Critical evaluation of ECOSAR and E-FAST platforms to predict ecological risks of PFAS

• DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2022.100221
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01T06:38:01Z
• Authors: Andrey Massarsky; Melinda T. Donnell; Elise de Gandiaga; Jordan S. Kozal; Lindsey Garnick; Jody A. Kubitz; Steven M. Bartell; Andrew D. Monnot
• Keywords: Perfluorooctanoic acid; Ecotoxicity; Chronic toxicity

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment. Unlike other persistent chemicals, PFAS highly soluble water tend to partition surface groundwater rather than soil sediment. While numerous studies have evaluated potential ecological effects of certain PFAS, there remain data gaps, especially for newer PFAS. Consequently, this study a high-throughput silico approach screening-level risk assessment aquatic species. We focused on two well-studied perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS), provide better context our estimates. The Ecological Structural Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) program was used estimate acute chronic toxicity thresholds fish, Daphnid, mysid, green algae. Exposure Fate Assessment Screening Tool (E-FAST) model derive estimated environmental concentrations (EECs) following hypothetical discharges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). predicted EECs were compared reported values. Subsequently, quotients (RQs) calculated. showed that (1) PFOA PFOS typically lower (i.e., more conservative) values, whereas range (2) most cases, (3) RQs mostly below levels concern. Additionally, highlighted even PFOS, still gaps with regards ecotoxicity species as well bodies.