An Evaluation of Perfluoroalkyl substances based Fish Consumption Advisories in the Great Lakes

Session: Poster session

John Newsted, O'Brien and Gere, [email protected]
RYAN HOLEM, GEI Consultants, [email protected]

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds that are persistent and resistant to degradation in the environment and have received considerable attention with respect to their occurrence and fate in the aquatic environment and biota. Two PFAS’s, PFOS and PFOA, have been identified as “Chemicals of Mutual Concern” pursuant to the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. However, at this time fish consumption advisory (FCA) values have been derived for only PFOS in several US states in the USA and Canada that border the Great Lakes. The underlying methodology and assumptions used to develop PFOS-based FCAs differ based on the regulatory authority and we will evaluate these differences relative to fish PFOS concentrations in the Great Lakes. In addition, factors such as the water body type (lentic vs. lotic) in which PFAS-based advisories are present, PFAS concentrations across fish species, and species-specific bioaccumulation will be discussed. Finally, the magnitude of PFOS-based FCAs will be compared to that of “legacy compound” POPs (i.e., Hg and PCB) to assess if PFOS-based FCAs are greater or less restrictive in areas where these compounds have been quantified.

1. Keyword
fish

2. Keyword
perfluorooctane sulfonate

3. Keyword
risks

4. Additional Keyword
Human Health