Public health risk and one health assessment of PFAS soil environmental pollution: Distribution, trophic transfer, and remediation strategy evaluation

This study aims to investigate the environmental distribution, trophic transfer, and public health risk associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and biota near a legacy aqueous film-forming foam site, in the context of PFAS persistence, bioaccumulation, and the disproportionate burden faced by vulnerable ecosystems and communities. PFAS contamination represents a growing one health concern, affecting soil organisms, plants, and humans through shared exposure pathways. Utilizing a field-based, multi-compartmental assessment, data were collected from twenty stratified sampling points, including surface and subsurface soils, earthworms (<i>Lumbricus terrestris</i>), and wild lettuce (<i>Lactuca serriola</i>). PFAS concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry, and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated by compound. The US EPA’s benchmark dose software was used to derive toxicity thresholds (BMDL₁₀) for perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate probabilistic human hazard quotients (HQs). Two remediation approaches—granular activated carbon (GAC) and <i>Brassica juncea</i> phytoremediation—were evaluated for effectiveness and feasibility. The analysis revealed long-chain PFAS BAFs between 0.12 and 0.18, with 17% of simulated adult exposures exceeding HQ = 1. While GAC removed up to 98% of long-chain PFAS, it generated hazardous spent media. Phytoremediation removed only 25–35% and posed biomass disposal challenges. These findings underscore the need for adaptive, risk-informed remediation planning. The study contributes to one health by linking contamination surveillance with health-protective decision frameworks that support environmental justice, community resilience, and the co-protection of ecosystems, food systems, and human health.