Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.4
4.1
Journals
Toxics
Special Issues
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Ecological Impacts and Human Health Risks
share announcement

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Ecological Impacts and Human Health Risks

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 5135

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Thimo Groffen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
Interests: PFAS; ecotoxicology; toxicokinetics; toxicodynamics; emerging pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A diverse group of synthetic chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, their environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative properties have raised global concerns about their ecological imapcts and effect on human health. This Special Issue explores the multifaceted consequences of PFAS contamination across ecosystems and human communities.

In highlighting cutting-edge research on the transport, fate, and bioavailability of PFASs in terrestrial and aquatic environments, this Special Issue examines their toxicological effects and mechanisms behind their toxicity on biota at different levels of biological organization. Moreover, the featured works delve into pathways of human exposure and their associated health risks. Through synthesizing interdisciplinary insights, this collection aims to advance our understanding of the environmental fate, behaviour, and impacts of PFASs. Novel research articles, short communications, and reviews are welcome for submission to this Special issue, and may include, but need not be limited to, the following topics:

  1. Target and nontarget analysis of legacy and emerging PFASs;
  2. Environmental fate and transport;
  3. Bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification;
  4. Ecotoxicology—mechanisms of toxicity and/or toxic effects at different levels of biological organization;
  5. Epidemiology and toxicology, including mechanisms of toxicity;
  6. Risk assessment and management.

Dr. Thimo Groffen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • PFAS
  • ecotoxicity
  • toxicity
  • health effect
  • fate
  • transport
  • bioavailability
  • bioaccumulation
  • biomagnification
  • risk assessment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 616 KB  
Article
PFAS Pesticides: Contamination Pathways in Italy and the Need for Integrated Regulation
by Emanuela Pace, Gianluca Maschio and Dania Esposito
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040325 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 806
Abstract
In agriculture, the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as active substances in pesticides has increased over recent decades due to their chemical stability, their ability to alter cell membrane permeability, and their capacity to bind to target proteins. However, their intentional [...] Read more.
In agriculture, the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as active substances in pesticides has increased over recent decades due to their chemical stability, their ability to alter cell membrane permeability, and their capacity to bind to target proteins. However, their intentional application to agricultural soils has led to progressive environmental accumulation. Their high persistence, mobility, and bioaccumulation potential, combined with documented toxicological effects, raise concerns for aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Monitoring surface and groundwater is essential to assess PFAS contamination. Data from the Italian monitoring plan show widespread contamination, despite the existing European regulatory framework designed to safeguard ecosystems and public health. The contamination is likely underestimated because monitoring programs currently target only a limited number of substances and PFAS metabolites and co-formulants are not included. Approximately 46 PFASs have been identified as active ingredients in pesticides, 29 of which are still authorized within the European Union, posing challenges for drinking water production and ecosystem protection. Existing regulatory regimes also differ in their evaluation procedures, which may lead to inconsistent conclusions regarding PFAS applications. Within the framework of the European “One Substance One Assessment” (OSOA) approach aimed at to ensuring the protection of human health and natural resources, this paper examines the properties of PFASs used as active substances in pesticides, their regulatory status, and their monitoring in Italy, highlighting the regulatory inconsistencies that result in the differential treatment of these substances compared with PFASs used in other sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Ecological Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1289 KB  
Article
Common Carp Kidney as a Multipurpose Biomarker Organ: Insights from Perfluorooctanoic Acid Exposure
by Maurizio Manera, Cosma Manera and Luisa Giari
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040287 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 846
Abstract
The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) kidney uniquely integrates excretory nephrons, renal hematopoietic tissue, and hormonally active thyroid follicles, positioning it as a candidate “multipurpose biomarker organ” for pollutants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a prototype long-chain PFAS and persistent organic pollutant exhibiting [...] Read more.
The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) kidney uniquely integrates excretory nephrons, renal hematopoietic tissue, and hormonally active thyroid follicles, positioning it as a candidate “multipurpose biomarker organ” for pollutants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a prototype long-chain PFAS and persistent organic pollutant exhibiting nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, and thyroid-disrupting effects. Building on prior histological, ultrastructural, and morphometric analyses from carp exposed to waterborne PFOA (0, 200 ng L−1, 2 mg L−1 for 56 days), a hierarchical multipurpose index comprising nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, and thyrotoxic subindices was developed from z-scored light-, electron-microscopy, and morphometric features, enabling cross-scale integration; proximal tubule vesiculations and effete rodlet cells (RCs) were newly quantified from archival electron micrographs. The subindices captured PFOA-induced glomerular hyperfiltration with proximal protein reabsorption and collecting duct RCs recruitment (nephrotoxic); hematopoietic tissue RCs recruitment, clustering, and exocytosis (immunotoxic); and increased thyroid follicle abundance/vesiculation, cross-sectional area, and perimeter (thyrotoxic). Quantification of previously only qualitatively assessed features provided statistical validation, while radar plot integration rendered results more intuitively evident—particularly highlighting the non-monotonic thyroid response—condensing organ-level complexity into a coherent framework supporting carp kidney as a translational One Health model for multi-endpoint waterborne pollutant assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Ecological Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2543 KB  
Article
Trophic Drivers of Organochlorine and PFAS Accumulation in Mediterranean Smooth-Hound Sharks: Insights from Stable Isotopes and Human Health Risk
by Lorenzo Minoia, Guia Consales, Luigi Dallai, Eduardo Di Marcantonio, Michele Mazzetti, Cecilia Mancusi, Lucia Pierro, Emilio Riginella, Mauro Sinopoli, Massimiliano Bottaro and Letizia Marsili
Toxics 2026, 14(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010058 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 860
Abstract
Commercial smooth-hound sharks of the genus Mustelus are commonly landed and consumed in Mediterranean fisheries, raising concerns about potential human exposure to persistent contaminants. This study investigated the occurrence of organochlorine compounds (OCs), including hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, and polychlorinated [...] Read more.
Commercial smooth-hound sharks of the genus Mustelus are commonly landed and consumed in Mediterranean fisheries, raising concerns about potential human exposure to persistent contaminants. This study investigated the occurrence of organochlorine compounds (OCs), including hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), together with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in muscle and liver tissues of Mustelus mustelus and Mustelus punctulatus collected in the waters of the Egadi Archipelago (central Mediterranean Sea). OCs were detected in all analyzed samples, with total PCB concentrations reaching higher values in liver compared to muscle tissues, reflecting tissue-specific accumulation and detoxification processes. PFAS were detected in all analyzed muscle samples (1.10–58.5 ng/g w.w.), with PFOS, PFOA and PFNA generally below current European regulatory thresholds, although isolated exceedances were observed. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) highlighted differences in trophic ecology between the two species and suggested that feeding habitat and trophic position may influence contaminant exposure patterns, particularly in M. punctulatus. The human health risk assessment, conducted as a screening-level evaluation, indicated potential concern associated with PCB concentrations in liver tissue, while risks associated with muscle consumption were generally lower. Overall, the integration of contaminant analysis and stable isotopes provides insights into organismal exposure pathways and supports the use of smooth-hound sharks as sentinels of contaminant presence in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Ecological Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2083 KB  
Article
Distribution of Legacy and Emerging PFASs in a Terrestrial Ecosystem Located near a Fluorochemical Manufacturing Facility
by Jodie Buytaert, Marcel Eens, Lieven Bervoets and Thimo Groffen
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080689 - 19 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1778
Abstract
This study investigated the distribution of 29 legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in soil, nettles, invertebrates, and plasma and feathers of great tits (Parus major) of a terrestrial ecosystem near a fluorochemical plant. Additionally, the vertical distribution of [...] Read more.
This study investigated the distribution of 29 legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in soil, nettles, invertebrates, and plasma and feathers of great tits (Parus major) of a terrestrial ecosystem near a fluorochemical plant. Additionally, the vertical distribution of PFASs in soil was assessed, as well as taxon-specific differences among terrestrial invertebrate species. Finally, associations between soil and biota, and among biological matrices, were assessed. Most accumulation profiles were dominated by long-chained PFASs, mainly perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), while short-chained PFASs were less detected. Long-chained perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) adsorbed in the upper soil layers, while short-chained PFAS and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) tended to migrate deeper. The several taxon-specific differences were likely due to dietary differences. Significant associations, especially for long-chained PFCAs and PFOS, were found among most matrices. This indicates that (1) these PFASs found in these matrices are most likely originating from the same pollution source, (2) there is a possible transfer of these PFASs between matrices, (3) there is bioaccumulation from one to another matrix, and (4) some matrices might be used as proxies to estimate PFAS concentrations in other terrestrial matrices. Finally, feathers accumulated more PFASs than plasma, as they were most likely exposed through different routes of exposure and PFAS affinity. Therefore, they are not suitable for internal PFAS monitoring but can provide complementary information about the exposure and about the presence/absence of PFASs in certain habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Ecological Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop