Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish

Plants, as key components of trophic networks, play a critical role in the bioaccumulation of PFAS and their transfer to higher trophic levels. This study introduces an innovative methodology using timsTOF fleX MALDI-2 to visualize the spatial distribution of PFAS in plant tissues. Radish was select...

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Main Authors: Yuwei Zuo, Weilan Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-11-01
Series:Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666911025000012
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author Yuwei Zuo
Weilan Zhang
author_facet Yuwei Zuo
Weilan Zhang
author_sort Yuwei Zuo
collection DOAJ
description Plants, as key components of trophic networks, play a critical role in the bioaccumulation of PFAS and their transfer to higher trophic levels. This study introduces an innovative methodology using timsTOF fleX MALDI-2 to visualize the spatial distribution of PFAS in plant tissues. Radish was selected as the model plant due to its global popularity as a widely consumed vegetable. DAN (1,5-diaminonaphthalene) was used as the MALDI matrix, and the mass spectrometry operating conditions were optimized to acquire the best PFAS signals. The results show that long-chain PFAS predominantly accumulated in the xylem of the edible storage root, where their high hydrophobicity limits upward translocation. In contrast, short-chain PFAS and PFOA exhibited stronger signals in the cortex and periderm, likely due to alternative transport pathways. This differential distribution highlights the significant influence of PFAS physicochemical properties, such as chain length and hydrophobicity, on their in-planta transport mechanisms. By precisely mapping PFAS within plant tissues, this study provides a powerful tool for identifying high-risk edible tissues and assessing human exposure risks through PFAS-contaminated crops. It also reinforces the urgent need for sustainable remediation strategies to reduce PFAS levels in agricultural systems, thereby safeguarding food safety, ecosystem health, and human well-being.
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spelling doaj-art-fc6f4a71dc634afabccd156e158036292025-02-05T04:32:46ZengElsevierJournal of Hazardous Materials Letters2666-91102025-11-016100141Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radishYuwei Zuo0Weilan Zhang1Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, United StatesCorrespondence to: 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States.; Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, United StatesPlants, as key components of trophic networks, play a critical role in the bioaccumulation of PFAS and their transfer to higher trophic levels. This study introduces an innovative methodology using timsTOF fleX MALDI-2 to visualize the spatial distribution of PFAS in plant tissues. Radish was selected as the model plant due to its global popularity as a widely consumed vegetable. DAN (1,5-diaminonaphthalene) was used as the MALDI matrix, and the mass spectrometry operating conditions were optimized to acquire the best PFAS signals. The results show that long-chain PFAS predominantly accumulated in the xylem of the edible storage root, where their high hydrophobicity limits upward translocation. In contrast, short-chain PFAS and PFOA exhibited stronger signals in the cortex and periderm, likely due to alternative transport pathways. This differential distribution highlights the significant influence of PFAS physicochemical properties, such as chain length and hydrophobicity, on their in-planta transport mechanisms. By precisely mapping PFAS within plant tissues, this study provides a powerful tool for identifying high-risk edible tissues and assessing human exposure risks through PFAS-contaminated crops. It also reinforces the urgent need for sustainable remediation strategies to reduce PFAS levels in agricultural systems, thereby safeguarding food safety, ecosystem health, and human well-being.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666911025000012BioaccumulationMALDIPFASPlant uptakeRadish
spellingShingle Yuwei Zuo
Weilan Zhang
Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish
Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters
Bioaccumulation
MALDI
PFAS
Plant uptake
Radish
title Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish
title_full Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish
title_fullStr Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish
title_full_unstemmed Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish
title_short Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish
title_sort visualization and spatial mapping of pfas in the edible storage root of radish
topic Bioaccumulation
MALDI
PFAS
Plant uptake
Radish
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666911025000012
work_keys_str_mv AT yuweizuo visualizationandspatialmappingofpfasintheediblestoragerootofradish
AT weilanzhang visualizationandspatialmappingofpfasintheediblestoragerootofradish