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 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.
Abstract Soils are impacted at a global scale 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 health and functions. However, data on impacts of PFASs 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 nominal concentrations (1 ~ 1000 ng g −1 ) on soil functions, using a 6-week microcosm experiment. We measured soil respiration, litter decomposition, enzyme and microbial activities, soil aggregates, and bacterial abundance. PFAS (even at 1 ng g −1 for PFBS) significantly increased litter decomposition, associated with positive effects on bacterial abundance, and β-glucosidase activities. This effect increased with PFAS concentrations. Soil respiration was significantly inhibited by PFAS in the 3 rd week, while this effect was more variable in week 6. Water-stable aggregates were negatively affected by PFOS and PFOA, possibly related to microbial shifts. The general microbial activities and β-D-cellobiosidase and phosphatase activities were barely affected by PFAS treatments. 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. Synopsis PFAS are likely to affect soil health. Abstract Art
More Papers Like This
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.
Fate, distribution, and transport dynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," move through water, soil, plants, and air, with their ultra-strong carbon-fluorine bonds making them nearly indestructible in nature. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics specifically, the two pollutants often co-occur and share similar concerns about persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health effects.
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
Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines PFAS, the persistent 'forever chemicals' widely used in consumer products, and their growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. Evidence indicates that PFAS accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupt hormones, and can alter how other pollutants behave in the environment. The research is relevant to microplastic concerns because PFAS are commonly found in plastic products and can leach from microplastics into water.
Forever Chemicals PFAS Global Impact and Activities, Cascading Consequences of Colossal Systems Failure: Long-Term Health Effects, Food-Systems, Eco-Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review examines PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination across food, water, and consumer products, highlighting their interconnection with microplastic pollution. The authors document decades of delayed regulatory action and cover-ups that have contributed to widespread human exposure. Evidence indicates long-term health effects from PFAS exposure, and the review calls for stronger risk assessment tools and policy responses to address this persistent chemical contamination.
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.