@conference{
author = "Garcia-Garin, Odei and Borrell, Asunción and Colomer-Vidal, Pere and Vighi, Morgana and Trilla-Prieto, Núria and Aguilar, Alex and Gazo, Manel and Jiménez, Begoña",
year = "2023",
abstract = "Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are widely recognized as a class of pollutants known for their ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the environment. In this study, the objective is to determine the biomagnification rates of PFAS in sexually mature striped dolphins and assess the temporal trends of PFAS concentrations over the past three decades (1990-2021) in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. Thirteen out of the 19 targeted PFAS compounds were detected in the digestive content of the dolphins, while all 17 PFAS compounds were detected in the liver samples. Concentrations of PFAS in the digestive content ranged from 50 to 1611 ng/g, while the liver samples showed concentrations ranging from 268 to 7014 ng/g. The most prevalent compounds found in both types of samples were linear perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA), which were present in all samples. Additionally, perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were also detected in significant quantities. Interestingly, the study found that long-chain PFAS compounds exhibited greater biomagnification rates compared to short-chain PFAS compounds in striped dolphins. This suggests a potential impact on the health of these marine mammals due to the accumulation of long-chain PFAS in their systems. The analysis of the samples indicated that half of the digestive content samples exceeded the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) concentrations, indicating that the consumption of polluted prey may pose health risks for striped dolphins. When examining the temporal trends, the concentrations of most long-chain PFAS compounds showed an increase from 1990 to 2004-2009. However, concentrations appeared to stabilize during the period of 2014-2021, potentially reflecting the impact of country regulations and industry initiatives aimed at reducing PFAS pollution. These findings underscore the persistent presence of banned PFAS compounds in the marine ecosystem and highlight the need for ecological risk assessments and the development of management strategies to mitigate PFAS pollution in marine environments. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the biomagnification rates of PFAS in striped dolphins and highlights the persistent nature of these pollutants in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. The identification of specific PFAS compounds and their temporal trends contribute to the understanding of PFAS pollution and support future efforts in assessing ecological risks and implementing effective management strategies in marine ecosystems.",
journal = "XXII Meeting of the Spanish Society of Chromatography and Related Techniques, Book of Abstracts, S'Arenal, Mallorca, 16-18 October 2023",
title = "Perfluoroalkyl substances in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the NW Mediterranean Sea: Biomagnification and temporal trends (1990-2021)",
pages = "60-60",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_cherry_6409"
}
