Determination of perflorated compound contents of biosolids-amended soils and plants grown in these soils

Biological wastes are converted into composts and are often used for fertiliser purposes to prevent spreading of waste to large areas. During these applications, perfluorinated compounds remaining in compost cause pollution of agricultural areas. Since these compounds are transported through the food chain, they can first be passed on to the plants growing on these soils, then to animals and humans. In this study, firstly, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) levels were determined in five different composts. Mean PFOA and PFOS concentrations were between 26.1–102.0 µg g−1 and 0.211–0.649 µg g−1, respectively. After sowing wheat and corn, compost was applied. The amount of PFOA and PFOS that passed to the stalks, leaves, and grains of wheat and corn was determined by LC-MS/MS. Obtained results showed that the total perfluorinated compounds migration decreased as follows: stalk>leaf>grain. Furthermore, the effects of PFOA and PFOS on chlorophyll concentration and soluble protein were examined. A decrease in chlorophyll formation and soluble protein content was observed with increasing PFOA and PFOS concentrations.