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MARINFORSKHAV-Marine ressurser og miljø - havmiljø

Fate and effects of perfluoroalkyl substances and their precursors and alternatives in Norwegian marine environments and seafood species

Alternative title: Skjebne og effekter av perfluoralkylstoffer og deres forløpere og alternativer i norske marine miljøer og sjømatarter (FEARLESS)

Awarded: NOK 8.0 mill.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is a contaminant group consisting of more than 6000 compounds that have been identified as of very high environmental concern due to environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity. Consequently, various fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternative substances have been produced as replacements for various applications (e.g. firefighting foams). However, recent studies have revealed the bioaccumulation potential of selected PFAS alternatives. Furthermore, the presence of unidentified organofluorine (UOF) substances have been confirmed in the environment including human samples. However, their respective health effects and chemical structures are hitherto unknown. Clearly, many knowledge gaps exist with respect to the fate and effects of PFASs and their precursors as well as alternatives regarding marine organisms. Among others, essential information regarding the transfer and mass balance of UOF in marine food webs is lacking. The FEARLESS project aims to improve our scientific understanding of how marine organisms are impacted by PFASs and their alternatives. The focus will be laid upon the exploration of the transfer and transformation mechanisms for UOF in marine food webs. The FEARLESS team plans to assess the toxicity of PFAS and their alternatives under laboratory conditions as well as under field conditions. In the course of the project, the marine food web samples influenced by PFAS point sources will be investigated. In addition, marine species exploited for human consumption will be evaluated. This will also include archived samples from remote regions influenced by diffusive sources (established for known PFAS). Norwegian waters influenced by firefighting foams from an onshore (Bergen airport) and offshore point source (Ekofisk and Eldfisk oilfields) were chosen as priority research locations in addition to well characterized reference locations.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are anthropogenic chemicals consisting of more than 6000 compounds that have been identified as of very high environmental concern due to environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity. Consequently, various fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternative substances have been produced as replacements. However, recent studies have revealed the bioaccumulation potential of some of these alternatives. Additionally, recent studies have revealed the presence of unidentified organofluorine (UOF) substances in the environment including human samples whose health effects and chemical structures are unknown. Many knowledge gaps exist on the fate and effects of PFASs and their precursors and alternatives on marine organisms, and the information regarding the transfer and mass balance of UOF in the marine food webs is lacking. This project aims to improve our understanding of how marine organisms could be impacted by PFASs and their alternatives and to explore the transfer and transformation of unknown organofluorine substances in marine food webs. FEARLESS aims will assess the toxicity of PFAS and their alternatives under laboratory conditions as well as under field conditions. In addition, FEARLESS will analyze marine food web samples influenced by PFAS point sources in addition to seafood species including archived samples from remote regions influenced by diffuse sources for known PFAS, alternatives and UOF. Norwegian waters influenced by firefighting foams from an onshore (Bergen airport) and offshore point source (Ekofisk and Eldfisk oilfields) were chosen as our research platforms in addition to reference locations.

Funding scheme:

MARINFORSKHAV-Marine ressurser og miljø - havmiljø