Despite extensive research on the environmental contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), their occurrence across diverse indoor microenvironments remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, we analyzed a broad spectrum of PFAS in dust samples collected from residential settings (n = 14) and six types of public environments in South China between July and September 2022, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Of the 35 target compounds, 19 PFAS were detected with detection frequencies exceeding 50%. Ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors emerged as the dominant species, with concentrations substantially higher than those of legacy compounds such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFAS concentrations varied by microenvironment, with offices exhibiting the highest levels (median 516 ng/g), likely attributable to the widespread use of PFAS-containing materials and confined space. Estimated exposure via dust ingestion revealed that toddlers experienced the highest intake (0.692 ng/kg/day) among all age groups in household environments, due to greater dust ingestion rates. Our study highlights the widespread occurrence of emerging PFAS, including ultrashort- and short-chain PFAAs and PFAA precursors, in indoor environments in South China and emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance and regulatory measures for these substances.
Yu-Ge Liang, Xiaoyuan Guo, Chenglin Liu et al.· Environmental Pollution· 0 citations
Biodegradable plastics like polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) are increasingly marketed as alternatives to conventional plastics, yet how soil properties regulate degradation kinetics, how intact films and microplastic fragments differentially affect microbial communities, and which metabolic pathways and functional genes govern mineralization remain unclear. The present study investigated PBAT degradation mechanisms in 10 distinct agricultural soils by integrating metagenomics, microbial community analysis, and strain isolation. The results revealed that the environmental fate of PBAT is critically modulated by soil properties. Neutral-alkaline powdery loam soils exhibited the highest degradation efficiency. Soil physicochemical properties indirectly modulate PBAT weight loss by altering the gene abundance of hydrolases and aromatic-degrading enzymes, with soil nitrogen content serving as a key regulatory factor. Metagenomic correlation analysis suggests that PBAT degradation is associated with specific microbial consortia, including Hydrogenophaga and Ascomycota fungi. Microplastic particles of PBAT induced greater disturbances than intact films, as evidenced by significant reductions in microbial diversity, altered community structure, and shifts in functional gene composition. A complete degradation pathway, including initial polymer cleavage followed by terephthalic acid assimilation via the β-ketoadipate pathway, was elucidated. These results provide mechanistic insights into soil-specific PBAT degradation and facilitate risk assessment and sustainable management of biodegradable plastics.
Xin-Yu Zhang, Jia-Hui Yuan, Lu-Ke Wang et al.· Environmental Science &...· 0 citations
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