Biological effects of perfluoroalkyl substances on running water ecosystems: A case study in Beiluo River, China

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants that pose a threat to the biodiversity of the Beiluo River, a polluted watercourse on the Loess Plateau impacted by diverse human activities. However, the occurrence, spatial distribution, and substitution characteristics of PFASs in this region remain unclear. This study aimed to unravel PFAS distribution patterns and their impact on the aquatic ecosystems of the Beiluo River Basin. The total PFAS concentration in the area ranged from 16.64–35.70 ng/L, with predominantly perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), collectively contributing 94%. The Mantel test revealed threats to aquatic communities from both legacy long-chain (perfluorooctanoic acid and sodium perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and emerging (6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, 2-Perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid, and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen-X)) PFSAs. The canonical correspondence analysis ordination indicated that trace quantities of emerging PFASs, specifically 2-Perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen-X), significantly influenced geographical variations in aquatic communities. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of comprehensively exploring the ecological implications and potential risks associated with PFASs in the Beiluo River Basin.