Accumulation Potentials of Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylic Acids (PFCAs) and Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonic
Acids (PFSAs) in Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>)
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Abstract
Uptake
of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) by maize represents a potential source
of exposure for humans, either directly or indirectly via feed for
animals raised for human consumption. The aim of the following study
was, therefore, to determine the accumulation potential of perfluoroalkyl
carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs)
in maize (<i>Zea mays</i>). Two different concentrations
of PFAAs were applied as aqueous solution to the soil to attain target
concentrations of 0.25 mg or 1.00 mg of PFAA per kg of soil. Maize
was grown in pots, and after harvesting, PFAA concentrations were
measured in the straw and kernels of maize. PFCA and PFSA concentrations
of straw decreased significantly with increasing chain length. In
maize kernels, only PFCAs with a chain length ≤ C8 as well
as perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) were detected. The highest
soil-to-plant transfer for both straw and kernels was determined for
short-chained PFCAs and PFSAs
