How Forever Chemicals Are Threatening the World’s Biodiversity Hotspots

In recent years, scientists have uncovered a troubling reality about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals.” These chemicals have infiltrated some of the most biodiverse and remote regions of our planet.

These man-made chemicals are leaving a lasting mark on ecosystems once thought to be pristine. From the towering canopies of the Amazon Rainforest to the icy landscapes of the Arctic, their impact is widespread.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of over 12,000 human-made chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products. Their resistance to water, heat, and stains makes them invaluable for manufacturing non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and food packaging.

However, this resilience comes at a cost: PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, earning them the moniker “forever chemicals.”

Once released, PFAS can travel through the air, water, and soil, accumulating in plants, animals, and even humans. Studies have linked these chemicals to serious health issues, including infertility, birth defects, high cholesterol, and various cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer.

In many countries, including the United States, PFAS contamination has been heavily detected in groundwater, TorHoerman Law notes. In the U.S., a significant source of this contamination is linked to aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). These foams, commonly used in firefighting, are often improperly disposed of, exacerbating the problem.

As alarming levels of contamination came to light, individuals and water companies started taking legal action through the PFAS lawsuit against the manufacturers. These lawsuits, known allege that the manufacturers’ negligence contributed to the widespread pollution. With thousands of cases already filed and more emerging, this litigation continues to grow as affected communities seek accountability.

PFAS in the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest, known as the lungs of the Earth, is home to unparalleled biodiversity. Yet, recent research led by Coventry University has detected PFAS in the air above this critical ecosystem. 

Samples collected from the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory, 150 kilometers from Manaus, Brazil, showed significant concentrations of these chemicals. The contamination was detected both at the tree canopy level and at higher altitudes.

The findings are alarming. PFAS are thought to have traveled long distances through atmospheric currents, as local sources would typically result in higher concentrations closer to the ground. This discovery underscores how even the remotest natural havens are not immune to the pervasive reach of industrial pollutants.

The impact on the Amazon’s flora and fauna could be devastating. PFAS mimic natural hormones, potentially disrupting reproduction in wildlife and rare plant species. For the millions of people who depend on the Amazon’s resources, breathing in or consuming these chemicals poses significant health risks.

Other Biodiversity Hotspots Affected by PFAS

The Amazon is not the only biodiversity-rich area grappling with PFAS contamination. These chemicals have been detected in:

Arctic Ice and Waters

According to The Guardian, research led by Oxford University has uncovered concerning levels of PFAS contamination in Arctic ice near Svalbard, Norway. Measurements identified 26 types of PFAS, including highly toxic compounds like PFOS and PFOA, at concentrations exceeding U.S. advisory drinking water limits. 

When ice melts, these chemicals flow into downstream ecosystems, affecting the entire food web. This impact ranges from plankton to apex predators like polar bears, which already face stress from toxic exposure and habitat changes.

The study also highlighted rising levels of TFA, a byproduct of hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) refrigerants, which replaced ozone-depleting CFCs. Although TFA is considered less toxic than other PFAS, its environmental impact remains poorly understood, underscoring the need for further research.

Lake Baikal, Russia

Lake Baikal, renowned as the world’s deepest freshwater lake, is now revealing a concerning impact of PFAS contamination. According to a report on ScienceDirect, research shows that the lake’s seals and aquatic life are heavily affected by these “forever chemicals.”

In the reported study, scientists assessed the presence of 33 types of PFAS in the plasma, liver, blubber, and brain of 18 Baikal seals. Among the chemicals found, perfluorooctanosulfonic acid (PFOS), long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, and a branched PFCA (P37DMOA) were the most commonly detected. 

African Waters

Forever chemicals are rapidly becoming a major environmental concern in Africa. A study reviewing research from 11 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, highlights the growing issue.

Key contamination hotspots include South Africa’s Vaal River, Kenya’s Nairobi River, and the vast Lake Victoria. 

These water bodies are vital ecosystems supporting diverse wildlife, including fish, amphibians, and plant species. PFAS contamination can disrupt aquatic biodiversity by accumulating in organisms, affecting their health, reproduction, and survival. This contamination can lead to declines in species populations, alter food webs, and reduce the overall health of ecosystems.

How PFAS Reach Remote Ecosystems

PFAS’ durability and mobility allow them to traverse great distances. Through atmospheric transport, these chemicals travel on winds, eventually depositing in remote areas via rainfall or snowfall. 

In water systems, PFAS are leached into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they accumulate and bio-magnify through food chains. Industrial activities and improper disposal of PFAS-containing products exacerbate their spread.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the global spread of PFAS requires coordinated efforts at multiple levels:

• Policy and regulation: Governments must enforce stricter regulations on PFAS production and use, phasing out these chemicals wherever possible.
• Research and monitoring: Continued studies are needed to understand how PFAS travel and impact ecosystems. Monitoring programs can help identify hotspots and track contamination levels.
• Public awareness: Educating consumers about PFAS-containing products and encouraging sustainable alternatives can reduce demand and limit further contamination.
• Remediation efforts: Developing technologies to remove PFAS from water, soil, and air is critical for mitigating their environmental and health impacts.

FAQs

How does PFAS affect biodiversity?

PFAS can contaminate water sources, soil, and wildlife habitats, affecting entire ecosystems. Animals, particularly those in aquatic environments, can accumulate PFAS in their bodies, leading to long-term health problems. These chemicals can disrupt reproductive and immune systems in animals, reducing biodiversity and threatening species’ survival.

Can PFAS enter the food chain?

Yes, PFAS can enter the food chain through contaminated water or soil. When animals, including fish and livestock, consume PFAS-tainted water or plants, they can accumulate these chemicals in their tissues. Humans who consume contaminated food or water can also be exposed to PFAS.

What health risks do PFAS pose to humans?

Exposure to PFAS is linked to a range of health problems, including developmental issues in children and liver damage. It can also weaken the immune system, raise cholesterol levels, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.

Overall, the discovery of PFAS in biodiverse regions like the Amazon Rainforest highlights the far-reaching consequences of industrial pollution. 

As these chemicals infiltrate even the most remote and ecologically vital areas, their impact on global biodiversity and human health becomes increasingly evident. Tackling the PFAS crisis demands urgent action to protect our planet’s most precious ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

Follow Sounds and Colours: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Mixcloud / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

Subscribe to the Sounds and Colours Newsletter for regular updates, news and competitions bringing the best of Latin American culture direct to your Inbox.

Share: