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Heavy-Metal Ions Control on PFAS Adsorption on Goethite in Aquatic Systems
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Researchers investigated how heavy metal cations influence PFAS adsorption onto goethite, finding that copper and cadmium enhanced PFOS and PFDA retention via ternary complexation while iron under anoxic conditions increased adsorption of all tested PFAS, revealing that metal co-contaminants significantly alter PFAS mobility in aquatic environments.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that often co-occur with heavy metals. Despite their prevalence, the mobility of PFAS in complex, multicomponent systems, particularly at the molecular scale, remains poorly understood. The vast diversity of PFAS and their low concentrations alongside anthropogenic and natural substances underscore the need for integrating mechanistic insights into the sorption models. This study explores the influence of metal cations (Cu(II), Cd(II), and Fe(II)) on the adsorption of four common PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFDA, and GenX) onto goethite (α-FeOOH), a common iron (oxyhydr)oxide in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. PFAS adsorption was highly dependent on the PFAS type, pH, and metal ion concentration, with a surface complexation model effectively predicting these interactions. Cu(II) and Cd(II) enhanced PFOS and PFDA adsorption via ternary complexation while slightly reducing PFOA and GenX adsorption. Under anoxic conditions, Fe(II) significantly increased the adsorption of all PFAS, showing reactivity greater than those of Cu(II) and Cd(II). Additionally, natural organic matter increased PFAS mobility, although metal cations in groundwater may counteract this by enhancing PFAS retention. These findings highlight the key role of metal cations in PFAS transport and offer critical insights for predicting PFAS behavior at oxic-anoxic environmental interfaces.
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This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the physical chemistry governing how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) adsorb onto solid surfaces, covering molecular interactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, and the influence of environmental variables like pH and salinity. The authors identify critical knowledge gaps that currently limit the development of effective adsorption-based remediation strategies for these persistent 'forever chemical' pollutants.
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Researchers investigated how PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) adsorb onto secondary microplastics under different water chemistry conditions. Results showed that PFAS adsorption depended on both the chemical structure of the PFAS compound and the ionic composition of the water. These findings help explain how microplastics in real-world aquatic environments can concentrate and transport PFAS, a group of persistent health-relevant pollutants.
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Researchers investigated how two widely detected PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA, adsorb onto five common types of microplastics in aquatic environments. The study found that contaminant properties and water chemistry significantly influence adsorption behavior, confirming that microplastics can serve as carriers for PFAS transport in waterways.
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This research investigates how synthetic fibers released during laundry act as vectors for transporting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through wastewater systems. Laundry effluent carries both microfibers and PFAS into treatment facilities, where incomplete removal allows these persistent chemicals to reach aquatic environments. The study highlights a previously underappreciated pathway linking textile microplastics and PFAS contamination.
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