Occurrence levels of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSA) in European perch (Perca fluviatilis) samples collected from inland waters in Latvia: Component profiles, spatial distribution and dietary exposure to consumers

D Zacs ¹, I Perkons ¹, J Sire ²

⁰Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia.

Environmental Research +

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January 19, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Perfluorinated substances (PFAS) were detected in Latvian perch, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) being the most common. PFAS levels were below maximum limits, but potential dietary risks exist with higher concentrations.

Area Of Science

Environmental Chemistry
Ecotoxicology
Food Safety

Background

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with potential health implications.
European perch (Perca fluviatilis) are a common freshwater fish species, serving as a potential indicator for aquatic ecosystem health and human dietary exposure.

Purpose Of The Study

To quantify the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in European perch from Latvian freshwater bodies.
To assess the potential dietary risk associated with PFAS contamination in perch.

Main Methods

Analysis of 29 perch tissue homogenates from various Latvian sampling sites for total PFAS and four priority PFAS (∑4PFAS).
Quantification of individual PFAS, with a focus on perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
Comparison of observed PFAS concentrations against established maximum levels (MLs) and calculation of dietary intake relative to EFSA's tolerable weekly intake (TWI).

Main Results

Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.27 to 3.50 ng g⁻¹, with a mean of 1.03 ng g⁻¹.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was detected in all samples, constituting approximately 60% of the total PFAS fraction.
Observed ∑4PFAS concentrations were significantly below MLs (max 7% of ML), and calculated dietary intake was 5–7.5% of TWI, though up to 45% TWI is possible with maximum concentrations.

Conclusions

PFAS contamination in Latvian perch is present but generally at levels below regulatory limits.
While average dietary intake poses a low risk, localized hotspots and consumption of fish with maximum detected PFAS levels warrant attention.
Multiple contamination sources are suggested, necessitating further investigation into spatial distribution and specific origins of PFAS in Latvian freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords:

European perch Freshwater fish Human exposure PFAS