Post by University of Wollongong

How do forever chemicals impact our marine mammals? 🐋 UOW's Dr Katharina J. Peters and honours student Lavinia Stokes were lead authors on a recent study that examined the accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (known as PFAS) across more than 70 species of toothed whales, including dolphins and porpoises. 🐬 PFAS can disrupt immune, endocrine and reproductive systems, raising concerns for both individual and population health in humans and animals. “PFAS is released into the marine environment through manufacturing runoff, agricultural processes and industry,” Dr Peters said. “Once in the marine environment, it infiltrates all aspects of the ecosystem. Marine mammals have some of the highest potential to accumulate PFAS among wildlife, likely due to their position in the food chain, their respiratory processes and their long lifespans.” The Pacific had the highest PFAS levels and the Mediterranean the lowest, which the researchers attributed to regional differences in PFAS production, use and regulatory history. "This study highlights the need for better monitoring and more research to understand possible health effects we may not yet recognise," Ms Stokes said. #UOWResearch