PFAS assessment in fish - Samples from Illinois waters.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology
• Aquatic Toxicology

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely utilized industrial chemicals with diverse applications.
• PFAS are persistent environmental contaminants known for their potential to bioaccumulate in wildlife.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate PFAS levels in fish tissues from Illinois waterways.
• To assess the bioaccumulation potential of different PFAS compounds and fish species.
• To inform potential exposure risks to humans consuming locally caught sport fish.

Main Methods:

• Collected fish tissues from 15 sampling points across four waterways in northwestern Illinois (2021-2022).
• Quantified concentrations of 17 PFAS compounds in nine different fish species.
• Analyzed PFAS distribution and accumulation patterns in relation to geographic location and species.

Main Results:

• At least four PFAS compounds (PFHxA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFBS) were detected at every sampling site.
• The Rock River showed the highest PFAS concentrations, particularly near urban and industrial zones.
• PFHxA was the dominant PFAS in 2022, while PFBS and PFOS predominated in 2021.
• Channel Catfish exhibited the highest overall PFAS content, indicating significant bioaccumulation potential.
• Elevated perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) levels were prevalent across most fish samples.

Conclusions:

• PFAS contamination is widespread in the studied Illinois aquatic ecosystems.
• Channel Catfish and fish from the Rock River are key indicators of PFAS exposure.
• Findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and potential advisories regarding sport fish consumption due to PFOS presence.