Associations of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in the blood of Amur tigers and physiological parameters

Abstract

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were widely used in industrial production and have posed a certain threat to human and animal health. However, few studies have been made on Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica). In this study, we explored the associations between the concentrations of PFASs in the blood of 112 captive Amur tigers and the part physiological parameters to assess the cumulative effect of these chemicals on the health of the Amur tigers. The result showed that perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl‐PFESA) have associations with white blood cells (WBCs); perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, per‐fluorotridecanoate, and 6:2 Cl‐PFESA have a bearing on the changes in red blood cells (RBCs), RBC volume distribution width, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. In our study, according to the three models, there were significant positive correlations between PFDA and leukocyte parameters (WBCs, neutrophils [NEUs]) and a significant adverse effect between 6:2 Cl‐PFESA and NEU. Therefore, more research concerning PFASs of endangered wildlife species is needed.