Variation in perfluoroalkyl acids in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify concentrations of fifteen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the plasma of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) inhabiting wetlands surrounding the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, USA located at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR). Approximately 10 male and 10 female alligators (ntotal = 229) were sampled each month during 2008 and 2009 to determine if seasonal or spatial trends existed with PFAA burden. PFOS represented the highest plasma burden (median 185 ng/g) and PFHxS the second highest (median 7.96 ng/g). While no significant seasonal trends were observed, unique spatial trends emerged. Many of the measured PFAAs co-varied strongly together and similar trends were observed for PFOS, PFDA, PFUnA, and PFDoA, as well as for PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFTriA, and PFTA, suggesting more than one source of PFAAs at MINWR. Higher concentrations of PFOS and the PFAAs that co-varied with PFOS were collected from animals around sites that included the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) fire house and the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout (O&C) retention pond, while higher concentrations of PFOA and the PFAA that co-varied with PFOA were sampled from animals near the gun range and the old fire training facility. Sex-based differences and snout-vent length (SVL) correlations with PFAA burden were also investigated.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plasma of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)

“…There were no site specific significant differences in PFUnA. Interestingly, high levels of PFAS detected in American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) plasma (compared to other Southeast US sites) have been previously reported in Brevard County (47,55). A potential source of these chemicals is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) usage, which are commonly utilized in locations of fire-training and contain PFAS, such as PFOS and PFHxS (56), which notably are the two compounds at significantly higher concentrations among the manatees at BC compared to all other sites.…”

“…Multiple studies have provided evidence for species-based differences in the correlation of sex and PFAS concentration among marine mammals and reptiles (8,55,57). The analysis of the manatee samples did not produce any significant correlation of PFAS concentration and sex.…”

Blood Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances are Associated with Autoimmunity-like Effects in the American Alligator

“…Alligators living along the Cape Fear River are non-migratory apex predators with a life span exceeding 60 years that coutilize human habitats contaminated with PFAS (IUCN 2018). Building from previous biomonitoring studies demonstrating utility of American alligators as effective indicators of environmental PFAS contamination Bangma, Reiner, et al 2017). With a focus on immune health endpoints, we predicted that populations of American alligators would be sensitive sentinels of cumulative adverse health effects resulting from PFAS exposures common to humans living in the Cape Fear River basin.…”

Spatial distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waters from Central and South Florida

“…The prevalence of PFAS in surface water also threatens the health condition of wildlife, such as aquatic animals, birds, especially the predators at the top of the food chain through bioaccumulation and biomagni cation from contaminated waters and preys (Grønnestad et al, 2019;Quinete et al, 2011). PFAS have been observed in several aquatic animals in Florida, including alligators which hold a signi cant role in the food chain in the Florida Everglades (Bangma et al, 2017;Wood et al, 2021).…”