Toxic Metals and PFAS in Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) Liver and Muscle
Description
Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) liver and muscle samples from August (2022) and October (2023) were analysed for toxic metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) and PFAS (PFUnDA, PFTriDA, PFTDA, PFHxDA, PFPeS, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNS, PFDS, PFECHS, FOSAA, MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, and NaDONA) concentrations to determine seasonal fluctuations in contaminant accumulation. We found a significant increase in both toxic metals and PFAS from August to October, which is when the Svalbard reindeer peak in weight. This may be explained by an extended foraging period (in October compared to August) following the annual winter fasting. The increased concentrations in October may also be explained by a dietary shift in vegetation with plant senescence at the end of summer. Overall, the PFAS profile indicated a predominant exposure to long-range transported PFAS (e.g., PFCAs). However, high concentrations of PFSAs indicate local pollution contributions too (e.g., firefighting foam). Hg was determined using DMA-80, PFAS were determined using an Xevo TQ-XS Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer coupled with an ACQUITY UPLC system, and Cd and Pb were determined using an 8800 Triple Quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system. A total of 41 PFAS were included in the analysis: PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTriDA, PFTDA, PFHxDA, PFOcDA PFBS, PFPeS, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFOS, PFNS, PFDS, PFDoDS, PFECHS, 4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, and 10:2 FTS, FOSAA, MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, PFOSA, MeFOSA, EtFOSA, MeFOSE, EtFOSE, GenX, NaDONA, 9Cl-PF3ONS, P37DMOA, SaMPAP and diSAMPAP. Only contaminants detected above the LOD in at least 25 % of the samples are reported. All samples were freeze-dried and homogenised prior to analysis. The water content of the samples was 70.1% in the liver and 72.0% in the muscle. The water content was used to calculate the wet weight concentrations of the samples. The concentrations are provided in both dry weight and wet weight. The provided data are as follows: age (years), weight (kg), contaminants (Hg, Se, Cd, Pb, PFUnDA, PFTriDA, PFTDA, PFHxDA, PFPeS, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNS, PFDS, PFECHS, FOSAA, MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, and NaDONA) in ng/g. Values missing as a result of analytical errors are named "na", while values below the LOD were left blank.
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Svalbard reindeer samples were collected in August 2022 (n=12) and October 2023 (n=18) from individuals culled in and around Reindalen, central Nordenskiöld land. All samples were collected using sterile stainless steel tools to reduce cross-contamination and stored -20°C until processing. The samples were freeze-dried for 72h at -50ºC and 0.04 mbar and subsequently homogenised until a fine powder was obtained. Samples were analysed for total Hg, using a DMA-80, for Cd and Pb, using an 8800 Triple Quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system, and for PFAS, using an Xevo TQ-XS Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer coupled with an ACQUITY UPLC system. The THg analysis was performed following the US EPA method 7473. The DMA-80 was calibrated using Hg standards with a seven-point calibration curve. The precision was confirmed by daily checks of reference materials (CRMs), calibration standards and blank values. Recovery rates of CRMs ranged between 80-87 % (ORIENTAL BASMA TOBACCO LEAVES; INC-OBTL-5) and 107-108 % (for MODAS–3 Herring Tissue). All samples were corrected for instrument drift and blank values. Cd and Pb concentrations were determined using ICP-MS. Samples (approx. 400 mg) were digested in 5 mL of 50% (v/v) ultrapure HNO3 using a high-pressure microwave system (Milestone Ultraclave, EMLS) for 2.5h before being diluted to 40 mL. Both CRMs (Bovine Liver 1577b) and blanks (ultrapure water) were digested following the same protocol. CRM recovery rates ranged between 79.9-84.3% for Pb and 84.7-106% for Cd. All samples were corrected for blank values. For PFAS analysis, approximately 100 mg of sample was mixed with ethyl acetate, ammonium acetate, and internal standard, then vortexed and ultrasonicated for 45 minutes. After centrifugation (4000×g, 10 min), the top 3 mL ethyl acetate layer was collected into a separate vial. This extraction step was repeated twice more, yielding a total of 9 mL extract. Subsequently, 1mL ultrapure water was added, followed by a second centrifugation. The supernatant was evaporated under nitrogen (~2.5 PSI) until nearly dry, and subsequently resuspended in 500 µL of 1:1 MeOH–water. This was then transferred to liquid chromatography vials and stored at –20°C. The PFAS analysis was performed using internal standards and matrix-matched calibrations curves (13-point curve). The PFAS with recoveries below 45 % and detection in less than 25% of the samples were excluded. Out of the 41 target PFAS, only 13 compounds are reported herein. Recovery rates for those PFAS ranged between 45-135 %.
Institutions
- Norges Teknisk Naturvitenskapelige Universitet Institutt for biologi
- Universitetssenteret pa Svalbard AS
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Funders
- Svalbard Environmental Protection FundGrant ID: 23/61
- Hurtigruten FoundationGrant ID: 2023