Ecotoxicological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and of a new PFAS adsorbing organoclay to immobilize PFAS in soils on earthworms and plants

A novel adsorptive organoclay (Intraplex A®) was developed for the in situ immobilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the vadose zone. We provide the first evaluation of the effects of Intraplex A® on earthworms and plants in a PFAS-contaminated soil. Ecotoxicological tests were carried out on control soil with and without Intraplex A® (C + I and C, respectively) and PFAS-contaminated soil with and without Intraplex A® (PFAS + I and PFAS, respectively). We investigated the acute ecotoxicological effects of PFAS and Intraplex A® on the growth, reproduction and survival of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and on plant growth (oat - Avena sativa and turnip - Brassica rapa L. silvestris). Earthworm lethality was 7.6 lower in PFAS + I than in PFAS soil. Earthworms avoided 100% C + I and PFAS + I soils, and reduced earthworms' reproduction was observed in both these soils. For both plant species, the PFAS + I soil yielded less fresh and dry shoot biomass than the PFAS soil, while root growth remained unaffected (all tests: p < 0.05). Soils with Intraplex A® had some negative effects on plants and earthworms, which must be balanced with its benefits as an in situ PFAS adsorbent.