PFAS Toxicity to Amphibians
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Marisol Sepúlveda
Researchers
Elizabeth Allmon
PhD
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
Matt Hamilton
Research Scientist & Lab Manager
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
Youn Jeong Choi
Analytical Chemist
Purdue Agronomy
Tyler Hoskins
Research Assistant Faculty
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
Jason Conder
GeoSyntec
New York
Jason Hoverman
Professor
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
Zachary Pandelides
GeoSyntec
Louisiana
Linda Lee
Professor
Purdue Environmental and Ecological Engineering & Agronomy
Marisol Sepúlveda
Professor and Associate Head of Research
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
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
