Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in feathers of waterbirds (Ardeidae) from Poyang Lake, China: Bioaccumulation, distribution, and environmental relevance

Studies on the distribution characteristics and environmental relevance of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waterbird feathers are scarce. In the present study, the concentrations of twenty-three PFAS in the remiges, coverts, body, down, and tail feathers of three common species of Ardeidae (little egret, grey heron, and Chinese pond-heron) in Poyang Lake were investigated. The total PFAS concentrations in the pinna and scapus were 38 – 42 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 21 – 38 ng/g dw, respectively; long-chain C 9–14 perfluorocarboxylic acids were abundant in all feathers. Most PFAS accumulated in the pinna; however, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonamide were predominant in the scapus. The PFAS concentrations were higher in the tail and flight feathers than in the cover and body feathers. Furthermore, the concentrations of PFAS in waterbird feathers were comparable with those in fish and higher than those in benthic invertebrates, all of which originated from Poyang Lake. The PFAS profiles in feathers were significantly and positively correlated with those in fish (r > 0.71) and benthos (r > 0.43). These results suggest that waterbird feather is a suitable biomonitor of PFAS contamination in regional freshwater ecosystems. • Emerging PFAS were detected in feathers of waterbirds from Poyang Lake. • Distribution of PFAS in different feather tracts of waterbirds were analyzed. • PFHxS and FOSA are more likely to be accumulated in the scapuses of feather. • Waterbird feathers are suitable for biomonitoring of PFAS in aquatic environment.