Trophic transfer of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) by glacial relicts in Lake Vättern, Sweden

Sammanfattning: The aim with the study was to assess if glacial relict amphipods constitute as vectors of transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Arctic char food web in Lake Vättern, Sweden. Sediment, surface water and biota samples were analysed for PFASs using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and stable isotope analysis of δ 13C and δ15N was performed on sediments and biota samples. Sediment samples (n=3) were suggested to have PFASs originating from different sources. Generally low concentrations were detected in sediment (sum of all detected PFASs were 2.7 ng/g in St. Aspön, 2.9 ng/g in Visingsö and 0.6 ng/g in Omberg, reported in dry weight), compared to biota and several water samples. The PFAS distribution and concentrations in the samples representing St. Aspön and Visingsö deviated from the third sample from Omberg, which was further evidenced by stable isotope analysis. The average concentration of all detected PFASs in the potentially low contaminated samples was 6 ng/L, while it was 5900 ng/L in the potentially aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) contaminated samples. Surface water samples from Jönköping airport and Kärnebäcken measured concentrations of linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS) that all exceeded the Annual Average Environmental Quality Standard (AA-EQS) value of 0.65 ng/L of PFOS in freshwater (fire pond: 14 000 ng/L, ditch: 600 ng/L, Sandserydsån: 160 ng/L, Kärnebäcken: 150 ng/L). A reference sample that was assumed to represent diffuse sources showed similar distribution of PFASs as in several estuaries around Lake Vättern. Since the surface area of Lake Vättern is large (1900 km2), atmospheric deposition is suggested as one of the major contamination sources. This should be further investigated to better assess the local environmental burden. Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) calculated for L-PFOS, perfluorononaoate (PFNA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrDA) were > 1, indicating biomagnification to higher trophic levels. Among all detected PFASs in biota samples, L-PFOS was the most prominent component (58 %), followed by PFTrDA (20 %), PFNA (6.7 %), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) (5.3 %), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) (4.9 %) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) (2.9 %). Highest concentrations of all targeted compounds (ΣPFAS 220 ng/g) were detected in Monoporeia, the smallest of amphipods. Contamination profiles of perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) showed similar patterns for several species as those derived in another study from Lake Ontario. Mainly Monoporeia and Pallasea, but partly also Mysis are potential vectors of trophic transport of PFASs in Lake Vättern, although further investigations should be conducted including additional replicates and species. Glacial relict crustaceans are sensitive to pollution in a system, and several fish species 3 in the present study had concentrations of L-PFOS above the AA-EQS value of 9.1 ng/g in fish, thus indicating PFAS contamination. Since many fish species feed on glacial relicts, contamination of these amphipods will transfer PFASs further in the Arctic char food web and could thus affect the whole eco-system in Lake Vättern.