PFAS 'forever' chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are widespread in UK fisheries

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) pose a serious threat to global environmental and human health. Among the most concerning are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals, which have been detected at alarming concentrations in waterways and wildlife, including fish. However, there is limited information on the concentrations of many of these pollutants in UK marine fish. Although, fish consumption from UK waters is a potential source of exposure to a range of POPs, there have been few assessments of exposure and risks from UK fisheries. In this paper, we quantified the concentrations of several PFAS and APIs in demersal fish tissue from four UK sites associated with industrialised cities (Mersey and Humber estuaries) and non-industrialised regions (North West Scotland and Cornwall) using quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). PFAS concentrations were exceptionally high relative to EPA risk-based thresholds. For instance, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was detected in every sample (41/41), with an average of 3.27 (± 0.15 SE) ng/g wet weight in industrialised areas. Concentrations of pharmaceuticals varied across our targeted panel; diclofenac was detected in every fish at an average of 7.07 (± 0.85 SE) ng/g wet weight and the antidepressant Venlafaxine was detected in 13 of 41 fish at an average concentration of 3.40 (± 2.0 SE) ng/g wet weight in industrialised areas. Concentrations of several of the PFAS were concerningly high. For example, the PFDA level of exposure if these fish were consumed would exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency recommended limit by up to ~500-fold. This study provides crucial evidence for the bioaccumulation of PFAS and APIs in the marine food chain, which have the potential to affect animal, human and ecosystem health.