Highly Selective Removal of Perfluorinated Contaminants by Adsorption on All‐Silica Zeolite Beta

Perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial and commercial applications, leading to a widespread occurrence of these persistent and harmful contaminants in our environment. Removal of these compounds from surface and waste waters is being mandated by European and U.S. governments. Currently, there are no treatment techniques available that lower the concentrations of these compounds for large water bodies in a cost‐ and energy‐efficient way. We hereby propose a hydrophobic, all‐silica zeolite Beta material that is a highly selective and high‐capacity adsorbent for PFASs, even in the presence of organic competitors. Advanced characterization data demonstrate that the adsorption process is driven by a very negative adsorption enthalpy and favorable steric factors.     

Recent developments in trace analysis of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances

Recent developments, improvements, and trends in the ultra-trace determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmental and human samples are highlighted and the remaining challenges and uncertainties are outlined and discussed. Understanding the analytical implications of such things as adsorption of PFASs to surfaces, effects of differing matrices, varying PFAS isomer response factors, potential bias effects of sampling, sample preparation, and analysis is critical to measuring highly fluorinated compounds at trace levels. These intricate analytical issues and the potential consequences of ignoring to deal with them correctly are discussed and documented with examples. Isomer-specific analysis and the development of robust multi-chemical methods are identified as topical trends in method development for an ever-increasing number of PFASs of environmental and human interest. Ultimately, the state-of-the-art of current analytical method accuracy is discussed on the basis of results from interlaboratory comparison studies.     

A QSAR–ICE–SSD Model Prediction of the PNECs for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Their Ecological Risks in an Area of Electroplating Factories

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of highly fluorinated aliphatic compounds that are persistent and bioaccumulate, posing a potential threat to the aquatic environment. The electroplating industry is considered to be an important source of PFASs. Due to emerging PFASs and many alternatives, the acute toxicity data for PFASs and their alternatives are relatively limited. In this study, a QSAR–ICE–SSD composite model was constructed by combining quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), interspecies correlation estimation (ICE), and species sensitivity distribution (SSD) models in order to obtain the predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) of selected PFASs. The PNECs for the selected PFASs ranged from 0.254 to 6.27 mg/L. The ΣPFAS concentrations ranged from 177 to 983 ng/L in a river close to an electroplating industry in Shenzhen. The ecological risks associated with PFASs in the river were below 2.97 × 10⁻⁴.     

Extraction and clean-up strategies for the analysis of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in environmental and human matrices

The rapidly expanding field of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) research has resulted in a wide range of analytical methodologies to determine the human and environmental exposure to PFASs. This paper reviews the currently applied techniques for sample pre-treatment, extraction and clean-up for the analysis of ionic and non-ionic PFASs in human and environmental matrices. Solid phase extraction (SPE) is the method of choice for liquid samples (e.g. water, blood, serum, plasma), and may be automated in an on-line set-up for (large volume) sample enrichment and sample clean-up. Prior to SPE, sample pre-treatment (filtration or centrifugation for water or protein precipitation for blood) may be required. Liquid-liquid extraction can also be used for liquid samples (and does not require above mentioned sample pretreatment). Solid-liquid extraction is the commonly applied method for solid matrices (biota, sludge, soil, sediment), but automation options are limited due to contamination from polytetrafluorethylene tubings and parts applied in extraction equipment. Air is generally preconcentrated on XAD-resins sandwiched between polyurethane foam plugs. Clean-up of crude extracts is essential for destruction and removal of lipids and other co-extractives that may interfere in the instrumental determination. SPE, (fluorous) silica column chromatography, dispersive graphitized carbon and destructive methods such as sulphuric acid or KOH treatment can be applied for clean-up of extracts. Care should be taken to avoid contamination (e.g. from sample bottles, filters, equipment) and losses of PFASs (e.g. adsorption, volatilization) during sampling, extraction and clean-up. Storage at -20 degrees C is generally appropriate for conservation of samples.     

全氟/多氟化合物分析方法的研究进展

随着全氟和多氟化合物（perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances,PFASs）被列入《斯德哥尔摩公约》的持久性有机污染物名录,各国对于该类物质的关注逐步升高。该类物质在环境中的广泛检出,使得其环境行为研究不断扩展和加深。目前,针对不同类型PFASs的样品前处理方式与检测方法也在不断发展中,而从中选择最合适的前处理和分析方法是开展PFASs环境科学、管理和污染控制研究的前提。该文针对传统PFASs及其异构体、PFASs前体物和新型PFASs等的样品前处理方法、色谱-质谱分析方法进行归纳总结,认识其现状和问题,并在此基础上对其发展进行了展望。     

Developing a QSPR Model of Organic Carbon Normalized Sorption Coefficients of Perfluorinated and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are known for their long-distance migration, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. The transport of PFASs in the environment has been a source of increasing concerned. The organic carbon normalized sorption coefficient (K_oc) is an important parameter from which to understand the distribution behavior of organic matter between solid and liquid phases. Currently, the theoretical prediction research on log K_oc of PFASs is extremely limited. The existing models have limitations such as restricted application fields and unsatisfactory prediction results for some substances. In this study, a quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) model was established to predict the log K_oc of PFASs, and the potential mechanism affecting the distribution of PFASs between two phases from the perspective of molecular structure was analyzed. The developed model had sufficient goodness of fit and robustness, satisfying the model application requirements. The molecular weight (MW) related to the hydrophobicity of the compound; lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (E_LUMO) and maximum average local ionization energy on the molecular surface (ALIE_max), both related to electrostatic properties; and the dipole moment (μ), related to the polarity of the compound; are the key structural variables that affect the distribution behavior of PFASs. This study carried out a standardized modeling process, and the model dataset covered a comprehensive variety of PFASs. The model can be used to predict the log K_oc of conventional and emerging PFASs effectively, filling the data gap of the log K_oc of uncommon PFASs. The explanation of the mechanism of the model has proven to be of great value for understanding the distribution behavior and migration trends of PFASs between sediment/soil and water, and for estimating the potential environmental risks generated by PFASs.     

Recent developments in methods for analysis of perfluorinated persistent pollutants

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are proliferated into the environment on a global scale and present in the organisms of animals and humans even in remote locations. Persistent organic pollutants of that kind therefore have stimulated substantial improvement in analytical methods. The aim of this review is to present recent achievements in PFASs determination in various matrices with different methods and its comparison to measurements of Total Organic Fluorine (TOF). Analytical methods used for PFASs determinations are dominated by chromatography, mostly in combination with mass spectrometric detection. However, HPLC may be also hyphenated with conductivity or fluorimetric detection, and gas chromatography may be combined with flame ionization or electron capture detection. The presence of a large number of PFASs species in environmental and biological samples necessitates parallel attempts to develop a total PFASs index that reflects the total content of PFASs in various matrices. Increasing attention is currently paid to the determination of branched isomers of PFASs, and their determination in food.

Reduction of a Tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile‐β‐Cyclodextrin Polymer to Remove Anionic Micropollutants and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances from Water

Organic micropollutants (MPs) are anthropogenic substances that contaminate water resources at trace concentrations. Many MPs, including per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), have come under increased scrutiny because of their environmental persistence and association with various health problems. A β‐cyclodextrin polymer linked with tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFN‐CDP) has high affinity for cationic and many neutral MPs from contaminated water because of anionic groups incorporated during the polymerization. But TFN‐CDP does not bind many anionic MPs strongly, including anionic PFASs. To address this shortcoming, we reduced the nitrile groups in TFN‐CDP to primary amines, which reverses its affinity towards charged MPs. TFN‐CDP exhibits adsorption distribution coefficients (log K_D values) of 2–3 for cationic MPs and ?0.5–1.5 for anionic MPs, whereas the reduced TFN‐CDP exhibits log K_D values of ?0.5–1.5 for cationic MPs and 2–4 for anionic MPs, with especially high affinity towards anionic PFASs. Kinetic studies of the removal of 10 anionic PFASs at environmentally relevant concentrations showed 80–98 % removal of all contaminants after 30 min and was superior to commercial granular activated carbon. These findings demonstrate the scope and tunability of CD‐based adsorbents derived from a single polymerization and the promise of novel adsorbents constructed from molecular receptors.     

Analysis of 29 per- and polyfluorinated compounds in water,sediment, soil and sludge by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Several analytical methods were optimised for the analysis of 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including perfluorocarboxylic acids, perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids and fluorotelomers (FTs), such as sulphonate, saturated carboxylic acid, unsaturated carboxylic acid, sulphonamide and sulphonamide betaine (FTAB), in environmental samples in order to assess pollution by PFASs around heavily contaminated sites. Non-filtered water samples were extracted, purified and pre-concentrated by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure. Solid samples (sediments, soils and sludges) were extracted through solvent extraction under acidic conditions and thereafter purified and pre-concentrated using the same SPE procedure as for the water samples. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in negative electrospray ionisation mode was employed to separate and detect targeted compounds. Twelve labelled internal standards were used to provide an adequate correction compensating for matrix effects. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were between 4 and 10 ng/L in water depending on the analytes. For solid samples, the LOQs were 2 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediments and soils, and 20 ng/g dw in sludges for all analytes. A surrogate parameter method based on the carboxylation of perfluoroalkyl acid precursors under basic pH conditions was furthermore implemented to estimate the occurrence of non-targeted PFAS compounds. In order to evaluate the reliability of these analytical methods, environmental samples collected around a training area in France, where aqueous fire-fighting foam is used, were analysed. Of all the compounds detected in these environmental samples, 6:2 FTAB was found in the highest concentrations.     

液相萃取-高效液相色谱-串联质谱联用测定污泥中的全氟化合物

全氟化合物是一种新型持久性有机污染物,污水处理厂是其一个主要污染来源。目前还没有建立起一种统一的污泥样品中全氟化合物的分析方法。本文报道了一种基于液相萃取和高效液相色谱-串联质谱联用技术测定污泥中的7种全氟烷基羧酸及其2种不饱和氟调酸前体物、2种全氟烷基磺酸及其5种磺酰胺衍生物前体物的方法。实验对萃取剂(甲醇)的pH值、超声萃取温度与时间、洗脱剂体积进行了优化,确定了中性溶剂、40℃下超声萃取10min,Envicarbon柱净化的前处理方法,并成功地应用于实际污泥样品中全氟化合物的测定。方法的回收率为74%～141%(不饱和氟调酸除外),线性范围为0.1～20μg/L(羧酸系列)及0.25～50μg/L(磺酸系列)内线性关系良好(r20.99),定量限为0.6～30μg/kg(干重)。内标物质的使用可有效消除环境基质引起的仪器离子抑制现象,使定量更加准确。     

New Type of an Adsorption Layer of Organic Molecules with a Cage Structure Condensed at the Electrode/Solution Interface: The Adsorption of Cubane Derivatives on a Mercury Electrode

A synthesis and a study by method of measuring the differential capacitance on a stationary mercury drop of the adsorption of a number of cubane derivatives in a surface-inactive electrolyte are performed. It is established that the compounds studied exhibit a high surface activity. For bromine derivatives of cubane (4-bromomethoxycarbonylcubane, 4-bromohydroxymethylcubane) the formation of two-dimensional adsorption layers is discovered. Values of adsorption parameters for these compounds are evaluated with use made of the Frumkin isotherm.     

高效液相色谱–串联质谱法检测环境水体中18种全氟化合物

建立了快速检测环境水体中18种全氟化合物的高效液相-串联质谱方法。环境水样经大体积PEP固相萃取柱快速提取、富集和净化后,过0.22μm微孔滤膜,再利用Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18反相色谱柱分离,以5 mmol/L乙酸铵溶液和甲醇为流动相梯度洗脱,最终进入电喷雾离子源负离子扫描,在多反应监测模式下定性及定量分析。所有目标化合物的质量浓度在1~20μg/L范围内与色谱峰面积线性良好,相关系数(r2)大于0.999,方法检出限为0.18~0.48 ng/L。18种全氟化合物的加标回收率为90.1%~107.3%,相对标准偏差为0.3%~8.2%(n=6)。该方法操作简单、快速,灵敏度高,可满足环境水体中全氟化合物的检测。     

Inverse GC Investigation of the Adsorption of Thiophenic Compounds on Zeolites

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) has been used to examine the adsorption of organo-sulfur compounds on various zeolites. Results obtained were used to explain the behaviour of these materials as adsorbents for ultra-deep desulfurisation of fuels. The model compounds chosen were thiophene and 2,5-dimethylthiophene, with zeolite adsorbents NaX, HX, NaY and HY. Zeolite NaY showed the largest adsorption capacity. Adsorption isotherms in the gas phase are not representative of saturation adsorption in the liquid phase. However, the heat of adsorption and the specific interaction parameter were found to be well correlated to the strength and the selectivity of adsorption in the liquid phase by the different zeolites. The main conclusion of this work is that IGC is a useful tool for preliminary comparison of different adsorbents for the removal of sulfur compounds from fuels.     

Effect of phosphorylated organic compound on the adsorption of bovine serum albumin by hydroxyapatite.

The amount of adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by hydroxyapatite (HAP) increased with a concentration of CaCl2 due to the bridging effect of Ca2+ between adsorbate BSA and adsorbent HAP. On the other hand, it decreased remarkably with a concentration of K2HPO4. This was explained in terms of the effects of ionic strength and competitive adsorption between inorganic phosphate anion (Pi) and BSA, because BSA is in negatively charged over the examined pHs. A similar effect was observed in the presence of phosphorylated compounds such as phosphoserine, phytate, and phosphorylated polyvinylalcohol. The inhibiting effect of these compounds was stronger than that of their mother compounds (serine, inositol, and polyvinylalcohol). This result shows that phosphate groups bound to the mother compounds interfere with the adsorption of BSA by HAP in the same manner that Pi does. Although the adsorption of BSA was almost irreversible with respect to dilution with water, desorption was performed when these organic phosphorylated compounds were added after the accomplishment of the adsorption of BSA. However, the effective concentration of the phosphorylated compounds for the desorption of BSA was fairly higher than that for the competitive inhibition against the BSA adsorption.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定蜂蜜中20种全氟烷基化合物

建立了高效液相色谱-串联质谱(HPLC-MS/MS)同时测定蜂蜜中20种全氟烷基化合物(PFASs)含量的分析方法。采用改进的QuEChERS方法对样品进行前处理,用含1.5%(v/v)甲酸的乙腈溶液振荡提取,C_(18)和N-丙基乙二胺(PSA)吸附剂净化,Atlantis T3 C_(18)色谱柱(150 mm×2.1 mm,3μm)分离,以含5 mmol/L乙酸铵的甲醇溶液和5 mmol/L乙酸铵溶液为流动相进行梯度洗脱。在电喷雾离子(ESI)源负离子模式下以多反应监测(MRM)扫描,采用同位素内标法进行定量分析。结果表明,20种PFASs在16 min内即可完成分离,在0.2~10μg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r)均大于0.99;检出限(LOD,S/N=3)和定量限(LOQ,S/N=10)分别为0.04~0.10μg/kg和0.10~0.20μg/kg。在0.1、0.5、1.0和2.0μg/kg加标水平下,20种PFASs的加标回收率为72.6%~113.0%,RSD为0.4%~15.9%(n=6)。该法快速、高效、准确,适用于蜂蜜样品中20种PFASs的同时检测。     

Modeling of the adsorption of organic compounds on polymeric nanofiltration membranes in solutions containing two compounds.

The adsorption of organic compounds in aqueous solution on polymeric nanofiltration membranes is studied; this process is one of the most important fouling mechanisms influencing the flux and retention behavior of nanofiltration membranes. It is shown that the adsorption of dissolved organic compounds on polymeric nanofiltration membranes is comparable to that on activated carbon. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms are used to describe the relation between the adsorbed mass on the membrane and the equilibrium concentration of the organic compound in a single-compound solution. Based on these results, three models for the adsorption of solutions containing several compounds [i.e., the simple competitive adsorption model (SCAM), the model of Jain-Snoeyinck, and the model of Butler-Ockrent] were used to predict the adsorption behavior of an organic compound in an aqueous solution containing two compounds. The results of the three models were compared to experimental observations. It is shown that the SCAM allows a good prediction of the adsorption behavior.     

蛋中全氟/多氟化合物的分析方法及其作为污染指示物的应用

全氟和多氟化合物(perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkylated substances, PFASs)在环境中有极强的持久性和生物富集能力,在全球生态系统及人体中已被普遍检出,其潜在的毒性引起了人们高度关注。蛋是卵生动物生命的起源,同时其营养丰富,是人类主要的蛋白质来源之一,因此,蛋中的污染物水平一方面有可能影响卵生动物种族繁衍,另一方面也关系到人类的健康风险。近年来禽蛋类样品作为非损伤性生物基质已广泛应用于生物体和生态系统污染情况的评估,同时利用蛋类样品中污染物水平评估相应的遗传发育毒性风险和摄入健康风险的研究也逐渐增多。该文对现有文献中蛋中PFASs的样品前处理和仪器检测方法进行了归纳总结,并且对蛋作为PFASs污染指示物的适用性和先进性进行了讨论。     

Environmental Risk Assessment Resulting from Sediment Contamination with Perfluoroalkyl Substances

Due to wide use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (e.g., in metal-plating, in fire-fighting foam, lubricants) and their resistance to degradation, they occur widely in the environment. The aim of this study was to estimate the environmental risk resulting from the presence of PFASs in the Gulf of Gdansk. Therefore, 17 PFASs concentrations were determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UPLC-MS/MS). Additionally, sediment ecotoxicity was investigated. The results of the chemical analysis were used to asses environmental risk of PFASs. In samples collected around discharge collectors from a wastewater treatment plant and the Vistula mouth, Σ17PFASs values were 0.00403 ÷ 40.6 and 0.509 ÷ 614 ng/g d.w., respectively. In samples collected around discharge collectors, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFHpA, and PFOA were dominating, while at the Vistula River mouth, PFHxS, PFDS, and PFBS were prevalent. For most sediments, no toxic effect was observed in the toxicity tests with Heterocypris inconguens and Aliivibrio ficsheri. There was no observed correlation between the PFASs level and their ecotoxicity. Generally, the results of environmental risk assessment indicate that the PFASs would not generate high impact on the aquatic life (five water samples have shown medium risk related to PFBS and PFDoA).     

A quartz crystal microbalance study of the adsorption of quaternary ammonium derivates on iron and cementite

The adsorption of alkyl trimethyl ammonium bromide with alkyl groups from C₁₀ to C₁₆ onto solid surfaces (iron and cementite (Fe₃C)) is investigated with and without NaCl. For the first time the adsorption of these surface active compounds onto model carbon steel compounds are measured directly by the use of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The adsorption increases steeply around the critical micelle concentration (cmc) in bulk which was also determined for the homologous series. The adsorption of the higher homologues shows rather rigid surface structures while a detailed interpretation of the isotherms for the lowest homologues is disturbed by high bulk viscosities. Based on the obtained results, and in comparison with similar adsorbents on hydrophilic oxide surfaces, it is concluded that the surfactant is adsorbed patchwise in similar structures as in bulk. Finally, the possibilities for close-packing of the surfactant film are discussed.     

Adsorption of aromatic compounds from solutions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-heptane by modified nanoporous silica

The adsorption of anisole, anthracene, benzoic acid, benzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, phenol, and carbon tetrachloride from dilute solutions in n-heptane on the modified nanoporous silica sorbents, Silasorb C18 and Phenyl-Silasorb, at 298 K is investigated by developing liquid chromatography. The Henry law constants and Helmholtz energy of adsorption for these aromatic compounds are calculated from their retention values. The adsorption isotherms of the aromatic compounds are calculated from their chromatographic peaks with allowances made for longitudinal smearing. A correlation is made between the Henry law constants calculated from the retention values of the aromatic compounds and from their adsorption isotherms. The influences of the surface modification of the silica adsorbents and the molecular structure of the aromatic compounds on their elution from the chromatographic column with n-heptane as the eluent are discussed. Contributions of functional groups in the molecules of the aromatic compounds to the Helmholtz energy of adsorption on different surfaces are estimated.