November 13th 2024.
The discovery of cancer-causing 'forever chemicals' in Victoria's endangered dolphins was just the beginning. Soon after, the same dangerous chemicals were found in Sydneysiders' drinking water. And now, it seems that Queensland's freshwater turtles are also facing the consequences of PFAS contamination.
A team of researchers from the CSIRO and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation embarked on a three-year study to investigate the impact of PFAS on freshwater turtles. They captured, measured, tagged, and released around 350 turtles from various waterways in Queensland.
The team then measured the levels of PFAS in the turtles' blood and internal organs and assessed their overall health. The results, which were released this week, shed light on the devastating effects of PFAS on Australia's wildlife. In particular, the study found that turtles living in highly contaminated waterways had PFAS concentrations up to 30 times higher than those in less contaminated areas.
But it's not just the high levels of PFAS that are concerning. The study also revealed that these chemicals are altering the biochemical make-up of the turtles, which could have far-reaching consequences for other aquatic wildlife in Australia. According to Dr. David Beale, Senior Research Scientist at the CSIRO, exposure to high concentrations of PFAS can impact the turtles' essential metabolic processes, putting them at risk of developing deadly conditions like gout.
In addition, the study showed that PFAS is affecting the turtles' eggs and hatchlings. Eggs at the contaminated sites had altered ratios of essential minerals, and hatchlings had a higher rate of shell defects. As Dr. Suzanne Vardy, Principal Scientist at DETSI, explains, the lack of juveniles at the contaminated site and the predicted population collapse over time are alarming findings.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals commonly used in industrial products due to their resistance to heat, stains, grease, and water. However, their persistence in the environment has earned them the nickname 'forever chemicals.' The Queensland government took the lead in phasing out the use of PFAS in consumer and industrial products, as well as legacy firefighting foams, in 2016.
The problem with PFAS is that they can easily leach into soils and groundwater and travel long distances, posing a threat to both humans and wildlife. And unlike some other chemicals that can be broken down naturally, PFAS do not fully degrade, making them a long-term concern for the environment.
In light of these findings, it's clear that urgent action is needed to prevent further harm to Australia's precious wildlife. The study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of regulating the use of harmful chemicals and protecting our natural habitats.
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