A recent study has discovered high quantities of toxic “forever chemicals” in sea otters recovered off the Pacific Ocean. Commonly found in food packaging, cookware, and waterproof textiles, PFAS bioactively bind to proteins and can lead to immunotoxicity, organ damage, endocrine disruption, and reproductive impairments in wildlife.
The research, published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, adds to the growing concern surrounding the effects of PFAS on marine life as they continue to accumulate in the marine food webs.
Predatory marine mammals are often considered highly susceptible to contamination as PFAS accumulate up the food chain. Thanks to their relatively long lifespans, and their large appetites for protein rich seafood in the nearshore habitat, sea otters are particularly susceptible to bioaccumulation of PFAS.
During their analysis, researchers analyzed skeletal muscle and liver samples from dead sea otters recovered from coastal British Columbia. Collecting a total of 16 samples from 11 animals, the team found that eight of the 40 tested chemicals were present in all sampled sea otters, with concentrations of each varying amongst individuals.
Additional testing found that PFAS concentrations were over three times higher on average in otters found near major cities or shipping routes.
Given that sea otters do not migrate or travel long distances, the researchers highlight that they are useful indicators for region-specific analysis of contaminant accumulation in marine food sources, some of which are also consumed by humans.