Geographical distribution of perfluorinated compounds in fish from Minnesota lakes and rivers

In response to growing interest in human exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), the state of Minnesota measured and reported PFC concentrations in fish collected from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. To better determine the geographical distribution of PFC contamination throughout Minnesota, fish were collected from 59 lakes throughout the state and several areas along the Mississippi River. Composite fish samples were analyzed for 10 PFC analytes by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonate) was the most commonly detected PFC, occurring in 73% of fish from the Mississippi River but only 22% of fish from lakes. Fish from Mississippi River Pool 2 near the Minneapolis-St. Paul area had the highest levels of PFOS, whereas locations upstream had PFOS concentrations below 40 ng/g, the concentration at which Minnesota issues "one meal per week" fish consumption advice. Fish from most Minnesota lakes tested (88%) had PFOS concentrations below 3 ng/g. Two lakes, McCarrons and Zumbro, contained fish with PFOS levels above 40 ng/g. The results reported here will help researchers to better understand the extent of PFC contamination in Minnesota fish and evaluate potential sources of contamination and will provide a basis for comprehensive fish consumption advice.