Penguins Help Scientists Track ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Patagonia
“Forever chemicals” have been found nearly everywhere on Earth, raising concerns about their health and environmental impact. Now, scientists in Argentina have found a new way to track these persistent pollutants in wildlife by turning to an unexpected group of helpers ? Magellanic penguins.
In a proof-of-concept study, published in the journal Earth: Environmental Sustainability, researchers from the University of California, Davis and the State University of New York at Buffalo outfitted 54 penguins with small silicone leg bands that passively absorb chemicals from the surrounding environment. Worn for a few days during the 2022-24 breeding seasons, the bands safely collected traces of pollution from the water, air, and surfaces the birds encountered while foraging for their chicks.
When the team later analyzed the bands, they were shocked to discover that more than 90% contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of human-made substances dubbed “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly. PFAS are used in products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, and studies have linked them to cancer and other health risks.
Even more alarming was the presence of both older PFAS pollutants and newer replacement chemicals in such a remote, sparsely populated region far from major industrial centers. Lead author Diana Aga of the University at Buffalo said the results show that even replacement chemicals believed to be safer can spread globally and persist in the environment. The study also highlights a gentler way to monitor pollution in wildlife that is less invasive than blood or tissue sampling, which often stresses or kills the animal. And because penguins naturally travel across wide stretches of ocean while searching for food, they can show scientists where it is important to monitor more deeply.
“As the animals go about their business, they’re telling us a lot about the environment they’re experiencing,” said co-corresponding author and wildlife veterinarian Ralph Vanstreels.
The team hopes to expand the method to other seabirds and marine animals. By turning animals into sentinels of their environment, we may be able to track pollution and protect ecosystems more efficiently.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor teen/1779933537/1613367750
1. What unexpected group of animals is helping scientists track persistent environmental pollutants?
2. What materials did researchers use to make the passive leg bands for penguins?
3. What percentage of the analyzed bands was found to contain dangerous PFAS?
4. Why are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as "forever chemicals"?
1. Why is using passive silicone bands better than taking animal blood samples?
2. How do chemicals used in household products reach remote regions like Patagonia?
3. What steps should global industries take to replace dangerous "forever chemicals" effectively?
4. In what other ways can wild animals help humans monitor planetary health?
“Forever chemicals” have been found nearly everywhere on Earth, raising concerns about their health and environmental impact. Now, scientists in Argentina have found a new way to track these persistent pollutants in wildlife by turning to an unexpected group of helpers ? Magellanic penguins.
