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Consumer health risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in the Ecuadorian red mangrove crab
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Scientists tested red mangrove crabs from Ecuador, a popular local seafood, and found they contain "forever chemicals" (PFAS), man-made substances linked to health problems that don't break down in the environment or our bodies. Two of these chemicals, PFOA and PFDA, were found at levels high enough that regular crab-eaters could be exposed to more than what's considered safe, raising real health concerns for people who rely on this food source. This research highlights how pollution can quietly build up in the seafood we eat, even in areas far from major industrial cities.
Anthropogenic pollutant accumulation is a concern in Ecuador's Guayas Estuary. In this study, we investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the meat of the red mangrove crab (Ucides occidentalis), an Ecuadorian commercial food product. This study examined contaminant levels in crabs from two mangrove reserves and assessed associated health risks to consumers. The presence of 8 PFAS was found in the crabmeat: PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFDA, PFDoDA, PFEESA, PF4OPeA, and 6:2 FTS. Pyrene was detected in 64 % of the samples, with an average concentration of 0.0061 ng/g ww. The concentrations of all PFAS and PAH compounds were found to be similar across the two mangrove reserves. PFOA and PFDA levels in crabs led to exposures exceeding US EPA RfD values, with Hazard Quotients of 8.76 and 1.58, indicating potential health risks for consumers. These findings can support health, ecosystem, and policy improvements globally.
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Polymer-dependent accumulation of PFASs on microplastics in Xiamen Bay: field evidence and laboratory partitioning
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Scientists found that "forever chemicals" (PFASs), which are linked to health problems like cancer and immune issues, tend to stick to microplastic pieces floating in coastal waters—especially foam plastic like polystyrene, which soaked up more of these chemicals than other plastic types, and even more so after sun exposure broke it down further. This matters because it suggests plastic litter in the ocean isn't just a physical pollution problem—it can also act like a sponge that concentrates toxic chemicals, potentially making its way up the food chain to the seafood we eat.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in contaminated coastal marine waters of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea: a baseline study
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Researchers documented PFAS 'forever chemical' contamination in Saudi Arabian Red Sea coastal waters for the first time, finding the highest levels near lagoons that receive treated sewage and likely aqueous firefighting foam runoff. The contamination poses potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health through consumption of local seafood.
Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
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This review examines PFAS, the persistent 'forever chemicals' widely used in consumer products, and their growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. Evidence indicates that PFAS accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupt hormones, and can alter how other pollutants behave in the environment. The research is relevant to microplastic concerns because PFAS are commonly found in plastic products and can leach from microplastics into water.
Polystyrene nanoplastics amplify the toxic effects of PFOA on the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
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Nanoplastics amplified the toxic effects of PFOA (a "forever chemical") in Chinese mitten crabs, worsening oxidative stress, immune disruption, and intestinal inflammation beyond what either pollutant caused alone. The combination disrupted fat metabolism and triggered cell death pathways, demonstrating how two common environmental contaminants can interact to create greater health risks in organisms that humans consume as food.
Forever Chemicals PFAS Global Impact and Activities, Cascading Consequences of Colossal Systems Failure: Long-Term Health Effects, Food-Systems, Eco-Systems
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This comprehensive review examines PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination across food, water, and consumer products, highlighting their interconnection with microplastic pollution. The authors document decades of delayed regulatory action and cover-ups that have contributed to widespread human exposure. Evidence indicates long-term health effects from PFAS exposure, and the review calls for stronger risk assessment tools and policy responses to address this persistent chemical contamination.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.