Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are of growing concern for their potential adverse environmental and human health effects. PFAS compounds demonstrate remarkable environmental stability and are globally dispersed. These compounds have been detected in a variety of biological samples, including bird feathers, which have proven to be a reliable indicator for the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Our study aims to establish a chronology of PFAS exposure in birds from the Amazonian and the South American Atlantic Rainforest and determine if the rainforest bird populations are impacted by PFAS. Feathers, composed mainly of keratin, accumulate PFAS, which has a documented affinity for proteins. Feather samples were sourced from museum collections at the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Samples were selected among fish-eating, insect-eating, and fruit-eating trophic guilds. Feathers collected prior to 1935, representing preexposure conditions; after 1935, representing postexposure conditions; and the 2000s, representing current conditions, were used to establish a chronology of PFAS pollution in the Amazonian and Atlantic Rainforest. Feathers are digested in 1.0 M sodium hydroxide, extracted according to EPA Method 1633, and analyzed for 40 legacy and emerging PFAS compounds. A Shimadzu Triple-Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer in Multiple Reactions Monitoring (MRM) mode was used to determine PFAS concentrations. PFAS concentrations are compared by species, feeding guild, age, and collection location. Bird specimen samples have been analyzed, and preliminary results show PFAS concentrations vary through time in some species. The results of this study have significance in determining the pervasiveness of PFAS in both developed and undeveloped regions of South American rainforests. Other researchers will use the chronology of PFAS introduction into the rainforests established in this study to determine if PFAS is a contributing factor in declining biodiversity.

Bird feathers as a method of reconstructing historical exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.