Contamination of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Freshwater Fish from Areas Adjacent to Three Former and Active Military Facilities in New York

This study investigates the contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in freshwater fish from waterbodies near former and currently active military bases in the State of New York, USA. Three facilities with a history of long-term use and discharge of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) were studied. Here, we focused on previously uninvestigated areas that are outside of the base properties. Freshwater fish samples were collected from sites at different distances both downstream and upstream of the bases. Overall, 508 fish from 25 species were collected at 22 sites over 3 years, and whole-fish PFAS concentrations were quantified using LC–MS/MS. PFAS levels in fish from downstream sites have significantly higher body burden of PFAS. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the foaming agent in legacy AFFF, is the dominant PFAS component in fish from downstream sites in all waterbodies sampled and appeared to be the main driving factor differentiating fish from presumed contaminated sites and reference sites. Distance from the contaminant source, species, and hydrological conditions also significantly influenced the PFAS accumulation in fish. Temporal differences were only significant at sites where accidental discharge of AFFF occurred immediately prior to the 1st year of sampling. The current study demonstrates the extent of PFAS contamination and accumulation in biota at a distance away from the contaminant source. We also highlight the need for evaluation of potential concerns for human and ecological health in these areas as a result of historical AFFF use and release from military facilities in the US.