Translocation, bioaccumulation, and distribution of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in plants

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent in the environment and have been detected in a variety of plants such as vegetables, cereals, and fruits. Increasing evidence showsthat plants are at a riskof beingadversely affected by PFASs. This review concludes that PFASs are predominantly absorbed by roots from sources in the soil; besides, the review also discusses several factors such as soil properties and the species of PFASs and plants. In addition, following uptake by root, long-chain PFASs (CR7 for PFCA and CR6 for PFSA) were preferentially retained within the root, whereas the short-chain PFASs were distributed across tissuesabove the ground- accordingtothe studies. The bioaccumulation potential of PFASs within various plant structures are further expressed by calculating bioaccumulation factor (BAF) across various plant species. The results showthat PFASs have a wide range of BAF values within root tissue, followed by straw, and then grain. Furthermore, owing to its high water solubility than other PFASs, PFOA is the predominant compound accumulated in both the soil itself and within the plant tissues. Among different plant groups, the potential BAF values rank from highest to lowest as follows: leaf vegetables > root vegetables > flower vegetables > shoot vegetables. Several PFAS groups such as PFOA, PFBA, and PFOS, may have an increased public health risk based on the daily intake rate (ID). Finally, future research is suggested on the possible PFASs degradation occurring in plant tissues and the explanations at genetic-level for the metabolite changes that occur under PFASs stress.

Automated summary

This review discusses the adverse effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on plants and factors influencing the absorption and distribution of PFASs in plants. Bioaccumulation potential of PFASs in different plant structures is evaluated by calculating bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The results show that PFOA is the predominant compound accumulated in both soil and plant tissues, and different plant groups have varying potential BAF values.