PFO’s in Rainbow Smelt not as high as Assumed.

The Impact of Liver Bile Acids on PFO's Analysis and the Discrepancy in PFO Levels in Smelt and its Predators

In recent research conducted by the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy, an interesting finding has come to light regarding the analysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFO's) in the lab. It has been discovered that an acid found in liver bile can mimic PFO's, leading to false positives in chromatography analysis. This discovery has raised questions about the accuracy of PFO's measurements and the potential implications for environmental monitoring.

PFO's is a synthetic chemical widely used in industrial and consumer products. It has been associated with various health risks, including developmental and reproductive effects. Therefore, accurate measurement of PFO's levels is crucial for assessing environmental contamination and potential health hazards.

The research conducted by the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy focused on the PFO's levels in fish from Lake Superior, specifically smelt and lake trout. Smelt, being a smaller species, were expected to have lower PFO's concentrations compared to their predators, such as lake trout. This hypothesis was based on the understanding that PFO's accumulates in organisms higher up the food chain.

Contrary to expectations, the study found that trout did not exhibit the same high PFO's levels as their prey. The analysis revealed that the liver bile acid present in smelt can mimic PFO's, leading to false positives in chromatography analysis. This suggests that previous studies might have overestimated PFO's levels in smelt and possibly other smaller species.

The discovery of the liver bile acid's interference with PFO's analysis raises concerns about the accuracy of PFO's measurements in environmental samples. This finding highlights the need for further research and refinement of analytical techniques to ensure reliable assessment of PFO's contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Garret Ellison and his article in the GR Press on May 16th have been instrumental in bringing attention to this issue. Ellison's research provides valuable insights into the potential impact of liver bile acids on PFO's analysis, shedding light on the complexity of environmental contamination assessment.

The research conducted by the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy has revealed an intriguing phenomenon regarding PFO's analysis. The presence of a liver bile acid in smelt has been found to mimic PFO's, leading to false positives in chromatography analysis. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about PFO's levels in smaller species like smelt and emphasizes the importance of accurate measurement techniques in environmental monitoring. Further studies are needed to understand the implications of this finding and refine analytical methods to ensure reliable PFO's assessment in aquatic ecosystems.

Source:

1. Ellison, G. (May 16, 20XX). "Rainbow smelt: A sigh of PFAS relief." The GR Press.