Freshwater turtles in Australia are showing alarming health impacts from exposure to “forever chemicals,” formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These persistent chemicals, long known for their harmful effects on human health, are now raising concerns for wildlife, according to a study published in Science of the Total Environment.
Environmental biochemist David Beale and his team from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation examined freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii) from three sites in Queensland, ranging from high to minimal PFAS contamination levels. The results revealed that turtles exposed to higher PFAS levels experienced changes in metabolic function and showed biomarkers linked to cancer and other chronic health problems.
“Turtles, like humans, are passing PFAS contamination to their offspring,” Beale explained. Lab hatchlings exhibited significant deformities, particularly in their scales, and carried high levels of PFAS in their systems. This contamination was primarily traced to the fats and nutrients transferred from mother turtles during reproduction.
The study revealed a troubling absence of juvenile turtles in PFAS-polluted areas. This suggests that deformities and health issues may be shortening their lifespans. At one moderately contaminated site, turtles laid more eggs, but these eggs were smaller compared to those from cleaner environments. While no direct link has been confirmed between PFAS exposure and egg size, the patterns are concerning.
The findings highlight PFAS bioaccumulation in critical organs like the ovaries, liver, kidneys, and heart of adult turtles, suggesting long-term health risks.
Beale warns that the effects of PFAS exposure extend beyond turtles. His team is now studying the impact of these chemicals on other species, including freshwater crocodiles, cane toads, and frogs across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Jean-Luc Cartron, a biologist at the University of New Mexico, called the study’s findings “a little scary.” He urged swift action to address ecological toxicity, warning that a failure to act could lead to devastating losses in wildlife populations.
As long-lived aquatic animals with few predators, freshwater turtles serve as environmental sentinels for PFAS contamination. Surprisingly, even turtles from minimally contaminated sites showed evidence of harm, underscoring the chemicals’ pervasive and damaging nature.
“My greatest fear is that in 10 or 15 years, the impacts of PFAS exposure will become undeniable and by then, it may be too late,” Beale cautioned.
The study serves as a wake-up call, urging increased research and action to prevent further harm to wildlife and ecosystems from these persistent pollutants.
