Occurrence and Health Risk of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Popular Shellfish from a Typical Coastal Area of the East China

As crucial homologous members of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),perfluoroalkyl acids(PFAAs)have aroused wide public concern because of their unique properties(persistence,bioaccumulation,long-distance migration and toxicity).Studies have shown their potential hazard to wildlife and humans,with food consumption as one of the primary routes of PFAA exposure for general population,especially seafood intake.In this study,17 PFAAs were quantified in 9 shellfish species from Yuhuan City,a typical coastal area of the East China.The total mean concentrations of PFAAs were in the range of 5.03–381 ng/g dry weight(dw),with the highest concentration found in Neverita didyma and the lowest in Babylonia lutosa.Concentrations and composition profiles of PFAAs varied significantly among different species,indicating differences in the bioaccumulation potential of PFAAs among species.Perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA)was presented as the most abundant PFAA in this study,followed by perfluorobutanoic acid(PFBA).Significant positive correlations were observed among some individual PFAAs(p<0.05),indicating that they may share similar pollution sources or undergo similar compound behaviors.Health risk assessment indicated a relatively high threat for local residents exposed to PFAAs through shellfish consumption.