USA – A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, has uncovered high levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish tissues collected from various Illinois water bodies.

The findings, which highlight the pervasive nature of these “forever chemicals,” raise concerns about the safety of fish consumption and the broader implications for environmental and human health.

PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals used in numerous consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties, have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.

Despite increasing awareness of their harmful effects, PFAS continue to be found in a wide array of settings, including water, crops, and now, fish.

The Illinois study focused on fish as bioindicators of water contamination, given their position in the food chain and their role as a dietary staple for many.

Researchers collected fish from 15 sampling points across four Northwestern Illinois waterways—Rock River, Pecatonica River, Sugar River, and Yellow Creek—between 2021 and 2022.

Nine species of fish commonly caught by anglers, including Bluegill, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass, and Channel Catfish, were targeted for analysis.

PFAS detected in all fish samples

The study’s results revealed that PFAS were present in fish from all sampled locations, though concentrations varied by water body and fish species.

Among the 17 PFAS compounds evaluated, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was particularly concerning, frequently exceeding advisory thresholds for safe human consumption in some samples.

The study also found that PFOS levels were notably higher in fish from the Rock River, especially in areas close to urban and industrial activities.

In 2022, perfluoroalkanecarboxylic acid (PFHxA) was the most accumulated PFAS, while perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and PFOS dominated in the 2021 samples.

The consistently high concentrations of PFAS in certain waterways suggest a strong correlation between industrial activity and contamination levels.

Species-specific differences in PFAS accumulation

The study also identified major differences in PFAS accumulation between fish species. Bottom-dwelling fish, such as Channel Catfish, exhibited higher levels of PFAS, likely due to their increased exposure to contaminated sediments.

This bioaccumulation potential highlights the importance of species-specific risk assessments when evaluating the safety of fish consumption.

The researchers emphasized the need for continued monitoring and data collection to better understand the sources of PFAS contamination and their impact on aquatic wildlife and human health.

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