PFAS

Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Apr 8;10(2):e472. doi: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000472. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is crucial for fetal development, while perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with adverse birth outcomes and lower folate levels. PFAS may compete with folate for receptors, and OCM genes regulate folate metabolism; however, no study examined if OCM variants modified PFAS-birth outcome associations. The study investigated the relationship between OCM variants, prenatal PFAS exposure, and birth outcomes.

METHODS: We analyzed birth weight and head circumference data from 338 mother-infant pairs in the Taiwan Birth Panel Study. Cord blood concentrations of four PFAS were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Infant genotypes were assessed with the Taiwan Biobank Array, and we focused on five single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to OCM reported in previous literature. Gene-environment interactions were assessed using generalized linear regression and two mixture modeling approaches: quantile g-computation and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression.

RESULTS: Prenatal perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluoroundecanoic acid exposure were associated with lower birth weight, and PFAS mixture exposure was associated with lower birth weight. PFAS exposure-birth weight associations were more obvious among those with reference genotypes. Different PFAS mixture-birth weight associations were observed across MTHFR rs1801133 and genotypes, and there were stronger inverse associations among individuals with MTHFD1 rs2236225 GG genotype. Associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and birth outcomes also differed by MTR rs1805087, MTRR rs1801394, and CBS rs234714 genotypes. In addition, we observed a stronger perfluorooctane sulfonate-head circumference association among participants with MTHFR rs1801133 GG genotype.

CONCLUSION: Genetic variants in OCM pathways modified the associations between prenatal individual PFAS, mixture PFAS exposure, and reduced birth weight and head circumference.

PMID:41971740 | PMC:PMC13065223 | DOI:10.1097/EE9.0000000000000472

ACS Omega. 2026 Mar 20;11(13):20145-20154. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c08713. eCollection 2026 Apr 7.

ABSTRACT

Groundwater in North America is contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at more than 9500 locations. A major source of this contamination is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), widely used for fire suppression at military facilities and airfields. Many of the thousands of PFAS remain poorly characterized and are not amenable to targeted quantitative analytical methods, which allow them to remain undetected. Suspect screening, an analytical strategy that searches for potential or likely compounds from a predefined list without requiring analytical reference standards, combined with liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), has emerged as an alternative or complementary approach to classical targeted analysis. Herein, an accessible suspect screening workflow was developed using data-dependent acquisitions and the NIST suspect list of 4712 PFAS, processed with TraceFinder software, followed by FreeStyle MS² spectral management. Eleven PFAS were identified in AFFF-impacted groundwaters, including six compounds previously undetected by targeted experiments: 1H-perfluoropentane, 1H-perfluoroheptane, perfluorobutylsulfonamide (FBSA), perfluorohexanesulfonamide (FHxSA), perfluoropropanesulfonamide (FPrSA), and perfluoropropanesulfonic acid (PFPrS). Direct sample injection imposed sensitivity limitations, likely preventing the detection of additional PFAS present at lower concentrations. Nevertheless, the simplicity and reduced software investment requirements of this workflow make it a promising approach for broad adoption by the scientific community.

PMID:41970918 | PMC:PMC13063162 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c08713

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Apr 13. doi: 10.1039/d6em00069j. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have examined firefighters' exposure to chemicals associated with fire calls and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); however, little attention has been given to exposures in the fire station itself. This study measured volatile PFAS and other semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) in indoor air of fire stations in North Carolina, USA. Eleven fire stations and one turnout gear cleaning and supply station across three different counties in North Carolina were sampled between May and September of 2024. In each station, air was sampled both in the day room (area where firefighters congregate during the day) and in the area where the turnout gear was stored. Samples were extracted and analyzed for 14 different PFAS and 120 different SVOCs using GC-HRMS. The most frequently detected chemicals were PFASs, combustion byproducts, and phthalates. 8 : 2 FTOH was measured at the highest level at 1067 ng m^-3. Total SVOC levels, and particularly PFAS, were significantly higher in closed rooms with turnout gear relative to storage areas open to the apparatus bay or the day room. Exposure estimates indicate that some turnout gear storage areas may pose a health risk for PFOA based on inhalation exposure to 8 : 2 FTOH and conversion to PFOA in the blood. These data highlight a need to consider station design and ventilation needs to mitigate risks.

PMID:41972993 | PMC:PMC13075040 | DOI:10.1039/d6em00069j

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Apr 13. doi: 10.1039/d6em00076b. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While stable isotope techniques (e.g., δ¹³C and δ²H) are valuable for understanding the environmental behavior of emerging contaminants (ECs), such as microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), their application can be constrained by the ubiquitous presence of these target elements in the vast majority of ECs. This study proposes two innovative strategies to address the existing challenges in elucidating MP and PFAS behaviors. First, we introduce the rhenium-osmium (Re-Os) isotope system as a novel tool for tracing MPs. Considering the petrogenic origin of plastics and the enrichment of Re-Os in crude oils, we hypothesize that plastic products may inherit source-specific Re-Os signatures. This hypothesis was supported by the chalcophile nature (strong affinity for sulfur) and organophilicity of Re-Os, as well as their thermal stability under industrial processing conditions. Second, for PFAS, we highlight the potential of position-specific carbon isotope analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The intramolecular carbon isotope variations driven by the strong C-F bond in PFAS could yield critical insights into their degradation mechanisms and pathways when analyzed via position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA) with NMR. Our findings highlight that both the Re-Os system and PSIA, though underutilized, are powerful tools. They hold significant potential to advance the tracing and fate assessment of these persistent contaminants.

PMID:41969102 | DOI:10.1039/d6em00076b

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 11:124413. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124413. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present study assessed bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestlings as a sentinel species for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) fingerprinting tools due to their high trophic position, well-characterized life history, and restricted foraging ranges during nesting. From 2023-2025, we sampled 115 bald eagle nestlings across seven regions in Wisconsin, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan to quantify plasma PFAS concentrations and evaluate regional contamination fingerprints. Total PFAS levels were highest in the Middle Wisconsin River and Apostle Islands, and lowest in the Upper Wisconsin River. Regional compositional profiles revealed distinct patterns: Middle Wisconsin River nestlings showed elevated PFOS and precursor compounds, while Apostle Islands nestlings exhibited elevated short chain and legacy compounds such as PFBS, PFNA and PFUnA. Principal component analyses and correlation structures further distinguished sites, suggesting both point-source contamination and diffuse inputs. These findings underscore the utility of bald eagles as biomonitors for spatially explicit PFAS contamination and demonstrate how fingerprinting approaches can improve source attribution and risk assessment in Great Lakes ecosystems.

PMID:41974338 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124413

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2026 Apr 14. doi: 10.1007/s00216-026-06486-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted increasing concern due to their environmental persistence and potential adverse health effects. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 56 PFASs in human plasma. After the plasma sample was extracted with methanol, 5 mg primary secondary amine (PSA), 20 mg graphitized carbon black (GCB), and 30 mg C18 were added for QuEChERS purification, followed by nitrogen drying and reconstitution. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with a gradient elution and was quantified on mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in negative mode. The method was validated and good linearity was obtained in the range of 0.050-50.0 ng/mL. The limits of detection were 0.0024 to 2.05 ng/mL, and except for a few perfluoroalkyl phosphinic acids and fluorinated polymer-based substances with low signal intensities, most PFASs showed satisfactory recoveries of 70-120%, with relative standard deviations below 12%. The validated method was applied to analyze plasma samples from pregnant women and males over 50 years old. The results revealed widespread PFAS contamination in the population, with perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids as the dominant contributors, followed by perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids and accompanied by a limited number of emerging PFAS alternatives. There are population-specific differences in PFAS exposure, with median concentrations typically higher in males aged over 50 years than in pregnant women, but 6:2 FTS is much higher in pregnant women. The established method is sensitive and efficient, and the results highlight the importance of population-stratified biomonitoring of PFASs.

PMID:41975085 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-026-06486-2

Arch Toxicol. 2026 Apr 13. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04373-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are pervasive in airborne particles and aerosols, making inhalation a critical exposure pathway; however, the lack of inhalation toxicity data hinders accurate risk assessment and public health protection. In this study, we developed quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and quantitative read-across structure-activity relationship (q-RASAR) models to predict the acute inhalation toxicity of PFASs. The models were constructed using mechanistically interpretable two-dimensional molecular descriptors, and the integration of similarity-based descriptors enhanced predictive performance while maintaining model simplicity and interpretability. All validated models were applied to untested PFASs for toxicity prediction and priority ranking. In addition, interspecies toxicity (iST) models were established to explore toxicity relationships between rats and mice, enabling cross-species extrapolation. Collectively, these QSAR, q-RASAR, and iST models address the critical data gap in PFAS inhalation toxicology, providing a rapid and reliable tool for regulators and researchers to support science-driven risk assessment and public health protection against airborne PFAS exposure.

PMID:41975126 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04373-4

Water Res. 2026 Apr 12;299:125902. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.125902. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Given the environmental persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the growing prevalence of short- and ultrashort-chain alternatives, treatment approaches that remain effective in multicomponent and matrix-challenging waters are urgently needed. In this study, we develop an integrated membrane capacitive deionization (IMCDI) system using mesoporous carbon hollow sphere (MCHS) electrodes coated with a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethyleneimine (PVA/PEI) hydrogel. The PVA/PEI layer functions as an inductive interface that promotes the enrichment and inward transport of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) during electrosorption, followed by selective capture within the mesoporous, hydrophobic MCHS framework, which also alleviates membrane fouling limitations in conventional MCDI. The system demonstrates consistent removal trends in a mixed PFCA solution ranging from C3 to C8 (10 mg/L each), including improved uptake of weakly removed short- and ultrashort-chain species. Configuration benchmarking shows that MCHS-based ACDI is effective at environmentally relevant concentrations, whereas IMCDI is designed to target the removal of high PFAS levels and achieves higher charge utilization, with a charge efficiency (CE) of 66.1%. Notably, the integrated membrane electrode (IME) maintained excellent operational stability and anti-fouling resilience, with performance retention exceeding 80% across both 20 cycles in synthetic multicomponent solutions and 10 stress cycles in real industrial wastewater. Furthermore, the IMCDI system achieves 68.66% removal in industrial wastewater with an energy intensity of 1.07 Wh g^-1 PFOA removed. Overall, these results demonstrate that interfacial reconfiguration can improve PFAS-targeted electrosorption and reduce fouling sensitivity in complex, high-loading waters.

PMID:41974066 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.125902

Adv Nutr. 2026 Apr 9:100628. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100628. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Infants may be exposed to contaminants from environmental and food sources, including human milk (HM) or infant formula (IF). The objective of this series of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42024530332, CRD42024530336, CRD42024530339, CRD42024530344) was to 1) assess infant exposure to contaminants from HM and/or IF in the US and 2) assess the bioavailability of these contaminants from HM and IF when consumed by infants. The protocol was developed with a technical expert panel (TEP). Through April 2, 2025, CAB Abstracts, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, and MEDLINE databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English. Another TEP critically appraised sample collection and contaminant assessment methods for included articles. Studies needed to report contaminant concentrations of biospecimens based on infant feeding (HM only, IF only, or HM and IF). Results were narratively described. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-E. From 6799 unique records, 7 articles from 4 studies were identified. The New Hampshire Birth Cohort reported infant urinary concentrations of arsenic (n=4 articles), cadmium (n=2), lead (n=1), and mercury (n=1) between 2009-2019. Three other studies reported infant blood lead concentrations between 1975-1994. All articles had acceptable contaminant assessment methods and most (n=6 articles) had low risk or some concerns of bias. Collectively, most evidence was from 1 cohort or published 30+ years ago and lacked demographic and geographic diversity. Therefore, conclusions could not be made about exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury from HM and/or IF for infants in the US. No evidence was found that reported on PFAS in infant biospecimens or bioavailability of any of the contaminants from HM or IF. These findings highlight the need for research about infant exposure to and bioavailability of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and PFAS from HM or IF in the US.

PMID:41966405 | DOI:10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100628

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 9;509:141948. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141948. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) associated with contamination from aqueous film forming foams are persistent, mobile contaminants that pose risks to groundwater and ecosystems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of granular activated carbon (GAC) application (1% w/w), with and without vegetation cover (perennial ryegrass), in reducing PFAS mobility under controlled laboratory-based rainfall simulation conditions using trays with (L50 ×W20 ×H5cm) dimensions. Two soils with contrasting textures but similar PFAS contamination levels were used in the experiment. Leaching behaviour was evaluated over one year with simulated rainfall events using the laboratory rainfall simulator, capturing both infiltration and surface runoff, as well as particulates in the runoff. PFAS mobility was influenced by soil texture, groundcover and wetting and drying cycles. Soil A (sandy clay loam) generated more runoff, while Soil B (sandy loam) allowed greater initial infiltration. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) concentration was increased in the runoff of untreated soil after a prolonged drying cycle due to the upward flux of PFOS during the drying period. GAC reduced PFAS concentrations by up to 97% in runoff and 99% in infiltration across both soil types, even over a year with multiple wetting and drying cycles. Groundcover initially increased PFAS concentrations in runoff, likely due to upward transport and evapotranspiration, but this effect diminished as vegetation was established. Combined GAC and vegetation treatments achieved > 99% PFAS reduction in most cases, with plant effects more evident after 60 days. These findings support in-situ GAC application, with or without vegetation, as a viable approach for managing PFAS-contaminated soils. Plants may cause a temporary increase in PFAS mobility during the initial period following plant application, with or without GAC, and management practices should account for this risk.

PMID:41966563 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141948

Toxicol In Vitro. 2026 Apr 9;115:106241. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2026.106241. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad and chemically diverse class of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial applications and consumer products. Human exposure to PFAS is widespread and occurs through multiple pathways, including drinking water, air, food, household dust, textiles, and cosmetics. PFAS have been linked to numerous adverse health effects and are a significant public health concern due to their extreme persistence in the environment, bioaccumulative properties, and broad biological activity. Despite growing evidence of PFAS toxicity, the molecular mechanisms underlying their biological effects remain incompletely understood, and the specific proteins involved have not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to identify potential molecular targets for PFAS. Using protein target prediction tools, carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) was identified as a potential target for perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (PFCAs). These predictions were supported by molecular docking analyses. In vitro enzyme assays and experiments in HepG2 cells further support the potential inhibitory effects of PFCAs on carboxylesterase activity at micromolar concentrations. Furthermore, analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data from liver tissue of mice treated with PFCAs revealed overexpression of genes associated with Ces2a, the murine homologue of human CES2. These results suggest that PFCAs may contribute to adverse health effects, in part, through inhibition of CES2, a key enzyme involved in xenobiotic detoxification, drug metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy homeostasis.

PMID:41966494 | DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2026.106241

Environ Int. 2026 Apr 8;210:110247. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110247. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure may cause endocrine disruption. However, PFAS exposure and their potential associations with thyroid hormones remain unclear in coal mining areas.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize PFAS exposure profile and their associations among this population.

METHODS: Serum levels of PFASs and thyroid hormones were measured in 760 participants. Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline models assessed individual PFAS associations with thyroid hormones, while Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile-based g-computation evaluated joint effects. Stratification and sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the validity and robustness of results.

RESULTS: PFOA was extraordinarily high (median: 1623 μg/L), reaching 10-fold those of fluorochemical plant workers, and showed a positive correlation with a 0.057 increase in FT4 per ln-unit (95% CI: 0.006, 0.107). Emerging PFAS substitutes showed stronger, non-linear dose-response associations with thyroid hormones than legacy compounds. PFAS mixture exposure was inversely associated with FT3, TT4, TT4/FT3 and TT4/FT4 (β: -4.816 to -0.071, 95% CI: -6.708 to -0.121, -2.923 to -0.021), but positively with FT4/FT3 (β: 0.074, 95% CI: 0.021, 0.126). Age and BMI were important effect modifiers for associations between PFASs and thyroid hormones, with underweight and obese individuals being more susceptible.

CONCLUSIONS: PFAS exposure levels were extraordinarily high and significantly associated with thyroid hormones. Emerging substitutes showed stronger effects and complex bidirectional influences, and mixture exposure exerted the same effects. Age and BMI served as important effect modifiers. Notably high PFAS exposure and their strong links to thyroid hormone homeostasis in coal mining population warranted further validation.

PMID:41966766 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110247

Environ Int. 2026 Apr 8;210:110247. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110247. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure may cause endocrine disruption. However, PFAS exposure and their potential associations with thyroid hormones remain unclear in coal mining areas.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize PFAS exposure profile and their associations among this population.

METHODS: Serum levels of PFASs and thyroid hormones were measured in 760 participants. Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline models assessed individual PFAS associations with thyroid hormones, while Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile-based g-computation evaluated joint effects. Stratification and sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the validity and robustness of results.

RESULTS: PFOA was extraordinarily high (median: 1623 μg/L), reaching 10-fold those of fluorochemical plant workers, and showed a positive correlation with a 0.057 increase in FT4 per ln-unit (95% CI: 0.006, 0.107). Emerging PFAS substitutes showed stronger, non-linear dose-response associations with thyroid hormones than legacy compounds. PFAS mixture exposure was inversely associated with FT3, TT4, TT4/FT3 and TT4/FT4 (β: -4.816 to -0.071, 95% CI: -6.708 to -0.121, -2.923 to -0.021), but positively with FT4/FT3 (β: 0.074, 95% CI: 0.021, 0.126). Age and BMI were important effect modifiers for associations between PFASs and thyroid hormones, with underweight and obese individuals being more susceptible.

CONCLUSIONS: PFAS exposure levels were extraordinarily high and significantly associated with thyroid hormones. Emerging substitutes showed stronger effects and complex bidirectional influences, and mixture exposure exerted the same effects. Age and BMI served as important effect modifiers. Notably high PFAS exposure and their strong links to thyroid hormone homeostasis in coal mining population warranted further validation.

PMID:41966766 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110247

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Apr 11;316:120124. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120124. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixture exposure and hypertension risk, and to assess the mediating role of estradiol. We investigated these questions in 5175 adults from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011-2020). Serum concentrations of six PFAS and estradiol were quantified. Using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, we evaluated the joint effect of the PFAS mixture on hypertension (2017 ACC/AHA criteria). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) characterized exposure-response shapes, and causal mediation analysis tested estradiol as a potential mechanistic pathway. After full adjustment, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) exhibited the strongest association with hypertension (odds ratio per ln-unit increase, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.27). WQS regression identified PFNA as the primary driver of the mixture effect (weighted contribution, 37.5%). Crucially, estradiol significantly mediated 4.68% of the association between PFNA and hypertension, and 4.22% for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Sex-stratified analyses revealed that the associations of PFNA and PFOA with hypertension were significant only in females. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design and were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Our integrated analytical approach identifies PFNA, a long-chain PFAS, as a key driver of hypertension risk within environmental PFAS mixtures. The finding that estradiol reduction mediates this association provides novel evidence for an endocrine-disruption mechanism and explains observed female-specific susceptibility. These results highlight the importance of compound-specific prioritization and sex-aware frameworks in environmental risk assessment.

PMID:41967265 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120124

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 10;398:128119. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128119. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study presents the first national-scale assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in China's tap water. Analysis of 32 target compounds (15 were detected) across 119 samples revealed widespread contamination, with a national median Σ₁₅PFAS concentration of 4.75 ng/L (range: <MDL-19,952 ng/L). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, median: 1.96 ng/L; mean: 222 ng/L), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS, median: <MDL; mean: 35.7 ng/L), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA, median: 0.32 ng/L; mean: 13.4 ng/L), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, median:<MDL; mean: 12.5 ng/L) were the most prevalent compounds. Two major contamination hotspots were identified: an extreme point-source anomaly in Shanxi (maximum 19,952 ng/L), attributed to the convergence of industrial activity and limited environmental dilution in a semi-arid region, and a diffuse, regionally extensive belt along the southeastern coast, reflecting the cumulative impact of dense industrial clusters (e.g., textiles, electroplating) and dense river networks. Positive Matrix Factorization identified textile/food packaging as the predominant source (77% national contribution). While risk quotient analysis suggested low risk under conventional health assessment, 35% of samples exceeded the stringent U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level for PFOA (4 ng/L), and children's estimated daily intake of PFOA from drinking water alone surpassed the health-based guidance value set by the European Food Safety Authority. These findings highlight a critical gap between evolving toxicological consensus and current regulatory benchmarks, underscoring the urgent need for region-specific source control and advanced drinking water treatment to mitigate exposure risks.

PMID:41967822 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128119

Water Res. 2026 Apr 7;299:125903. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.125903. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an exceptionally persistent pollutant resistant to biodegradation and oxidative treatment, remains a major challenge for water purification. Here, we present a non-noble-metal electrocatalytic strategy for efficient PFOA removal using a polyethyleneimine-graphene oxide functionalized cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped graphene cathode (PEI-GO/Co-NG). The incorporation of a PEI-GO interlayer provided a positively charged interfacial environment under near-neutral pH conditions, enhancing PFOA adsorption and moreover reducing the C-F bond dissociation energy by ∼1.65 eV, as confirmed by the density functional theory (DFT) simulation. At -1.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the PEI-GO/Co-NG cathode reached 87.9 % removal and 42.5 % defluorination of a 10 mg/L PFOA solution within 5 h. The current-normalized reaction rate constant (kₙ = 0.36 L h^-1 A^-1) is higher than the rates reported in the electrochemical PFOA reduction studies in aqueous systems. The cathode also demonstrated consistent PFOA removal efficiencies (≥80 %) in municipal tap water, lake water, and fluorochemical industrial wastewater. Mechanistic analysis suggests that PFOA reduction is dominated by direct electron transfer, supplemented by H-radical-mediated pathways. The cathode maintains >80 % efficiency across pH 3-11 over five cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. This work establishes the first effective non-noble-metal electrocatalyst for aqueous-phase electrochemical reduction of PFOA, offering a scalable and energy-efficient route for PFAS remediation in water.

PMID:41967245 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.125903

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 11;300:124487. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124487. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contribute to lipid and insulin dysregulation which are central mechanisms of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, we prospectively examine associations between PFAS and incident MetS in midlife women. This study included 1307 participants from the Study of Women Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study with follow-up visits from 1999 to 2000 through 2015-2016. Baseline serum PFAS concentrations were quantified using online solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. MetS was defined as having three or more of the following: race-specific abdominal obesity, impaired fasting glucose or antidiabetic medication use, high blood pressure or antihypertensive medication use, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides. Accelerated failure time models fit with a Weibull distribution and interval censoring estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for time to MetS. PFAS mixtures were assessed using k-means clustering of exposure z-scores for seven PFAS. At study commencement, there were 312 (23.9%) prevalent cases of MetS. Among the 995 participants at risk, 238 (23.9%) developed MetS during follow-up. The HR (95% CI) comparing the highest to the lowest exposure tertile was 1.30 for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) (1.05, 1.62) (p-trend = 0.02), 1.23 for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) (1.0, 1.51) (p-trend = 0.05), and 1.30 for sum of branched PFOS isomers (Sm-PFOS) (1.05, 1.62) (p-trend = 0.01). The HR comparing those in the cluster of high exposure of seven PFAS compared to the cluster of low exposure was 1.10 (0.63, 1.91) (p-trend = 0.25). Together, these findings suggest that greater serum PFOA and PFOS concentrations were associated with earlier incident MetS diagnosis.

PMID:41967749 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124487

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Apr 11;316:120124. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120124. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixture exposure and hypertension risk, and to assess the mediating role of estradiol. We investigated these questions in 5175 adults from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011-2020). Serum concentrations of six PFAS and estradiol were quantified. Using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, we evaluated the joint effect of the PFAS mixture on hypertension (2017 ACC/AHA criteria). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) characterized exposure-response shapes, and causal mediation analysis tested estradiol as a potential mechanistic pathway. After full adjustment, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) exhibited the strongest association with hypertension (odds ratio per ln-unit increase, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.27). WQS regression identified PFNA as the primary driver of the mixture effect (weighted contribution, 37.5%). Crucially, estradiol significantly mediated 4.68% of the association between PFNA and hypertension, and 4.22% for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Sex-stratified analyses revealed that the associations of PFNA and PFOA with hypertension were significant only in females. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design and were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Our integrated analytical approach identifies PFNA, a long-chain PFAS, as a key driver of hypertension risk within environmental PFAS mixtures. The finding that estradiol reduction mediates this association provides novel evidence for an endocrine-disruption mechanism and explains observed female-specific susceptibility. These results highlight the importance of compound-specific prioritization and sex-aware frameworks in environmental risk assessment.

PMID:41967265 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120124

J Magn Reson. 2026 Apr 11;388:108070. doi: 10.1016/j.jmr.2026.108070. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are highly resistant to biodegradation. Due to their bioaccumulation, long-term persistence, and adverse human health effects, they have been classified as organic pollutants. The leaching of PFAS into water sources has resulted in their detection in global drinking water supplies. To mitigate adverse health effects and minimise environmental damage, regulations regarding maximum allowable PFAS concentrations in water have been imposed. Traditional PFAS in water quantification methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), have intrinsic limitations that pose challenges in such PFAS analysis. To ensure compliance with these regulations, it is essential to have accurate and easily accessible methods of detecting PFAS in water. This study demonstrates a proof-of-concept application of solid phase extraction coupled with mobile benchtop ¹⁹F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SPE-NMR) spectroscopy for the quantification of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in water at ppm-level concentrations. SPE-NMR offers a robust, portable, and fluorine-selective approach to PFAS quantification, with key methodological contributions including the first application of quantitative low-field benchtop ¹⁹F NMR in an SPE-NMR workflow. This work establishes the feasibility of the approach and identifies a clear pathway for future sensitivity improvements through process optimisation.

PMID:41967347 | DOI:10.1016/j.jmr.2026.108070

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 11;300:124487. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124487. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contribute to lipid and insulin dysregulation which are central mechanisms of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, we prospectively examine associations between PFAS and incident MetS in midlife women. This study included 1307 participants from the Study of Women Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study with follow-up visits from 1999 to 2000 through 2015-2016. Baseline serum PFAS concentrations were quantified using online solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. MetS was defined as having three or more of the following: race-specific abdominal obesity, impaired fasting glucose or antidiabetic medication use, high blood pressure or antihypertensive medication use, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides. Accelerated failure time models fit with a Weibull distribution and interval censoring estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for time to MetS. PFAS mixtures were assessed using k-means clustering of exposure z-scores for seven PFAS. At study commencement, there were 312 (23.9%) prevalent cases of MetS. Among the 995 participants at risk, 238 (23.9%) developed MetS during follow-up. The HR (95% CI) comparing the highest to the lowest exposure tertile was 1.30 for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) (1.05, 1.62) (p-trend = 0.02), 1.23 for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) (1.0, 1.51) (p-trend = 0.05), and 1.30 for sum of branched PFOS isomers (Sm-PFOS) (1.05, 1.62) (p-trend = 0.01). The HR comparing those in the cluster of high exposure of seven PFAS compared to the cluster of low exposure was 1.10 (0.63, 1.91) (p-trend = 0.25). Together, these findings suggest that greater serum PFOA and PFOS concentrations were associated with earlier incident MetS diagnosis.

PMID:41967749 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124487

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 9:124420. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124420. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of childhood adiposity raises concerns about the role of early-life environmental exposures. We examined associations between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and measures of adiposity in children up to age ∼10 years.

METHODS: First-trimester maternal plasma concentrations of target chemicals were measured in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort. Children were followed longitudinally from birth through early (∼4 years) and later childhood (∼10 years). Adiposity was assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Associations were estimated using generalized estimating equations, linear regressions, and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) for chemical mixtures, adjusting for relevant confounders.

RESULTS: Longitudinal analyses showed largely null associations, except for PFOS, which was associated with larger waist circumference in males (β per 10-fold increase: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.06, 1.04). Analyses at each age of assessment showed that maternal DDE was associated to lower BMI at birth (β: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.02) and ΣPBDE was associated with larger waist circumference and WHtR at ∼4 years (β: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.38 and β: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.42, respectively). In sex-stratified analyses at ∼4 years, maternal BDE-47 and PFOS were associated with higher BMI and waist circumference in males (β: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.46 and β: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.90, respectively), while BDE-153 was inversely associated with BMI in females (β: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.32, -0.01). Mixture analyses suggested associations with larger waist circumference and WHtR at ∼4 years, with sex-specific, non-linear patterns.

CONCLUSIONS: In this large prospective cohort, prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants showed limited and sex-specific associations with adiposity, particularly at ∼4 years of age. These findings underscore the importance of considering developmental windows and mixture effects in studies of early metabolic health.

PMID:41966243 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124420

J AOAC Int. 2026 Apr 9:qsag029. doi: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsag029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: AOAC INTERNATIONAL SMPRs® 2023.003 outlines method performance requirements for the determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across a broad range of food and feed matrices.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and validate the EMR LC-MS/MS method in accordance with AOAC INTERNATIONAL SMPR 2023.003 using a single-laboratory approach.

METHODS: The method features QuEChERS extraction followed by a novel enhanced matrix removal (EMR) mixed-mode passthrough cleanup, an online injection program, sensitive LC-MS/MS detection, and accurate, precise quantitation using neat calibration curves with isotopically labelled internal standards.

RESULTS: Method performance was evaluated for suitability and selectivity, calibration linearity, limit of quantitation (LOQ), recovery and repeatability, and the method was successfully validated in a single laboratory validation (SLV) across 16 diverse food matrixes, encompassing all 11 required food categories. Acceptable PFAS background cleanliness was demonstrated, supporting accurate and reliable quantitation in all food matrixes.Validated or calculated LOQs for all analytes across all food matrices were equal or below the required LOQs, with an exception rate of < 1%. Recovery and single laboratory repeatability also satisfied the acceptance criteria specified in the AOAC SMPR guideline, again with an exception rate of < 1%. Method selectivity was confirmed through baseline separation of cholic acid interferences from PFOS isomers and through secondary confirmation of PFBA and PFPeA using LC-QTOF analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The EMR LC-MS/MS method met all performance criteria, supporting its advancement as a First Action AOAC Official Method of AnalysisTM (OMA) 2025.11 (1).

HIGHLIGHTS: A novel EMR LC-MS/MS method was developed and successfully validated for the determination of 30 PFAS analytes across a wide range of food and feed matrices, fulfilling the requirements of AOAC SMPR 2023.003.

PMID:41967117 | DOI:10.1093/jaoacint/qsag029

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Apr 9;143:109239. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109239. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bisphenols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals with widespread human exposure and growing concern regarding their reproductive toxicity. This review integrates current experimental and epidemiologic evidence to evaluate the potential endocrine-disrupting mechanisms and reproductive toxicity of bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), and PFAS on female reproductive health. Available data demonstrate that these chemicals disrupt key hormonal and cellular processes regulating female reproduction, including hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis signaling, ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, oocyte quality and maturation, uterine structure and function, and oxidative stress. Across in vitro and animal models, BPA and PFAS consistently induce hormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations that impair coordinated ovarian-uterine signaling. Importantly, these mechanistic findings align with epidemiologic studies reporting associations between BPA and PFAS exposure and increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Collectively, this review underscores the relevance of environmental chemical exposure as a modifiable risk factor for female reproductive health and emphasizes the need for further integration of mechanistic and population-based research to inform exposure assessment, risk evaluation, and regulatory strategies to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and protect female reproductive health.

PMID:41966417 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109239

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 10:128080. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128080. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper provides the first comprehensive documentation and assessment of the capacity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) agents, including PFAS-based pesticides, to induce hormetic effects in plants, including agricultural crops, aquatic algae, seaweed and riparian species, as well as cyanobacteria and fungi. PFAS-induced-hormetic responses in plants were generally associated with their capacity to enhance growth processes, chlorophyll production and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes to counter PFAS-induced oxidative stress. The findings show that PFAS induced-hormetic effects in highly diverse plant species is a reasonable biological expectation, showing considerable generality. Recognition that PFAS regularly induces hormetic effects in highly diverse plant species should help guide future PFAS research on plants with respect to study design strategies, dose selection, number of doses, dose spacing and temporal aspects of such studies.

PMID:41967824 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128080

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Apr 9;143:109239. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109239. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bisphenols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals with widespread human exposure and growing concern regarding their reproductive toxicity. This review integrates current experimental and epidemiologic evidence to evaluate the potential endocrine-disrupting mechanisms and reproductive toxicity of bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), and PFAS on female reproductive health. Available data demonstrate that these chemicals disrupt key hormonal and cellular processes regulating female reproduction, including hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis signaling, ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, oocyte quality and maturation, uterine structure and function, and oxidative stress. Across in vitro and animal models, BPA and PFAS consistently induce hormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations that impair coordinated ovarian-uterine signaling. Importantly, these mechanistic findings align with epidemiologic studies reporting associations between BPA and PFAS exposure and increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Collectively, this review underscores the relevance of environmental chemical exposure as a modifiable risk factor for female reproductive health and emphasizes the need for further integration of mechanistic and population-based research to inform exposure assessment, risk evaluation, and regulatory strategies to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and protect female reproductive health.

PMID:41966417 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109239

Sci Rep. 2026 Apr 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-45562-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of widespread synthetic substances associated with several adverse health effects. A potential mechanism underlying these effects is epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation. However, evidence on associations between PFAS exposure and DNA methylation among adults is limited, and few studies have investigated the potential influence of PFAS-related methylation changes on gene expression. In this study, we investigated associations between PFAS exposure and DNA methylation in blood. Furthermore, the associations between these methylation differences and gene expression patterns were explored to assess potential functional effects. In addition, associations between PFAS concentrations and estimated white blood cell composition were investigated. This study included women (n = 269) from The Norwegian Women and Health Study (NOWAC), with available blood data on PFAS exposure, DNA methylation, and gene expression. We investigated epigenome-wide associations between PFAS exposure and DNA methylation at individual CpG sites using multivariable linear regression analyses. In a sensitivity analysis, the main models were additionally adjusted for smoking status. Furthermore, we assessed any associations between PFAS exposure and gene expression of genes mapped to CpG sites nominally associated with PFAS, also using multivariable linear regression. Finally, we examined associations between PFAS exposure and estimated white blood cell composition using multivariable linear regression models. Concentrations of PFUnDA were associated with DNA methylation at 21 unique CpG sites, comprising 17 positive and 4 negative associations. Sensitivity analyses did not substantially alter these findings. Furthermore, methylation levels at these sites did not follow a dose-dependent pattern, and the expression of genes mapped to these CpG sites was not significantly associated with exposure levels. No significant associations were observed between other PFAS (PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFOS, and br-PFOS) and DNA methylation or gene expression. Associations between PFHxS, PFHpS, and PFOS with DNA methylation and gene expression were observed at the nominal significance level (p value < 0.001), but these associations were modest in magnitude, lacked evidence of dose-dependence, and did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. No statistically significant associations were observed between PFAS exposure and estimated white blood cell composition. Our findings suggest that PFUnDA may influence DNA methylation at specific CpG sites in blood of Norwegian women, though these epigenetic patterns were not accompanied by corresponding patterns in gene expression. Overall, there was limited evidence linking other PFAS to DNA methylation or gene expression.

PMID:41965375 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-45562-6

Ecotoxicology. 2026 Apr 11;35(5):96. doi: 10.1007/s10646-026-03076-x.

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the exposure of a terrestrial raptor, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), in the United Kingdom. In contrast to inland areas, peregrine falcons in coastal areas of North Cornwall, South-west England, have recently declined despite a decreasing trend in environmental legacy organic contaminants. Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is suspected to contribute to one of the causes of this decline. However, unlike studies on aquatic birds, research on PFAS exposure of terrestrial predatory birds remains limited, particularly in British wild birds. To fill this knowledge gap, we have measured PFAS burdens in peregrine eggs from different English areas and compared them with stable isotope and eggshell index values.

Our results showed that long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids were predominantly detected in peregrine eggs. Perfluorooctane sulfonyl acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) residues significantly differed among counties: PFOS and PFHxS residues were significantly higher in eggs from Devon, the study area around urban settlements, than in Cornwall. PFOA residues were significantly higher in Lancashire, an inland study area, than in Devon. Several perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid residues showed significant and negative correlations with δ¹³C in eggs, suggesting that the sources of these PFAS might come from terrestrial habitats. No significant relationship was observed between eggshell index and PFAS residues. Given the variation in PFAS exposure among areas, it remains challenging to determine the impact of PFAS on the Cornwall peregrine population. Further studies are needed to fill these knowledge gaps.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10646-026-03076-x.

PMID:41964733 | PMC:PMC13070063 | DOI:10.1007/s10646-026-03076-x

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Jun 15;1403:345389. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.345389. Epub 2026 Mar 13.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Volatile and semi-volatile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent an important, yet analytically challenging subset of emerging contaminants. The low atmospheric abundance, high vapor pressures, and susceptibility of these analytes to loss during sample handling necessitate preconcentration strategies capable of capturing these chemically diverse species at trace levels. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) is a solvent-free, equilibrium-based approach well-suited to these challenges, facilitating effective preconcentration while minimizing analyte loss. A key advantage of SPME is the tunability of the sorbent phase chemistry, which enhances extraction efficiency across analytes with diverse physicochemical properties.

RESULTS: In this work, a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance/polydimethylsiloxane (HLB/PDMS) SPME Arrow sorbent phase was compared with a divinylbenzene/carbon-wide range/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/C-WR/PDMS) SPME Arrow across 15 volatile and semi-volatile PFAS spanning 5 structural classes. The HLB/PDMS phase exhibited higher responses across the suite of PFAS, with 706% and 284% greater peak areas for 4:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTOH, respectively, compared to DVB/C-WR/PDMS. Chromatographic performance was further assessed using both one-dimensional and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC×GC-MS). For the most volatile analytes, improvements in limits of quantification (LOQs) were observed; the LOQ for F-Hexene decreased from 0.05 μg L^-1 using 1D GC-MS to 0.005 μg L^-1 with GC×GC-MS.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates, for the first time, the successful extraction and quantification of volatile PFAS using an HLB/PDMS SPME Arrow. The developed SPME-GC×GC-MS workflow provides a sensitive, solvent-free, and broadly applicable method for trace-level volatile PFAS detection in aqueous, gaseous, and complex solid matrices. These advances establish a versatile platform for comprehensive monitoring of volatile PFAS.

PMID:41965310 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.345389

J Am Chem Soc. 2026 Apr 9. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c23392. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The persistent contamination of water sources by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) poses a major environmental and public health challenge. PFOA is a representative member of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of compounds characterized by high chemical stability, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. Conventional water treatment processes are not fully effective in removing PFOA, underscoring the urgent need for advanced remediation strategies. Here, we report the development of Fe-MOF-808, a novel porous material obtained by incorporating binuclear iron species into the Zr₆O₈ nodes of the MOF-808 framework. Comprehensive structural characterization was performed, including ex/in situ synchrotron-based techniques combined with computational modeling. The results confirm successful iron integration without compromising the structural integrity and accessibility of the porous network. Moreover, the presence of multiple, spatially accessible binding sites enables Fe-MOF-808 to capture PFAS through a combination of electrostatic, hydrophobic and coordinative interactions. This resulted in high removal efficiencies across various water matrices and for a wide range of PFAS pollutants and concentrations. Fe-MOF-808 notably achieves complete PFOA removal within minutes and demonstrates excellent recyclability over multiple adsorption cycles. The material also reaches experimental uptake and a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of 2081 and 3120 mg PFOA g^-1, respectively, vastly outperforming the pristine MOF-808 and other state-of-the-art MOF materials. Overall, mechanistic insights gained from this study highlight the critical role of designing specific chemical environments within MOFs to maximize pollutant-sorbent interactions.

PMID:41958193 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.5c23392

medRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Apr 1:2026.03.30.26349786. doi: 10.64898/2026.03.30.26349786.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals linked to obesity and metabolic dysfunction, but their role in bariatric surgery remains poorly understood. This prospective pilot study examined correlations between plasma PFAS concentrations, body composition, and glycemic measures in adults undergoing bariatric surgery. Thirty-two patients (91% female; 66% Black; mean age 43 years) were enrolled preoperatively; twenty-two completed follow-up at a mean 8.6 months post-surgery. Three PFAS (PFHxS, PFNA, and PFOS) were quantified by plasma liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; body composition and insulin sensitivity were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and intravenous glucose tolerance testing. At baseline, higher plasma PFNA and PFOS concentrations tracked with lower total lean mass (ρ _s = -0.46 and -0.48, respectively) and lean mass index (ρ _s = -0.46 and -0.42), and PFNA was inversely correlated with body weight (ρ _s = -0.40). No baseline associations were observed with adiposity or glycemic indices. Postoperatively, PFHxS concentrations decreased (median = -1.103 ng/mL, p < 0.001), whereas PFNA and PFOS did not change. Average PFNA was positively correlated with postoperative changes in HOMA-IR (ρ _s = 0.51) and total lean mass (ρ _s = 0.49). No significant associations were observed for average PFHxS or PFOS. These findings suggest that PFNA and PFOS may be linked to reduced lean tissue at baseline, and that PFNA burden modestly tracks with attenuated metabolic and body composition recovery. In an ANCOVA, baseline PFNA was not significantly associated with postoperative HOMA-IR or total lean mass. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify how PFAS influence these associations.

PMID:41959796 | PMC:PMC13060460 | DOI:10.64898/2026.03.30.26349786

Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Apr 7;10(2):e476. doi: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000476. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulate in reproductive tissues, yet most studies rely on serum measurements. It remains unclear whether serum concentrations adequately reflect levels in target tissues. We evaluated whether serum PFAS predicts endometrial tissue concentrations and examined associations with endometriosis.

METHODS: The Investigating Mixtures of Pollutants and Endometriosis in Tissue study included 433 reproductive-aged women undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy in Salt Lake City, Utah, and San Francisco, California. Nine PFAS-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA)-were quantified in matched serum (ng/mL) and endometrial tissue (ng/g) using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Values below the limit of detection were multiply imputed. Linear regression estimated log-transformed tissue concentrations from serum PFAS and covariates. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for endometriosis. Composite variables were created by summing log-transformed concentrations of short-chain PFAS (<8 carbons: PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS) and long-chain PFAS (≥8 carbons: PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, and PFOSA).

RESULTS: Serum PFAS was moderately associated with tissue levels, with the strongest performance for PFOS (R² = 0.46) and PFHxS (R² = 0.37). Model fit was low for longer-chain compounds (e.g., PFUnDA R² = 0.09, PFDoDA R² = 0.07). Serum PFOA (OR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.08, 10.59) and PFNA (OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.15, 8.45) were significantly associated with endometriosis, whereas corresponding tissue-based estimates were attenuated. The serum long-chain composite was associated with increased odds of endometriosis (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.15, 6.59), while the short-chain composite showed no association.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum PFAS minimally reflect endometrial tissue burden, with variability by chain length. While serum remains practical for large studies, tissue-based measures may provide more accurate estimates of exposure in tissue. These findings inform PFAS-endometriosis research and may extend to other gynecologic conditions.

PMID:41960415 | PMC:PMC13061528 | DOI:10.1097/EE9.0000000000000476

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 10. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c17011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adsorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins (IX) is negatively impacted by elevated concentrations of effluent organic matter (EfOM) and other background water constituents (e.g., coadsorbing inorganic ions) in complex matrices such as wastewater effluent. Here, we evaluated a hybrid system comprised of nanofiltration (NF) as an initial treatment step to reduce concentrations of PFAS, EfOM, and select inorganic ions, followed by either GAC or IX treatment of membrane permeate. A pilot membrane system utilizing a loose nanofilter (NF270) was operated continuously for >45 days, treating wastewater effluent with PFAS periodically added to the feed to evaluate rejection in high recovery (90%) batch experiments. Experimental results demonstrated >92% rejection of C ≥ 4 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), >98% rejection of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen-X), and lower rejection (63-92%) of ultrashort chain PFAS and perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA). Without NF pretreatment of wastewater effluent, rapid small scale column tests (RSSCTs) of adsorbents showed that PFAS maximum contaminant level (MCL) criteria were exceeded within 81 bed volumes (BVs) for GAC and 9,000 BVs for IX. In comparison, GAC treated >5,000 BVs of permeate from the NF experiments before exceeding MCLs, while IX-treated NF permeate never exceeded MCLs for the duration of the experiment (450,000 BVs). The proposed NF-adsorbent treatment train represents a promising strategy for PFAS removal from complex wastewater matrices, preventing point source discharges into the environment.

PMID:41961553 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c17011

Front Toxicol. 2026 Mar 25;8:1832497. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2026.1832497. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2026.1768277.].

PMID:41953279 | PMC:PMC13056456 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2026.1832497

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2026 Apr 9;90(3):22. doi: 10.1007/s00244-026-01191-8.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging contaminant globally, with recent attention regarding their presence in South Africa; however, to date, most studies have focused on their presence and impact on aquatic systems. Few sentinels exist capable of defining the presence and role of PFAS in urban environments. Here, we have demonstrated the use of an opportunistic sampling strategy (e.g., roadkill), as a means to obtain specimens capable of defining the potential urban burden of PFAS. Within many urban environments in South Africa, snakes have become widespread, due to the abundance of food and shelter. Employing the roadkill sampling strategy, the livers of three species of apex venomous snakes, black mamba (BM, Dendroaspis polylepis, n = 28), eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps, n = 5), and Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica, n = 6), were sampled. The snakes were then monitored for 30 PFAS in and around the urban center of Durban, South Africa, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, nine PFAS were quantified across the snakes sampled, dominated by long chain species, along with the presence of an emerging class of replacement PFAS, 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA). This study reports some of the highest ∑PFAS documented in South African biota at 1084 ng/g dry weight (dw; median ∑PFAS of 511 ng/g dw for BM). While there are obvious caveats to utilizing roadkill for PFAS monitoring, these opportunistic throw-away samples could become useful for tracking the fate of PFAS in threatened or dangerous species, especially within urban environments. Further, these urban sentinels can provide data for a current research gap (terrestrial fate and transport) and offer a glimpse into potential human exposure risks in regions where urban pollution is a growing concern.

PMID:41954651 | DOI:10.1007/s00244-026-01191-8

PLoS Med. 2026 Apr 9;23(4):e1004659. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004659. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early-life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may impact the developing lungs and immune system and increase the risk of childhood asthma, but no studies have been conducted in a high-exposed population. The objective of this study was to estimate associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and childhood incidence of asthma and wheeze in Blekinge County, Sweden, where a subset of residents in the city of Ronneby was exposed to PFAS from drinking water contaminated by aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

METHODS AND FINDINGS: We constructed a register-based open cohort of 11,488 children born in Blekinge county between 2006 and 2013 and followed each individual from birth until age 12 or December 31, 2022. Maternal address history was linked to water distribution records to create a categorical proxy variable for prenatal PFAS exposure from drinking water. We identified incident cases of wheeze and asthma from administrative health records and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for individual-level confounders, including maternal smoking in early pregnancy, maternal age at delivery, parity, child sex, parental asthma, and socioeconomic factors. As a secondary analysis, we applied a Rubin Causal Model (RCM) analysis to estimate the average marginal effect of prenatal PFAS exposure on wheeze and asthma among the very highly-exposed population, using a matched dataset of very-high and background-exposed individuals balanced on measured confounders. Overall, 18% of children were diagnosed with wheeze and 17% with asthma during follow-up. Very high prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with incidence of asthma (HR: 1.44, 95% CI [1.08, 1.92]), whereas no associations were observed for the high or intermediate exposure groups or for wheeze. In the RCM analysis, the estimated cumulative incidence of asthma was 16.1% in the background-exposed group and 26.7% in the very highly exposed group (Fisherian p < 0.001). Study limitations include reliance on an address-based categorical proxy for prenatal PFAS exposure, which likely results in non-differential exposure misclassification and limits the ability to distinguish prenatal from early-childhood exposure effects.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, very high prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with a higher incidence of childhood asthma. Although these results should be replicated, they suggest an important public health impact of AFFF-associated PFAS contamination.

PMID:41955175 | PMC:PMC13065015 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1004659

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 7:128079. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128079. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pesticides are globally distributed contaminants that persist in terrestrial food webs, yet baseline data for large omnivores in the continental U.S. remain limited. This study quantified PFAS and pesticides in whole blood from free-ranging black bears (Ursus americanus, n = 15) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis, n = 9) in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem of northwestern Montana. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based methods (GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS), 52 PFAS and 186 pesticides were analyzed. PFAS were detected in all bears, with total PFAS concentrations ranging from 79.5-317 pg/mL. PFAS profiles were dominated by long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, particularly PFOA, PFDA, and PFUnDA, with minimal contribution from short-chain compounds. Species was the strongest ecological predictor of PFAS concentrations, although variability across age, sex, and capture location were observed. Only two pesticides, piperonyl butoxide and permethrin, were detected at quantifiable concentrations (2,070-12,600 pg/mL), and no correlations were observed between pesticide and PFAS concentrations, indicating independent exposure pathways. The predominance of long-chain PFAS suggests diffuse environmental sources and bioaccumulation within terrestrial food webs. Although measured concentrations were generally low relative to other wildlife toxicological studies, the persistence and protein-binding properties of long-chain PFAS warrant continued monitoring, particularly for long-lived omnivores. These results establish baseline contaminant concentrations for two apex omnivores in a remote ecosystem and highlight the utility of large mammals as integrative sentinels of environmental contaminant exposure for regional monitoring and wildlife conservation. Continued monitoring in the Cabinet-Yaak and across western North America will be critical for assessing temporal trends, identifying new contaminant sources, and evaluating ecological health in bear populations.

PMID:41956316 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128079

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1515/znc-2025-0301. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Nudix hydrolase from Bacillus paranthracis MBBL1 was investigated using in silico approaches. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants associated with serious health and ecological risks because of their stable chemical nature and strong resistance to breakdown. The enzyme sequence was retrieved from NCBI (Accession No. MFQ6175622.1), and its secondary structure revealed 33 alpha-helices, 50 beta-strands, and 66 coil regions, suggesting a balanced structural conformation. Tertiary structure prediction using AlphaFold3 achieved a high-confidence model with 94.5 % residues in the most favored regions of the Ramachandran plot and an ERRAT quality score of 96.99 %, validating its stereochemical reliability. Physicochemical profiling indicated a molecular weight of 17 kDa, a theoretical pI of 4.86, and a GRAVY index of -0.245, confirming its hydrophilic and slightly acidic nature. Two active-sites were predicted by PrankWeb, with Pocket 1 showing a high binding score of 6.46. Molecular docking against twelve PFAS derivatives showed favorable binding affinities ranging from -6.4 to -9.5 kcal/mol. Perfluorodecanoic acid demonstrated the strongest interaction (-9.5 kcal/mol), followed by H-PFOS (-9.0 kcal/mol) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (-8.8 kcal/mol). Interaction analysis identified key residues such as ALA22, THR40, ASP42, and ASN133 forming multiple hydrogen, halogen, and electrostatic bonds. These findings suggest that Nudix hydrolase may have structural and functional attributes relevant to PFAS biodegradation. Acknowledging the computational nature of this study, experimental validation will be required to confirm biodegradation activity.

PMID:41956447 | DOI:10.1515/znc-2025-0301

Environ Int. 2026 Apr 3;210:110235. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110235. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is the critical period for the development of peak bone mass. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread endocrine disruptors that may disturb skeletal development, but evidence in Nordic adolescents is limited.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sex-specific associations between serum PFAS and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) Z-scores among Norwegian adolescents.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilised data from Fit Futures 1 (2010-2011), a cohort of adolescents in Northern Norway. Eighteen serum PFAS were quantified, and aBMD Z-scores (femoral neck, total hip, total body) were calculated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We used multivariable linear regression and mixture analyses (quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression) to estimate sex-specific associations.

RESULTS: Among 889 participants (421 girls and 468 boys; mean age 16.2 years), eight PFAS had detection rates >70%. The sum of linear and branched perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (ΣPFOS) had the highest median concentration (6.23 ng/ml). Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (β = -0.16 per doubling, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.06) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (β = -0.15 per doubling, 95% CI: -0.24, -0.06) showed consistent inverse association with total body aBMD. Mixture analyses suggested modest inverse overall mixture estimates, but 95% confidence intervals crossed the null. Sex-stratified analyses suggested that estimates tended to be more negative in boys than in girls.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of several PFAS, particularly PFNA and PFDA, were modestly associated with lower aBMD Z-scores in Norwegian adolescents, most consistently for total body aBMD. Evidence for mixture effects and sex-specific differences was limited, although inverse associations tended to be more pronounced in boys. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and long-term skeletal impacts.

PMID:41950633 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110235

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c18001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fluoropolymers are widely used across sectors, but their production is associated with emissions of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are mobile, persistent, and toxic. In this work, we compiled a global inventory of fluoropolymer production plants (FPPs) and assembled PFAS concentration measurements for various media in their vicinity. We identified 52 currently operating FPPs across 11 countries and 41 cities. For 12 FPPs, in 12 different cities, there are peer-reviewed site-specific PFAS measurements specifically attributed to the FPP. At these 12 sites, at least 236 individual PFASs have been detected across multiple environmental media, including surface water, groundwater, air, dust, soils, sediments, plants, animals, and humans, with reported detections at distances of up to approximately 150 km from FPPs. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) were most frequently measured, often at concentrations two to three orders of magnitude higher than those measured in regions without nearby FPPs. Using high-resolution population data, we estimate that approximately 14 ± 2 million people (uncertainty reflecting ± 10 km uncertainty in facility locations) live within 10 km of an FPP. These people are potentially affected by FPP-associated contamination, with the largest population shares in China (≈52%), Japan (≈24%), Europe (≈13%), and the United States (≈9%). These regional proportions largely mirror differences in population density and the number of identified production facilities. This inventory reveals the large and complex global scale of PFAS contamination from fluoropolymer production, underscoring the need for expanded systematic monitoring and risk management efforts, including regulation.

PMID:41951216 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c18001

Environ Int. 2026 Apr 3;210:110235. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110235. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is the critical period for the development of peak bone mass. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread endocrine disruptors that may disturb skeletal development, but evidence in Nordic adolescents is limited.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sex-specific associations between serum PFAS and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) Z-scores among Norwegian adolescents.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilised data from Fit Futures 1 (2010-2011), a cohort of adolescents in Northern Norway. Eighteen serum PFAS were quantified, and aBMD Z-scores (femoral neck, total hip, total body) were calculated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We used multivariable linear regression and mixture analyses (quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression) to estimate sex-specific associations.

RESULTS: Among 889 participants (421 girls and 468 boys; mean age 16.2 years), eight PFAS had detection rates >70%. The sum of linear and branched perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (ΣPFOS) had the highest median concentration (6.23 ng/ml). Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (β = -0.16 per doubling, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.06) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (β = -0.15 per doubling, 95% CI: -0.24, -0.06) showed consistent inverse association with total body aBMD. Mixture analyses suggested modest inverse overall mixture estimates, but 95% confidence intervals crossed the null. Sex-stratified analyses suggested that estimates tended to be more negative in boys than in girls.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of several PFAS, particularly PFNA and PFDA, were modestly associated with lower aBMD Z-scores in Norwegian adolescents, most consistently for total body aBMD. Evidence for mixture effects and sex-specific differences was limited, although inverse associations tended to be more pronounced in boys. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and long-term skeletal impacts.

PMID:41950633 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110235

J Chem Phys. 2026 Apr 14;164(14):144105. doi: 10.1063/5.0319560.

ABSTRACT

We have performed atom-specific vibrational analyses of a large number of perfluorooctanoic acid isomers as well as their anions and show that differences in the vibrational features of corresponding anion and neutral molecules clearly identify the C-F bonds that are most strongly activated in the anions. We discuss two analysis tools for associating vibrational modes with individual atoms, both based on density functional theory calculations. The first involves computing the Einstein frequencies for a given atom and the second projects the full vibrational spectrum onto a given atom using participation factors derived from the normal mode eigenvectors. We show that the two methods give results that are qualitatively the same and that either can be used to identify the most labile C-F bonds in the anions. We also show that the results of the vibrational analyses are consistent with systematically computed F atom removal energies. The vibrational analysis tools are shown to be related to the local mode analysis of Cremer and co-workers. Finally, we compare and contrast branched and linear PFAS molecules and analogous hydrogenated carbon chains.

PMID:41949114 | DOI:10.1063/5.0319560

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c18001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fluoropolymers are widely used across sectors, but their production is associated with emissions of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are mobile, persistent, and toxic. In this work, we compiled a global inventory of fluoropolymer production plants (FPPs) and assembled PFAS concentration measurements for various media in their vicinity. We identified 52 currently operating FPPs across 11 countries and 41 cities. For 12 FPPs, in 12 different cities, there are peer-reviewed site-specific PFAS measurements specifically attributed to the FPP. At these 12 sites, at least 236 individual PFASs have been detected across multiple environmental media, including surface water, groundwater, air, dust, soils, sediments, plants, animals, and humans, with reported detections at distances of up to approximately 150 km from FPPs. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) were most frequently measured, often at concentrations two to three orders of magnitude higher than those measured in regions without nearby FPPs. Using high-resolution population data, we estimate that approximately 14 ± 2 million people (uncertainty reflecting ± 10 km uncertainty in facility locations) live within 10 km of an FPP. These people are potentially affected by FPP-associated contamination, with the largest population shares in China (≈52%), Japan (≈24%), Europe (≈13%), and the United States (≈9%). These regional proportions largely mirror differences in population density and the number of identified production facilities. This inventory reveals the large and complex global scale of PFAS contamination from fluoropolymer production, underscoring the need for expanded systematic monitoring and risk management efforts, including regulation.

PMID:41951216 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c18001

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c15723. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as a class of persistent organic pollutants, are well-characterized environmental and human health threats; however, their behavior in food systems, particularly during fermentation, remains poorly understood. Here, we show that traditional fermentation significantly enhances the PFAS bioaccessibility. Through a 300 day model fermentation system, we observed near-complete release of several major PFAS congeners. While microbial transformation of the PFAS precursor of N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-EtFOSA) was observed, persistent congeners of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) remained unaffected during microbiome restructuring. We demonstrate that matrix degradation and microbial activity synergistically modify the PFAS binding states. In silico modeling reveals a shift in bioaccessibility determinants from specific binding to partitioning behavior, establishing that fermentation liberates PFAS via two key pathways: microbial degradation of structural components, releasing bound contaminants and altered PFAS partitioning during digestion. Our findings establish fermentation as a previously unrecognized amplifier of dietary PFAS exposure, with substantial implications for food safety and public health, especially in populations with high consumption of traditionally fermented products.

PMID:41949255 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c15723

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c00444. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chemical persistence has long been recognized as a critical determinant of ecosystem and human exposure, exemplified by legacy pollutants such as DDT, PCBs, and, more recently, PFAS. Despite decades of regulation and research, robust experimental half-life data are available for only a fraction of chemicals in use, hampering their persistence assessment. Current testing frameworks, while refined, lack the efficacy to address these large data gaps, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. We argue that new approach methodologies for persistence assessment (P-NAMs)─including high-throughput (HT) experimental systems and advanced in silico models─are needed. HT-testing can bridge the gap between biodegradability screening tests and resource-intensive simulation studies. Simultaneously, HT-testing can generate large, consistent data sets needed to improve the mechanistic understanding of biotransformation and train more accurate predictive models. Integration of transformation product analysis and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data repositories will further enhance mechanistic understanding and model reliability. We call for coordinated efforts across academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to establish standardized reporting, expand accessible data sets, and validate predictive tools. By advancing P-NAMs, the scientific community can ensure that persistence assessment evolves from a regulatory bottleneck into a driver of innovation, safeguarding human and ecosystem health and promoting safe chemical design.

PMID:41950227 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c00444

Sci Adv. 2026 Apr 10;12(15):eaeb2023. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb2023. Epub 2026 Apr 8.

ABSTRACT

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are crucial for malaria control, but their efficacy is compromised by rising mosquito resistance. To better understand ITN effectiveness, we present a multidisciplinary framework through a case study examining the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from ITN coatings and its impact on malaria vectors in East and West Africa. Our results show that PFAS-free pyrethroid nets exhibit reduced bio-efficacy against resistant malaria vectors compared with PFAS-based nets, despite both meeting deltamethrin specifications. Surface characterization reveals that PFAS stabilizes smaller, noncrystalline deltamethrin particulates enhancing bioavailability, while PFAS-free coatings promote particulate aggregation with an increased population of crystalline deltamethrin. Behavioral assays suggest that PFAS-free formulations reduce mosquito contact time and insecticide uptake, with resistant strains showing decreased irritancy and knockdown. These findings highlight the trade-offs of PFAS removal and stress the need for a multidisciplinary approach combining advanced chemical analytics and behavioral assessments to optimize ITNs for effective malaria control while considering environmental sustainability.

PMID:41950327 | PMC:PMC13060586 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.aeb2023

Carbohydr Polym. 2026 Jun 1;381:125209. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125209. Epub 2026 Mar 18.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often described as "forever chemicals," continue to challenge water treatment technologies because of their exceptional chemical stability, tendency to accumulate in the environment, and resistance to conventional remediation processes. In recent years, naturally derived polysaccharides, such as cellulose, chitosan, starch, alginate, and cyclodextrins, have gained increasing attention as sustainable materials for PFAS removal. Beyond their environmental compatibility, these materials offer structural flexibility that allows PFAS to be captured through a combination of electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and physical entrapment within porous or cross-linked networks. This review brings together current understanding of how polysaccharide chemistry, material architecture, and targeted modification strategies influence PFAS adsorption behavior. Rather than emphasizing adsorption capacity alone, the discussion focuses on the interplay between adsorption mechanisms, PFAS molecular characteristics, and water matrix effects. Recent advances in chemical functionalization and hybrid polysaccharide-based materials are highlighted for their ability to improve selectivity, adsorption kinetics, and regeneration performance, particularly for short-chain PFAS that remain difficult to remove. Finally, key challenges related to competing contaminants, regeneration efficiency, and scalability are discussed, along with emerging design considerations for translating polysaccharide-based adsorbents from laboratory studies to practical water treatment applications.

PMID:41943316 | DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125209

Water Environ Res. 2026 Apr;98(4):e70352. doi: 10.1002/wer.70352.

ABSTRACT

Current and pending biosolids regulations related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have triggered the industry to consider emerging biosolids treatment processes. Thermal processes, in particular, have garnered interest for their potential to remove PFAS from the solid phase. Research has documented that pyrolysis can remove PFAS from the solid phase at PFAS concentrations found in non-industrially impacted biosolids, but little information is available on the fate of PFAS in effluent py-liquid and py-gas phases. The objective of this research was to determine the fate of PFAS during pyrolysis of biosolids using non-industrially impacted and industrially impacted biosolids. Bench-scale pyrolysis experiments were conducted in triplicate at 500°C and 800°C. PFAS were quantified in the resulting biochar, py-liquid, and py-gas. PFAS removal was greater than 95% at both temperatures for the non-industrially impacted biosolids, but removal was 24%-88% in the industrially impacted biosolids at 500°C. At 800°C, removal was over 95% as well for the industrially impacted biosolids. The biochar yield was highest for the industrially impacted biosolids at 500°C, indicating less conversion of solids to liquid/gas and that the extent of pyrolysis reaction, in addition to initial PFAS concentration, can impact PFAS removal. The mass of PFAS in the effluent liquid and gas for the non-industrially impacted biosolids was approximately half of the influent PFAS mass, suggesting that a substantial fraction of PFAS is transferred/transformed in the effluent liquid and gas products that would require further polishing for improved PFAS removal.

PMID:41943885 | PMC:PMC13054464 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70352

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37723-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, which also confers exceptional environmental persistence and promotes accumulation across ecosystems and organisms. Strong carbon-fluorine bonding and extensive industrial usage contribute toward widespread contamination affecting water quality, food safety, and soil integrity across global environments. PFAS enter the environment through industrial discharges, wastewater treatment plants, landfills, firefighting foams, and consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles, food packaging, and personal care items. They contaminate water, soil, and air and may enter agricultural systems, thereby influencing crop quality and food safety. Human exposure occurs primarily through consumption of contaminated drinking water and food, with additional exposure via inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion of dust. Freshwater organisms frequently exhibit higher PFAS concentrations than marine species, increasing dietary exposure risks. PFAS exposure has been associated with immune suppression, endocrine disruption, liver damage, reproductive effects, elevated cholesterol levels, and cancer. Ecologically, PFAS alter microbial community structure and accumulate within wildlife and food webs. Conventional water treatment processes show minimal effectiveness against PFAS, intensifying research on adsorbent- and hybrid treatment-based remediation under the pollutant toxic ions and molecules research theme. This review emphasizes progress with activated carbon (AC), ion exchange resins, mineral sorbents, membranes, and destruction technologies, as well as emerging materials such as metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and polymeric or nanocomposite sorbents, while highlighting performance constraints, regeneration challenges, operational limitations, and critical gaps for scalable and sustainable PFAS management.

PMID:41944997 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37723-x

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c14780. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals linked to liver toxicity and metabolic disease. 54 PFAS were measured in 211 adult human livers collected between 2000 and 2024 to reveal temporal trends, relative PFAS abundance, and demographic predictors of hepatic burden. PFAS were detected in 210 individuals, with 15 compounds found in ≥30 livers. Total summed PFAS concentrations decreased by 94% over the 24-year period in weighted linear regression, and by 68% after adjusting for age, sex, and liver health in multivariate models. Since 2019, a ∼950-fold variability in concentration was observed, and the PFAS profile in the liver shifted from sulfonates and carboxylates to proportionally more sulfonamides and fluorotelomers. Sampling year was the strongest predictor of hepatic PFAS concentration in multivariate models. Age was positively associated with several long-chain PFAS, which is consistent with years-long elimination half-lives. Males had higher perfluoroundecanoic acid, perfluorododecanoic acid, and 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid concentrations, whereas females had higher 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid concentrations. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with lower concentrations of seven PFAS. While legacy PFAS declined following phaseouts, other PFAS increasingly drive liver burdens, with our data showing targeted PFAS comprise <10% of extractable organofluorine, highlighting the inadequacy of substance-by-substance regulatory approaches.

PMID:41944638 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c14780

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c01678. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed in the environment, with soil increasingly serving as one of the major matrices. Soil environmental criteria (SEC) are primarily based on total concentrations of pollutants. However, actual biological effects are driven by bioavailable concentrations. There is no systematic and standardized in vitro method for measuring PFAS bioaccessibility in soil. In this study, we developed extraction methods for PFAS bioaccessibility in soil toward different soil organisms (i.e., plants and earthworms) using in vivo tests as the benchmark. It was shown that water extraction was suitable for predicting the accumulation of 15 PFAS in plant shoots and short-chain PFAS (C ≤ 7) in plant roots, while C18 membrane extraction was feasible for long-chain PFAS (C > 7) in plant roots and 15 PFAS in earthworms. Based on 3,474 experimental data points from 44 soil samples across 18 provinces in China, a machine learning (ML) model for predicting PFAS bioaccessibility was developed. We further derived bioaccessibility-based ecotoxicity data based on the ML model to construct species sensitivity distribution curves, resulting in HC₅ values of 0.229, 0.330, and 0.313 mg/kg for PFOA, PFHxS, and PFOS, respectively. These values reduced the uncertainty associated with soil variability and more accurately reflected the actual ecological risk of PFAS in soil. Overall, this study established a novel framework for deriving PFAS SEC and facilitated the transition from total concentration-based to bioaccessibility-based ecological risk assessment.

PMID:41944644 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c01678

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c12307. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread in global ecosystems, their presence in the hadal zone, particularly that of novel compounds, remains unexplored. In this study, 15 PFAS were detected in amphipods from the Mariana, Mussau, and New Britain Trenches (ranging from 0.4-37.5 ng g^-1 dry weight), whereas all seawater and sediment samples fell below the detection limit. We quantified organism-water partitioning, analyzed structural and concentration similarity via COSMO-RS, applied neural networks to predict bioaccumulation, and prioritized PFAS risks using a persistence-bioaccumulation-toxicity framework. Short-chain novel PFAS (e.g., PFBA and PFPeA) formed the largest share of total PFAS loads (up to 4.2 ng g^-1 dw) but contributed minimally to risk. In contrast, long-chain PFAS (PFTrDA and PFUnDA), though less abundant, exhibited substantially higher risk potential. The novel compound F-53B was detected exclusively in Mariana amphipods. Overall, the accumulation patterns across PFAS classes reflect the combined influence of external exposure and internal partitioning constraints. These findings demonstrate that structural modification does not inherently reduce PFAS hazards and highlight the necessity of including hadal organisms in global chemical risk evaluation.

PMID:41944747 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c12307

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37723-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, which also confers exceptional environmental persistence and promotes accumulation across ecosystems and organisms. Strong carbon-fluorine bonding and extensive industrial usage contribute toward widespread contamination affecting water quality, food safety, and soil integrity across global environments. PFAS enter the environment through industrial discharges, wastewater treatment plants, landfills, firefighting foams, and consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles, food packaging, and personal care items. They contaminate water, soil, and air and may enter agricultural systems, thereby influencing crop quality and food safety. Human exposure occurs primarily through consumption of contaminated drinking water and food, with additional exposure via inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion of dust. Freshwater organisms frequently exhibit higher PFAS concentrations than marine species, increasing dietary exposure risks. PFAS exposure has been associated with immune suppression, endocrine disruption, liver damage, reproductive effects, elevated cholesterol levels, and cancer. Ecologically, PFAS alter microbial community structure and accumulate within wildlife and food webs. Conventional water treatment processes show minimal effectiveness against PFAS, intensifying research on adsorbent- and hybrid treatment-based remediation under the pollutant toxic ions and molecules research theme. This review emphasizes progress with activated carbon (AC), ion exchange resins, mineral sorbents, membranes, and destruction technologies, as well as emerging materials such as metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and polymeric or nanocomposite sorbents, while highlighting performance constraints, regeneration challenges, operational limitations, and critical gaps for scalable and sustainable PFAS management.

PMID:41944997 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37723-x

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Apr 6;1029:181762. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181762. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an optimal sentinel to monitor the presence and impact of chemicals of emerging concern in the Florida Everglades, a designated World Heritage Site. As a relatively long-lived apex predator, that is both a generalist and a holophagous consumer of prey, python tissue burdens can highlight the bioaccumulative potential of pollutants, reflecting what is present in the ecosystem. Further, as these invasive snakes are targeted for removal by the state, opportunistic sampling of this semi-aquatic apex predator reduces the need for handling of vulnerable native species. In this study, livers from 67 pythons, collected within or near the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, were monitored for 30 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Across all python livers, linear perfluorooctanesulfonic acid was the most prominent PFAS by both frequency (93%) and concentration (median 89 ng/g dw). While no statistical difference was determined in PFAS concentrations in livers collected from pythons sampled from eastern and western sampling locations (surrounding the Everglades), a sex-based difference was observed. Overall, males had a statistically higher ∑PFAS concentration (p < 0.0001) when compared to females. Further, females tended to have lower ∑PFAS concentrations as they become longer and heavier, suggesting potential maternal transfer. The median ∑PFAS concentration was 111 ng/g dw, which exceeded that observed in livers collected from native apex predators, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). As demonstrated herein, pythons represent an optimal sentinel for assessing the overall PFAS burden within the greater Everglades ecosystem.

PMID:41946070 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181762

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 3;509:141978. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141978. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recycling of Li-ion batteries (LiBs) for metal recovery has gained increasing attention in recent years. Batteries contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), however, their behaviour during battery recycling is still not well understood. This study aims to (i) characterise the presence of PFAS in LiBs black mass collected from various recycling factories in Australia, and (ii) investigate the fate of PFAS during the metal recovery process. The concentration of bis-perfluoromethanesulfonimide (bis-FMeSI) (C₂) in the black mass was up to 51,000 µg kg^-1. Other emerging and legacy PFAS were present, with concentrations varying from 0.1 to100 µg kg^-1. The complementary analysis results of extractable organically bound fluorine and Fluorine K-edge X-ray adsorption near-edge structure indicates that the LiBs black mass mainly consists of bis-FMeSI (C₂) and LiPF₆ as the main PFAS analytes (40 - 80% fluorine equivalent), however other unknown PFAS may also be present. The long-chain PFAS are more difficult to leach compared to the short-chain PFAS. H₂SO₄ leaches 58% bis-FMeSI which is the highest compared to HNO₃ (51%) and HCl (40.4%). During the precipitation stage, adding H₂O₂ to the H₂SO₄ (5% v/v) leaching agent increased bis-FMeSI adsorption onto metal precipitates by 40%. Using PiFM analysis, PFAS are found predominantly present as surface-associated species within binder- and carbon-rich domains, and the leaching mechanism is strongly attributable to the disruption of these surface-accessible phases. This work constructs the first baseline for the relevant research about the trade-off between metal recovery and PFAS pollutants in the LiBs recycling process.

PMID:41946249 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141978

J Sci Food Agric. 2026 Apr 6. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.70619. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Indian grape industry, anchored in Maharashtra, is vital to domestic consumption and international exports, particularly to the European markets. This review comprehensively examines the risks for the residues of 55 PFAS-based pesticides in Indian grapes. Residue monitoring data on grapes from 2014 to 2025 show very few detections of PFAS-pesticides and exceedances of maximum residue limits (MRLs), leading to any export rejections. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and percentage of acceptable daily intake (ADI) assessments indicate that fipronil, gamma-cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and tetraconazole exceeded the safety thresholds in less than 0.1% of the samples tested. The cumulative 'combined effects' of multiple residues further complicates risk evaluation, exposing regulatory gaps. To mitigate these risks, the review advocates for harmonized MRLs and sustainable viticulture strategies, including integrated pest management (IPM), use of PFAS-free agrochemicals, bio-pesticides, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems, ensuring consumer safety and export resilience. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID:41943203 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.70619

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 3;509:141977. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141977. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The ever-increasing production and use of plastics is driving the need for recycling as a fundamental component of waste management. The transition from a linear to a circular plastics economy raises new safety and regulatory challenges. Among the chemical families targeted by regulations are PFAS, whose use in plastic products ranges from low molecular weight compounds to macromolecules such as fluoropolymers. Their high persistence and associated risks have led to the evolution of regulatory frameworks and motivated the development of robust analytical tools and methodologies. This critical literature review provides an overview of current methodologies for analyzing PFAS in plastic matrices. The fluorine mass balance approach is presented as a complementary tool to the latest European regulations. Techniques for measuring total fluorine are reviewed in detail and are supported by a summary table of published studies. The speciation of non-polymeric PFAS is examined, from extraction techniques to targeted and non-targeted analyses, with support from summary tables. The contribution of non-polymeric PFAS precursor assays (total oxidizable precursors (TOP) and total hydrolysable precursors (THP)) to expanding analytical capability is discussed, as well as the potential contribution of fluoropolymer characterization techniques. This review on the various aspects of fluorine mass balances in plastics highlights the key areas that require further investigation to keep pace with regulatory requirements and to ensure safer plastic circularity.

PMID:41946244 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141977

Environ Sci Technol Lett. 2025 Oct 14;12(10):1437-1444. doi: 10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00699. Epub 2025 Sep 18.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a global challenge due to their exceptional thermal and chemical durability which leads to environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Tackling this challenge is a complex endeavor as the ever-expanding number of emerging PFAS hinders their monitoring while current countermeasures remain limited. Thus, there is a need for rapid strategies that can transform PFAS into safer, degradable analogs or expand libraries for untargeted monitoring. Here, we describe the implementation of a high-throughput (1 Hz) desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HT-DESI-MS) platform for the chemical transformation of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) via a data-driven workflow that led to 915 new PFCA analogs (89% success rate) and revealed reactivity trends. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) enabled online structural confirmation and diagnostic fragment identification, supporting standard-free LC-MS/MS analysis. Further integration with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) provided drift time measurements correlating with molecular size and shape, adding a new dimension that can improve feature annotation in untargeted PFAS analysis. Complementary quantum mechanical calculations of dipole moment and HOMO- LUMO gap predicted polarity and electronic reactivity, guiding analog selection. Collectively, this workflow combines rapid synthesis, structural annotation, and multidimensional profiling, with potential to discover safer PFAS and enhance environmental monitoring.

PMID:41938835 | PMC:PMC13045709 | DOI:10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00699

Biomol Biomed. 2026 Apr 3. doi: 10.17305/bb.2026.13621. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent chemicals commonly employed in heat- and water-resistant applications. Experimental evidence indicates a biological plausibility for PFAS-related carcinogenic effects through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and immunomodulation; however, epidemiological evidence regarding skin cancers remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of three understudied PFAS-perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), and 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid (2-(N-methyl-PFOSA) acetate)-and the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma among U.S. adults. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis utilizing data from eight NHANES cycles (2003-2018), which included 5,934 adults aged 20 years and older with complete data. Skin cancer outcomes were determined based on self-reported physician diagnoses, while PFAS concentrations were assessed in serum samples. We employed multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, and NHANES cycle. PFAS exposure was evaluated using tertiles, detectable/undetectable status, and log-transformed continuous measures. Additionally, exploratory age- and sex-stratified analyses were conducted using Firth penalized logistic regression, and multiple imputation was applied to address potential selection bias due to missing covariates. Compared to the lowest tertile, PFDA in the second tertile was associated with an increased likelihood of NMSC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.73, 95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1.01-2.89; p=0.048), although no clear dose-response trend was observed across tertiles. Among adults aged 60 years and older, PFDA in the second tertile was linked to higher odds of NMSC (aOR 2.29, 95% UI 1.29-4.05; p=0.004). Associations for PFUnDA and 2-(N-methyl-PFOSA) acetate were generally inconsistent across exposure metrics, and analyses for melanoma did not reveal a definitive association. These findings suggest a potential link between higher PFDA exposure and NMSC, particularly in older adults, underscoring the necessity for ongoing PFAS monitoring and well-designed prospective studies to elucidate the temporal relationship and causality.

PMID:41935839 | DOI:10.17305/bb.2026.13621

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2026 Apr 5. doi: 10.1007/s00216-026-06458-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are recognized as persistent environmental contaminants, yet their regulatory definitions differ substantially. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applies a narrow structural definition, whereas the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) adopts a broader framework encompassing millions of fluorinated species. This discrepancy directly affects which compounds are monitored and quantified, leaving many environmentally relevant fluorochemicals, such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), refrigerants, and other organofluorine (OF) compounds, unaccounted for. Compared to the OECD's classification of PFAS, which can include up to 7 million species, the EPA definition only covers about 14,000 PFAS. Recent studies reveal that currently known PFAS explain only a small fraction of the total organofluorine (TOF) in environmental samples, underscoring the limitations of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) commonly used for targeted analysis. This review provides critical insights on other analytical methods that are underutilized for PFAS analysis, including combustion ion chromatography (CIC), fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹⁹F-NMR), particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), that can directly or indirectly measure fluorine. By highlighting their advantages and limitations, we propose how these tools can complement mass spectrometry to close the fluorine mass balance and improve monitoring of PFAS and related fluorochemicals. Finally, while solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a useful tool for matrix cleanup and analyte concentration, it is not appropriate for total fluorine determination because many compounds may be lost throughout the process. Alternatively, direct analysis and other extraction techniques are presented for better fluorine mass balance coverage.

PMID:41936006 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-026-06458-6

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 1;508:141947. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

High levels of organic pollutants (OPs) have been found in the habitats of European eels, however little is known about their bioconcentration/bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics in different tissues. In this research, such kinetics of a mixture of 22 OPs in muscle, liver tissue and plasma of silver European eel were studied through a laboratory approach, including 10 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 5 pesticides, 5 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 2 illicit drugs. Eels were distributed in three groups: control, exposed to OPs, and exposed to OPs and polyethylene microplastics (MPs), during 58 days in two phases: exposure (days 0-28) and depuration (days 29-58). Muscle, liver and plasma samples were analysed via UHPLC-MS/MS. OPs showed increasing concentrations in the three tissues for several compounds (e.g. PFAS, chlorpyrifos, and terbuthylazine). PFAS bioconcentration followed the trend plasma > liver tissue > muscle. Two tendencies were also observed in the depuration phase. One with OPs concentrations that tended to decrease (chlorpyrifos and terbuthylazine), another one, with concentration values that were similar or even tended to be higher than at the exposure phase (PFDA, PFOS, and PFOA). The presence of MPs seemed to affect the bioconcentration and depuration of OPs in eel tissues with increased (e.g. PFAS in liver and plasma) or decreased (e.g. PFAS and chlorpyrifos in muscle) bioconcentration. Pollutants are believed to be a key issue in understanding the reasons for the eels' stock decrease and therefore, further research about PFAS, PPCPs and pesticides accumulation, depuration and toxicity on this "critically endangered" species is imperative.

PMID:41936318 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947

J Hazard Mater. 2026 May 1;508:141988. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141988. Epub 2026 Apr 4.

ABSTRACT

Contact-electro-catalysis (CEC) provides a promising route for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation, yet the mechanistic role of chloride ions (Cl^-) in real water matrices remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Cl^- markedly enhances removal of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, perfluorononyloxybenzene sulfonate, and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate, achieving 97.04 -99.99% degradation and 96.90 -99.98% defluorination within 120 min at 200 mM Cl^-. These rates were 1.43-2.29-fold higher than Cl^--free systems. Mechanistic analyses reveal that hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) oxidizes Cl^- to generate chlorine radicals (Cl^•), which selectively attack the carboxylate group of PFAS, enabling thermodynamically favorable decarboxylation followed by mineralization. Unlike conventional electrochemical methods, the Cl^•-mediated pathway avoids oxychlorine and chlorinated byproducts. Zebrafish embryo assays further confirmed negligible toxicity of treated solutions. These results establish a sustainable paradigm that achieves high defluorination efficiency and operational safety, offering strong potential for PFAS remediation in saline and industrial waters.

PMID:41936317 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141988

J Hazard Mater. 2026 May 1;508:141947. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947. Epub 2026 Apr 1.

ABSTRACT

High levels of organic pollutants (OPs) have been found in the habitats of European eels, however little is known about their bioconcentration/bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics in different tissues. In this research, such kinetics of a mixture of 22 OPs in muscle, liver tissue and plasma of silver European eel were studied through a laboratory approach, including 10 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 5 pesticides, 5 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 2 illicit drugs. Eels were distributed in three groups: control, exposed to OPs, and exposed to OPs and polyethylene microplastics (MPs), during 58 days in two phases: exposure (days 0-28) and depuration (days 29-58). Muscle, liver and plasma samples were analysed via UHPLC-MS/MS. OPs showed increasing concentrations in the three tissues for several compounds (e.g. PFAS, chlorpyrifos, and terbuthylazine). PFAS bioconcentration followed the trend plasma > liver tissue > muscle. Two tendencies were also observed in the depuration phase. One with OPs concentrations that tended to decrease (chlorpyrifos and terbuthylazine), another one, with concentration values that were similar or even tended to be higher than at the exposure phase (PFDA, PFOS, and PFOA). The presence of MPs seemed to affect the bioconcentration and depuration of OPs in eel tissues with increased (e.g. PFAS in liver and plasma) or decreased (e.g. PFAS and chlorpyrifos in muscle) bioconcentration. Pollutants are believed to be a key issue in understanding the reasons for the eels' stock decrease and therefore, further research about PFAS, PPCPs and pesticides accumulation, depuration and toxicity on this "critically endangered" species is imperative.

PMID:41936318 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 3;300:124411. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124411. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) poses significant challenges for environmental remediation owing to poor degradation in terms of its extremely stable C-F bond. Herein, Cu@S/NCNT electrocatalyst was successfully synthesized by precisely regulating Cu sites of gradient Sulfur-doped, suitable for the efficient electrocatalytic reduction of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Multimodal characterization revealed that the gradient S doping triggered in situ self-activation of Cu sites, establishing a highly reductive Cu⁰-Cu₂S active interface. It provided an ideal platform for PFOA adsorption-degradation and efficient C-F bond cleavage. Under the Cu@S/NCNT system (-1.8 V vs. Hg/HgO for 12 h), an 85.32% degradation efficiency and 76.96% defluorination efficiency were achieved with a 46.18% TOC reduction. Subsequently, the synergistic degradation mechanism "primary Cu-site-driven direct electron transfer (DET) and adsorbed hydrogen (H_ads) reduction" was elucidated through solvent effect differences in the acetonitrile/water system. LC-MS qualitative analysis was applied to elucidate the stepwise mineralization and defluorination pathway: "PFOA→PFHpA→PFHxA→PFPeA→PFBA→PFPrA→TFA→ … CO₂". This study provides an innovative electrocatalyst design concept for PFOA electrocatalytic reduction, contributing to the control of PFAS pollution discharge in aquatic environments such as concentrated wastewater from chemical industrial parks.

PMID:41936956 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124411

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 1;300:124393. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124393. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Diet is a major source of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, few studies have investigated dietary patterns in relation to differences observed in the PFAS exposure patterns. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within the Project Viva cohort of 1383 pregnant women enrolled at their first prenatal visit (1999-2002), who completed a validated food frequency questionnaire (158 items) and had plasma concentrations of six PFAS. We implemented a Bayesian repulsive Gaussian mixture model (BRGM) to identify PFAS exposure patterns. These patterns defined our PFAS subpopulations for a subsequent analysis, where we derived dietary patterns that accounted for differences amongst these subpopulations. Using a robust profile clustering (RPC) model, we detected dietary patterns both across the entire cohort and within specific PFAS subpopulations. The BRGM model identified six PFAS subpopulations with distinct PFAS exposure levels. Across the entire cohort, we identified six dietary patterns, plus one additional local dietary pattern per PFAS subpopulation identified by the RPC model. Notably, we observed clear consumption differences between high- and low-PFAS exposure subpopulations. Subpopulations with higher PFAS concentrations showed greater consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, packaged and processed condiments, decaf coffee (during pregnancy), skim milk, and poultry, while those with lower PFAS concentrations tended to show greater consumption of vegetables, fruits, regular beer (before pregnancy), hot cereal, and sweet baked goods. Our approaches provided novel insights into the relationship between prenatal exposure to PFAS and dietary intake by identifying dietary patterns unique to different PFAS subpopulations.

PMID:41933863 | PMC:PMC13070428 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124393

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 2;398:128063. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128063. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent environmental contaminants that lead to continuous human exposure, posing a major global public health concern. However, the multisystem effects at the molecular level remain insufficiently understood. This review positions the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily as a central regulatory hub linking PFAS exposure to multi-organ toxicity. First, we characterize the in vivo behavior of PFAS under realistic mixed-exposure scenarios, highlighting the limitations of traditional toxicological models based on single compounds and linear dose-response relationships in capturing complex biological effects across tissues and receptor systems. We then systematically integrate current evidence on PFAS interactions with key nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ (PPARα/γ), estrogen receptor (ER)/androgen receptor (AR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)/pregnane X receptor (PXR), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Mechanistically, PFAS can modulate receptor activity through direct binding to ligand-binding domains, alteration of cofactor recruitment, and changes in chromatin accessibility. These interactions subsequently disrupt lipid metabolism, bile acid homeostasis, glucose regulation, inflammatory signaling and endocrine pathways. By integrating findings from animal models and human epidemiological studies, we further link these molecular perturbations to adverse outcomes such as dyslipidemia, impaired glucose homeostasis, immune dysfunction, and renal carcinogenesis, emphasizing inter-organ crosstalk mediated by metabolic and hormonal networks. Finally, we highlight current knowledge gaps and propose that integrating multi-omics approaches, receptor-specific models, and standardized exposure assessment frameworks will strengthen causal inference and support more predictive risk assessment strategies for PFAS-related health effects.

PMID:41934778 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128063

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 2;398:128063. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128063. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent environmental contaminants that lead to continuous human exposure, posing a major global public health concern. However, the multisystem effects at the molecular level remain insufficiently understood. This review positions the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily as a central regulatory hub linking PFAS exposure to multi-organ toxicity. First, we characterize the in vivo behavior of PFAS under realistic mixed-exposure scenarios, highlighting the limitations of traditional toxicological models based on single compounds and linear dose-response relationships in capturing complex biological effects across tissues and receptor systems. We then systematically integrate current evidence on PFAS interactions with key nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ (PPARα/γ), estrogen receptor (ER)/androgen receptor (AR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)/pregnane X receptor (PXR), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Mechanistically, PFAS can modulate receptor activity through direct binding to ligand-binding domains, alteration of cofactor recruitment, and changes in chromatin accessibility. These interactions subsequently disrupt lipid metabolism, bile acid homeostasis, glucose regulation, inflammatory signaling and endocrine pathways. By integrating findings from animal models and human epidemiological studies, we further link these molecular perturbations to adverse outcomes such as dyslipidemia, impaired glucose homeostasis, immune dysfunction, and renal carcinogenesis, emphasizing inter-organ crosstalk mediated by metabolic and hormonal networks. Finally, we highlight current knowledge gaps and propose that integrating multi-omics approaches, receptor-specific models, and standardized exposure assessment frameworks will strengthen causal inference and support more predictive risk assessment strategies for PFAS-related health effects.

PMID:41934778 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128063

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Jun 8;1402:345377. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.345377. Epub 2026 Mar 9.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent significant environmental hazards due to their exceptional persistence and propensity for bioaccumulation. However, current detection methodologies lack the ultra-trace sensitivity necessary to meet regulatory standards. In this study, we present an innovative electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor specifically designed for the detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which integrates three advanced strategies. First, a NiRu bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) luminophore was synthesized through hydrothermal encapsulation of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, resulting in a 3.8-fold enhancement in ECL intensity compared to the monometallic Ni-MOF. Second, an enzyme-free triple nucleic acid amplification cascade, catalyzed by Mg²⁺ ions, was developed by combining catalytic hairpin assembly with T-shaped DNAzyme circuits, achieving a 10⁵-fold signal amplification. Third, a ferrocene-mediated "on-off-on" quenching-recovery mechanism was employed to suppress background signals effectively. This integrated sensing platform attained an unprecedented detection limit of 23.7 fM (0.0098 ng/L), exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standard by a factor of 400, while demonstrating recovery rates between 95.1% and 97.7% in authentic water samples. This work represents the first MOF-based ECL approach that synergistically combines dual-metal enhancement with metal-ion-catalyzed nucleic acid amplification, offering a versatile framework for the sensitive monitoring of trace environmental contaminants.

PMID:41934998 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.345377