Abstract  Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) enter Arctic lakes through long-range atmospheric transport and local contamination, but their behavior in aquatic food webs at high latitudes is poorly understood. This study compared the concentrations of perfluorocarboxylates, perfluorosulfonates, and fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTS) in biotic and abiotic samples from six high Arctic lakes near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada. Two of these lakes are known to be locally contaminated by a small airport and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from these lakes had over 100 times higher total [PFAS] when compared to fish from neighboring lakes. Perfluorononanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) dominated in char, benthic chironomids (their main prey), and sediments, while pelagic zooplankton and water were dominated by lower chain acids and perfluorodecanesulfonate (PFDS). This study also provides the first measures of perfluoroethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS) and FTS compounds in water, sediment, juvenile char, and benthic invertebrates from lakes in the high Arctic. Negative relationships between [PFAS] and δ(15)N values (indicative of trophic position) within these food webs indicated no biomagnification. Overall, these results suggest that habitat use and local sources of contamination, but not trophic level, are important determinants of [PFAS] in biota from freshwater food webs in the Canadian Arctic.

Abstract  Individual whole body homogenates of 4 year old lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) samples collected in 2001 from each of the Great Lakes were extracted using a novel fluorophilicity cleanup step and analyzed for perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs). Standard addition and internal standardization were used for quantification. Results were reported (+/- SE) for perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs), perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs), and unsaturated fluorotelomer carboxylates (8:2 and 10:2 FTUCA). The lowest average concentration of sigmaPFC was found in samples from Lake Superior (13+/-1 ng g(-1)), while the highest average concentration was found in samples from Lake Erie (152+/-14 ng g(-1)). Samples from Lake Ontario (60+/-5 ng g(-1)) and Lake Huron (58 +/-10 ng g(-1)) showed similar average sigmaPFC concentrations, although the perfluorinated sulfonate/carboxylate ratios were different. The major perfluoroalkyl contaminant observed was perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with the highest concentration found in samples from Lake Erie (121+/-14 ng g(-1)), followed by samples from Lake Ontario (46+/-5 ng g(-1)), Lake Huron (39 +/-10 ng g(-1)), Lake Michigan (16+/-3 ng g(-1)), and Lake Superior (5+/-1 ng g(-1)). Perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS) was detected in 89% of the samples, with the highest concentration in Lake Erie samples (9.8+/-1.6 ng g(-1)), and lowest concentration in samples from Lake Superior (0.7 +/- 0.1 ng g(-1)). Statistically significant correlations were observed between PFOS and PFDS concentrations, and PFOS concentration and body weight, respectively. The PFCAs were detected in all samples, with the highest total average concentration in samples from Lake Erie (19 ng g(-1)), followed by samples from Lake Huron (16 ng g(-1)), Lake Ontario (10 ng g(-1)), Lake Michigan (9 ng g(-1)) and Lake Superior (7 ng g(-1)). The compounds with significant contributions to the sigmaPFCA concentrations were PFOA and C9-C13-PFCAs. The 8:2 FTUCA was detected at concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 0.2 ng g-1, with the highest level in samples showing also elevated concentrations of PFOA (4.4 ng g(-1) for Lake Michigan vs 1.5 ng g(-1) for all other samples). The 10:2 FTUCA was detected only in 9% of all samples (nd, 45 pg g(-1)). For those PFCs where we determined lake water concentrations, the highest log BAFs were calculated for PFOS (4.1), PFDA (3.9), and PFOSA (3.8).

Abstract  Perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride based compounds have been used in a wide variety of consumer products, such as carpets, upholstery, and textiles. These compounds degrade to perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), a persistent metabolite that accumulates in tissues of humans and wildlife. Previous studies have reported the occurrence of PFOS, perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) in human sera collected from the United States. In this study, concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOSA were measured in 473 human blood/serum/plasma samples collected from the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Belgium, Italy, Poland, India, Malaysia, and Korea. Among the four perfluorochemicals measured, PFOS was the predominant compound found in blood. Concentrations of PFOS were the highest in the samples collected from the United States and Poland (>30 ng/mL); moderate in Korea, Belgium, Malaysia, Brazil, Italy, and Colombia (3 to 29 ng/mL); and lowest in India (<3 ng/mL). PFOA was the next most abundant perfluorochemical in blood samples, although the frequency of occurrence of this compound was relatively low. No age- or gender-related differences in the concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were found in serum samples. The degree of association between the concentrations of four perfluorochemicals varied, depending on the origin of the samples. These results suggested the existence of sources with varying levels and compositions of perfluorochemicals, and differences in exposure patterns to these chemicals, in various countries. In addition to the four target fluorochemicals measured, qualitative analysis of selected blood samples showed the presence of other perfluorochemicals such as perfluorodecanesulfonate (PFDS), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) in serum samples, at concentrations approximately 5- to 10-fold lower than the concentration of PFOS. Further studies should focus on identifying sources and pathways of human exposure to perfluorochemicals.

Abstract  The temporal trends of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs), including C7-C15 perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs), perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs) and heptadecafluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), were determined in lake trout collected between 1979 and 2004 from Lake Ontario. The average concentrations of total PFSAs (+/- standard error of the mean; range) increased from 20 ng g(-1) wet weight (+/- 4; 8-26) in 1979, peaked at 70 ng g(-1) (+/- 7; 58-91) in 1993, and were 46 ng g(-1) (+/- 10; 30-83) in 2004, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) asthe most abundant PFC. The PFCAs exhibited similar temporal variation, with concentrations increasing from 1.4 ng g(-1) (+/- 0.1; 0.9-1.9) in 1979 to 9.4 ng g(1) (+/- 3.1; 3-17) in 1988, and were 6.8 ng g(-1) (+/- 1.0; 4.5-9.8) in 2004. Individual mean PFCA concentrations varied between 0.2 and 2 ng g(-1) (wet weight). Perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS) and PFOSA were the only compounds showing a declining trend in the past decade, after reaching a peak value in 1993. Branched C11 and C13 PFCA isomers were detected in the lake trout and confirmed in Niagara River suspended sediments, with trends in both matrices suggesting that declining emissions or use of products containing these isomers in part account for the observed PFCA trends in the mid-1990s. However, the most recent samples, comprised almost exclusively of linear isomers, indicate that current PFCA sources to Lake Ontario result from the telomerization process of linear telogens.

Abstract  A method was developed for simultaneous analysis of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) and their sulfonamide-based precursors (perfluoroalkane sulfonamidoacetic acids (FASAAs), sulfonamides (FASAs), and sulfonamidoethanols (FASEs)) in fish muscle. Extraction was performed with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up and fractionation step and instrumental analysis by UPLC/MS/MS and GC/MS. Time trends of PFSAs and their precursors in herring muscle samples originating from the Kattegat at the west coast of Sweden were investigated covering the years 1991-2011. The following analytes were detected, all with decreasing or unchanged trends between 1991 and 2011: Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS, below the method detection limit (

Abstract  Argon ion sputter-etching was applied to W-Mo-Cr-V high speed steel, Cr-Mo-V die steel, and type 304 and 316 austenitic stainless steels. Vapor-deposition of the polyethylene (PE) or 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H, -Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) was carried out on the sputter-etched surface. The hydrophobicity was evaluated by measuring the contact angle (CA) of a water droplet on the surface. The sputter-etching formed fine and dense pillar- or cone-shaped protrusions with a diameter of 100 nm to 1 mu m on the tool steels and the type 316 steel but cone-shaped protrusions with a diameter of more than 1 mu m on the type 304 steel. The surfaces of all the steels just after the sputter-etching revealed CAs smaller than 4.5 degrees, or superhydrophilicity. On the other hand, all the steels that were sputter-etched and vapor-deposited with PE or PFDS produced CAs of more than 150 degrees, or superhydrophobicity, except that the CA of the type 304 steel with micron-sized protrusions was 146 degrees. The adhesion of the PFDS layer to the protrusions is much stronger than the PE layer, i.e. it is difficult to remove the PFDS layer by heating at 473 K and ultrasonic cleaning in acetone. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The self-assembly monolayers (SAMs) of n-dodecyltriethoxysilane (DTES) and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) on the surface of the 430 stainless steel (430SS) were prepared and their corrosion protection performance was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) -attenuated total reflection (ATR), static contact angle and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that the alkali pretreatment and the water added into the self-assembly solution could generate more hydroxyls on the 430SS surface, and then enhanced the adsorption of the SAMs. A suitable temperature of the self-assembly solution is important for the formation of the SAMs. The silane SAMs were chemically adsorbed on the 430SS substrates by Fe-O-Si bonds. In all cases tested, PFDS has a better inhibition effect compared with DTES, and the difference in inhibition effect is most marked at the lowest concentration of 1 mmol/L.

Abstract  Study Title: FYI-01378 I - Consists of three extremely large PDFs in the RAD collection. The attachment is volume 1of 3. The whole file is also in the MF collection. Study Information: Acute/Subacute Toxicity EF

Abstract  Study Title: FYI-01378 I - Consists of three extremely large PDFs in the RAD collection. The attachment is volume 1of 3. The whole file is also in the MF collection. Study Information: Acute/Subacute Toxicity EF

Abstract  Dewatered municipal biosolids (DMB) were applied at a rate of 22Mgdwha(-1) to an agricultural field in fall 2008. Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, -197, -207, -209), other brominated flame retardants (BFRs; HBB, PBEB, DBDPE, BTBPE) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs; PFHxS, PFOS, PFDS, PFOSA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFDoA, PFTA) were monitored in tile drainage, groundwater (2m, 4m and 6m depth), soil cores (0-0.3m) pre- and post-application, DMB aggregates incorporated into the soil post-application, and in wheat (Triticum spp.) planted post-application. Several compounds were detected in soil and water pre-application and on a reference field plot. PBDEs, other BFRs and PFAAs were detected in tile drainage and 2m groundwater throughout the post-application study period; a few PBDEs were also detected sporadically at lower depths in groundwater. Some of these compounds had not been detected pre-application, while some exceeded reference field plot/pre-application levels (some significantly (p<0.05) in tile drainage); both cases indicating biosolid-based water contamination. In DMB aggregates, several PBDE congeners were found to have dissipated exponentially, with reductions >90% in many of them within 1year post-application. Exponential dissipation of other BFRs and PFAAs in DMB aggregates were not significant. No PBDEs, other BFRs, or PFAAs were detected in wheat grain.

Abstract  Study Title: FYI-01378 I - Consists of three extremely large PDFs in the RAD collection. The attachment is volume 1of 3. The whole file is also in the MF collection. Study Information: Acute/Subacute Toxicity EF

Abstract  Effluents of wastewater treatment plants are relevant point sources for the emission of hazardous xenobiotic substances to the aquatic environment. One group of substances, which recently entered scientific and political discussions, is the group of the perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). The most studied compounds from this group are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS), which are the most important degradation products of PFAS. These two substances are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). In the present study, eleven PFAS were investigated in effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and in industrial wastewaters. PFOS and PFOA proved to be the dominant compounds in all sampled wastewaters. Concentrations of up to 340 ng/L of PFOS and up to 220 ng/L of PFOA were observed. Besides these two compounds, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was also present in nearly all effluents and maximum concentrations of up to 280 ng/L werde measured. Only N-ethylperfluorooctane sulphonamide (N-EtPFOSA) and its degradation/metabolisation product perfluorooctane sulphonamide (PFOSA) were either detected below the limit of quantification or were not even detected at all. Beside the effluents of the municipal WWTPs, nine industrial wastewaters from six different industrial branches were also investigated. Significantly, the highest emissions or PFOS were observed from metal industry whereas paper industry showed the highest PFOA emission. Several PFAS, especially perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and PFOS are predominantly emitted from industrial sources, with concentrations being a factor of 10 higher than those observed in the municipal WWTP effluents. Perfluorodecane sulphonate (PFDS), N-Et-PFOSA and PFOSA were not detected in any of the sampled industrial point sources.

Abstract  A sensitive and reliable method based on column switching liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS) has been developed for quantification of 19 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in serum. A volume of only 150microl serum is used and protein precipitation by methanol is the only sample preparation necessary prior to injection into the column switching system. Pseudo-MRM is used as a detection mode for determination of PFCs, resulting in reduced background noise and considerably increased sensitivity for the perfluorinated alkyl sulfonates and the perfluorinated alkyl sulfonamides. The estimated limits of detection for the method were as low as 0.0020-0.050ngPFCs/ml serum. The accuracy determined from spiking experiments, reported as recovery of added amount, was between 85 and 121% in the range 0.20-50ngPFC/ml serum, except for perfluorodecylsulfonate for which the accuracy was 146% at 0.20ngPFC/ml serum. The low sample volume needed, the limited manual handling and the broad range of analytes which are included, make this method advantageous for large-scale epidemiological studies. This column-switching technique can easily be set up on standard LC-MS/MS instruments and is thus available to a wide range of laboratories.

Abstract  D. melanogaster development was markedly retarded and its survival decreased by larvae treatment with compounds being strong inducers of the cytochrome P-450 2B in mammals— phenobarbital (PB*), perfluorodecaline (PFD), transstilbene oxide (TSO), and triphenyldioxane (TPD). At the same time, the weak inducer hexobarbital or the selective cytochrome P-450 inducer in mice but not in rats 1,4-bis[2-(dichloropyridyl-oxy)]-benzene (DPB) did not affect the larvae development. The cytochrome P-450 1A1 inducers benzo(a)anthracene (BA) and β-naphtoflavone (BNF) were also not effective. The toxicity of phenobarbital was shown to be decreased by the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide by adding 20-hydroxyecdysone or by treatment with aminophylline—the indirect enhancer of ecdysone production in the larval prothoracic gland. The hypothesis of the moulting hormone degradation as the cause of elevated larvae mortality resulting from the induced high mixed function oxidase activity has been discussed.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Background: We evaluated biomicroscopic and histological effects on the anterior segment in the rabbit eye after temporary aqueous substitution with various amounts (0.2 cc and 0.025 cc) of perfluorodecaline (PFD) and perfluorophenanthrene (PFP). Methods: A quantity of 0.2 cc of the two perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquids was exchanged simultaneously with about 50% of the aqueous in 15 rabbit eyes each for periods of 1, 2, or 4 weeks. At these points some eyes were enucleated for histological examinat rformed regularly during follow-up. Results: The postoperative results were well comparable for PFDand PFP eyes. Within the first 2 weeks postoperatively corneal edema with endothelial cell loss was observed in both groups. Thereafter regression of the edema started independently of whether the substances were removed or not. IOP was not elevated at any time. At the end of follow-up central corneal thickness was the same as initially. In the inferior corneal endothelium cell dens

Abstract  Perfluoroalkyl contaminants (PFCs) were determined in Lake Ontario Lake Trout sampled annually between 1997 and 2008 in order to assess how current trends are responding to recent regulatory bans and voluntary phase-outs. We also combined our measurements with those of a previous study to provide an updated assessment of long-term trends. Concentrations of PFCs generally increased from the late 1970s until the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, after which concentrations either remained unchanged (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorocarboxylates) or declined (perfluorodecanesulfonate (PFDS)). The temporal trends were assessed using three models, quadratic, exponential rise to maximum, and two-segment linear piecewise function, and then evaluated for best fit using Akaike Information Criteria. For PFOS and perfluorocarboxylates, the exponential rise to maximum function had the best fit. This is particularly interesting for PFOS as it suggests that although concentrations in Lake Ontario Lake Trout may have stopped increasing in response to voluntary phase-outs in 2000-2002, declines have yet to be observed. This may be due to continuing input of PFOS from products still in use and/or slow degradation of larger precursor molecules. A power analysis of PFOS suggested that 15 years of data with a within-year sample size of 10 is required to obtain sufficient power (80%) to detect a 5% decreasing trend. However, the length of the monitoring program had a greater influence on the ability to detect a trend compared to within-year sample size. This provides evidence that additional sampling years are required to detect a response to bans and phase-outs, given the variability in the fish data. The lack of observed declines of perfluorocarboxylate residues in fish may be expected as regulations for these compounds were only recently enacted. In contrast to the other compounds, the quadratic model had the best fit for PFDS. The results of this study emphasize the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effectiveness of bans and phase-outs on PFCs in the environment.

Abstract  The distribution of 32 per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface soils was determined at 62 locations representing all continents (North America n = 33, Europe n = 10, Asia n = 6, Africa n = 5, Australia n = 4, South America n = 3 and Antarctica n = 1) using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) systems. Quantifiable levels of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs: PFHxA-PFTeDA) were observed in all samples with total concentrations ranging from 29 to 14,300 pg/g (dry weight), while perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: PFHxS, PFOS and PFDS) were detected in all samples but one, ranging from

Abstract  Natural gas is becoming a very important energy source in recent years. A sharp reduction has been observed in gas deliverability in many low permeability gas reservoirs due to bottom-hole pressure drops below the dew point pressure. It is an established fact that altering the wettability of reservoir rocks from liquid wetness to gas wetness could improve the gas deliverability. In this study, a new polymeric surfactant coating for altering the wettability of Sarkhun reservoir rocks was prepared by using a solgel process. Perfluorodecylsilane (PFDS) and triethoxysilane (TEOS) were used to obtain an inorganic-organic network via hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions. The effect of this method was examined by various characterization tests such as FTIR, SEM, and EDX, static contact angle and imbibition tests for wettability alteration. The experimental results revealed that, the prepared polymeric network including the terminal fluorine groups were effective and provided sufficient repelling characteristics towards oil and water. Static contact angles were raised from 30 to 130 degrees for water, and from <5 to 60 degrees for condensate after solgel treatment. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

Abstract  Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to construct a self-assembled double layer of organosilane on the surface of stainless steel and to investigate its corrosion inhibitive capability.

Design/methodology/approach - A monolayer of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was grafted onto an oxidized AISI 430SS (AISI 430 stainless steel) surface substrate from dry toluene solution. The hydrolysis of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) molecules was used to anchor a second organic layer from mixed water-ethanol solution. The adsorption behavior and corrosion inhibition properties of the monolayer and also the bilayer were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle measurements.

Findings - The GPTMS/PFDS bilayer was successfully deposited onto the oxidized AISI 430SS surface. The optimal assembling time for the filming of the first GPTMS monolayer is 6 hours. Suitable values of pH and temperature of the PFDS self-assembly solution were pivotal to the successful deposition of the second layer. Compared to the GPTMS monolayer, the GPTMS/PFDS bilayer exhibited a significant enhancement of the corrosion inhibition performance of AISI 430SS in NaCl solution.

Research limitations/implications - The contact angle value measured on the bilayer-modified surface was somewhat lower than the reported value of a complete fluorinated surface. However, further optimization of the assembling condition is needed to obtain more orderly and denser films.

Originality/value - This paper provides useful information regarding the preparation of an organosilane bilayer on the surface of stainless steel and its corrosion inhibition properties in NaCl solution. It illustrates potential application prospects of GPTMS/PFDS bilayers for surface treatment of stainless steel.

Abstract  The analytical suitabilities of three different liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) systems, (1) triple quadrupole (QqQ), (2) conventional 3D ion trap (IT), and (3) quadrupole-linear IT (QqLIT), to determine trace levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in fish and shellfish were compared. Sample preparation was performed using alkaline extraction and solid-phase-extraction cleanup. This evaluation was focused on both quantitative (sensitivity, precision, and accuracy) and qualitative (identification capabilities) aspects. In the three instruments, the former facet was evaluated using selected reaction monitoring (SRM), which is the standard mode for quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis. Accuracy was similar in the three systems, with recoveries always over 70 %. Precision was better for the QqLIT and QqQ systems (7-15%) than for the IT system (10-17%). The QqLIT (working in SRM mode) and QqQ systems offered a linear dynamic range of at least 3 orders of magnitude, whereas that of the IT system was 2 orders of magnitude. The QqLIT system achieved at least 20-fold higher sensitivity than the QqQ system, and this was at least tenfold higher sensitivity than for the IT system. In the IT system, identification was based on sensitive full mass range acquisition and MS( n ) fragmentation and in the QqLIT system, it was based on the use of an information-dependent-acquisition scan function, which allows the combination of an SRM or MS full scan acting as the survey scan and an enhanced product ion scan followed by MS(3) as the dependent scan in the same analysis. Three instruments were applied to monitor the content in fish and shellfish (anchovies, swordfish, tuna, mussels, and oysters) obtained from Valencia and Barcelona markets (Spain). The eight target PFCs were detected at mean concentrations in the range from 10 ng kg(-1) (perfluoro-7-methyloctanoic acid and perfluoro-1-decanesulfonate) to 4,200 ng kg(-1) (perfluoropentanoic acid). Furthermore, perfluoroheptanoic and perfluoroundecanoic acids (not covered as target analytes) were identified in some samples.

Abstract  Study Title: FYI-01378 I - Consists of three extremely large PDFs in the RAD collection. The attachment is volume 1of 3. The whole file is also in the MF collection. Study Information: Acute/Subacute Toxicity EF

Abstract  A total of 420 human plasma from two cities (Halle and Münster, Germany) collected between 1982 and 2009, were analyzed for a suite of PFSAs (C4, C6, C8, C10) and selected PFOS precursors (MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, FOSAA, di-SAmPAP). Among these target analytes, only di-SAmPAP was used in consumer products. PFSAs (C6 and C8), MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, and FOSAA were detected in over 95% of the samples (<0.0011-116.0 ng/mL), PFDS was detected in approximately 40% of the samples (<0.005-0.0998 ng/mL), and di-SAmPAP was detected in 17% of the samples (<0.005-0.0137 ng/mL). Significant positive correlations were found between PFOS and PFHxS, MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, and FOSAA. Temporal trends of decreasing concentration were identified for PFOS, MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, and FOSAA, but not for PFHxS. Di-SAmPAP, a common food-contact paper surfactant and expected PFOS precursor, was detected infrequently (25% in samples prior to 2000) in samples before 2006. Population halving times of PFOS, MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, and FOSAA were estimated. The observed reduction of these chemicals over time in human plasma is presumably related to the phase-out of POSF-based products beginning in 2000. The detection of di-SAmPAP in human sera is significant because this chemical is expected to be metabolized or degraded to PFOS in humans and the environment. Our detection of di-SAmPAP is the first confirmation of human exposure to this commercially available product which is a plausible source of PFOS in humans.

Abstract  In this study, the concentrations of 15 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were analyzed in 30 water samples collected in Catalonia (Spain) at three stages of the drinking water treatment process in several water purification plants. In addition, the concentrations of 13 PFCs were determined in samples of fish and shellfish collected from coastal areas of Catalonia. The intake of PFCs through both pathways, drinking water intake and fish and shellfish consumption, was also estimated. In water samples, the highest mean concentrations corresponded to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) (1.81 and 2.40 ng/L, respectively), whereas perfluorodecanosulfonate (PFDS) and perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTDA) were under their respective limits of detection in all analyzed samples. The results show that although the current treatment processes caused slight reductions in PFC concentrations, these processes did not mean significant changes in the amounts of PFCs already contained in the raw water. Among the analyzed PFCs in fish and shellfish, only seven compounds could be detected in at least one composite sample. PFOS showed the highest mean concentration (2.70 ng/g fw), being detected in all species with the exception of mussels. With regard to PFOA (mean, 0.074 ng/g fw), the highest concentrations were detected in prawn and hake (0.098 and 0.091 ng/g fw, respectively). The current exposure to PFCs through consumption of fish and shellfish indicates that it should not be of concern for the consumers. The amounts ingested are well below the recommended tolerable daily intakes, at least for those PFCs for which information is available.

Abstract  Temporal trends of polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) were examined in liver samples from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) collected from the German Bight (1999-2008). Concentrations of various PFCs, including C(4)-C(10) perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), perfluorooctane sulfinate (PFOSi), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and C(8)-C(15) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were quantified. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant compound with a maximum concentration of 3676 ng g(-1) ww (1996), making up on average 94% of the measured PFCs. Significantly higher concentrations were found in <7 month old in comparison to >or=7 month old harbor seals for C(6)-C(8) PFSAs, perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) and FOSA, whereas perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) showed significantly lower concentrations in the younger harbor seals (p<0.05). These results suggest a transplacental transfer of PFCs to the foetus and/or consumption of different contaminated food. Regression analysis of logarithmic transformed PFC mean concentrations indicated a significant temporal trend with decreasing concentrations for C(5)-C(7) PFSAs (p<0.001), PFOSi (p=0.028), FOSA (p<0.001) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (p=0.031) between 1999 and 2008. Furthermore, PFOS decreased by 49% between 1999 and 2008, which correspond with decreasing concentration levels of its metabolic precursors PFOSi and FOSA of 83% and 95% in the same time period. However, the decreasing trend of PFOS is not significant (p=0.067). The reason for the decline during the past 10 years could be an effect of the replacement of these PFCs by shorter chained and less bioaccumulative compounds. But the observations of increasing perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS) levels (p=0.070), the high concentrations of PFOS and constant levels of C(9)-C(13) PFCAs indicates that further work on the reduction of environmental emissions of PFCs are necessary.

Abstract  The present study tested some aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) products for the presence of or the potential to form 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2FTS) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2FTS). The results demonstrated the appearance of significant levels of 6:2FTS and 8:2FTS after the oxidization of those AFFFs. The authors concluded that fluorotelomer skeletons exist but are derived from those formulations of AFFFs.