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Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) Negatively Impacts Prey Capture Capabilities in Larval Zebrafish
Josiah D Zoodsma1,2, Chanita Boonkanon3,4, Logan Running3
1Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|December 28, 2023
Summary
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure negatively impacts larval zebrafish behavior. Increased PFOS accumulation in zebrafish larvae correlated with reduced prey capture, suggesting risks to wildlife and human health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Neurodevelopmental toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a prevalent PFAS linked to potential neurological effects.
- The impact of PFOS on early neural development remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PFOS on fundamental behaviors in zebrafish larvae.
- To assess the relationship between PFOS bioaccumulation and behavioral deficits.
- To determine stage-specific sensitivities to PFOS during early development.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of PFOS (2–20 µM) for 48-hour periods.
- Two experimental paradigms were used: assessing bioaccumulation effects and stage-specific sensitivity.
- Prey capture and learning behaviors were quantified, and larval PFOS levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Zebrafish larvae exposed to PFOS remained viable, with uptake unaffected by the chorion.
- Significant negative correlations were found between PFOS accumulation and prey capture success.
- Non-significant negative correlations were observed between PFOS accumulation and learning-induced prey capture.
Conclusions:
- PFOS accumulation impairs complex multisensory behaviors in larval zebrafish.
- These findings indicate potential risks of PFOS exposure to wildlife.
- The study highlights implications for environmental health and human well-being.
