Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurrence, concentrations and spatial distribution along the French Mediterranean coast and lagoons, based on active biomonitoring

Tracking PFAS in ecosystems is challenging. In this context, monitoring programs are crucial to fill data gaps, especially in marine environments, which are the ultimate outlets for these forever chemicals. The 2021 chemical contamination monitoring campaign along the French Mediterranean coast esta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2024-05, Vol.202, p.116419-116419, Article 116419
Main Authors: Herlory, Olivier, Briand, Marine J., Munaron, Dominique, Boissery, Pierre, Giraud, Anaïs, Marchand, Philippe, Bouchoucha, Marc
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological Monitoring
Bivalvia
Caging
Chemical contamination
Corsica
Environmental Monitoring
Fluorocarbons - analysis
Forever chemicals
France
Gulf of lion
Life Sciences
Mediterranean Sea
Mytilus galloprovincialis
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
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Summary:Tracking PFAS in ecosystems is challenging. In this context, monitoring programs are crucial to fill data gaps, especially in marine environments, which are the ultimate outlets for these forever chemicals. The 2021 chemical contamination monitoring campaign along the French Mediterranean coast established a baseline for PFAS concentrations in mussels, with 90 % of measurements below quantification limits. When detected, long-chain PFCA's were predominant. Spatial distribution patterns suggested continuous PFAS inputs and complex dynamics, shaped by the influence of large watersheds and rivers (Rhône, Aude, Huveaune). Lapeyrade shallow lagoon stood out as the most contaminated site. Similar PFAS profiles in connected sites implied shared sources but raised questions about accumulation processes in mussels. While certain sites had evident sources (e.g., military airbase for Palo lagoon), others remained uncertain (e.g., Toulon bay). Coastal stations (Banyuls, Cap Agde, Brégançon, Pampelonne) showed PFAS contamination without clear onshore sources, possibly due to insufficient transportation process understanding. •This is the first large-scale baseline for PFAS along the French Mediterranean coast.•90 % of the measurements remain below the quantification limits.•Lagoons appear to be more impacted by PFAS than coastal stations.•When PFAS are detected, long-chain PFCA are predominant.•PFAS are the result of continuous inputs and a complex spatial distribution.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116419