Contamination of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in agricultural soils: A review
Bishwatma Biswas, Anuja Joseph, Naseeba Parveen, Ved Prakash Ranjan, Sudha Goel, Jajati Mandal, Prashant Srivastava
Abstract
Numerous reviews have focused on the chemistry, fate and transport, and remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across various environmental media. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive review specifically addressing PFAS contamination within agricultural soils. Recognizing the threat PFAS pose to ecosystems and human health, this review critically examines the sources of PFAS in agricultural environments, their uptake and translocation within plant systems, and recent advancements in soil remediation techniques. PFAS ingress into agricultural soils primarily occurs through the application of biowastes, wastewater, and pesticides, necessitating a thorough examination of their pathways and impacts. Factors such as carbon chain length, salinity, temperature, and pH levels affect PFAS uptake and distribution within plants, ultimately influencing their transfer through the food web. Moreover, this review explores a range of physical, chemical, and biological strategies currently employed for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated agricultural soils. • Biowastes, wastewater and pesticides are primary sources of PFAS in agricultural soils. • Plant uptake of PFAS depends on chain length, growth medium and plant species. • Proteins significantly influence PFAS translocation via root uptake. • Long-chain PFAS generally accumulate in roots, while short-chain PFAS translocate to shoots. • Various physical, chemical and biological methods can remediate PFAS-contaminated soils.