Uptake and Depuration of Four Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASS) in Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens Tadpoles

Per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic contaminants that are ubiquitous in surface waters. To date, their effects on aquatic systems, especially amphibians, are poorly understood. We examined the uptake and depuration of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) in northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles. Whole-body concentrations were examined every 10 d during constant aqueous exposure to targeted concentrations of 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L for 40 d and for 30 d during depuration. Effects of PFAS exposure on length and development were also examined. Rapid uptake led to steady state concentrations by 10 d for most exposures. PFOS accumulated to the highest levels with whole-body bioconcentration factor (BCF) values at 40 d ranging from 19.6 to 119.3. The remaining PFASs were not found to bioconcentrate (BCF < 1.0 at 40 d). Furthermore, some BCF values decreased during the exposure phase, suggesting dilution due to growth and/or changes in toxicokinetics over ontogeny. During depuration, half-lives ranged from 1.2 to 3.3 d for all compounds. All PFASs tended to induce developmental delays, though statistical significance was only seen for PFOS and PFHxS. These sublethal effects observed at environmentally relevant concentrations are concerning and merit further study.