A Survey of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Related Perfluorinated Organic Compounds in Water, Fish, Birds, and Humans from Japan

TLDR

Occurrence of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the tissues of humans and wildlife is well documented. The study aimed to determine the concentrations and distribution of PFOS, PFHS, and PFBS in surface water, fish, bird, and human samples in Japan. Concentrations were measured in surface water, fish and bird blood and livers, and human blood collected across Japan. PFOS was found in all 78 fish blood and liver samples, with bioconcentration factors ranging from 274 to 41,600, concentrations of 2.4–14 ng/mL in human blood, notable levels in Tokyo Bay surface water and fish, and PFHS detected in 33 % of fish at lower concentrations.

Abstract

Occurrence of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the tissues of humans and wildlife is well documented. In this study, concentrations and distribution of PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHS), and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were determined in samples of surface water, fish and bird blood and livers, and human blood collected in Japan. Notable concentrations of PFOS were found in surface water and fish from Tokyo Bay. PFOS was found in all of the 78 samples of fish blood and liver analyzed. Based on the concentrations of PFOS in water and in fish livers, bioconcentration factors were calculated to range from 274 to 41 600. Concentrations of PFOS in the blood of Japanese human volunteers ranged from 2.4 to 14 ng/mL. PFHS was detected in 33% of the fishes analyzed, at concentrations severalfold less than those of PFOS.