Among the toxic chemicals plaguing our environment, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a modern environmental menace. These are a group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to water, heat, and stains. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they are nearly indestructible and persist in every environment. PFAS accumulates within our bodies over time.
The presence of these chemical contaminants in our air, food, and blood has serious consequences. Accumulating within the body, they can cause liver damage, immune system suppression, endocrine disruption, reduced fertility, and various forms of cancer.
PFAS in birds
Recent studies have shown alarming levels of PFAS in birds migrating long distances. This discovery reveals a significant underestimation of actual contamination levels. These beings ingest PFAS through the contaminated food and water across their habitats and further spread the pollution.
According to a new study by Junjie Zhang, a postdoctoral fellow formerly affiliated with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), migratory birds are spreading PFAS contamination across continents.
By analyzing birds and shellfish from a central flyway, the team found that they ingest PFAS-contaminated shellfish. A novel Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay revealed higher levels of harmful substances.
Decline in population of shorebirds
Shorebirds are already threatened globally. They face steep declines, up to 8% annually, in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Researchers suggest that, along with habitat loss and climate change, pollution, especially in coastal China, contributes to the decline in these species. China’s coast is crucial for them. It provides vital feeding grounds on tidal mudflats rich in shellfish and other invertebrates. However, the heavy mollusk aquaculture and industry contaminate this with pollutants, such as PFAS.
Need for further research
Further research is critical as PFAS contamination rapidly spreads through our ecosystem via unknown sources. “We need to find out more about the sources and also about the effects PFAS have on wading birds, other animals, and humans,” urges Professor Veerle Jaspers of NTNU’s Department of Biology. Rising levels in migratory birds underscore this global health crisis. They can transport toxins worldwide, leaving no region untouched. Spreading this without leaving any region means no region is immune to this threat.
The findings were published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389425001013?via%3Dihub
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