Plant biomass responses to PFAS exposure: A meta-analysis with implications for phytoremediation in terrestrial and aquatic systems

Given the widespread distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and their tendency to bioaccumulate in living organisms, it is crucial to understand PFAS-plant interactions. However, the literature is still highly fragmented. In this meta-analysis, we compiled a dataset comprising 776 observations from 68 studies, covering 12 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and 45 plant species. Biomass was selected as a widely used and informative endpoint for assessing plant responses to PFAAs exposure, stratified into whole-plant (WB), aboveground (AB), and belowground (BB) biomass. PFAAs’ phytotoxicity generally manifested as a reduction in WB and AB. However, the observed phenotype was heavily influenced by experimental conditions, particularly exposure concentration. Conversely, BB tended to increase in aquatic species, particularly E. crassipes and B. articulata, following exposure to PFAAs. The information provided in this meta-analysis can inform the development and optimisation of phytoremediation strategies for PFAS removal or sequestration, and, on the other hand, help identify more sensitive species for ecotoxicology studies addressing the negative effects of PFAS on plants.