Effect of body condition on tissue distribution of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)

Abstract

The effect of body condition on the distribution and composition of 16 perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) in liver, blood, kidney, adipose tissue and muscle of Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) from Svalbard was investigated. Quantifiable concentrations of the PFASs were found in all samples (n=18). Overall, PFASs concentrations were highest in liver, followed by blood and kidney, while lowest concentrations were found in adipose tissue and muscle. Lean foxes had higher concentrations of ∑PFASs and several individual compounds in adipose tissue. Higher concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid in liver, kidney and blood were found in lean foxes, and perfluorononanoic acid concentrations in liver and blood increased with decreasing body condition. The lowest ratio between perfluorooctane sulfonamide and its metabolite perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was in liver, muscle and kidney while significantly higher proportions were found in adipose tissue and blood. Kidney was the organ containing most branched PFOS (32 % of sum linear and branched PFOS), while the remaining tissues had ~20 % of branched PFOS. Arctic mammals have large variability in fat content, and increased concentration of PFASs in target organs of individuals with poor body condition may increase the possibility of metabolic disruption.