In Vivo Generation of PFOA, PFOS, and Other Compounds from Cationic and Zwitterionic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in a Terrestrial Invertebrate ().

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are two environmentally persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been detected globally in human tissues and fluids. As part of a project investigating the indirect sources of PFOA/PFOS in the environment and engineered systems, this study is concerned with the mechanisms leading to their in vivo generation in terrestrial invertebrates. We demonstrate here the formation of PFOA and PFOS in earthworms () from a group of four zwitterionic/cationic polyfluoroalkyl amides and sulfonamides.