Determination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) contents of compost amended soils and plants grown in these soils

Dietary intake is a major route of exposure to perfluorinated compounds. In the case of exposure to these compounds by nutrition, the consumption of agricultural products is one of the most important places. Biological wastes are converted into composts and are often used for fertiliser purposes to prevent spreading of waste to large areas. These practices cause agricultural areas to be contaminated with perfluorinated compounds and to first pass on to the plants growing on these soils and then to animals and infestations through the food chain. In this study, firstly, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) levels were determined in five different composts. Mean PFOA and PFOS concentrations were between 26.1-102.0 ng g(-1) and 0.211-0.649 ng g(-1), respectively. After sowing wheat and corn, compost was applied. The amount of PFOA and PFOS that passed to the stalks, leaves, and grains of wheat and corn was determined. Obtained results showed that the total perfluorinated compounds migration decreased as follows: stalk>leaf>grain. Furthermore, the effects of PFOA and PFOS on chlorophyll concentration and soluble protein were examined. A decrease in chlorophyll formation and soluble protein content was observed with increasing PFOA and PFOS concentrations.

Automated summary

Dietary intake is a major route of exposure to perfluorinated compounds, particularly through the consumption of agricultural products. This study examined the levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) in composts and their migration to wheat and corn plants. The results showed that perfluorinated compounds were more concentrated in stalks than in leaves and grains, and their presence led to a decrease in chlorophyll formation and soluble protein content.