Monitoring perfluorinated surfactants in biota and surface water samples following an accidental release of fire-fighting foam into Etobicoke Creek

Perfluorinated surfactants have emerged as priority environmental contaminants due to recent reports of their detection in environmental and biological matrices as well as concerns regarding their persistence and toxicity. In June 2000, 22000 L of fire retardant foam containing perfluorinated surfactants was accidentally released at L. B. Pearson International Airport, Toronto, ON, and subsequently entered into Etobicoke Creek, a tributary to Lake Ontario. A suite of analytical tools that include liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and 19F NMR were employed to characterize fish (common shiner, Notropus cornutus) and surface water samples collected following the discharge of the perfluorinated material. Total perfluoroalkanesulfonate (4, 6, and 8 carbons) concentrations in fish liver samples ranged from 2.00 to 72.9 microg/g, and total perfluorocarboxylate (5-14 carbons) concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 1.02 microg/g. In addition to fish samples, total perfluoroalkanesulfonate (6 and 8 carbons) concentrations were detected in creek water samples by LC/MS/MS over a 153 day sampling period with concentrations ranging from <0.017 to 2260 microg/L; perfluorooctanoate concentrations (<0.009-11.3 microg/L) were lower than those observed for the perfluoroalkane-sulfonates. By 19F NMR, the total perfluorinated surfactant concentrations in surface water samples ranged from < 10 to 17000 microg/L. A bioaccumulation factor range of 6300-125000 was calculated for perfluorooctanesulfonate, based on concentrations in fish liver and surface water. The residence time of perfluorooctanesulfonate in Etobicoke Creek as well as the high bioaccumulation in fish liver suggests that perfluorinated surfactants will persist and bioaccumulate following release into the aquatic environment.     

Monitoring of perfluorinated compounds in edible fish from the Mediterranean Sea

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) are environmental contaminants belonging to a chemical group known as perfluorinated compounds (PCFs). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) considers both compounds to be carcinogenic. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the contamination levels of PFOS and PFOA in edible fish of the Mediterranean Sea. Twenty six fish muscles, 17 fish livers, five series of cephalopods (each composed of ten specimens) and thirteen series of bivalves (each composed of about 50 specimens) were used for the investigation. A fast sample treatment, followed by an LC–ESI–MS/MS method is described for the identification, and quantification of PFOA and PFOS in fish. The method was in-house-validated through the determination of precision, accuracy, specificity, calibration curve, decision limit (CCα), and detection capability (CCβ). The results showed PFOA and PFOS levels in fishes and molluscs lower than those reported for analogue matrices in different geographic areas. Therefore, our biomonitoring results did not show that the Mediterranean Sea had any particularly alarming pollution by PFCs, although it is located in a semi-closed basin with scarce water change. Nonetheless, a worrying element is that a few fish showed extremely high contamination by PFOA and PFOS. This finding needs further clarification in order to assess whether such unusual contamination is linked to “dot-like” pollutant release, which could explain the anomaly.     

Identification of long-chain perfluorinated acids in biota from the Canadian Arctic

Recently it was discovered that humans and animals from various urban and remote global locations contained a novel class of persistent fluorinated contaminants, the most pervasive of which was perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Lower concentrations of perfluorooctanoate, perfluorohexane sulfonate, and heptadecafluorooctane sulfonamide have also been detected in various samples. Although longer perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) are used in industry and have been detected in fish following a spill of aqueous film forming foam, no studies have been conducted to examine the widespread occurrence of long-chain PFCAs (e.g., CF3(CF2)xCOO-, where x > 6). To provide a preliminary assessment of fluorinated contaminants, including PFCAs, in the Canadian Arctic, polar bears, ringed seals, arctic fox, mink, common loons, northern fulmars, black guillemots, and fish were collected at various locations in the circumpolar region. PFOS was the major contaminant detected in most samples and in polar bear liver was the most prominent organohalogen (mean PFOS = 3.1 microg/g wet weight) compared to individual polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, chlordane, or hexachlorocyclohexane-related chemicals in fat. Using two independent mass spectral techniques, it was confirmed that all samples also contained ng/g concentrations of a homologous series of PFCAs, ranging in length from 9 to 15 carbons. Sum concentrations of PFCAs (sum(PFCAs)) were lower than total PFOS equivalents (sum(PFOS)) in all samples except for mink. In mink, perfluorononanoate (PFNA) concentrations exceeded PFOS concentrations, indicating that PFNA and other PFCAs should be considered in future risk assessments. Mammals feeding at higher trophic levels had greater concentrations of PFOS and PFCAs than mammals feeding at lower trophic positions. In general, odd-length PFCAs exceeded the concentration of even-length PFCAs, and concentrations decreased with increasing chain length in mammals. PFOS and PFCA concentrations were much lower for animals living in the Canadian Arctic than for the same species living in mid-latitude regions of the United States. Future studies should continue to monitor all fluorinated contaminants and examine the absolute and relative toxicities for this novel suite of PFCAs.     

Keratoconus: An updated review

Keratoconus is a bilateral and asymmetric disease which results in progressive thinning and steeping of the cornea leading to irregular astigmatism and decreased visual acuity. Traditionally, the condition has been described as a noninflammatory disease; however, more recently it has been associated with ocular inflammation. Keratoconus normally develops in the second and third decades of life and progresses until the fourth decade. The condition affects all ethnicities and both sexes. The prevalence and incidence rates of keratoconus have been estimated to be between 0.2 and 4,790 per 100,000 persons and 1.5 and 25 cases per 100,000 persons/year, respectively, with highest rates typically occurring in 20- to 30-year-olds and Middle Eastern and Asian ethnicities. Progressive stromal thinning, rupture of the anterior limiting membrane, and subsequent ectasia of the central/paracentral cornea are the most commonly observed histopathological findings. A family history of keratoconus, eye rubbing, eczema, asthma, and allergy are risk factors for developing keratoconus. Detecting keratoconus in its earliest stages remains a challenge. Corneal topography is the primary diagnostic tool for keratoconus detection. In incipient cases, however, the use of a single parameter to diagnose keratoconus is insufficient, and in addition to corneal topography, corneal pachymetry and higher order aberration data are now commonly used. Keratoconus severity and progression may be classified based on morphological features and disease evolution, ocular signs, and index-based systems. Keratoconus treatment varies depending on disease severity and progression. Mild cases are typically treated with spectacles, moderate cases with contact lenses, while severe cases that cannot be managed with scleral contact lenses may require corneal surgery. Mild to moderate cases of progressive keratoconus may also be treated surgically, most commonly with corneal cross-linking. This article provides an updated review on the definition, epidemiology, histopathology, aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, detection, classification, and management and treatment strategies for keratoconus.     

鸡蛋中全氟化合物残留特征及其风险评估

为探究鸡蛋中全氟化合物(perfluorinated compounds,PFCs)的残留特征及其健康风险,采用离子对萃取与高效液相色谱质谱联用相结合的方法,对全国11个省(直辖市)产地鸡蛋中12种PFCs进行了分析,结果显示:全氟辛烷磺酸(perfluorooctane sulfonate,PFOS)与全氟辛酸(perfluorooctanoic acid,PFOA)是鸡蛋中主要残留物,东部沿海产鸡蛋中ΣPFCs高于内陆,北方产鸡蛋中PFOS含量较高,煮鸡蛋中ΣPFCs仅为生鸡蛋11%。PFOS、PFOA风险评估结果显示,鸡蛋中PFCs对人体不具即时危害。     

食品中全氟化合物分析技术研究进展

全氟化合物(perfluorinated compounds,PFCs)是一类人工合成的脂肪烃类化合物,自上个世纪50年代合成以来,该类化合物以其优良的稳定性及表面活性作为加工助剂被应用于多种民用及工业领域,如纺织品、灭火器和油漆等行业。近些年来越来越多的调查研究发现,在空气、沉积物、饮用水、海水和食品中检测出全氟类化合物。膳食作为人体暴露PFCs的重要途径之一,已受到了各国研究人员的重视。本文综述了食品中PFCs的检测技术的研究进展,讨论了不同食品中PFCs的前处理及检测方法,当前主要采用离子对液液萃取和液固萃取,WAX柱净化提取液,液相色谱-质谱联用技术定量分析食品中的PFCs。由于食品中PFCs处于痕量水平,对该类物质的检测方法中空白本底的控制尤为重要。另外,全氟化合物存在的多种同分异构体之间的差异将是研究人员对其准确监测的困难之一。     

Biomagnification of perfluorinated compounds in a remote terrestrial food chain: Lichen-Caribou-wolf

The biomagnification behavior of perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) was studied in terrestrial food webs consisting of lichen and plants, caribou, and wolves from two remote northern areas in Canada. Six PFCAs with eight to thirteen carbons and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were regularly detected in all species. Lowest concentrations were found for vegetation (0.02-0.26 ng/g wet weight (ww) sum (Σ) PFCAs and 0.002-0.038 ng/g ww PFOS). Wolf liver showed highest concentrations (10-18 ng/g ww ΣPFCAs and 1.4-1.7 ng/g ww PFOS) followed by caribou liver (6-10 ng/g ww ΣPFCAs and 0.7-2.2 ng/g ww PFOS). Biomagnification factors were highly tissue and substance specific. Therefore, individual whole body concentrations were calculated and used for biomagnification and trophic magnification assessment. Trophic magnification factors (TMF) were highest for PFCAs with nine to eleven carbons (TMF = 2.2-2.9) as well as PFOS (TMF = 2.3-2.6) and all but perfluorooctanoate were significantly biomagnified. The relationship of PFCA and PFSA TMFs with the chain length in the terrestrial food chain was similar to previous studies for Arctic marine mammal food web, but the absolute values of TMFs were around two times lower for this study than in the marine environment. This study demonstrates that challenges remain for applying the TMF approach to studies of biomagnification of PFCAs and PFSAs, especially for terrestrial animals.     

食品中全氟化合物的检测技术研究进展

全氟化合物(perfluorinated compounds,PFCs)是一类含氟烃类化合物,被广泛应用于皮革、造纸、纺织以及防水涂层等行业。由于全氟化合物具有潜在的环境污染持久性、生物毒性和累积性,目前已经通过食品包装材料或生物链累积严重危害到了人类的食品安全和公共健康。食品中全氟化合物含量的检测已经成为各国研究的热点。本文主要介绍了食品中全氟化合物检测技术的研究进展,包括液相色谱-质谱法、超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法、常压离子化质谱以及气相色谱-质谱联用法等不同检测技术的优缺点,并对全氟化合物检测的发展方向进行了展望。     

食品接触材料中全氟化合物的迁移规律研究

目的研究全氟化合物从食品接触材料到食品模拟物中的迁移规律。方法根据全氟化合物制品在日常生活中的使用情况,选择4个品牌的纸杯和3个品牌的包装袋进行了试验,以全氟辛酸、全氟辛烷磺酸等为研究对象,参考食品接触材料及制品迁移试验通则的具体要求,采用不同食品模拟物、不同操作方式、不同保存时间和温度等因素考察对全氟新烷磺酸、全氟辛酸的迁移量和迁移规律的影响。目标化合物通过C_(18)色谱柱进行分离,以乙腈-5 mmol/L的乙酸铵为流动相进行梯度洗脱;流速0.2 mL/min;柱温为30℃;进样量1μL,由三重四级杆质谱进行定性和定量分析。结果数据显示在模拟物为食用油时PFOA的迁移量是最大的,超过0.01 ng/cm~2;其他情况PFOA的溶出量都低于0.002 ng/cm~2; PFOS的溶出量均较少,低于0.002 ng/cm~2。结论初步得到食品接触材料中典型全氟化合物的迁移规律基础数据,说明无论是何种品牌的纸杯或是包装袋,接触食物均会产生PFOA和PFOS的微量溶出,经过膳食暴露可能会引起健康危害。     

Association between perfluorinated compounds and pathological conditions in southern sea otters

Concentrations of four perfluorinated contaminants, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), were measured in liver tissue from 80 adult female sea otters collected from the California coast during 1992-2002. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were in the ranges of <1-884 and <5-147 ng/g, wet wt, respectively. Concentrations of PFOA in the livers of these sea otters were among the highest values reported for marine mammals to date. Liver tissue from 6 male sea otters also was analyzed and contained significantly higher concentrations of PFOS than did tissues from female otters. To examine the association between exposures and potential effects, concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were compared among the adult female otters that died from infectious diseases, noninfectious causes, and from apparent emaciation. Concentrations of both PFOA and PFOS were significantly higher in sea otters in the infectious disease category than in the noninfectious category. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were not significantly different between noninfectious and emaciated otters, suggesting that the poor nutritive (body) status of emaciated otters did not affectthe concentrations of perfluorochemicals in livers. Concentrations of PFOA increased significantly from 1992 to 2002, whereas PFOS concentrations increased from 1992to 1998 and then decreased after 2000. Significant association between infectious diseases and elevated concentrations of PFOS/PFOA in the livers of sea otters is a cause for concern and suggests the need for further studies.     

Encapsulating plant ingredients for dermocosmetic application: an updated review of delivery systems and characterization techniques

Today, there is a rising demand and ongoing search for novel plant-derived phytochemicals in the cosmetic market owing to the growing consumer expectations worldwide for green and natural health products. Various plant ingredients, including polyphenols, oils, volatile oils, vitamins and other herbal extracts, have been extensively used in herbal cosmetics. Recent advances in encapsulation technologies have greatly improved their chemical stability, biocompatibility, skin permeability and dermocosmetic efficiency when applied topically. This comprehensive review summarizes the up-to-date information on encapsulated plant ingredients tailored for dermocosmetic application with a focus on the development of novel delivery systems. An overview of the commonly used techniques for carrier characterization, performance-related properties and toxicological evaluation is also included, which might provide guidance for researchers to select or develop appropriate assay systems.     

Trophic magnification of poly- and perfluorinated compounds in a subtropical food web

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are known to biomagnify in temperate and Arctic food webs, but little is known about their behavior in subtropical systems. The environmental distribution and biomagnification of PFCs, extractable organic fluorine (EOF), and total fluorine were investigated in a subtropical food web. Surface water, sediment, phytoplankton, zooplankton, gastropods, worms, shrimps, fishes, and waterbirds collected in the Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve in Hong Kong were analyzed. Trophic magnification was observed for perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and perfluorododecanoate (PFDoDA) in this food web. Risk assessment results for PFOS, PFDA, and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) suggest that current PFC concentrations in waterbird livers are unlikely to pose adverse biological effects to waterbirds. All hazard ratio (HR) values reported for PFOS and PFOA are less than one, which suggests that the detected levels will not cause any immediate health effects to the Hong Kong population through the consumption of shrimps and fishes. However, only 10-12% of the EOF in the shrimp samples was comprised of known PFCs, indicating the need for further investigation to identify unknown fluorinated compounds in wildlife.     

超高效液相色谱—串联质谱法同时测定动物源性食品中21种全氟类化合物残留

目的:建立超高效液相色谱—串联三重四极杆质谱(UPLC-MS/MS)同时测定动物源性食品中21种全氟类化合物残留的液质联用检测方法。方法:样品经1%甲酸—乙腈提取,C₁₈、N-丙基乙二胺(PSA)和石墨化碳黑(GCB)净化,通过Waters Acquity UPLC^?BEH C₁₈色谱柱分离,采用甲醇—5 mmol/L乙酸铵水溶液梯度洗脱,多反应监测(MRM)模式监测,采用电喷雾负离子扫描。结果:21种全氟类化合物在0.2～10.0 ng/mL范围内线性关系良好,定量限(S/N=10)为0.25μg/kg,在0.25,0.50,1.25μg/kg 3个加标量下,平均回收率为71%～118%,批内精密度为3.5%～18.3%(n=6);批间精密度为2.2%～13.8%(n=3)。结论:该方法前处理简单快速,灵敏度高,可以满足动物源性食品中全氟类化合物快速、准确的检测要求。     

中国部分主产区鸡肉中全氟化合物残留水平调查

目的通过对中国鸡肉部分主产区2014年1月至2015年4月的619份鸡肉样品中19种全氟化合物(11种全氟羧酸和8种全氟磺酸盐)浓度的检测,进行全氟化合物在鸡肉中污染状况的分析评价。方法样品采用溶剂萃取固相填料净化结合高效液相色谱-串联质谱法(HPLC-MS/MS)进行分析。结果 619份鸡肉样品中全氟化合物的总检出率为83.8%,共检出17种全氟化合物,以全氟戊酸(perfluoropentanoic acid,PFPe A)、全氟辛酸(perfluorooctanoic acid,PFOA)和全氟壬酸(perfluorononanoic acid,PFNA)的残留为主,其含量分别为0~1.26μg/kg,0~2.19μg/kg和0~0.76μg/kg。结论鸡肉部分主产区中PFCs的残留水平具有区域差异,人体健康风险评价表明,该4省市的鸡肉中PFOA和全氟辛烷磺酸盐(PFOS)不会对人体造成即时危害。     

Long-term environmental fate of perfluorinated compounds after accidental release at Toronto airport

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; a perfluorinated compound or PFC), its salts, and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride have recently been listed in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention due to their widespread presence, persistence, and toxicity. Because of the persistent nature of PFCs, it is generally presumed that the impact of direct discharges of these chemicals on a receiving environment would be long-lasting. However, long-term environmental fate studies based on field measurements are rare. We examined spatial and long-term (9 year) temporal trends of PFCs in water, sediment, fish, and fish liver collected in 2003, 2006, and 2009 from 10 locations spanning ～20 km in Etobicoke and Spring Creeks, where an accidental release of fire fighting foam containing PFOS from nearby Toronto International Airport occurred in 2000. Even a decade after the spill, sediment PFOS concentrations are still elevated in Spring Creek Pond which received the foam discharge; however, the major impact is relatively localized likely due to the stormwater management nature of the pond and the diluting effect of Etobicoke Creek. Fish and fish liver PFOS concentrations at a Spring Creek location downstream of Spring Creek Pond declined by about 70 and 85%, respectively, between 2003 and 2009. PFOS in water at locations further downstream in Etobicoke Creek have declined by >99.99% since the spill; however, the 2009 water and fish levels were ～2-10 times higher than upstream locations likely due to the long-term impact of the spill as well as urbanization. The decrease in the upstream PFOS concentrations likely reflects the reduction of PFOS sources due to phased out production by 3M and regulations on the use of PFOS in fire fighting foams. Field-based sediment/water distribution coefficients (K(D)) and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were calculated from environmental measurements. Log K(D) values were 0.54-1.65 for perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFASs) and 1.00-1.85 for perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs). Log BAF(fish) ranged from 1.85 to 3.24 for PFASs and 0.88-3.47 for PFCAs, whereas log BAF(fish liver) ranged from 2.1-4.3 for PFASs and 1.0-5.0 for PFCAs.     

Trans-placental transfer of thirteen perfluorinated compounds and relations with fetal thyroid hormones

While the results of animal studies have shown that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) can modulate concentrations of thyroid hormones in blood, limited information is available on relationships between concentrations of PFCs in human blood serum and fetal thyroid hormones. The relationship between concentrations of PFCs in blood and fetal thyroid hormone concentrations or birth weight, and ratios of major PFCs between maternal and fetal serum were determined. Concentrations of PFCs were measured in blood serum of pregnant women (n = 44), fetal cord blood serum (n = 43) and breast milk (n = 35). Total concentrations of thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronin (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in blood serum were also quantified. The ratios of major PFCs in maternal versus fetal serum were 1:1.93, 1.02, 0.72, and 0.48 for perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), respectively. Fetal PFOS, PFOA, PFTrDA and maternal PFTrDA were correlated with fetal total T4 concentrations, but after adjusting for major covariates, most of the relationships were no longer statistically significant. However, the significant negative correlations between maternal PFOS and fetal T3, and maternal PFTrDA and fetal T4 and T3 remained. Since thyroid hormones are crucial in the early development of the fetus, its clinical implication should be evaluated. Given the observed trans-placental transfer of PFCs, efforts should be also made to elucidate the exposure sources among pregnant women.     

液相色谱-串联质谱法测定鱼肉中的七种全氟有机物

建立了液相色谱-串联质谱检测鱼肉中七种全氟有机物残留的分析方法。通过优化和比较,样品选用甲醇均质提取,C18固相萃取小柱净化,以乙腈-5mmol/L乙酸铵为流动相经C8反相色谱柱分离后,采用多反应监测(MRM)负离子模式检测。阴性样品添加实验结果表明,特征离子相对强度比值稳定,基质效应干扰少,结合保留时间可实现准确的定性定量,方法检出限为0.01～0.03μg/kg(S/N=3),不同鱼肉基质样本添加水平在0.05～1.0μg/kg时,平均回收率为80.0%～120.0%,相对偏差(n=6)为2.9%～7.6%。     

Experimental evidence of a linear relationship between inorganic mercury loading and methylmercury accumulation by aquatic biota

Developing effective regulations on mercury (Hg) emissions requires a better understanding of how atmospheric Hg deposition affects methylmercury (MeHg) levels in aquatic biota. This study tested the hypothesis that MeHg accumulation in aquatic food webs is related to atmospheric Hg deposition. We simulated a range of inorganic Hg deposition rates by adding isotopically enriched Hg(II) (90.9% 202Hg) to 10-m diameter mesocosms in a boreal lake. Concentrations of experimentally added ("spike") Hg were monitored in zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and fish. Some Hg(II) added to the mesocosms was methylated and incorporated into the food web within weeks, demonstrating that Hg(II) deposited directly to aquatic ecosystems can become quickly available to biota. Relationships between Hg(II) loading rates and spike MeHg concentrations in zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and fish were linear and significant. Furthermore, spike MeHg concentrations in the food web were directly proportional to Hg(II) loading rates (i.e., a percent change in Hg(II) loading rate resulted in, statistically, the same percent change in MeHg concentration). This is the first experimental determination of the relationship between Hg(II) loading and MeHg bioaccumulation in aquatic biota. We conclude that changes in atmospheric Hg deposition caused by increases or decreases in Hg emissions will ultimately affect MeHg levels in aquatic food webs.     

Volatile flavor compounds in yogurt: a review

Considerable knowledge has been accumulated on the volatile compounds contributing to the aroma and flavor of yogurt. This review outlines the production of the major flavor compounds in yogurt fermentation and the analysis techniques, both instrumental and sensory, for quantifying the volatile compounds in yogurt. The volatile compounds that have been identified in plain yogurt are summarized, with the few key aroma compounds described in detail. Most flavor compounds in yogurt are produced from lipolysis of milkfat and microbiological transformations of lactose and citrate. More than 100 volatiles, including carbonyl compounds, alcohols, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, sulfur-containing compounds, and heterocyclic compounds, are found in yogurt at low to trace concentrations. Besides lactic acid, acetaldehyde, diacetyl, acetoin, acetone, and 2-butanone contribute most to the typical aroma and flavor of yogurt. Extended storage of yogurt causes off-flavor development, which is mainly attributed to the production of undesired aldehydes and fatty acids during lipid oxidation. Further work on studying the volatile flavor compounds-matrix interactions, flavor release mechanisms, and the synergistic effect of flavor compounds, and on correlating the sensory properties of yogurt with the compositions of volatile flavor compounds are needed to fully elucidate yogurt aroma and flavor.