Grantee Research Project Results

PFAS Accumulation in Finfish and Shellfish Species within the Coastal and Inland Waters of the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Homelands.

EPA Grant Number: R840951
Title: PFAS Accumulation in Finfish and Shellfish Species within the Coastal and Inland Waters of the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Homelands.
Investigators: Johnson, Chris , Aeppli, Christoph , Sipler, Rachel , Twining, Benjamin
Institution: Sipyak Environmental Department, Passamaquoddy Tribe,
EPA Project Officer: Brooks, Donald
Project Period: December 1, 2024 through May 12, 2025
Project Amount: $1,558,555
RFA: Research for Understanding PFAS Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Plant and Animals in Agricultural, Rural, and Tribal Communities Request for Applications (RFA) (2024) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Justice , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , PFAS Detection , PFAS Treatment , Urban Air Toxics , Watersheds

Description:

Peskotomuhkati culture, economy, and traditions are tied to river health and core Tribal lifeways practices of fishing and fish consumption. This project supports sustenance practices by assessing man-made chemicals throughout the watersheds and food sources.

Objective:

(1) Quantify the amount of PFAS and heavy metals within the water and tissue of subsistence finfish and shellfish species from Peskotomuhkati Tribal homelands; (2) Evaluate the spatial distribution of PFAS and heavy metals within and between aquatic environments and relate findings to federal human exposure levels; (3) Engage and inform the community members on the health of key Tribal fisheries and ecosystems as well as limiting future inputs and exposure to PFAS and metals.

Approach:

Water and fish tissue samples (finfish and shellfish) will be collected for PFAS, heavy metals, and stable isotope analysis (food web structure) from watersheds in tribal and disadvantaged regions of Northeastern, Maine. Multiple fish species will be collected along areas of critical fish passage, habitats, and fishing grounds.

Expected Results:

We anticipate higher PFAS concentration in endemic fish influenced by wastewater and industrial effluent than seasonally accessible sea-run species. Current PFAS measurements are limited and do not reflect the diversity of ecosystems and species that Peskotomuhkati people depend on. A more comprehensive assessment of food sources is needed to inform the health of tribal members and non-tribal populations within a disadvantaged area that depend on subsistence and recreational fisheries as critical food sources. The results of this research will be made directly accessible via our collaboration with Bigelow and support from Indian Health Services.

Supplemental Keywords:

Fisheries, Food Systems, Environmental Chemistry, PFOA, PFOS, Mercury, Bioaccumulation