Uptake and Translocation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) by Wetland Plants: Tissue- and Cell-Level Distribution Visualization with Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (DESI-MS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy Equipped with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (TEM-EDS)

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent chemicals in the environment. So far, little is known about their uptake potential in wetland plants.Here, we investigated the uptake and translocation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in eight common wetland plants, namely, Canna indica (Ci), Thalia dealbata (Td), Cyperus alternifolius (Ca), Phragmites australis (Pa), Arundo donax (Ad), Pontederia cordata (Pc), Cyperus papyrus (Cp), and Alisma orientale (Ao) by hydroponic experiments and visualized their tissue-and cell-level distribution with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) and transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (TEM-EDS). The results showed that the PFASs accumulated in plants accounted for 1.67−16.7% of the total mass spiked into the hydroponic systems, and PFOS accumulated largely in roots (48.8−95.8%), while PFOA was stored mostly in the aboveground part (29.3−77.4%). DESI-MS and TEM-EDS analysis showed that PFASs in Ci, Td, Pa, and Ca were transported from the hydroponic solution to the root cortex via both apoplastic (e.g., across cell walls and/or intercellular spaces) and symplastic routes (e.g., across plasma membranes or via plasmodesmata) and further to the vascular bundle via symplastic route in Td and Pa and via both routes in Ci and Ca. These two chemicals were transported from roots to stems mainly through the cortex in Td and through both the cortex and vascular bundles in Ci and Ca.

Role of Nanoscale Hydroxyapatite in Disease Suppression of Fusarium-Infected Tomato

“…At harvest, plant images across all the treatments were taken and fresh mass of shoots and roots were recorded. Particle distribution of different sizes of nHA was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, S-4800, Hitachi, Japan). , Details of sample preparation and particle observation are provided in SI Section S1.…”

“…Particle distribution of different sizes of nHA was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, S-4800, Hitachi, Japan). 45,46 Details of sample preparation and particle observation are provided in SI Section S1. Elemental Analysis.…”

Variety-Selective Rhizospheric Activation, Uptake, and Subcellular Distribution of Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

“…Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is one of the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) widely used in industrial and commercial products, − resulting in ubiquitous occurrence in the environment. − Agricultural soil is an important sink of PFOS at concentrations up to ∼1.8 mg/kg, due to application of biosolids, usage of pesticides, irrigation of wastewater, and degradation of PFOS precursors . PFOS in agricultural soil can be absorbed and accumulated in the edible parts of crops, thereby causing PFOS intake in human bodies via food chain. , Vegetable consumption can contribute important PFOS intake in human bodies in some areas, similar to those through consumption of drinking water, eggs, meat, and seafood. ,, Once ingested, PFOS persists in a half-life of up to 5.4 years, posing severe threats to human health due to its potential toxicity to liver, kidney, nervous, and immune systems. , PFOS is among the most toxic PFSAs to the human body. , Therefore, the human health risk posed by PFOS contamination in edible crops has attracted worldwide attention. , PFOS and its salts have been listed in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Chemicals in 2009 .…”

Oxalic Acid in Root Exudates Enhances Accumulation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid in Lettuce

“…Soils are ultimate sinks of PFASs. , PFASs in soils can be absorbed and accumulated by crops, with a bioconcentration factor ( C crop / C soil ) up to 10. ,− Among the PFASs excluding short carbon chains (C ≤ 4), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) often shows the highest concentrations in the agricultural soils and crops. , Once absorbed, PFOA is hardly eliminated from human body with 2–4 years of mean half-life . This can result in severe damage to human organs such as liver, kidney, nervous system, and immune system. − Because of its high toxicity and persistence, PFOA receives increasing concerns on the potential human health risks. , Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) decrease the reference dose (RfD) for PFOA by 9.5–1800-fold .…”