PFAS Amphibians

Research Objectives

The main goal of this research, is to develop toxicity reference values (TRVs) and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) in three main amphibian groups (toads, frogs and salamanders). We completed close to 20 experiments exposing different amphibian species to four PFAS using different exposure routes and length of exposure. Major findings include: PFOS bioaccumulated and the precursor 6:2 FTS metabolized; LC50s are in the thousands of ppb, several orders of magnitude above environmental levels; LOECs for effects on growth, development, and condition factor ranged between 10 – 1000 ppb; and effects varied depending on the species.

Developing Toxicity Reference Values (TRVs) and Bioconcentration Factors (BCFs):

• PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, 6:2 FTS
• Effects on development, growth and condition factor
• First comprehensive Ecological Risk Assessment for PFAS in amphibians

Animal models:

• Native amphibians: Toads, frogs and salamanders
• Model species: Xenopus laevis

News:
Research Shows Toxicity of Forever Chemicals Varies Among Amphibian Species, Purdue College of Agriculture News