# Occurrence, Sources, and Risk Assessment of PFAS in Soil–Mango Systems of the Chinese Tropical Nanfan District

## TL;DR

This study assesses PFAS contamination in soil and mangoes in China's Nanfan District, finding low levels with minimal health risks.

## Contribution

It highlights the role of short-chain PFAS in tropical agricultural safety and provides data for regulation.

## Key findings

- Total PFAS concentrations in soil ranged from 0.18 to 1.07 ng/g with PFHpA and PFHxA as major contributors.
- Mangoes showed PFAS concentrations from 0.0019 to 0.0201 ng/g with limited soil-to-fruit transfer (BAF <1).
- Ecological and dietary risks were minimal with risk quotients below thresholds.

## Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have emerged as contaminants of global concern due to their persistence and potential health risks. PFASs pose potential pollution risks in mango cultivation and production. This study investigated pollution characteristics and conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of PFASs in soil–mango systems within the Nanfan District of Hainan, China. The results revealed that total PFAS concentrations in soil ranged from 0.18 to 1.07 ng/g, with PFHpA and PFHxA accounting for 24.9% and 21.0%, respectively. Total PFAS concentrations in mangoes ranged from 0.0019 to 0.0201 ng/g wet weight, where PFHxA and PFHpA accounted for 44.02% and 30.28%, respectively. For all PFASs, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in mangoes was <1, indicating limited transfer from soil to fruits. Regarding PFAS contamination sources, long-range atmospheric transport may serve as the primary pathway for PFAS contamination in soil and mangoes. Risk assessments indicated minimal ecological and dietary exposure risks, with soil ecological risk quotients (RQs) below 0.01 and edible exposure RQs below 1. This study highlights the unique contribution of short-chain PFAS to the quality and safety of tropical agricultural products and provides critical data for the safety regulation of PFASs in soil–fruit systems.