We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on soil structure and function
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed soil in laboratory experiments to three types of PFAS "forever chemicals" and found that even tiny concentrations altered key soil health indicators, including accelerating organic matter breakdown, changing soil pH, and disrupting the balance of bacteria and fungi. The results suggest PFAS pollution may be quietly undermining soil ecosystem functions across agricultural and natural landscapes worldwide.
Abstract Soils are impacted globally by several anthropogenic factors, including chemical pollutants. Among those, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of concern due to their high environmental persistence, and as they might affect soil structure and function. However, data on impacts of PFAS on soil structure and microbially-driven processes are currently lacking. This study explored the effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) at environmental-relevant concentrations on soil health, using a 6-week microcosm experiment. PFAS (even at 0.5 ng g −1 for PFBS) significantly increased litter decomposition, associated with positive effects on β-glucosidase activities. This effect increased with PFAS concentrations. Soil pH was significantly increased, likely as a direct consequence of increased litter decomposition affected by PFAS. Soil respiration was significantly inhibited by PFAS in week 3, while this effect was more variable in week 6. Water-stable aggregates were negatively affected by PFOS, possibly related to microbial shifts. PFAS affected soil bacterial and fungal abundance, but not microbial and certain enzyme activities. Our work highlights the potential effects of PFAS on soil health, and we argue that this substance class could be a factor of environmental change of potentially broad relevance in terrestrial ecosystem functioning.
More Papers Like This
Effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on soil structure and function
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — often called forever chemicals — affect soil structure and the microbial communities that drive nutrient cycling. PFAS are found in many plastic-associated products and coatings and persist in soils for decades. The authors identify significant gaps in understanding how PFAS concentrations found in real-world soils affect ecosystem health.
Microplastic and nanoplastic interactions with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils: a critical review of main findings and knowledge gaps.
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics in soil (from things like compost, sewage sludge, and irrigation water) can sometimes team up with "forever chemicals" (PFAS) and carry them further into the environment, but this review of 37 studies found it's not a guaranteed effect, since it depends heavily on the type of plastic, soil conditions, and chemical properties involved. This matters because PFAS and microplastics both end up in the food we grow, but scientists still don't know exactly when or how much plastics make PFAS contamination worse, so more real-world (not just lab) testing is needed before we can say how big a risk this combo poses to our food and health
Microbial ecosystem disruption under persistent organic pollutant stress: Consequences for soil biogeochemistry and environmental sustainability – A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how persistent organic pollutants disrupt soil microbial communities and the nutrient cycling processes they drive. Researchers found that these chemicals cause diversity loss, suppress beneficial microbes, and impair the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soils. The study also explores how co-contamination with microplastics and heavy metals can produce compounding effects on soil health, creating risks for agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability.
Integrated Monitoring, Remediation and Management of Soil Pollution: A Comprehensive Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This research review summarizes the latest methods for finding, cleaning up, and managing polluted soil that can harm human health through contaminated food and water. The study highlights that newer pollutants like microplastics and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) are especially hard to remove from soil using traditional cleanup methods. The authors argue that we need better, combined approaches to monitor and clean up soil pollution to protect our food supply and health.
Multi-omics approaches to assess the impact of emerging contaminants in soil ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
Everyday pollutants like microplastics, drug residues, and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) are quietly building up in soil from things like treated wastewater and farm runoff, and this review pulls together cutting-edge genetic and chemical analysis tools scientists are using to understand how these pollutants disrupt soil health. Since healthy soil is essential for growing safe food and supporting the microbes that keep ecosystems functioning, understanding this contamination matters for what ends up on our plates. The researchers note that better standardized testing methods are still needed before these tools can be widely used to protect soil and, ultimately.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.