Bioaccumulation Ability Research Articles

Different biotransformation behaviors of perfluorooctane sulfonamide in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) is a precursor of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and can be broken down to PFOS in environment and biota. In the present work, PFOSA was spiked in soil and its biodegradation in soil, uptake and metabolism in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were investigated. The results indicated that PFOSA could be biodegraded to highly stable PFOS, which has the same perfluorinated carbon chain length as PFOSA, by microbes in soil. PFOSA could be taken up by wheat root and earthworm from soil with higher bioaccumulation ability than PFOS. In both wheat and earthworms, PFOSA also degraded to PFOS. However, other shorter-chain perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs), including perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), were observed in wheat, but not in soil and earthworms, suggesting that wheat displayed distinctly different degradation mechanisms to PFOSA from soil microbes and earthworms.

Removal of heavy metals by Klebsiella sp. 3S1. Kinetics, equilibrium and interaction mechanisms of Zn(II) biosorption

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this work, the ability of biosorption and bioaccumulation of Zn (II) ions by Klebsiella sp. 3S1 has been investigated. This bacterium had already demonstrated its ability to remove Pb and Ag ions by different mechanisms. The mechanisms involved in the process have been studied using four techniques: FTIR, SEM–EDX, TEM‐EDX and confocal microscopy. Kinetic and equilibrium studies have also been performed.RESULTSThe main operating variables were optimized by a Rotatable Central Composite Design (RCCD) that yielded the following values: 0.36 g L‐1 biomass, pH 5.20 and 34 °C temperature, although the equilibrium data were obtained at a temperature of 25 °C, more in line with the environmental conditions. The model that best fitted the experimental kinetic data turned out to be the pseudo‐first‐order one. Maximum capacity of biosorption under the Langmuir model was 48.4 mg g‐1. Finally, the presence of two general mechanisms in the biosorption process was confirmed: cytoplasmic bioaccumulation and complex surface adsorption.CONCLUSIONSKlebsiella sp. 3S1 can be an effective and inexpensive microorganism to remove heavy metals from contaminated effluents, which along with its ubiquity and great ability to form biofilms, make it a promising biosorbent for use in biofilters. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Tolerance and bioaccumulation of Cd and Cu in Sesuvium portulacastrum

In order to investigate the tolerance and bioaccumulation of Cd and Cu in the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum, seedlings were hydroponically cultured for 30 days using the modified 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution with different concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20mgL−1) and Cu (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10mgL−1). Afterwards, the seedling height, leaf area, biomass, and mineral element contents (Fe, Mg, Cu, and Zn) in the roots, stems and leaves were measured, and the tolerance index, bioconcentration factor (BCF), transportation index, and removal rate were calculated. The effects of salinity (0‰–30‰) on the growth and bioaccumulation ability of S. portulacastrum under combined Cu/Cd (5mgL−1) exposure were also determined. The results showed that, with an increasing Cd concentration, the biomass and seedling height of S. portulacastrum initially increased and then decreased. The highest leaf biomass and seedlings height was observed in the 10mgL−1 and 5mgL−1 Cd treatment group, respectively. Salinity did not affect the biomass of S. portulacastrum but decreased Cd concentration in roots and aboveground tissues and Cu concentration in roots of S. portulacastrum. Cu treatment significantly facilitated the absorption of Mg, Cu, and Zn in roots. With an increasing Cu concentration, the Mg and Fe contents increased in the leaves of S. portulacastrum. In comparison to the above-ground portions, the root showed a higher bioaccumulation ability of Cd and Cu, with the BCF of 341.5 and 211.9, respectively. The BCF and translocation factor (TF) values indicated that S. portulacastrum was not a hyperaccumulator for Cd and Cu, but could be used as a phytostablization plant in heavy metal contaminated coastal environments.

Trace element occurrence in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas from coastal marine ecosystems in Italy

The Pacific oyster is one of the world's most widespread bivalves and a suitable species for biomonitoring trace elements in marine environments thanks to its bioaccumulation ability. As it is also an edible mollusc, concentrations of harmful elements in its tissues must be monitored. For these purposes, 464 wild individuals were collected from 12 sites along the Italian coasts. The concentration of fourteen trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Tl, and Zn) in their tissues was quantified. Among the three heavy metals, cadmium, lead, and mercury, none exceeded the maximum limit for in food set by European Union regulations but Cd in one sample from the Varano Lagoon resulted extremely close to this value. Contamination by Hg of the northern Adriatic and Orbetello Lagoons was also observed. Moreover, there was a positive association between the lagoon's environmental conditions and the bioaccumulation of this element in oysters. Despite the ban instituted 15 years ago on the use of Sn in antifouling paints, this element is still present in several marine environments, as demonstrated in the oysters sampled from harbour areas. Samples collected from harbours also showed very high concentrations of Cu and Zn due to the ability of oysters to accumulate these elements, which have replaced Sn in antifouling paints. Analysis of the samples from most sites indicated a low risk of human exposure to harmful elements through oyster consumption; nonetheless, chemical sanitary controls should focus primarily on Cd, Cu, and Zn.

Zinc bioaccumulation by microbial consortium isolated from nickel smelter sludge disposal site

AbstractHeavy metal pollution is one of the most important environmental issues of today. Bioremediation by microorganisms is one of technologies extensively used for pollution treatment. In this study, we investigated the heavy metal resistance and zinc bioaccumulation by microbial consortium isolated from nickel sludge disposal site near Sereď (Slovakia). The composition of consortium was analyzed based on MALDI-TOF MS of cultivable bacteria and we have shown that the consortium was dominated by bacteria of genus Arthrobacter. While consortium showed very good growth in the zinc presence, it was able to remove only 15 % of zinc from liquid media. Selected members of consortia have shown lower growth rates in the zinc presence but selected isolates have shown much higher bioaccumulation abilities compared to whole consortium (up to 90 % of zinc removal for NH1 strain). Bioremediation is frequently accelerated through injection of native microbiota into a contaminated area. Based on data obtained in this study, we can conclude that careful selection of native microbiota could lead to the identification of bacteria with increased bioaccumulation abilities.

A comparative study on capability of different tree species in accumulating heavy metals from soil and ambient air

Heavy metals (HMs) in the urban environment can be bio-accumulated by plant tissues. The aim of this study was to compare fourteen different tree species in terms of their capability to accumulate four airborne and soilborne HMs including; zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). Samplings were performed during spring, summer, and fall seasons. To compare bioaccumulation ability, bio-concentration factor (BCF), comprehensive bio-concentration index (CBCI), and metal accumulation index (MAI) were applied. Species with the highest accumulation for single metal which shown using BCF did not have the highest CBCI and MAI. Based on CBCI and MAI, Pinus eldarica (7.74), Wistaria sinensis (8.82), Morus alba (8.7), and Nigral morus (27.15) had the highest bioaccumulation capacity of HMs, respectively. Therefore, these species can be used for phytoextraction of HMs pollution and green and buffer zone in the urban.

Identification and characterization of Cr-, Cd-, and Ni-tolerant bacteria isolated from mine tailings

ABSTRACTEleven bacterial strains were isolated from soil samples collected from mine tailings. Bacterial strains were checked for tolerance against heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Ni), using the agar dilution method. All the strains showed multiple tolerances against heavy metals, but the most promising results appeared in strains BCr3, BCd33, and BNi11: they were tolerant to 15 mM of Cr6+, 7.5 mM of Cd2+, and 10 mM of Ni2+, respectively. The effect of heavy metals on bacterial growth was tested together with their ability to grow in different pH, NaCl, and temperature values. Bacterial isolates grew well between pH 7.5 and 8.5. The optimum temperature for maximum growth was between 35 and 37°C, and no significant change in bacterial growth was observed in the presence of 2% NaCl. In addition, the bioaccumulation potential of bacterial strains was investigated. Bacterial strains BCr3, BCd33, and BNi11 showed high bioaccumulation ability of Cr (68.7%), Cd (72.4%), and Ni (69.8%), respectively. All bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Analysis of plasmid content revealed that all bacterial isolates contained a single plasmid. Further, polymerase chain reaction together with DNA sequence analysis was used to screen all bacterial strains for the presence metal tolerance genes (czcD, chrA, chrB, czcB, czcC, nccA, and cadA) on both plasmid and chromosomal genomes.

Changes in growth rate and macroelement and trace element accumulation in Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. during the growing season in relation to environmental contamination.

The temporal variations in plant chemistry connected with its life cycle may affect the cycling of elements in an ecosystem as well as determine the usefulness of the species in phytoremediation and bioindication. In this context, there is a gap in knowledge on the role of floating plants for elements cycling in aquatic reservoirs. The aim of the study was to determine if there are variations in Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (European frog-bit) bioaccumulation capacity and the growth rate of its population during the growing season and to test the impact of environmental pollution on these features. The content of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, N, Na, P, S) and trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Hg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) was determined in H. morsus-ranae collected monthly from June to October from habitats differing in environmental contamination. The results showed that the highest content of most trace metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Zn) and some nutrients (N, P) in plants as well as the greatest bioaccumulation efficiency occurred simultaneously in the beginning of the growing season. In the following months, a dilution effect (manifested by a decrease in content) related to the rapid growth was observed. Co, Mn, and Ni content in plant tissues reflected the level of environmental contamination throughout the growing season which makes H. morsus-ranae a potential biomonitor of pollution for these metals. Considering the great bioaccumulation ability, high sensitivity to contamination, and low biomass of European frog-bit in polluted systems, further investigation is required to assess the real phytoremediation capability of the species.

Chemical composition and bioaccumulation ability of Boletus badius (Fr.) Fr. collected in western Poland

The aim of the study was to determine content of 17 elements (Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Na, Ca, K, N, C, S and P) and their bioaccumulation factors (BCF) in bay bolete (Boletus badius (Fr.) Fr.) fruiting bodies (caps and stalks) and underneath soil samples collected from forest sites in lubuskie voivodeship in Poland. Forty-eight samples of Boletus badius (Fr.) Fr. fruiting bodies and the same number of underneath soil substrate samples were collected in forest sites of Sulęcin Forest District in western Poland. Copper and zinc were absorbed most strongly from soil substrate, which is performed by bioaccumulation factors (BCFCap/Soil = 16.57 and 11.60, respectively), wherein Pb, Co, Cr, Fe and Mn were excluded from bioaccumulation (BCF < 1.0). The mean content of Cd in caps and stalks was 1.44 ± 0.88 and 2.01 ± 1.26 mg kg−1 dry weight, respectively and in contrary to Pb (≈3.00 ± 2.66 and 2.01 ± 1.26 mg kg−1 d. w.) this metal is strongly accumulated from subsoil (BCFCap/Soil = 11.12 and BCFStipe/Soil = 10.83). The fruiting bodies of Boletus badius were distinguished by elevated content of Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd. Few statistically significant metal-to-metal correlations were observed. The correlation between forest habitat types and metals concentrations was also analysed. An attempt of estimation of Pb and Cd safe dose for human consumption was made. In conclusion: mushrooms can be a good source of some micro- and macroelements, but they also contain a great amount of toxic heavy metals.

A multiresidue approach for the simultaneous quantification of antibiotics in macroalgae by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Together with fish, algae reared in aquaculture systems have gained importance in the last years, for many purposes. Besides their use as biofilters of effluents, macroalgae's rich nutritional profiles have increased their inclusion in human diets but also in animal feeds as sources of fatty acids, especially important for the fish industry. Nonetheless, algae are continuously exposed to environmental contaminants including antibiotics and possess the ability for bioaccumulation of such compounds. Therefore, the present paper describes the development and validation of an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of antibiotics in the green macroalgae Ulva lactuca. This multi-residue method enables the determination of 38 compounds distributed between seven classes and was fully validated according to EU Decision 2002/657/EC.

Comparison study on copper bioaccumulation by growing Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Bioaccumulation via growing microorganisms is a potential technique for treatment of heavy metal pollution. In this study, the Cu tolerance, bioaccumulation properties, and removal ability of growing Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in complex environments were investigated comparatively. P. kudriavzevii displayed higher total Cu bioaccumulation capacity and Cu removal rate than S. cerevisiae at various bioaccumulation time and Cu concentrations. The Cu bioaccumulation in both yeasts was obviously improved at low pH and high concentrations of NaCl, which resulted in the increase of Cu removal rate. The maximum Cu removal rate of P. kudriavzevii respectively reached to 55.53% at 20 g/L NaCl and to 77.84% at pH 3, obviously higher than that in normal condition at pH 5 without NaCl addition (13.77%). High concentrations of Zn (0.05 − 0.5 mmol/L) significantly improved the Cu removal ability of P. kudriavzevii while the Cu removal rate was markedly inhibited with the addition of Cd (0.05 − 0.5 mmol/L). Compared with S. cerevisiae, the multi‐stress‐tolerant P. kudriavzevii possessed more powerful Cu tolerance and bioaccumulation ability at low pH, high concentrations of NaCl and with the addition of other heavy metal ions. It suggested that P. kudriavzevii could be used as a potential candidate for Cu removal in complex environments. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1353–1360, 2016

Enrichment and isolation of Flavobacterium strains with tolerance to high concentrations of cesium ion.

Interest in the interaction of microorganisms with cesium ions (Cs+) has arisen, especially in terms of their potent ability for radiocesium bioaccumulation and their important roles in biogeochemical cycling. Although high concentrations of Cs+ display toxic effects on microorganisms, there have been only limited reports for Cs+-tolerant microorganisms. Here we report enrichment and isolation of Cs+-tolerant microorganisms from soil microbiota. Microbial community analysis revealed that bacteria within the phylum Bacteroidetes, especially Flavobacterium spp., dominated in enrichment cultures in the medium supplemented with 50 or 200 mM Cs+, while Gammaproteobacteria was dominant in the control enrichment cultures (in the presence of 50 and 200 mM K+ instead of Cs+). The dominant Flavobacterium sp. was successfully isolated from the enrichment culture and was closely related to Flavobacterium chungbukense with 99.5% identity. Growth experiments clearly demonstrated that the isolate has significantly higher tolerance to Cs+ compared to its close relatives, suggesting the Cs+-tolerance is a specific trait of this strain, but not a universal trait in the genus Flavobacterium. Measurement of intracellular K+ and Cs+ concentrations of the Cs+-tolerant isolate and its close relatives suggested that the ability to maintain low intracellular Cs+ concentration confers the tolerance against high concentrations of external Cs+.

Phytoremediation Efficiency of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench in Removing Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic

Heavy metals are a significant problem in municipal wastewater, in soil accumulation and are costly to remove in order to facilitate water use in irrigation. Wastewater, with three heavy metal cations and an iron, was employed in irrigation during the Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench growth period. Results show that the absorption coefficient or bioaccumulation ability of Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench is relegated to certain heavy metals and their concentrations, but not at all to plant tissues in dry ash weight (DAW) scale.

Nickel bioaccumulation by the chosen plant species

The investigations aimed at the evaluation of nickel bioaccumulation ability of plants from various families (Poaceae—maize, Fabaceae—field bean and Asteraceae—lettuce). The research was conducted under hydroponic conditions. The experimental design comprised ten objects differing with nickel concentrations in the solution (ranging from 0.0 to 10.0 mg Ni dm−3 of the nutrient solution). The parameters, assumed as the basis on which nickel bioretention by selected plant species was determined were: the yield, nickel content in various plant parts, uptake and utilization of this element by the plant, tolerance index (TI) and translocation factor (TF), the metal concentrations in the aboveground parts index (CI) and bioacummulation factor (BAF). On the basis of the obtained results it was found that, due to low tolerance of nickel, maize could be used as the indicator plant for the environment quality assessment.

Heavy metals determination in edible wild mushrooms growing in former mining area - Slovakia: Health risk assessment

The aim of the paper is to assess a contamination level of forest substrates and aboveground parts of edible wild mushroom (M. procera (Scop.) Singer, B. recitulatus Schaeff., C. cibarius Fr., S. grevillei (Klotzsch) Singer, A. campestris L., R. xerampelina (Schaeff.) Fr., L. salmonicolor R. Heim &amp; Leclair, C. gibba (Pers. Ex Fr.) Kumm., X. chrysenteron (Bull.) Quél., M. oreades (Bolton) Fr.; n = 70) by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). The studied location was a broader surroundigs of the historical mining and metal processing area of Banská Bystrica. The collected mushroom samples and underlying substrate samples were analysed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrofotometry and Flame Absorption Spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) for individual species and their anatomical parts were calculated from the results obtained. In order to assess a health risk resulting from regular consumption of the mushrooms, provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated from the results of the monitored heavy metal concentration. Limit values for the studied contaminants (Cd: 0.49 mg.kg-1 and Pb: 1.75 mg.kg-1 for an individual with an average weight of 70 kg) are defined by FAO and WHO. Our results indicate that S. grevillei has a high bioaccumulation ability of Cd. It was confirmed by bioaccumulation factors (BAFH = 3.47 and BAFRFB = 2.30). The PTWICd value was exceeded by 4.11 times. A similar situation occurred in the case of Pb where the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAFH = 0.24 and BAFRFB = 0.19) was also recorded in the samples of S. grevillei and the PTWIPb value was exceeded by 1.35 times. In general, it can be stated that a consumption of edible wild mushrooms represent a relatively small risk of negative impact on the health of consumers.

Bioaccumulation of Metals in Tissues of Seahorses Collected from Coastal China.

Seahorses, which have been used in Chinese traditional medicine, are poor swimmers and easily affected by regional ecological conditions. In this study, we investigated the bioaccumulation of nine metals in different tissues of four seahorse species (Hippocampus trimaculatus, H. histrix, H. kelloggi, and H. kuda) from six locations along the Chinese coast. The present study found relatively low concentrations of metals in the seahorses compared with those in other marine fishes. There was a location-dependent variation in metal concentrations in the seahorses, especially between developed and less developed cities. Results also showed metal concentrations varied among different seahorse species and tissues, with H. kelloggi having higher bioaccumulation ability compared with H. trimaculatus and higher metal levels were found in visceral mass, muscle, and skin tissues than those in brain, lips gill, endoskeleton, and exoskeleton tissues in the seahorses. Among different metals, Mg had the highest tissue concentrations in all the seahorses, followed by Al and Mn.

Human health risks due to heavy metals through consumption of wild mushrooms from Macheke forest, RailBlock forest and Muganyi communal lands in Zimbabwe.

The levels and sources of toxic heavy metals in Amanita loosii (AL) and Cantharellus floridulus (CF) mushrooms and their substrates were studied in some parts of Zimbabwe, Rail Block forest (mining town), Macheke forest (commercial farming), and Muganyi communal lands. The mushrooms and their associated soils were acid digested prior to Al, Pb, and Zn determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The transfer factors, mushrooms-soil metal correlation coefficients, daily intake rates, weekly intake rates, and target hazard quotients were calculated for each metal. The concentration of Zn, Al and Pb in mushrooms ranged from 1.045±0.028 to 7.568±0.322, 0.025±0.001 to 0.654±0.005, and a maximum of 5.78±0.31mg/kg, respectively, in all the three sampling areas. The mean heavy metal concentrations among the three sampling areas decreased as follows: Rail Block forest (mining town)>Macheke forest (commercial farming)>Muganyi communal lands for the concentrations in both mushrooms and total concentration in their substrates. C. floridulus accumulated higher concentrations of Al, Zn, and Pb than A. loosii at each site under study. Zn in both AL and CF (Muganyi communal lands) and Pb in AL (Rail Block forest) were absorbed only from the soils, while other sources of contamination were involved elsewhere. The consumption of 300g of fresh A. loosii and C. floridulus per day by children less than 16kg harvested from Rail Block forest would cause health problems, while mushrooms from Macheke Forest and Muganyi communal lands were found to be safe for human consumption. Due to non-biodegradability and bioaccumulation abilities of heavy metals, people are discouraged to consume A. loosii and C. floridulus from Rail Block forest for they have significant levels of heavy metals compared to those from Macheke forest and Muganyi communal lands.

Challenging synergistic activity of poplar-bacteria association for the Cd phytostabilization.

The synergistic activity between plants and microorganisms may contribute to the implementation of proactive management strategies in the stabilization of contaminated sites, although heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), are potentially toxic to them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of tolerance to Cd contamination (supplying twice 40 mg kg(-1) of Cd) in poplar cuttings [clone I-214, P. × euramericana (Dode) Guinier] inoculated or not with two concentrations of Serratia marcescens strain (1 × 10(7) CFU/g and 2 × 10(7) CFU/g of potting mix). The response of the plant-bacteria system to excess Cd was investigated with special reference to the structural traits of plants and the functional efficiency of bacteria. Bacterial colonization and substrate components were previously assessed in order to define the best solution for formulating the experimental plant growth media. The tested plant-bacteria association, especially when bacteria were provided in double concentration, stimulated specific tolerance mechanisms to Cd through the promotion of the poplar growth. Inoculated plants produced larger leaves and increased stem diameter, while roots grew longer and wider in Cd-treated plants. The effect of bacterial inoculum on plant growth traits and metal partitioning in plant organs was assessed in order to define the potential of this poplar clone to be a suitable candidate for phytostabilization of Cd-contaminated soil. The final effect of the inoculation with bacteria, which alleviated the metal load and Cd phytotoxicity due to their bioaccumulation ability, suggests promising phytostabilization potential of these plant-bacteria associations.

Trace metal concentrations and their transfer from sediment to leaves of four common aquatic macrophytes.

In the present study, the concentrations of trace and alkali metals in leaves of four common helophytes, Sparganium erectum, Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea, and Phragmites australis, as well as in corresponding water and bottom sediments were investigated to ascertain plant bioaccumulation ability. Results showed that Mn and Fe were the most abundant trace metals in all plant species, while Co and Pb contents were the lowest. Leaves of species studied differed significantly in respect of element concentrations. The highest concentrations of Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Ni were noted in S. erectum while the highest contents of Co, Ca, Zn, and Cr in Phalaris arundinacea. Phragmites australis contained the lowest amounts of most elements. Concentrations of Co, Cr, Fe, and Mn in all species studied and Ni in all except for Phragmites australis were higher than natural for hydrophytes. The leaves/sediment ratio was more than unity for all alkali metals as well as for Cu and Mn in Phragmites australis; Cr, Co, and Zn in Phalaris arundinacea; Cr and Mn in S. erectum; and Cr in G. maxima. High enrichment factors and high levels of toxic metals in the species studied indicated a special ability of these plants to absorb and store certain non-essential metals and, consequently, their potential for phytoremediation of contaminated aquatic ecosystems.

Elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl acids in family members of occupationally exposed workers: the importance of dust transfer.

The exposure pathways of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) to humans are still not clear because of the complex living environment, and few studies have simultaneously investigated the bioaccumulative behaviour of different PFAAs in humans. In this study, serum, dust, duplicate diet, and other matrices were collected around a manufacturing plant in China, and homologous series of PFAAs were analysed. PFAA levels in dust and serum of local residents in this area were considerably higher than those in non-polluted area. Although dietary intake was the major exposure pathway in the present study, dust ingestion played an important role in this case. Serum PFAAs in local residents was significantly correlated with dust PFAAs levels in their living or working microenvironment. Serum PFAAs and dust PFAAs were significantly higher in family members of occupational workers (FM) than in ordinary residents (OR) (p < 0.01). After a careful analysis of the PFAAs exposure pathway, a potential pathway in addition to direct dust ingestion was suggested: PFAAs might transferred from occupational worker's clothes to dinners via cooking processes. The bioaccumulative potential of PFHxS and PFOS were higher than other PFAAs, which suggested a substantial difference between the bioaccumulative ability of perfluorinated sulfonic acids and perfluorinated carboxylic acids.