PFOS contamination in bib and plaice in the Western Scheldt

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in bib (Trisopterus luscus) and plaice (Pleuronecters platessa) from the Western Scheldt and the Belgian North Sea: distribution and biochemical effects

Context of the study

There is a lack of information on the degree of pollution by Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in the aquatic wildlife of Western Europe. The degree of PFOS pollution in the Western Scheldt is particularly interesting, given it's it's importance as a nursing area for wild life, and the presence of important chemical plants in Antwerp (upstream of the Western Scheldt).

Content of the study

The aim of this study was to determine PFOS concentrations in the muscles and livers of two common fish species: bib and plaice. The study used fish occurring at different locations of the Belgian sea and in the Western Scheldt. This way information was obtained on the severity and distribution of the PFOS pollution. It was also investigated if the PFOS concentrations varied between different fish sizes, and other factors.

Main results of the study