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Zhang J, Jaspers VLB, Røe J, Castro G, Kroglund IB, Gonzalez SV, Østnes JE, Asimakopoulos AG. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) feathers from Trøndelag, Norway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166213. [PMID: 37567298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of global concern due to their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment, bioaccumulation and the adverse effects on organisms. Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) are documented to be exposed to increasing concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and have been suggested in literature as a key raptor monitoring species. Therefore, non-destructive biomonitoring efforts are of high interest. Thus far, the use of feathers for biomonitoring PFASs in Tawny Owls has not been investigated. In this study, 32 PFASs were analyzed in 49 Tawny Owl body feather samples collected from 2017 to 2020 in Trøndelag, Norway. There were 30 PFASs detected in at least one feather, with the sum concentrations ranging from 31 to 203 ng/g (w.w.). Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) (median: 33 ng/g) and perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (FOSAA) (median: 18 ng/g) were the two compounds with the highest concentrations. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which is banned for production and use in Norway since 2007, was found in all samples (median: 4.14 ng/g), indicating its high persistence. 8 PFASs were detected in at least 50 % of the samples: FOSAA (11-127 ng/g), PFHpA (<0.04-115 ng/g), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (<0.28-21 ng/g), PFOS (0.23-13 ng/g), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) (0.24-5.15 ng/g), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) (<0.28-4.45 ng/g), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (<0.28-2.33 ng/g), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) (0.07-1.01 ng/g). No significant differences were found for the concentrations of PFASs between calendar years and locations, but a slight increase could be observed in the sum concentration of PFASs (Ʃ32PFASs) over the sampling years. As Tawny Owls are residential owls that usually do not cover great distances, their feathers can be used as a potential alternative matrix for future biomonitoring studies. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the occurrence of 32 PFASs investigated in feathers of a Tawny Owl population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jonas Røe
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingvild B Kroglund
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7229 Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Susana Villa Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Eivind Østnes
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7229 Steinkjer, Norway
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Lopez-Antia A, Piña B, Lacorte S, Bervoets L, Eens M. Transcriptomic effects of Perfluoralkyl acids on the adipose tissue of a songbird species at environmentally relevant concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121478. [PMID: 36972811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoralkyl acids (PFAS) have been regarded as global pollutants for at least twenty years, with potentially negative physiological effects on multiple vertebrate species including humans. Here we analyze the effects of the administration of environmentally-relevant levels of PFAS on caged canaries (Serinus canaria) by using a combination of physiological, immunological, and transcriptomic analyses. This constitutes a completely new approach to understand the toxicity pathway of PFAS in birds. While we observed no effects on physiological and immunological parameters (e.g, body weight, fat index, cell-mediated immunity), the transcriptome of the pectoral fatty tissue showed changes compatible with the known effects of PFAS as obesogens in other vertebrates, particularly in mammals. First, transcripts related to the immunological response were affected (mainly enriched), including several key signaling pathways. Second, we found a repression of genes related to the peroxisome response and fatty acid metabolism. We interpret these results as indicative of the potential hazard of environmental concentrations of PFAS on the fat metabolism and the immunological system of birds, while exemplifying the ability of transcriptomic analyses of detecting early physiological responses to toxicants. As the potentially affected functions are essential for the survival of the animals during, for example, migration, our results underline the need for tight control of the exposure of natural populations of birds to these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lopez-Antia
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Benjamin Piña
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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3
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Sun J, Xing L, Chu J. Global ocean contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A review of seabird exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138721. [PMID: 37080473 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively produced and used as surfactants and repellents for decades. To date, the global contamination pattern of PFAS in marine biota has seldomly been reviewed. Seabirds are ideal biomonitoring tools to study environmental contaminants and their effects. Here, we compiled and synthesized reported PFAS concentrations in various seabird species to reflect spatiotemporal patterns and exposure risks of major PFAS on a global ocean scale. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most studied PFAS in seabirds, which showed the highest level in eggs of common guillemots (U. aalge) from the Baltic Sea, followed by great cormorants (P. carbo) from the North Sea and double-crested cormorants (P.auritus) from the San Francisco Bay, whereas the lowest were those reported for Antarctic seabirds. The temporal pattern showed an overall higher level of PFOS in the late 1990s and early 2000s, consistent with the phase-out of perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride-based products. Maximum liver PFOS concentrations in several species such as cormorants and fulmars from Europe and North America exceeded the estimated toxicity reference values. Systematic evaluations using representative species and long time-series are necessary to understand contamination patterns in seabirds in South America, Africa, and Asia where information is lacking. In addition, limited research has been conducted on the identification and toxic effects of novel substitutes such as fluorotelomers and ether PFAS (F-53B, Gen-X etc.) in seabirds. Further research, including multi-omics analysis, is needed to comprehensively characterize the exposure and toxicological profiles of PFAS in seabirds and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China.
| | - Lingling Xing
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiansong Chu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China.
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4
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Xu L, Chen H, Han X, Yu K, Wang Y, Du B, Zeng L. First report on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in coral communities from the Northern South China sea: Occurrence, seasonal variation, and interspecies differences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120214. [PMID: 36150619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the contamination levels and seasonal variation of 22 PFASs were investigated in coastal reef-building corals (n = 68) from the northern South China Sea (SCS) during wet and dry seasons. Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was the predominant PFASs in all coral samples, representing 43% of the total PFAS. Long-chain PFASs, as well as PFAS alternatives, were frequently detected above the MQL (>88%) but showed relatively low concentrations compared to short-chain PFASs in most species and seasons. Seasonal variation of PFAS concentrations were observed in branching corals, indicating that the accumulation of PFASs may be associated with coral morphological structures. Interspecies differences in PFAS levels agree well with different bioaccumulation potentials among coral species. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that seasonal factor and coral genus could partly influence PFAS concentrations in coral tissues. In summary, our study firstly reported the occurrence of PFASs in coral communities from the SCS and highlights the necessity for future investigations on more toxicity data for coral communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Xu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xu Han
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yongzhi Wang
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Bibai Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Lixi Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
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5
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Hossain F, Dennis NM, Subbiah S, Karnjanapiboonwong A, Guelfo JL, Suski J, Anderson TA. Acute Oral Toxicity of Nonfluorinated Fire-Fighting Foams to Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2003-2007. [PMID: 35661245 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been the active ingredients in firefighting foams for more than 50 years. Due to their extreme persistence, regulatory agencies are concerned about their potential adverse environmental and health impacts. Recently, nonfluorinated chemical constituents have been proposed for use in fire-fighting foams in an effort to reduce the potential negative impacts of PFAS on terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. However, it is important to also determine the potential ecotoxicity of these nonfluorinated foam products, because we have little toxicological information for many of them. In preparation for a chronic study, we conducted an acute (24-h) oral toxicity test in northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) using six different fluorine-free foams; five were commercial foams (BioEx ECOPOL A, Fomtec Enviro USP, National Foam Avio Green KHC, National Foam NFD 20-391, and Solberg Re-Healing Foam), and one was an experimental foam (NRL 502W). A short-chain PFAS-based foam (Buckeye Platinum Plus C6) was also evaluated for comparative purposes. Groups of five birds were initially pseudogavaged with a volume of each product corresponding to a "limit" (the highest exposure concentration expected to occur environmentally). Only one bird (1 of 35) died during the limit test, indicating that all seven products have an acute median lethal dose in adult quail at or above the limit (~1500 mg/kg body wt). Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2003-2007. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Hossain
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole M Dennis
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Seenivasan Subbiah
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Jamie Suski
- EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA
| | - Todd A Anderson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Szabo D, Moodie D, Green MP, Mulder RA, Clarke BO. Field-Based Distribution and Bioaccumulation Factors for Cyclic and Aliphatic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in an Urban Sedentary Waterbird Population. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8231-8244. [PMID: 35678721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The field-based distribution and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in residential Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) from an urban lake (Melbourne, Australia). The concentrations of 46 aliphatic and cyclic PFASs were determined by HPLC-MS/MS in serum and excrement from swans, and water, sediment, aquatic macrophytes, soil, and grass samples in and around the lake. Elevated concentrations of ∑46PFASs were detected in serum (120 ng mL-1) and excrement (110 ng g-1 dw) were strongly related indicating a potential noninvasive sampling methodology. Environmental concentrations of PFASs were consistent with a highly impacted ecosystem and notably high concentrations of perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS, 67584-42-3; C8HF15SO3) were detected in water (27 ng L-1) and swan serum (16 ng mL-1). In the absence of credible putative alternative sources of PFECHS input to the lake, we propose that the use of high-performance motorsport vehicles is a likely source of contamination to this ecosystem. The BAF of perfluorocarboxylic acids increased with each additional CF2 moiety from PFOA (15.7 L kg-1 ww) to PFDoDA (3615 L kg-1 ww). The BAF of PFECHS was estimated as 593 L kg-1 ww, which is lower compared with that of PFOS (1097 L kg-1 ww).
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Damien Moodie
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia 3001
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010
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7
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Szabo D, Nuske MR, Lavers JL, Shimeta J, Green MP, Mulder RA, Clarke BO. A baseline study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in waterfowl from a remote Australian environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152528. [PMID: 34954161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of PFASs in the liver may pose a toxicological risk to bird species and humans that consume them. This study aimed to determine concentrations of 43 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in livers (n = 80) of Australian Shelducks (Tadorna tadornoides), Pacific Black Ducks (Anas superciliosa), and Teals (Anas sp.), as well as water and sediment from a remote Australian environment. Maximum concentrations of PFBA (1.9 ng L-1), PFOA (1.7 ng L-1) and PFOS (0.99 ng L-1) in water were consistent with long-range atmospheric and oceanic transport. PFOS (30%) and PFNA (22%) were the most frequently detected PFASs in Australian Shelduck livers (0.31 ± 0.68 ng g-1 ww and 0.16 ± 0.15 ng g-1 ww respectively). Maximum concentrations of PFOS in Pacific Black Ducks (50%) and Teals (44%) was 2.4 ng g-1 ww and 5.3 ng g-1 ww respectively. While PFAS levels in birds from this remote environment were below current animal consumption guidelines, continued monitoring of this ecosystem is recommended to assess the human health risk of consumption of wild game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Madison R Nuske
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 7004, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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8
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Death C, Bell C, Champness D, Milne C, Reichman S, Hagen T. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in livestock and game species: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:144795. [PMID: 33609849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic, organic chemicals that resist environmental breakdown. The properties that made PFAS into an industrial success also led to their persistence and bioaccumulation. As PFAS were widely used for many decades their presence is evident globally, and their persistence and potential for toxicity create concern for human, animal and environmental health. Following the precautionary principle, a reduction in human exposure is generally recommended. The most significant source of human exposure to PFAS is dietary intake (food and water) with additional exposure via dust. As PFAS concentrations have been more frequently studied in aquatic food sources, there is less understanding of exposure via terrestrial animals. To further define human exposure via animal products, it is necessary to determine PFAS concentrations and persistence in terrestrial livestock and game species. Studies assessing ambient concentrations of PFAS have noted that, aside from point sources of contamination, there is generally low input of PFAS into terrestrial agricultural food chains. However, livestock and game species may be exposed to PFAS via contaminated water, soil, substrate, air or food, and the contribution of these exposures to PFAS concentrations in food products is less well studied. This review focuses on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAAs) and compiles information from terrestrial livestock and game species as a source of dietary exposure in humans, and discusses toxicokinetics and health effects in animals, while identifying future focus areas. Publications describing the transfer of PFAAs to farmed and hunted animals are scarce, and demonstrate large variability in distribution and elimination. We outline several relatively small, short-term studies in cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. While negative effects have not been noted, the poultry investigations were the only studies to explicitly assess health effects. Comparative information is presented on PFAA concentrations in livestock products and edible tissues of game animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Death
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia.
| | - Cameron Bell
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia
| | - David Champness
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia
| | - Charles Milne
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia
| | - Suzie Reichman
- Centre for Anthropogenic Pollution Impact and Management (CAPIM), School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Tarah Hagen
- SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd, Lvl 11, 176 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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Ankley GT, Cureton P, Hoke RA, Houde M, Kumar A, Kurias J, Lanno R, McCarthy C, Newsted J, Salice CJ, Sample BE, Sepúlveda MS, Steevens J, Valsecchi S. Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State-of-the Science and a Proposed Path Forward. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:564-605. [PMID: 32897586 PMCID: PMC7984443 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well-understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state-of-the-science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross-disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource-effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564-605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T. Ankley
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Philippa Cureton
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation UrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jessy Kurias
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria S. Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue UniversityWest LayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffery Steevens
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research CenterColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- Water Research Institute, National Research CouncilBrugherioMonza and BrianzaItaly
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10
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Wilson TB, Stevenson G, Crough R, de Araujo J, Fernando N, Anwar A, Scott T, Quinteros JA, Scott PC, Archer MJG. Evaluation of Residues in Hen Eggs After Exposure of Laying Hens to Water Containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:735-743. [PMID: 32274818 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in aqueous film-forming foams used in firefighting, resulting in soil and groundwater contamination and leading to human exposure via animal products grown in contaminated areas. The present study reports the relationship between PFAS intake by hens and the PFAS concentrations in the edible parts of eggs. Laying hens were exposed via drinking water to different concentrations of 4 PFAS compounds (perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS], perfluorohexane sulfonate [PFHxS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], and perfluorohexanoic acid) over 61 d. Egg PFAS residues were assessed for a further 30 d after exposure ceased. The target concentrations of PFAS were 0, 0.3, 3, 30, and 300 µg/L for the treatment groups T1-T5, respectively; and PFAS residues were determined from the eggs collected every second day. There was a linear correlation between the PFAS concentrations in the drinking water of hens and those detected in the egg, which could be useful in estimating PFAS concentrations in the egg by measuring water concentrations. Exposure of hens to drinking water with PFAS concentrations below the Australian Government Department of Health limits (PFOS and PFHxS, 0.07 µg/L; PFOA, 0.56 µg/L), and with no other sources of PFAS exposure, is unlikely to result in egg PFAS concentrations that would exceed the 10% limit set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand for human consumption. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:735-743. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gavin Stevenson
- National Measurement Institute, Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Crough
- National Measurement Institute, Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jesuina de Araujo
- National Measurement Institute, Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Arif Anwar
- Scolexia, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Bursian SJ, Link JE, McCarty M, Simcik MF. The Subacute Toxicity of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and/or Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Legacy Aqueous Film-Forming Foams to Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Chicks. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:695-710. [PMID: 32060944 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As part of an effort to develop avian ecotoxicity information for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) associated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by the Department of Defense, the subacute toxicity of PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, 3M AFFF, and Ansul AFFF to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks was determined. Ten-day-old Japanese quail were administered treated feed for 5 d and then fed untreated feed for 18 d. Analyzed concentrations of PFOS, PFOA, and PFOS + PFOA ranged from 62 to 1955, 162 to 1208, and 43 + 45 to 296 + 292 mg kg feed-1 . Analyzed concentrations of PFOS in feed containing the 3M AFFF ranged from 73 to 1399 mg kg feed-1 , and formulated concentrations of 6:2 fluorotelomer thioamido sulfonate in feed containing the Ansul AFFF ranged from 9 to 1118 mg kg feed-1 . Average daily doses resulting in 50% mortality at day 5 were 38 (34-43), 68 (63-74), 55 (51-59), and 130 (103-164) mg PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, and PFOS in 3M AFFF kg body weight-1 d-1 . Ansul AFFF did not result in any mortalities. Dietary concentrations resulting in 50% mortality at day 5 were 351 (275-450), 496 (427-575), 398 (339-468), and 467 (390-559) mg PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, and PFOS in 3M AFFF kg feed-1 . Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:695-710. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Jane E Link
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael McCarty
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matt F Simcik
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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12
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Roscales JL, Vicente A, Ryan PG, González-Solís J, Jiménez B. Spatial and Interspecies Heterogeneity in Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Seabirds of the Southern Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:9855-9865. [PMID: 31385515 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluate the main factors driving the exposure of Southern Ocean seabirds to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) across a wide geographic range. Five perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs, C4-12), 10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs, C4-13), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were analyzed in plasma (n = 128) from eight species, including penguins, giant petrels, skuas, albatrosses, and shearwaters, breeding at four sites in the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic, and adjacent cool-temperate regions. Mean ∑PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.53 to 53 ng/g wet weight from black-browed albatross to giant petrels, respectively. As expected due to biomagnification, greater concentrations of most PFASs were found in species near the top of marine food webs such as giant petrels. However, our results suggest that other factors, i.e., metabolic capabilities and spatial movements, can mask interspecies differences in PFASs, especially PFCAs, expected from trophic structure. For instance, trans-equatorial migratory seabirds exhibited PFAS levels and profiles that are consistent with northern hemisphere exposure, reflecting their potential biovector role in the global transport of these pollutants. Among resident species, greater concentrations of PFASs, especially long-chain PFCAs, were found in seabirds breeding or foraging north of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) than in those restricted to Antarctic/sub-Antarctic distributions. Moreover, composition profiles of PFAS in Antarctic seabirds agree well with those expected from long-range transport. Our results confirm the importance of the ACC in protecting Antarctic food webs from water-phase-transported PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Roscales
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry , CSIC (IQOG-CSIC) , Juan de la Cierva 3 , Madrid , Spain 28006
| | - Alba Vicente
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry , CSIC (IQOG-CSIC) , Juan de la Cierva 3 , Madrid , Spain 28006
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence , University of Cape Town , Rondebosch 7701 , South Africa
| | - Jacob González-Solís
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) and Departament de Biologia Evolutiva , Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, University of Barcelona , Av. Diagonal 643 , Barcelona 08028 , Spain
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry , CSIC (IQOG-CSIC) , Juan de la Cierva 3 , Madrid , Spain 28006
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13
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Vorkamp K, Falk K, Møller S, Bossi R, Rigét FF, Sørensen PB. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) add to the chemical cocktail in peregrine falcon eggs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 648:894-901. [PMID: 30144757 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A suite of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were determined in 41 peregrine falcon eggs collected in South Greenland between 1986 and 2014. Median concentrations of perfluorinated sulfonic acids (ΣPFSA) and perfluorinated carboxylic acids (ΣPFCA) were 303 ng/g dry weight (dw) (58 ng/g wet weight, ww) and 100 ng/g dw (19 ng/g ww), respectively, which was comparable to other studies. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) accounted for 94% on average of all PFSAs, but did not show a significant time trend. Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS) showed non-linear decreases over the study period, while some long-chain PFCAs increased significantly. The PCN profile was dominated by the penta-, hexa- and tetrachlorinated congeners CN-52/60, CN-66/67 and CN-42. CN-54, an indicator of combustion, accounted for 2.4% of ΣPCN on average. All PCN congeners showed a decreasing tendency, which was significant for lipid-normalized concentrations of CN-53, CN-54 and CN-63. The ΣPCN median concentration was 21 ng/g lipid weight, which is in the high end of concentrations reported for bird eggs. The PCN and PFAS concentrations add to an already high contaminant burden and a complex chemical cocktail in the peregrine falcon population in Greenland, mainly reflecting contaminant exposure during migration and winter stays in Central and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Arctic Research Centre, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Knud Falk
- Ljusstöparbacken 11a, 11765 Stockholm, Sweden. https://www.vandrefalk.dk
| | - Søren Møller
- Roskilde University Library, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Rossana Bossi
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Arctic Research Centre, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland.
| | - Peter B Sørensen
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark.
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Escoruela J, Garreta E, Ramos R, González-Solís J, Lacorte S. Occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances in Calonectris shearwaters breeding along the Mediterranean and Atlantic colonies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 131:335-340. [PMID: 29886955 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the presence of 17 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood of two closely related top predators, the Scopoli's (Calonectris diomedea) and Cory's (C. borealis) shearwaters that breed allopatrically in Mediterranean and Atlantic basins. Among PFAS, perfluorooctanesulfononic acid (PFOS) and long chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCA) were detected in all samples, highlighting somehow the ubiquity of such pollutants. Scopoli's shearwaters from the Mediterranean showed significant higher levels in all PFAS when compared with those levels determined in the colony of Cory's shearwater from the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, significant differences also arose within the Mediterranean colonies, with the colony of the Central Mediterranean (Zembra Island in Tunisia) having the lowest levels of all PFAS. Thus, our study suggests a marked geographical pattern regarding the presence of such contaminants, and emphasizes the necessity to study PFAS accumulation in birds inhabiting temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Escoruela
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elba Garreta
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raül Ramos
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jacob González-Solís
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Rodriguez-Freire L, Abad-Fernández N, Sierra-Alvarez R, Hoppe-Jones C, Peng H, Giesy JP, Snyder S, Keswani M. Sonochemical degradation of perfluorinated chemicals in aqueous film-forming foams. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 317:275-283. [PMID: 27295064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.05.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are complex mixtures containing 1-5% w/w fluorocarbons (FCs). Here, we have investigated degradation of two commercial AFFF formulations, 3M and Ansul, using sound field at 500kHz and 1MHz, with varying initial concentrations ranging from 200 to 930× dilution. The foams were readily degraded by 1MHz, with percentage of defluorination ranging from 11.1±1.4% (200× dilution of 3M) to 47.1±5.8% (500× dilution of Ansul). Removal of total organic carbon (TOC) ranged from 16.0±1.4% (200× dilution Ansul) to 39.0±7.2% (500× dilution Ansul). Degradation of AFFF was affected by sound frequency with rates of defluorination 10-fold greater when the frequency was 1MHz than when it was 500kHz. Mineralization of TOC was 1.5- to 3.0-fold greater under 1MHz than 500kHz. Rate of fluoride release was 60% greater for the greatest initial concentration of FC in Ansul compared to the least initial concentration. While the rate of mineralization of AFFF was directly proportional to the initial concentration of Ansul, that was not the case for 3M, where the rates of mineralization were approximately the same for all three initial concentrations. Results of the study demonstrate that sonolysis is a promising technology to effectively treat AFFFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rodriguez-Freire
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210012, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nerea Abad-Fernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, EII, Sede Mergelina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Christiane Hoppe-Jones
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Hui Peng
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Shane Snyder
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Manish Keswani
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210012, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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16
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Franklin J. How reliable are field-derived biomagnification factors and trophic magnification factors as indicators of bioaccumulation potential? Conclusions from a case study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2016; 12:6-20. [PMID: 25845916 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This review examines the usefulness of the metrics BMF (biomagnification factor) and TMF (trophic magnification factor), derived from field measurements of the levels of contaminants in naturally occurring biota, for characterizing the bioaccumulation potential ("B") of chemicals. Trophic magnification factor and BMF values greater than 1.0 are often considered to be the most conclusive indicators of B status, and the TMF criterion has been referred to as the "gold standard" for B categorization. Although not wishing to dispute the theoretical primacy of field-derived BMFs and TMFs as B metrics, we make the case that, in practice, the study-to-study (and even within-study) variability of the results is so great that they are of very restricted usefulness for assessing B status, at least in the case of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), on which we focus here. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the results of 24 peer-reviewed studies reporting field-derived BMFs or TMFs for 14 PFASs, for which BMF values often range over several orders of magnitude from <<1.0 to >>1.0, sometimes even in the same study. For TMFs, the range is a factor of approximately 20 for the most intensely studied PFASs (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA] and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS]). We analyze the possible causes for such variability: To some extent it results from the differing ways in which the metrics are expressed, but most of the scatter is likely attributable to such factors as nonachievement of the tacitly assumed steady-state conditions, uncertainties in the feeding ecology, the impact of metabolism of precursor compounds, and so forth. As more trustworthy alternatives to field-derived BMFs and TMFs, we suggest the implementation of dietary BMF studies performed under strictly controlled conditions on aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species, as well as the consideration of measured elimination half-lives, which have been demonstrated to be directly related to BMF values.
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17
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Toxicokinetics of perfluorooctane sulfonate in rabbits under environmentally realistic exposure conditions and comparative assessment between mammals and birds. Toxicol Lett 2016; 241:200-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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18
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Parolini M, Colombo G, Valsecchi S, Mazzoni M, Possenti CD, Caprioli M, Dalle-Donne I, Milzani A, Saino N, Rubolini D. Potential toxicity of environmentally relevant perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations to yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:426-437. [PMID: 26310703 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Perfluooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is considered an emerging pollutant because of its wide distribution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as its potential toxicity to living organisms. Although PFOS environmental levels and the adverse effects on classical model organisms in toxicological studies are well known, including developmental alterations and alteration of oxidative status, its toxicity to free-living species has been seldom investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the potential toxicity of environmental levels of PFOS to yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) embryos under field experimental conditions. In a within-clutch experimental design, we injected two PFOS concentrations (100 ng PFOS/g egg weight and 200 ng PFOS/g egg weight) in ovo soon after laying. Eggs were collected when they reached the cracking stage. We investigated the effects of PFOS treatment, laying order and sex on both morphological and biochemical endpoints of embryos. Specifically, we assessed changes in embryo body mass and tarsus length, as well as in liver and brain mass. Moreover, the imbalance of oxidative status was evaluated in both liver and brain from embryos by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS), while the levels of protein carbonyl content (PCO) and DNA fragmentation were measured as oxidative and genetic damage endpoints, respectively. The concentrations of PFOS we tested did not significantly alter the morphological endpoints, independently of laying order and sex. Similarly, embryo oxidative status and oxidative and genetic damage were not significantly affected by PFOS in ovo exposure. These findings suggest that current environmental PFOS levels do not affect early development of yellow-legged gull embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Graziano Colombo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- IRSA-CNR-Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Via Mulino 19, I-20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Michela Mazzoni
- IRSA-CNR-Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Via Mulino 19, I-20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Dalle-Donne
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Aldo Milzani
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
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Han J, Won EJ, Lee MC, Seo JS, Lee SJ, Lee JS. Developmental retardation, reduced fecundity, and modulated expression of the defensome in the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus exposed to BDE-47 and PFOS. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 165:136-143. [PMID: 26037098 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are widely dispersed persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the marine ecosystem. However, their toxic effects on marine organisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of BDE-47 and PFOS on development and reproduction at the organismal level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and gene expression patterns of the defensome at the cellular level in the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus. In copepods exposed to BDE-47 and PFOS, we observed developmental retardation and reduced fecundity, suggesting repercussions on in vivo endpoints through alterations to the normal molting and reproduction system of T. japonicus. BDE-47 and PFOS increased levels of ROS in T. japonicus in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that POPs can induce oxidative stress through the generation of ROS. Additionally, transcript profiles of genes related to detoxification (e.g., CYPs), antioxidant functions (e.g., GST- sigma, catalase, MnSOD), apoptosis (e.g., p53, Rb), and cellular proliferation (e.g., PCNA) were modulated over 72h in response to BDE-47 (120μg/L) and PFOS (1000μg/L). These findings indicate that BDE-47 and PFOS can induce oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage repair systems with transcriptional regulation of detoxification, antioxidant, and apoptosis-related genes, resulting in developmental retardation and reduced fecundity in the copepod T. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghoon Han
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Won
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea
| | - Min-Chul Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea
| | - Jung Soo Seo
- Pathology Team, National Fisheries Research & Development Institute, Busan 619-902, South Korea
| | - Su-Jae Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea.
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20
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Bertolero A, Vicente J, Meyer J, Lacorte S. Accumulation and maternal transfer of perfluorooctane sulphonic acid in yellow-legged (Larus michahellis) and Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) from the Ebro Delta Natural Park. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 137:208-214. [PMID: 25575371 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the accumulation and maternal transfer of perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) in yellow-legged gulls (YLG, Larus michahellis) and the protected species Audouin's gull (AG, Larus audouinii), which cohabit in the Ebro Delta Natural Park (Catalonia, Spain). The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) through diet (fish and crayfish), depuration rates and transfer capacity from blood to first eggs was studied for a set of 44 pairs. For AG, mean (±SD) EDI was of 128 ± 36 ng/d in males and 119 ± 32 ng/d in females, and for YLG, 170 ± 48 ng/d in males and 159 ± 42 ng/d in females. PFOS levels in blood were higher in males than females (60.6 ± 21 and 61.1 ± 2 7ng/g ww in AG and YLG males versus 25.2 ± 12 and 27.3 ± 14 ng/g ww in AG and YLG females), with little differences among species. The lower levels in females were attributed to the annual release of PFOS to eggs during the laying period, which was estimated of 5544 ± 1571 ng/egg for AG females and 6716 ± 2689 ng/egg for YLG. The overall mass balance of PFOS calculated for both species clearly demonstrates that uptake is higher than elimination rates, considering depuration rates and transfer of PFOS to eggs, and this explains that PFOS is accumulated in gulls in a yearly basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Bertolero
- IRTA Aquatic Ecosystems, Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joana Vicente
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Johan Meyer
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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21
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Tarazona J, Rodríguez C, Alonso E, Sáez M, González F, San Andrés M, Jiménez B, San Andrés M. Toxicokinetics of perfluorooctane sulfonate in birds under environmentally realistic exposure conditions and development of a kinetic predictive model. Toxicol Lett 2015; 232:363-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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22
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Braune BM, Gaston AJ, Letcher RJ, Grant Gilchrist H, Mallory ML, Provencher JF. A geographical comparison of chlorinated, brominated and fluorinated compounds in seabirds breeding in the eastern Canadian Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 134:46-56. [PMID: 25046812 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A suite of chlorinated, brominated and fluorinated organic contaminants were measured in livers of adult thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from several locations in the eastern Canadian Arctic during 2007-2008. Thick-billed murres were collected from five colonies (Coats Island, Digges Island, Akpatok Island, Prince Leopold Island, Minarets) and northern fulmars from two colonies (Prince Leopold Island, Minarets). Legacy organochlorines (e.g. PCBs, DDT, chlorobenzenes, chlordanes) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) dominated the compositional profiles of the measured halogenated compounds in the livers of both species at all colonies. Among the murre colonies sampled, Prince Leopold Island birds generally had the highest mean concentrations of organochlorines, whereas the highest mean concentration of sum (Σ) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was found at the Minarets and the lowest at Prince Leopold Island. PBDEs were detected in only a few fulmar livers from the Minarets and in none of the fulmar livers from Prince Leopold Island. Mean PFOS concentrations were highest in both murre and fulmar livers at Prince Leopold Island. PFOS was approximately two orders of magnitude higher than the mean sum (Σ) perfluorinated carboxylate (PFCA) concentration in both species and at all colonies. The reasons for inter-colony and inter-species differences in contaminant liver levels are probably variable and complex, and likely reflect differences in contaminant transport and exposure pathways, as well as differences among colonies in their diets and overwintering areas. To our knowledge, this is the first spatial assessment of PBDEs, PFCAs and PFOS in seabirds from the Canadian Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit M Braune
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3.
| | - Anthony J Gaston
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R6
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Nordén M, Berger U, Engwall M. High levels of perfluoroalkyl acids in eggs and embryo livers of great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) and herring gull (Larus argentatus) from Lake Vänern, Sweden. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:8021-8030. [PMID: 23463275 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1567-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In the eggs and developing chick livers in the two wild bird species, great cormorant and herring gull, the concentrations of a range of 15 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were determined. Eggs of the two species were collected from Lake Vänern, Sweden, and analysed either as undeveloped egg (whole egg or separated into yolk and albumen) or incubated until start of the hatching process when the chick liver was removed and analysed. High levels of PFAAs were found in all matrixes except albumen. The predominant PFAA was perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which was found in the μg/g wet weight (ww) range in some samples of cormorant whole egg, yolk and liver and herring gull egg yolk and liver. The average concentration in yolk was 1,506 ng/g ww in cormorant and 589 ng/g ww in herring gull. The average liver concentrations of PFOS were 583 ng/g ww in cormorant and 508 ng/g ww in herring gull. At these concentrations, biochemical effects in the developing embryo or effects on embryo survival cannot be ruled out. For perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), the liver/egg and liver/yolk concentration ratios increased with PFCA chain length in cormorant but not in herring gull, indicating that chain length could possibly affect egg-to-liver transfer of PFCAs and that species differences may exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Nordén
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
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24
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O'Brien JM, Williams A, Yauk CL, Crump D, Kennedy SW. In vitro microarray analysis identifies genes in acute-phase response pathways that are down-regulated in the liver of chicken embryos exposed in ovo to PFUdA. Toxicol In Vitro 2013; 27:1649-58. [PMID: 23602845 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA) is one of the most highly detected perfluoroalkyl compounds in wild bird tissues and eggs. Although PFUdA does not affect hatching success, many PFCs are known to impair post-hatch development and survival. Here we use microarrays to survey the transcriptional response of cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes (CEH) to PFUdA for potential targets of PFUdA action that could lead to developmental deficiencies in exposed birds. At 1 μM and 10 μM PFUdA significantly altered the expression of 346 and 676 transcripts, respectively (fold-change>1.5, p<0.05, false discovery rate-corrected). Using functional, pathway and interactome analysis we identified several potentially important targets of PFUdA exposure, including the suppression of the acute-phase response (APR). We then measured the expression of five APR genes, fibrinogen alpha (fga), fibrinogen gamma (fgg), thrombin (f2), plasminogen (plg), and protein C (proC), in the liver of chicken embryos exposed in ovo to PFUdA. The expression of fga, f2, and proC were down-regulated in embryo livers (100 or 1000 ng/g, p<0.1) as predicted from microarray analysis, whereas fibrinogen gamma (fgg) was up-regulated and plg was not significantly affected. Our results demonstrate the utility of CEH coupled with transcriptome analysis as an in vitro screening tool for identifying novel effects of toxicant exposure. Additionally, we identified APR suppression as a potentially important and environmentally relevant target of PFUdA. These findings suggest in ovo exposure of birds to PFUdA may lead to post-hatch developmental deficiencies, such as impaired inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M O'Brien
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 20 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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25
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Braune BM, Letcher RJ. Perfluorinated sulfonate and carboxylate compounds in eggs of seabirds breeding in the Canadian Arctic: temporal trends (1975-2011) and interspecies comparison. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:616-24. [PMID: 23215357 DOI: 10.1021/es303733d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) and perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs), as well as selected precursor compounds, were measured in eggs of thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Prince Leopold Island in the Canadian Arctic between 1975 and 2011 as well as in eggs of three additional species (black guillemot Cepphus grylle, black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus) sampled in 2008. ΣPFCA concentrations increased significantly from 1975 to 2011 in the murre and fulmar eggs at an average annual rate of 0.56 and 0.91 ng g(-1) ww, respectively, whereas perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations did not change significantly. The interspecies comparison of eggs sampled in 2008 found that black guillemots had the highest PFOS and lowest ΣPFCA levels, and northern fulmars had the highest ΣPFCA levels. PFUnA (C(11)) and PFTrA (C(13)) were the predominant PFCAs measured in eggs of all five species except for the black guillemot where PFDA (C(10)) contributed almost equally with PFTrA (C(13)) to the PFCA profile. Based on published toxicity thresholds, levels of neither perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) nor PFOS in seabird eggs from the Canadian Arctic are of toxicological concern. These are the first interspecies comparisons for PFASs in seabirds from the Canadian Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit M Braune
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3.
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26
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Wang T, Khim JS, Chen C, Naile JE, Lu Y, Kannan K, Park J, Luo W, Jiao W, Hu W, Giesy JP. Perfluorinated compounds in surface waters from Northern China: comparison to level of industrialization. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 42:37-46. [PMID: 21536332 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Inclusion of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in the Stockholm Convention because of its exemptions, has resulted in increased annual production of PFOS-containing chemicals in China to accommodate domestic and overseas demands. Accordingly, concern about environmental contamination with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), such as PFOS, has arisen. However, little information is available on the status and trends in the distribution, sources or risk of PFCs in aquatic environments of China. In the present study, forty two surface water samples collected from five regions with different levels of industrialization were monitored for concentrations of PFCs by use of solid phase extraction and LC/MS/MS. Mean concentrations (maximum concentration) of PFOA and PFOS, which were the dominant PFCs, were 1.2 (2.3) and 0.16 (0.52)ng/l for Guanting, 1.2 (1.8) and 0.32 (1.1)ng/l for Hohhot, 2.7 (15) and 0.93 (5.7)ng/l for Shanxi, 6.8 (12) and 2.6 (11)ng/l for Tianjin, 27 (82) and 4.7 (31)ng/l for Liaoning, respectively. The greatest concentrations of PFCs (121 ng/l), PFOA (82 ng/l) and PFOS (31 ng/l) were observed in Liaoning, which might originate from tributaries of the Liaohe River, the most polluted watershed in Northeast China. While, concentrations of PFCs in the Guanting and Hohhot regions were 3 to 20 fold less than those from Tianjin and Liaoning. This result is consistent with little contribution of PFCs being released from agricultural and non-industrial activities. The magnitudes of mass flow for PFOA and PFOS in decreasing order were: Guanting<Hohhot<Tianjin<Liaoning<Shanxi and Guanting<Hohhot<Shanxi<Tianjin<Liaoning. The larger mass flows of PFOS were accompanied by relatively larger magnitudes of PFOA. Concentrations of both PFOA and PFOS in waters from all regions were less than suggested allowable concentrations. However, the relatively greater concentrations of PFCs in Tianjin and Liaoning suggest that further studies characterizing their sources and potential risk to both humans and wildlife are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieyu Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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27
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Custer CM, Custer TW, Schoenfuss HL, Poganski BH, Solem L. Exposure and effects of perfluoroalkyl compounds on tree swallows nesting at Lake Johanna in east central Minnesota, USA. Reprod Toxicol 2012; 33:556-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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28
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Vicente J, Bertolero A, Meyer J, Viana P, Lacorte S. Distribution of perfluorinated compounds in Yellow-legged gull eggs (Larus michahellis) from the Iberian Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 416:468-475. [PMID: 22209369 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.11.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed to evaluate the presence and distribution of Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) in Yellow-legged gull eggs (Larus michahellis) collected from 8 National or Natural Parks from the Iberian Peninsula. In each colony, 12 eggs were randomly collected and pooled from 3 areas of the colony and analyzed using liquid-solid extraction and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Perfluorooctanate sulfonate (PFOS) was the only compound detected in the eggs and its presence was higher in the colonies situated in NE Iberian Peninsula due to the more industrial and mass urbanization in this area compared to the SW Mediterranean or Atlantic colonies. Accordingly, the Medes site, followed by the Ebro Delta and Columbretes, all situated in the NW Mediterranean coast, contained the highest PFOS levels (40.5-54.0ng/g-ww). In all other colonies, PFOS was detected at levels of 10.1-18.6ng/g-ww. Egg shell biometry was studied and it was found that the presence of PFOS did not affect the development of the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vicente
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Insitute of Environmental Diagnostics and Water Studies, CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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29
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O'Brien JM, Austin AJ, Williams A, Yauk CL, Crump D, Kennedy SW. Technical-grade perfluorooctane sulfonate alters the expression of more transcripts in cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes than linear perfluorooctane sulfonate. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:2846-2859. [PMID: 21994020 DOI: 10.1002/etc.700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently it was discovered that the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) detected in wildlife, such as fish-eating birds, had a greater proportion of linear PFOS (L-PFOS) than the manufactured technical product (T-PFOS), which contains linear and branched isomers. This suggests toxicological studies based on T-PFOS data may inaccurately assess exposure risk to wildlife. To determine whether PFOS effects were influenced by isomer content, we compared the transcriptional profiles of cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes (CEH) exposed to either L-PFOS or T-PFOS using Agilent microarrays. At equal concentrations (10 µM), T-PFOS altered the expression of more transcripts (340, >1.5-fold change, p < 0.05) compared with L-PFOS (130 transcripts). Higher concentrations of L-PFOS (40 µM) were also less transcriptionally disruptive (217 transcripts) than T-PFOS at 10 µM. Functional analysis showed that L-PFOS and T-PFOS affected genes involved in lipid metabolism, hepatic system development, and cellular growth and proliferation. Pathway and interactome analysis suggested that genes may be affected through the RXR receptor, oxidative stress response, TP53 signaling, MYC signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and PPARγ and SREBP receptors. In all functional categories and pathways examined, the response elicited by T-PFOS was greater than that of L-PFOS. These data show that T-PFOS elicits a greater transcriptional response in CEH than L-PFOS alone and demonstrates the importance of considering the isomer-specific toxicological properties of PFOS when assessing exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M O'Brien
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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30
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Wang T, Lu Y, Chen C, Naile JE, Khim JS, Park J, Luo W, Jiao W, Hu W, Giesy JP. Perfluorinated compounds in estuarine and coastal areas of north Bohai Sea, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1905-1914. [PMID: 21683968 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in water, sediment, soil, and biota collected from estuarine and coastal areas of the north Bohai Sea, China, were determined by use of HPLC-MS/MS. Significant concentrations of PFCs were found in water (mean: 18.4 ng/l) and biologic samples (fish: 265 ng/g dw), while concentrations of PFCs in soils and sediments were less. The predominately detected compound was perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), with a maximum concentration of 30.9 ng/l in water and 791 ng/g dw in fish. Concentrations of PFCs were significantly greater in the Liaohe River system than other locations, which suggests point sources in this urbanized and industrialized region. PFOS concentrations in water and biota were both less than the reported threshold concentrations. Detection of PFCs at relatively great concentrations in various environmental matrices from this region suggested that further studies characterizing concentrations of PFCs, their sources and potential risk to both humans and wildlife are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieyu Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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31
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Loi EIH, Yeung LWY, Taniyasu S, Lam PKS, Kannan K, Yamashita N. Trophic magnification of poly- and perfluorinated compounds in a subtropical food web. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:5506-13. [PMID: 21644538 DOI: 10.1021/es200432n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are known to biomagnify in temperate and Arctic food webs, but little is known about their behavior in subtropical systems. The environmental distribution and biomagnification of PFCs, extractable organic fluorine (EOF), and total fluorine were investigated in a subtropical food web. Surface water, sediment, phytoplankton, zooplankton, gastropods, worms, shrimps, fishes, and waterbirds collected in the Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve in Hong Kong were analyzed. Trophic magnification was observed for perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and perfluorododecanoate (PFDoDA) in this food web. Risk assessment results for PFOS, PFDA, and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) suggest that current PFC concentrations in waterbird livers are unlikely to pose adverse biological effects to waterbirds. All hazard ratio (HR) values reported for PFOS and PFOA are less than one, which suggests that the detected levels will not cause any immediate health effects to the Hong Kong population through the consumption of shrimps and fishes. However, only 10-12% of the EOF in the shrimp samples was comprised of known PFCs, indicating the need for further investigation to identify unknown fluorinated compounds in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva I H Loi
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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32
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Guruge KS, Yeung LWY, Li P, Taniyasu S, Yamashita N, Nakamura M. Fluorinated alkyl compounds including long chain carboxylic acids in wild bird livers from Japan. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 83:379-84. [PMID: 21190717 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of fluorinated alkyl compounds (FACs) has been reported in wildlife in various locations in the world. However, such information regarding Japanese wildlife is rarely found. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of 21 FACs, including perfluorinated alkyl sulfonates (PFASs), perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs), and fluorotelomer acids, in the livers of 10 wild bird species from two regions in northern Japan. To avoid interferences, FACs were quantified by a recently developed method using acetonitrile and solid-phase extraction followed by an ion exchange HPLC column separation. Apart from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which was found at the highest levels of all the compounds detected, several long chain perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) from C8 to C16, particularly perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) and perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA), were detected for the first time. Additionally, 7:3 FTCA, a fluorotelomer acid, was also detected in most swan livers from Miyagi prefecture and all the birds from Tochigi prefecture. However, none of the sulfonamides and unsaturated telomer acids were detected in any species. Swans seem to be the least exposed wild birds to FACs among the investigated birds, signifying that feeding habits may reflect FAC accumulation in wild birds. The highest total concentration of detected FACs was 405ngg(-1)wet wt., which was found in a Japanese sparrowhawk, indicating that the top predatory wild birds can accumulate several long chain carboxylic acids. However, the current FAC concentrations found in livers may suggest that these compounds alone would not cause a severe toxic effect in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi S Guruge
- Safety Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan.
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33
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Lee WW, Chang WH, Pyo HS, Kang TS, Hong JK. Analytical trend of perfluorinated compounds in environmental and biota samples. ANALYTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.5806/ast.2010.23.4.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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34
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Holmström KE, Johansson AK, Bignert A, Lindberg P, Berger U. Temporal trends of perfluorinated surfactants in Swedish peregrine falcon eggs (Falco peregrinus), 1974-2007. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:4083-4088. [PMID: 20446727 DOI: 10.1021/es100028f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are today known to be globally distributed environmental contaminants. In the present study, concentrations of PFAS were analyzed in Swedish peregrine falcon eggs (Falco peregrinus), collected between 1974 and 2007. Analytes included in the study were perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs; carbon chain lengths C6-C15), perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs; C4, C6, C8, and C10), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA). The predominant PFAS was perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS (83 ng/g wet weight (w wt) mean concentration in samples from 2006), followed by perfluorotridecanoate, PFTriA (7.2 ng/g w wt) and perfluoroundecanoate, PFUnA (4.2 ng/g w wt). PFCA concentrations increased exponentially over the studied time. In contrast, concentrations of PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) increased initially but leveled off after the mid 1980s. This is different from previously observed temporal trends in marine organisms. The present study is the first to establish temporal trends for PFAS in terrestrial biota. The results indicate potential differences between marine and terrestrial biota regarding sources of PFAS exposure and response to emission changes. The toxicological implications of PFAS exposure for the falcons are not known, but according to recent findings impaired hatching success and sublethal toxicological effects from PFOS exposure in the Swedish peregrine falcon cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin E Holmström
- Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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35
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Cui L, Liao CY, Zhou QF, Xia TM, Yun ZJ, Jiang GB. Excretion of PFOA and PFOS in male rats during a subchronic exposure. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 58:205-213. [PMID: 19468665 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-009-9336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), a class of synthetic surfactants that are widely used, have become global environmental contaminants because of their high persistence and bioaccumulation. An increasing number of studies have described the pharmacokinetics of PFCs following in vivo exposure, however, few papers have focused on the excretion of these compounds during a period of consecutive exposure. In this study, the excretions of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats gavaged consecutively for 28 days were investigated and compared. The faster elimination rate in urine compared to feces indicated that urinary excretion is the primary clearance route in rats for either PFOA or PFOS. During the first 24 h after administration of PFOA (5 and 20 mg/kg body weight/day), about 24.7-29.6% of the oral dose was excreted through urine and feces, while for PFOS, the excretion amounts were only 2.6-2.8% of the total gavaged doses (5 and 20 mg/kg body weight/day). The excretion rates of both PFCs increased with increasing exposure doses. The higher elimination rate of PFOA through excretion indicated its lower accumulation in rats, thus inducing possible lower toxicities compared to PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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36
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Yeung LWY, Loi EIH, Wong VYY, Guruge KS, Yamanaka N, Tanimura N, Hasegawa J, Yamashita N, Miyazaki S, Lam PKS. Biochemical responses and accumulation properties of long-chain perfluorinated compounds (PFOS/PFDA/PFOA) in juvenile chickens (Gallus gallus). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 57:377-386. [PMID: 19130113 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-008-9278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
One-day-old male chickens were exposed via oral gavage to mixtures of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) at either a low dose (0.1 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) or a high dose (1.0 mg/kg b.w.), or a saline/ethanol vehicle control, three times a week for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of exposure, half of the chicks were sacrificed and the other half were allowed to depurate for a further 3 weeks. No dose-dependent statistically significant differences in body/organ weights were observed among treatment and control groups after 3 weeks of exposure or after three 3 of depuration. Neither 15 histological nor 14 measured plasma biochemical parameters were significantly different in chicks from the exposed groups and vehicle controls. PFOS, PFDA, and PFOA concentrations in blood/liver/kidney samples were measured throughout the exposure and depuration periods at different time intervals. PFOS and PFDA accumulated at much higher concentrations than PFOA during the experimental periods. Interestingly, PFOS and PFDA accumulation patterns in the blood were similar during the exposure and depuration periods. The half-lives for each PFC at the 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg doses were, respectively, approximately 15 and 17 days for PFOS, 11 and 16 days for PFDA, and 3.9 and 3.9 days for PFOA. PFDA accumulation in organs was greater than or similar to that of PFOS: the liver was the main target during exposure and the blood was the main reservoir during depuration. These results indicate that exposure to a 1.0-mg mixture of PFOS/PFDA/PFOA/kg b.w. has no adverse effect on juvenile chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo W Y Yeung
- Safety Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
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37
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Schiavone A, Corsolini S, Kannan K, Tao L, Trivelpiece W, Torres D, Focardi S. Perfluorinated contaminants in fur seal pups and penguin eggs from South Shetland, Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2009; 407:3899-3904. [PMID: 19321191 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have emerged as a new class of global environmental pollutants. In this study, the presence of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in penguin eggs and Antarctic fur seals was reported for the first time. Tissue samples from Antarctic fur seal pups and penguin eggs were collected during the 2003/04 breeding season. Ten PFC contaminants were determined in seal and penguin samples. The PFC concentrations in seal liver were in the decreasing order, PFOS>PFNA>PFHpA>PFUnDA while in Adélie penguin eggs were PFHpA>PFUnDA>PFDA>PFDoDA, and in Gentoo penguin eggs were PFUnDA>PFOS>PFDoDA>PFHpA. The PFC concentrations differed significantly between seals and penguins (p<0.005) and a species-specific difference was found between the two species of penguins (p<0.005). In our study we found a mean concentration of PFOS in seal muscle and liver samples of 1.3 ng/g and 9.4 ng/g wet wt, respectively, and a mean concentration in Gentoo and Adélie penguin eggs of 0.3 ng/g and 0.38 ng/g wet wt, respectively. PFCs detected in penguin eggs and seal pups suggested oviparous and viviparous transfer of PFOS to eggs and off-springs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schiavone
- Department of Environmental Science G. Sarfattiá, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli, 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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38
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Watanabe MX, Jones SP, Iwata H, Kim EY, Kennedy SW. Effects of co-exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and perfluorooctane sulfonate or perfluorooctanoic acid on expression of cytochrome P450 isoforms in chicken (Gallus gallus) embryo hepatocyte cultures. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 149:605-12. [PMID: 19167519 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the effect of a single-compound exposure or two compound co-exposure to tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) plus perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the mRNA expression of cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A4, 4V2 and 3A37, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and cell viability in chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryo primary hepatocyte cultures. Cell viability after 24 h of incubation was significantly decreased in cells exposed to PFOS at concentrations between 30 microM and 60 microM with or without co-exposure to TCDD (0.3 nM at maximum). PFOA did not decrease cell viability even at maximum concentrations of 60 microM. TCDD induced CYP1A4 mRNA and EROD activity substantially as reported previously. PFOS also increased CYP1A4 mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Co-exposure of cells to PFOS plus TCDD did not change CYP1A4 mRNA levels compared to cells treated with TCDD alone. PFOS alone did not induce CYP4V2 mRNA, however 40-50 microM PFOS plus TCDD (0.3 nM) induced CYP4V2 mRNA compared to TCDD alone (P<0.05). This trend was similar to that observed with co-exposure to TCDD plus PFOA, suggesting that PFOA alone did not induce CYP4V2 mRNA, whereas co-exposure to TCDD plus PFOA induced the expression levels. PFOS alone decreased CYP3A37 mRNA by a maximum of 45%, however after co-exposure to TCDD, recovery of mRNA expression to levels measured in DMSO-treated cells was observed. Our data suggest a complex gene response to mixtures of dioxin-like and perfluorinated compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michio X Watanabe
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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39
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O'Brien JM, Carew AC, Chu S, Letcher RJ, Kennedy SW. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) toxicity in domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos in the absence of effects on peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)-regulated genes. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 149:524-30. [PMID: 19101656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widely distributed industrial compound that has been detected in the eggs of various wild avian species. Laboratory studies have indicated that PFOS is embryotoxic to domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), but the mechanisms of toxicity in the developing avian embryo remain unknown. We recently demonstrated that PFOS acts as a peroxisome proliferator by causing increased expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)-regulated genes in cultured primary chicken embryo hepatocytes. The present study examined whether PPARalpha-regulated genes were dose-dependently affected in chicken embryos exposed in ovo to PFOS. White leghorn chicken eggs were injected with 0.1, 5.0 or 100.0 microg PFOS/g egg into the air cell prior to incubation. Embryos were incubated until pipping, after which the expression of PPARalpha-regulated genes was measured in the liver tissue of surviving embryos using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A dose-dependent decrease in embryo pippability was observed with an LD50 of 93 microg/g (3.54 microg/g-672,910 microg/g, 95% confidence interval). Hepatic PFOS concentrations increased concomitantly with dose. The PPARalpha-regulated genes measured were peroxisomal acyl CoA oxidase, bifunctional enzyme, liver fatty acid binding protein and peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl thiolase. PFOS exposure via egg injection prior to incubation did not affect the transcriptional activity of any of the assayed PPARalpha-regulated genes at any of the doses examined in day 21 chicken embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M O'Brien
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Bustnes JO, Erikstad KE, Lorentsen SH, Herzke D. Perfluorinated and chlorinated pollutants as predictors of demographic parameters in an endangered seabird. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 156:417-424. [PMID: 18329768 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite global occurrence of several perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) the potential ecological effects of such substances on natural populations are not known. In endangered lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus fuscus) on the Norwegian Coast, the blood concentrations of PFCs were as high as legacy organochlorines (OCs), and here we examined whether PFCs show associations similar to those of OCs to factors potentially affecting population growth, by evaluating relationships between contaminant concentrations and demographic parameters (reproductive performance and the probability of adults returning between breeding seasons). PFCs were not adversely associated with demographic parameters, while the most persistent OCs; notably PCB and p,p'-DDE, were adversely associated with early chick survival, and adult return rate. This study thus suggests that when the concentrations of PFCs and OCs are of similar magnitude in a gull population, OCs are more likely to cause adverse ecological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department of Arctic Ecology, The Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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41
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Wang Y, Yeung LWY, Taniyasu S, Yamashita N, Lam JCW, Lam PKS. Perfluorooctane sulfonate and other fluorochemicals in waterbird eggs from south China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:8146-8151. [PMID: 19031916 DOI: 10.1021/es8006386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting concentrations of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in waterbird eggs in south China. Concentrations of 11 PFCs (PFOS, PFHxS, PFBS, PFOSA, PFDoDA, PFUnDA, PFDA, PFNA, PFOA, PFHpA, PFHxA) were measured in night heron, great egret, and little egret eggs from south China (Hong Kong, Xiamen, Quanzhou). PFOS was found to be the dominant PFC in the waterbird eggs. Total concentrations of the 11 PFCs in waterbird eggs ranged from 27.0 ng/g ww (great egret from Hong Kong) to 160 ng/g ww (night heron from Quanzhou). Significant differences in PFOS concentrations were found among species, but not among locations. The composition profiles of the individual PFCs among egg samples were generally similar. Positive correlations were found between PFOS and some of the PFCAs in the egg samples from Hong Kong. Concentrations of some of the PFCs were significantly correlated with total PCB concentrations reported in a previous study in the night heron egg samples, but not in the great egret samples. Preliminary risk assessment suggests that there is no immediate risk of a reduction in offspring survival in waterbirds in south China due to PFOS, but more information is needed on the potential effects of PFCs in waterbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation, Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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42
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Newsted JL, Beach SA, Gallagher SP, Giesy JP. Acute and chronic effects of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) on the mallard and northern bobwhite quail. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2008; 54:535-545. [PMID: 17917760 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/31/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) can be a final degradation product of perfluorobutane sulfonyl fluoride (PBSF)-based chemicals. Surfactants based on this chemistry are potential replacements for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)-related products and have many potential applications in industrial and commercial processes and applications. To evaluate the potential hazard that PFBS may pose to avian species, acute dietary studies with juvenile mallards and northern bobwhite quail, as well as a quail dietary chronic study of reproduction were conducted. In the acute studies, 10-day-old mallards and quail were exposed to nominal dietary concentrations of 1,000, 1,780, 3,160, 5,620 or 10,000 mg PFBS/kg feed, wet weight (ww) for 5 days and the birds were then fed an untreated diet and observed for up to 17 days. No treatment-related mortalities were observed in the study up to 10,000 mg PFBS/kg, ww feed. Body weight gains of quail exposed to 5620 or 10,000 mg PFBS/kg feed were statistically less than that of unexposed controls. Weight gain of mallards exposed to 10,000 mg PFBS/kg feed was statistically less than that of controls. There were no statistically significant effects on feed consumption of either species. In the acute studies, no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) for mallards and quail were 5620 and 3160 mg PFBS/kg, ww feed, respectively. In a reproduction study, adult quail were exposed to nominal dietary concentrations of 100, 300, or 900 mg PFBS/kg, ww feed for up to 21 weeks. There were no treatment-related mortalities or effects on body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, histopathology measures, or reproductive parameters evaluated in the study when compared to the control group. Concentrations of PFBS in blood serum, liver, and eggs were dose-dependent but were less than the administered dose, indicating biodiminution. Based on the results from the quail reproduction study, the dietary NOAEC was 900 mg PFBS/kg, ww feed (equivalent to an ADI of 87.8 mg PFBS/kg bw/d).
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Newsted
- ENTRIX, Inc., 4295 Okemos Road, Suite 101, Okemos, MI 48864, USA.
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43
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de Vos MG, Huijbregts MAJ, van den Heuvel-Greve MJ, Vethaak AD, Van de Vijver KI, Leonards PEG, van Leeuwen SPJ, de Voogt P, Hendriks AJ. Accumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the food chain of the Western Scheldt estuary: Comparing field measurements with kinetic modeling. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 70:1766-1773. [PMID: 17931687 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2007] [Revised: 08/03/2007] [Accepted: 08/19/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The environmentally persistent perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a perfluoroalkylated acid (PFA), which has been found to accumulate and biomagnify through food webs all over the world. In the present investigation, the accumulation kinetics of PFOS was explored using the bioaccumulation model OMEGA. As accumulation behavior of PFOS may show similarities to fatty acids as well as to neutral organic compounds, different modeling approaches were used. Accumulation kinetics of PFOS was modeled similar to (1) moderately and (2) highly hydrophobic compounds, (3) metals and (4) as a combination of hydrophobic compounds and metals. Modeled elimination and uptake rate constants were compared to empirical rate constants from literature. Subsequently, model predictions were compared to field-based biota-suspended solids accumulation ratios (BSAF) in the estuarine food chain of the Western Scheldt, The Netherlands. Results show that uptake of PFOS is comparable to moderately hydrophobic compounds and elimination is best described by elimination kinetics of metals. These observations indicate that the accumulation behavior of PFOS is comparable to that of short and medium chained fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine G de Vos
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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44
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Verreault J, Berger U, Gabrielsen GW. Trends of perfluorinated alkyl substances in herring gull eggs from two coastal colonies in northern Norway: 1983-2003. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2007; 41:6671-6677. [PMID: 17969679 DOI: 10.1021/es070723j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports on concentrations, patterns, and temporal trends (1983, 1993, and 2003) of 16 perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in whole eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) from two geographically isolated colonies in northern Norway. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS in all eggs with mean concentrations up to 42 ng/g wet weight (ww) in samples from 2003. Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDcS) were found at concentrations several orders of magnitude lower than PFOS. The general accumulation profile of perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) in herring gull eggs was characterized by high proportions of odd and long carbon (C) chain length compounds in which perfluoroundecanoate (C11) and perfluorotridecanoate (C13) dominated with mean concentrations up to 4.2 and 2.8 ng/g ww, respectively. In both colonies PFOS concentrations in eggs showed a nearly 2-fold significant increase from 1983 to 1993, followed by a leveling off up to 2003. A comparable trend was found for PFHxS, whereas PFDcS was found to increase also between 1993 and 2003. PFCA concentrations showed marked significant increases during 1983-1993 associated with either a weak rise post-1993 (C8- to C11-PFCAs), although nonsignificant, or leveling off (C12- and C13-PFCAs). However, the composition of individual PFCAs (C8 to C15) to the summed concentrations of those eight PFCAs highly differed between the colonies and sampling years investigated. Present results suggest that direct and indirect local- and/or remote-sourced inputs (atmospheric and waterborne) of PFCAs have changed over the last two decades in these two coastal areas of Northern Norway.
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45
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Yeung LWY, Guruge KS, Yamanaka N, Miyazaki S, Lam PKS. Differential expression of chicken hepatic genes responsive to PFOA and PFOS. Toxicology 2007; 237:111-125. [PMID: 17560707 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2007.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2007] [Revised: 03/28/2007] [Accepted: 05/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effects of PFOS and PFOA on the gene expression patterns of chickens that were exposed to either PFOS or PFOA at low doses were investigated with the use of microarray techniques. Twelve Genechip Chicken Genome Arrays were used to study hepatic gene expression in 6-week-old chickens (Gallus gallus) that were exposed to either PFOA (0.1, 0.5, or 5mg/mL), PFOS (0.02 or 0.1mg/mL), or a saline vehicle control (0.9% NaCl in Milli-Q water) via subcutaneous implantation of a 2mL osmotic pump for 4 weeks or for 4 weeks with a further 4 weeks of depuration. Over 240 and 480 genes were significantly affected by PFOS after 4 weeks of exposure and after 4 weeks of exposure with a further 4 weeks of depuration, respectively and over 290 and 320 genes were significantly affected by PFOA, correspondingly. For PFOS, the genes that were affected after 4 weeks of exposure were mainly related to the transport of electrons and oxygen, and the metabolism of lipids and fatty acids; while the genes that were affected after 4 weeks of exposure with a further 4 weeks of depuration were mainly related to the transport of electrons and ions, and protein amino acid phosphorylation and proteolysis. For PFOA, the genes that were affected after 4 weeks of exposure were related to the transport of ions, lipids, and electrons and cytochromes; while the genes that were affected after 4 weeks of exposure with a further 4 weeks of depuration were related to protein amino acid phosphorylation and proteolysis, the transport of ions, and the metabolism of fatty acids and lipids. The results also showed that the gene expression patterns between chickens that were treated with PFOS and those that were treated with PFOA were different, which points to the importance of the separate evaluation of the toxicities of PFOS and PFOA. Specifically, the gene expressions of CYP8B and NOV were studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo W Y Yeung
- Safety Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan; Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keerthi S Guruge
- Safety Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan.
| | - Noriko Yamanaka
- Safety Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Shigeru Miyazaki
- Safety Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Paul K S Lam
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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Newsted JL, Coady KK, Beach SA, Butenhoff JL, Gallagher S, Giesy JP. Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate on mallard and northern bobwhite quail exposed chronically via the diet. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2007; 23:1-9. [PMID: 21783730 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2006.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Accepted: 04/13/2006] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Adult mallard ducks and northern bobwhite quail were exposed to 0, 10, 50, or 150mg perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)/kg in the diet for up to 21 weeks. Adult health, body and liver weight, feed consumption, gross morphology and histology of body organs, and reproduction were examined. Due to mortality, birds exposed to 50 or 150mg PFOS/kg feed were terminated by Week 7. In quail, the lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 10mg PFOS/kg feed based on decreased survivorship of 14-day-old quail offspring. For adult female quail fed 10mg/kg feed, there was a slight but statistically significantly PFOS-related increase in liver weight when compared to controls. When liver weight was normalized to body weight, the statistically significant differences were still observed indicating that PFOS affected liver size. However, no other pathological effects were observed livers of quail from this treatment group which suggests that this enlargement may have been an adaptive response. For adult mallards, no treatment-related effects on feed consumption, body or liver weight, growth, or reproductive performance were observed. There was a slightly greater incidence of small testes (length) in adult male mallards and quail exposed to 10mg PFOS/kg, feed when compared to controls. However, spermatogenesis was not affected and there was no effect on the rates of egg fertilization. Due to transfer to eggs, concentrations of PFOS measured in the liver and blood at study termination were greater in male birds than female birds.
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47
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Tao L, Kannan K, Kajiwara N, Costa MM, Fillmann G, Takahashi S, Tanabe S. Perfluorooctanesulfonate and related fluorochemicals in albatrosses, elephant seals, penguins, and polar skuas from the Southern Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2006; 40:7642-8. [PMID: 17256507 DOI: 10.1021/es061513u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) have been used as surfactants in industrial and commercial products for over 50 years. Earlier studies of the geographical distribution of PFCs focused primarily on the Northern Hemisphere, while little attention was paid to the Southern Hemisphere. In this study, livers from eight species of albatrosses, blood from elephant seal, and blood and eggs from penguins and polar skua collected from the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic during 1995-2005 were analyzed for 10 PFCs. In addition, for comparison with the Southern Ocean samples, we analyzed liver, sera, and eggs from two species of albatrosses from Midway Atoll in the North Pacific Ocean. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were found in livers of albatrosses from the Southern Ocean. PFOS was the major contaminant, although the concentrations were <5 ng/g, wet wt, in 92% of the albatross livers analyzed. PFOA was detected in 30% of the albatross livers, with a concentration range of <0.6-2.45 ng/g,wet wt. Other PFCs, including long-chain perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs), were below the limits of quantitation in livers of albatrosses from the Southern Ocean. In liver, sera, and eggs of albatrosses from the North Pacific Ocean, long-chain PFCAs (perfluorononanoate, perfluorodecanoate, perfluoroundecanoate, and perfluorododecanoate) were found at concentrations similar to those of PFOS and PFOA. The mean concentration of PFOS in livers of Laysan albatrosses from the North Pacific Ocean (5.1 ng/g, wet wt) was higher than that in several species of albatrosses from the Southern Ocean (2.2 ng/g, wetwt). Species-specific differences in the concentrations of PFOS were noted among Southern Ocean albatrosses, whereas geographical differences in PFOS concentrations among the Indian Ocean, South Pacific Ocean, and South Atlantic Ocean were insignificant. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were, respectively, 2- and 17-fold higher in liver than in sera of Laysan albatrosses. PFOS was found in the blood of elephant seals from Antarctica at concentrations ranging from <0.08 to 3.52 ng/mL. PFOS was found in eggs (2.1-3.1 ng/g) and blood (<0.24-1.4 ng/ mL) of polar skuas but was not detected in penguins from Antarctica. Our study documents the existence of low but detectable levels of PFOS and PFOA in Southern Hemisphere fauna, suggesting distribution of these compounds on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tao
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Empire State Plaza, P.O. Box 509, Albany, New York 12201-0509, USA
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48
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Kannan K, Perrotta E, Thomas NJ. Association between perfluorinated compounds and pathological conditions in southern sea otters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2006; 40:4943-8. [PMID: 16955890 DOI: 10.1021/es060932o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of four perfluorinated contaminants, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), were measured in liver tissue from 80 adult female sea otters collected from the California coast during 1992-2002. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were in the ranges of <1-884 and <5-147 ng/g, wet wt, respectively. Concentrations of PFOA in the livers of these sea otters were among the highest values reported for marine mammals to date. Liver tissue from 6 male sea otters also was analyzed and contained significantly higher concentrations of PFOS than did tissues from female otters. To examine the association between exposures and potential effects, concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were compared among the adult female otters that died from infectious diseases, noninfectious causes, and from apparent emaciation. Concentrations of both PFOA and PFOS were significantly higher in sea otters in the infectious disease category than in the noninfectious category. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were not significantly different between noninfectious and emaciated otters, suggesting that the poor nutritive (body) status of emaciated otters did not affectthe concentrations of perfluorochemicals in livers. Concentrations of PFOA increased significantly from 1992 to 2002, whereas PFOS concentrations increased from 1992to 1998 and then decreased after 2000. Significant association between infectious diseases and elevated concentrations of PFOS/PFOA in the livers of sea otters is a cause for concern and suggests the need for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-0509, USA.
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49
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Beach SA, Newsted JL, Coady K, Giesy JP. Ecotoxicological evaluation of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2006; 186:133-74. [PMID: 16676904 DOI: 10.1007/0-387-32883-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Based on available toxicity data, protective screening-level concentrations of PFOS were calculated for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Using the Great Lakes Initiative, water concentrations of PFOS were calculated to protect aquatic plants and animals. The screening plant value (SPV) protective of aquatic algae and macrophytes was calculated as 2.3 mg PFOS/L. The secondary chronic value protective of aquatic organisms was 1.2 microg PFOS/L. The screening-value water concentrations less than or equal to 1.2 microg PFOS/L would not pose a potential risk to aquatic organisms. Because the aquatic benchmark is based on the most sensitive species, this benchmark should also be protective of other aquatic organisms, including amphibians. The tissue-based TRV for fish was determined to be 87 mg PFOS/kg ww. For terrestrial plants, a screening benchmark was determined to be 1.3 mg PFOS/kg soil ww or 1.5 mg PFOS/kg soil dw, whereas for soil invertebrates such as earthworms the benchmark value was 39 mg PFOS/kg dw soil or 33 mg PFOS/kgww soil. For avian species, dietary, ADI, and egg yolk-based benchmarks were determined as 0.28mg PFOS/kg diet, 0.021mg PFOS/kg bw/d, and 1.7 microg PFOS/mL yolk, respectively. Benchmarks for serum and liver for the protection of avian species were 1.0 microg PFOS/mL and 0.6 microg PFOS/gww, respectively. However, no-effect levels in laboratory studies suggest actual population-level effects would not be expected to occur until a concentration of 6.0mg PFOS/kg in the diet, 5.0 microg PFOS/gww in the liver, or 9.0 microg PFOS/mL in the serum was exceeded, thus indicating the conservative nature of the benchmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Beach
- 3M Company, Environmental Laboratory, 935 Bush Avenue St. Paul, MN 55144, USA
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