Effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on hatching of Folsomia candida (Collembola) on soil

Egg hatching of the soil collembolan Folsomia candida and the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were investigated. New and effective laboratory methods for egg hatching studies with soil collembolans were established. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs) have been used industrially worldwide and are persistent organic pollutants in many soils. Twenty eggs laid by synchronized adults of the collembolan Folsomia candida were added to each Petri dish containing compressed soil substrate mixed with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA), or 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (F-53B), and after 25 d of exposure the number hatched declined on average by 6.9%–49.7%, 10.3%–24.1%, and 3.4%–18.6%, respectively. PFASs delayed the peak of hatching by one day, and at different concentrations reduced the number of eggs hatched during the peak by 16.7%–30% and 23.3%–43.2% in PFOA and PFBA treatments, respectively. In the presence of F-53B the number of eggs hatched declined by 73.3% but the number of individuals increased by 29.3% at higher concentrations. The characteristics of egg hatching were stable and sensitive to PFASs, and may be suitable for use as indicators in the screening of contaminated soils for environmental risk assessment.