Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Fish: Global Occurrence, Bioaccumulation, Analytical Approaches, and Human
Ines Varga1, Nina Bilandžić1, Jelena Kaurinović1
1Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Toxics
|April 27, 2026
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminate aquatic environments and bioaccumulate in fish. Human consumption of contaminated fish poses health risks, necessitating stricter regulations and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants due to their chemical stability.
- PFAS globally distribute and bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, with varying levels in freshwater versus marine fish.
- Human exposure to PFAS occurs through contaminated fish consumption, leading to potential health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the global distribution and bioaccumulation of PFAS in fish species.
- To summarize analytical methods for PFAS detection in fish.
- To assess human exposure routes and associated health risks from consuming contaminated fish.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current knowledge on PFAS distribution, bioaccumulation, and analytical techniques.
- Analysis of sample preparation methods (SPE, QuEChERS) and instrumental techniques (LC-MS/MS, HRMS).
- Evaluation of human exposure pathways and documented health effects.
Main Results:
- PFAS are globally distributed in fish, with higher concentrations often found in freshwater species.
- Long-chain PFAS accumulate in fish tissues, while short-chain PFAS remain more dissolved.
- Human dietary exposure via fish is a significant concern, linked to various adverse health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Current knowledge on PFAS in fish highlights significant environmental distribution and bioaccumulation.
- Analytical challenges exist, and many PFAS compounds remain unregulated.
- Stricter monitoring and regulatory frameworks are crucial for food safety and ecosystem protection.
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