Perfluoroalkyl Substances Accumulation in Lettuce: Effects of Cultivar, Growth Stage, and Cultivation Conditions on Food Safety

Poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent contaminants that pose growing food safety concerns due to their potential for accumulation in edible crops. This study investigated the uptake, translocation, and tissue distribution of 11 PFAS compounds in two hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars, Agila and Bonaly. Additionally, PFAS accumulation in Agila was assessed under field conditions in a PFAS-contaminated area. Under hydroponic conditions, lettuce plants at two developmental stages (28 and 56 days after sowing) were exposed to a mixture of PFAS at concentrations of 10 and 20 µg L−1 each. Under such conditions, Agila cultivar accumulated considerably higher levels of long-chain PFAS in both root and leaf tissues over time, whereas Bonaly cultivar demonstrated a more pronounced initial uptake and translocation of short-chain PFAS to leaves. Differently, Agila variety cultivated in a PFAS-polluted environment accumulated low concentrations of PFAS in leaf tissues, with only PFBA detected at minimal levels. The results emphasize the combined influence of plant variety, developmental stage, and cultivation methods on PFAS bioaccumulation, offering valuable guidance for food safety risk assessment and for developing targeted agricultural strategies in PFAS-contaminated areas.