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Effect of short-term sample storage and preparatory conditions on losses of 18 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to container materials
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Researchers tested how 18 types of PFAS "forever chemicals" stuck to common lab container materials and found losses of up to 51% over 7 days, especially for longer-chain PFAS in plastic containers like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. Adding methanol to samples reduced these losses, with glass and PET containers retaining PFAS most reliably during storage.
There is a lack of agreement on a suitable container material for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis, particularly at trace levels. In this study, the losses of 18 short- and long-chain (C4-C10) PFAS to commonly used labware materials (high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene co-polymer (PPCO), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and glass were investigated. The influence of sample storage and preparation conditions, i.e., storage time, solvent composition, storage temperatures (4 °C and 20 °C), and sample agitation techniques (shaking and centrifugation) on PFAS losses to the container materials were investigated. The results showed higher losses for most of the considered PFAS (up to 50.9%) in 100% aqueous solutions after storage for 7 days regardless of the storage temperature compared to those after 3 days. Overall, the order of losses to different materials varied for individual PFAS, with the highest losses of long-chain PFAS observed to PP and HDPE after 7-day storage at room temperature. The addition of methanol to aqueous PFAS solutions reduced the losses of long-chain PFAS to all tested materials. The use of sample centrifugation and shaking did not influence the extent of losses for most of the PFAS in 80:20 water:methanol (%, v/v) to container materials except for 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS), 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS). This study demonstrates lower losses of both long- and short-chain PFAS to glass and PET. It also highlights the need for caution when deciding on sample preparatory steps and storage during the analysis of PFAS.
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Analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) extraction from contaminated firefighting materials: Effects of cleaning agent, temperature, and chain-length dependencies
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Researchers tested how effectively 22 types of PFAS "forever chemicals" — used in firefighting foam and gear — can be removed from contaminated materials using different washing methods and temperatures. They found that shorter-chain PFAS compounds wash out more easily, and that higher temperatures improve removal, but PFAS levels can slowly rebound in materials days after cleaning.
Adsorption of PFAS onto secondary microplastics: A mechanistic study
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Researchers studied how PFAS (toxic "forever chemicals") attach to microplastics that form when PET water bottles break down in the environment. They found that PFAS bonds to these microplastic surfaces within hours in both fresh and salt water, meaning microplastics can act as carriers for these harmful chemicals. This is concerning because people may be exposed to both microplastics and the dangerous chemicals hitchhiking on them through contaminated water.
Polymer-dependent accumulation of PFASs on microplastics in Xiamen Bay: field evidence and laboratory partitioning
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Scientists found that "forever chemicals" (PFASs), which are linked to health problems like cancer and immune issues, tend to stick to microplastic pieces floating in coastal waters—especially foam plastic like polystyrene, which soaked up more of these chemicals than other plastic types, and even more so after sun exposure broke it down further. This matters because it suggests plastic litter in the ocean isn't just a physical pollution problem—it can also act like a sponge that concentrates toxic chemicals, potentially making its way up the food chain to the seafood we eat.
Molecular-Scale Insights into the Interactions between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polyethylene
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics can strongly attract and hold onto toxic "forever chemicals" called PFAS, which are already found in drinking water and food. This means microplastics in our environment could act like sponges that collect these harmful chemicals and potentially transport them to new places, including into our bodies. The research helps explain why these two types of pollution might work together to create bigger health risks than either one alone.
Review of Recent Computational Research on the Adsorption of PFASs with a Variety of Substrates
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This review summarizes recent computer modeling research on how PFAS, sometimes called "forever chemicals," stick to various materials, which could help develop better cleanup methods. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics, both are persistent environmental pollutants that resist breakdown and accumulate in the body. Understanding how these chemicals interact with surfaces at the molecular level could lead to more effective ways to remove them from contaminated water and soil.
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