Analysis has shown that marine mammals are not protected from toxic "forever" chemicals, even while living underwater.
As part of the study, scientists discovered "unprecedented" levels of pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in deep-sea dolphins and whales, raising serious concerns for the health of marine species.
PFAS are synthetic substances found in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. They are referred to as "forever chemicals" because they take thousands of years to break down naturally.
"There is no escaping PFAS"
Despite the belief that deep-sea dwellers are protected from PFAS, the study showed that habitat is not a good indicator of pollution levels.
This was revealed after analyzing tissues from 127 individuals of 16 species of toothed whales and dolphins caught in the waters of New Zealand, including bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales.
For eight of the 16 species, such as the endemic Hector's dolphin and three species of beaked whales, this study was the first in the world to assess the impact of PFAS.
Dr. Katarina Peters, a marine ecologist from the Marine Vertebrate Ecology Laboratory at the University of Wollongong (UOW), notes that whales and dolphins were chosen for the study because they are "indicator species" reflecting the health of their ecosystem.
"We assumed that species living in deep waters, such as sperm whales, would have lower levels of PFAS compared to coastal Hector's dolphins, which are closer to pollution sources. However, our results showed the opposite. It seems there is truly nowhere to hide from PFAS," adds Peters.
"Threat" to Marine Biodiversity
Although the consequences of PFAS pollution for wildlife are still unclear, researchers warn that it may negatively impact the immune and reproductive systems of animals.
In 2022, scientists found autoimmune disorders similar to lupus in alligators living in polluted waters in North Carolina.
In humans, PFAS have already been detected in the bodies of nearly all Europeans, including pregnant women and children, and are linked to numerous issues such as cancer, infertility, and thyroid disease.
"Even species living in the open ocean and diving to great depths are facing comparable levels of PFAS, highlighting how widespread this pollution is, exacerbated by climate stressors. This is becoming an increasing threat to marine biodiversity," asserts study co-author Dr. Frédéric Saltre, a researcher at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Australian Museum.
The study also emphasizes the need for further research to understand the impact of PFAS on individual animals and populations.
