Short-chain PFASs dominate in crops near a fluorochemical industrial park: Stratified exposure and Monte Carlo-based health risk assessment.

Abstract

Fluorochemical Industrial Parks (FIPs) are critical point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), raising serious concerns about their impacts on surrounding agricultural environment and food safety. This study conducted a targeted investigation of priority PFASs in the agricultural environment surrounding a major domestic FIP, to evaluate the subsequent health risks for local residents through the consumption of homegrown vegetables and rice. The results indicated that PFASs were widespread in the soil, with total concentrations ranging from 40.7 to 72.0 ng/g. The average concentration of PFASs followed the order: traditional PFASs > emerging PFASs, with short-chain PFCAs (C≤8) being predominant. Significant accumulation of PFASs was observed in the edible portions of vegetables, particularly in leafy greens, which exhibited the highest bioaccumulation capacity. In rice, PFASs concentrations ranged from 0.329 to 11.3 ng/g dw, and short-chain PFCAs were also the dominant compounds. Residents were stratified by age and gender to estimate their daily exposure doses (EDI), which ranged from 70.5 to 136 ng/kg bw/d. Notably, Monte Carlo simulations revealed that a substantial proportion of local residents exceeded the tolerable daily intake levels for PFOA and PFOS, suggesting potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. This study demonstrated that the FIP served as a direct and significant source of PFASs contamination in the local agricultural ecosystem, resulting in non-occupational human exposure. The findings underscored the urgent need for regulatory oversight and the development of effective mitigation strategies to safeguard the health of residents living in proximity to fluorine chemical production facilities.