Trophic and tissue distribution of PFAS in native Lake Michigan fishes

Grant: # 1980

Grant Amount: $311,102.82

Board Decision Year: 2022

University of Notre Dame - Department of Biological Sciences (Notre Dame)

Department of Biological Sciences

Miranda, Daniele ([email protected]) 5746312139

2022 Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Fish Populations: Ecological and Biological Research to Inform Management - Ecological and biological fisheries research to inform management

Project Details

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most widespread and persistentcontaminants affecting Great Lakes ecosystems. To better understand their occurrence andmovement within Lake Michigan, this project quantified PFAS concentrations in water, sediment,and fish species representing different trophic levels and ecological niches. We also evaluatedthe distribution of PFAS among multiple fish tissues to improve understanding of contaminantaccumulation and transfer within aquatic food webs.PFAS were detected throughout the LakeMichigan ecosystem, with species-and tissue-specific differences in accumulation. Thesefindings provide valuable information to support fisheries management, contaminant monitoring, and fish consumption guidance throughout the Great Lakes region. Final report available.