PFAS

per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“Forever Chemicals”)

Bioaccumulative contaminants in New Hampshire Common Loon eggs indicate widespread exposure to persistent organic pollutants - July 16, 2026

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Jul 15:vgag184. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag184. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Common Loon is a piscivorous bird whose populations have been impacted by human activities, including mortality and/or reduced productivity from lead fishing tackle, habitat loss, human disturbance, and elevated levels of mercury. In New Hampshire, the loon is listed as state threatened due to its slow recovery from historic population declines, current high rates of anthropogenic mortality, and declining productivity rates despite intensive management. The extent to which loons are exposed to persistent organic contaminants that could affect population health is not well understood. We quantified legacy contaminants (polychlorinated biphenyls [PCB], polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins [PCDD], polychlorinated dibenzofurans [PCDF], organochlorine pesticides, trace elements) and contaminants of emerging concern (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS], brominated diphenyl ethers [BDE]) in 92 Common Loon eggs collected from 28 lakes between 1993-2021 in New Hampshire. We measured egg size and eggshell thickness to assess potential relationships with contaminant exposure. Egg burdens of 9PFAS ranged from 58.4-1,587.4 ng/g wet weight, 6BDE from 9.3-336.5 ng/g, 209PCB from 398-12,849 ng/g, PCDD/F from 5.4-55.5 pg/g toxic equivalency factor, total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) from 132.8-974.0 ng/g, and total chlordane from 10.4-131.1 ng/g. Contaminant levels in 65% of eggs exceeded the lowest observed effects levels seen in other bird species for at least one contaminant class. Ordination and clustering analysis detected an inverse correlation between egg morphology and burdens of BDE, organochlorine pesticides, PCDD/F, and PCB. Further monitoring of contaminants in loon eggs is warranted to assess levels of contaminants in New Hampshire lakes, the relative contributions of spatial and temporal variation to exposure risk, and how co-exposure to multiple contaminant classes and other anthropogenic and environmental stressors could influence the health of loon populations.

PMID:42458810 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag184

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in land-applied biosolids: Accumulation in soils, crop uptake, and potential dietary risk - July 16, 2026

J Environ Qual. 2026 Jul-Aug;55(4):e70220. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.70220.

ABSTRACT

Applying biosolids as a soil amendment for crop production is a common practice, raising concerns about the introduction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into soils and crops at application sites. We investigated the impact of biosolids application on PFAS concentrations in agricultural soils and crops at three different farms that received biosolids from three different wastewater treatment plants in Minnesota. At each farm, three fields were identified: one with no history of biosolids application, one with past biosolids application, and one with biosolids application in the study year (2023). Biosolids; soils; and corn (Zea mays), rye (Secale cereale), and soybeans (Glycine max) were analyzed for PFAS. Biosolids-amended soils showed a greater number of PFAS, as well as higher total PFAS concentrations than fields that had never received biosolids or had not received biosolids in recent years. Several PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were found to accumulate in corn, especially in the stalks and leaves (stover). PFAS were also found in rye, but not in soybeans. Bioaccumulation factors for crops were calculated for perfluorobutane sulfonate (5.0-5.2, corn stover), perfluorobutanoic acid (0.57, rye, and 7.0-7.7, corn stover), perfluoropentanoic acid (0.34, corn stover), and PFOS (0.03, corn stover). Crop and soil results were used to perform a human health risk assessment using a simple exposure model to estimate PFOS concentration in beef and milk. Hazard quotients were >1 for both adults and children based on 90th percentile consumption rates, indicating a potential for human health risk in the modeled scenario.

PMID:42458880 | DOI:10.1002/jeq2.70220

Associations of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and childhood vaccine-induced immunity - July 15, 2026

Environ Health. 2026 Jul 15. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01322-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Plasma per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with immune dysfunction, including childhood antibody response. We evaluated whether first trimester maternal plasma PFAS concentrations are associated with mid-childhood MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) antibody titers.

METHODS: We measured six PFAS (EtFOSSA, MeFOSSA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS) in first trimester plasma from participants in the longitudinal Project Viva cohort, recruited 1999-2002 in eastern Massachusetts. We measured mid-childhood plasma MMR and DTaP antibody titers. We restricted the analytical sample to children fully vaccinated, according to 2007 United States Center for Disease Control guidelines and used covariate-adjusted quantile g-computation and regression analyses to estimate associations (n = 333-416).

RESULTS: Median [interquartile range (IQR)] age at antibody titer blood draw was 7.7 years (7.4, 8.4), and children received their most recent MMR or DTaP dose at median (IQR) 4.3 years (4.1, 5.0). The PFAS mixture was associated with lower antibody titers, except for measles, although none of the associations reached statistical significance. A one unit (ng/mL) increase in EtFOSSA was associated with higher measles antibody titers [β = 0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.01, 0.04 antibody (Ab) index]. A one ng/mL increase in MeFOSSA was associated with - 6.8% (95% CI: -11.9, -1.3) lower pertussis antibody titers. There was evidence of effect modification by infant sex for prenatal PFOS and childhood pertussis antibody titers, with higher prenatal PFOS associated with lower antibody titers in females and higher in males, although neither association reached statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: While the prenatal PFAS mixture was not significantly associated with childhood antibody titers in our cohort, we observed individual associations between EtFOSSA and higher measles antibody titers and MeFOSSA and lower pertussis antibody titers. Overall, we found limited evidence of associations between first trimester plasma PFAS and mid-childhood antibody titers in our cohort.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: not applicable.

PMID:42449341 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-026-01322-7

Imaging and Molecular Biomarkers of PFAS-Related Vascular Aging: A Narrative Review - July 15, 2026

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Jul 6;27(13):6064. doi: 10.3390/ijms27136064.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants increasingly associated with cardiovascular disease. Identifying early manifestations of vascular aging before the onset of overt disease is essential for improving cardiovascular risk stratification and prevention. Emerging evidence suggests that PFAS exposure contributes to early vascular and atherosclerotic alterations detectable by imaging techniques, including increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction. In contrast, evidence for associations with coronary artery calcium progression and coronary stenosis remains scarce. Mechanistically, PFAS exposure promotes endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, lipid dysregulation, and genetic and epigenetic modifications, all of which contribute to premature vascular aging and metabolic disturbances. The integration of imaging and molecular biomarkers may provide complementary insights into the structural, functional, and biological processes underlying PFAS-related vascular damage; however, to date, this field remains largely unexplored. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on imaging and molecular biomarkers of PFAS-induced vascular aging and discusses their potential role in cardiovascular risk assessment. It also highlights key knowledge gaps and the need for robust epidemiological and multi-omics studies to validate these biomarkers, clarify causal mechanisms, and support their application in cardiovascular and environmental health surveillance.

PMID:42450330 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27136064

Enhancement of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Uptake from Contaminated Soil by Applying Plant Growth Regulators: Screening and Cross-Species Evaluation - July 15, 2026

ACS ES T Eng. 2026 Jun 5;6(7):1950-1961. doi: 10.1021/acsestengg.6c00068. eCollection 2026 Jul 10.

ABSTRACT

Innovative approaches are urgently needed to improve the phytoremediation of complex mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contaminated soils. This study investigated the effectiveness of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in enhancing the uptake of a mixture of eight PFAS (100 μg/kg each) by Timothy grass (TG) from soil. A suite of PGRs including auxins (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA], indole-3-butyric acid [IBA]), gibberellic acid (GA), jasmonic acid, α-naphthaleneacetic acid, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) was applied individually via foliar spray at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 μM. Among all treatments, IBA at 10 μM (IBA-10), IAA-1, and GA at 0.1-1 μM significantly enhanced shoot accumulation of PFHxA and PFHpA, with maximum uptake reaching ∼23% in TG during the second harvest (days 55-108). Compared to the controls without exposure to PGRs, this enhancement was ∼63%. In addition, PGRs enhanced the translocation of long-chain PFOS and PFNA, with increases of 45-82% over the controls. Uptake of ΣPFAS peaked around 7-9% of the total spiked mass for those with IBA-10, IAA-1, or GA-1/GB-0.1, underscoring the importance of type and concentration of PGRs in enhancing phytoextraction. Similar results were also observed for alfalfa undergoing similar treatment with PGRs. Insight from both TG and alfalfa indicates that not all PGR applications led to enhanced biomass weight and PFAS uptake percentage. Some treatments increased tissue PFAS concentrations without improving biomass dry weight, while others enhanced biomass but resulted in only modest increases in PFAS translocation. These results demonstrate that some foliar-applied phytohormones can regulate PFAS accumulation in plants, offering a potential strategy to improve phytoextraction efficiency. The underlying mechanisms, however, will need to be further elucidated.

PMID:42454164 | PMC:PMC13366583 | DOI:10.1021/acsestengg.6c00068

Stimulation of Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6 Biodegradation of PFOS in AFFF-Impacted Sediment Columns Using PAA-Coated Goethite - July 15, 2026

ACS ES T Eng. 2026 Jun 30;6(7):1994-2003. doi: 10.1021/acsestengg.6c00272. eCollection 2026 Jul 10.

ABSTRACT

PFAS biodegradation at aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted sites may be achieved by leveraging the native biogeochemical properties of the soil. Previous studies have shown that Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 (A6), an ammonium-oxidizing iron reducer capable of Feammox, can be biostimulated to degrade PFOA and PFOS in sediment slurries under controlled laboratory incubations. However, implementing this biostimulation in the field requires distributing Fe-(III) throughout the sediment. To do so, we lowered the zeta potential of goethite by coating it with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and conducted column experiments under different iron levels across three experimental setups: AFFF-contaminated sediments, ¹²C₈-PFOS-spiked AFFF-contaminated sediments, and ¹³C₈-PFOS-spiked AFFF-contaminated sediments. Results show that PAA-coated goethite treatment decreased PFOS mobilization and enhanced A6 activity, as demonstrated by increased Feammox activity and increased A6 counts. This biostimulation promoted PFOS degradation, as evidenced by the production of F^- and shorter carbon-chain intermediates. Greater stimulation was observed in soils with high initial Fe-(III) content, indicating the importance of initial soil geochemical conditions for A6 activity. This stimulation of A6 in natural soils via the addition of PAA-coated goethite is highly promising for environmental remediation of PFAS-contaminated sediments and warrants further optimization and testing under field-relevant conditions.

PMID:42454165 | PMC:PMC13366567 | DOI:10.1021/acsestengg.6c00272

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid exposure disrupts hepatic lipid metabolism by modulating the RBP4-STRA6 axis - July 15, 2026

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jul 15;322:120505. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120505. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX), an emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) detected in environmental matrices and drinking water sources, raises significant environmental health concerns due to its persistence and potential toxicity. This study investigated the hepatotoxic mechanisms of GenX through multi-omics approaches using in vivo (zebrafish) and in vitro (HepG2 cells) models. Environmentally relevant GenX exposure induced dose-dependent increases of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triacylglycerol (TAG), accompanied by hepatic histopathological damage. Multi-omics analyses revealed that GenX disrupted hepatic lipid homeostasis by activating de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and TAG biosynthesis pathways, with retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) identified as a critical molecular mediator. Mechanistically, GenX may trigger downstream signaling by enhancing the RBP4-STRA6 interaction, promoting excessive fatty acid synthesis and subsequent hepatic lipid accumulation. Genetic inhibition of RBP4 attenuated GenX-induced lipid deposition. Overall, our findings elucidate a novel RBP4-mediated mechanism underlying GenX-driven hepatotoxicity and provide critical insights into the health implications of PFAS alternatives.

PMID:42456426 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120505

Interpretable and causal machine learning unveil novel insights of PFAS effects on aquatic microalgal activity: key driving features, multidimensional interactions, nonlinear microalgal response patterns and species-dependent structural effects - July 15, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 11;515:142681. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142681. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Widespread distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) arouses ongoing concern on their eco-risks. As crucial aquatic primary producers, diverse microalgae inevitably coexist with PFAS contamination, understanding PFAS impact on microalgae is vital for eco-risks assessment/control. However, multiple features including PFAS structural heterogeneity and microalgal characteristics severely impact eco-risk assessment. Disentangling non-linear microalgal responses to key features and feature interaction, and microalgal species-dependent effects of complex molecular microstructures remains challenging. This study integrated interpretable and causal machine-learning approaches to optimize a modeling framework for interpreting PFAS toxicity to microalgae. Optuna-optimized CatBoost model with 7-fold cross-validation achieved robust performance in predicting microalgal activity at PFAS exposure. PFAS concentration, exposure time duration, chain length, microalgal species and initial cell density were identified as key features governing microalgal activity, with a model-derived aggregated response transition around the 10⁴ µg/L concentration range and an intensified inhibitory pattern beyond C7 chain length. The stronger contribution of exposure features, especially PFAS concentration, indicated that the model is effective in capturing microalgal response pattern across heterogeneous exposure scenarios, while PFAS-related structural features still provided crucial information for interpreting PFAS structural effects. Feature interaction analysis verified that PFAS concentration and chain length exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects, whereas initial cell density provided antagonistic buffering capacity. Moreover, X-Learner-based causal inference revealed divergent effects of PFAS chain length, sulfonate group, ether bond and saturated fluorotelomer on different microalgal species, and proposed a conceptual interpretation termed "bio-interface structure-molecular conformation matching": rigid long-chain PFAS may interact more strongly with EPS-rich microalgal species, sulfonate-containing PFAS may encounter algaenan-related resistance in Chlorophyceae-belonging green algae, while saturated fluorotelomers may show greater conformational adaptability toward loose-cell-wall diatom via "flexible hinge" effect, whereas ether bond-containing PFAS is more likely to experience interfacial retention within irregularly porous rough surface of Scenedesmus obliquus. This study facilitates PFAS eco-risk assessment and provides novel interpretive insights into PFAS-microalgae interactions across heterogeneous exposure scenarios.

PMID:42456572 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142681

Decoding the Partitioning Behavior of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances: Insights from Human Liver and Blood Biomonitoring with Machine Learning - July 15, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 15:128789. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128789. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are known for their tendency to accumulate in the human liver, potentially causing hepatotoxic effects. However, the relationship between PFAS concentrations in the liver and their distribution in whole blood remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed 15 commonly used PFASs in paired normal liver tissue and whole blood samples from patients undergoing liver resection due to liver cancer. Our results revealed that perfluorooctanoate (PFOA; 6.9 ng/mL in blood and 15 ng/g dw in liver), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; 4.9 ng/mL and 16 ng/g dw), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA; 3.6 ng/mL and 5.1 ng/g dw) were the most abundant in both matrices. Branched isomers of PFOA and PFOS contributed an average of 4.8% and 21% to their total concentrations in the liver. The ratio of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) in liver to whole blood (R_L/B) increased from 0.088 ± 0.039 (perfluorobutanoate, PFBA) to 0.32 ± 0.078 (PFOA) with longer carbon chains, then declined to 0.095 ± 0.065 (perfluorododecanoate, PFDoA). The mean R_L/B for 6:2 Cl-PFESA was higher than that for PFOS. Branched isomers of PFOA and PFOS had lower mean R_L/B values than their linear forms. Utilizing machine learning models, we identified molecular shape, charge state, and hydrophobicity as critical factors influencing PFAS partitioning between the liver and whole blood. To our knowledge, this study is among the first to comprehensively characterize the relative distribution patterns of multiple PFASs between paired human liver and whole blood samples. By integrating biomonitoring data with interpretable machine learning analysis, this study provides new insights into the physicochemical factors associated with PFAS liver-blood distribution behavior and their potential underlying mechanisms.

PMID:42457012 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128789

In Utero PFAS Exposure, Inflammation, and Behavioral Problems in Childhood - July 15, 2026

Environ Res. 2026 Jul 15:125260. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125260. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been posited to be harmful for neurodevelopment; however, researchers have not yet examined its influence on behavioral problems longitudinally across childhood or the immunological underpinnings of these links.

METHODS: This birth-cohort study followed 264 Singaporean mother-infant dyads from the prenatal period to 10.5 years post-delivery. Concentrations of 9 PFAS and 3 inflammatory markers were assayed from umbilical cord blood. Internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist when children were ages 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10.5 years. Linear mixed effect models estimated the associations of PFAS with children's internalizing and externalizing problems as children aged. For the PFAS that were significantly associated with children's behavioral problems, we tested whether levels of inflammatory cytokines statistically mediated the associations.

RESULTS: Higher cord blood concentrations of PFNA, PFDA and PFUnDA were associated with more severe internalizing problems at 2 years of age (PFNA: B = 1.65 [0.60, 2.71]; PFDA: B = 1.85 [0.81, 2.89]; PFUnDA: B = 1.26 [0.27, 2.25]). Two of these associations (PFNA, PFDA) weakened significantly as children aged (PFNA: B = -0.26 [-0.44, -0.08]; PFDA: B = -0.35 [-0.52, -0.17]). Higher levels of cord blood interleukin (IL)-6 mediated the association of PFNA with internalizing problems (B = 0.25 [0.01, 0.58]).

CONCLUSION: Greater in utero exposure to three types of PFAS was related to more severe internalizing problems from two to four years of age, with associations attenuated after 7 years of age. Inflammation may be one pathway through which PFAS influence development, although replication is warranted.

PMID:42457111 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125260

Predicting soil-water partition coefficients of PFAS using machine learning: Model development, interpretation, and validation - July 14, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 14:128771. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128771. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent contaminants, yet experimental determination of their soil-water partition coefficients (K_d) remains costly and time-consuming. In this study, five machine-learning regression models were developed using 2057 literature-derived batch adsorption data points by integrating the average net charge descriptor (Z_avg), the composite descriptor alert_prior_score, equilibrium aqueous concentration (C_w), PFAS structural descriptors, and soil physicochemical properties. Among the tested models, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) showed the best performance with 10 descriptors, achieving R² values of 0.83 and 0.86 and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) values of 2.42 and 2.66 for the C_w < 10 μg/L and C_w ≥ 10 μg/L datasets, respectively. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis indicated that hydrophobic interactions dominated adsorption at low concentrations (C_w < 10 μg/L), whereas headgroup-related hydrophilicity became more influential at higher concentrations. Independent sorption experiment validation using contaminated site soils showed that prediction deviations for all samples were within one order of magnitude. These results demonstrate that the proposed model provides an efficient and interpretable tool for predicting PFAS soil-water partitioning and supports environmental risk assessment and contaminated-site management.

PMID:42448273 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128771

Comparative in vitro study of structure related uptake of ten perfluoroalkyl substances by human and rat renal transporters - July 14, 2026

Arch Toxicol. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04508-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the renal mechanisms underlying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) elimination is critical to explain species- and structure-dependent toxicokinetic (TK) differences. This study investigated the in vitro uptake of ten PFASs, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and sulfonic acids (PFSAs) with carbon chain lengths ranging from 4 to 10, as well as emerging PFASs (GenX, PFO2OA), by eight human and four rat homologous renal transporters using in vitro cell-based assays. Results showed that Organic Anion Transporter 1 (OAT1) specifically mediated PFHxA uptake and identified PFCAs up to nine carbons (PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA) and PFSAs up to six carbons (PFBS and PFHxS) as likely substrates of human OAT3 and OAT4. In rats, Oat1 and Oatp1a1 mediated the transport of these short- and medium-chain PFASs. In addition, the emerging PFASs, GenX and PFO2OA, were identified as likely substrates for human OAT3, rat Oat1, and rat Oatp1a1. In contrast, long-chain PFASs (PFDA, PFOS, PFDS) were not substrates for any tested transporter in either species. Uptake of short- and medium-chain PFASs by human OAT1, OAT3, and rat Oat1, located on the basolateral membrane, supports their roles in active secretion, whereas their interaction with human OAT4 and rat Oatp1a1, in the apical membranes of proximal tubular cells, indicates a potential contribution to tubular reabsorption. The comparable PFAS chain-length threshold for the uptake of PFASs by homologous human and rat renal transporters suggests that additional mechanisms may account for interspecies differences in PFAS renal clearance.

PMID:42446666 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04508-7

Evaluating the potential of thermal evaporation for onsite retention of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfill leachate - July 14, 2026

Waste Manag. 2026 Jul 14;224:115734. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115734. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Since traditional management of landfill leachate at wastewater treatment plants was found to release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alternative technologies are being evaluated for PFAS treatment efficiency. Thermal evaporation is an emerging landfill leachate treatment option allowing for autonomous, onsite management of concentrated residuals while discharging the treated bulk as vapor. This study evaluated the potential of thermal evaporation for onsite PFAS retention by comparing PFAS concentrations in the inputs (leachate and landfill gas) and outputs (evaporation residuals and vapor) of a full-scale evaporator and explored PFAS deposition onto nearby soil. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyzing 66 anionic PFAS (iPFAS) and gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analyzing 27 neutral PFAS (nPFAS) were employed. Both iPFAS and nPFAS were measured in vapor emissions (126 and 783 ng/m³, respectively). The percent removal of iPFAS from re-condensed vapor was > 92 % for six perfluoroalkyl acids, but only 32 % for 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, the dominant iPFAS in vapor. However, the percent retention in evaporation residuals was only 48-82 % for the same perfluoroalkyl acids, and an added resin sampler captured additional gas-phase iPFAS emissions previously overlooked. iPFAS and nPFAS present in landfill gas (106 and 621,000 ng/m³, respectively) may also contribute to PFAS emissions due to incomplete combustion. Concentrations of iPFAS in soil within 100 m of the evaporator (0.174-4.87 ng/g) were higher (p-value < 0.01) than those in soil 1-4 km away (0.016-0.393 ng/g). These results demonstrate the need for further optimization of thermal evaporation systems to prevent airborne PFAS emissions.

PMID:42447796 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115734

USDA, HHS, EPA Reaffirm Collaboration to Tackle Chemical Contaminants in Food - July 14, 2026

The Memorandum of Understanding expands interagency collaboration on food contaminant monitoring, including for toxic heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), under the National Residue Program.

Lancashire chemicals factory facing potential legal claim announces closure - July 13, 2026

More than 90 residents have expressed interest in contamination claim against AGC Chemicals Europe

A Pfas factory in Lancashire has announced plans to close down, just days after the Guardian revealed that more than 90 residents had signed up to be involved in a potential legal claim over contamination of the local area.

AGC Chemicals Europe is consulting with employees and their union representatives about plans to cease operations at its manufacturing plant in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. The consultation is expected to last for at least 45 days.

PFAS-free fire extinguishers: future-proofing fire safety for sustainability and compliance - July 13, 2026

... circular economy principles and sustainable procurement. The fire safety sector is entering a period of significant change. Growing environmental ...

Atomistic simulations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances self-assembly in water and insertion into the E. coli outer membrane - July 13, 2026

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1039/d6cp01208f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic chemicals and persistent environmental contaminants with emerging biological toxicity. In this work, using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we studied the self-assembly behavior of representative PFAS, including anionic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as well as charge-neutral short-chain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and their insertion into the outer membrane (OM) of Escherichia coli (E. coli). PFAS self-assembly is found to be strongly governed by molecular charge, headgroup chemistry and fluorocarbon chains. Anionic amphiphilic PFOA and PFOS form micelle-like aggregates with charged headgroups exposed to water and fluorocarbon chains segregated in the core, whereas charge-neutral PTFE forms large, highly stable aggregates in aqueous solution. Electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged headgroups constrains cluster growth and reduces assembly stability, with PTFE forming more stable assemblies than PFOA and PFOS. Simulations also show that anionic PFOA and PFOS, as well as charge-neutral PTFE molecules, readily penetrate the highly hydrated outer polysaccharide layer (i.e., the O-antigen) of the E. coli OM but encounter a pronounced energetic barrier to deeper insertion into the inner region of the core oligosaccharide. Further analyses of PFOA and PTFE reveal distinct free energy profiles for their molecular insertion into the OM due to differences in charge and hydrophobicity. Our study provides molecular-level insight into PFAS self-assembly in water, which is important for PFAS removal technologies, and elucidates PFAS diffusion in the bacterial OM, which may be relevant to PFAS resistance and toxicity in E. coli and other Gram-negative bacteria.

PMID:42439918 | DOI:10.1039/d6cp01208f

A generic solvothermal defluorination method for carboxylate and sulfonate PFAS - July 13, 2026

Chem Sci. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1039/d6sc03001g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We report a solvothermal method that enables complete mineralization of structurally diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under substantially milder conditions than established hydrothermal treatments. The method's scope includes perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), and the perfluoroether carboxylic acid (PFECA) GenX. At 220 °C and with 8 M KOH, the addition of alcohol co-solvents (50 vol% methanol) markedly enhances defluorination, enabling >99% conversion of PFAS to inorganic fluoride. Performing the reactions in sealed pressure batch reactors ensures closed fluorine mass balances and prevents loss of hazardous fluorinated gases, allowing complete recovery of inorganic fluoride. Alcohol co-solvents promote mineralization through a dual role by enhancing retention of volatile fluorinated intermediates in the reactive liquid phase and enabling hydride-assisted degradation pathways. The method is further demonstrated on PFAS-loaded granular activated carbon (GAC), achieving high mineralization yields in a real-life waste matrix. Combined multinuclear NMR, FTIR and chromatographic analyses identify in detail intermediates and reaction networks in this PFAS destruction approach.

PMID:42440921 | PMC:PMC13334274 | DOI:10.1039/d6sc03001g

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in breast milk and child growth trajectories during the first two years: A prospective birth cohort study in Nanjing, China - July 13, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 11;514:142977. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142977. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast milk is a key source of infant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, yet its influence on longitudinal child growth and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this prospective study of 286 mother-child pairs from the Nanjing Birth Cohort (2021-2022), 23 PFASs were measured in breast milk. Child weight, length, and head circumference were assessed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and converted to age-specific z-scores. Group-based trajectory modeling identified growth patterns, and their associations with PFAS were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression. A metabolome-wide association study (MWAS) with mediation analysis was performed to explore potential mechanisms. Fifteen PFASs were detected. Elevated levels were associated with a low-stable trajectory for weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and a high-stable trajectory for length-for-age z-score (LAZ), a pattern supported by mixture analysis. For weight-for-length z-score (WLZ), perfluorocarboxylic acid (∑₇PFCAs) was linked to a low-falling trajectory, while emerging PFASs showed an inverse association with a high-falling trajectory. Emerging PFASs were also associated with a low-stable trajectory for head-circumference-for-age z-score (HCZ). MWAS identified 123 metabolites associated with both PFAS exposure and growth trajectories. Enrichment analysis highlighted the "Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids" pathway, which significantly mediated the effects of ∑₇PFCAs and ∑₁₅PFAS on the WLZ low-falling trajectory, accounting for 25.5% and 37.8% of the total effects, respectively. In conclusion, lactational PFAS exposure is associated with distinct growth trajectories, including lower weight, greater length, declining weight-for-length, and smaller head circumference. These effects appear partially mediated by breast milk metabolomic perturbations, providing novel mechanistic insights.

PMID:42442200 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142977

Longitudinal Associations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances with Metabolic Syndrome from Adolescence to Early Adulthood: A 10-Year Prospective Cohort Study - July 13, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 13:128772. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128772. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been implicated in metabolic dysregulation; however, longitudinal evidence linking PFAS to metabolic syndrome (MS) across the transition from adolescence or young adulthood into early adulthood is still lacking. We analyzed 516 participants aged 12-30 years in the Young Taiwanese Cohort (YOTA) with baseline examinations in 2006-2008 and follow-up in 2017-2019. Eleven plasma PFAS and MS components were quantified at both time points. We used joint models that simultaneously included baseline PFAS and long-term PFAS changes to evaluate associations with follow-up MS and its components. A PFAS exposure index was derived as the mean of standardized ln-PFAS. The baseline PFAS exposure index was not associated with MS or its components. Among individual baseline PFAS, linear PFOA was inversely associated with impaired fasting glucose, and both linear PFOA and PFHxS were inversely associated with elevated blood pressure. In contrast, the PFAS exposure index change was inversely associated with follow-up MS (OR 0.36, q = 0.050) and follow-up MS waist (OR 0.22, q < 0.001). Among individual PFAS changes, follow-up MS was inversely associated with changes in linear PFOA, PFHxS, and PFDoA, and MS waist was inversely associated with changes in linear PFOA, linear PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUdA, and PFDoA. The associations between PFAS exposure index change with MS and MS waist were robust across sensitivity analyses, including qgcomp. Analyses of continuous metabolic traits showed concordant patterns for waist circumference and HDL-C. Exploratory backward models further suggested that adiposity change may influence measured PFAS change. In this Taiwanese cohort, higher ΔPFAS exposure index was associated with lower odds of MS and abdominal obesity, but the findings are consistent with reciprocal coupling rather than a protective effect of PFAS exposure. Studies with three or more repeated measurements are needed to clarify causal direction and underlying mechanisms.

PMID:42442682 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128772

PFAS exposure linked to altered innate immune biomarkers in a sentinel apex predatoiir, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - July 13, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 13:128760. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128760. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants that can bioaccumulate in food webs, yet their effects on wildlife health-particularly in apex predators-remain poorly characterized. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which integrate contaminant exposure across aquatic and terrestrial prey, provide a valuable sentinel for assessing biological responses to PFAS in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we evaluated associations between PFAS levels in blood plasma of bald eagle nestlings sampled over multiple years across Wisconsin, USA, and biomarkers of innate immune function, including naturally circulating antibodies (IgY), complement lysis ability, and total white blood cell counts (WBC). To account for potential non-linear exposure-response relationships, we modeled associations between PFAS concentrations and immune biomarkers using a suite of candidate functional forms. Results indicate that a subset of individual PFAS exhibited significant associations with immune biomarkers after covariate adjustment, with predominantly negative relationships observed between several long-chain PFAS and complement-mediated lysis, alongside fewer but detectable associations with IgY. In contrast, complement activity was more frequently associated with PFAS exposure than humoral immunity, and exposure-response shapes varied across analytes, with log-linear and other non-linear forms often providing the best fit. In analyses of leukocyte profiles, heterophil proportions were positively associated with multiple PFAS structural groupings-including long-chain, short-chain, sulfonate, carboxylate, and legacy PFAS-while one individual analyte (PFHXA) showed a negative association, suggesting selective shifts in innate immune cell composition rather than broad changes in total leukocyte counts. Collectively, these findings suggest that environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations are associated with altered immune biomarkers in a sentinel apex predator, highlighting potential implications for wildlife health in contaminated freshwater ecosystems.

PMID:42442684 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128760

Facet-dependent adsorption of PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA onto hematite surfaces - July 13, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 13;407:128770. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128770. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Assessing the transport and fate of the sulfonate-containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater requires a molecular-scale understanding of their interactions with minerals, particularly environmentally abundant iron oxides such as hematite. Here, we systematically investigated the adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its chlorinated ether alternative, 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) on hematite surfaces using batch experiments, in situ spectroscopy, surface complexation modeling, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption was regulated by Fe-coordinated hydroxyl (Fe-OH) sites, PFAS molecular structure, and aqueous chemistry, transitioning from monolayer to multilayer with increasing concentration. Elevated pH suppressed adsorption through enhanced electrostatic repulsion, whereas Ca²⁺ promoted retention via Fe-OH-Ca²⁺-sulfonate ternary complexation, attenuating the pH dependence of adsorption. Spectroscopic evidence supported outer-sphere complexation at Fe-coordinated surface hydroxyl sites, as well as hydrophobic interactions from fluorinated chains. For 6:2 Cl-PFESA, the ether bond engaged in the initial interfacial response before sulfonate anchoring. CD-MUSIC modeling identified the (012) facet as the highest-affinity hematite surface. DFT calculations supported facet-dependent intrinsic single-molecule binding tendencies in the order (012) > (214) > (110) > (001) under idealized surface conditions. These molecular-scale insights establish a facet-specific mechanistic framework for predicting PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA adsorption at hematite-water interfaces, thereby improving assessments of their retention and mobility in iron oxide-rich subsurface environments under variable groundwater chemistry.

PMID:42442688 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128770

Residential history and drinking water type as predictors of serum PFAS in communities with a history of contaminated drinking water - July 13, 2026

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1038/s41370-026-00937-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Drinking water is a major source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure in contaminated communities. Even after mitigation, residents may still have elevated serum PFAS levels; however, duration of elevated body burdens and influence of drinking water type (unfiltered tap, filtered tap, bottled) are poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate associations of residential history and drinking water type with serum PFAS among individuals living in communities with historical drinking water contamination.

METHODS: The Massachusetts (MA) PFAS & Your Health Study is part of the PFAS Multi-site Study, a cross-sectional epidemiological study in eight U.S. states. In 2021-2023, we collected blood and questionnaire data from 673 adults in Hyannis and Ayer, MA, where public water systems were historically contaminated by PFAS mainly from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). We analyzed residential histories for 399 participants and calculated time lived in these communities between 2000 and major PFAS mitigation by public water supplies in 2016 (Hyannis) and 2018 (Ayer). We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations of time lived in study area and drinking water type with serum perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS: Median serum PFOS and PFHxS concentrations were 2.1-2.8 times higher in Hyannis than Ayer, consistent with higher historical PFAS concentrations in Hyannis water. In both communities, time lived in study area was associated with higher serum PFOS and PFHxS. In Hyannis, long-term residents ( > 16 years) had 2.3 times higher PFHxS and 1.4 times higher PFOS than short-term residents ( < 5 years). Filtered tap or bottled water was associated with lower serum PFAS compared to unfiltered tap water in Hyannis but not in Ayer.

SIGNIFICANCE: Actions to reduce exposures from drinking water in contaminated communities can lead to lower serum PFAS levels years later.

IMPACT STATEMENT: PFAS exposure from drinking water affects millions of U.S. residents. In this cross-sectional study, we found that residents of communities with contaminated drinking water had elevated serum PFAS levels, particularly long-term residents, even when mitigation of PFAS in public water supplies occurred years prior. Additionally, we found that exposure reductions from drinking filtered tap or bottled water, compared to unfiltered tap water, were reflected in serum PFAS levels. Our findings suggest that addressing PFAS exposures from drinking water, both at the municipal and household level, may reduce cumulative PFAS body burden and thus reduce risk of related health effects.

PMID:42443512 | DOI:10.1038/s41370-026-00937-9

From sources to solutions: An integrated framework for industrial risk assessment, subsurface contaminant dynamics, and Nature-Based remediation from RemTech Europe 2024 - July 13, 2026

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2026 Jul 11:vjag108. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjag108. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Effective territorial preservation and contaminated site management require an integrated, multi-scale framework that bridges macroeconomic tracking with site-specific physics, chemical forensics, and biotechnology. Within this framework, this Brief Communication synthesizes seven key advancements discussed at RemTech Europe 2024. Environmental assessments presented during the meeting span from the macro-regional level with soil pollution inventories in the Western Balkans to localized atmospheric Natural-Hazard Triggered Technological Accidents (NaTech) risk modeling for industrial facilities. At the subsurface scale, the dynamic interplay of groundwater table fluctuations controls light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) migration, while hydrogeological fingerprinting isolates distinct anthropogenic PFAS sources. Addressing these complex matrices, biotechnological assessments elucidate how emerging graphene-related nanomaterials interact with biodegradative enzymes to evaluate targeted biodegradation pathways. Finally, the scale transitions to nature-based engineering solutions, utilizing urban green gutters for stormwater retention and quantifying the long-term recovery of ecosystem services through spontaneous quarry revegetation. The integration of modeling, forensic analysis, biotechnologies, and nature-based solutions provides actionable insights for environmental risk management and sustainable land-use planning. Ultimately, this collective evidence offers regulators and stakeholders an operational roadmap to accelerate the transition from hazard identification to scale-appropriate, climate-resilient remediation strategies.

PMID:42438175 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjag108

Metabolic efficiency: The purest measure of how an animal really performs and profits - July 13, 2026

Circular Economy · Climate Modelling · Food Production · Plastic Waste · Pollution · PFAS · PFAS in the USA. Featured Publication. Canada and Horizon ...

Spatiotemporal dynamics of PFAS ecological risk in major Chinese river networks: a data-driven assessment (2011-2024) - July 12, 2026

Water Res. 2026 Jul 5;305:126429. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.126429. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose persistent and widespread risks to aquatic ecosystems, yet their long-term risk dynamics remain poorly quantified. Here, we reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of PFAS ecological risk in China's river networks from 2011 to 2024 by integrating a national historical monitoring database (n = 1,110 sites) with interpretable machine learning and statistical modeling. Ecological risk was quantified using a mixture-based risk index and predicted at 2 km resolution using an XGBoost classifier trained on 19 dynamic environmental and socioeconomic covariates. Model transferability was evaluated using an independent out-of-time field survey conducted in 2024. The model achieved stable predictive performance (AUC = 0.84 for internal testing; AUC = 0.86 for independent external validation), indicating its out-of-time generalization potential in a typical mixed-use watershed. High-risk regions were persistently concentrated in eastern China. Temporal analysis revealed a transient reduction in national high-risk area temporally coincident with the 2019 PFOS ban (-18.5% relative to the 2019 peak), followed by an observed rebound trajectory in 2023-2024, temporally associated with the increasing prevalence of short-chain alternatives. SHAP-SEM analysis suggests that natural hydrogeological conditions are associated with lower baseline vulnerability, whereas anthropogenic pressures are associated with elevated risk, potentially through the attenuation of soil retention capacity. These results provide a decadal-scale, policy-resolved assessment of PFAS ecological risk and provide data-driven insights into the limitations of substance-by-substance regulation.

PMID:42437549 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.126429

Occurrence and Dietary Exposure of Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Preprepared Meat and Aquatic Dishes - China, 2025 - July 11, 2026

China CDC Wkly. 2026 Jun 12;8(24):739-743. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2026.119.

ABSTRACT

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: The increasing consumption of preprepared dishes in China has raised public health concerns regarding potential exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Trifluoroacetic acid was the predominant PFAS in all samples, while long-chain PFASs were mainly detected in aquatic foods. A conservative scenario-based dietary exposure assessment showed that the estimated daily intake of total PFASs ranged from 1.14 to 98.63 ng/kg body weight/day across various preprepared dishes.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Current PFASs exposure from preprepared meat and aquatic dishes poses a low health risk for consumers, but continued monitoring and risk assessment remain necussary.

PMID:42434695 | PMC:PMC13349667 | DOI:10.46234/ccdcw2026.119

Organ-specific carcinogenic risk heterogeneity of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure: Global evidence from bibliometric mapping, meta-analysis, and nonlinear dose-response modeling - July 11, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 28;514:142831. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142831. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To address the long-standing inconsistency in Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)-related carcinogenic evidence, a stepwise analytical framework was developed that integrated CiteSpace-based global hotspot mapping, organ-specific meta-analysis, and nonlinear restricted cubic spline (RCS) dose-response modeling to move from research landscape identification to quantitative heterogeneity synthesis and internal dose-based risk estimation. Bibliometric results revealed a recent frontier shift from organ-specific cancer risks toward serum PFOA biomonitoring, mixed exposure assessment, and endocrine-disruptive mechanisms, providing the conceptual basis for organ-oriented evaluation. Meta-analysis of 34 datasets across the four organ-specific cancers most associated with PFOA exposure demonstrated a heterogeneous and divergent risk profile, with modest yet measurable cumulative elevations in cancer risk of kidney (odds ratio (OR) = 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.59; P = 0.04), borderline statistical significance in breast cancer risk (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27; p = 0.04), while liver cancers (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.95-1.09; p = 0.64) and thyroid cancers (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.76-1.05; p = 0.19) were statistically non-significant. The dose-response risk estimation with the RCS model further uncovered distinct nonlinear carcinogenic architectures, as characterized by Odds Ratios varying with serum/plasma PFOA concentration, including cumulative amplification in kidney, borderline statistical accumulation in breast cancers, and adaptive, non-monotonic modulation in liver and thyroid cancers. These findings highlighted organ-specific susceptibility rather than uniform carcinogenicity and advance a biomarker-driven, nonlinear, and prediction-oriented paradigm for global environmental carcinogenic risk assessment, providing mechanistically informed evidence to refine PFAS regulatory prioritization and precision public health decision-making.

PMID:42435682 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142831

AFFF on fire: new insights into the thermal fate of the AFFF compound Capstone B - July 11, 2026

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2026 Jul 11. doi: 10.1007/s00216-026-06657-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread use and uncontrolled release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to numerous environmental contamination hotspots in the past. Frequently, these contaminations result from fire-fighting measures employing PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). Remediation of these sites is often expensive and generates large amounts of waste. Thermal remediation methods have been discussed as an economically viable option for PFAS-contaminated materials and soils. During thermal treatment, depending on the applied temperature and original PFAS, the formation of products of incomplete destruction (PIDs) occurs. These PIDs are problematic as they have not been characterized well in the past for AFFF PFAS and can accumulate during thermal treatment. We studied the thermal fate of AFFF PFAS 6:2 FTSAm-Pr-B, also known as Capstone B, under pyrolytic conditions over a temperature range from 100 to 800 °C. PIDs were characterized by liquid and gas chromatography coupled to (high-resolution) mass spectrometry (LC-(HR)MS and GC-HRMS). The degree of mineralization was determined by fluoride production and ranged between 5.3% at 200 °C and 61% at 600 °C. In total, we identified 55 PIDs over a temperature range from 100 to 400 °C (levels 1-4). At 600 and 800 °C, only fluoride was detected. The majority of the PIDs (47) was detected by nontarget screening (NTS) and PIDs were classified in five substance groups: fluorotelomer sulfonic acids (FTSAs), fluorotelomer sulfonamides (FTSAms), hydroxy-carboxylic acids (OH-CAs), unknown polyfluoro-hydroxy alkyls (PFOHs), and others. A mass balance (MB) was established by molar fluorine equivalents of the (semi)quantified PIDs. The MB showed that transformation processes of 6:2 FTSAm-Pr-B already started at temperatures above 150 °C. Between 200 and 400 °C, PIDs play a significant role and accounted for 8.5% of the fluorine MB at maximum.

PMID:42435084 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-026-06657-1

Organ-specific carcinogenic risk heterogeneity of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure: Global evidence from bibliometric mapping, meta-analysis, and nonlinear dose-response modeling - July 11, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 28;514:142831. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142831. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42435682 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142831

Unveiling the subchronic effects of PFAS mixtures in blue mussels (Mytilus spp.): An integrative assessment from molecular to physiological levels - July 11, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 11;232:120109. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120109. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals that contaminate marine environments worldwide, yet their effects on marine bivalves under realistic scenarios remain poorly understood. This study investigated the subchronic effects of PFAS mixtures on blue mussels (Mytilus spp.) over 28 days, using dietary and combined dietary-aqueous exposure pathways. The mixtures were representative of the chemical diversity found in contaminated environments, containing 36 and 7 PFAS for dietary and aqueous routes, respectively. Biological responses were assessed using analyses of gene expression, biochemical biomarkers, lipidomics and clearance rates. Unexpectedly, dietary exposure alone elicited more diverse and intense molecular responses than combined exposure. Notably, the mantle exhibited the strongest transcriptional response with several pro-apoptotic genes being upregulated, while growth/survival pathways were downregulated in the digestive gland. Dietary exposure also specifically disrupted biotransformation pathways in the gills through simultaneous cytochrome P450 downregulation and glutathione S-transferase activity induction. Conversely, combined exposure increased clearance rate, suggesting physiological compensation in mussels. Energy metabolism was also affected under both exposure conditions, as ATP production genes were specifically regulated across tissues, and limited but detectable lipidome changes occurred at the whole-organism level. Collectively, these findings indicate that PFAS mixtures can affect biotransformation, apoptosis-related and energy-related pathways in marine bivalves, although their environmental significance remains to be assessed under chronic, environmentally realistic conditions. This study underscores the importance of considering multiple exposure routes in PFAS research and supports the integration of multi-tissue approaches in future ecotoxicological assessments for bivalve biomonitoring.

PMID:42435726 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120109

Water Pollution and Perinatal or Neonatal Outcomes: A Scoping Review - July 10, 2026

Trop Med Int Health. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1111/tmi.70201. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Water pollution is an increasingly important but underintegrated determinant of maternal and newborn health. Drinking-water contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, disinfection by-products, pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and industrial pollutants have been linked with adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes, but the evidence is dispersed across pollutant classes, outcomes and regions. We aimed to map the scope and nature of the published evidence on water pollution and perinatal or neonatal outcomes.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported the review in line with PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched through December 2024, with supplementary hand-searching of reference lists. Eligible studies evaluated exposure to water pollutants through drinking water or water supply systems and reported perinatal or neonatal outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data using a standardised form. Findings were synthesised descriptively.

RESULTS: Of 138 records identified, 95 remained after duplicate removal, 65 underwent full-text review and 42 studies were included. The evidence came from 26 countries across six continents. Prospective cohort, cross-sectional and case-control designs accounted for most studies. Heavy metals dominated the literature, especially arsenic and lead, while PFAS was the most prominent emerging contaminant group. Preterm birth, low birth weight and congenital anomalies were the most frequently examined outcomes. Across studies, higher exposure levels were repeatedly associated with adverse outcomes, with signals strongest for arsenic, lead, PFAS, cadmium, mercury, nitrates and mixed-pollutant exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence consistently suggests that water pollution is relevant to perinatal and neonatal risk. The literature is strongest for growth restriction, prematurity, birth defects and mortality-related outcomes, but important gaps remain in exposure standardisation, mixture analysis, neonatal phenotyping and intervention research. Water quality should be considered part of routine maternal-child health protection, especially in high-burden settings.

PMID:42430166 | DOI:10.1111/tmi.70201

Structure-activity relationship of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances as inhibitors of human and rat 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 - July 10, 2026

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 10;515:117937. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2026.117937. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals as carboxylic acid (PFCA) and sulfonic acid (PFSA) found in everyday products, from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing, and are potential endocrine disruptors. However, whether they inhibit 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (17β-HSD3) and structure-activity relationship (SAR) and mode of action remains unclear. In this study, we screened 18 PFAS (11 PFCAs and 7 PFSAs) with different carbon-chain lengths from C4 to C14 to inhibit human and rat 17β-HSD3 from HSD17B3-overexpressed LNCaP cells and rat testicular microsomes. Of the 11 PFCAs, 6 compounds significantly inhibited human 17β-HSD3, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.36 (C10) to 145.15 μM (C8) and a V-shaped turn at C10, and of the 7 PFSAs, only perfluorooctanesulfonic acid markedly inhibited this enzyme (IC₅₀, 5.87 μM). Of the 18 PFAS, only 6 PFCAs inhibited rat 17β-HSD3, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 14.2 (C10) to no inhibition at 100 μM (C8). These PFAS are mixed/noncompetitive inhibitors of human and rat 17β-HSD3 enzymes. Molecular docking studies suggest that the degree of inhibition is linked to the carbon-chain length of the PFAS molecule. 3D-QSAR indicates that structural hydrophobic regions determine the inhibitory potency up to C10 (PFDA). Our in vitro observation of 17β-HSD3 inhibition represents a putative upstream mechanistic factor that may contribute to elevated reproductive dysfunction and hypogonadism risk reported in existing human epidemiological PFAS exposure cohorts. In conclusion, PFAS inhibit human and rat 17β-HSD3 with clear SAR and carbon-chain length determines their inhibitory potency, and C10 PFCA is the most potent inhibitor of human and rat 17β-HSD3.

PMID:42431555 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2026.117937

Wide-spectrum target and total oxidizable precursor PFAS quantification with online enrichment and LC-HRMS: Overcoming analytical and matrix complexity in wastewater and sludge - July 10, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 29;514:142842. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142842. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Monitoring chemically diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in complex environmental matrices requires robust, streamlined analytical workflows. This study developed a high-throughput peak-focusing online solid-phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) workflow to quantify 63 PFASs (n_CF = 1-17, excluding trifluoroacetic acid) in wastewater, sludge, and total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay samples. Underreported analytical challenges including HRMS isobars and precursor leaching from micropipette tips were investigated. Co-extracted matrix constituents, tentatively identified as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and long-chain fatty acids, induced Orbitrap-specific ion competition that hindered quantification of long-chain PFASs in influent and sludge. Splitting the MS scan into two time- and mass-dependent ranges mitigated these effects and restored analyte sensitivity while maintaining full-scan capabilities. Validation using contemporary samples from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and legacy NIST SRM 2781 sludge demonstrated high reproducibility (intra-batch precision 8-17% for 95% of analytes). Median matrix limits of quantification were 2.5 ng/L (influent), 1 ng/L (effluent), and 1 ng/g (sludge). WWTP measurements revealed zwitterionic 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB) as a dominant precursor in wastewater (max 405 ng/L) and sludge (max 60 ng/g), exceeding concentrations of ubiquitous perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and other legacy PFASs. TOP assay results revealed substantial unknown precursor gaps, particularly in sludges where > 90% of oxidizable PFAS mass could not be explained by target precursors. To fill such PFAS mass gaps, this scalable full-scan analytical approach can readily accommodate new target analytes and provide valuable HRMS data for retrospective screening.

PMID:42430907 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142842

Occurrence and toxicity mechanisms of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HPFO-DA, GenX) in aquatic species - July 10, 2026

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1039/d5em00971e. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HPFO-DA) is marketed under the trade name "GenX" and is used as a replacement for other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). However, there are growing concerns about its regulation due to environmental and health impacts in organisms. Here, we review literature regarding the prevalence and toxicity of GenX in aquatic species and performed molecular docking and computational analysis to identify mechanisms of GenX-induced toxicity. Studies report measurable body burden levels of GenX in fish and other aquatic species, indicating that exposure and uptake do occur, which can lead to sub-lethal biological effects (e.g., developmental toxicity, oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, immune modulation, endocrine activity, neurobehavioral alterations). Effects on hormone receptor - mediated signaling (i.e., estrogenic and thyroid pathways) were noted based on computational analysis. In silico molecular docking of GenX to several fish receptors (e.g., estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormone receptors) supported the potential for GenX to interact with key nuclear receptors, suggesting plausible mechanisms of endocrine disruption in fish. Molecular and omics-based analyses also revealed that GenX interferes with several pathways related to lipid and energy metabolism, as well as redox balance. Notably, several transcripts altered in abundance by GenX are related to the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway (Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) bind to the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE)), which is related to oxidative stress and inflammation, and glucagon receptor (GCGR) signaling that activates transcription factors like CREB/CRTC2 and FOXO1 to promote gluconeogenesis. This review underscores useful toxicological endpoints for GenX in aquatic animals to guide future risk assessments.

PMID:42429221 | DOI:10.1039/d5em00971e

Microplastics-PFAS interactions in environmental matrices: quantitative evidence for antagonistic and synergistic toxicity - July 10, 2026

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10:1-25. doi: 10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increasingly co-occur across aquatic, terrestrial, and biological systems, yet their combined toxicological behavior remains poorly resolved. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 controlled experimental studies encompassing aquatic organisms, soil invertebrates, and mammalian models. Using standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) under a random-effects REML framework, supported by subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and bias diagnostics, we quantitatively compared biological responses induced by MPs, PFAS, and their co-exposure. PFAS produced the strongest and most consistent toxic effects across systems (g = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.32-7.09), with pronounced impacts on oxidative balance, hepatic function, immune regulation, and reproductive performance. MPs also induced widespread biological stress, though with lower and more variable intensity (g = 2.19; 95% CI: -0.29-4.66), affecting oxidative, reproductive, and inflammatory pathways. Notably, co-exposure to MPs and PFAS frequently resulted in attenuated or antagonistic responses rather than additive toxicity (g = -2.98; 95% CI: -8.89-2.93), suggesting that PFAS adsorption onto MP surfaces can reduce bioavailability and tissue uptake. However, synergistic effects emerged under specific conditions, particularly at high PFAS concentrations, with small or weathered particles and prolonged exposure durations. Dose response relationships were evident across exposure categories, with aquatic species displaying the greatest sensitivity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that mixture toxicity is context-dependent and cannot be inferred from single-compound data alone. This study provides a quantitative foundation for advancing mixture-aware environmental risk assessment and regulatory frameworks.

PMID:42429663 | DOI:10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292

Restriction of PFAS use in medical devices - what next for medical device manufacturers? - July 10, 2026

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2026 Jul 11:1-10. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2026.2702016. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The 2023 European Union Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations have proposed imposing bans on the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in use across a multitude of sectors, including medical devices. This study will investigate the proposed PFAS regulations, their impact on the risks associated with PFAS use in general and in devices as well as the challenges that medical device manufacturers face due to the proposed PFAS regulations and the steps they are taking to address PFAS removal.

AREAS COVERED: A literature review was conducted to assess the impact of PFAS on the Medtech industry and its customers over the period 2005-2025, utilizing academic databases such as SCOPUS, Web of Science and non-academic databases such as Google.

EXPERT OPINION: The impact of global trends, particularly European (EU) REACH legislation, which proposes restrictions and removes PFAS use in medical devices, is both positive for public and environmental health and safety but will cause some uncertainty in terms of compliance and potential unforeseen implications.

PMID:42429288 | DOI:10.1080/17434440.2026.2702016

Investigation of the Effects of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Exposure on Interleukin-17 Signalling and Poly(I:C)-Induced Lung Inflammation in BALB/c Mice - July 10, 2026

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2026 Aug;139(2):e70272. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.70272.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of co-exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the IL-17-related immune responses and the Poly(I:C)-induced lung inflammation. A total of 66 adult male BALB/c mice were divided into 11 groups, including controls, dose groups receiving PFOS+PFOA (1, 3, 9 mg/kg/day), and combination groups challenged with intratracheal Poly(I:C). Immunological responses were evaluated using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and ELISA assays. Poly(I:C) stimulation increased Th1, Th17 and Th22 cell percentages, consistent with immune activation. PFOS+PFOA exposure attenuated these responses in a dose-dependent manner under Poly(I:C) (+) conditions. Conversely, increased Th2 cell percentages were observed in PFOS+PFOA exposure groups. Gene expression analyses of Stat3, Il17ra and Ror-γt further suggested tissue-level modulation of IL-17-related signalling pathways. Overall, PFOS+PFOA exposure may modulate the pulmonary immune microenvironment and alter Th1/Th17/Th22-associated responses to Poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory stimulation. These findings suggest that PFAS mixtures may influence pulmonary immune regulation under inflammatory conditions and support the inclusion of immune endpoints in PFAS toxicological evaluation.

PMID:42432827 | PMC:PMC13354824 | DOI:10.1111/bcpt.70272

Environmental influences on macrophage epigenetics and trained immunity: a review - July 10, 2026

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jul 10;53(1):1130. doi: 10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4.

ABSTRACT

Macrophages are central to host immunity and tissue homeostasis, exhibiting remarkable functional plasticity across a continuum of states-ranging from pro-inflammatory (M1-like) to anti-inflammatory and tissue-reparative (M2-like) phenotypes. Environmental exposures can induce persistent epigenetic changes that shape macrophage responses well beyond the acute phase, a phenomenon now recognized as trained immunity. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on how diverse components of the exposome-including diet, air pollution, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alcohol, smoking, the gut microbiome, maternal diet, and psychosocial stress-remodel the macrophage epigenome. We examine the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, and discuss their impact on macrophage polarization, cytokine production, and trained immunity induction. Special emphasis is placed on the distinction between bona fide trained immunity and transient inflammatory skewing, the limitations of the classical M1/M2 framework, and the identification of "epigenetic vulnerability nodes" at which multiple environmental signals converge on a small set of chromatin-modifying enzymes and transcription factors. We also highlight critical knowledge gaps, including the lack of data for emerging contaminants such as micro- and nanoplastics, the uncertain reversibility of exposure-induced epigenetic marks, and the challenge of demonstrating transgenerational inheritance in humans. By connecting molecular mechanisms with broader public health implications, this review provides a critical framework for understanding environmentally driven immune dysregulation and outlines future research directions, including mixture toxicology, single-cell multi-omics, and the integration of epigenetic endpoints into chemical risk assessment.

PMID:42430007 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4

Microplastics-PFAS interactions in environmental matrices: quantitative evidence for antagonistic and synergistic toxicity - July 10, 2026

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10:1-25. doi: 10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42429663 | DOI:10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292

Biomonitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sportfish consumers in the Great Lakes - Milwaukee, Wisconsin - July 10, 2026

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Jul 10:10.1038/s41370-026-00939-7. doi: 10.1038/s41370-026-00939-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Milwaukee Angler Study was initiated in 2017 as part of the Biomonitoring of Great Lakes Populations Program (BGLP-III) to examine two adult populations at high risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure from consumption of PFAS-contaminated sportfish: licensed anglers near the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) and Burmese refugees for whom fish is a dietary staple.

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of serum PFAS concentrations in these groups and investigate associations with locally caught fish consumption.

METHODS: Licensed urban anglers and Burmese refugees were independently recruited using population-specific sampling strategies. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics and fish consumption and provided biological specimens. Median and 95th percentile concentrations of seven PFAS were compared to 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Multivariable regression assessed associations between serum PFAS concentrations and self-reported local fish consumption from the Milwaukee AOC.

RESULTS: Among the 396 licensed angler participants, serum concentrations of three of the seven PFAS (PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA) were elevated compared to the U.S. population; PFOS, PFDA, PFHxS, PFNA, and total PFAS were significantly associated with increased local fish consumption when controlling for other demographic factors. Among the 103 Burmese refugee participants, four of the seven measured PFAS (PFOS, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFNA) were elevated compared to the U.S. population; PFOA, PFOS, PFDA, and total PFAS were associated with increased local fish consumption when controlling for other demographic factors.

SIGNIFICANCE: The results from this study support an association of local fish consumption with PFAS exposure among high-risk populations with varied demographic and local fish consumption practices in the Milwaukee Estuary AOC. Given that adherence to and awareness of state fish advisories can vary widely, our biomonitoring results underscore the importance of ongoing, tailored efforts to deliver culturally relevant public health interventions to the diverse populations surrounding the Great Lakes basin.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Building on the Biomonitoring of Great Lakes Populations program, this study adds PFAS-focused data from Milwaukee's urban anglers and Burmese refugees, two understudied, high-exposure groups in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. By integrating detailed fish-consumption histories with serum PFAS and NHANES comparisons, the work directly informs Great Lakes Restoration Initiative goals and targeted fish-advisory interventions. These findings offer actionable evidence for exposure scientists, environmental epidemiologists, and public health practitioners.

PMID:42432104 | PMC:PMC13361000 | DOI:10.1038/s41370-026-00939-7

Occurrence and toxicity mechanisms of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HPFO-DA, GenX) in aquatic species - July 10, 2026

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1039/d5em00971e. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42429221 | DOI:10.1039/d5em00971e

Congener-Specific Associations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances With Obesity-Metabolic Phenotypes: A Multimodel Analysis - July 10, 2026

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1002/oby.70259. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and distinct obesity-metabolic phenotypes and explore underlying mechanisms.

METHODS: A total of 8692 adults from NHANES 2003-2018 were classified into four phenotypes as follows: metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO), metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO), and metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO). Multiple statistical models were used to evaluate the associations between PFAS exposure and distinct phenotypes. Network toxicology and molecular docking were employed for mechanistic exploration.

RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses showed congener-specific associations of PFAS with MHO, MUO, and MUNO. PFUA was inversely associated with all three phenotypes (OR = 0.60, 0.55, and 0.79, respectively; p < 0.05). Weighted quantile sum (WQS), quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses consistently indicated the negative associations of PFAS mixture exposure with MHO (OR_WQS = 0.67, log[OR]_Qgcomp = -0.48; p < 0.001) and MUO (OR_WQS = 0.81, log[OR]_Qgcomp = -0.24; p < 0.001). Stratified BKMR suggested the inverse PFAS-BMI relationship was independent of metabolic status. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway was predicted to link PFAS and obesity-metabolic phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS: Although PFAS mixture exposure may not increase the risks of obesity and metabolic abnormalities, congener-specific effects on distinct phenotypes indicate the necessity of analyzing specific compositional profiles of PFAS exposure when evaluating endocrine toxicity.

PMID:42431848 | DOI:10.1002/oby.70259

Environmental influences on macrophage epigenetics and trained immunity: a review - July 10, 2026

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jul 10;53(1):1130. doi: 10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42430007 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4

Structure-activity relationship of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances as inhibitors of human and rat 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 - July 10, 2026

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 10;515:117937. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2026.117937. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42431555 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2026.117937

Systematic Evidence Map for the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Universe - July 10, 2026

Environ Health Perspect. 2026 Apr 19;134(3):252-273. doi: 10.1021/EHP.6c00127. eCollection 2026 Jul 7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a research priority for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because PFAS include thousands of structurally diverse chemicals, there is a pressing need for identifying what data are available to assess the human health hazard of these compounds. OBJECTIVES: We used systematic evidence map (SEM) methods to summarize the available epidemiological and mammalian bioassay evidence for ∼14,735 chemicals identified as PFAS by EPA's Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE). This work is a continuation of our previous 2022 and 2024 SEMs that inventoried evidence on a separate set of ∼500 PFAS. The Comprehensive PFAS Dashboard includes evidence identified from our past SEMs and completed EPA assessments. METHODS: We conducted literature searches from peer-reviewed and gray literature sources to identify, screen, and inventory mammalian bioassay and epidemiological literature. A combination of manual review and machine learning software were utilized. A diverse array of potentially relevant supplemental content was also tracked, including mechanistic data, exposure-only studies, and studies informing chemical toxicokinetics and clearance. For each study meeting predefined population, exposure, comparator, and outcome (PECO) criteria, experimental design details and health end points evaluated were summarized in interactive web-based literature inventory visuals. Epidemiology studies and animal bioassay studies with ≥21-day exposure duration or reproductive/developmental study design proceeded to undergo a study evaluation for risk of bias and sensitivity, as well as detailed extraction of health end point data. Underlying data are publicly available and can be downloaded. RESULTS: Scientific database searches retrieved 152,205 references. After full-text screening, there were 347 mammalian bioassay and 44 epidemiological studies that met PECO criteria. The mammalian bioassay and epidemiological evidence assessed 99 and 30 individual PFAS, respectively (n = 18 PFAS with both). The epidemiological evidence assessed 15 health systems and the mammalian bioassay evidence assessed 16 health systems. DISCUSSION: Results from our 2022 and 2024 SEMs and completed EPA assessments are compiled into Comprehensive PFAS Dashboard. This dashboard is a resource for better understanding the currently available PFAS human health hazard data. It can be used as a tool for researchers and regulators interested in PFAS data gaps and research needs. Across all the data sources compiled into the Comprehensive PFAS Dashboard, only 1.4% (214/14,735) of PFAS had any mammalian bioassay or epidemiological data available. The vast majority of PFAS lack publicly available information about the potential human health effects of exposure to these chemicals.

PMID:42428259 | PMC:PMC13347649 | DOI:10.1021/EHP.6c00127

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in early life is associated with childhood intestinal inflammation: analyses of three birth cohorts - July 10, 2026

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026 Jul 10:S1542-3565(26)00513-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2026.07.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early life exposures shape intestinal and immune development and later risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals, are associated with intestinal inflammation and IBD. However, the impact of early life PFAS exposure on later intestinal inflammation is not known.

METHODS: We conducted untargeted PFAS analyses in early life samples from mother-offspring dyads across three cohorts. These included dried blood spots from offspring (n=84) and cord blood (n=93) from two prospective birth cohorts of mothers with and without IBD in New York, United States, and maternal serum during pregnancy (n=14) from a birth cohort in Mexico City, Mexico. Fecal calprotectin (FC), a biomarker of intestinal inflammation, was measured longitudinally in offspring stool. Covariate-adjusted weighted quantile sum regression models were used to estimate associations between PFAS and FC.

RESULTS: PFAS metabolites were detected across all sample types. Higher levels of PFAS mixtures were associated with higher FC between 1 and 6 years of age in both dried blood spot and cord blood analyses (covariate-adjusted β estimates for change in log-transformed fecal calprotectin at age 6 years per decile increase in the PFAS mixture was 0.44, 95% CI 0.18, 0.70 and 0.69, 95% CI 0.53, 0.85, respectively) Similarly, higher levels of PFAS mixtures in maternal serum were associated with higher FC in late childhood (β 0.19, 95% CI 0.05, 0.33). Compared to mothers-offspring dyads without maternal IBD, those with maternal IBD were more likely to have higher perfluoro-1-octane sulfonamide acetic acid and 3-perfluorohexyl-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate levels in dried blood spots and cord blood, respectively; these PFAS metabolites were also the top contributors to offspring FC.

CONCLUSION: PFAS chemicals are detectable in early life samples, indicating exposure during this period of vulnerability, and are associated with higher FC in childhood across three birth cohorts.

PMID:42431496 | DOI:10.1016/j.cgh.2026.07.001

Bipartisan Bill Would Ban PFAS Food Packaging in U.S. - July 9, 2026

The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act (H.R. 9593) would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit food packaging containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, a.k.a. “forever chemicals.”

Towards optimizing short-chained PFCA esterification in water - July 9, 2026

Water Res. 2026 Jun 13;305:126296. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.126296. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Short-chained perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) are persistent, mobile aqueous contaminants which are challenging to treat. Improved treatment technologies are necessary to reduce rising short-chain PFCA emissions from high-concentration industrial point sources. We recently demonstrated that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a long-chain PFCA, undergoes chemical transformation to an insoluble ester through a reaction with decanol within spontaneously formed emulsions, (self)driving phase separation and removal from the aqueous phase. Building on this preliminary finding, here we expand the esterification-based removal paradigm to short-chained PFCAs (n_C = 4 & 6), develop a quantitative ¹⁹F NMR method for in-situ measurement of PFAS partitioning and transformation, and systematically evaluate the effect of a variety of water constituents (e.g. NaCl) and reaction additives (e.g. alcohol chain length) towards system optimization. We demonstrate that beyond chemical transformation, the removal system is also driven by emulsion formation and stabilization, as PFCAs are removed by partitioning into emulsions which are stable enough to withstand a separation step such as centrifugation. We further show that PFCA partitioning and esterification are hindered by higher ionic strengths (NaCl and Na₂SO₄ at I = 0.05 - 0.15) but only modestly inhibited by humic acid, even at concentrations up to 3000 ppm. Total PFAS removal is greater when PFCAs are present as mixtures compared to single-solutes (11-15% improvement). While the primary bottleneck for short-chain PFCA removal is reduced partitioning from the aqueous phase into emulsions, by tuning reactant concentrations and temperature, we achieve total removal yields ≥ 70% for both PFHxA and PFBA.

PMID:42424814 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.126296

Effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on maternal thyroid function: a stratified analysis by maternal iodine status and thyroid autoantibody status - July 9, 2026

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 Jul 8. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-09599-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental pollutants with bioaccumulative properties. Emerging evidence indicates that PFAS disrupts thyroid hormone homeostasis, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction and impairing physiological functions. However, the associations between PFAS exposure, iodine status, and thyroid function during pregnancy remain insufficiently understood.

METHODS: A total of 911 pregnant women from a birth cohort in Zhejiang Province were included. Serum concentrations of 13 PFASs and thyroid function parameters were measured during the first antenatal visit. Linear regression, quantile regression, and restricted cubic spline models were used to explore associations between individual PFAS and thyroid hormones. Quantile g-computation was conducted to evaluate the overall effects of PFAS mixtures, while Bayesian kernel machine regression was applied to capture potential nonlinear and interactive effects. Stratified analyses were further conducted to examine potential effect modification by iodine status and thyroid autoantibody status.

RESULTS: PFOS, PFDA, PFNA, PFUnDA, and PFHpS were negatively associated with FT₃ and positively associated with the FT₄/FT₃ ratio (all P < 0.05). The novel PFMOAA showed positive associations with TSH (β = 0.162; 95% CI: 0.069, 0.255) and the TSH/FT₄ ratio (β = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.0002, 0.011). When all 13 PFASs were modeled as a mixture, higher PFAS concentrations were associated with lower FT₃ levels. Similar inverse associations with FT₃ were observed for the mixture of PFASs selected by Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Meanwhile, the mixture composed of PFASs identified as significant in single-pollutant models was additionally associated with higher TSH and an increased FT₄/FT₃ ratio. Iodine status and thyroid autoantibody status appeared to modify these associations.

CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to both legacy PFASs (PFOS, PFDA, PFNA, PFDoDA, PFUnDA, and PFHpS) and novel PFAS (6:2 Cl-PFESA) was associated with lower FT₃ levels, while PFMOAA was positively associated with TSH levels. The effects of PFAS mixtures on thyroid function varied according to their specific composition. Thyroid autoantibody status and iodine status may act as effect modifiers of the associations between PFAS exposure and thyroid hormone levels.

PMID:42420917 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-026-09599-9

Convergent GenX biodegradation by genomically designed and functionally screened synthetic bacterial consortia - July 9, 2026

Front Microbiol. 2026 Jun 24;17:1848796. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1848796. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

GenX (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid) has been introduced as a replacement for legacy polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) compounds; however, accumulating evidence indicates this C6 ether-PFAS may exhibit comparable toxicity to PFOA while persisting in contaminated water supplies. Biological remediation offers genuine mineralization potential but has been constrained by the exceptional stability of carbon-fluorine bonds. Here, we demonstrate that synthetic bacterial consortia assembled through rational genomic design (GENIA) or microfluidic selection (Community G) achieve rapid GenX biodegradation through metabolic complementarity among functionally specialized taxa. Both consortia removed >80% of GenX within 3 days (GENIA: 94.6%; Community G: 80.6%), with defluorination confirmed by fluoride release (82.6 and 69.6%, respectively). First-order kinetic modeling yielded rate constants of k = 0.87 day^-1 (GENIA) and k = 0.64 day^-1 (Community G), corresponding to half-lives under 1.1 days. Despite pronounced taxonomic divergence, GENIA maintained a stable composition, whereas Community G underwent dramatic restructuring, enriching for specialists of Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas. Comparative genomic analysis revealed functional equivalence, with no significant differences in PFAS-degrading gene content (p = 0.844). Multi-guild community architecture emerged wherein primary degraders (40%-60% abundance) harboring haloacid dehalogenases performed initial C-F bond cleavage, detoxification specialists possessing glutathione S-transferases and fluoride exporters (>90% universal distribution) processed toxic intermediates, and metabolic support taxa enhanced resilience. Molecular docking simulations predicted favorable binding of GenX across phylogenetically diverse dehalogenases (ΔG = -7.0 to -8.1 kcal/mol), suggesting thermodynamic compatibility with enzymatic catalysis. These results are predictive and computational; docking cannot confirm enzymatic activity or substrate turnover. Experimental validation (enzyme kinetics, purified protein assays) is required. Critically, GENIA activity did not disrupt indigenous soil microbiomes. The data support that GENIA does not cause detectable diversity loss, a necessary but not sufficient condition for ecological compatibility. These findings establish that functional gene diversity, distributed across metabolically complementary taxa through either rational design or adaptive selection, enables efficient PFAS bioremediation, converting recalcitrant "forever chemicals" into biodegradable substrates through engineered microbial complexity.

PMID:42422733 | PMC:PMC13344493 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2026.1848796

Determination of 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and 22 organophosphate esters and diester metabolites in human serum by high-throughput solid-phase extraction- ultra performance liquid chromatography- high resolution mass spectrometry - July 9, 2026

Se Pu. 2026 Jul;44(7):764-776. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1123.2025.07008.

ABSTRACT

Monitoring pollutants in human blood is a crucial basis for assessing human exposure levels and health risks. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances （PFAS）， organophosphate esters （OPEs）， and their diester metabolites （di-OPEs） are widespread environmental co-contaminants with significant toxic effects， making it crucial to monitor their internal human exposure levels. However， existing studies have predominantly investigated these substances in isolation， lacking comprehensive research that simultaneously quantifies PFAS， OPEs， and di-OPEs in human serum. Based on the pretreatment method of 96-well solid phase extraction columns， this study compared three extraction columns and optimized the pretreatment steps to establish an ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-HRMS） method for 29 PFAS， 17 OPEs， and 5 di-OPEs in human serum samples. Phree PLR 96-Wellplate was used as a cleanup plate. 300 µL of 1% formic acid in acetonitrile， 100 µL of the serum sample， and internal standards were added to the cleanup device in sequence. After standing for 5 minutes， the 96-well plate positive pressure device was used to press the mixture into the 96-well collection plate. Finally， the sample was eluted with 100 µL of 1% formic acid in acetonitrile. The eluate was collected and concentrated for the detection of PFAS， OPEs， and di-OPEs by UPLC-HRMS. PFAS and OPEs were detected using an Acclaim RSLC 120 C18 column， while di-OPEs were detected using an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column. Both were subjected to gradient elution with methanol and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate in water as the mobile phases. Sample ionization was performed using a heated electrospray ionization source （H-ESI）. PFAS and di-OPEs were analyzed in negative ion mode， while OPEs were analyzed in positive ion mode. Data acquisition was conducted in full-scan/data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry （Full MS/ddMS²） mode. Quantification was achieved using the internal standard calibration method to ensure measurement accuracy. The results showed that under the optimized conditions， the target compounds had good linear relationships in the range of 0.05-50 ng/mL （R² > 0.99）， and the method detection limits （MDLs） of 29 PFAS， 17 OPEs and 5 di-OPEs were 0.000 120-0.274 ng/mL， 0.011 0-0.250 ng/mL， and 0.012 0-0.220 ng/mL， respectively， and the spiked recoveries were between 45.9% and 147.8%. The relative standard deviations （RSDs） were 1.2%-29.0%. Most PFAS and di-OPEs had matrix enhancement effects， and most OPEs had matrix inhibition effects. Among them， hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid （GenX）（196.5%） and trimethylphenyl phosphate （TMPP）（54.6%） had significant matrix enhancement and inhibition effects， respectively， which could be corrected with appropriate internal standards. The recoveries of these two substances after correction were 127.3% and 78.7%， respectively， which met the analysis requirements. The proposed approach offers significant practical benefits， combining straightforward operation with shortened extraction time and enhanced throughput， which was validated through analysis of 15 human serum samples collected in Jinan in 2024. The total contents of 29 PFAS were 6.71-379 ng/mL， with a median value of 22.9 ng/mL. Eight PFAS were detected with a detection frequency of 100.0%， with median contents of perfluorooctanoic acid （PFOA） and perfluorooctane sulfonate （PFOS） reaching 8.96 ng/mL and 4.07 ng/mL， respectively. The total contents of 17 OPEs were 0.015 0-10.5 ng/mL， with a median value of 2.81 ng/mL. The most frequently detected OPEs， with detection frequencies exceeding 60.0%， were triethyl phosphate （TEP）， tri-n-butyl phosphate （TnBP）， and triphenyl phosphate （TPHP）. The total contents of 5 di-OPEs were <MDL-0.443 ng/mL， with a median value of 0.015 0 ng/mL. Therefore， the combined exposure to these pollutants in human blood and its potential health risks demand serious attention.

PMID:42421349 | PMC:PMC13352148 | DOI:10.3724/SP.J.1123.2025.07008

Purification and Preconcentration of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by HPLC Fraction Collection for Isotope Analysis - July 9, 2026

Anal Chem. 2026 Jul 9. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6c02755. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Stable isotope data are increasingly used for environmental forensics and source apportionment studies. The latest chemical pollutant landscape being explored using environmental forensics is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to a variety of methodological difficulties, isotopic analysis of PFAS for environmental forensic purposes is in its nascent stages. In a previous study, the authors presented the analytical methodology for measuring the stable carbon isotopic composition of a model PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This study presents the complementary method for the purification and preconcentration of PFOA for isotopic analysis. It demonstrates that the method yields accurate and precise δ¹³C values in environmental PFAS samples. This novel method demonstrates the utility of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) fraction collector isolation of PFAS for stable isotopic analysis by Orbitrap mass spectrometry. This study additionally presents the first compound-specific stable isotope data of a PFAS compound from an environmental sample.

PMID:42423197 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.6c02755

Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease - July 9, 2026

Liver Int. 2026 Aug;46(8):e70793. doi: 10.1111/liv.70793.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), represents the most prevalent chronic liver condition worldwide, affecting approximately 25%-30% of the global adult population. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)-including phthalates, bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals-are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with established metabolic toxicity. However, the quantitative association between EDC exposure and MASLD prevalence remains incompletely characterised. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the current epidemiological evidence on this association.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from inception through January 2026, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420261298624). Studies were eligible if they reported quantitative associations between measured EDC exposures and MASLD/NAFLD/metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) outcomes in human populations. Two investigators independently screened records, extracted data and assessed methodological quality using a customised Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed via the I² statistic. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test were used to evaluate publication bias. Sensitivity analyses were performed using leave-one-out methods.

RESULTS: Of 427 records identified, 42 studies encompassing diverse global populations met inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the quantitative synthesis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that: Phthalates: mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP; weighted mean difference [WMD]: 2.40, 95% CI: 0.71-4.09), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP; WMD: 2.46, 95% CI: 0.81-4.10) and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP; WMD: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.10-3.59) showed significant positive associations with MASLD prevalence; pooled analysis of phthalate mixtures yielded an overall OR of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.13-1.21; I² = 41.4%). Bisphenols: pooled analysis demonstrated a significant positive association with MASLD (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.09-1.50; I² = 73.0%), with bisphenol A (BPA; OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.92-1.72), bisphenol S (BPS; OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.96-1.98) and bisphenol F (BPF; OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.77-1.61) contributing to this effect. PFAS: the overall pooled effect was OR 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-1.00; I² = 22.9%). POPs: the overall OR was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.22-1.37; I² = 29.2%), with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19-1.42) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)/OCP combinations demonstrating significant associations. Heavy metals/metalloids: mercury (Hg) demonstrated the strongest positive association (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.15-2.04; I² = 87.3%), followed by lead (Pb; OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02-1.78) and cadmium (Cd; OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.51; I² = 79.2%); the overall metals pooled OR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.16-1.37; I² = 79.9%). Methodological quality assessed by NOS ranged from 6 to 9 points, with the majority of studies scoring ≥ 7.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of observational studies suggests that environmental exposure to several major EDC classes-including phthalates, bisphenols, persistent organic pollutants and certain heavy metals-is associated with a higher prevalence of MASLD, although the magnitude and consistency of associations vary substantially across chemical classes and individual compounds. Findings for PFAS were heterogeneous and compound-specific. Given the predominantly cross-sectional nature of the available evidence and the considerable between-study heterogeneity, causal inference cannot be drawn. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and underscore the need for prospective multi-pollutant studies and mechanistic investigations to clarify the role of EDCs in MASLD pathogenesis.

PMID:42423535 | PMC:PMC13348493 | DOI:10.1111/liv.70793

Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease - July 9, 2026

Liver Int. 2026 Aug;46(8):e70793. doi: 10.1111/liv.70793.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42423535 | PMC:PMC13348493 | DOI:10.1111/liv.70793

Sources and environmental occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment: a threat to Central European agriculture - July 9, 2026

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Jul 9. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-38041-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants of growing concern due to their wide use, resistance to degradation, and potential risks to human health and ecosystems. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of PFAS contamination in soils from a more than century-old long-term fertilisation experiment, fire training grounds, and landfills, as well as their presence in atmospheric precipitation conducted under Central European environmental conditions. Soil, leachate, and precipitation samples were analysed for 54 PFAS compounds using the HPLC-MS/MS method. Elevated concentrations, mainly of short-chain compounds (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFBA), were detected at sites where AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) was used (Σ 2537 µg·kg^-1) and in landfill leachates (Σ 2325-3664 ng·dm^-3). In contrast, soils from the fertilisation experiment without biosolid or sewage application showed PFAS at detection limits. Atmospheric deposition was identified as a potential PFAS source in agricultural areas, with PFBA prevailing in precipitation (14.8 ng·dm^-3; over 70% of total PFAS). The results indicate an environmental risk linked to PFAS dispersion, especially near firefighting and landfill sites, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and strategies to limit PFAS mobility in soils.

PMID:42423884 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-38041-y

Distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in renal vascular tissues from donors after brain death and association with post-transplant delayed graft function risk - July 9, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 9;407:128709. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128709. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Delayed graft function (DGF) is a major complication after kidney transplantation, yet the potential impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in donor kidney tissue remains unclear. For the first time, this study enrolled donors after brain death to investigate the association between PFAS burden in renal vascular tissues of donor kidneys and recipient DGF. We conducted a retrospective case-control study at Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital from January 2025 to January 2026. Following standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 DGF recipients and 43 non-DGF recipients were enrolled. Liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to quantify 32 PFAS compounds in donor renal vascular tissues. Analyses included group comparisons, Spearman correlation, and multivariable logistic regression with Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction, adjusting for donor age, terminal serum creatinine, cold ischemia time, recipient sex, age, and body mass index. DGF group exhibited higher concentrations of multiple PFAS. Regression analysis revealed that in renal arterial tissue, PFOA (OR = 2.004, 95%CI:1.035-3.880), PFDA (OR = 1.762, 95%CI:1.012-3.066), PFOS (OR = 1.706, 95%CI:1.006-2.893), PFNA (OR = 1.673, 95%CI:1.010-2.774), PFUnDA (OR = 1.722, 95%CI:1.018-2.910), PFHxS (OR = 1.619, 95%CI:1.004-2.612), and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (OR = 1.812, 95%CI:1.010-3.251) were potentially associated with DGF after FDR correction (q < 0.1). In renal venous tissue, PFOA (OR = 1.707, 95%CI:1.014-2.874), PFDA (OR = 1.634, 95%CI:1.027-2.600), and PFUnDA (OR = 1.679, 95%CI:1.026-2.746) showed only nominal associations without statistical significance after FDR adjustment. Thus, arterial PFAS burden appears more relevant to DGF than venous PFAS. As an exploratory observational study, causality cannot be established, and interpretation of the findings should be cautious. Nevertheless, these results offer plausible hypotheses and provide directions for future research.

PMID:42425288 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128709

Nanoplastics amplified the toxicity and intergenerational residue of perfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic environments: Mechanistic insights and environmental modulation - July 9, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 8;514:142955. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142955. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Nanoplastics (NPs) have been confirmed to act as carrier for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in natural aquatic environments, yet the mechanisms of their combined toxicity and intergenerational effects remain unclear. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to NPs (10-200 μg/L), PFAS (0.001-1 μM), and their combined scenario at environmentally relevant concentrations. Results showed that NPs co-exposure increased the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) burden retained in washed nematode by 37.0-98.6% and 81.5-305%, respectively, compared with the corresponding PFAS-only exposure groups. Co-exposure of NPs and PFAS suppressed head swings of nematode by 27.1-29.9%, and decreased egg production by 11.9-21.9%, with reproductive impairment persisting into the F2 generation. NPs co-exposure altered offspring-associated PFAS residue profiles, with detectable PFOA and PFOS residues in F1 and F2 but not in F3. These data indicate early-generation residue carryover rather than confirmed tissue transfer or maternal sequestration Transcriptomic analysis suggested that PFOA exposure was associated with changes in phospholipid metabolism and PI3K-AKT-neuroendocrine axis, whereas PFOS exposure was associated with altered ABC transporter expression and lysosome-autophagy-related responses. Given that environmental factors can influence NPs-PFAS interactions and bioavailability, we further examined the modulating effects of pH, ionic strength, fulvic acid, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Acidic conditions (pH = 6) increased NPs adsorption of PFAS by 86.8-92.5%, exacerbating PFAS induced growth inhibition, whereas EPS (5 mg/L) alleviated PFAS toxicity. These findings highlighted the need for integrated risk assessments of NPs and PFAS in natural environments.

PMID:42424957 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142955

US Food and Drug Administration rejects petition to set Pfas limits in food - July 8, 2026

Environmental protection agency and independent studies have found food biggest source of chemical exposure

The US Food and Drug Administration has rejected a legal petition demanding it set limits on toxic Pfas “forever chemicals” in food, marking another setback for public health advocates’ push to limit exposures to the dangerous compounds.

The agency is refusing to set limits despite a growing body of science and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finding food is the biggest source of Pfas exposure. Testing has found the levels of Pfas in single servings of some contaminated foods to be equivalent to drinking many glasses of contaminated water.

Mechanochemical strategies for environmental remediation and resource recovery - July 8, 2026

Chem Soc Rev. 2026 Jul 8. doi: 10.1039/d6cs00208k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mechanochemistry is emerging as a distinct strategy for the sustainable conversion of recalcitrant substrates (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and spent batteries), as well as small molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂) into valuable chemical products. By harnessing mechanical force, mechanochemical processes can promote chemical transformations under relatively mild, and solvent-free conditions, while potentially reducing hazardous emissions and simplifying process requirements. However, a coherent mechanistic framework and consistent sustainability evaluation remain underdeveloped. This review synthesizes the key mechanistic pathways, including radical and reactive intermediate generation, electron transfer, solid-gas interface activation, impact-driven micro-temperature (T)/pressure (P), phase transformation, and catalyst-assisted mechanoredox. These mechanistic insights are discussed together with advanced characterization techniques and integrated with techno-economic analysis (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), product sustainability index (ProdSI), and uncertainty analysis. By highlighting both opportunities and limitations, this Review aims to provide a balanced framework for guiding the future development of mechanochemical technologies for environmental remediation and resource recovery.

PMID:42417274 | DOI:10.1039/d6cs00208k

Assessing Fluoroacetate Defluorination Potential across Diverse Enzymes Using Quantum Chemistry - July 8, 2026

J Phys Chem B. 2026 Jul 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6c02887. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fluorinated organic compounds are persistent environmental contaminants due to the exceptional strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, rendering biological defluorination both rare and mechanistically challenging. Fluoroacetate dehalogenase from Rhodopseudomonas palustris (strain ATCC BAA-98/CGA009; RPA1163) is one of the few experimentally characterized enzymes capable of C-F bond cleavage and provides a model system for understanding enzymatic defluorination. Here, we establish a mechanistically informed, multiscale computational framework to identify and characterize fluoroacetate dehalogenase-like enzymes across diverse bacterial lineages. Starting from sequence-based screening, 184 candidate proteins spanning nine bacterial classes were identified, from which 12 representative systems were selected for detailed analysis. High-confidence structural models generated with AlphaFold2 were subjected to microsecond-scale molecular dynamics simulations to assess conformational stability and active-site organization. To probe catalytic determinants at the electronic-structure level, QM/MM calculations combined with local vibrational mode analysis were employed to quantify hydrogen-bonding interactions within the binding pocket and relate them to catalytic competence. Across all systems, we observe a conserved network of active-site interactions that stabilizes substrate binding and is consistent with experimentally characterized defluorinases. Notably, specific homologues exhibit hydrogen-bonding patterns and active-site geometries closely matching the reference enzyme, suggesting a previously unrecognized distribution of defluorinase activity across multiple bacterial classes. These results identify key interaction motifs that differentiate likely active enzymes from inactive homologues and provide a mechanistic basis for C-F bond activation in this enzyme family. Overall, this work demonstrates how integrated multiscale simulations can be used to connect sequence diversity to catalytic function in challenging enzymatic reactions. The identified candidates and mechanistic descriptors provide a foundation for the discovery, engineering, and experimental characterization of defluorinase enzymes, opening opportunities for the bioremediation of fluorinated pollutants, including PFAS compounds.

PMID:42417427 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcb.6c02887

Coupling compositional PCA with t-SNE radar signatures for characterizing a PFAS contaminated fractured chalk aquifer exploited for water supply - July 8, 2026

J Contam Hydrol. 2026 Jul 2;282:105039. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.105039. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to improve the understanding of the groundwater contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a strategic abstraction site located in a fractured chalk aquifer in Wallonia (South Belgium), to better secure and protect future exploitation and management. A hydrogeochemical investigation was conducted at the groundwater abstraction site, based on a sampling campaign and supported by an integrated multivariate statistical framework. This framework combines compositional data analysis, including compositional Principal Component Analysis (PCA), based on centered log-ratio (CLR) transformation, and advanced visualization techniques such as ternary diagrams, t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE), and radar plots to identify and characterize PFAS contamination patterns independently of absolute concentration effects. The results reveal the presence of multiple contamination sources and highlight three main PFAS pollution facies: Ensemble 1, driven by PFOS pollution but at low concentrations; Ensemble 2, grouping sampling points dominated by sulfonic compounds, mainly PFBS, and having the highest concentrations; and Ensemble 3 corresponding to surface water samples and samples collected as part of the monitoring of a contamination caused by a nearby motorway accident in 2019. On the whole, this integrated approach provides new insights into the complexity, spatial distribution, and potential origins of PFAS contamination in groundwater systems, and demonstrates the added-value of combining compositional PCA with t-SNE and radar plots visualization.

PMID:42419178 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.105039

Mapping industrial lobbying strategies in the EU PFAS restriction using AI-assisted text analysis - July 8, 2026

Environ Int. 2026 Jul 1;214:110398. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110398. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The European Union's proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prompted unprecedented stakeholder engagement. This study maps industrial lobbying strategies within the 2023 European Chemicals Agency public consultation, the largest in EU history. Combining manual qualitative coding with large scale AI-assisted classification, we analysed stance, exemption requests, and argumentation patterns across 4771 unique comments. The analysis reveals a dominant strategy among industrial actors, who contributed 68.5% of all submissions. While 71% of industry stakeholders explicitly opposed the restriction, 78% of these opponents simultaneously requested technical exemptions. This approach contests the regulation's legitimacy while ensuring technical derogations to weaken its scope. Argumentation clustered around four narratives: economic competitiveness, essentiality, scientific minimization, and responsible innovation. Beyond these empirical findings, we provide an open-access sectoral dashboard to facilitate regulatory oversight and visualize these lobbying patterns. Our analysis reveals an asymmetry in lobbying power by industries that rely heavily on PFAS functionality compared to other stakeholders. The results demonstrate how technical complexity and mass participation can be strategically leveraged to influence regulatory ambition and reframe a debate on chemical risks and public health, into one centered on European competitiveness and technological indispensability.

PMID:42419192 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110398

PFAS mixtures impair key T-cell-B-cell interactions essential for COVID-19 vaccine responses - July 8, 2026

Environ Int. 2026 Jul 5;214:110401. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that are widely detected in human blood samples. Recent epidemiological studies suggest a negative correlation between PFAS blood concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination. Despite these observations, the direct impact of PFAS mixtures on the interaction between circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) and B cells, which is pivotal for the production of neutralizing antibodies in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, remains unexplored. Using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from six healthy female donors who had previously been vaccinated and subsequently boosted or recovered from COVID-19, we examined in vitro the effect of a PFAS mixture on cTfh and B-cell immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike peptide. The PBMCs were exposed to a PFAS mixture comprising perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) at human-relevant blood concentrations (1X), and higher concentrations (10X, 100X, 1000X), followed by stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides for five days. We showed that the PFAS mixtures did not induce cytotoxicity but caused immunomodulation. Exposure to the highest PFAS concentration tested (1000X human blood concentrations) led to a selective reduction in cTfh17 cells and upregulation of ICOS and IL-21 in cTfh1/17 cells. B cells exhibited unusual activation, with naïve B cells showing elevated CD80/CD86 expression and switched memory B cells upregulating CD69. Furthermore, despite unperturbed levels of IL-21 and CXCL13, important mediators involved in antibody production, we observed a significant reduction in plasmablasts and SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific IgG secretion at the highest PFAS concentrations. In conclusion, this study provides in vitro evidence that PFAS mixtures can modulate selected components of the cTfh-B-cell axis and may contribute to impaired vaccine-induced antibody responses under high-exposure conditions. These findings add an important piece of information as to why high PFAS-exposed individuals present reduced COVID-19 vaccine antibody titers.

PMID:42419194 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110401

Method development and validation for neutral PFAS in food packaging using fast low pressure gas chromatography - mass spectrometry - July 8, 2026

J Chromatogr A. 2026 Jul 3;1785:467242. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2026.467242. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A new method for the targeted analysis of 37 volatile and semi-volatile PFAS was developed using fast low pressure gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The targeted analytes included fluorotelomer alcohols, fluorotelomer acrylates and methacrylates, perfluoroalkane sulfonamides, and perfluoroalkane sulfonamido alcohols. Two GC phases for volatile PFAS were evaluated under low pressure vacuum outlet conditions, enabling a total GC run time of 8 min. Inter- and intra-day performance demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility. The method was further validated for the extraction of 37 targeted PFAS in both paper-based and plastic food-packaging materials across four spiking levels. Sample preparation used two sequential extraction steps employing four complementary solvents (hexane, isopropyl alcohol, methanol and acetonitrile) to provide broad analyte coverage and maximize recoveries. Acceptable recoveries and reproducibility, consistent with the AOAC SMPR® 2025.001 requirements for PFAS in food-packaging materials, were achieved for nearly all analytes in both matrix types. Method applicability was further tested by the analysis of 36 food packaging samples collected in 2021, 2024 and 2026. Notably, 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) was detected in some 2021 samples (range: non-detect to 811 ng/g) but was absent in the samples collected in 2024 and 2026. The validated method provides a rapid approach for quantifying PFAS precursors, supporting improved assessment of precursor sources, transformation pathways, and potential contributions to total PFAS exposure.

PMID:42418917 | DOI:10.1016/j.chroma.2026.467242

Plant-associated microbial enrichment is linked to trace emerging contaminant removal in full-scale constructed wetland - July 7, 2026

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Jul 14;460:135345. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging contaminants (ECs) in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents pose increasing risks to aquatic ecosystems, necessitating advanced treatment solutions. Constructed wetlands offer a green, low-carbon approach for effluent polishing, yet field-scale evidence on EC removal mechanisms remains limited. This study conducted a 10-month operational monitoring (January-October 2025) of a full-scale constructed wetland receiving municipal WWTP effluent in Suzhou, China, to evaluate the removal of 154 ECs-including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotics, and pesticides-and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The system achieved 40-50% EC removal alongside 14.7%-41.1% conventional pollutants reduction. EC removal efficiency correlated positively with influent concentration but showed no significant correlation with log Kow or molecular weight, indicating that mass transfer and metabolic thresholds govern trace-level EC removal. Direct plant uptake accounted for only 0.14% of the total mass of ECs removed. Instead, plants played an indirect role by shaping rhizosphere microbial communities: rhizosphere substrates exhibited higher microbial richness and greater abundance of complex organic pollutants degraders than deeper layers. Six plant species recruited distinct functional microbial assemblages, includingPantoeainAcorus calamus,ExiguobacteriuminCanna indicaandArundo donax, andComamonadaceaewithSphingobiuminThalia dealbata. Based on these findings, we propose several strategies to further enhance EC removal efficiency, including strengthening water-microorganism contact mechanisms, adopting mixed-species planting modes, and expanding the rhizosphere area. Collectively, these findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing plant-microbe-based technologies for EC removal in constructed wetlands and other nature-based systems.

PMID:42413588 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135345

Plant-associated microbial enrichment is linked to trace emerging contaminant removal in full-scale constructed wetland - July 7, 2026

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Jul 14;460:135345. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42413588 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135345

Serum perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) concentrations and associations with mammographic density in postmenopausal women - July 7, 2026

Breast Cancer Res. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1186/s13058-026-02340-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are possible carcinogens with widespread population exposure. Mammographic density (MD) is a biomarker of breast cancer risk that may offer important insights into potential mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis. Examining associations between PFAS exposure and MD may elucidate pathways by which PFASs could affect breast cancer risk. However, associations between PFAS exposure and MD remain poorly studied. We sought to evaluate associations of individual PFASs and their chemical mixture with percent mammographic density and dense breast area.

METHODS: We analyzed data from 186 postmenopausal, cancer-free women not currently using hormone therapy from the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank. Percent mammographic density (PMD) and dense breast area (DBA) were measured from digital mammography images taken near the time of blood sample donation. Serum PFAS concentrations were measured using online solid-phase extraction followed by high-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Associations were examined using multivariable linear regression and Quantile g-computation.

RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 58.7 years and mean body mass index of 29.6 kg/m², and most were White (72.6%). The vast majority of mammograms were performed within 2 years of blood sample donation (88%). No statistically significant associations were observed with individual PFASs and either PMD or DBA in analyses adjusted for confounding variables. Quantile G-computation analyses did not identify a statistically significant effect of the PFAS mixture on PMD or DBA. Similar results were observed in analyses stratified by body mass index or breastfeeding history.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study did not identify strong and significant associations between a panel of major PFASs and MD.

PMID:42415188 | DOI:10.1186/s13058-026-02340-6

PFAS in the circular economy: An unintended consequence of recycling and wastewater reuse? - July 6, 2026

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2026 Jul 1;22(4):974-976. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjag047.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42403214 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjag047

Association between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of obstructive sleep apnea - July 6, 2026

Cranio. 2026 Jul 5:1-12. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2026.2697283. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological and toxicological studies have associated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with adverse effects on multiple organ systems. However, the potential link between PFAS exposure and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains limited.

METHODS: 2,960 participants were selected from two cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. OSA was evaluated by the multivariable apnea prediction index, and serum concentrations of nine PFAS were detected. Weighted logistic regression, RCS, and WQS regression were used to assess individual, nonlinear, and mixture associations.

RESULTS: PFDeA and PFUA showed significant inverse dose-response relationships, with quartile-based analyses showing protective effects for PFDeA, PFHxS, Me-PFOSA-AcOH, PFUA, and n-PFOS. RCS analyses revealed L-shaped nonlinear relationships for PFDeA and PFUA. Sex-stratified analyses identified a female-specific inverse association for Sm-PFOS (P for interaction = 0.025). WQS regression indicated significant protective mixture effects (OR = 0.69, P = 0.007), predominantly driven by PFUA, followed by n-PFOA and PFHxS.

CONCLUSION: The relationships between PFAS exposure and OSA risk are characterized by compound-specific, concentration-dependent, and sex-dimorphic patterns.

PMID:42402961 | DOI:10.1080/08869634.2026.2697283

PFAS remediation across Europe: costs and limited impacts - July 6, 2026

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1039/d5em00870k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread in environmental media. Concentrations are currently increasing due to substantial ongoing emissions. One approach to mitigating environmental PFAS exposure is the remediation of existing stocks, contaminated sites, landfills, and drinking water. However, the costs to achieve this on a regional scale and amounts of PFAS that could be addressed through remediation remain uncharacterized. To address this, costs for "legacy" and "emerging" PFAS remediation scenarios in Europe were developed based on publicly available site data, remediation cost data, and an expert assessment of currently scalable technologies, through collaboration within a cross-border, collaborative investigation network entitled the "Forever Lobbying Project". The "legacy" scenario reflects remediation to remove previously emitted, long-chain PFAS that are currently widely regulated in Europe from selected hotspot sites and drinking water. The "emerging" scenario targets nearly all PFAS, including ultra-short chain PFAS, across a wider range of intermediate receptors, including wastewater effluent and biosolids. Legacy remediation costs across all 27 EU countries were estimated to be approximately €37 billion over 20 years (€1.8 billion per year), which would lead to a reduction in health impacts. Emerging costs that address shorter chain PFAS in more media were estimated to be about 20 times more expensive at €100 billion per year. However, even this level of investment may be insufficient. This emerging scenario treating 1636 heavily contaminated European soil sites plus all large wastewater plant effluents, large drinking water zones, agriculturally applied sludges, and collected landfill leachate would only address 3 ton per year to 50 tons per year of PFAAs and precursors, which is less than 2% of current estimated EU emissions. The substantial difference in costs between scenarios and the low proportion of emissions that can be addressed with remediation highlight the urgency of implementing use restrictions and source control for PFAS. Preventing PFAS pollution would be less costly and more impactful than relying on remediation after release.

PMID:42403043 | DOI:10.1039/d5em00870k

PFAS in the circular economy: An unintended consequence of recycling and wastewater reuse? - July 6, 2026

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2026 Jul 1;22(4):974-976. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjag047.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42403214 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjag047

A Three-Phase Distribution Method for Quantifying the Intermolecular Interactions - July 6, 2026

J Phys Chem A. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.6c02776. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The octanol/water partition coefficient, log P, is a standard descriptor of hydrophobicity; however, it compresses the hydrogen bonding, dispersion, and orientation forces onto a single axis and fails for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), where the orientation forces dominate and a stable octanol/water equilibrium rarely forms─hence, PFAS have long been mischaracterized as "extremely hydrophobic" through log P values. Here, we propose the three-phase distribution method as a new experimental tool that extends log P by partitioning a neutral solute among water, cyclohexane, and perfluorononane─three mutually immiscible phases, each selectively dominated by one of those interactions─hence, each solute is mapped onto a ternary diagram by the percentage shares of three forces. The present paper is a theoretical proposal of this new experimental method, with first-principles COSMO-RS calculations as a consistency check. The results confirm that the method subsumes log P, extends the analysis to PFAS that lie outside the scope of conventional log P, and resolves compounds that are indistinguishable on the log P axis by decomposing their intermolecular-force contributions─capabilities that establish the three-phase distribution method as a general-purpose analytical tool applicable across diverse fields of physical chemistry.

PMID:42406368 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpca.6c02776

Study Identifies 'Forever Chemical' Characteristics Affecting Drinking Water Treatment Effectiveness - July 6, 2026

According to the researchers, treating PFAS as a single class of contaminants may overlook important differences in how individual compounds move through water systems and respond to remediation. Treatment strategies should be designed based on molecular structure, especially chain length.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in archived Antarctic penguin feathers - July 5, 2026

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Jul 6:vgag095. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of growing concern for their potential adverse environmental and human health effects. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances demonstrate remarkable environmental stability and are globally dispersed. These compounds have been detected in a variety of biological samples, including bird feathers, which have proven to be a reliable indicator for the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Feathers, composed mainly of keratin, accumulate PFAS, which have a documented affinity for proteins. Our study aims to determine the extent of PFAS exposure in three penguin species native to the Antarctic Peninsula. Feathers of Pygoscelis adeliae (Adélie penguins), Pygoscelis papua (Gentoo penguins), and Aptenodytes forsteri (Emperor penguins) were collected in 2013. Samples were collected from the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station, Kopaitic Island, and the Chilean General Bernardo O'Higgins. Samples were analyzed for 38 PFAS compounds. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations were compared by species, age, and sampling location. Emperor penguins, on average, had the highest concentrations of total PFAS in feathers (137 ng g-1 dry wt), followed by Gentoo penguins (111 ng g-1 dry wt), and Adélie penguins (78 ng g-1 dry wt). Notably, short-chain carboxylic acids (<C8) predominated over sulfonic acids, contrasting with blood plasma studies and suggesting differential partitioning mechanisms between protein-rich feathers and lipid-rich tissues. This is one of the few studies that demonstrate species-specific PFAS accumulation patterns in penguin feathers. Our results provide critical baseline data for understanding PFAS biomonitoring in Antarctic ecosystems.

PMID:42402709 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag095

Reactivity and environmental fate of emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment systems: A reactive continuum framework approach - July 4, 2026

Chemosphere. 2026 Jul 4;410:145024. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging contaminants (ECs), including pharmaceuticals (e.g., antibiotics) and personal care products (PPCPs), hormones, artificial sweeteners, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics (MPs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), are increasingly recognized as critical pollutants in wastewater treatment systems due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. Despite advances in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the removal of ECs remains limited due to compound-specific behaviour, whereby contaminants undergo adsorption onto sludge solids, partial transformation into intermediates, and phase transfer to biosolids or colloids. The coexistence of ECs in complex wastewater matrices induces competitive interactions, matrix effects, and non-linear transformation pathways, reducing predictability and treatment efficiency. In this context, this review aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of EC fate and transformation in WWTPs, linking molecular properties to variability in removal across treatment configurations. It examines transformation pathways across treatment stages, integrates advances in detection with physicochemical and biological mechanisms, and highlights limitations of conventional WWTPs in achieving complete mineralization. It further proposes a reactive continuum framework (RCF) to classify contaminants by reactivity and transformation potential, thereby improving the prediction of treatment outcomes. The implications for bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biomagnification are assessed to link contaminant behaviour with environmental risk. The RCF provides a falsifiable, molecular descriptor-based basis for predicting EC fate that removal-efficiency metrics cannot, with direct implications for reactivity-informed regulatory design under the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and equivalent frameworks globally.

PMID:42401169 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145024

Reactivity and environmental fate of emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment systems: A reactive continuum framework approach - July 4, 2026

Chemosphere. 2026 Jul 4;410:145024. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42401169 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145024

Fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in anaerobic digestion of tannery sludge and their removal from clarified digestate by adsorption - July 4, 2026

J Environ Manage. 2026 Jul 4;413:130412. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130412. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-established technology for sludge stabilization and energy recovery; however, its application to PFAS-contaminated industrial sludge remains poorly understood. In this study, tannery sludge was treated under mesophilic (37 °C) and thermophilic (55 °C) conditions in continuous stirred tank reactors, to evaluate process performance and assess the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Subsequently, adsorption was investigated as a post-treatment for PFAS removal from the clarified digestate (CD) using granular activated carbon (GAC) and a strong-base anion exchange resin (AER). Both reactors achieved stable operation, with thermophilic conditions resulting in higher specific gas production (0.62 vs 0.49 m³/kg VS) and volatile solids removal (54% vs 42%) compared with mesophilic digestion. However, PFAS concentrations in the CD remained above 10,000 ng/L; no significant differences were observed between mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, suggesting that AD thermal regime had a limited influence on PFAS occurrence in the liquid fraction. Adsorption experiments showed that AER exhibited a higher adsorption capacity than GAC for both total PFAS and individual congeners. The adsorbent dosages required to achieve target PFAS concentrations (500 and 100 ng/L) were estimated, and a preliminary full-scale assessment highlighted substantial differences in adsorbent inventory requirements and infrastructure footprint between the two technologies. Overall, the results demonstrate that, while AD is effective for energy recovery from tannery sludge, it does not mitigate PFAS contamination and therefore requires dedicated post-treatment. These findings provide new insights into the integrated management of PFAS-contaminated industrial sludge, supporting the development of scalable treatment strategies.

PMID:42401179 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130412

Green valorization of cotton-acrylic fabric blends into magnetic nanofiber adsorbents for PFAS and organic dye remediation in complex wastewater streams - July 4, 2026

Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 4;16(1):20561. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-54333-2.

ABSTRACT

The increasing generation of mixed textile waste and the persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and synthetic dyes in industrial effluents present significant challenges for sustainable wastewater treatment. In this study, cotton-acrylic textile waste was valorized into multifunctional magnetic nanofiber adsorbents (CA-Fe₃O₄-NF) via a combined sol-gel-assisted in situ co-precipitation and electrospinning approach. The resulting nanofibers exhibited a hierarchically porous structure, a surface area of 112 m² g⁻¹, and superparamagnetic properties enabling rapid magnetic separation. The developed material demonstrated effective adsorption performance toward PFOS, PFOA, methylene blue, and rhodamine B, with maximum adsorption capacities of 184, 165, 142, and 118 mg g⁻¹, respectively, along with relatively fast kinetics and spontaneous, endothermic adsorption behavior. The nanofibers retained more than 90% of their initial performance after multiple regeneration cycles, indicating good reusability. Unlike many previously reported magnetic nanofiber adsorbents that rely on virgin polymers and are evaluated under simplified conditions, this study employs waste-derived materials and includes assessment under varying pH, ionic strength, and real wastewater matrices, providing improved environmental relevance. Although the material exhibited potential for simultaneous removal of PFAS and dyes in simplified systems, the study primarily focuses on controlled experimental conditions, and further validation under more complex multi-component environments is required. In addition, the proposed adsorption mechanisms are based on indirect evidence derived from spectroscopic analysis and adsorption behavior, and should therefore be considered as plausible interpretations rather than definitive conclusions. Overall, this work presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach for converting textile waste into functional magnetic nanofiber adsorbents, highlighting their potential application in wastewater treatment while acknowledging the need for further validation under realistic conditions.

PMID:42401634 | PMC:PMC13333023 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-54333-2

Enhancing (Super)hydrophobicity of Natural Fibers: An Overview of Methodologies and Their Sustainability Assessment - July 3, 2026

ACS Sustain Chem Eng. 2026 Jun 11;14(25):11302-11350. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c08518. eCollection 2026 Jun 29.

ABSTRACT

Escalating regulatory pressures have accelerated the development of nature-based alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for hydrophobic textile coatings, driven by concerns over persistence and toxicity. Despite substantial progress, research remains fragmented, with diverse methodologies and limited comparative evaluation of environmental and industrial performance. This review systematically examines wet and dry approaches for applying PFAS-free, natural-based low-surface-energy materials and inducing surface roughness, with a focus on sustainability metrics including energy and water use, solvent consumption, time efficiency, scalability, versatility, waste generation, cost, performance, and durability. Each method is additionally evaluated through an integrated sustainability assessment combining environmental impact and industrial feasibility to identify the most practical and eco-friendly strategies. By highlighting critical bottlenecks and mapping opportunities in process design for biobased chemistries, this review provides a strategic roadmap to accelerate the understanding of the current state and to take an initial step toward upscaling and industrial adoption of PFAS-free alternatives and hydrophobic finishes for natural textiles. In addition, a frequency analysis of reported techniques from 2008 to 2024 reveals temporal trends in methodological development and highlights the dominant approaches and emerging technologies driving the transition toward more sustainable hydrophobic textile engineering.

PMID:42394914 | PMC:PMC13321315 | DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c08518

Tracing PFAS Transfer from Mother to the Fetoplacental Unit: Insights from Trimester-Specific Maternal Serum Profiles - July 3, 2026

bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Jun 24:2026.02.02.703409. doi: 10.64898/2026.02.02.703409.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting pollutants that cross the placenta and affect offspring health, but the extent and timing of their transfer to placental and fetal compartments remain poorly understood. We characterized the relationship between trimester-specific prenatal maternal serum PFAS levels and paired placental and cord plasma levels at term. Data came from the Central Arkansas Glowing prospective cohort (n=151, 2010-2014). Four well-detected PFAS were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Regression, elastic net, and parametric g-formula models tested the association between maternal levels in each trimester and placental or cord PFAS levels. In g-formula models, trimester one (T1) or trimester two (T2) measures consistently had the largest effect sizes associated with placental levels (p<0.001-0.05). Similarly, T1 (PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA), T2 (PFNA, PFOS, PFOA), and placental PFOA were associated with cord plasma levels (p<0.05-p<0.001). Results were robust to time-varying adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum albumin, or maternal weight. Predictive models improved with additional timepoint measures. Our findings suggest PFOA may transfer more efficiently from the placenta to cord plasma and early-to-mid gestation maternal serum PFAS measures may serve as the most robust sentinels of fetoplacental exposure burden, suggesting early exposure prevention should be prioritized.

PMID:42395395 | PMC:PMC13320966 | DOI:10.64898/2026.02.02.703409

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Exposure and Peripheral Artery Disease: Mendelian Randomization and Integrative Multi-Omics Systems Toxicology With Machine Learning - July 3, 2026

Chem Biol Drug Des. 2026 Jul;108(1):e70352. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.70352.

ABSTRACT

Epidemiological and experimental studies have linked legacy and emerging PFAS to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet most evidence remains observational and is susceptible to confounding, measurement error, and reverse causation. This study used European-ancestry GWAS data and two-sample Mendelian randomization to assess potential causal associations between PFOA or PFOS exposure and five cardiovascular diseases. For significant MR findings, network toxicology was integrated with transcriptomic data to identify candidate targets and pathways, followed by machine learning-based prioritization. Immune cell infiltration, single-cell transcriptomic analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were further applied to explore immune mechanisms and pollutant-protein interactions. Genetically predicted PFOS exposure was associated with an increased risk of peripheral artery disease. Enrichment analysis implicated PPAR and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, while machine learning based on 129 overlapping genes identified HMOX1, KDR, MMP9, and PPARG as key targets. Immune infiltration and single-cell analyses indicated remodeling of the PAD immune microenvironment, with HMOX1 mainly enriched in macrophages. Virtual knockout highlighted APC-related MHC II antigen presentation, and docking and dynamics simulations supported stable PFOS-HMOX1 binding. These findings suggest a potential PFOS-PAD association and provide candidate biomarkers for further validation.

PMID:42396897 | DOI:10.1111/cbdd.70352

Co-contamination of hybrid microplastics and PFOA/GenX alters rhizosphere bacterial-fungal communities and root performance of Eichhornia crassipes - July 3, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 1;514:142874. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142874. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates bacterial-fungal interactions in the rhizosphere of floating macrophytes co-contaminated by microplastics (MP) and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and explores how MP composition influences root health and nutrient removal. Methodologically, we design a hydroponic experiment: eleven MP-composition schemes were constructed using polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene (CK sequence), and Eichhornia crassipes was cultivated under these exposures. The comparison sequences included treatments with PFOA and GenX (OA and GX sequences). High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS genes was performed to profile rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities. Root performance was evaluated using integrative indicators that reflect rhizosphere health and nutrient removal efficiency. The results showed that MP composition shifted bacterial and fungal phylum-compositions without altering the dominant taxa-Proteobacteria (21.77∼67.41%) and Bacteroidota (9.43∼39.60%) for bacteria and Rozellomycota (11.36∼82.81%) and Ascomycota (9.17∼48.38%) for fungi. MP diversity significantly influenced bacterial α-diversity in the OA sequence (k = 0.171∼0.472) and fungal α-diversity in the CK sequence (k = -0.458∼0.087). β-diversity analysis revealed distinct bacterial and fungal response patterns to MP variation across sequences. In the GX sequence, the bacterial assembly was predominantly shaped by homogeneous selection with 50.09% contribution. MP composition also modulated bacterial-fungal co-occurrence networks, with fungal participation notably weakened under PFAS exposure. Under PFOA co-contamination, MP type acted as a module hub in the microbial network. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) showed that MP composition primarily regulated root performance via hydrochemistry, with bacterial-fungal interactions significantly affecting root performance only in the presence of PFOA (PC=-0.194). This study enhances the understanding of microbial interactions in nutrient removal and root tolerance of floating macrophytes exposed to combined MP and PFAS pollution. It also provides an exploration on utilization of floating macrophyte-based remediation, identifying MP composition as a potential factor.

PMID:42398418 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142874

A direct SPE clean-up after protein precipitation methodology to remove endogenous steroid sulfate MRM interferences for PFAS analysis of serum samples by isotope dilution LC-MS/MS - July 3, 2026

Chemosphere. 2026 Sep;409:145016. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145016. Epub 2026 Jul 3.

ABSTRACT

This paper investigated the feasibility of using direct solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up after protein precipitation for PFAS analysis of serum samples. Four solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge types-EMR-lip (Agilent), ENVI-Carb (Supelco), C18 (Agilent), and ENV+ (ISOLUTE) -were evaluated for their effectiveness in removing endogenous interferences. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile (1% formic acid), ENVI-Carb could remove the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) isobaric interferences from taurodeoxycholic acid isomers (TDCAs) to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and the MRM interferences from pregnandiol sulfate and isopregnanalone sulfate to perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS). However, perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA) could not be analysed after ENVI-Carb cartridge clean-up due to high retention. EMR-lip could only remove TDCAs when the solvent volume is ten times more than the serum sample. The C18 and ENV + cartridges removed less than 50% of TDCAs only. Method detection limits (MDLs) from 0.1 to 0.5 ng mL^-1 were achieved for the majority of PFAS compounds. Acceptable results were achieved for NIST serum Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1957. This preparation method is simple and straightforward and has been successfully applied to PFAS analysis of (PT) serum samples from the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP Quebec) and United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP Nairobi).

PMID:42398371 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145016

Associations between prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure and maternal fatty acid homeostasis: Nonmonotonic, compartment-specific patterns in plasma and red blood cells - July 3, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 29;514:142843. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142843. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may disrupt maternal fatty acid (FA) metabolism; however, compartment-specific responses, nonmonotonic dose-response relationships (NMDRs), and mixture effects remain insufficiently characterized. We quantified 14 plasma PFAS and comprehensively profiled FAs, FA-class distributions, health-related indices, and product-to-precursor ratios in plasma (n = 192) and red blood cells (RBCs; n = 119) from pregnant women in China. Associations were assessed using multiple linear regression (MLR), restricted cubic splines (RCS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS, with a median concentration of 3.90 ng/mL, accounting for 45.9% of the total PFAS burden. MLR revealed distinct compartment-specific patterns. In plasma, PFOS and PFOS-related metrics were inversely associated with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), including EPA, DHA, Σn-3, and EPA + DHA (β = -0.83 to -0.44), and positively associated with saturation- and n-6-dominant ratios, including Σn-6/Σn-3, ARA/DHA, and ΣSFA/ΣPUFA (β = 0.35-0.78). In RBCs, associations were fewer and were mainly characterized by inverse relationships of total PFAS and long-chain PFAS with arachidonic acid and n-3 PUFA biomarkers (β = -0.75 to -0.65). RCS identified significant NMDRs only in plasma, primarily exhibiting inverted U-shaped or threshold-type patterns, with PFOS breakpoints of approximately 3.00-7.39 ng/mL, corresponding to the 30th-80th percentiles, within environmentally relevant exposure ranges; stronger disruptions were observed above these thresholds. BKMR supported compartment-specific mixture effects, showing nonlinear, PFOS-dominated associations in plasma, with posterior inclusion probabilities of 0.93-1.00, but largely linear and more distributed contributions in RBCs, where saturation ratios increased and n-6 PUFAs decreased with increasing co-exposure. Overall, real-world prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with PUFA depletion and a shift toward more saturated and potentiall pro-inflammatory FA profiles through compartment-specific and nonlinear pathways.

PMID:42398417 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142843

Co-contamination of hybrid microplastics and PFOA/GenX alters rhizosphere bacterial-fungal communities and root performance of Eichhornia crassipes - July 3, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 1;514:142874. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142874. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42398418 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142874

Tracing PFAS Transfer from Mother to the Fetoplacental Unit: Insights from Trimester-Specific Maternal Serum Profiles - July 3, 2026

bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Jun 24:2026.02.02.703409. doi: 10.64898/2026.02.02.703409.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42395395 | PMC:PMC13320966 | DOI:10.64898/2026.02.02.703409

Photocatalytic Controlled Halodefluorination of Perfluoroalkyl Compounds Using N-Arylphenothiazines - July 2, 2026

J Am Chem Soc. 2026 Jul 15;148(27):29084-29093. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6c07703. Epub 2026 Jul 2.

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in C-F bond activation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have enabled complete degradation of fluorochemical waste, yet achieving precise, site-selective monodefluorination continues to present a significant synthetic challenge. Here, we demonstrate that N-arylphenothiazine photocatalysts enable controlled halodefluorination of perfluoroalkyl compounds using simple halide salts. Mechanistic studies support a consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (conPET) manifold, where the photocatalyst operates as a potent excited-state reductant and oxidant in succession under single- or multiwavelength irradiation. Single-electron halide oxidation is mediated by a transient radical cation superoxidant *[PC]^•+, which facilitates net halogen metathesis with high fidelity. This study further exemplifies the redox versatility of N-arylphenothiazine photosensitizers and contributes to the development of mechanistically diverse methods for functionalization of strong C-F bonds in polyfluorinated molecules.

PMID:42390254 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.6c07703

PFASGroups: An Open-Source Framework for Automated Identification, Structural Classification, and Prioritization of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - July 2, 2026

J Chem Inf Model. 2026 Jul 2. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.6c01058. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals that are widely detected in environmental and biological systems and are increasingly targeted by global regulatory actions. Their structural diversity, together with multiple and evolving PFAS definitions, complicates automated identification and classification across large chemical data sets. Here we present PFASGroups, an open-source cheminformatics framework for automated identification, structural classification, and prioritization of PFAS, designed for seamless integration into machine learning (ML) workflows. PFASGroups combines SMARTS-based functional group detection with graph-based analysis of per- and polyfluorinated components to assign PFAS groups and characterize their size, topology, and structural context. The framework implements an extensible library of PFAS group definitions, including OECD-derived classes, common organic functional groups, and fluorotelomer-specific patterns, and supports evaluation of multiple regulatory PFAS definitions (OECD, EU, OPPT 2023, UK, PFASSTRUCTv5). Across benchmark data sets, PFASGroups demonstrates computational performance suitable for large-scale screening and shows high agreement with existing tools, with systematic differences reflecting broader structural coverage and multigroup assignment. The graph-based representation enables robust handling of complex and highly branched molecules while maintaining high specificity in group detection. PFASGroups' identification and descriptor generation capabilities are readily usable in ML pipelines and for automatic prioritization. The module produces structural embeddings that integrate functional and graph descriptors, thereby improving predictive modeling of toxicological end points compared to conventional PFAS-specific fingerprints. Application to large chemical inventories, including the ECHA Classification and Labeling database, demonstrates its utility for high-throughput PFAS screening and regulatory decision support. PFASGroups is available as open-source software via GitHub (https://github.com/lucmiaz/PFASGroups) and PyPI, with a complementary browser-based interface for rapid PFAS screening.

PMID:42390116 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jcim.6c01058

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the risk of thyroid and breast cancer: Evidence from a meta-analysis and computational toxicology - July 2, 2026

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 2;514:117933. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2026.117933. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic effects, but epidemiological evidence linking PFAS exposure to cancer remains inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate associations between PFAS exposure and risks of thyroid and breast cancer. Relevant literature published between January 2003 and May 2025 was retrieved from Web of Science and PubMed. The analysis showed that the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) in relation to thyroid cancer were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77-0.98) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.75-0.94), respectively. In contrast, the pooled OR for overall PFAS exposure and breast cancer was 1.04 (95% CI: 1.00-1.09, I² = 62.2%), indicating no statistically significant association but suggesting a borderline trend. Notably, PFAS exposure was inversely associated with invasive breast cancer (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26-0.76). Computational toxicology analyses indicated that PFAS may interact with endocrine- and growth factor-related pathways involving EGFR, AKT1, and ESR1, providing supportive but hypothesis-generating mechanistic context. This study highlights specific PFAS compounds that may be associated with altered risks of thyroid and breast cancer. Future high-quality prospective studies with standardized exposure assessments are warranted to clarify the potential carcinogenic effects of PFAS.

PMID:42392276 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2026.117933

Serum PFAS levels measured in the general population of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2022-2023 - July 2, 2026

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Jun;33(21):10550-10560. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-38024-z. Epub 2026 Jul 2.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds widely used for their remarkable chemical properties, but they are raising growing health concerns. While biomonitoring data exist for North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa was scarce. The objective of the present study is to measure PFAS contamination in volunteers recruited in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We assessed serum PFAS concentrations in 136 adults (63.2% men and 36.8% women, median age: 33.5 years) recruited in 2022 and 2023 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Fourteen PFAS were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC/Agilent 6495 LC/TQ MS). Only five compounds were quantified in more than 10% of samples: perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (linPFOS), and total PFOS (totPFOS). Median serum levels were 0.166 ng/mL (PFNA), 0.270 ng/mL (PFHxS), 0.384 ng/mL (PFOA), 0.675 ng/mL (linPFOS), and 1.70 ng/mL (totPFOS). Compared with international data, PFAS levels in our population were among the lowest reported in the past decade. Only 0.7% of participants exceeded the German HBM-I value for PFOA while no volunteer exceeded this threshold for linPFOS. These HBM-I values are concentrations below which no health effect are. These findings suggest relatively low health risks related to PFAS in Kinshasa compared to Western and Asian countries. In the DRC context, where risk associated to other pollutants such as triclosan, lead or DDT metabolites is higher, resources may be better directed toward these more pressing threats.

PMID:42390703 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-38024-z

Emerging Links Between PFAS Exposure and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Narrative Review of Epidemiologic Evidence, Mechanistic Insights, and Research Gaps - July 2, 2026

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Jul 2. doi: 10.1002/jat.70321. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely distributed in the environment and human tissues. Known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, PFAS are increasingly investigated for their potential role in the rising global prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. This narrative review synthesizes epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic insights to clarify this relationship. Epidemiologic findings remain heterogeneous; while some studies link PFOA and PFOS exposure to altered circulating thyroid hormones (e.g., increased FT3 and FT4), others report reduced T4 levels, particularly in vulnerable pregnant and neonatal populations. Mechanistically, PFAS interfere with thyroid homeostasis by disrupting iodide uptake via the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), competing for transport proteins like transthyretin, and activating nuclear receptors like PPARα. Furthermore, PFAS promote immune dysregulation by modulating cytokine production and inducing oxidative stress, creating a microenvironment conducive to autoimmunity. Despite these biological plausibilities, many studies are limited by cross-sectional designs and a lack of direct clinical AITD correlation. Future longitudinal research is essential to establish causality and guide public health interventions regarding environmental PFAS contamination.

PMID:42393004 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70321

A double endocrine-disrupting effect of PFAS on intra- and extra-thyroid targets: inhibition of iodide uptake and interference with MCT8-mediated T3 transport in vitro - July 2, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 2;406:128672. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128672. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a persistent bioaccumulating pollutants. Several environmental contaminants were shown to impair Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) function, thereby reducing iodide availability for Thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis. TH action critically depends on their transport across cell membranes. In particular, Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) is one of the transporters of TH on cell membranes. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of PFHxA or PFOA on iodide uptake and MCT8-mediated TH transport. CHO-hNIS and MDCK-MCT8 were exposed to increasing concentrations of PFOA or PFHxA [0-0.01-0.1-1-10-100-1000 μM]. Cellular viability was assessed by trypan blue and WST-1. Iodide and T3 uptake were assessed by Sandell-Kolthoff (SK) reaction and confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Exposure to PFOA or PFHxA did not affect cell viability at any of the concentrations tested. In CHO-hNIS cells the exposure to PFHxA showed a significant non-monotonic reduction of iodide uptake. PFOA exposure also exhibited a non-monotonic pattern in reducing iodine uptake, although there were some differences compared to PFHxA. Moving to the evaluation of T3 uptake by MDCK-MCT8 cells exposed to PFAS, the results demonstrated that PFHxA inhibited T3 uptake in a non-monotonic pattern, whereas PFOA exposure also inhibited T3 uptake but did not exhibit a non-monotonic pattern. These findings reveal a non-monotonic concentration-response pattern for PFHxA but not PFOA in MDCK-MCT8 cells. The present study showed that the exposure to PFHxA or PFOA inhibited iodine and T3 uptake, often with a similar non-monotonic pattern. The potential clinical relevance of these findings stems from the central role of iodide uptake and thyroid hormone transport in maintaining thyroid hormone homeostasis.

PMID:42392299 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128672

Occurrence of organic micropollutants in drinking water: A review of scientific literature in the scope of the EU Directive 2020/2184 - July 2, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 29;514:142838. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142838. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Organic micropollutants (MPs) have been detected in various water matrices in the range of ng L^-1 to μg L^-1. These MPs pose significant public health and environmental concerns due to their persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation potential. Ultimately, they may reach potable water. The European Union has recently implemented Directive 2020/2184 to tackle this issue and to ensure the quality of water intended for human consumption. In particular, more rigorous parametric values were established to minimize the impacts of pollution on human health. This review is the first comparative study of the occurrence of a broad range of organic MPs defined in the Drinking Water (DW) Directive and its Watchlist. Thus, it includes 210 articles published since 2022 regarding the worldwide occurrence in DW of the following organic pollutants defined in the DW Directive: acrylamide, benzene, bisphenol A (BPA), 1,2-dichloroethane, epichlorohydrin, haloacetic acids (HAAs), microcystin-LR, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene, trihalomethanes (THMs) and vinyl chloride. Analytical methodologies are summarized and discussed for each class of organic MP, and the reported concentrations of contaminants determined in DW were compared to the guidelines in Directive 2020/2184. This review also demonstrates that occurrence in DW of some MPs was largely overlooked in recent years, despite being mentioned in the DW Directive, and the need for an uniformization of analytical procedures for DW.

PMID:42391957 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142838

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the risk of thyroid and breast cancer: Evidence from a meta-analysis and computational toxicology - July 2, 2026

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2026 Sep;514:117933. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2026.117933. Epub 2026 Jul 2.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42392276 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2026.117933

A double endocrine-disrupting effect of PFAS on intra- and extra-thyroid targets: inhibition of iodide uptake and interference with MCT8-mediated T3 transport in vitro - July 2, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 2;406:128672. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128672. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42392299 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128672

Rinsing Aircraft Hangar Fire Suppression System Components Contaminated With PFAS: Analysis of Rinse Waters and Pipe Surfaces - July 2, 2026

Water Environ Res. 2026 Jul;98(7):e70477. doi: 10.1002/wer.70477.

ABSTRACT

This study examined PFAS persistence on plumbing components obtained from a retired aircraft hangar. The effect of rinse volume and pipe corrosion was investigated to address technical gaps and inform practical solutions for PFAS-impacted fire suppression systems. The components, rinsed with deionized water, included straight pipe sections as well as elbows and proportioners. Solid-phase extraction with HPLC/MS/MS was employed to analyze PFAS in the rinse waters. Straight pipe sections followed trends for PFAS persistence reported in the literature for such sections, and the results for elbows and proportioners, not previously reported, suggested meaningful differences compared to straight sections. Results indicate that a single rinsing cycle consisting of three volumes of deionized water is capable of partially removing PFAS and that the amount of PFAS removed by successive rinses decreases with each rinse. Pre- and post-rinse pipe specimens were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Corrosion of the components impacts desorption, potentially due to a weakly bound layer on the surface and a strongly bound layer interacting with metal oxides. These results inform future research and decontamination protocols needed for remediating firefighting infrastructure contaminated with PFAS.

PMID:42392575 | PMC:PMC13349416 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70477

PFAS free chemically amplified resists enabled by low activation energy hydrocarbon cage monomers - July 2, 2026

Chem Sci. 2026 Jul 1. doi: 10.1039/d6sc03643k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Advances in microelectronic devices are heavily reliant on new developments in integrated circuit design and manufacture (e.g., miniaturisation), but such modernisation also requires the associated environmental impact to be minimised. To achieve these goals, improvements in photolithography processes are critical for increasing the resolution of microfeatures. Deep ultraviolet (i.e., 193 nm) lithography remains a critical step in integrated circuit manufacture, and key resist polymers are comprised of cyclic or polycyclic (cage) saturated hydrocarbon moieties such as those derived from adamantane or norbornane. However, little to no information is available on comparative performance arising from other cage hydrocarbon structural paradigms, which places constraints on developing design principles to improve such photoresist materials. Described herein, is the synthesis and evaluation of a range of photoresist terpolymers derived from cage bicyclo, and cage tricyclo, methacrylate monomers that vary in size as compared to adamantyl methacrylate (MAdMA). The study identified that larger ring systems lower the activation barrier of carbocation formation (i.e., via hyperconjugation), which enabled photoresist deprotection using weaker non-PFAS photogenerated acids (PAGs).

PMID:42388818 | PMC:PMC13321811 | DOI:10.1039/d6sc03643k

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in commercially important marine species of fish and shellfish from Alaska and implications for human exposure - July 2, 2026

Toxicol Rep. 2026 Jun 25;17:102302. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102302. eCollection 2026 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental synthetic contaminants associated with some adverse health effects under certain exposure conditions. Dietary sources, particularly seafood, have been identified as a potentially significant contributor to PFAS body burden. Muscle tissue from several species of fish and shellfish harvested in Alaska were analyzed for 40 PFAS analytes. Ten analytes were detected above the method detection limit (MDL) with PFTrDA and PFUnA being the most frequently detected. Concentrations of all analytes ranged from below the detection limit to 0.809 ng/g wet weight with most being below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Overall, PFAS concentrations were low or non-detect, consistent with other market basket studies of seafood. Although no national PFAS-specific fish consumption thresholds are currently established, ongoing surveillance of PFAS in commercially and recreationally harvested seafood provides critical exposure data to inform risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.

PMID:42388454 | PMC:PMC13318540 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102302

Emerging Links Between PFAS Exposure and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Narrative Review of Epidemiologic Evidence, Mechanistic Insights, and Research Gaps - July 2, 2026

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Jul 2. doi: 10.1002/jat.70321. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:42393004 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70321