PFAS

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 13:125878. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125878. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to environmental pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in early life is a critical public health issue because it can alter developmental programming that impacts susceptibility to disease throughout life. The prenatal and early postnatal periods are times of vulnerability when exposure to environmental stressors may impact endocrine signalling, placental function, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. There is increasing evidence that exposure to bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollutants has been associated with pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic dysfunction, endocrine abnormalities and reproductive impairments. Exposomics, high-resolution mass spectrometry, biomonitoring, and passive sampling technologies have made crucial advances in characterising complex environmental exposures. At the same time, novel methods such as multi-omics, single-cell sequencing, spatial biology and microbiome studies have yielded more detailed mechanistic understanding of how environmental factors can impact developmental processes via epigenetic, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and endocrine pathways. The placenta has emerged as a valuable biomarker matrix for assessing fetal exposure and developmental programming. Exposure routes, biomonitoring methods, placental processes, molecular and epigenetic modifications, and the impacts of early-life environmental exposures on neurodevelopment, metabolism, endocrine function, and reproduction are all summarised in this review. It also emphasises current advancements in exposure assessment, preventive measures, and policy frameworks, highlighting the importance of life-course perspectives and environmental justice. To identify important windows of susceptibility, improve risk assessment, and develop strategies to safeguard maternal and child health, exposomics in conjunction with systems biology and longitudinal epidemiological approaches will be essential.

PMID:42869363 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125878

Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken). 2026 Oct;50(10):e70394. doi: 10.1111/acer.70394.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) represents a range of neurodevelopmental outcomes from prenatal alcohol exposure for which there are few interventions. Preclinical studies have identified choline as a potential treatment for cognitive deficits in FASD. We previously conducted three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children under age 6 and reported on memory benefits following all three trials. Two RCTs compared a fixed 500 mg daily dose to placebo, and the third RCT tested a weight-adjusted choline dose. Here, we report on a longitudinal follow-up 5 years post-study completion.

METHODS: The RCTs included 2.5- to 5.9-year-old children with FASD who received choline (n = 53) or placebo (n = 51). Participants described here (n = 28 choline; n = 30 placebo) were 9.1 years old on average at follow-up. Of these, 9% had fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 43% partial FAS (PFAS), and 48% alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). Parents completed a diagnostic interview and behavior checklists while participants completed assessments of general cognitive ability, executive functioning, and memory.

RESULTS: Participants who received choline in the initial RCT showed a medium effect size performance advantage (9.1% better) for non-verbal IQ and a medium effect size advantage (11.3% better) for working memory over placebo. Age at enrollment did not explain significant variance in outcome but choline dose was significantly associated with non-verbal IQ and working memory (higher dose contributed to better performance at follow-up). High rates of anxiety disorders and impulse-control disorders were observed. While there were no statistically significant differences in mental health diagnoses for choline versus placebo, there were some differences that neared significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Very few RCTs have been conducted in FASD, and interventions targeting cognitive functioning are needed. The data reported here suggest that choline supplementation has long-lasting neurodevelopmental benefits, especially in non-verbal IQ and working memory for individuals with FASD.

PMID:42862085 | PMC:PMC13657071 | DOI:10.1111/acer.70394

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2026 Oct 7;19:636877. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S636877. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Genetic and lifestyle factors alone cannot explain the rising global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Growing evidence implicates endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, food packaging, industrial products, and contaminated water as significant environmental contributors to metabolic dysfunction. EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and heavy metals, have been associated with insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic modifications that collectively promote T2DM pathogenesis. The gut microbiota has emerged as a potential mediator of EDC-associated metabolic disruption, whereby chemical exposures may alter microbial diversity, disturb the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, impair short-chain fatty acid production, decrease intestinal barrier integrity, driving metabolic endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. This narrative review examines the major EDCs associated with diabetes, their molecular and metabolic mechanisms of action, and their interactions with the gut microbiota, drawing on current experimental and epidemiological evidence. Special emphasis is placed on probiotic supplementation as an emerging therapeutic strategy targeting the EDC-gut microbiota-metabolic axis. Current evidence for probiotics in EDC-associated metabolic dysfunction is predominantly preclinical, with studies suggesting improvements in microbial homeostasis, pancreatic oxidative damage, and glucose metabolism. However, available evidence remains heterogeneous and human clinical trials specifically examining probiotic intervention in EDC-exposed populations at risk of T2DM remain absent, representing a fundamental translational gap that future research must urgently address. Advancing precision medicine approaches, integrating microbiome profiling, metabolomics, epigenetic analysis, and coordinated efforts across toxicology, clinical medicine, and public health, will be essential to reducing the growing global burden of environmentally driven type 2 diabetes.

PMID:42861307 | PMC:PMC13654283 | DOI:10.2147/DMSO.S636877

Chem Commun (Camb). 2026 Oct 12. doi: 10.1039/d6cc04479d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The polypyridyl ligand 2,9-di(pyrid-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (DPP) functions as a turn-on sensor for PFOA over PFOS in water with a detection limit of 70 ppb. Single-crystal analysis reveals a PFOA-water-DPP hydrogen-bond network that promotes DPP excimer emission enabling selective PFAS sensing.

PMID:42862111 | DOI:10.1039/d6cc04479d

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 10;518:143877. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143877. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a highly persistent and toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), poses significant environmental and health risks. Microbial degradation offers a promising remediation strategy but is limited by the scarcity and low efficiency of known degraders. Here, two PFOA-degrading strains, Alcaligenes sp. MT1 and Pseudomonas sp. MT3, were isolated and characterized. Whole-genome analysis identified multiple genes potentially involved in fluorinated compound transformation. Supplementation with resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf) significantly enhanced PFOA degradation, with an optimal dosage of 1.5% (v/v), increasing removal efficiencies by 16.8% (MT1) and 18.7% (MT3) relative to controls. Rpf improved cellular performance by elevating antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity while reducing malondialdehyde levels, indicating enhanced oxidative stress tolerance and energy metabolism. Consistently, key genes associated with decarboxylation and dehalogenation pathways were markedly upregulated. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that PFOA degradation involved sequential decarboxylation and defluorination, with Rpf affecting metabolite abundance but not the core degradation pathways. These findings demonstrate that Rpf-mediated activation effectively enhances microbial PFOA degradation and provides a promising strategy for PFAS bioremediation.

PMID:42863151 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143877

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2026 Oct 12;279:114905. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2026.114905. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

During the first three years of the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), we derived health-based human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) for 11 substances to enable the direct health-related interpretation of human biomonitoring (HBM) results. HBM-GVs indicate the concentration threshold of the substance or its specific metabolite(s) in human biological samples up to which according to current knowledge no adverse health effects are expected, assuming exposure to the individual substance alone. New HBM-GVs are now available for the pesticides' active ingredients gamma-/lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid, the ortho-phthalate diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and the ortho-phthalate substitute diethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHTP), the UV filters DHHB (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Uvinul® A plus) and benzophenone-3, the metals aluminium and its inorganic compounds, methyl mercury and elemental/inorganic mercury, and nickel. In addition, we updated the HBM-GVs, which were derived as part of the European HBM4EU initiative using the mass balance approach, in light of new findings regarding the body mass normalised daily urine volumes and taking into account consistent rounding in the calculation and presentation of the values. For one substance, chromium VI, we updated HBM Exposure Equivalents for Cancer Risk (HBM-EECR) for workers exposed to highly soluble chromates, e.g. in the chrome-plating sector, and newly derived HBM-EECR for workers exposed to chromium (VI) oxides formed under hot conditions, e.g. in welding. In addition, we drew up an HBM-GV-related scoping document for selected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The main conclusions of the work described above are summarised in this publication.

PMID:42863434 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2026.114905

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2026 Oct 12;279:114915. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2026.114915. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have raised concerns about their potential immunosuppressive effects. However, the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and childhood rubella remains unclear. This study examined whether prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with childhood rubella incidence. We analyzed data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, including children whose mothers had plasma PFAS concentrations measured during pregnancy. The primary outcome was caregiver-reported physician-diagnosed rubella up to 6 years of age. Seven PFAS with detection frequencies >60% were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between PFAS concentrations and rubella incidence. Age-stratified analyses were performed, mixture effects were evaluated using quantile g-computation, and a nested case-control sensitivity analysis using conditional logistic regression was conducted. Of 25,253 eligible children, 15,694 were included after excluding non-first-born children from multiple births and participants with missing data; 43 had caregiver-reported physician-diagnosed rubella. No significant associations were observed between maternal PFAS concentrations and childhood rubella incidence in either the regression or age-stratified analyses. Mixture exposure analyses also showed no significant association, and the nested case-control sensitivity analysis yielded similar findings. In conclusion, we did not find a statistically significant association between maternal PFAS exposure during pregnancy and childhood rubella incidence up to 6 years of age. However, the limited number of rubella cases reduced statistical power to detect modest associations, and larger studies are warranted.

PMID:42863435 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2026.114915

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 12:129331. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129331. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has shown inconsistent associations with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). This prospective cohort study examined the associations between early pregnancy serum PFAS concentrations and HDP risk, evaluating potential effect modification by fetal sex among 2,984 pregnant women in Henan Province, China (2018-2021). Sixteen PFAS were measured in early pregnancy serum samples, with nine retained for analysis based on detection rates ≥70%. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for confounders. Of the participants, 112 (3.8%) developed gestational hypertension and 137 (4.6%) developed preeclampsia. Doubling of serum PFDoA concentration was nominally associated with increased odds of both gestational hypertension (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.60) and preeclampsia (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.45). Conversely, doubling of 6:2Cl-PFESA was nominally associated with lower odds of preeclampsia (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.97). Quantile g-computation indicated that although the overall PFAS mixture was not significantly associated with HDP risk, PFDoA consistently contributed substantial positive weights to the mixture effects for both outcomes. In exploratory analyses, fetal sex appeared to modify the association between PFDoA and gestational hypertension (P-interaction = 0.035), with elevated odds observed among female fetuses (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.35) compared to male fetuses (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.39). These findings suggest congener-specific effects and sex-modulated susceptibility, indicating that early pregnancy PFDoA exposure may be associated with elevated HDP risk, warranting further investigation to validate these associations.

PMID:42863649 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129331

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2026 Oct 7;19:636877. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S636877. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Genetic and lifestyle factors alone cannot explain the rising global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Growing evidence implicates endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, food packaging, industrial products, and contaminated water as significant environmental contributors to metabolic dysfunction. EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and heavy metals, have been associated with insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic modifications that collectively promote T2DM pathogenesis. The gut microbiota has emerged as a potential mediator of EDC-associated metabolic disruption, whereby chemical exposures may alter microbial diversity, disturb the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, impair short-chain fatty acid production, decrease intestinal barrier integrity, driving metabolic endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. This narrative review examines the major EDCs associated with diabetes, their molecular and metabolic mechanisms of action, and their interactions with the gut microbiota, drawing on current experimental and epidemiological evidence. Special emphasis is placed on probiotic supplementation as an emerging therapeutic strategy targeting the EDC-gut microbiota-metabolic axis. Current evidence for probiotics in EDC-associated metabolic dysfunction is predominantly preclinical, with studies suggesting improvements in microbial homeostasis, pancreatic oxidative damage, and glucose metabolism. However, available evidence remains heterogeneous and human clinical trials specifically examining probiotic intervention in EDC-exposed populations at risk of T2DM remain absent, representing a fundamental translational gap that future research must urgently address. Advancing precision medicine approaches, integrating microbiome profiling, metabolomics, epigenetic analysis, and coordinated efforts across toxicology, clinical medicine, and public health, will be essential to reducing the growing global burden of environmentally driven type 2 diabetes.

PMID:42861307 | PMC:PMC13654283 | DOI:10.2147/DMSO.S636877

Food Chem Toxicol. 2026 Oct 11:116440. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2026.116440. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) is an emerging polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate with environmental persistence and potential biological toxicity. However, its effects on male reproductive health and associated molecular alterations remain poorly understood.

METHODS: Network toxicology, transcriptomic and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, data-independent acquisition-based proteomics, molecular docking, and mouse experiments were integrated to investigate OBS-associated spermatogenic toxicity.

RESULTS: FAAH and LIPE were prioritized as candidate targets potentially associated with OBS-induced spermatogenic impairment. In human non-obstructive azoospermia datasets, FAAH and LIPE were downregulated and showed discriminatory ability between affected and control samples. Molecular docking predicted potentially favorable interaction conformations between OBS and the two proteins. In mice, exposure to 0.5 or 2.5 mg/kg OBS was associated with disrupted seminiferous tubule architecture, impaired sperm quality, reduced testicular FAAH and LIPE expression, and fewer offspring after mating.

CONCLUSION: OBS exposure was associated with impaired spermatogenesis and reduced male reproductive performance in mice. FAAH and LIPE may be involved in OBS-associated testicular injury, although their functional roles and direct interactions with OBS require further experimental validation. These findings provide additional evidence of the male reproductive toxicity of OBS and highlight the need for continued evaluation of emerging PFAS alternatives.

PMID:42860217 | DOI:10.1016/j.fct.2026.116440

Water Res. 2026 Oct 3;309(Pt A):127074. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127074. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as a representative "forever chemical", is recognized for environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and associated risks to ecosystems and human health. However, its high recalcitrance makes it difficult to be effectively eliminated during water treatment. In this study, we propose an efficient H/F exchange strategy enabling defluorination and PFOA degradation, achieved through enhanced UV-mediated atomic H* generation induced by atomically dispersed FeNi bimetallic catalyst (FeNi-MCM). Time-resolved and directed molecular transformation network analysis provided detailed insights into potential defluorination pathways, revealing that PFOA transformation predominantly proceeds via sequentially substantial H/F exchange (∼70%), rather than the conventional chain-shortening pathways (∼30%), highlighting the strong capability of the proposed system for C-F bond activation. Mechanistically, UV excitation drives electron transfer from Ni to Fe, generating low-valent Fe/Fe⁰ species that activate H₂O to produce atomic H*. Concurrently, Ni/O side h⁺ sites extract electrons from PFOA and intermediates, enabling oxidative transformation and charge balance. This study not only provides mechanistic insights into how molecular transformation networks can be employed to guide the analysis of PFAS transformation pathways, but also offers a reliable approach for atomic H*-mediated enhanced defluorination of PFAS in aquatic environments.

PMID:42860097 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127074

Environ Mol Mutagen. 2026 Oct;67(8-9):e70085. doi: 10.1002/em.70085.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in a variety of consumer and industrial applications for their water- and oil-resistant properties. Firefighters can be exposed to PFAS as part of their job through gear, aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used to extinguish aircraft and liquid fuel fires, along with exposure through other combustible materials during fire suppression activities. PFAS exposure has been linked to a variety of health conditions including cancer, obesity, reproductive issues, and immunosuppression. Epigenetic modifications may be one mechanism underlying PFAS toxicity. In this study, we used epigenetic indicators to assess association of PFAS serum concentrations with (1) epigenetic aging and (2) DNA methylation at loci within genes related to immune function. Blood leukocyte DNA methylation was quantified via the Infinium EPIC array from 184 participants in the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study involved in aircraft rescue and firefighting, and serum PFAS was measured via on-line solid phase extraction liquid chromatography isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. We observed inverse associations between PFAS concentrations and epigenetic clocks including between serum linear perfluorooctanoic acid (n-PFOA) with four epigenetic clocks (p < 0.05); however, most did not remain significant in sensitivity analyses. Associations (q < 0.1) were observed between perfluorodecanoic acid, n-PFOA, sum of branched perfluorooctane sulfonic acid isomers and differential methylation of specific loci within 34 immune-related genes. Further research can help to better understand the functional impacts of the observed differential methylation on immune health.

PMID:42855963 | PMC:PMC13653129 | DOI:10.1002/em.70085

RSC Adv. 2026 Oct 9. doi: 10.1039/d6ra06859f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent water contaminants that require robust, high-affinity sorbents. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provide chemically stable, modular platforms for capturing PFAS and mechanochemical synthesis offers an environmentally friendly, scalable method of production. In this study, we use mechanochemistry to quickly produce an isoreticular series of large-pore imine COFs (TAPB-TA, TAPB-DFTA and TAPB-DMTA) with systematically varied pore-wall functionality, which is optimised for PFAS adsorption. The fluorinated TAPB-DFTA COF exhibits the greatest crystallinity, the highest BET surface area (1237 m² g^-1) and the greatest thermal stability. These properties result in superior uptake of PFOA, PFOS and short-chain analogues compared to the methylated and unsubstituted analogues in batch adsorption experiments across a broad concentration range. The three COFs achieve near-quantitative PFOS removal within minutes, while TAPB-DFTA maintains significantly higher PFOA removal even at a feed concentration of 100 mg L^-1. These findings indicate that mechanochemical synthesis combined with pore wall modification offers a possible approach for tuning COF adsorption sites for PFAS uptake.

PMID:42856978 | PMC:PMC13650538 | DOI:10.1039/d6ra06859f

Environ Health Perspect. 2026 Aug 7;134(6):601-612. doi: 10.1021/EHP.6c00018. eCollection 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with small-for-gestational age (SGA), an adverse pregnancy outcome indicative of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Evidence from previous environmental epidemiologic work suggests that lipids contribute to this association through oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory study by analyzing the maternal lipidome with the meet-in-the-middle approach to identify potential intermediates. In the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort, pregnant participants provided serum samples between 6 and 17 weeks gestation, which underwent targeted PFAS analysis (N: total = 513, SGA = 61) and untargeted lipidomics analysis (N: total = 330, SGA = 36). A lipidome-wide association study (LWAS) was conducted for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS with multivariable regression and their mixture with quantile g-computation. A separate LWAS was performed for SGA with multivariable regression. Lipid pathway analysis was performed in LIPEA (Lipid Pathway Enrichment Analysis). Lipidomic signatures that overlapped between any PFAS LWAS and the SGA LWAS were considered intermediates. A simultaneous, 1-quartile increase in serum concentrations of PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS at early pregnancy was associated with a 43% increase in delivery of an SGA newborn (Odds Ratio = 1.43; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.02, 2.00). The overall mixture effect was driven by PFNA (weight = 0.42). There were 321 features associated with the PFAS mixture and 25 features associated with SGA in the maternal lipidome (all p < 0.05, but none remained significant after false discovery rate correction). After confirmation and annotation, three intermediate metabolites were identified, including phosphatidylinositol 18:1-20:4, phosphatidylcholine 32:0, and monoacylglycerol 18:0. The pathways for glycerophospholipid metabolism, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, insulin resistance, and long-term depression were also enriched in the LWAS for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, the PFAS mixture, and SGA. Global analysis of the maternal lipidome during early pregnancy revealed diverse bioactive lipid involvement in the PFAS-SGA association. Additional research is warranted to understand if antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients would attenuate exposure effects on adverse maternal-child health outcomes.

PMID:42852034 | PMC:PMC13648091 | DOI:10.1021/EHP.6c00018

Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 2026 Oct 9:1-19. doi: 10.1080/10409238.2026.2743913. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that accumulate in plants, posing risks to terrestrial food webs. This review provides a mechanistic synthesis of the behavior of PFAS in plants, from root uptake to subcellular responses. Short-chain PFAS preferentially translocate acropetally via apoplastic and symplastic pathways, bypassing the Casparian strip, whereas long-chain congeners are largely retained in roots due to adsorption to cell wall polysaccharides (pectin and hemicellulose) via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Transmembrane transport involves passive diffusion, anion channels, aquaporins, and potentially carrier-mediated processes. At the subcellular level, PFAS primarily accumulate in the cell wall and plasma membrane, with a fraction sequestered into vacuoles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. This compartmentalization triggers a cascade of phytotoxic effects, including reactive oxygen species burst, lipid peroxidation, membrane disruption, photosynthetic inhibition, and hormonal imbalance. Plants deploy detoxification strategies such as vacuolar sequestration and activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, exhibiting hormetic dose-response. Advanced omics and imaging techniques have elucidated the molecular and spatial landscape of PFAS-plant interactions. This integrative framework enhances our mechanistic understanding of PFAS phytotoxicity, supporting ecological risk assessment and phytoremediation strategies.

PMID:42852568 | DOI:10.1080/10409238.2026.2743913

Anal Methods. 2026 Oct 9. doi: 10.1039/d6ay01206j. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Metal-organic frameworks have emerged as a highly versatile class of crystalline porous materials demonstrating exceptional potential as luminescent sensors for monitoring environmental and food safety contaminants. This review explores various synthetic strategies of MOF fabrication, from conventional solvothermal and hydrothermal routes to advanced green alternatives, such as microwave-assisted, sonochemical, mechanochemical, ionothermal and microfluidic synthesis. Despite their outstanding analytical sensitivity, transitioning these platforms to field-deployable commercial devices faces major technical limitations. Primary challenges include hydrolytic degradation under humid conditions or extreme pH environments, and framework collapse due to thermal or mechanical stress. To overcome these challenges, we discuss optimization strategies designed to enhance the chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability of MOFs. Furthermore, recent progress in engineering MOFs as fluorescent probes for the trace-level detection of environmental pollutants (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic heavy metals and agricultural pesticides) and food contaminants (mycotoxins and prohibited additives) is summarized. Ultimately, these advancements are expected to bridge the gap between academic research and practical deployment in real-world monitoring applications.

PMID:42853185 | DOI:10.1039/d6ay01206j

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 7;517:143856. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of PFASs in sediments is influenced by both dry-wet alternation (ADW) patterns and microplastic (MP) pollution, yet their combined effects on PFAS fate in water-sediment systems remain unclear. In this study, we investigated PFAS accumulation in sediments under three ADW patterns (1ADW, 2ADW, 3ADW) and continuous submergence (CS), combined with or without polypropylene (PP) MPs (1% w/w). The results showed that, relative to CS, ADW generally inhibited the accumulation of PFOA & substitutes, whereas its effect on PFOS & substitutes was pattern-dependent, with 3ADW even showing elevated accumulation. For individual compounds, HFPO-TA and PFHxS varied most across ADW treatments; Gen-X and PFBS least. MPs presence altered this trend: MPs promoted PFAS accumulation under ADW (with the highest increment of 44.68 μg/kg for PFOS & substitutes under 1ADW), but exhibited inhibition (for PFOA & substitutes) or weak (for PFOS & substitutes) effects under CS, indicating that the direction of MP-mediated regulation is highly dependent on hydrological conditions. Based on sediment physicochemical property differences and multiple linear regression (MLR) model results, compared to CS, ADW primarily inhibited PFAS accumulation by disrupting sediment flocculent structures and altering the role of DOM, whereas MPs presence enhanced PFAS retention by intensifying surface fragmentation, modulating key parameters (e.g., Zeta potential, BIX, and DOC), and serving as an additional sorption phase, thereby altering the original inhibition pattern imposed by ADW.

PMID:42854486 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Oct 9;233(Pt 3):120448. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120448. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Laizhou Bay is an important spawning and nursery ground for fishery species in the Bohai Sea, yet the spatial patterns of emerging endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in its surface seawater and their connection to industrial activities in the surrounding watersheds remain unclear. In the present study, 4 phenolic compounds, 7 phthalate esters (PAEs), and 11 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were concurrently quantified at 25 stations across the bay. Total phenolic, PAE, and PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 0.92 μg/L, below detection to 1.12 μg/L, and below detection to 0.21 μg/L, respectively. Phenolic compounds and PAEs were concentrated near the Yellow River estuary, whereas PFAS peaked near the Xiaoqing River estuary and adjacent smaller rivers. Bisphenol A exhibited its highest concentrations near the Mihe, Bailang, and Yuhe River estuaries, likely reflecting urban and industrial inputs from the Weifang area and rapid removal from the dissolved phase in the sediment-laden Yellow River plume. This spatial divergence reflects the differing industrial geography of the contributing watersheds. Phenols and PAEs originate from diffuse sources along the densely populated Yellow River corridor, while PFAS are linked to fluorochemical manufacturing facilities concentrated in the Xiaoqing basin. The low PFAS concentrations in the Yellow River estuary further suggest that contaminant loads are driven by specific industrial sectors rather than by river discharge volume. These findings indicate that effective pollution control in fishery ecosystems requires strategies matched to the source characteristics of different pollutants, rather than uniform regulatory measures.

PMID:42854656 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120448

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 8;517:143857. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143857. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Regulatory restrictions on legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (L-PFAS), including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and related long-chain compounds, have accelerated the global adoption of alternative and emerging PFAS (A-PFAS, functional umbrella term rather than structural class). Many A-PFAS were introduced to reduce selected legacy concerns, particularly bioaccumulation and long human retention. However, lower bioaccumulation alone does not establish lower overall risk, because several A-PFAS remain highly persistent, mobile, treatment-resistant, or capable of transforming into persistent terminal products. Here, we present a critical comparative review and analysis of eleven L-PFAS and eighteen A-PFAS across physicochemical properties, environmental fate, global occurrence, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, toxicity, and exposure, with particular attention to whether substitution reduces risk or shifts it among endpoints. The evidence indicates that PFAS substitution has often reduced some hazard dimensions while preserving or intensifying others, but the direction and confidence of risk shifting differ markedly among compounds. Risk shifting is demonstrated for several chlorinated, fluorotelomer-derived compounds, and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) that show documented increases in persistence, mobility, bioaccumulation, trophic magnification, or transformation potential. Mixed evidence applies to most short- and ultra-short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) and the hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) compounds, which reduce bioaccumulation or human retention but shift concern toward high mobility, treatment difficulty, diffuse exposure, or toxicity. The evidence is insufficient for several fluorotelomer-based precursors and N-(Methyl) nonafluorobutanesulfonamide (N-MeFBSA), for which bioaccumulation, toxicity, and exposure data remain too limited to characterize the direction of risk shifting. No compound met the criteria for reduced concern across all dimensions. These patterns indicate that many current substitution pathways shift risk from bioaccumulation and long human retention toward persistence, mobility, diffuse exposure, treatment difficulty, secondary-waste generation, and end-of-life uncertainty. Avoiding further regrettable substitution requires moving beyond molecule-by-molecule replacement toward function-based alternatives assessment, transparent production and use information, monitoring beyond conventional target PFAS, evaluation of treatment removability and destruction feasibility, end-of-life release control, and class-or subgroup-based management where justified.

PMID:42854482 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143857

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 7;517:143856. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of PFASs in sediments is influenced by both dry-wet alternation (ADW) patterns and microplastic (MP) pollution, yet their combined effects on PFAS fate in water-sediment systems remain unclear. In this study, we investigated PFAS accumulation in sediments under three ADW patterns (1ADW, 2ADW, 3ADW) and continuous submergence (CS), combined with or without polypropylene (PP) MPs (1% w/w). The results showed that, relative to CS, ADW generally inhibited the accumulation of PFOA & substitutes, whereas its effect on PFOS & substitutes was pattern-dependent, with 3ADW even showing elevated accumulation. For individual compounds, HFPO-TA and PFHxS varied most across ADW treatments; Gen-X and PFBS least. MPs presence altered this trend: MPs promoted PFAS accumulation under ADW (with the highest increment of 44.68 μg/kg for PFOS & substitutes under 1ADW), but exhibited inhibition (for PFOA & substitutes) or weak (for PFOS & substitutes) effects under CS, indicating that the direction of MP-mediated regulation is highly dependent on hydrological conditions. Based on sediment physicochemical property differences and multiple linear regression (MLR) model results, compared to CS, ADW primarily inhibited PFAS accumulation by disrupting sediment flocculent structures and altering the role of DOM, whereas MPs presence enhanced PFAS retention by intensifying surface fragmentation, modulating key parameters (e.g., Zeta potential, BIX, and DOC), and serving as an additional sorption phase, thereby altering the original inhibition pattern imposed by ADW.

PMID:42854486 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Oct 9;233(Pt 3):120448. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120448. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Laizhou Bay is an important spawning and nursery ground for fishery species in the Bohai Sea, yet the spatial patterns of emerging endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in its surface seawater and their connection to industrial activities in the surrounding watersheds remain unclear. In the present study, 4 phenolic compounds, 7 phthalate esters (PAEs), and 11 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were concurrently quantified at 25 stations across the bay. Total phenolic, PAE, and PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 0.92 μg/L, below detection to 1.12 μg/L, and below detection to 0.21 μg/L, respectively. Phenolic compounds and PAEs were concentrated near the Yellow River estuary, whereas PFAS peaked near the Xiaoqing River estuary and adjacent smaller rivers. Bisphenol A exhibited its highest concentrations near the Mihe, Bailang, and Yuhe River estuaries, likely reflecting urban and industrial inputs from the Weifang area and rapid removal from the dissolved phase in the sediment-laden Yellow River plume. This spatial divergence reflects the differing industrial geography of the contributing watersheds. Phenols and PAEs originate from diffuse sources along the densely populated Yellow River corridor, while PFAS are linked to fluorochemical manufacturing facilities concentrated in the Xiaoqing basin. The low PFAS concentrations in the Yellow River estuary further suggest that contaminant loads are driven by specific industrial sectors rather than by river discharge volume. These findings indicate that effective pollution control in fishery ecosystems requires strategies matched to the source characteristics of different pollutants, rather than uniform regulatory measures.

PMID:42854656 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120448

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 9;309(Pt 2):125882. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125882. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Widespread human exposure to mixtures of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents a challenge for risk assessment, as toxicological data for many PFAS are limited and mixture risk assessment requires insight into their shared toxicological mechanisms. In this study, we reanalyzed publicly available high-throughput transcriptomic (HTTr) datasets from human liver spheroids by integrating benchmark dose modeling with pathway enrichment analysis to identify shared pathway perturbations that served as the basis for deriving mechanistically informed transcriptomic points of departure (tPODs) for nine PFAS, including legacy, long-chain, and short-chain substitute compounds. Three shared pathways, namely PPAR signaling, PPARα-regulated lipid metabolism, and fatty acid, triglyceride, and ketone body metabolism, were identified as consistently perturbed across all nine PFAS. Using these shared pathways, PFAS were further prioritized using the Toxicological Prioritization Index, and long-chain PFAS showed greater overall perturbations than short-chain PFAS. For PFAS with available animal-derived PODs, the resulting tPODs were generally consistent with or more conservative than apical PODs. The combined margin of exposure estimates, calculated by integrating tPODs with population-level serum concentrations from different countries/regions, indicated potential concern for some populations under central-tendency conditions, whereas conservative lower-bound estimates suggested potential concern for all populations and high concern for a small fraction of individuals. Overall, the findings indicate that mechanistically informed tPODs derived from HTTr data, together with human biomonitoring measurements, can support early-tier mixture risk assessment of chemicals.

PMID:42854812 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125882

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 9;411(Pt A):129321. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129321. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used because of their durability, chemical stability, and water-repellent properties. However, their environmental persistence and potential health risks have raised concerns. Certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, are regulated internationally, and scientific knowledge regarding the exposure characteristics of thousands of fluorinated compounds is limited. This study evaluates and compares the environmental distribution and human exposure potential of 111 fluorinated compounds using an established multimedia environmental exposure model. Physicochemical properties were collected from authoritative sources and used to simulate realistic environmental behaviors. Our results reflect two effects: differences in various properties, such as the distribution coefficient of individual substances, and the intended functional use of the substance, thereby demonstrating the complexity of evaluating fluorinated compounds. Furthermore, when substance groups were classified into atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial categories based on exposure characteristics, the total exposure level for substances predominantly distributed in the atmosphere was significantly lower than that for substances predominantly distributed in soil and water. This study highlights the challenges associated with comprehensively regulating a group of fluorinated compounds and demonstrates the necessity of substance-specific exposure assessments and comparative evaluations. Our findings further support the use of screening-level exposure assessments to prioritize fluorinated compounds and guide future data collection and refined exposure evaluations.

PMID:42854949 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129321

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 8;517:143857. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143857. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Regulatory restrictions on legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (L-PFAS), including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and related long-chain compounds, have accelerated the global adoption of alternative and emerging PFAS (A-PFAS, functional umbrella term rather than structural class). Many A-PFAS were introduced to reduce selected legacy concerns, particularly bioaccumulation and long human retention. However, lower bioaccumulation alone does not establish lower overall risk, because several A-PFAS remain highly persistent, mobile, treatment-resistant, or capable of transforming into persistent terminal products. Here, we present a critical comparative review and analysis of eleven L-PFAS and eighteen A-PFAS across physicochemical properties, environmental fate, global occurrence, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, toxicity, and exposure, with particular attention to whether substitution reduces risk or shifts it among endpoints. The evidence indicates that PFAS substitution has often reduced some hazard dimensions while preserving or intensifying others, but the direction and confidence of risk shifting differ markedly among compounds. Risk shifting is demonstrated for several chlorinated, fluorotelomer-derived compounds, and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) that show documented increases in persistence, mobility, bioaccumulation, trophic magnification, or transformation potential. Mixed evidence applies to most short- and ultra-short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) and the hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) compounds, which reduce bioaccumulation or human retention but shift concern toward high mobility, treatment difficulty, diffuse exposure, or toxicity. The evidence is insufficient for several fluorotelomer-based precursors and N-(Methyl) nonafluorobutanesulfonamide (N-MeFBSA), for which bioaccumulation, toxicity, and exposure data remain too limited to characterize the direction of risk shifting. No compound met the criteria for reduced concern across all dimensions. These patterns indicate that many current substitution pathways shift risk from bioaccumulation and long human retention toward persistence, mobility, diffuse exposure, treatment difficulty, secondary-waste generation, and end-of-life uncertainty. Avoiding further regrettable substitution requires moving beyond molecule-by-molecule replacement toward function-based alternatives assessment, transparent production and use information, monitoring beyond conventional target PFAS, evaluation of treatment removability and destruction feasibility, end-of-life release control, and class-or subgroup-based management where justified.

PMID:42854482 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143857

Environ Health Perspect. 2026 Aug 4;134(6):688-698. doi: 10.1021/EHP.6c00071. eCollection 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

To elucidate the sex-specific associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk and to explore whether genetic susceptibility and baseline lipid profiles may help explain these associations. A nested case-control study including 985 matched case-control pairs from the Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort was conducted. Serum PFAS concentrations, T2D-related pathway polygenic risk scores (PRSs), blood lipid profiles, and plasma lipidomes were integrated. Conditional logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, mediation analysis, and gene-environment interaction analysis were used to explore the associations and mechanisms. Sex-specific associations were observed between PFAS exposure and incident T2D, with PFOA and PFNA being associated with higher T2D risk in females. Liver-lipid pathway PRS strengthened these sex-specific associations. PFAS exposure was associated with triglyceride-related lipid profiles in females. Exploratory analyses suggested that the lipid score statistically accounted for part of the selected PFAS-T2D associations. CYP19A1-rs2414098 modified the association in females, with 50% mediation by the lipid score in the CC genotype (higher estrone). Baseline lipid profiles may partly account for the observed sex-specific associations between PFAS exposure and incident T2D. The observed effect modification by CYP19A1 rs2414098 suggests that hormonal pathways may contribute to the sex-specific associations, although this hypothesis requires confirmation in studies with direct hormone measurements and experimental validation.

PMID:42852016 | PMC:PMC13648093 | DOI:10.1021/EHP.6c00071

Environ Health Perspect. 2026 Sep 14;134(6):597-600. doi: 10.1021/EHP.6c00631. eCollection 2026 Oct 6.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42852332 | PMC:PMC13648087 | DOI:10.1021/EHP.6c00631

Toxicol Mech Methods. 2026 Oct 8:1-11. doi: 10.1080/15376516.2026.2745930. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products. Chronic exposure to PFAS has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including kidney cancer, thyroid dysfunction, pregnancy complications, and liver damage. This study investigates the splenic toxicity of Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), a short-chain PFAS compound composed of a four-carbon backbone bonded to fluorine atoms and a sulfonic acid functional group. PFBS is commonly found in wastewater, household dust, and cleaning agents. To assess its biological impact, Sprague Dawley rats were fed diets containing varying concentrations of PFBS. Histological analysis of the spleen revealed no overt structural damage and molecular profiling indicated significant alterations in gene expression. SYK, a spleen tyrosine kinase protein increased in PFBS exposed groups. A significant increase in the rat weight of exposed groups and marginally inflamed spleens may suggest some effects of PFBS ingestion on the treated animals. Transcripts associated with T-cell regulation and protein phosphorylation were upregulated, while inflammatory and immune-related genes were downregulated. Serum LDH levels showed slight elevation in PFBS-exposed groups, and animals receiving higher doses exhibited increased body weight compared to controls. These findings suggest that dietary ingestion of PFBS induces subtle but measurable toxicological effects on splenic function and immune regulation, probably indicating further research into its long-term health implications.

PMID:42845118 | DOI:10.1080/15376516.2026.2745930

Toxicol Sci. 2026 Oct 7:kfag135. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfag135. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the real world. Most prior studies, however, focus on individual EDCs. Here, we investigated the ovarian impact of organic pollutant mixtures extracted from the Raritan River, a heavily industrialized watershed in central New Jersey, using a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro ovarian follicle culture system. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) identified organic pollutant mixtures dominated by alkylphenols, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates, together with previous reports demonstrating that the Raritan River also contains hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxins. In vitro exposure to the Raritan River-derived EDC mixture did not affect follicle growth and ovulation but dose-dependently increased preovulatory testosterone (T) secretion while suppressing postovulatory progesterone (P4) production. Transcriptomic analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and in situ RNA hybridization revealed widespread reprogramming of follicular somatic cell gene expression, including altered steroidogenic pathways and activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling. An established AhR agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), reproduced the phenotype of EDC mixture-induced hyperandrogenism, which was reversed by a selective AhR inhibitor. Together, this study demonstrates that real-world EDC mixtures, particularly AhR-activating chemicals, disrupt ovarian steroidogenesis and induce hyperandrogenism, highlighting EDC mixtures as an underrecognized mechanism potentially linking aquatic pollution to impaired women's reproductive health.

PMID:42844579 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfag135

J Hazard Mater Lett. 2026 Nov;7:100198. doi: 10.1016/j.hazl.2026.100198. Epub 2026 Sep 22.

ABSTRACT

Accurate assessment of total per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination remains limited because conventional targeted analyses do not capture unknown precursor compounds. The total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay has been widely used to address this gap; however, previous studies have shown that matrix effects can cause incomplete oxidation of precursors, which can be detected with a stable-isotope labeled oxidation surrogate. Yet, current surrogates are incompatible with EPA Method 1633A. Here, we introduce a new isotopically labeled surrogate system that integrates isotopically labeled surrogates - ¹³C₃-PFHpSA (oxidation surrogate), ¹³C₃-PFHpA (transformation surrogate), and ¹³C₃-PFNA, a stable extraction surrogate that enables end-to-end tracking of method recovery across the TOP assay workflow and designed to be fully compatible with EPA Method 1633A without analytical interference. Across multiple laboratories and selected matrices, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and landfill leachate, we observed that disappearance of the oxidation surrogate does not always correspond to quantitative formation of terminal products, consistent with previously reported incidents of incomplete oxidation in complex matrices. Transformation surrogate recovery provides an additional indicator evaluating oxidation performance and potential matrix effects. These results suggest that incorporating surrogate-based quality controls can improve the performance of the TOP assay interpretation, particularly in complex environmental matrices.

PMID:42846701 | PMC:PMC13645385 | DOI:10.1016/j.hazl.2026.100198

bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Aug 14:2026.08.08.743693. doi: 10.64898/2026.08.08.743693.

ABSTRACT

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX), a replacement for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is increasingly detected in the environment, yet its chronic toxicity remains poorly characterized. Current safety assessments rely largely on short-term, high-dose studies that may not capture the biological consequences of long-term, low-dose exposure. To address this gap, we employed 3D human liver (HepG2/C3A) spheroids cultured in a continuously rotating bioreactor system (ClinoStar) to systematically evaluate dose- and time-dependent mRNA changes in response to GenX under environmentally relevant conditions. Spheroids were exposed to GenX (0.08-50 μM, spanning environmentally relevant to mechanistically informative concentrations) for acute (4 days) and chronic (4 weeks) durations, followed by genome-wide TempO-Seq transcriptomic profiling and benchmark dose (BMD) modeling. GenX elicited pronounced non-monotonic mRNA changes in acute exposure conditions, with the greatest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed at an intermediate concentration (0.4 μM). In contrast, chronic exposure exhibited a generally concentration-dependent increase in DEGs, except for the 10 μM condition, indicating a more consistent dose-response relationship than acute exposure. Notably, acute and chronic exposures elicited qualitatively distinct mRNA changes with low concordance across matched concentrations, demonstrating that exposure duration was a major determinant of mRNA changes. Acute low-dose GenX exposure preferentially modulated mRNA encoding components of cell cycle-related pathways, whereas acute higher dose exposures suppress mRNA levels of the constituents of lipid metabolic pathways and increase expression of mRNA encoding proteins involved in stress- and toxicity-associated signaling. Chronic exposure revealed a different pattern of changes in mRNA expression not observed under acute exposure conditions, including suppression of cellular components involved in lipid-related pathways at the lowest concentration tested. At higher concentrations, mRNA levels of components of multiple metabolic pathways were altered. Benchmark dose modeling identified a significantly lower transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD) for chronic exposure as compared to acute exposure, suggesting increased cellular sensitivity to prolonged GenX exposure and supporting the relevance of chronic models for human exposure assessment. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GenX elicits time-dependent and non-monotonic changes in mRNA levels of human liver (HepG2/C3A) spheroids, with distinct responses depending on the exposure duration and dose. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of incorporating chronic, human-relevant in vitro models and transcriptomic endpoints into PFAS risk assessment and suggests that conventional short-term assays may underestimate the biological impact of sustained low-dose exposure.

KEY MESSAGE IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides systematic comparisons of short term (4 day) versus longer term (4 weeks), environmentally relevant GenX exposure in human liver spheroids, revealing non-monotonic, time-dependent changes in mRNA levels encoding cellular components of lipid metabolism-related pathways with potential implications for appropriate dose and time exposure parameters for use in New Approach Methods to be applied in risk assessment.

PMID:42845386 | PMC:PMC13640639 | DOI:10.64898/2026.08.08.743693

J Contam Hydrol. 2026 Oct 6;284:105132. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.105132. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The role of microbial communities in regulating the transport and retention of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the subsurface environment, particularly under water-unsaturated conditions, remains poorly understood. Here, miscible-displacement experiments were conducted with saturated and unsaturated sand-packed columns to investigate the influence of biofilms on the transport of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), considering biofilm age, bacterial species, and flow rate. The underlying mechanisms were further elucidated through characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), zeta potential, and cell surface hydrophobicity, while microbial community responses to 6:2 FTS exposure were also evaluated. Compared with clean sand, biofilm-coated sand enhanced 6:2 FTS retention under both saturated and unsaturated conditions. Under saturated conditions, retention differences among bacterial species were primarily governed by EPS content and protein-to-polysaccharide ratios. In contrast, species-level effects became less pronounced under unsaturated conditions, indicating a shift from species dependent controls to coupled biofilm interface processes. Quantitative analysis of these specific experiments showed that biofilms-associated processes contributed 42% of the additional apparent retention observed upon transition from saturated to unsaturated conditions, compared with 58% attributed to air-water-interfacial adsorption. These results demonstrate that biofilm-associated processes constitute an important and previously overlooked retention domain contributing substantially to the enhanced retention of 6:2 FTS under unsaturated conditions. Biofilm maturation further increased retention through EPS accumulation and associated changes in surface physicochemical properties, including surface potential, roughness, and hydrophobicity. Moreover, 6:2 FTS exposure altered bacterial community composition, suggesting reciprocal interactions between PFAS transport and microbial ecology. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into PFAS fate in the subsurface and improve the basis for predicting PFAS transport and designing remediation strategies for PFAS-impacted sites.

PMID:42849066 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.105132

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 8:129282. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129282. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While the endocrine-disrupting potential of heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is well-documented in laboratory settings, evidence from wild populations remains sparse. This study investigated the impact of a suite of legacy and emerging contaminants, including five heavy metals, four mineral elements, and eleven PFAS, on the thyroid hormone (TH) levels of three wild fish species inhabiting the coastal waters of Qingdao, China. The results showed that three PFAS, including perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), were significantly positively correlated with free (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), or the free triiodothyronine/thyroxine ratio (FT3:FT4), indicating a stimulatory or compensatory TH response. In contrast, heavy metals exhibited divergent effects: chromium (Cr) showed a significant negative correlation with FT3 and TT3, whereas total mercury (THg) was positively associated with TT3. Furthermore, increasing phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) were linked to a decrease in the FT3:FT4 ratio. Partial least square analysis identified a statistically supported association between TT3 and a co-varying exposure pattern, with PFDA, PFUdA, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, MeHg, Cr, and Zn having the highest VIP values within the identified pattern. Notably, several contaminant-TH interactions were species-specific, suggesting varying sensitivity to chemical stress among marine teleosts. Our findings underscore the potent thyroid-disrupting potential of PFAS and heavy metals in natural ecosystems, and highlight the complex, multi-contaminant exposure profiles encountered by wild fish populations.

PMID:42849695 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129282

Toxicol Sci. 2026 Oct 7:kfag135. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfag135. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the real world. Most prior studies, however, focus on individual EDCs. Here, we investigated the ovarian impact of organic pollutant mixtures extracted from the Raritan River, a heavily industrialized watershed in central New Jersey, using a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro ovarian follicle culture system. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) identified organic pollutant mixtures dominated by alkylphenols, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates, together with previous reports demonstrating that the Raritan River also contains hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxins. In vitro exposure to the Raritan River-derived EDC mixture did not affect follicle growth and ovulation but dose-dependently increased preovulatory testosterone (T) secretion while suppressing postovulatory progesterone (P4) production. Transcriptomic analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and in situ RNA hybridization revealed widespread reprogramming of follicular somatic cell gene expression, including altered steroidogenic pathways and activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling. An established AhR agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), reproduced the phenotype of EDC mixture-induced hyperandrogenism, which was reversed by a selective AhR inhibitor. Together, this study demonstrates that real-world EDC mixtures, particularly AhR-activating chemicals, disrupt ovarian steroidogenesis and induce hyperandrogenism, highlighting EDC mixtures as an underrecognized mechanism potentially linking aquatic pollution to impaired women's reproductive health.

PMID:42844579 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfag135

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 8;411(Pt A):129297. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129297. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an ultra-short-chain PFAS, is an increasingly widespread contaminant formed partly through atmospheric transformation of fluorinated replacement compounds. However, the relative roles of atmospheric deposition and hydrological transport in regulating TFA in large urbanized rivers remain poorly constrained. Here, TFA was investigated across environmental and drinking-water matrices in the Nanjing Reach of the Yangtze River under contrasting hydrological conditions. TFA was detected in all compartments, reaching 524,380 ng/L in surface water and persisting from source water to finished tap water. Watershed-scale mass balance showed an annualized net downstream TFA flux increase of 1500 Mg/yr, of which direct atmospheric deposition accounted for 73.8%, making it the largest quantified local input source, whereas upstream transport remained the dominant regional background load (approximately 91.0% of the total input budget). Interpretable machine learning identified mainstream discharge as the strongest predictor of TFA variability, and double machine learning estimated the largest positive effect for atmospheric deposition, supporting coupled atmospheric loading and hydrological regulation of TFA concentrations and downstream export.

PMID:42849693 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129297

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 8:129282. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129282. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While the endocrine-disrupting potential of heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is well-documented in laboratory settings, evidence from wild populations remains sparse. This study investigated the impact of a suite of legacy and emerging contaminants, including five heavy metals, four mineral elements, and eleven PFAS, on the thyroid hormone (TH) levels of three wild fish species inhabiting the coastal waters of Qingdao, China. The results showed that three PFAS, including perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), were significantly positively correlated with free (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), or the free triiodothyronine/thyroxine ratio (FT3:FT4), indicating a stimulatory or compensatory TH response. In contrast, heavy metals exhibited divergent effects: chromium (Cr) showed a significant negative correlation with FT3 and TT3, whereas total mercury (THg) was positively associated with TT3. Furthermore, increasing phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) were linked to a decrease in the FT3:FT4 ratio. Partial least square analysis identified a statistically supported association between TT3 and a co-varying exposure pattern, with PFDA, PFUdA, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, MeHg, Cr, and Zn having the highest VIP values within the identified pattern. Notably, several contaminant-TH interactions were species-specific, suggesting varying sensitivity to chemical stress among marine teleosts. Our findings underscore the potent thyroid-disrupting potential of PFAS and heavy metals in natural ecosystems, and highlight the complex, multi-contaminant exposure profiles encountered by wild fish populations.

PMID:42849695 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129282

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 8;411(Pt A):129290. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129290. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous persistent pollutants in pregnant women, yet mechanisms of PFAS-triggered gestational liver injury remain poorly understood. This work quantified 18 serum PFAS in 221 pregnant participants and explored PFAS-liver function associations via epidemiological analyses, network toxicology and supportive experiments in HepG2 cells. Ten PFAS exhibited detection rates over 80%, with Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 6.14 μg L^-1), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, 5.54 μg L^-1) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 4.79 μg L^-1) as dominant congeners. Population correlations showed that perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was positively associated with glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) levels (β = 0.57), suggesting potential hepatocellular injury. Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and PFHxS were negatively associated with gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (β = -1.88 and -0.13, respectively), while PFHxS was also negatively associated with prealbumin (PAB; β = -0.07) and albumin (ALB; β = -0.02), suggesting potential alterations in bile-related metabolism and hepatic protein synthesis. Network toxicology identified candidate targets associated with PFNA and PFHxS and highlighted biological processes related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, with hub targets including albumin (ALB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and other inflammation- and metabolism-related proteins. Cellular assays indicated that both congeners were associated with hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses, accompanied by changes in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and EGFR/STAT3 signaling and increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-6 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The observed changes in GLDH, GGT, ALB, and PAB may reflect alterations in hepatocellular function, lipid and bile-related metabolism, and hepatic protein synthesis. PFNA showed stronger inflammation-related responses, whereas PFHxS showed more pronounced effects on lipid accumulation. Overall, the findings suggest that lipid metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory responses may be involved in PFAS-associated alterations in maternal liver function. This study provides population-based and supportive mechanistic evidence for evaluating the potential hepatic effects of PFAS exposure during pregnancy.

PMID:42849698 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129290

Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol. 2026 Oct 9. doi: 10.1007/10_2026_361. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This chapter is dedicated to the fate of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances during wastewater treatment, also known as "forever chemicals" due to their very high persistence in the environment. First, their exceptional physicochemical properties are examined to derive their value for industrial applications, their adverse effects on human and environmental health, and starting points for technologies to remove or eliminate them from water. Second, the sources and occurrences of PFAS in the aquatic environment are also presented summarizing the regulatory framework within the European Union. Third, removal technologies are presented and discussed including conventional wastewater treatment as well as established and emerging advanced technologies to remove PFAS from wastewater effluents. At the end, a summary and outlook are provided.

PMID:42850319 | DOI:10.1007/10_2026_361

Environ Int. 2026 Oct 5;216:110551. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110551. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In humans, dietary intake is thought to be the main route of exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The gastrointestinal tract is the primary entry point for this highly persistent and bioaccumulative environmental pollutant; however, its fate and effects within the digestive system remain largely unknown. Combining biology-based approaches with mass-spectrometry chemical imaging, our study investigated the impact of 90-day oral exposure to PFOA at a dose relevant to highly exposed human populations on an intact versus stress-impaired gut barrier in adult male mice. A ten-day corticosterone treatment was used to develop an intestinal hyperpermeability model. Unlike this model, exposure to PFOA at 15,000 ng/kg body weight/day did not impair gut barrier integrity nor gut microbiota composition or metabolic functions, when considered separately. However, integrating the 16S metabarcoding and metabolomic datasets revealed subtle yet significant effects of PFOA exposure including a decrease in Lactobacillus, Orodobacter and Ligilactobacillus, as well as changes in short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate) and cholic acid. The impact on the liver was determined by simultaneously assessing functional enzymatic activity and mRNA expression of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes. Notably, CYP2C37 activity was inhibited by PFOA exposure under both control and corticosterone conditions. Hepatic homeostasis was also assessed, revealing changes at the transcriptional level in cholesterol transport and biosynthesis pathways, though with no major downstream functional effects. PFOA was found to accumulate in the hepatocyte cytosol as well as in intestinal goblet cells. This work, conducted at human-relevant doses, paves the way for future health risk assessments of PFOA and other substances belonging to the extremely large PFAS family.

PMID:42849329 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110551

Water Res. 2026 Sep 28;308(Pt C):127031. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127031. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent in the environment, posing a significant challenge to their effective decomposition. Current degradation techniques relying on hydrated electrons (e_aq^-) typically necessitate anaerobic and alkaline conditions, which are too stringent for practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) can be spontaneously degraded during freezing under an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The degradation efficiency reaches 85.6% within 12 h at -20°C, without any foreign additives. The corresponding defluorination efficiency is approximately 9.9 times higher than that in unfrozen water. Mechanistic analyses reveal that the photodegradation of PFOA in frozen solutions is primarily driven by the generation of e_aq^-. Confocal Raman spectroscopy further confirmed that PFOA is concentrated and confined within the micron-scale unfrozen liquid layer (ULL, 2.57-8.33 μm) during freezing, triggering the freeze-concentration and freeze-confinement effects. These combined effects further lead to enrichment of PFOA and e_aq^- in the ULL, thereby enhancing the reactivity between them and thus accelerating the photodegradation process of PFOA. The general applicability of this mechanism was further verified for other PFAS. These findings demonstrate a novel strategy for the effective degradation of PFAS, unveiling an undiscovered transformation path of PFAS in natural environments.

PMID:42843075 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127031

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 4;517:143811. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143811. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microalgae-based foods are gaining attention as sustainable protein sources, but information on the occurrence of emerging contaminants in commercial products remains limited. Here, we investigated the occurrence patterns and dietary risk implications of three classes of emerging contaminants, including parabens, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and p-phenylenediamine antioxidants (PPDs), in 77 commercially available microalgae-based food samples from China, including spirulina powder, chlorella powder, and microalgae-processed food products. Target analytes were quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and probabilistic dietary exposure was assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. Parabens, PFAS, and PPDs were widely detected across the analyzed samples, with methylparaben and butylparaben dominating the paraben profiles, PFBA dominating the PFAS profiles, and 6PPD overwhelmingly dominating the PPD profiles. Despite their frequent occurrence, parabens and PPDs posed limited dietary risks through microalgae consumption, with hazard index values far below 1. Moreover, PFAS showed relatively higher dietary risk. This risk was not driven by the most abundant PFAS, but by trace-level PFDA, PFHxS, and PFOA, whose extremely low reference doses made them the dominant contributors to overall risk. These findings document the co-occurrence of three contaminant classes in microalgae-based foods and provide evidence-tiered priorities for screening-level dietary risk management. SYNOPSIS: Dietary risk estimates for microalgae-based foods were low for parabens and PPDs but sensitive to the toxicity benchmarks selected for trace PFAS congeners.

PMID:42843247 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143811

Environ Int. 2026 Oct 5;216:110553. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110553. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

GenX (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, HFPO-DA), an emerging replacement for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has raised increasing concerns regarding its potential health risks. However, the neurotoxic effects and underlying mechanisms of chronic GenX exposure remain poorly understood. In the present study, we established a chronic oral gavage mouse model of GenX exposure and combined targeted UPLC-MS/MS analysis, molecular biological validation, and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to systematically investigate GenX exposure-induced significant motor and memory deficits in mice. Targeted UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed accumulation of GenX in blood, liver, and brain tissues. In addition, GenX exposure disrupted both the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier, as evidenced by increased Evans blue extravasation and reduced expression of tight junction proteins. snRNA-seq analysis revealed broad transcriptional alterations across multiple brain cell populations. Neuronal populations exhibited enrichment of neurodegeneration- and apoptosis-related pathways, and abnormal expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. Moreover, microglia displayed inflammatory activation characterized by increased expression of activation-related genes, activation of NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling, and altered pseudotime trajectories marked by decreased P2ry12 and increased Apoe expression. CellChat analysis further predicted alterations in microglia-neuron communication networks involving NRXN, NCAM, Cx3cl1-Cx3cr1, and Gas6-Mertk signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that chronic GenX exposure induces broad neurotoxic alterations involving barrier dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, microglial inflammatory activation, and disrupted intercellular communication, providing new insights into the neurotoxic mechanisms of emerging PFAS substitutes.

PMID:42843297 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110553

Funct Plant Biol. 2026 Oct 23;53(10):FP26019. doi: 10.1071/FP26019.

ABSTRACT

Environmental contamination due to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a growing concern globally, as they do not easily degrade and their toxicity causes chronic health issues in humans. When present in water and soil, PFAS bioaccumulate in crops and pastures, and are subsequently taken up by livestock and humans. This study examined how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi interact with PFAS in soil, and the subsequent effects on the growth of three pasture legume crops (Medicago truncatula, Medicago sativa and Trifolium subterraneum). To do this, we used a sterilised soil spiked with PFAS, and soil collected from a PFAS-contaminated site, and inoculated soils with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. The pasture legume species grown in these experiments were highly sensitive to the presence of PFAS in the soil, with only the M. truncatula variety Parabinga displaying tolerance. Inoculation with AM fungi greatly increased plant biomass, but did not confer tolerance of the host plant to PFAS contamination. PFAS contamination did not suppress AM fungi colonisation of the roots; in some cases, colonisation was stimulated by PFAS. PFAS contamination of agricultural soils will likely reduce the growth and yield of pasture legume crops, and AM fungi will likely be unable to buffer the negative effects.

PMID:42843412 | DOI:10.1071/FP26019

Water Res. 2026 Oct 5;308(Pt C):127083. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127083. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is the most abundant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in aquatic environments, posing increasing threats to water quality and potential human exposure. However, its global risk profile and underlying drivers remain poorly understood. Herein, we integrate a CatBoost-based geospatial classifier achieving cross-validated F1 score of 0.70 and test-set sensitivity of 0.77 with an extended environmental multi-regional input-output (EE-MRIO) model to map global TFA exceedance risk in aquatic environments and trace its supply-chain drivers. We identify prominent TFA hotspots in the Yangtze River Delta, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Western Europe, and previously unrecognized areas including the Arabian Gulf coast, with a screening-level estimate of ∼64.4 million people potentially affected by elevated source-water risk. EE-MRIO analysis further uncovers a marked mismatch between production and consumption responsibilities, indicating that part of the TFA-related water risk associated with textiles and chemicals is displaced through trade to satisfy final demand in North America and Europe, and parts of Asia. This redistribution was strongly sector-dependent, with chemical- and industrial gas-related transfers concentrated in a limited number of industrial hubs and major corridors, whereas textile-related transfers were dispersed across fragmented, multi-stage global production chains. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive supply-chain-informed perspective for mitigating TFA pollution at its source, demonstrating an approach to understanding the global drivers of environmental risks for other emerging contaminants.

PMID:42843074 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127083

Pediatr Res. 2026 Oct 7. doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-05366-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) have been in use for about 75 years. Because of their persistence, concentrations in the environment have increased, and absorbed PFAS will remain in the human body, some compounds for many years. The fetus and the newborn infant are particularly vulnerable to PFAS toxicity due to the intense development of organs and body functions. In addition, PFASs pass the placenta so that a pregnant woman shares her accumulated PFAS burden with the progeny. In addition, PFASs are excreted in the milk, so that the resulting serum-PFAS concentration in the infant may greatly exceed that of the mother. Multi-organ effects have been reported, some related to endocrine disruption. Immunotoxicity can occur at very low exposure levels, with elevated risks of infectious disease and possibly also cancer development. Unfortunately, little research was carried out during the first 50 years of industrial use, and some study reports were hidden. Independent research has been carried out only recently. Due to incomplete evidence, governmental regulations have been delayed and remain insufficient, in part because of objections from industrial interests. IMPACT: The perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) are persistent and accumulate in the environment and in the human body. The greatest risk of PFAS toxicity occurs at early age, as PFASs are transferred through the placenta and human milk. This means that early-life exposures may trigger development of diseases and other adverse outcomes that may seriously burden adult health. Research has been delayed due to secrecy. While pediatric studies in this field are underway, prudent decisions to protect public health should be made despite possible concerns regarding incomplete evidence. Practical complications, and current guidelines and interventions are by far insufficient. Current evidence on PFASs shows that these industrial chemicals are persistent and that highly elevated exposures occur already at early age. The maternal body burden of PFAS is shared with the fetus, and substantial amounts are transferred in human milk, thus impacting the unique nutritional advantage of breast-feeding. Recent evidence suggests that early PFAS exposure can affect public health, also during adult age, and that some adverse effects may be transferred to the next generation.

PMID:42844334 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-026-05366-w

Pediatr Res. 2026 Oct 7. doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-05366-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) have been in use for about 75 years. Because of their persistence, concentrations in the environment have increased, and absorbed PFAS will remain in the human body, some compounds for many years. The fetus and the newborn infant are particularly vulnerable to PFAS toxicity due to the intense development of organs and body functions. In addition, PFASs pass the placenta so that a pregnant woman shares her accumulated PFAS burden with the progeny. In addition, PFASs are excreted in the milk, so that the resulting serum-PFAS concentration in the infant may greatly exceed that of the mother. Multi-organ effects have been reported, some related to endocrine disruption. Immunotoxicity can occur at very low exposure levels, with elevated risks of infectious disease and possibly also cancer development. Unfortunately, little research was carried out during the first 50 years of industrial use, and some study reports were hidden. Independent research has been carried out only recently. Due to incomplete evidence, governmental regulations have been delayed and remain insufficient, in part because of objections from industrial interests. IMPACT: The perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) are persistent and accumulate in the environment and in the human body. The greatest risk of PFAS toxicity occurs at early age, as PFASs are transferred through the placenta and human milk. This means that early-life exposures may trigger development of diseases and other adverse outcomes that may seriously burden adult health. Research has been delayed due to secrecy. While pediatric studies in this field are underway, prudent decisions to protect public health should be made despite possible concerns regarding incomplete evidence. Practical complications, and current guidelines and interventions are by far insufficient. Current evidence on PFASs shows that these industrial chemicals are persistent and that highly elevated exposures occur already at early age. The maternal body burden of PFAS is shared with the fetus, and substantial amounts are transferred in human milk, thus impacting the unique nutritional advantage of breast-feeding. Recent evidence suggests that early PFAS exposure can affect public health, also during adult age, and that some adverse effects may be transferred to the next generation.

PMID:42844334 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-026-05366-w

Chem Sci. 2026 Oct 6. doi: 10.1039/d6sc05084k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, CF₃COOH), the most prevalent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is accumulating globally in precipitation, soils, and drinking water, yet its formation remains unresolved. Atmospheric models emphasize gas-phase oxidation of hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins, but measured abundances often exceed predictions, implying missing chemistry. Here, we identify a condensed-phase radical pathway to TFA in cryogenic trifluoromethane/carbon dioxide ice analogs. Energetic processing generates trifluoromethyl (CF₃) and hydroxycarbonyl (HOCO) radicals that undergo barrierless recombination to form TFA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tracks reactive intermediates and carboxylic acid functional groups, while synchrotron vacuum-ultraviolet photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry provides isomer-selective detection of TFA and diagnostic dimer fragments. These results support CF₃-HOCO recombination as a potential condensed-phase route linking fluorocarbon degradation to persistent PFAS formation, highlighting the potential role of ice crystals and cloud particles as chemical reactors in atmospheric fluorine chemistry.

PMID:42841097 | PMC:PMC13641192 | DOI:10.1039/d6sc05084k

Risk Anal. 2026 Nov;46(11):e70380. doi: 10.1111/risa.70380.

ABSTRACT

Guided by the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), this study examines the distinct persuasive mechanisms of mixed emotional appeals and efficacy information in the context of environmental risk communication (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS). Results of a 3 (emotional appeals: fear/fear + anger/fear + hope) × 2 (efficacy information: low/high) between-subjects experiment (N = 405) in China revealed that adding anger to fear appeals significantly increased perceived threat, whereas adding hope enhanced perceived self-efficacy. Although providing high-efficacy information enhanced perceived efficacy, it led to a minor reduction in perceived threat. Notably, the interaction analyses showed that high-efficacy information increased response efficacy most strongly in the fear + anger condition. In contrast, fear + hope appeals enhanced self-efficacy even when efficacy information was low. Furthermore, only perceived threat and response efficacy emerged as significant predictors of preventive behaviors. Theoretical implications for expanding the EPPM to include mixed emotions and practical implications for designing PFAS risk messages are discussed.

PMID:42841237 | DOI:10.1111/risa.70380

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Nov 15;1423:346141. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2026.346141. Epub 2026 Aug 20.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were a class of hazardous contaminants known for their high environmental persistence and toxicity. Due to their strong polarity, wide variety, and broad distribution, a rapid, accurate, and on-site detection method was urgently needed for future screening and emergency response. Herein, a dandelion-like Pd/Cu nanozyme with triple enzyme-like activities (oxidase-like, peroxidase-like, and laccase-like) was synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. Different PFAS species inhibited these three enzyme-like activities to varying extents. By quantifying absorbance changes, distinct fingerprint patterns were constructed, and a three-channel colorimetric sensor array was developed. This array exhibited high selectivity and robust anti-interference capability for discriminating seven PFAS species. The LDA score plot revealed distinct clustering of different PFAS classes and complex mixtures, indicating clear separability among their fingerprints. The developed nanozyme sensor array was successfully applied to the detection of PFAS in environmental water (river, lake, and tap water). This work provided a novel strategy for selective and reliable detection of PFAS in complex environmental matrices.

PMID:42838654 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2026.346141

Curr Res Toxicol. 2026 Sep 23;11:100319. doi: 10.1016/j.crtox.2026.100319. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health burden, and environmental pollutants may modify its progression. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with known immunotoxic and proinflammatory effects, but their contribution to smoke-related lung injury remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether chronic PFOS or PFOA exposure was associated with greater cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD-like lung injury. Mice were exposed to CS for 3 months with concurrent PFOS or PFOA exposure in drinking water at the same nominal concentration (2 mg/L). Lung function, histopathology, transcriptomic profiling, and supportive in vitro assays in RAW264.7 cells were performed. Compared with CS alone, PFOS or PFOA co-exposure with CS was associated with greater pulmonary impairment, including greater alveolar destruction, enhanced airway inflammation, and more pronounced impairment of pulmonary function, as reflected by a lower forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV₁/FVC). Transcriptomic and in vitro analyses were consistent with enhanced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related inflammatory signaling. These findings support a potential role for drinking-water PFAS exposure as a modifier of smoke-induced pulmonary injury.

PMID:42835217 | PMC:PMC13635384 | DOI:10.1016/j.crtox.2026.100319

RSC Adv. 2026 Oct 5. doi: 10.1039/d6ra07028k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose an increasingly urgent water treatment challenge, as regulatory transitions away from long-chain compounds have accelerated the occurrence of short-chain substitutes that resist adsorption on conventional activated carbon. Here, we engineer the surface chemistry of commercially available coconut-derived activated carbon (CAC), a renewable, highly microporous sorbent (BET surface area: 836.94 m² g^-1) through amine (ethylenediamine, EDA) and cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) functionalization to systematically overcome this limitation. Adsorption performance was evaluated for four PFAS of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) spanning short and long chain lengths across environmentally relevant concentrations (1-16 µg L^-1), quantified by LC-MS/MS following EPA Method 1633. Pristine CAC achieved >85% removal for long-chain PFAS (PFOSA, PFNA), driven by hydrophobic partitioning and micropore filling, but showed markedly limited affinity for short-chain compounds (PFBA, PFHxA). Surface functionalization fundamentally redirected adsorption mechanisms: EDA-CAC, despite a 20% reduction in BET surface area to 671.02 m² g^-1 substantially enhanced PFBA and PFNA uptake through protonated amine-mediated electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding with anionic headgroups. CTAB-CAC preserved high surface area (822.30 m² g^-1) while introducing hydrophobic alkyl domains and permanently charged quaternary ammonium sites that synergistically improved PFHxA and PFOSA removal through hydrophobic chain-chain interactions and electrostatic attraction. Across all systems, adsorption generally followed Freundlich behavior more closely than Langmuir behavior (higher R ²) across most, though not all, systems, consistent with energetically heterogeneous, sub-saturation interactions on functionalized carbon surfaces. For pristine CAC, removal efficiency followed the order PFOSA > PFNA > PFHxA > PFBA, reflecting chain-length-dependent hydrophobicity; among the surface-modified sorbents, CTAB-CAC achieved the greatest enhancement for PFOSA and PFHxA, while EDA-CAC achieved the greatest enhancement for PFNA and PFBA, substantially closing this gap for short-chain PFAS. The findings established a rational interfacial engineering of biomass-derived carbons rather than textural optimization alone is a scalable and mechanistically grounded strategy for next-generation PFAS sorbents targeting short-chain contamination in drinking-water systems.

PMID:42835485 | PMC:PMC13635900 | DOI:10.1039/d6ra07028k

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2026 Oct 6:1-8. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2026.2739979. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A targeted analytical method for seven short- and ultra-short chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was developed and validated in grain products using LC-MS/MS. The method is simple and robust, with validation results demonstrating acceptable recoveries and reproducibility. The validated method was applied to a variety of grain products commonly consumed in the United States, including flour, rice, corn, oats, and pasta, with both conventional and organic products represented. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was detected in 92 out of 95 samples with concentrations ranging from not detectable to 356 ng/g. To evaluate the impact of cooking, selected grains were prepared according to typical household practices and analysed alongside the corresponding cooking water. TFA concentrations generally decreased after cooking, accompanied by transfer into the cooking water. Among all tested grain products, flour contained the highest TFA levels (range: 36.6-356 ng/g), followed by oats (27.5-292 ng/g), pasta (13.6-265 ng/g), and rice (8.52-77.8 ng/g). Historical grain samples collected between 2016 and 2019 were also analysed, providing a retrospective view of TFA occurrence, and analysis of identical products purchased in 2026 indicated an overall upward trend in TFA levels. Estimated dietary intake of TFA from cooked grains was below the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) acceptable daily intake of 0.014 mg/kg body weight.

PMID:42836965 | DOI:10.1080/19440049.2026.2739979

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 1;418:131057. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057. Epub 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting compounds are increasingly discharged in treated wastewater, are not effectively removed by conventional secondary treatment, and have important implications for the environment and human health. Advanced tertiary treatment is needed for safe reuse of urban non-potable water, but the choice among competing technologies is a complex decision involving technical, economic, environmental and regulatory considerations, as well as uncertainty and reluctance in expert evaluations. To address this issue, this research uses a decision support system based on Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Numbers (Pt-SHFNs) that represents probabilistic uncertainty, ambiguity and expert hesitance consistently. A hybrid method is used to find criteria weights. The hybrid method combines the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) technique and changes of empirical data. This allows the subjective preferences of experts and objective evidence to be simultaneously considered. Then the alternatives are ranked using Comprehensive Distance Based Ranking (COBRA) technique. The results show that in the practical case of seven tertiary treatment systems, the effectiveness of removal of emerging pollutants (0.2319) and capital expenditures (0.1713) are the most influential factors. The most efficient systems are hybrid membrane-advanced oxidation process systems (0.0338) followed by ozonation-biofiltration (0.0203) and nanofiltration membranes (-0.0022). The stability analysis and comparison studies with other MCDM techniques increase the dependability and consistency of the obtained rankings. The proposed technique provides an explicit and uncertainty-aware basis for ranking tertiary alternatives to treatment and could assist wastewater utilities and regulators in integrating technical decisions with sustainability and water reuse objectives.

PMID:42837953 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 1;418:131057. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057. Epub 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting compounds are increasingly discharged in treated wastewater, are not effectively removed by conventional secondary treatment, and have important implications for the environment and human health. Advanced tertiary treatment is needed for safe reuse of urban non-potable water, but the choice among competing technologies is a complex decision involving technical, economic, environmental and regulatory considerations, as well as uncertainty and reluctance in expert evaluations. To address this issue, this research uses a decision support system based on Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Numbers (Pt-SHFNs) that represents probabilistic uncertainty, ambiguity and expert hesitance consistently. A hybrid method is used to find criteria weights. The hybrid method combines the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) technique and changes of empirical data. This allows the subjective preferences of experts and objective evidence to be simultaneously considered. Then the alternatives are ranked using Comprehensive Distance Based Ranking (COBRA) technique. The results show that in the practical case of seven tertiary treatment systems, the effectiveness of removal of emerging pollutants (0.2319) and capital expenditures (0.1713) are the most influential factors. The most efficient systems are hybrid membrane-advanced oxidation process systems (0.0338) followed by ozonation-biofiltration (0.0203) and nanofiltration membranes (-0.0022). The stability analysis and comparison studies with other MCDM techniques increase the dependability and consistency of the obtained rankings. The proposed technique provides an explicit and uncertainty-aware basis for ranking tertiary alternatives to treatment and could assist wastewater utilities and regulators in integrating technical decisions with sustainability and water reuse objectives.

PMID:42837953 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 6;517:143832. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143832. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are carcinogenic and environmentally persistent contaminants, necessitating efficient removal to protect environmental and human health. Although numerous adsorbents have been fabricated, there remains strong demand for materials that are facile-to-synthesize, highly efficient, and practically viable. Here, we present a surface-localized growth strategy to functionalize electrospun nanofibers with poly(fluorinated-aniline) moieties, yielding poly (fluorinated-aniline) nanofibrous mat (PFA NFM). Unlike previous adsorbents, PFA NFM achieves dual-functionalization via a single-step reaction. This tailored synergy endows PFA NFM with high PFAS uptake capacities in both static/dynamic adsorption scenarios. Compared to the polyaniline counterpart (PA NFM), PFA NFM showcases significantly accelerated adsorption kinetics (11-52 times faster) and outstanding anti-interference performance. Its interfacially derived mesoporous structure further promotes physical adsorption and affords an exceptionally high PFAS uptake capacity. Multiple mechanisms were confirmed via FT-IR, XPS, solid-state ¹ ⁹F NMR, and DFT calculations. Notably, PFA NFM enables efficient removal of both long‑ and short‑chain PFAS across diverse environmental water matrices over a broad concentration range, indicating its applicability to both point- and non-point-source PFAS-polluted water samples. Additionally, the monolithic PFA NFM retains superior removal efficiency even after 10 regeneration cycles in multiple PFAS-spiked environmental water. Its robust recyclability and reusability render PFA NFM practically valuable.

PMID:42837929 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143832

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 1;418:131057. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057. Epub 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting compounds are increasingly discharged in treated wastewater, are not effectively removed by conventional secondary treatment, and have important implications for the environment and human health. Advanced tertiary treatment is needed for safe reuse of urban non-potable water, but the choice among competing technologies is a complex decision involving technical, economic, environmental and regulatory considerations, as well as uncertainty and reluctance in expert evaluations. To address this issue, this research uses a decision support system based on Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Numbers (Pt-SHFNs) that represents probabilistic uncertainty, ambiguity and expert hesitance consistently. A hybrid method is used to find criteria weights. The hybrid method combines the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) technique and changes of empirical data. This allows the subjective preferences of experts and objective evidence to be simultaneously considered. Then the alternatives are ranked using Comprehensive Distance Based Ranking (COBRA) technique. The results show that in the practical case of seven tertiary treatment systems, the effectiveness of removal of emerging pollutants (0.2319) and capital expenditures (0.1713) are the most influential factors. The most efficient systems are hybrid membrane-advanced oxidation process systems (0.0338) followed by ozonation-biofiltration (0.0203) and nanofiltration membranes (-0.0022). The stability analysis and comparison studies with other MCDM techniques increase the dependability and consistency of the obtained rankings. The proposed technique provides an explicit and uncertainty-aware basis for ranking tertiary alternatives to treatment and could assist wastewater utilities and regulators in integrating technical decisions with sustainability and water reuse objectives.

PMID:42837953 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 6;411(Pt A):129284. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129284. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Various water-repellent consumer spray products (CSPs) are widely available and easily accessible. However, information on airborne per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) emissions during product use remains limited. This study quantified airborne PFAS emissions from thirty water-repellent CSPs categorized into four groups-tire, furniture, textile, and general-purpose-using a controlled chamber experiment designed to simulate typical indoor spray use conditions. Airborne PFAS concentrations, emission rates, emission factors, doses per event, and hazard indices were evaluated. The general-purpose group showed the highest airborne PFAS concentration (518.0 ± 100.1 ng/m³), followed by textile, furniture, and tire groups. The most frequently detected PFAS were 6:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, PFOA, and PFHxA. Measured concentrations were substantially higher than PFAS levels typically reported in indoor air, indicating that spray product use can act as a significant short-term indoor emission source. The general-purpose group also showed the highest emission rate ((2.3 ± 0.5) × 10⁵ ng/min) and emission factor ((1.9 ± 0.7) × 10⁴ ng/g). Although hazard index under general consumer use conditions remained under 1, those estimated for professional-use scenarios exceeded 1, suggesting potential adverse health risks associated with repeated occupational exposure. Although the experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, the study provides realistic insight into short-term indoor PFAS exposure during CSP use. Furthermore, the detection of both legacy and alternative PFAS compounds in bulk materials and airborne samples adds significance to the findings and suggests the need for future management strategies to reduce exposure.

PMID:42838331 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129284

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Oct 5. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-38281-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biochar-derived activated carbon (BAC) is a promising sustainable adsorbent for water purification due to its tunable pore structure and adaptable surface chemistry. This review examines the relationships among feedstock composition, activation pathways, structural properties, adsorption mechanisms, and sustainability in BAC production. Pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and various activation methods are discussed in relation to pore development, adsorption performance, and environmental impact. Adsorption behavior depends not only on the BET surface area but also on pore accessibility, surface functionality, crystallinity, and transport behavior. Micropores favor the adsorption of small molecules and metal ions, whereas mesopores improve the diffusion of larger contaminants. Emerging pollutants such as PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, are highlighted, with adsorption strongly influenced by hydrophobic and fluorophilic interactions. Sustainability challenges, including energy demand, chemical consumption, wastewater generation, and scalability, are also addressed. Finally, hybrid activation, low-chemical processing, and AI-assisted optimization are proposed as strategies for developing scalable next-generation BAC adsorbents for advanced water purification.

PMID:42834304 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-38281-y

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2026 Oct 5. doi: 10.1007/s00216-026-06841-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ultra-short-chain (USC) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are polar, mobile, and persistent and are increasingly focused on because of their widespread occurrence in various environmental matrices. One reason why they were previously often overlooked is their insufficient retention in reversed-phase liquid chromatography which is the standard analytical method in most laboratories for PFAS analysis. In this study, a method using mixed-mode liquid chromatography (MMLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was optimized for the detection and quantification of five USC PFAS (C₂ and C₃ perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and C₁ to C₃ perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs)), four short-chain (SC) PFAS (C₄-C₆ PFCAs and C₄ PFSA), bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (NTf2), and the three fluorinated inorganic anions (FIAs): tetrafluoroborate (BF₄^-), hexafluorophosphate (PF₆^-), and hexafluoroarsenate (AsF₆^-). To investigate the conditions for optimal retention, different eluent constitutions were tested combining varying solvents and additives. USC PFAS could be analyzed using neutral conditions in the aqueous (A) and basic conditions in the organic eluent (B) whereas FIAs were measured with acidified A and basic B. The method was validated and matrix effects were corrected with mass-labeled standards and standard addition. The method was successfully applied to three surface water samples in which eight PFAS could be quantified. TFA and PF₆^- were found with the highest concentrations at 2.70 µg/L and 0.287 µg/L, respectively, while all other target PFAS occurred in the lower ng/L range. Thus, the sum concentration of TFA and PF₆^- accounted for more than 97% of the total PFAS concentration in all samples.

PMID:42832066 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-026-06841-3

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Oct 5. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-38281-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biochar-derived activated carbon (BAC) is a promising sustainable adsorbent for water purification due to its tunable pore structure and adaptable surface chemistry. This review examines the relationships among feedstock composition, activation pathways, structural properties, adsorption mechanisms, and sustainability in BAC production. Pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and various activation methods are discussed in relation to pore development, adsorption performance, and environmental impact. Adsorption behavior depends not only on the BET surface area but also on pore accessibility, surface functionality, crystallinity, and transport behavior. Micropores favor the adsorption of small molecules and metal ions, whereas mesopores improve the diffusion of larger contaminants. Emerging pollutants such as PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, are highlighted, with adsorption strongly influenced by hydrophobic and fluorophilic interactions. Sustainability challenges, including energy demand, chemical consumption, wastewater generation, and scalability, are also addressed. Finally, hybrid activation, low-chemical processing, and AI-assisted optimization are proposed as strategies for developing scalable next-generation BAC adsorbents for advanced water purification.

PMID:42834304 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-38281-y

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 1;517:143791. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143791. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recycled plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and high-density polyethylene (rHDPE), are increasingly used as construction materials in response to sustainability and circular-economy goals, to repurpose waste streams and reduce natural-resource demand. This study provides the first assessment of PFAS adsorption by recycled plastic aggregates (rPA) and subsequent desorption in simulated cement pore solution (SCPS) by evaluating sorption-desorption mechanisms as functions of polymer type, surface chemistry, exposure duration, and perfluoroalkyl chain length (C4-C11). Batch experiments quantified indicative multi-analyte PFAS loading under neutral pH and PFAS desorption under construction-relevant exposure to high pH (>12.5) and ionic strength (0.85-1.0 M) SCPS. PFAS with carbon chain lengths >C8 showed strong adsorption affinity for rHDPE over rPET (6.2-106.5% greater mass-normalised adsorption (pg/g)), with competitive uptake increasing with chain length and contact time up to 28 days. Desorption into near-neutral ultrapure water was negligible (<LOD), confirming rPA as effective short-term sinks for PFAS. However, SCPS induced substantial PFAS desorption from rPA, particularly of short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) from rPET, and (less so) rHDPE. These findings challenge the long-term viability of rPA in concrete, highlight their potential as transient PFAS sinks or enduring leaching sources, and emphasise the need for risk-based guidelines for rPA use in cementitious matrices.

PMID:42828984 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143791

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70614. doi: 10.1002/wer.70614.

ABSTRACT

With the accelerated industrialization, the emission of emerging pollutants has increased in aquatic systems, which poses a risk to the integrity of ecosystems, water security and human health. Examples include pharmaceuticals, PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), synthetic dyes, industrial solvents, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), all of which are persistent, mobile, bioaccumulating, and have complex toxicity. Their industrial emissions, environmental presence, fate, and mechanism of toxicity are discussed in this review to microorganisms, aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans. It represents a critical evaluation of the developments in high-resolution mass spectrometry, molecular methods and biosensors, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence for monitoring. The physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment methods (adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, bioremediation, microalgal systems, biochar, and nanotechnology) are discussed. There has been some progress, but gaps remain in the knowledge on environmental fate, environmental transformations, mixture effects, and long-term risk. Future research should be directed towards real-time monitoring and mechanistic toxicity evaluation, predictive modeling, integrated treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable environmental management.

PMID:42827351 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70614

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70614. doi: 10.1002/wer.70614.

ABSTRACT

With the accelerated industrialization, the emission of emerging pollutants has increased in aquatic systems, which poses a risk to the integrity of ecosystems, water security and human health. Examples include pharmaceuticals, PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), synthetic dyes, industrial solvents, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), all of which are persistent, mobile, bioaccumulating, and have complex toxicity. Their industrial emissions, environmental presence, fate, and mechanism of toxicity are discussed in this review to microorganisms, aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans. It represents a critical evaluation of the developments in high-resolution mass spectrometry, molecular methods and biosensors, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence for monitoring. The physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment methods (adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, bioremediation, microalgal systems, biochar, and nanotechnology) are discussed. There has been some progress, but gaps remain in the knowledge on environmental fate, environmental transformations, mixture effects, and long-term risk. Future research should be directed towards real-time monitoring and mechanistic toxicity evaluation, predictive modeling, integrated treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable environmental management.

PMID:42827351 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70614

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Oct 2. doi: 10.1002/jat.70469. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can cross the placental barrier and may disrupt fetal thyroid homeostasis; however, the sex-specific thyroid toxicity of PFAS remains poorly characterized. This study recruited 247 mother-infant pairs from a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China, and measured PFAS concentrations in maternal and cord serum. The results showed that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were the predominant PFAS in both maternal and cord serum. Their median concentrations were 5.520, 3.896, and 4.154 ng/mL in maternal serum, respectively, and 7.112, 2.704, and 2.422 ng/mL in cord serum, respectively. Several short-chain PFAS, including perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS), exhibited relatively high transplacental transfer efficiency (TTE). PFAS with a cord serum detection rate > 90% were selected for subsequent analyses. Spearman correlation analysis showed strong coexposure patterns among several long-chain PFCAs, with the strongest correlations observed among PFDA, PFNA, and PFUdA (r = 0.81-0.89, p < 0.01). PFAS-thyroid hormone correlations were generally weak; only PFHpS was inversely correlated with TSH (r = -0.16, p < 0.01). In multivariable linear regression models, PFHxS was positively associated with TSH in the overall sample (β = 0.085, p < 0.05), whereas PFHxA was inversely associated with FT4 (β = -0.106, p < 0.01). Among female newborns, GenX was inversely associated with TSH (β = -9.411, p < 0.05), whereas PFHxS was positively associated with TSH (β = 0.109, p < 0.05). Among male newborns, PFDA (β = -0.132, p < 0.05), PFHxA (β = -0.137, p < 0.01), PFNS (β = -0.287, p < 0.01), and PFOS (β = -0.029, p < 0.05) were inversely associated with FT4. No individual PFAS was significantly associated with FT3. Formal interaction analysis showed evidence of sex heterogeneity for the PFNS-FT4 association (P for interaction = 0.008). Qgcomp showed nonsignificant overall mixture effects for FT3, FT4, and TSH. Similarly, BKMR showed no statistically significant overall mixture effects or individual PFAS associations with thyroid hormone levels.

PMID:42827318 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70469

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70614. doi: 10.1002/wer.70614.

ABSTRACT

With the accelerated industrialization, the emission of emerging pollutants has increased in aquatic systems, which poses a risk to the integrity of ecosystems, water security and human health. Examples include pharmaceuticals, PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), synthetic dyes, industrial solvents, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), all of which are persistent, mobile, bioaccumulating, and have complex toxicity. Their industrial emissions, environmental presence, fate, and mechanism of toxicity are discussed in this review to microorganisms, aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans. It represents a critical evaluation of the developments in high-resolution mass spectrometry, molecular methods and biosensors, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence for monitoring. The physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment methods (adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, bioremediation, microalgal systems, biochar, and nanotechnology) are discussed. There has been some progress, but gaps remain in the knowledge on environmental fate, environmental transformations, mixture effects, and long-term risk. Future research should be directed towards real-time monitoring and mechanistic toxicity evaluation, predictive modeling, integrated treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable environmental management.

PMID:42827351 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70614

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70614. doi: 10.1002/wer.70614.

ABSTRACT

With the accelerated industrialization, the emission of emerging pollutants has increased in aquatic systems, which poses a risk to the integrity of ecosystems, water security and human health. Examples include pharmaceuticals, PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), synthetic dyes, industrial solvents, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), all of which are persistent, mobile, bioaccumulating, and have complex toxicity. Their industrial emissions, environmental presence, fate, and mechanism of toxicity are discussed in this review to microorganisms, aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans. It represents a critical evaluation of the developments in high-resolution mass spectrometry, molecular methods and biosensors, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence for monitoring. The physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment methods (adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, bioremediation, microalgal systems, biochar, and nanotechnology) are discussed. There has been some progress, but gaps remain in the knowledge on environmental fate, environmental transformations, mixture effects, and long-term risk. Future research should be directed towards real-time monitoring and mechanistic toxicity evaluation, predictive modeling, integrated treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable environmental management.

PMID:42827351 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70614

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 1;517:143791. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143791. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recycled plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and high-density polyethylene (rHDPE), are increasingly used as construction materials in response to sustainability and circular-economy goals, to repurpose waste streams and reduce natural-resource demand. This study provides the first assessment of PFAS adsorption by recycled plastic aggregates (rPA) and subsequent desorption in simulated cement pore solution (SCPS) by evaluating sorption-desorption mechanisms as functions of polymer type, surface chemistry, exposure duration, and perfluoroalkyl chain length (C4-C11). Batch experiments quantified indicative multi-analyte PFAS loading under neutral pH and PFAS desorption under construction-relevant exposure to high pH (>12.5) and ionic strength (0.85-1.0 M) SCPS. PFAS with carbon chain lengths >C8 showed strong adsorption affinity for rHDPE over rPET (6.2-106.5% greater mass-normalised adsorption (pg/g)), with competitive uptake increasing with chain length and contact time up to 28 days. Desorption into near-neutral ultrapure water was negligible (<LOD), confirming rPA as effective short-term sinks for PFAS. However, SCPS induced substantial PFAS desorption from rPA, particularly of short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) from rPET, and (less so) rHDPE. These findings challenge the long-term viability of rPA in concrete, highlight their potential as transient PFAS sinks or enduring leaching sources, and emphasise the need for risk-based guidelines for rPA use in cementitious matrices.

PMID:42828984 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143791

Aquat Toxicol. 2026 Sep 28;301:108038. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.108038. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely known for their toxicity and persistence in environmental matrices. Aquatic macrophytes, key components of aquatic ecosystems, are particularly susceptible to these compounds. This study provides the first multilevel meta-regression of PFAS toxicity to aquatic macrophytes, synthesizing 1091 effect sizes across 31 studies and 13 species. PFAS exposure consistently induced significant antioxidant enzyme activation (Hedges 'g = +0.44, p = 0.049) and substantial oxidative damage (Hedges 'g = -0.95, p = 0.020), with decline in total chlorophyll (Hedges 'g = -0.62, p = 0.049). A statistically significant negative linear concentration-response relationship was established across priority PFAS types (beta = -0.155, p = 0.044). Toxicological pathways diverged by functional group: sulfonates driven by strong electronegativity caused systemic oxidative damage, whereas carboxylates executed a broader siege across all primary endpoints, specifically targeting chlorophyll biosynthesis. While emerging short-chain alternatives (e.g., PFBA, GenX) generally displayed lower toxic potency across structural and growth traits than legacy compounds, they still induced non-trivial physiological stress.Rooted submerged macrophytes (represented largely by Vallisneria natans) were identified as the most sensitive plant form relative to emergent and floating taxa. The current results can be applied to point-source contamination sites and remediation environments. Our synthesis suggests that biochemical stress markers could serve as early-warning triggers for a proactive harvesting hypothesis, potentially mitigating biomass collapse and any subsequent PFAS re-release. Testing this hypothesis would require paired field measurements of stress-marker thresholds, biomass collapse dynamics, and PFAS flux to the water column.

PMID:42828878 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.108038

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70614. doi: 10.1002/wer.70614.

ABSTRACT

With the accelerated industrialization, the emission of emerging pollutants has increased in aquatic systems, which poses a risk to the integrity of ecosystems, water security and human health. Examples include pharmaceuticals, PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), synthetic dyes, industrial solvents, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), all of which are persistent, mobile, bioaccumulating, and have complex toxicity. Their industrial emissions, environmental presence, fate, and mechanism of toxicity are discussed in this review to microorganisms, aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans. It represents a critical evaluation of the developments in high-resolution mass spectrometry, molecular methods and biosensors, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence for monitoring. The physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment methods (adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, bioremediation, microalgal systems, biochar, and nanotechnology) are discussed. There has been some progress, but gaps remain in the knowledge on environmental fate, environmental transformations, mixture effects, and long-term risk. Future research should be directed towards real-time monitoring and mechanistic toxicity evaluation, predictive modeling, integrated treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable environmental management.

PMID:42827351 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70614

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Oct 2. doi: 10.1002/jat.70469. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can cross the placental barrier and may disrupt fetal thyroid homeostasis; however, the sex-specific thyroid toxicity of PFAS remains poorly characterized. This study recruited 247 mother-infant pairs from a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China, and measured PFAS concentrations in maternal and cord serum. The results showed that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were the predominant PFAS in both maternal and cord serum. Their median concentrations were 5.520, 3.896, and 4.154 ng/mL in maternal serum, respectively, and 7.112, 2.704, and 2.422 ng/mL in cord serum, respectively. Several short-chain PFAS, including perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS), exhibited relatively high transplacental transfer efficiency (TTE). PFAS with a cord serum detection rate > 90% were selected for subsequent analyses. Spearman correlation analysis showed strong coexposure patterns among several long-chain PFCAs, with the strongest correlations observed among PFDA, PFNA, and PFUdA (r = 0.81-0.89, p < 0.01). PFAS-thyroid hormone correlations were generally weak; only PFHpS was inversely correlated with TSH (r = -0.16, p < 0.01). In multivariable linear regression models, PFHxS was positively associated with TSH in the overall sample (β = 0.085, p < 0.05), whereas PFHxA was inversely associated with FT4 (β = -0.106, p < 0.01). Among female newborns, GenX was inversely associated with TSH (β = -9.411, p < 0.05), whereas PFHxS was positively associated with TSH (β = 0.109, p < 0.05). Among male newborns, PFDA (β = -0.132, p < 0.05), PFHxA (β = -0.137, p < 0.01), PFNS (β = -0.287, p < 0.01), and PFOS (β = -0.029, p < 0.05) were inversely associated with FT4. No individual PFAS was significantly associated with FT3. Formal interaction analysis showed evidence of sex heterogeneity for the PFNS-FT4 association (P for interaction = 0.008). Qgcomp showed nonsignificant overall mixture effects for FT3, FT4, and TSH. Similarly, BKMR showed no statistically significant overall mixture effects or individual PFAS associations with thyroid hormone levels.

PMID:42827318 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70469

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Oct 1;324:120882. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120882. Epub 2026 Oct 2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUNDS: Evidence on prenatal Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure effects on reproductive health and underlying mechanisms is limited. The digit ratio is a sensitive marker for evaluating reproductive effects.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between children's digit ratios and prenatal exposure to PFAS, with potential mediation by placental DNA methylation.

METHODS: Maternal plasma concentrations of 11 PFAS compounds (12-16 weeks of gestation) and digit ratios of children at 4 and 6 years of age were measured in 345 mother-child pairs. PFAS concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, while DNA methylation levels of five reproduction-associated genes were assessed using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing in placenta samples, including RBMX Like 2 (RBMXL2), Protocadherin8 (PCDH8), Sperm Acrosome Associated 1 (SPACA1), SPARC (Osteonectin) Cwcv And Kazal Like Domains Proteoglycan 2 (SPOCK2), and Transmembrane Protein 30B (TMEM30B). The associations of PFAS exposure with both the digit ratios and DNA methylation levels were estimated using multiple linear regression models. Mediation analysis was employed to delineate the potential mediating effects within these observed associations.

RESULTS: Maternal PFAS concentrations were inversely associated with boys' digit ratios at 6 years of age. Per unit increase of ln-transformed Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA) concentrations was associated with lower digit ratios, with the estimates being 1.41 (95% CI: -2.67, -0.16), 0.98 (95% CI: -1.85, -0.10), and 0.87% (95% CI: -1.73, -0.01), respectively. Besides, maternal PFAS exposure was inversely associated with the methylation levels of RBMXL2, PCDH8, and SPOCK2. In addition, SPOCK2 hypomethylation mediated the association between prenatal PFOS exposure and lower digit ratios among boys at 6 years of age.

DISCUSSIONS: Our findings indicate a link between prenatal PFAS exposure and alterations in offspring digit ratios. This association may be partially explained by changes in DNA methylation.

PMID:42826565 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120882

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Sep 23;517:143728. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143728. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biosolids land application is a widespread practice for the beneficial recycling of plant nutrients, yet its full implications at the soil-plant-contaminant nexus remain a challenge. This research aimed to connect soil health conditions using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) within biosolids application sites that contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a shortgrass steppe ecosystem. Evaluation of biosolids rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg ha^-1) revealed that increasing biosolids application rates drive the soil accumulation of long-chain PFAS. A distinct distribution difference was observed between soil and plant matrices; while soil profiles were dominated by long-chain PFAS, above-ground plant tissues preferentially accumulated short-chain PFAS (bioaccumulation factor [BAF] ranged from 1.17 to 139.8). Specifically, short-chain perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) accumulated in the plant tissues, despite being nearly undetectable in the soil matrix, demonstrating the high mobility of short-chain PFAS. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing biosolids-applied soil PFAS concentrations were negatively correlated with soil health conditions and were correlated with suppressed soil biological properties (beta-glucosidase activity, Pearson r = -0.51, and microbial biomass carbon, Pearson r = -0.48). These findings underscore integrating biological soil health monitoring into PFAS assessments of biosolids-amended (agro)ecosystems and further investigating specific PFAS and soil microbial interactions.

PMID:42826642 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143728

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Oct;127:105184. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.105184. Epub 2026 Oct 2.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental pollutants associated with public health risks. The cardiac electrophysiological effects of the representative long-chain PFAS perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and short-chain PFASs such as heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the electrophysiological effects of PFASs were evaluated in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) using multielectrode array (MEA) analysis. Exposure to 100 μM PFOA increased beat period and field potential duration, while reducing spike amplitude in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting contractility. In contrast, HFBA and HFPO-DA did not cause notable changes in either electrophysiological or contractility parameters. These results suggest that acute PFOA exposure disrupts cardiac electrophysiological function, whereas HFBA and HFPO-DA showed no notable effects within the tested conditions.

PMID:42826924 | DOI:10.1016/j.etap.2026.105184

J Environ Sci (China). 2026 Nov;169:826-836. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2026.03.043. Epub 2026 Mar 17.

ABSTRACT

Dietary intake is one of the major sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in humans. In this study, 96 samples encompassing 11 types of vegetable oils collected in Chinese markets were analyzed for 37 PFAS using a combined liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction protocol, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Short-chain (CF₂ < 7) and emerging PFAS were predominant in all oils, with a total (ΣPFAS) concentration range of < 0.00723-1454 pg/g. The concentrations of ΣPFAS in sunflower oil, camellia oil, and sesame oil were higher than those in other types of oils. Alternative PFAS, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) were detected for the first time in edible oils, with maximum concentrations of 1438 pg/g and 182 pg/g, respectively. Highly refined oils contained higher average concentrations of short-chain and emerging PFAS than less refined oils, indicating that the importance of considering the impact of refining processes on PFAS contamination profiles. Meanwhile, different oil processing methods had different effects on the presence of PFAS in the oils. All estimated daily intakes of PFAS through oils for Chinese population were below the tolerable intake levels.

PMID:42822973 | DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2026.03.043

Ann Occup Environ Med. 2026 Sep;38:e38. doi: 10.35371/aoem.2026.38.e38. Epub 2026 Aug 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants commonly found in seafood; however, evidence of dietary ingestion among adolescents remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between seafood consumption and serum PFAS concentrations among Korean adolescents.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the fifth Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS, 2021-2023). We included 827 adolescents aged 12-18 years. Serum concentrations of five PFAS compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA], and perfluorodecanoic acid [PFDeA]) were measured. Seafood consumption was assessed using a questionnaire and categorized as rarely consumed, monthly consumption, or weekly consumption. Complex sample general linear models were performed using log-transformed PFAS concentrations.

RESULTS: Compared with the rarely consumed group, weekly fish consumption was significantly associated with higher serum concentrations of PFOA (B = 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-1.83; p = 0.001), PFOS (B = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.23-3.05; p < 0.001), PFNA (B = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.42; p < 0.001), and PFDeA (B = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05-0.23; p = 0.004), whereas monthly fish consumption was associated with higher PFOS and PFNA. Crustacean consumption showed positive associations with PFOA (B = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.57-1.63; p < 0.001), PFOS (B = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.24-1.61; p = 0.009), PFNA (B = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08-0.28; p < 0.001), and PFDeA (B = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.05-0.16; p < 0.001) in the monthly group, whereas associations were attenuated in the weekly group. No significant associations were observed for large fish and tuna, seaweed, shellfish, or other seafood.

CONCLUSIONS: Fish and crustacean consumption were associated with serum PFAS concentrations among Korean adolescents, whereas other seafood types showed no significant associations. Future prospective studies with more detailed dietary assessments are warranted to clarify causal relationships.

PMID:42823355 | PMC:PMC13648149 | DOI:10.35371/aoem.2026.38.e38