Advancing the Understanding of the Ecological Risk of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Abstract
The objectives of this project were twofold: (a) conduct ecotoxicity studies that yield defensible and usable Toxicity Reference Values (TRVs) for wildlife potentially exposed to common per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid(PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and up to 4 other PFASs and (b) develop and validate a low-cost, relative-toxicity protocol for evaluating other PFAS that may drive risks at DOD sites. We are conducting PFAS toxicity studies on reptiles (Anolis sagrei), birds (Colinus virginianus), fish (Pimephales promelas) and chironomids (Chironomus dilutus). This report provides a summary of key findings to date and outlines remaining tasks. Task 1 of the project focused on identifying, PFAS that are of highest concern based on toxicity and analysis of soil and surface water PFAS data for a large number of Air Force Bases (AFBs). Toxicity data for fish and chironomids has revealed that PFOS was the most toxic PFAS under our test conditions. In fact, for all taxa tested including chironomids, fathead minnows, Anolis lizards, and bobwhite quail, PFOS has emerged as the most toxic of the tested PFAS which were those on the UCMR3 list and included perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoroheptanoic acit(PFHpA), and perfluoronanonic acid (PFNA).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1154448
Entities
People
- Christopher J Salice
- Christopher J. Mccarthy
- Jamie G. Suski
- Jennifer A. Field
- Todd A. Anderson
Organizations
- Towson University