PFAS found in turtles
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Government scientists have studied the persistent impact of PFAS “forever chemicals” on wildlife.
A report by researchers from CSIRO and Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) reveals troubling evidence of PFAS bioaccumulation and metabolic disruptions in freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii).
The research found elevated PFAS levels in turtles from contaminated areas of Queensland, raising concerns for turtle populations and ecosystems alike.
PFAS, widely used in products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, resist breaking down in the environment.
They can seep into soil and waterways, lingering for years and travelling far from their original sources.
In Queensland, these chemicals have even made their way into the bloodstreams and organs of local turtle populations.
Dr David Beale, Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, describes a cascade of adverse effects from PFAS exposure on turtles.
“Exposure to high concentrations of PFAS impacted essential metabolic processes in the turtles sampled,” he said.
“Adults had a high potential of forming gout, which is deadly in reptiles. We found that eggs had altered ratios of essential minerals, and hatchlings had a high rate of defects in their shells.”
The study was the result of a three-year investigation involving the capture, tagging, and release of around 350 turtles.
According to Dr Suzanne Vardy, Principal Scientist at DETSI, turtles from the contaminated site showed PFAS concentrations up to 30 times higher than turtles from clean sites.
“When we looked at the population, we found that there was a lack of juveniles at the more contaminated site. Our models predicted that over time, these impacts could result in a population collapse,” she said.
The researchers delved into the biochemical alterations caused by PFAS by measuring thousands of biomarkers related to health.
The turtles showed biochemical disruptions in essential processes, including amino acid and lipid metabolism, which are crucial for energy production and cellular function.
The study found that PFAS pollution may also be altering turtle eggshells, which showed changes in mineral ratios critical for embryo development.
Hatchlings exposed to PFAS displayed unusually high rates of deformities, including defective scales and abnormal growth patterns, signalling potential long-term impacts on turtle population sustainability.
This research is part of a broader effort to understand and regulate the environmental effects of PFAS in Australia.
“We set out to better understand the impacts on our wildlife, where PFAS are accumulating in the environment,” Dr Beale says.
“This research shows us that the stakes are high for Queensland’s freshwater ecosystems.”
The full study is accessible here.