Spatial Distribution of Perfluoroalkyl Contaminants in Lake Trout from the Great Lakes

Abstract

Individual whole body homogenates of 4 year old lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) samples collected in 2001 from each of the Great Lakes were extracted using a novel fluorophilicity cleanup step and analyzed for perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs). Standard addition and internal standardization were used for quantification. Results were reported (+/- SE) for perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs), perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs), and unsaturated fluorotelomer carboxylates (8:2 and 10:2 FTUCA). The lowest average concentration of sigmaPFC was found in samples from Lake Superior (13+/-1 ng g(-1)), while the highest average concentration was found in samples from Lake Erie (152+/-14 ng g(-1)). Samples from Lake Ontario (60+/-5 ng g(-1)) and Lake Huron (58 +/-10 ng g(-1)) showed similar average sigmaPFC concentrations, although the perfluorinated sulfonate/carboxylate ratios were different. The major perfluoroalkyl contaminant observed was perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with the highest concentration found in samples from Lake Erie (121+/-14 ng g(-1)), followed by samples from Lake Ontario (46+/-5 ng g(-1)), Lake Huron (39 +/-10 ng g(-1)), Lake Michigan (16+/-3 ng g(-1)), and Lake Superior (5+/-1 ng g(-1)). Perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS) was detected in 89% of the samples, with the highest concentration in Lake Erie samples (9.8+/-1.6 ng g(-1)), and lowest concentration in samples from Lake Superior (0.7 +/- 0.1 ng g(-1)). Statistically significant correlations were observed between PFOS and PFDS concentrations, and PFOS concentration and body weight, respectively. The PFCAs were detected in all samples, with the highest total average concentration in samples from Lake Erie (19 ng g(-1)), followed by samples from Lake Huron (16 ng g(-1)), Lake Ontario (10 ng g(-1)), Lake Michigan (9 ng g(-1)) and Lake Superior (7 ng g(-1)). The compounds with significant contributions to the sigmaPFCA concentrations were PFOA and C9-C13-PFCAs. The 8:2 FTUCA was detected at concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 0.2 ng g-1, with the highest level in samples showing also elevated concentrations of PFOA (4.4 ng g(-1) for Lake Michigan vs 1.5 ng g(-1) for all other samples). The 10:2 FTUCA was detected only in 9% of all samples (nd, 45 pg g(-1)). For those PFCs where we determined lake water concentrations, the highest log BAFs were calculated for PFOS (4.1), PFDA (3.9), and PFOSA (3.8).

Bioaccumulation and risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in wild freshwater fish from rivers in the Pearl River Delta region, South China

“…This is consistent with the trend observed in wild aquatic organisms in the Great Lakes and chub from Orge River Labadie and Chevreuil, 2011). The log BAF muscle values for PFOS (2.7-3.4) were lower than those observed for European chub (3.7) (Becker et al, 2010), European eel (3.5) (Kwadijk et al, 2010) and Lake trout (3.8-4.4) (Furdui et al, 2007). This could be explained by site or speciesspecific behaviors or different dietary habits.…”

Perfluoroalkyl Compounds

“…As such, it is unlikely that most FTOHs and FSAs will undergo substantial bioaccumulation. Furdui et al [82] have reported a field-based bioaccumulation factor (log BAF) of 3.8 for PFOSA, based on measured concentrations in Great Lakes waters and whole fish homogenates.…”

“…Taniyasu et al [86] reported a mean log BAF for PFOS, calculated using concentrations in water and fish of Japan of 3.9. Furdui et al [82] have reported BAFs for Great Lakes fish. Calculated log BAF values for PFOS and PFHxS were 4.2 and 2.7 respectively, while log BAF values for the PFCAs increased with increasing length of the perfluoroalkyl chain, from 3.1 (PFOA) to 3.9 (PFDA).…”

Survey of two perfluorinated organic compounds (PFOA and PFHxA) in water and biota surrounding a polyfluorinated chemical plant

“…Oysters were not sampled during 2008. The 2006 baseline study results are on the low end of reported PFOA concentrations in fish from other North American studies (1.0-44 ng/g; Martin et al 2004, Furdui et al 2007). Many studies in Europe and Asia have also reported a large percentage of undetectable concentrations in fish (57-85%; van , Gulkowska et al 2006, Tseng et al 2006) and crustaceans (30-100%;vanLeeuwen et al 2006, Gulkowska et al 2006, Nakata et al 2006.…”