PFAS assessment in fish – Samples from Illinois waters

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 927; p. 172357
• Main Authors: Sands, Mia, Zhang, Xing, Jensen, Tor, La Frano, Michael, Lin, Mindy, Irudayaraj, Joseph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2024
• Subjects: 2021–2022; Fish samples; Illinois waters; PFAS; Risk analysis; Risk assessment; Illinois waters; Fish samples; 2021–2022; Risk analysis; PFAS; Risk assessment
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172357

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in various industries, including pesticide production, electroplating, packaging, paper making, and the manufacturing of water-resistant clothes. This study investigates the levels of PFAS in fish tissues collected from four target waterways (15 sampling points) in the northwestern part of Illinois during 2021–2022. To assess accumulation, concentrations of 17 PFAS compounds were evaluated in nine fish species to potentially inform on exposure risks to local sport fishing population via fish consumption. At least four PFAS (PFHxA, PFHxS, PFOS, and PFBS) were detected at each sampling site. The highest concentrations of PFAS were consistently found in samples from the Rock River, particularly in areas near urban and industrial activities. PFHxA emerged as the most accumulated PFAS in the year 2022, while PFBS and PFOS dominated in 2021. Channel Catfish exhibited the highest PFAS content across different fish species, indicating its bioaccumulation potential across the food chain. Elevated levels of PFOS were observed in nearly all fish, indicating the need for careful consideration of fish consumption. Additional bioaccumulation data in the future years is needed to shed light on the sources and PFAS accumulation potential in aquatic wildlife in relation to exposures for potential health risk assessment. [Display omitted] •The study evaluates the prevalence of 17 PFAS compounds across 9 fish species.•Fish caught from 15 sampling sites across 4 waterways in Illinois was evaluated.•PFAS levels were elevated in samples collected from the main river (regions adjacent to urban zones).•PFAS levels increased with each trophic level within the food chain.•The observed accumulation of PFAS in fish tissues necessitates the need for further research.