Scientific interest continues to flourish around perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and widespread in the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has held three workshops since 2006 and papers appear regularly in peer-reviewed journals. Environment Canada scientists have added to this research area with an update of the present state of knowledge of PFCs in aquatic ecosystems.

Given the popularity of a previous critical review on the biological monitoring of PFCs (Houde et al., 2006), this thoroughly updated review aims to encourage the generation of new information and directions for PFC research. Areas of focus include biological monitoring of PFCs in the aquatic environment (post-2005), geographical and temporal trends, contamination profiles in organisms, assessments of precursors and isomers, and biomagnification in aquatic food webs.

Source:

Houde, Magali, De Silva, A.O., Muir, D.C.G., Letcher, R.J. 2011. Biological monitoring of perfluorinated compounds: An updated review. Environmental Science and Technology 45(19):7962-7973 DOI: 10.1021/es104326w

Contact: Magali Houde, 514-496-6774, Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research, or Derek Muir, 905-319-6921, Priority Substances Exposure Division or Robert Letcher, 613-998-6696, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division