Work

Triiodothyronine (T3), but not resting metabolic rate correlates positively with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Arctic terns

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In Arctic seabirds, positive correlations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and thyroid hormones (THs) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) have been documented. Herein we investigated levels and patterns of PFAS in Arctic terns ( Sterna paradisaea ) nesting in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (Norway), and if circulating concentrations of PFAS correlated with their circulating concentrations of TH, and the RMR of the birds. The hypothesis was that there will be positive correlations between PFAS, TH, and RMR, indicating that PFAS-induced increases in plasma THs could be responsible for the increased RMR. The dominating PFAS in the terns were perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrDA). The PFAS pattern was similar to what has been found in other seabirds in Kongsfjorden. There were positive correlations between several PFAS and total triiodothyronine (TT 3 ) concentrations in the terns. When sex was accounted for there were significant correlations in female terns, but not in males. There were no correlations between PFAS and RMR or between TT 3 and RMR. This indicates that there is no link between a PFAS-induced increase in plasma TT 3 concentrations and a resultant increased RMR. The positive associations between blood PFAS concentrations and plasma TT 3 concentrations may be a passive association, as both PFAS and T 3 bind to thyroid hormone binding proteins (THBP). We recommend that interrelationships between circulating concentrations of PFAS, THs and THBP are investigated further to identify the role of PFAS as TH disrupting chemicals and chemicals that may affect the RMR in birds. • Levels and patterns of PFAS were investigated in Arctic terns nesting in Svalbard. • Effects of PFAS on thyroid hormones and metabolic rate (MR) were studied. • T3 correlated positively with PFAS in the terns. • When accounting for sex, T3 correlated positively with PFAS in females but not males. • There were no correlations between PFAS and MR or between T3 and MR.

Source: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120200

Authors: Aslak Arnesson Aune, Geir Wing Gabrielsen, Hugh I. Ellis, Bjorn Munro Jenssen

Institutions: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norwegian Polar Institute, University of San Diego, University Centre in Svalbard

Language: English

Topic: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,590

Funders: Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet, University of San Diego, Norges Forskningsråd, Norsk Polarinstitutt