (≥ C8), phased out in 2011, and later, short-chain (≤C7) PFAS. Following FDA findings that 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) has the potential for bioaccumulation in rodent models, manufacturers made voluntary commitments to phase out the use of 6:2 FTOH, concluding in 2023. To monitor this phase out, FDA developed screening methods using Direct Analysis in Real Time-Isotope Dilution-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (ID-DART-HRMS) and Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹⁹F NMR). To further monitor the phase out, a quantitative gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed using hydrolysis of FCP. The method was then single-laboratory validated for a variety of FCP types. The method detection limits (MDL) were reported as 99 ng/g, 118 ng/g, 176 ng/g for tissue paper, moulded fibre, and paperboard, respectively. Twelve (12) market samples were analysed using the GC-MS method and nine (9) were found to contain 6:2 FTOH above the MDL, ranging from 0.3 µg/g to ∼1700 µg/g.

PMID:42627213 | DOI:10.1080/19440049.2026.2716169

Environ Res. 2026 Aug 21;307:125533. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125533. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants increasingly detected in indoor environments, yet information on PFAS in school settings remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE: We characterized PFAS levels in primary school indoor air and estimated inhalation exposure among children and school staff.

METHODS: We collected 36 indoor and 8 outdoor air samples from 8 primary schools in Porto (the second-largest city in Portugal) and analyzed them for 64 PFAS, including perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and PFAA precursors.

RESULTS: PFAA precursors predominated over terminal PFAAs, accounting for 66.5% and 64.6% of total PFAS in indoor and outdoor air, respectively. Among PFAAs, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the dominant class in both indoor and outdoor air (median: 3822.3 and 495.1 pg/m³, respectively), whereas polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs; median: 2811.6 and 732.0 pg/m³) and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs; median: 1436.6 and 313.5 pg/m³) were the predominant PFAA precursors. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA), di-sulfonamido polyfluoroalkyl phosphate (diSAmPAP), and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) were the major individual PFAS detected indoors. All PFAS classes showed indoor enrichment relative to outdoor air. Children had higher body-weight-normalized inhalation exposure than adults. Under the low-exposure scenario, FTOHs contributed most to total EDI, whereas PFCAs predominated under the high-exposure scenario.

CONCLUSION: Primary schools constitute important indoor microenvironments for PFAS exposure. Although PFAA precursors predominated in indoor air, PFAAs accounted for the largest share of estimated inhalation exposure under the high-exposure scenario, highlighting the importance of considering both PFAA precursors and PFAS in comprehensive exposure assessments.

PMID:42628674 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125533

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 21;409:129005. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The extensive use of fluorinated aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) in firefighting is a primary source of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. However, data on PFAS contamination at AFFF manufacturing sites remains limited. In this study, we selected a AFFF manufacturing plant with over 30 years of operational history to characterize its PFAS contamination profile. We quantified 31 PFAS in key industrial samples (AFFF concentrates and fluorosurfactants (FS) feedstocks) and environmental samples (wastewater, soil, groundwater, and surface water) from the site, and assessed the associated environmental risks. Notably, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) was the predominant component in FS (83.72-92.94 mg/L), AFFF foam concentrates (1.11-13.96 mg/L), and wastewater (2.55 μg/L). In the environmental matrices (soil, groundwater, and surface water), 6:2 FTS, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and sodium perfluorononyloxybenzenesulfonate (OBS) were detected at elevated concentrations. The total oxidizable precursors (TOP) assay revealed that the primary oxidation products in the industrial samples were short chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA, C4-C7), with total PFCA concentrations increasing by 1-3 orders of magnitude post-oxidation. Although PFOS-based AFFF is no longer manufactured or used in China, historically-released PFOS persists at the site. Furthermore, soil PFOS concentrations exceed U.S. EPA's human health guidance values, indicating significant human health risks. For the ecological risk assessment, the acute risk quotient (RQ) for PFOS in soil and surface water samples was below 0.06, whereas the maximum chronic RQ reached 25.29, suggesting that while acute ecological risk is negligible, a substantial chronic ecological risk persists.

PMID:42628896 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129005

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 21;409:129006. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) production sites remain long-term sources of environmental contamination after closure, yet depth-resolved and multi-media contamination profiles within these legacy sites remain poorly understood. This study investigated a decommissioned PFAS production facility in Hubei Province, China, by analyzing 40 PFAS in surface soil, deep soil, groundwater, and surface-deposited dust using a modified U.S. EPA Method 1633A. Human health risks were assessed in accordance with Chinese standard HJ 25.3 and the latest parameters in U.S. EPA's Regional Screening Level (RSL) database. Results identified the facility interior as the primary source area, with ΣPFAS in on-site surface soil (412-11967 μg/kg) significantly exceeding off-site levels (10.8-110 μg/kg). Although the maximum perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) concentration decreased from 66830 μg/kg in 2022 to 3067 μg/kg in 2025, historical PFOS residues continue to exert persistent environmental impacts. In addition, localized accumulation of perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and a high proportion of perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) indicate that the production transition reshaped PFAS profiles. Deep soil and groundwater exhibited pronounced spatial and vertical heterogeneity. PFHxS, PFBS and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) were predominant in groundwater, identifying them as important contributors to current aqueous contamination, which is consistent with their relatively high mobility in the soil-groundwater system. Notably, ΣPFAS in surface-deposited dust reached 0.29-2.50 g/kg, identifying surface-deposited dust and equipment residues as critical long-term contaminant reservoirs. Risk assessments showed that while risks from perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were negligible and PFBS presented only low-level risks in specific groundwater samples, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFHxS, and PFOS posed non-negligible risks in multiple samples. PFOS remained the dominant risk driver with the widest distribution and highest risk levels. These findings underscore that site closure does not equate to risk elimination. Future site management strategies must prioritize targeted remediation and migration control based on health risk assessments, with specific attention to the secondary pollution potential of dust and equipment residues.

PMID:42628902 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129006

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 21;409:129003. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with impaired fetal growth, yet evidence regarding mixture effects and the potential mediating role of maternal glucose homeostasis remains limited. We examined these associations in 642 mother-infant pairs from a prospective birth cohort in Ma'anshan, China. Multivariable linear regression (MLR) was used to assess associations of individual PFAS with neonatal birth weight z-scores (BW-z) and maternal glucose homeostasis. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were applied to characterize cumulative mixture effects. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate potential effect modification. PFNA, PFDA, PFOS, L-PFHxS, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, and 8:2 Cl-PFESA were negatively associated with BW-z, with stronger negative associations observed in female infants. Mixture analyses further supported an overall negative association between PFAS mixture exposure and BW-z. Several PFAS were positively associated with 1-h and 2-h glucose levels, whereas PFNA, PFDoA, and 8:2 Cl-PFESA were negatively associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG); in turn, higher FPG was associated with increased BW-z. Mediation analyses suggested statistically significant indirect effects through FPG in the associations of 8:2 Cl-PFESA and PFNA with BW-z, although the mediation proportions were modest at 11.5% and 9.5%, respectively. These findings suggest that prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with reduced BW-z, particularly among female infants, and that altered fasting glucose may represent one possible, but not primary, pathway linking selected PFAS to fetal growth.

PMID:42628905 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129003

Food Res Int. 2026 Oct 31;242(Pt 1):119838. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119838. Epub 2026 Jun 22.

ABSTRACT

Globally, perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread contaminants that cause significant harm to human health and the environmental. Infant formula is a significant route of PFASs exposure for infants and young children. A reliable method for determining nine PFASs was established using a spherical porous covalent organic framework (COF) as an adsorbent, couple with dispersive solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The prepared COF achieved excellent extraction efficiencies (92.62%-101.71%) for the target PFASs, which is mainly attributed to hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding effects. A total of 184 infant formula samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate the potential health risks associated with PFASs to consumers. PFASs were detected in 47.3% of the samples, and 23.9% of the tested samples were contaminated with two or more PFASs. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for extracting trace levels of PFASs from infant formula, emphasizing the importance of monitoring PFAS contamination in infant foods.

PMID:42629069 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119838

Ultrason Sonochem. 2026 Aug 17;133:108008. doi: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.108008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remains a significant environmental challenge. Acoustic cavitation has shown promising potential for PFAS degradation; however, its broader application is limited by the low treatment capacity and insufficient energy efficiency of conventional sonication systems. This study investigates the transition from batch to flow-through multi-frequency sonication. A high-frequency unit was numerically designed and acoustically optimized to enhance acoustic pressure focusing and cavitation intensity. The optimized unit was implemented in a single-frequency flow-through configuration (135 kHz, 0.2 kWh/L), achieving 66% PFOS and 55% PFOA removal. In addition, conventional batch and hybrid batch/flow-through configurations were evaluated as intermediate steps toward the development of a flow-through sonication system. The dual frequency batch system (21 and 31 kHz, 0.8 kWh/L) achieved 40% PFOS and 45% PFOA degradation, whereas the triple-frequency hybrid sonicator (21, 31, and 135 kHz, 0.8 kWh/L) achieved up to 77% PFOS and 81% PFOA removal. The progressive formation of short-chain PFAS indicated sustained chain scission during sonication. To further investigate treatment capacity and energy efficiency under larger-volume operation, a dual-frequency flowthrough reactor (21 and 38 kHz) was proposed and evaluated, achieving 74% PFOS and 36% PFOA degradation at an energy density of 0.10 kWh/L. These findings demonstrate the influence of frequency and reactor configuration on PFAS degradation mechanism and highlight the potential of multifrequency flow-through sonication to improve the energy efficiency of PFAS degradation.

PMID:42623977 | PMC:PMC13521215 | DOI:10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.108008

Water Res. 2026 Aug 14;307:126729. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.126729. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a highly mobile and persistent ultra-short-chain PFAS that is seldom included in routine surveillance in under monitored regions. This non-probability, stratified Ghanaian case study screened 260 groundwater, surface water, treated water, packaged water and rainwater samples by direct aqueous LC-MS/MS. TFA identity was supported by calibration with a certified native standard, three MRM transitions and reproducible proximity to a ¹³C₂-labelled internal standard; the observed 0.040 min median retention time offset was treated as supportive rather than standalone identification evidence. A response at the expected difluoroacetic acid (DFA) transition was retained only as an exploratory DFA-like signal because the method used one transition, showed early chromatographic elution and lacked a DFA-specific labelled internal standard. TFA was detected in 243 samples (93.5%); the tentative DFA-like signal occurred in 152 samples (58.5%). Agricultural groundwater had the highest TFA mean (10.05 µg/L), 95th percentile (41.62 µg/L) and maximum (48.99 µg/L), identifying it as the principal follow-up stratum within the sampled design rather than demonstrating an agricultural source. Nineteen samples exceeded the precautionary 10 µg/L screening benchmark for unregulated drinking water substances, whereas none exceeded the TFA-specific 60 µg/L health-based guidelines. Treated and packaged water categories had lower unmatched concentrations than source water categories, but these contrasts do not measure treatment removal. TFA rankings and benchmark classification were unchanged across four treatments of non-detects. The study provides a transferable Ghanaian occurrence screening framework that combines analytical confidence classification, censoring sensitivity and explicit limits on causal, treatment and health interpretation. Furthermore, to address the possibility that the DFA-targeted response could arise from TFA during electrospray ionisation, the chromatographic evidence was re-evaluated: the DFA-like response eluted at a median 1.070 min, clearly earlier than TFA at 1.430 min. This separation argues against a simple post column/in-source TFA-derived product, but a dedicated TFA-only interference challenge monitored at m/z95.2 > 51.1 was not observed; therefore an ESI-related artefact cannot be definitively excluded and the signal remains unconfirmed.

PMID:42624057 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.126729

Water Res. 2026 Aug 16;307:126746. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.126746. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Capturing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water via adsorption remains vital yet challenging due to the lack of effective sorbents with high affinity across the wide structural diversity, particularly the highly mobile short-chain PFAS. This limitation also challenges the performance of PFAS passive samplers. Here, we report a homemade anion exchange resin with polystyrene and triethylamine structures (PS-NEt₃⁺) that is highly effective at capturing and releasing PFAS. PS-NEt₃⁺outperformed commercial benchmarks in capturing various legacy and emerging PFAS across multiple matrices, exhibiting particularly high affinity for short-chain PFAS (>85% uptake) in the presence of inorganic competitors. PS-NEt₃⁺also demonstrated superior uptake at a low sorbent dose (30 mg/L) for broad-spectrum PFAS, including unknown structures, in highly polluted scenarios with both inorganic and organic competitors. The 75/25 mixture of PS-NEt₃⁺and a commercial resin further improves the capture of the 40 PFAS analytes in USEPA Method 1633. The mixture achieved a median regeneration recovery of 97% when eluted with methanol containing ammonium acetate. The high PFAS affinity and selectivity of the mixture make it an ideal receiving phase for passive samplers by overcoming the enduring challenge of limited uptake and early sorbent breakthrough in previous passive sampling studies. Furthermore, while resins with long or asymmetric amines have been considered superior for PFAS capture in previous studies, the surprisingly high performance of PS-NEt₃⁺ challenges this prevailing assumption and opens new avenues for PFAS sorbent selection.

PMID:42624066 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.126746

Sci Rep. 2026 Aug 1;16(1):26191. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-56614-2.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of anthropogenic organic compounds ubiquitous in the environment. Growing evidence has underscored these associated health risks. Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), which is characterized by a decline in oocyte quantity and quality, is a significant cause of female infertility. However, the role of PFAS in the pathogenesis of DOR remains unclear. This study integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the mechanisms of PFAS on DOR, with subsequent validation using KGN cells. Multi-database screening identified 35 candidate targets. Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that PFAS perturb pathways governing cell proliferation and differentiation, immune-inflammatory responses, and hormone signaling. Furthermore, we identified three core targets by integrating the GEO database analysis, and machine learning. Single-gene GSEA elucidated multi-pathway regulatory mechanisms. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities between PFAS and these targets, while MD simulations confirmed the structural stability of the resulting complexes. PFAS exposure induces dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in KGN cells in vitro. It activates apoptotic signaling via BAX upregulation and Bcl-2 downregulation and accelerates oxidative stress by suppressing glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) expression. Additionally, PFAS impair ovarian reserve function by inhibiting the synthesis and secretion of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (INHB). Notably, TGFBR1 upregulation suggests the activation of pro-fibrotic signaling markers, further compromising ovarian function. Our findings propose a potential mechanistic framework wherein PFAS may contribute to DOR progression by correlating with apoptosis, inducing oxidative stress, suppressing reserve markers, and activating fibrotic pathways. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of PFAS-associated DOR.

PMID:42624865 | PMC:PMC13494042 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-56614-2

Food Chem. 2026 Aug 19;526:150857. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.150857. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants that may threaten food safety. Standardized analytical methods for low-fat liquid foods remain limited. This study validates a novel integrated workflow for the simultaneous determination of 12 PFAS in drinking water, plant-based milk alternatives and skimmed milk. Food samples underwent Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction, followed by one-step solid-phase extraction (SPE) cleanup for all matrices before ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis with isotope dilution. The method achieved excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.990), limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.0005 μg/L for water and 0.0040 μg/kg for food matrices, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) < 20%. Isotopically labelled internal standards compensated matrix effects, avoiding matrix-matched calibration. Analysis of commercial samples showed PFAS concentrations below the LOQ in nearly all cases. This method provides a robust approach for multi-matrix PFAS monitoring and supports improved food safety surveillance.

PMID:42623806 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.150857

ACS ES T Water. 2026 Jul 28;6(8):5377-5386. doi: 10.1021/acsestwater.6c00547. eCollection 2026 Aug 14.

ABSTRACT

Management of beneficial reuse sites typically focuses on controlling the fate and transport of conventional water quality parameters, particularly nitrogen. However, it is unclear if current management is also effective for controlling contaminants with distinct physiochemical properties, such as pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of nitrate, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals in groundwater monitoring wells at a beneficial reuse site. These data sets were integrated with hydrogeologic variables, including groundwater elevation, rainfall, surface karst features, wastewater inputs, and irrigation intensity, to compare drivers of occurrence, fate, and transport behavior across classes of contaminants. Additionally, we evaluated the suitability of a modified version of a groundwater vulnerability model for predicting spatial patterns of PFAS and pharmaceuticals. Overall, pharmaceuticals exhibited lower detection frequencies, higher temporal variability, and spatial patterns distinct from nitrate and PFAS. Their episodic occurrence responded strongly to wastewater inputs and rarely exceeded criteria for antibiotic resistance. In contrast, PFAS and nitrate concentrations fluctuated primarily with groundwater elevation and were well-aligned with groundwater vulnerability predictions. Results suggest that reuse management should target periods of high rainfall and consumer use to reduce pharmaceutical inputs, whereas nitrate and PFAS management should be informed by groundwater conditions.

PMID:42621441 | PMC:PMC13488393 | DOI:10.1021/acsestwater.6c00547

ACS ES T Water. 2026 Aug 4;6(8):4874-4884. doi: 10.1021/acsestwater.6c00198. eCollection 2026 Aug 14.

ABSTRACT

Domestic wastewater has the potential to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and may impact groundwater when discharged to on-site septic systems. This study quantified and characterized PFAS in domestic wastewater effluent discharging to leach fields from four community septic systems in New Hampshire. Median monthly PFAS concentrations in wastewater effluent (sum of 40 PFAS) ranged from 7 to 88 ng/L, corresponding to a PFAS mass loading of 3-14 μg/person/day. Perfluorocarboxylic acids constituted 70% of PFAS molar mass overall, largely attributed to perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid. More comprehensive PFAS analysis (extended targeted list of 84 PFAS, total oxidizable precursor assay, and adsorbable organic fluorine) indicated that precursors, and potentially fluorinated pharmaceuticals, were present in domestic wastewater effluent that were unaccounted for in standard PFAS methods, especially for conventional septic systems without an innovative/alternative onsite wastewater treatment system (I/A OWTS). Where I/A OWTSs are present, microbially mediated precursor transformations may alter PFAS signals in wastewater effluent discharged to leach fields. While challenges remain in characterizing a typical domestic wastewater PFAS signature, this study demonstrates that community septic systems that aggregate wastewater from individual households can aid in understanding community-level contributions of PFAS to the environment.

PMID:42621987 | PMC:PMC13488396 | DOI:10.1021/acsestwater.6c00198

Microbiol Resour Announc. 2026 Aug 20:e0018226. doi: 10.1128/mra.00182-26. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A total of 22 bacterial strains were isolated from PFAS-contaminated soil (Veneto, Italy), after a 5-month enrichment using perfluorooctanoic acid and heptafluorobutyric acid. Whole genomes were sequenced and screened with a curated database of dehalogenase-related proteins. All genomes showed potential for fluorinated compound transformation.

PMID:42622413 | DOI:10.1128/mra.00182-26

Toxicol Sci. 2026 Aug 19:kfag102. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfag102. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants causing widespread concern for developmental toxicity in humans. PFAS can cause adverse developmental outcomes, yet factors determining PFAS susceptibility remain poorly understood. Whether PFAS resistance reflects generalized stress tolerance shared with other toxicants has not been explored. To address this, we assayed a panel of Drosophila melanogaster lines with established traits of resistance and susceptibility to methylmercury (MeHg) for developmental toxicity with several PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX). With larval exposures, PFOS showed the greatest potency, producing failures in both pupariation and eclosion at concentrations as low as 5µM (2.5ppm) in food. PFOS and MeHg resistance profiles across the genotype panel did not correspond, indicating toxicant-specific mechanisms control susceptibility apart from generalized stress tolerance pathways. Accounting for PFOS body burden after exposure, resistant and susceptible lines displayed markedly different developmental outcomes at similar internal concentrations indicating that variation in susceptibility reflects toxicodynamic differences aside from variance in accumulation. Drawing on a prior role for mitochondrial dysfunction in the toxicity of both PFAS and heavy metals, we implemented neural and muscle-specific modulation of mitochondrial function via expression of dPGC-1 and ND1. Increased dPGC-1 or ND1 in muscle, compared to neural tissues, showed enhanced resistance to PFOS across all developmental outcomes. Notably, muscle-targeted overexpression of these mitochondria related genes conferred developmental protection without reducing PFOS accumulation, supporting a toxicodynamic basis of resistance. While PFOS toxicity arises through mechanisms distinct from MeHg, muscle mitochondria serve as a potential physiological nexus influencing developmental toxicity.

PMID:42615982 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfag102

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Aug 11;222:108348. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108348. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the spatial distribution, partitioning, and mass inventory of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the waters and sediments of a shallow marine embayment. The aim was to understand where catchment derived PFAS are ultimately distributed. Six 60 cm sediment cores from various depositional environments were analysed for 44 PFAS, with 11 compounds detected. The Σ₄₄ PFAS burden was estimated at 14.1 tonnes, located mostly at depths of 6-18 cm. The sediment Σ₄₄ PFAS composition was estimated to be mostly 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (2.7 kg/km²) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (2.9 kg/km²). The remainder was composed of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorobutane sulfonate, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, at concentrations of 0.02-0.7 kg/km². The central basin (1032 km²) was the primary PFAS sink, containing an estimated Σ₄₄ PFAS mass of 7.0 tonnes, approximately 50% of the total PFAS burden. In contrast, surface sediment grab samples indicated an estimated Σ₄₄ PFAS total sediment load of only ∼23 kg (0.2% of the core estimate). Surface water samples indicated an estimated Σ₄₄ PFAS mass in the water column of ∼199 kg (∼1.4% of the sediment). Sediment/water partition coefficients ranged from 0.9 to 118.7 L/kg. The results expand our knowledge of PFAS environmental fate and transport. They demonstrate that i) sediments in shallow embayments can act as large PFAS sinks; ii) PFAS deposition is variable and depends on sediment physicochemical properties, transport, and depositional settings; and iii) grab samples may miss PFAS >6 cm below the sediment surface.

PMID:42617221 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108348

Neoplasia. 2026 Aug 19;80:101353. doi: 10.1016/j.neo.2026.101353. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved cancer survival, but immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occur frequently and can have devastating consequences. There are no validated methods to evaluate risk of irAEs prior to initiation of ICIs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a pilot study evaluating the ability of blood-based, single-cell secretomic analysis to characterize irAEs. A total of 10 patients with thoracic malignancies who were scheduled to receive ICIs were enrolled. Each patient had a pre-ICI blood sample drawn as well as a sample at the time of irAE development or 12 weeks after ICI initiation, whichever came first. Utilizing IsoPlexis's IsoLight system, polyfunctionality percentages (PFAs) and strength indices (PSIs) were analyzed for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

RESULTS: Five patients developed irAEs and 5 patients did not develop irAEs. Pre- and post-ICI CD8+ T cell PFA was significantly elevated in patients who developed irAEs compared with those who did not (p = 0.017 and p = 0.014, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, pre-ICI CD8+ T cell PFA was associated with development of irAEs. While this is a pilot study, this is a first step toward developing a blood-based, streamlined assay to assess risk of irAEs prior to initiation of ICIs. Validation in larger cohorts is warranted.

PMID:42617555 | PMC:PMC13520622 | DOI:10.1016/j.neo.2026.101353

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Aug 17;516:143328. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143328. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants that threaten groundwater resources and human health, particularly at firefighting training sites where aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been extensively used. This study investigates PFAS fate and transport in the unsaturated zone (UZ) at a firefighting training site in Korsør, Denmark, where legacy PFOS-based and subsequent fluorotelomer-based foams were historically applied. PFAS transport dynamics were evaluated using a vadose zone monitoring system (VMS), complemented by periodic soil and groundwater sampling. Two years of continuous monitoring of sediment water content and PFAS concentrations revealed a strong relationship between seasonal infiltration and PFAS mobilization. Elevated concentrations of both short- and long-chain PFAS were observed during wet periods with increased infiltration and UZ water content. During drier periods, long-chain PFAS, particularly PFOA and PFOS, decreased markedly in UZ porewater, indicating stronger retention. Soil sampling at the end of the monitoring period showed that legacy PFAS persisted in both shallow and deeper organic-rich layers, representing long-term sources of groundwater contamination. PFAS mass-flux estimates further demonstrated that infiltration-driven hydrological forcing regulates contaminant transfer through the vadose zone and contributes to sustained PFAS loading to underlying groundwater over time.

PMID:42617580 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143328

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Oct 15;1419:345892. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.345892. Epub 2026 Jun 26.

ABSTRACT

The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) residue are considered as serious environmental pollution that create a great risk of exposure to humans and other living beings. Rapid, simple and sensitive detection technology of PFAS is necessary and challenging. Compared with conventional pretreatment techniques, magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) possesses several advantages of high efficiency, simplicity and rapid separation process. So an approach possesses these attractive merits is highly desired. An efficient and sensitive sorbent materials is of vital importance in MSPE pretreatment techniques. The self-assembly strategy was utilized to prepare novel graphene oxide (GO) on magnetic carbon (Fe₃O₄@C) particles in this work. The prepared materials GO@Fe₃O₄@C were used as sorbents in MSPE for six PFAS. Single factor experiment method was utilized to systematically evaluate the main extraction parameters influencing the adsorption efficiency. Wide linearities (0.01-1000 ng L^-1) and low detection limits (0.003-0.02 ng L^-1) for six PFAS were exhibited under optimal conditions. The proposed GO@Fe₃O₄@C/MSPE method was also used to monitor analytes in tea samples. These results demonstrated that GO@Fe₃O₄@C adsorbents would be potential alternatives for the adsorption and detection of PFAS at trace level from real samples. The design of GO@Fe₃O₄@C with high efficiency extraction is expected to provide new ideas and methods for trace PFAS determination and other structural analogues in environmental samples based on the prominent advantages. This method is simple, rapid, green and sensitive and could advance PFAS detection application in food industry.

PMID:42618101 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.345892

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Oct 15;1419:345914. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.345914. Epub 2026 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) need to be effectively monitored in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) to assess treatment performance and manage potential health risks. Grab sampling provides only snapshot concentrations, whereas passive sampling offers time-weighted average concentrations (C_TWA). Polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) are widely used for polar contaminants, including PFAS, yet their reliability for estimating C_TWA in individual DWTP processes remains unclear.

RESULTS: PFAS passive sampling performance was evaluated in controlled laboratory tests and a 14-day field study at a pilot-scale DWTP. C_TWA values were determined using POCIS consisting of a polyethersulfone membrane and a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced sorbent. Under controlled laboratory conditions with time-varying concentrations, passive sampling reliably captured PFAS fluctuations, while 33% of the total accumulated mass of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid was found in the membrane, highlighting the importance of whole-sampler uptake for C_TWA estimation. In the field study, passive sampling generally yielded lower PFAS concentrations than grab sampling even after flow-specific sampling rates were applied to each process stage, especially in stages with elevated suspended solids and organic matter. Under DWTP conditions, 21-52% of accumulated perfluorooctanoic acid was retained in the membrane, indicating that water-matrix effects altered sampler uptake.

SIGNIFICANCE: POCIS provided reliable PFAS concentration estimates under controlled exposure conditions, whereas field application was influenced by water-matrix conditions. These findings identify water-matrix effects as an important source of uncertainty beyond hydrodynamic correction and highlight the need for matrix-aware interpretation of passive sampling results in fields.

PMID:42618120 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.345914

Chem Sci. 2026 Aug 11. doi: 10.1039/d6sc03163c. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), pose severe environmental and health risks owing to their persistence and widespread contamination of water resources. Their effective removal from water, however, remains challenging due to the difficulty of simultaneously achieving high removal efficiency, high adsorption capacity, and scalable processability. Here, we address this challenge by integrating high-capacity molecular adsorption directly into a scalable membrane architecture. We report a composite membrane formed by the in situ growth of a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF-21m) with exceptional PFAS affinity on a cellulose substrate. The resulting membrane simultaneously delivers 99.9% PFOA rejection and high water permeance (86.3 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1), while exhibiting an outstanding PFOA adsorption capacity of (6.57 ± 0.38) × 10³ mg g^-1, enabled by synergistic multi-site interactions within the HOF framework. Importantly, the use of inexpensive ligands and mild synthesis conditions allows roll-to-roll fabrication of large-area continuous membranes (0.6 m × 10 m), demonstrating clear scalability. These findings establish HOF-based membranes as a practical platform for high-performance PFAS removal.

PMID:42614893 | PMC:PMC13482906 | DOI:10.1039/d6sc03163c

J Am Chem Soc. 2026 Aug 17. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6c10096. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Carbenes, recognized as potent intermediates, enable otherwise inaccessible chemical transformations. The development of readily accessible aldehydes as oxycarbene precursors is of significant research value, yet it has never been achieved before. Compounds with a better decomposable trifluoromethoxy (-OCF3) group have found diverse applications in pharmaceutical and agricultural research and are considered promising PFAS's alternatives. Here, we report that (hetero)aryl-, alkenyl-, and alkynyl-aldehydes are readily converted (via isolable or in situ-utilized α-OCF3 secondary chlorides derived from O-trifluoromethylation/chlorination of aldehydes) to unprecedented, structurally diverse free α-OCF3 carbenes to facilitate three reaction classes, including cyclopropanation, Si-H insertion, and phosphonylation via phosphorus ylide. This approach opens avenues to access previously elusive but potentially valuable OCF3-containing compounds, including OCF3-substituted cyclopropanes, silanes, and phosphonates, expanding both organofluorine and carbene chemistry.

PMID:42612978 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.6c10096

RSC Adv. 2026 Aug 17. doi: 10.1039/d6ra02536f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have appeared as a critical class of lasting ecological contaminants because of their extreme chemical stability, bioaccumulation capacity, and negative health impacts. Traditional treatment approaches, like activated carbon adsorption and ion exchange, in addition to membrane filtration, often demonstrate restricted effectiveness, particularly for short-chain PFASs and under complex water matrices. Consequently, the development of advanced, in addition to emerging, materials has become a central focus for effective PFAS remediation from contaminated water systems. Recent research highlights the promise of several innovative material classes, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), cyclodextrin-based materials and ionic liquids (ILs), in addition to deep eutectic solvents (DESs). These materials exhibit tunable surface chemistry, high porosity, and tailored functional groups that facilitate multiple adsorption mechanisms like electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic and fluorophilic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, hybrid and composite systems offer enhanced selectivity, reusability, and operational efficiency. The incorporation of fluorinated moieties and functional groups capable of specific PFAS recognition further improves sorption capacity and selectivity. In addition, the advent of green and sustainable extraction media, such as biocompatible DESs and recyclable IL-based systems, represents a step toward environmentally responsible remediation technologies. Notwithstanding these developments, obstacles remain in achieving scalable deployment of these materials, maintaining performance in complex environmental conditions, and ensuring cost-effective regeneration. Emerging materials represent a transformative avenue for the specific and efficient elimination of PFASs from aqueous environments, bridging the disparity between fundamental material design and real-world water treatment uses.

PMID:42609761 | PMC:PMC13479959 | DOI:10.1039/d6ra02536f

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Aug 18;462:135654. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135654. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emergent macrophytes are key components in the phytoremediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated wastewaters, yet comparative evidence on species-specific bioaccumulation and metabolic strategies remains scarce. Here, four typical emergent plants (Juncus effusus (Je), Cyperus alternifolius (Ca), Canna indica (Ci), and Iris tectorum Maxim. (It)) were chosen for PFAS hydroponic experiments. Among the four species, Ca exhibited the highest PFAS concentrations in both roots and shoots (19909.41 ± 45.76 ng/g and 11561.24 ± 97.78 ng/g), correlated with its highest total root length (750.49 cm) and stele area proportion (A_stele/A_root = 0.081). As for novel alternatives, F-53B showed the strongest enrichment and the lower translocation factor (TF < 0.5). Subcellular analyses indicated that short-chain PFAS were mainly distributed in soluble fractions, whereas long-chain PFAS were preferentially retained in cell walls and organelles. The four species developed distinct physiological and metabolic adaptation strategies: In Ca, glutamine/asparagine metabolism was increased to support nitrogen balance, accompanied by increased root activity and pigment contents. Je was characterized mainly by osmotic adjustment and sugar-acid metabolic remodeling. It depended largely on glutathione (GSH)-linked antioxidant and phenylpropanoid defenses, whereas Ci exhibited suppressed nitrogen assimilation and weak antioxidant compensation. These findings reveal species-specific patterns of PFAS accumulation and adaptive responses in emergent macrophytes, providing a scientific basis for plant selection and the optimization of phytoremediation strategies in PFAS-contaminated aquatic systems.

PMID:42612843 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135654

Anal Chem. 2026 Aug 18;98(32):23920-23928. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6c04358.

ABSTRACT

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) is an attractive technique for small molecule analysis, because of its low background interference and high throughput. However, the performance of SALDI-MS is strongly dependent on substrate design, and the simultaneous realization of dual-polarity ionization, high reproducibility, and high-throughput capability remains challenging. Herein, we report an ordered silicon-based nanostructure array chip anchored with gold nanoparticles (VSiNW-Au) as an efficient SALDI-MS substrate for small-molecule analysis. The uniform anchoring of gold nanoparticles on silicon nanowire arrays affords low background interference, enhanced ionization efficiency, and improved reproducibility, while supporting dual-polarity SALDI-MS analysis under both positive and negative ion modes. The hydrophobic array architecture, combined with automated mass spectrometry data acquisition, enables rapid analysis of up to 60 samples within 10 min. The performance of the VSiNW-Au platform is demonstrated by detecting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in spiked water samples and by comprehensive profiling of metabolites and lipids in serum. These results highlight the potential of the VSiNW-Au array chip as a robust and high-throughput SALDI-MS platform for rapid screening applications in environmental and biological analysis.

PMID:42610921 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.6c04358

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Aug 18;60(32):22603-22613. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c00992.

ABSTRACT

Rational design of regenerants for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-laden ion-exchange resins is hindered by the complex interplay among solution components, resin properties, and PFAS structures. This study applied machine learning (ML) with 916 experimental data points to predict the liquid-phase desorption efficiency (DE) of PFAS-laden resins and identify critical influencing factors. We observed that DE positively correlated with the application of polyacrylic resins and organic solvent concentration, but was negatively influenced by PFAS chain length. Subsequently, the interpretable ML model was employed to design targeted regeneration strategies, guiding a systematic assessment from single-component to multicomponent regenerants. The model revealed that polyacrylic resins achieve high DE (>95%) using single-chloride salts (e.g., 5-10% NaCl) through ion exchange. In contrast, most polystyrene resins require combined alkali-salt solutions to surpass 80% DE by disrupting hydrophobic interactions. Model-proposed optimal formulations for nine resins across four PFAS were experimentally validated, demonstrating a close match between predictions and outcomes with a mean absolute deviation of 10.5-16.7 percentage points. This study offers a transferable and data-driven strategy for optimizing resin regenerant formulations, highlighting interpretable ML's role in advancing efficient recovery practices.

PMID:42611431 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c00992

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Aug 18;60(32):22954-22964. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c05663.

ABSTRACT

CT (i.e., hypochlorite concentration C × exposure time T) value, borrowed from water disinfection that assumes the equivalent contribution of C and T, is widely used to indicate membrane chlorination intensity. Although intentional chlorine treatment is commonly applied to polyamide nanofiltration membranes for surface modification or fouling control, whether C and T play equivalent roles in membrane rejection of diverse contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), antibiotics, and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the impacts of C and T on contaminant rejection across CT values of 1000-20,000 ppm × h. Results reveal near-equivalent effects on the rejection of PFASs and antibiotics at low chlorination intensities (e.g., ≤ 2000 ppm × h), but significantly inequivalent impacts on the rejection of all contaminants at higher intensities (e.g., CT ≥ 10,000 ppm × h). High-C chlorination induced more severe polyamide degradation than long T chlorination, drastically compromising contaminant rejection (e.g., sulfadiazine rejection of 98.2% vs 59.3% for membranes chlorinated at 2000 ppm × 10 h and 20,000 ppm × 1 h, respectively). Based on these results, a conceptual framework was established to decouple the traditional CT paradigm, revealing the fundamental mechanisms of chlorination-induced changes in membrane rejection.

PMID:42611467 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c05663

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Aug 18;60(32):22423-22436. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c04782.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a global environmental threat due to their chemical stability and bioaccumulation. However, the efficacy of current adsorbents in contaminated source remediation is constrained by limited selectivity and the lack of sustainable regenerability. Here we report AR-1, a pore-size-tuned cross-linked polymethacrylate adsorbent for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) capture and water-mediated regeneration. By engineering high-density ester-functionalized amphiphilic microenvironments within nanoconfined channels, AR-1 relies on engineered mesoporous confinement, hydrogen bonding, local polar contacts, and hydrophobic/fluorocarbon-chain partitioning interactions. These interactions enable selective molecular recognition of PFOA and promote its confined self-assembly into stable intrapore aggregates. Consequently, AR-1 yields a PFOA adsorption capacity of 531.8 mg g-1 and a removal efficiency of >99% in industrial wastewater. It maintains high selectivity for PFOA even in the presence of a 10,000-fold excess of competing background ions. Furthermore, pH-responsive modulation of interfacial binding affinity allows for nearly 100% regeneration using water alone. This strategy offers a sustainable, high-performance solution to the critical challenge of PFAS contamination.

PMID:42611459 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c04782

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Aug 18;60(32):22883-22894. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c04547.

ABSTRACT

The widespread detection of PFOS precursors in the environment and human matrices raises a new wave of health concerns. However, their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) fates and toxicity profiles in mammals remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the toxicokinetic, metabolic transformation, and toxicity of three precursors, N-MeFOSA, N-EtFOSA, and N-EtFOSAA, by integrating toxicokinetic modeling in mice, rat liver microsome metabolism, and hepatocellular toxicity assays. N-MeFOSA and N-EtFOSA were rapidly eliminated in vivo and exhibited high efficiencies of conversion to legacy PFAS in liver microsomes, surpassing the typically low transformation rates in mammals reported for other precursors. Notably, N-MeFOSA showed the greatest metabolic transformation potential (25% legacy PFAS and 22% PFOS in 3 h). Moreover, in hepatocellular toxicity assays, both precursors exhibited weaker direct metabolic perturbations than their metabolites (PFOS and FOSA), indicating that their toxicity is primarily enhanced via metabolic activation. In contrast, N-EtFOSAA displayed persistence and stability in vivo and in vitro and induced lipid accumulation comparable to that of PFOS, together with stronger inhibition of cellular energy metabolism. Collectively, our study provides crucial ADME data identifying N-alkyl-FOSA-type precursors as non-negligible internal PFOS sources, underscoring a dual-risk paradigm where toxicity is driven either by metabolic activation or intrinsic parent compound toxicity.

PMID:42611445 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c04547

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Aug 18;60(32):23004-23005. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c09587.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42611504 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c09587

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Aug 18;60(32):23007-23009. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c11134.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42611505 | PMC:PMC13492266 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c11134

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 18;408:128979. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128979. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of chemicals of growing concern due to their persistence and potential impacts on human and environmental health. While the occurrence and toxicity of several legacy PFAS are relatively well understood, knowledge of emerging PFAS, particularly in free-living organisms, remains limited. This study investigated the occurrence and biological effects of a mixture of thirty-eight legacy and emerging PFAS nearby a Fluoropolymer Production Plant (FPP) located in Northwestern Italy. Legacy and emerging PFAS were measured in eggs of two resident passerine species, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and the great tit (Parus major), breeding near the FPP and in an agricultural-rural area (AA). Oxidative stress-related biomarkers, including antioxidant and detoxifying enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation, were assessed in nestling blood samples. PFAS were detected in eggs of both the species, reaching concentrations of Σ₂₁PFAS up to 1451 ng/g f.w. in starlings and 6576 ng/g f.w. in great tits. Eggs collected near the FPP showed PFAS levels up to ten-fold higher than those from the AA, with chloro-perfluoropolyether carboxylic acids (Cl-PFPECAs) dominating the contamination profile. Despite similar exposure patterns, biological responses differed between species. No significant effects were observed in great tit nestlings, whereas starling nestlings breeding near the FPP exhibited altered antioxidant defenses and increased lipid peroxidation, indicating they suffered an oxidative stress condition. These findings demonstrate that environmental exposure to PFAS mixtures near an FPP can induce oxidative stress in free-living birds and highlight the need for further field-based studies to improve understanding of PFAS toxicity and support environmental risk assessment.

PMID:42612775 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128979

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2026 Aug 18:e77280. doi: 10.1002/advs.77280. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous persistent environmental pollutants with high bioaccumulation potential and widespread human exposure risks in contaminated water, soil, and biota. Although extensive studies have established the hepatotoxic potential of PFAS, much less is known regarding their cardiotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we investigated the cardiotoxic effects and molecular pathways of two representative PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its alternative hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA). Exposure to either PFOA or HFPO‑TA caused cardiac structural and functional damage, mitochondrial morphological abnormalities, and increased cardiac senescence, with HFPO-TA eliciting greater cardiotoxicity. Mechanistically, PFOA and HFPO-TA suppress CDK4 expression, destabilize mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts (MERCs), and impair PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. This defective mitophagy promotes mitochondrial DNA leakage and subsequent activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, ultimately driving cardiac senescence. Notably, cycloastragenol (CAG) effectively reverses CDK4 downregulation, restores MERCs stability, and attenuates PFOA/HFPO-TA-induced cardiac senescence in vitro. Collectively, this study uncovers a CDK4/MERCs/PINK1 axis mediating PFOA/HFPO-TA-induced myocardial toxicity and identifies CAG as a promising natural product for mitigating environmental pollutant-induced cardiac senescence, offering insights for PFAS health risk assessment and intervention strategies.

PMID:42610510 | PMC:PMC13482932 | DOI:10.1002/advs.77280

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Aug 14;516:143307. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143307. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues, but their precursor contributions, leaching mechanisms, and release potentials remain unclear. Here, 21 PFAS were analyzed in fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) from five MSWI plants in China. Mean Σ₂₁PFAS concentrations were 75.8 ng·g^-1 in FA and 38.4 ng·g^-1 in BA, exceeding previous reports. Short-chain and alternative PFAS predominated, with HFPO-DA (GenX) occurring at 2.5-29.1 ng·g^-1 and accounting for 3.7%-44.4% of Σ₂₁PFAS. The total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay indicated limited precursor-derived PFAA formation, although hidden precursors or unidentified organofluorine cannot be excluded. Baseline PFAS leaching ranged from 1.1 to 9.9 ng·g^-1 in FA and from 0.4 to 30.7 ng·g^-1 in BA. Leaching was governed by desorption and mass transfer, was generally endothermic and thermodynamically unfavorable, and was enhanced by dissolved organic matter. For China in 2025, total ash-associated Σ₂₁PFAS loads were estimated at 916.9, 2858.0, and 6283.4 kg·y^-1 under conservative, likely, and extreme scenarios. FA-derived release could account for 1.4%, 13.3%, and 19.2% of the national Σ₂₁PFAS load in landfill leachate, whereas BA showed potential releases of 19.1, 264.2, and 1690.5 kg·y^-1. These findings identify MSWI residues as potential secondary PFAS sources requiring improved risk management.

PMID:42607473 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143307

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Aug 15;516:143311. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Efficient removal and deep defluorination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) remain pressing challenges in water remediation. In this work, we first outline the molecular structures and properties of PFAS, with emphasis on the initial steps at the molecular level. These include direct electron transfer (DET) and hydroxyl radical-mediated chain cleavage during electrooxidation, as well as hydrodefluorination (HDF) pathways in electroreduction. Subsequently, we illustrate removal efficiencies and energy consumption in relation to electrode materials and target pollutant characteristics, and discuss the influence of operating conditions (e.g., current density, pH, initial pollutant concentration). Meanwhile, we explore the effects of operating conditions such as current density, pH, and initial pollutant concentration to highlight the application potential of electrochemical technologies for PFAS removal. Additionally, we propose a life cycle assessment framework encompassing seven impact categories, including abiotic depletion, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, global warming potential, and human toxicity potential, to systematically evaluate the environmental compatibility and economic viability of existing electrode materials. This framework bridges fundamental electrochemistry with the engineering scale implementation of PFAS degradation.

PMID:42607474 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143311

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2026 Aug 15;1282:125252. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2026.125252. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals widely applied in industrial processes and highly persistent in the environment, whose extensive use has been linked to adverse health effects. Venous plasma is the conventional matrix for PFAS assessment in blood, and LC-MS/MS is the most used quantification technique. Despite the relevance of this topic, biomonitoring data on human exposure to PFAS in Brazil remain limited. This study validated an LC-MS/MS method for determination of 13 PFAS in human plasma. Blood samples were collected from volunteers by phlebotomy, followed by protein precipitation with acetonitrile containing 1% formic acid (v/v) and solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column. The assay was linear over a calibration range of 0.2-20 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay precision (CV%) were within the ranges of 2.06-12.0% and 0.25-10.7%, respectively. As for accuracy, results were 89.0-112.9%. Matrix effect ranged from -1.31 to 0.05%. Stability after four freeze/thaw cycles and under autosampler conditions were also confirmed for all analytes. The method was applied to 40 paired venous and capillary plasma samples. Both measures exhibited high correlation (r = 0.926). PFOS was the only compound detected at concentrations ≥0.2 ng/mL (LLOQ) in all samples, with capillary plasma concentrations of 0.85-13.50 ng/mL. In summary, the method showed good validation performance and demonstrated the suitability of capillary plasma samples as an alternative matrix for PFAS quantification.

PMID:42607347 | DOI:10.1016/j.jchromb.2026.125252

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 17;408:128980. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128980. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants associated with cancer risk, but their relevance to multiple myeloma remains poorly understood. In an unmatched case-control study of 173 participants, we integrated PFAS biomonitoring, immunoglobulin profiling, and untargeted metabolomics to characterize PFAS-associated immune and metabolic alterations. Higher circulating concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluoroheptane sulfonate were associated with increased odds of multiple myeloma and lower polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG). Metabolomic analyses identified candidate alterations involving glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway-related metabolism, redox homeostasis, lipid peroxidation, and arachidonic acid-derived mediators. Several PFAS-IgG and PFAS-metabolic associations were also observed among controls, suggesting that these patterns were not solely attributable to diagnosed multiple myeloma. Complementary PFAS mixture experiments showed lower circulating IgG, reduced bone marrow plasma-cell frequency, and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase activity in mice; experiments in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells showed disrupted redox homeostasis and enhanced oxidative stress. Exploratory mediation analysis further prioritized metabolites potentially mediating the associations between PFAS exposure and multiple myeloma. Together, these findings identify the bone marrow immunometabolic environment as a biologically relevant interface for PFAS-associated effects and support further prospective and targeted experimental investigation.

PMID:42607791 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128980

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2026 Aug 17. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6c11304. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Rapid, field-deployable screening methods are needed for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly in high-load and non-potable water streams. Here, we report a responsive complex-emulsion platform in which acid-reactive block copolymers (BCPs) stabilize hydrocarbon/fluorocarbon/water droplets and convert perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) binding into an optically readable change in morphology. Polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) and polystyrene-block-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PGMA) were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization and screened for interfacial activity and emulsion stability. The selected copolymers, PS2.4k-b-P4VP2.7k and PS2.5k-b-PGMA1.8k, reduced the hydrocarbon/water interfacial tension to 25.77 and 13.23 mN m-1, respectively, and stabilized fluorocarbon-in-hydrocarbon-in-water droplets. Exposure to PFOA transformed the droplets from engulfed to Janus morphologies. The response is consistent with pyridine protonation and pyridinium-perfluorooctanoate ion-pair formation in the PS-b-P4VP system and primarily hydrogen bonding, with a minor contribution from epoxide ring opening, in the PS-b-PGMA system. The morphology transition was retained in PFOA-spiked river water and was distinct from the responses to nonfluorinated carboxylic acids, humic acid, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Integration with a multiple-well flow chip enabled concentration-dependent response times over 10-500 ppb PFOA, with PS-b-P4VP droplets reaching the Janus state in 1133 s at 10 ppb. A ResNet18 model classified droplet transitions with 92.8% accuracy, a weighted F1 score of 92.8%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.98. This work establishes chemically programmed complex emulsions as dynamic optical transducers for rapid, semiquantitative PFOA screening.

PMID:42603300 | DOI:10.1021/acsami.6c11304

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Aug 15;233(Pt 2):120258. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120258. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Coastal ecosystems face increasing contamination from both legacy trace metals and emerging pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While ostracods are established environmental indicators, their physiological responses to pollutants, particularly for marine species, remain poorly characterized. We investigated the acute toxicity and metabolic impacts of copper, zinc, and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) on the marine ostracod Stigmatocythere costa from Hong Kong coastal waters. Ostracods were exposed to concentration gradients of each pollutant for 14 days (mortality) and 7 days (metabolic assays). Survival, routine metabolic rates (MO₂), and critical partial pressure of oxygen (P_crit) were measured using closed respirometry. All pollutants caused concentration-dependent mortality. Copper (25-700 μg L^-1) and PFBS (35-600 mg L^-1) exhibited toxicity plateaus at lower concentrations before sharp mortality increases, suggesting threshold-dependent cellular damage, whereas zinc (1500-6500 μg L^-1) showed a monotonic dose response. Lethal concentration for 50% mortality (LC₅₀) values decreased over time for all three contaminants, indicating increasing toxicity with prolonged exposure. While routine MO₂ remained unchanged, exposure to copper (50-100 μg L^-1) and PFBS (75 mg L^-1) significantly reduced peak MO₂, indicating impaired aerobic capacity. Unexpectedly, zinc (2500-4000 μg L^-1) and PFBS (75-150 mg L^-1) decreased P_crit, suggesting altered hypoxia sensitivity, potentially reflecting compensatory physiological responses. These findings demonstrate that environmentally relevant concentrations of copper and zinc, comparable to levels in heavily polluted Hong Kong sediments, can constrain aerobic scope in ostracods while altering fundamental hypoxia sensitivity, thereby limiting their capacity to cope with additional environmental stressors and potentially disrupting benthic food web dynamics.

PMID:42603533 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120258

Environ Res. 2026 Aug 15;307:125495. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125495. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental chemicals that may affect vitamin D levels. Epidemiologic findings remain inconsistent, and have not explored associations in Hispanic populations, who experience disproportionate PFAS exposure and vitamin D insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify associations between plasma PFAS concentrations and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in Hispanic children.

METHODS: Participants (n = 106) were enrolled in the Vidas Activas Familias Saludables (VALE) study, a culturally tailored 10-week lifestyle intervention for Hispanic children aged 4-11 years. Plasma PFAS were measured at pre-intervention using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and serum 25(OH)D was assessed pre- and post-intervention using ELISA kits. Linear mixed regression models estimated associations between individual PFAS and 25(OH)D, adjusting for confounders. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify co-exposure to PFAS mixtures.

RESULTS: Higher plasma PFHxS concentrations were associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels at pre- and post-intervention (mean difference (MD): 5.63 ng/mL per log increase, 95% CI: 1.81, 9.37). Four components were retained from the PCA. Greater co-exposure to PFOA, PFNA, and PFHpA (MD: 1.92 ng/mL, 95% CI: 0.25, 3.69), and co-exposure to PFOS and PFHxS (MD: 4.58 ng/mL, 95% CI: 2.80, 6.40), were associated with higher serum 25(OH)D. Associations were strongest among children <8 years old and males.

CONCLUSIONS: PFAS exposure, individually and as mixtures, was associated with higher 25(OH)D in Hispanic children, particularly among younger children and males. Larger longitudinal studies of children with diverse racial and ethnic identities are needed to confirm age- and sex-specific PFAS-vitamin D associations.

PMID:42603692 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125495

Environ Int. 2026 Aug 14;215:110461. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110461. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been associated with restricted fetal growth. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS: Based on the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort, we measured maternal serum PFAS concentrations in early pregnancy and conducted metabolomic profiling of cord serum. Associations of individual and mixed PFAS exposure with birth weight Z-score (BWZ), birth length Z-score (BLZ), and head circumference Z-score (HCZ) were evaluated using generalized linear models (GLMs) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Metabolomics data were integrated using metabolome-wide association study (MWAS), pathway enrichment analysis, meet-in-the-middle (MITM) and high-dimensional mediation analysis (HIMA) to explore relevant metabolic pathways and candidate intermediate biomarkers.

RESULTS: Higher early-pregnancy exposure to PFNA, PFDA, PFOS, PFOA, 6:2Cl-PFESA, and 8:2Cl-PFESA (β: -0.112 ∼ -0.092), as well as PFAS mixture (mean β = -0.056; 95% CI: -0.103, -0.009), was associated with lower BWZ. 6:2Cl-PFESA showed the highest average relative WQS weight (14.9%). A significant interaction between PFAS mixture and sex was observed (WQS*sex: β = -0.122, 95% CI: -0.227, -0.017), with negative associations in females (mean β = -0.115, 95% CI: -0.201, -0.031) but not males. MITM analysis identified phenylalanine metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis as key pathways jointly related to PFAS exposure and fetal growth in the overall population. Arginine metabolism and purine metabolism were identified among females. HIMA suggested several exploratory candidate intermediate metabolite features that may be involved in the associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and fetal growth.

CONCLUSION: Early-pregnancy PFAS exposure was associated with impaired fetal growth. Altered amino acid and lipid metabolism may underlie these associations. These findings provide preliminary mechanistic insights.

PMID:42603554 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110461

Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2026 Jul 31;14:1897329. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1897329. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Soil bioremediation is often presented as a sustainable alternative to physicochemical remediation, yet its field performance remains less predictable than laboratory and microcosm evidence suggests. This critical review argues that the central problem is not a lack of advanced technologies, but the frequent mismatch between the diagnosed failure mode, the selected intervention, and the endpoint used to claim success. Organic pollutants may be degraded, transformed, mineralized, or converted to hazardous intermediates, whereas metals and metalloids can only be immobilized, stabilized, extracted, accumulated, or shifted in speciation and bioavailability. Soils contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)further expose the need to distinguish destruction from sorption, retention, leaching control, and exposure interruption. The review evaluates soil bioremediation through explicit criteria: mechanistic plausibility, soil realism, endpoint relevance, biological activity, temporal durability, field readiness, safety, scalability, and residual risk. The evidence indicates that underperformance commonly arises from mass-transfer limitation, contaminant aging, redox mismatch, oxygen and moisture heterogeneity, co-contamination, toxic intermediate accumulation, inoculant establishment failure, phytoremediation endpoint mismatch, and rebound after active treatment stops. Emerging tools are treated here as conditional evidence or conditional interventions, not as generic solutions. Nanomaterials are admissible as bioremediation only when they support a measured biological process rather than only sorption, catalysis, or immobilization. Omics and isotope-linked methods can strengthen causal inference, but closure still requires convergence with contaminant kinetics, intermediate control, toxicity reduction, and post-treatment stability. Synthetic microbial communities and engineered microbial systems must retain function after ecological filtering. Artificial intelligence and digital twins can structure decisions only within validated data domains and declared uncertainty bounds. The principal contribution of this review is a field-facing decision sequence that links failure mode, limiting mechanism, diagnostic evidence, admissible intervention, secondary-risk control, and closure. This framework shifts soil bioremediation from technology optimism toward diagnosis-led, evidence-weighted, risk-controlled deployment.

PMID:42601956 | PMC:PMC13473149 | DOI:10.3389/fbioe.2026.1897329

Environ Res. 2026 Aug 15;307:125495. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125495. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental chemicals that may affect vitamin D levels. Epidemiologic findings remain inconsistent, and have not explored associations in Hispanic populations, who experience disproportionate PFAS exposure and vitamin D insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify associations between plasma PFAS concentrations and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in Hispanic children.

METHODS: Participants (n = 106) were enrolled in the Vidas Activas Familias Saludables (VALE) study, a culturally tailored 10-week lifestyle intervention for Hispanic children aged 4-11 years. Plasma PFAS were measured at pre-intervention using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and serum 25(OH)D was assessed pre- and post-intervention using ELISA kits. Linear mixed regression models estimated associations between individual PFAS and 25(OH)D, adjusting for confounders. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify co-exposure to PFAS mixtures.

RESULTS: Higher plasma PFHxS concentrations were associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels at pre- and post-intervention (mean difference (MD): 5.63 ng/mL per log increase, 95% CI: 1.81, 9.37). Four components were retained from the PCA. Greater co-exposure to PFOA, PFNA, and PFHpA (MD: 1.92 ng/mL, 95% CI: 0.25, 3.69), and co-exposure to PFOS and PFHxS (MD: 4.58 ng/mL, 95% CI: 2.80, 6.40), were associated with higher serum 25(OH)D. Associations were strongest among children <8 years old and males.

CONCLUSIONS: PFAS exposure, individually and as mixtures, was associated with higher 25(OH)D in Hispanic children, particularly among younger children and males. Larger longitudinal studies of children with diverse racial and ethnic identities are needed to confirm age- and sex-specific PFAS-vitamin D associations.

PMID:42603692 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125495

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 14;408:128967. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128967. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to renal impairment, but evidence on mixed PFAS exposure in the general Chinese population and the underlying mechanisms remains limited. This study therefore investigated the associations between PFAS exposure and renal function and evaluated the potential mediating role of blood lipids. Serum levels of legacy and emerging PFAS, renal function parameters, and blood lipid profiles were measured in 1370 adult residents from Zhejiang Province, China; additionally, 452 lipid metabolites were quantified in a subset of 316 participants. Using multiple linear regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and mixture exposure models, we found that PFAS mixture exposure was associated with reduced renal function, with eGFR decreases ranging from 2.2% to 2.9% per quartile increase across models, and PFOA as a predominant contributor. Mediation analyses further revealed that elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and disturbances in fatty acids and phospholipids mediated 6.3% to 65.9% of the association between PFAS exposure and renal function decline. Collectively, these findings suggest that mixed PFAS exposure, particularly to PFOA and PFHpA, may induce impaired renal function, with increased blood lipids playing an important mediating role.

PMID:42600826 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128967

Environ Int. 2026 Aug 11;215:110459. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110459. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals poses risks to fetal growth, yet most epidemiological studies have examined single chemical classes in isolation, leaving the broader multi-class maternal-fetal exposure landscape inadequately characterized. In addition, fetal exposure is typically inferred from cord blood concentrations, which conflates maternal body burden with transplacental transfer (TPT), obscuring the independent contribution of placental transport. We conducted a prospective cohort study screening 300 xenobiotics spanning multiple chemical classes, including PFAS, phthalate metabolites, environmental phenols/parabens, and pesticide- or industrial-related chemicals, across maternal serum and paired cord blood to define the core maternal-fetal exposome. Nineteen priority pollutants were detected at frequencies of ≥ 70% across all three biological matrices, including maternal serum, larger-twin cord blood, and smaller-twin cord blood, with PFAS representing the predominant chemical class. TPT varied substantially across compounds and differed nominally between co-twins for MBP. In linear mixed-effects models, higher TPT indices of MMP (β = - 15.14; 95% CI: -27.66 to - 2.62), MBP (β = - 11.61; 95% CI: -22.17 to - 1.05), and PFTrDA (β = - 34.60; 95% CI: -67.91 to - 1.30) were nominally associated with lower birth weight. For PFTrDA, these associations were detected only when exposure was characterized by TPT, whereas corresponding cord blood concentrations were not significantly associated with fetal growth outcomes. These findings characterize a multi-class maternal-fetal exposome in twin pregnancies and provide exploratory evidence that TPT may constitute a complementary dimension of prenatal chemical exposure relevant to fetal growth.

PMID:42600486 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110459

Environ Pollut. 2026 Aug 14;408:128925. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128925. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), persist in humans and have been associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but cardiac-specific molecular responses remain incompletely characterized. We integrated transcriptomic screening, ensemble machine learning, molecular docking and 100-ns molecular dynamics, cross-species cardiac single-cell atlases with virtual knockout, and a time-stratified mouse exposure study (approximately 5 μg/kg/d for 4-8 weeks) to prioritize candidate molecular nodes associated with PFOS-related cardiac remodeling. Robustness analyses supported the stability of the machine-learning prioritization, and MYH6 was repeatedly selected and enriched in cardiomyocytes across human and mouse atlases. Docking and simulation supported a structurally plausible modeled PFOS-MYH6 complex. In exposed mice, Myh6 expression declined over time as septal asymmetry and interstitial fibrosis increased. Batch docking revealed 11 of 26 PFAS with scores at least as favorable as PFOS, indicating compound-level variation in modeled MYH6 compatibility. Together, the data prioritize MYH6 as a candidate molecular node associated with PFOS-related HCM-like remodeling and integrate these multiscale observations into a testable putative AOP-like hypothesis.

PMID:42600829 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128925