Read the full story at Fast Company.
New research found that ocean spray spreads PFAS into the air and onto land, creating a vicious cycle of forever chemicals that never disappear.
Category: Emerging contaminants
Examining contaminants: Pinpointing threats to our health & safety
Read the full story from the Prairie Research Institute.
From the atmosphere and the air we breathe to the soil and the groundwater beneath it, Prairie Research Institute units have been at the forefront of studying contaminants for more than a century. Both well-known and emerging contaminants can cause ecological and human health concerns, and PRI scientists are interested in their sources, effects, and mitigation.
Development of calcium-modified biochar for enhanced phytoremediation of human-induced salt pollutants (HISPs)
Shen, J., Huang, G., Yao, Y., Li, M., Zhang, P., Zhao, K., & Rosendahl, S. (2024). “Development of calcium-modified biochar for enhanced phytoremediation of human-induced salt pollutants (HISPs).” Chemosphere, 355, 141860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141860
Abstract
Soil salinization is a major environmental hazard that limits land availability. Human-induced salt pollutants (HISPs) are regularly presented in large quantities on the contaminated site (such as brine leakages and salt-water spills), causing a devastating shock with high salt stress to the ecosystem. For instance, Saskatchewan resulted in a 48% drop in wheat production and a 0.3% decline in provincial GDP. As the calcium-modified biochar can potentially ameliorate the negative effects of HISPs on plants and improve the plant, phytoremediation with calcium-modified biochar can have increased detoxification of hazardous pollutants from sites. Therefore, the objective of our study was to develop a biochar-assisted phytoremediation employing diverse approaches to calcium modification for the sustainable removal of HISPs. The co-pyrolyzed calcium biochar achieved a remarkable removal rate of 18.06%, reducing salinity from 9.44 to 7.81 dS/m. During a 90-day long-term phytoremediation, the overall reduction rate of calcium-modified biochar stimulated the germination and growth of Thinopyrum ponticum. The result of post-treatment further indicated that co-pyrolyzed biochar with Ca transferred salt into the plant compared to Ca-coated biochar, which only immobilized HISPs on its surface. These results offer two different treatment approaches for diverse situations involving HISPs contamination, addressing current in-situ spills and providing a calcium-related biochar technology for further research in desalination.
Algal membrane bioreactors for efficient removal of emerging contaminants and resource recovery: Current advances and future outlook
Saini, N., Dhull, P., Pal, M., Manzoor, I., Rao, R., Mushtaq, B., & Aamir, M. (2024). Algal Membrane Bioreactors for Efficient Removal of Emerging Contaminants and Resource Recovery: Current Advances and Future Outlook. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 12(3), 112669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.112669
Abstract
Emerging contaminants (ECs), whether of synthetic or natural origin, pose a significant environmental concern, particularly in the context of industrial wastewater. The Algae Membrane Photobioreactor (AMBR) has emerged as a promising technology for ECs remediation. AMBRs effectively remove contaminants due to its considerable flexibility, scalability and a huge surface area for pollutant adsorption. The productivity and efficiency of biomass are increased when it operates in regulated conditions, which minimizes land footprint. AMBR hold immense appeal in favoring integrated circular economy approach and its implementation could achieve the goals for carbon-neutrality and resource recovery by producing value-added products like biofuels, bioplastics, biochemicals, animal feed, biofertilizers and waste re-uses. However, addressing scalability, harvesting efficiency, membrane fouling, algal strain optimization, economic viability, and regulatory approval are some of the challenges faced in order to the advancement of AMBR technology. Life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno-economic assessments (TEAs) are crucial area of future research in implementation of AMBR at pilot scale. LCA evaluates the sustainability of AMBRs with those of conventional techniques. In contrast, TEA examines economic viability parameters like cost-effectiveness, by-product market potential, and policy implications for AMBR implementation. This review emphasizes AMBR’s advantages over conventional wastewater treatment technologies in detail, focusing on algal physiology responsible for ECs removal. The innovations related to the design and configuration of AMBRs are also discussed. Several benefits of this technology via integrated circular paradigm are highlighted. Noteworthy pilot case studies, LCA, TEA, challenges and future perspective are spotlighted to underscore the compelling promise of this technology.
Tracing sources of diffuse PFAS pollution: PFAS contamination in soil near a municipal waste-to-energy plant
Dijkstra, J., Brunschwiler, N., and Griffioen, J. (2024). “Tracing sources of diffuse PFAS pollution: PFAS contamination in soil near a Municipal Waste-to-Energy plant.” EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-2002, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-2002.
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among which are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are common contaminants in Dutch soils, originating from fluorpolymer- factories (for PFOA), firefighting training grounds (for PFOS), or other often unknown sources. Previous research suggests that Municipal Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants may be a source for diffuse PFAS contamination in the Netherlands, where 13 WtE plants are currently operational. Even though PFAS compounds should be eliminated at the temperatures at which WtE plants operate, the existence of “cold spots” in the oven is known and may imply that PFAS survive the combustion process. To investigate the potential contribution of WtE plants to diffuse PFAS contamination, a case study was set up in which topsoils surrounding a WtE plant in Alkmaar (Netherlands) were investigated. Ten locations were selected of which the soil profiles were undisturbed at least for 50 years and for which no other known PFAS sources are nearby. Eight locations were in the predominant wind direction (from SW to NE) and within a 5 km radius from the WtE plant. Two reference locations were located upwind. Each location was drilled to a depth of 80 cm and sampled with 10 cm intervals. Samples were analysed for 10 different PFAS and various bulk chemical and physical soil properties. In addition, PFAS was analysed in ashes from several modern WtE plants.
PFAS content is generally above national threshold values in the top layer of the soil (<30 cm) downwind of the WtE plant. In addition, considerable PFAS contents were detected in the ashes from WtE plants, indicating that PFAS are able to survive the combustion. The PFAS soil profiles follow a bell-shaped pattern with the highest content observed at 10-20 cm depth rather than directly at the surface. This indicates that most of the PFAS contamination originates from past emissions which have now decreased. A weak correlation between the distance from the waste incinerator and the measured PFAS content in the soil profile is found. Hydrus-1D, a reactive transport model code, was used to calculate content-depth profiles of PFOA and PFOS under three different emission/deposition scenarios to assess whether the emissions could account for the observed contamination depth patterns. The model calculations support the hypothesis that the observed PFAS content-depth profile can be explained by historical emissions and that the main source of contamination has decreased. This observation is consistent with the termination of a previous waste incineration plant, located on nearly the same spot, in 1996. The old incineration plant is likely to have had a less efficient combustion process. Based on the results of this study, a contribution of waste incineration to diffuse PFAS contamination is likely; additional research is needed to investigate the influence of other possible sources.
EPA adds seven more PFAS “forever chemicals” to Toxics Release Inventory reporting program
Read the full story from Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory program, publishing the final rule in the Federal Register on May 17. With the inclusion of these chemicals, EPA now lists 196 PFAS chemicals subject to the TRI reporting requirements under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (“EPCRA”).
The seven chemicals are:
- Perfluorohexanoic acid (“PFHxA”); Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (“CASRN”) 307-24-4;
- Perfluoropropanoic acid (“PFPrA”); CASRN 422-64-0;
- Sodium perfluorohexanoate; CASRN 2923-26-4;
- Ammonium perfluorohexanoate; CASRN 21615-47-4;
- 1,1,1-Trifluoro-N-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] methanesulfonamide (“TFSI”); CASRN 82113-65-3;
- Lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] azanide; CASRN 90076-65-6; and
- Betaines, dimethyl(.gamma.-.omega.-perfluoro-.gamma.-hydro-C8-18-alkyl); CASRN 2816091-53-7.
Coal ash is polluting Illinois rivers. Environmentalists want the state to move faster to stop it
Read the full story from Illinois Public Media.
Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal. It contains carcinogens and toxins like mercury and lead. Dynegy Midwest Generation took ownership of the site – including its three coal ash ponds — near the Middle Fork in 2018.
Illinois lawmakers have taken steps in recent years to provide more oversight to the dozens of coal ash sites across the state — to ensure toxins don’t leak into the environment.
In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, which prohibits coal ash discharge into the environment. As a requirement of the act, Illinois adopted rules in 2021 that assigned the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to assign permits to companies with coal ash ponds, laying out plans to operate on — or close — the sites.
But the process is moving more slowly than some environmental activists would like. At this point, only a couple permits are open for public comment, and none have been issued.
Toxic gaslighting: How 3M executives convinced a scientist the forever chemicals she found in human blood were safe
Read the full story at ProPublica.
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people’s bodies. Her bosses halted her work. As the EPA now forces the removal of the chemicals from drinking water, she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
Complementary and Integrative Interventions To Prevent and Mitigate the Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
June 10-11, 2024, online.
View the draft agenda and register here.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is partnering with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to hold a 2-day workshop to stimulate discussion about and interest in researching ways to reduce and mitigate the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in people who have been exposed. Speakers will present promising research findings and discuss ideas for further research. Spanish-language interpretation will be provided for those who indicate the need.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is partnering with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to host the meeting.
Researchers team up with tribe, community to fight PFAS with plants
Read the full story at Environmental Factor.
Scientists supported by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) together with community and tribal members are using phytoremediation to remove PFAS from a contaminated site in northern Maine. Phytoremediation is a technique that takes advantage of plants’ ability to take up and accumulate hazardous substances from the environment.
To boost the plants’ uptake of PFAS, the research team also plans to use nanoparticles made from silica, a chemical that is the main constituent of most rocks and minerals, and small carbon nanoparticles, called carbon dots.
Minnesota publishes new information concerning PFAS in products
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced on March 26, 2024, that it has published new information concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products. This information includes:
- Recommendations on how to dispose of products that may contain PFAS when they reach the end of their useful life. MPCA states that a business may be subject to liability under the Minnesota Environmental Response and Liability Act (MERLA) if it releases PFAS from products containing PFAS. To limit this potential liability, MPCA recommends managing the following products containing PFAS normal solid waste: carpets/rugs; cookware; cosmetics and personal care products; dental floss; food packaging; juvenile products; menstruation products; textile furnishings; upholstered furniture; and water-resistant fabrics. According to MPCA, the following products should be managed as hazardous waste: Class B firefighting foam concentrate; cleaning products; liquid/spray fabric treatments; and ski wax.
- Details on the types of products that will be subject to PFAS prohibitions in January 2025. At that time, Minnesota will prohibit intentionally added PFAS in products from 11 categories under Amara’s Law. According to MPCA, its interpretation of the statutory definition of each of these categories will determine the products prohibited. MPCA states that, “[f]or example, the prohibition on PFAS in the dental floss category will include any product designed to be drawn between the teeth to remove food particles and prevent dental plaque. The prohibition on PFAS in the upholstered furniture category will include water and stain repellent finishes on the outer fabric and also electronic components found in upholstered furniture, including massage chairs and mattresses. The prohibition on PFAS in carpets and rugs category will include artificial turf.” MPCA notes that prohibitions on intentionally added PFAS in the 11 categories of products effective January 2025 are not part of rulemaking and are not subject to “currently unavoidable use” (CUU) determinations that are applicable to other products beginning in 2032.
MPCA will publish details on other product categories in response to questions it has received.
New EPA rules close a ‘huge loophole’ on coal ash, forcing wide-scale cleanup, advocates say
Read the full story from Energy News Network.
Environmental advocates say new rules announced Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should close a loophole that has helped power plant operators skirt responsibility for toxic coal ash pollution at scores of sites nationwide.
Two rules — part of a suite of new regulations on fossil fuel power plants that also include the first-ever carbon emissions limits — may offer the broadest tools yet for forcing cleanup of hundreds of ponds, landfills, and impoundments known to be holding coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal.
EPA’s latest PFAS guidance offers more data but it raises new questions about destruction and disposal
Read the full story at Waste Dive.
Landfills release more PFAS to the environment than previously thought, according to updated PFAS destruction and disposal guidance from the U.S. EPA. To curb such releases, the agency saidmore research is needed to determine which technologies and methods will be most effective.
The EPA is required to update destruction and disposal guidance every three years with the most up-to-date information on such technologies. This latest version, released earlier this month, comes amid other major PFAS announcements that will affect how waste operators manage PFAS. On Friday, the EPA announced that PFOS and PFOA are hazardous substances. The agency also recently announced drinking water standards for certain PFAS.
Sustainable removal of caffeine and acetaminophen from water using biomass waste-derived activated carbon: Synthesis, characterization, and modelling
Melliti, A., Touihri, M., Kofroňová, J., Hannachi, C., Sellaoui, L., Bonilla-Petriciolet, A., & Vurm, R. (2024). Sustainable removal of caffeine and acetaminophen from water using biomass waste-derived activated carbon: Synthesis, characterization, and modelling. Chemosphere, 355, 141787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141787
Abstract
The removal of caffeine (CFN) and acetaminophen (ACT) from water using low-cost activated carbons prepared from artichoke leaves (AAC) and pomegranate peels (PAC) was reported in this paper. These activated carbons were characterized using various analytical techniques. The results showed that AAC and PAC had surface areas of 1203 and 1095 m2 g−1, respectively. The prepared adsorbents were tested for the adsorption of these pharmaceuticals in single and binary solutions. These experiments were performed under different operating conditions to evaluate the adsorption properties of these adsorbents to remove CFN and ACT. AAC and PAC showed maximum adsorption capacities of 290.86 and 258.98 mg g−1 for CFN removal, 281.18 and 154.99 mg g−1 for the ACT removal over a wide pH range. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data fitted to the Langmuir model and the kinetic data were correlated with the pseudo-second order model. AAC showed the best adsorption capacities for the removal of these pharmaceuticals in single systems and, consequently, it was tested for the simultaneous removal of these pollutants in binary solutions. The simultaneous adsorption of these compounds on AAC was improved using the central composite design and response surface methodology. The results indicated an antagonistic effect of CFN on the ACT adsorption. AAC regeneration was also analyzed and discussed. A statistical physics model was applied to describe the adsorption orientation of the tested pollutants on both activated carbon samples. It was concluded that AAC is a promising adsorbent for the removal of emerging pollutants due to its low cost and reusability properties.
How Patagonia and other brands are getting rid of ‘forever chemicals’ in your clothes
Read the full story from Fast Company.
Hundreds of products are made with PFAS, including apparel. Here’s how clothing companies are phasing out those toxic chemicals now.
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