A recent study published in PNAS highlights a significant decline of over 60% in legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pilot whale tissues from the North Atlantic, indicating positive effects of global phase-out efforts on environmental pollutants. The analysis, based on archived liver samples collected since 1986, utilized advanced methods to track the presence of both legacy and newer PFAS. While older compounds like PFOS have decreased, concerns remain about the fate of the newer PFAS, warranting stricter regulations to prevent potential future accumulation.
1. Over 60% decline in legacy PFAS in pilot whale tissues noted. 2. Analysis based on liver samples from 1986-2023. 3. Methods used include combustion ion chromatography and mass spectrometry. 4. PFOS levels peaked in early 2000s. 5. Newer PFAS are not accumulating significantly in open-ocean food webs. 6. Findings emphasize the need for stricter PFAS regulations. 7. Study indicates the effectiveness of global phase-out efforts.
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