Impact of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) on secondary sludge microorganisms: removal, potential toxicity, and their implications on existing wastewater treatment regulations in Canada

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are two of the most commonly researched per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Globally, many long-chain PFAS compounds including PFOS and PFOA are highly regulated and, in some countries, PFAS use in commercial products is strictly prohibited. Despite the legal regulation of these ‘forever chemicals’ under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, PFOA and PFOS compounds are still found in high concentrations in discharges from wastewater treatment plants, both from liquid and sludge streams. Yet, their potential impact on wastewater treatment effectiveness remains poorly understood. The findings of this research show that: (1) PFOS and PFOA might be hindering the overall outcome treatment performance – calling into question the efficacy of Canada's existing wastewater treatment regulatory standard (Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, SOR/2012-139), and (2) specific microorganisms from the Thiobacillus and Pseudomonas genera seem capable of adsorbing PFOS and PFOA onto their cell wall and even degrading the chemicals, but it is unclear as to what extent degradation occurs. The results also raise questions whether existing wastewater regulations should be expanded to include the detection and monitoring of PFAS, as well as the establishment of a regulatory wastewater treatment plant discharge standard for PFAS that is protective of human and ecological health.