Publications by authors named "K D Pennell"

Background: Gestational exposure to non-persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. While many EDCs affect the endocrine system, their effects on endocrine-related metabolic pathways remain unclear. This study aims to explore the global metabolome changes associated with EDC biomarkers at delivery.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PECNPs) often fully dissociate into individual polycations (PC) and polyanions (PA) at high salinities. Herein, we introduce a novel type of colloidally stable PECNP in which the PC is cross-linked, in this case branched polyethylenimine (PEI) to limit this dissociation, even in solutions up to 5.2 M NaCl or 5.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The environmental fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), especially those synthesized by electrochemical fluorination (ECF) processes, remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the transformation of AFFF-derived ECF-based precursors in aerobic soil microcosms amended with a historically used AFFF formulation (3M Light Water). Fifteen classes of PFAS, including AFFF components and transformation products, were identified or tentatively identified by suspect screening/nontargeted analysis (SSA/NTA) throughout a 308-day incubation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Among emerging contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have captured public attention based upon their environmental ubiquity and potential risks to human health. Due to their typical surface release conditions and amphiphilic properties, PFAS tend to sorb to soil and accumulate at the air-water interface within the vadose zone. These processes can result in substantial plume attenuation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * This study aimed to evaluate three models (PRZM5, LEACHM, and HYDRUS-1D) for predicting PFAS distribution in soil at a site in Pennsylvania that has used wastewater effluent for years.
  • * Results showed that while PRZM5 struggled to accurately predict PFOS behavior, LEACHM and HYDRUS-1D effectively captured PFAS retention, highlighting the importance of modeling both unsaturated flow and adsorption at the air-water interface for long-term predictions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF