Spatial and temporal trends in perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from Svalbard. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Routti, Heli; Gabrielsen, Geir Wing; Herzke, Dorte; Kovacs, Kit M.; Lydersen, Christian
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 214(2016)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Arctic vs Atlantic water masses -- Contaminant -- Kongsfjorden -- Oceanic transport -- Arctic; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASA) in plasma from ringed seals sampled in the period 1990–2010 (n = 71) in Svalbard, Norway. Perfluorooctane sulfonate was dominant among the perfluoroalkyl substances. PFCAs were dominated by perfluoroundecanoate followed by perfluorononanoate. C4 C8 PFCAs and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were detected in ≤42% of the samples. PFSA and PFCA concentrations were higher in seals sampled from Kongsfjorden, a fjord influenced by strong inflows of Atlantic Water compared to seals from fjords dominated by Arctic Water (e.g. Billefjorden). Sex, age and body condition of the seals did not influence PFAS concentrations. Due to the confounding effect of year and sampling area, temporal trends were assessed only in seals sampled from Kongsfjorden (5 years, n = 51). PFHxS and PFOS concentrations did not show significant linear trends during the whole study period, but a decrease was observed since 2004. Concentrations of all of the detected PFCAs (C9 C13 PFCAs) increased until 2004 after which they have declined or stabilized. Graphical abstract: Highlights: 16 PFASs analyzed in ringed seals from Svalbard sampled 1990–2010 (n = 71). Higher PFASs in seals from fjords dominated by warmer, saltier Atlantic Water. Sex, age and body condition had no influence on PFAS concentrations. C9 C13 PFCAs increased until 2004 after which they have declined or stabilized. PFOS and PFHxS remained stable in the period 1990–2010. Abstract : Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances are influenced by hydrographic characteristics of sampling location and sampling year in ringed seals from Svalbard.