Comprehensive Research on PFAS Exposomics and Risk Assessment
The Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) conducts cutting-edge research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the lens of the One Health Paradigm, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Introduction to CERC's PFAS Research
A key focus of our research is the exposome, which refers to the comprehensive measurement of environmental exposures an individual encounters throughout their life, encompassing both chemical and non-chemical stressors. By investigating the totality of these exposures, CERC aims to uncover how PFAS and other environmental contaminants impact health at multiple levels.
To facilitate our comprehensive research, our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and experimental toxicology facilities. This enables USGS scientists to examine a diverse range of exposure scenarios involving invertebrates and fish, as well as the analysis of various organic and inorganic chemicals, including PFAS. This diverse approach allows us to construct a more holistic picture of exposure pathways and their implications for health.
Furthermore, CERC actively collaborates with academic institutions, state and federal agencies, and private sector partners to execute both laboratory studies and applied research in field sites across the nation. These collaborative efforts enhance our ability to address the complex challenges posed by PFAS and other environmental hazards, aiming to inform policy and promote sustainable practices that protect both human and ecological health. Through our dedication to exposome research, we seek to advance our understanding of how cumulative exposures shape health outcomes and contribute to broader environmental issues.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals characterized by a carbon-fluorine backbone, first developed back in the late 1930’s. These substances are known for their exceptional resistance to stain, oil, water, temperature, chemicals, and fire, making them essential in numerous commercial and industrial applications. Common products containing PFAS include textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, electronics, household items, medical devices, pesticide formulations, and fire-fighting foams. The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest bonds in nature, contributing to the environmental persistence of PFAS and their resistance to degradation. As a result, PFAS are commonly found in various environmental media and living organisms globally.
Ecosystem Conditions
Ecosystem conditions play a critical role in determining the presence and effects of contaminants within the environment. Various factors, including soil quality, water chemistry, and biodiversity, can influence how contaminants are introduced, distributed, and degraded within an ecosystem. For instance, healthy ecosystems with robust microbial communities may effectively break down pollutants, reducing their toxicity and preventing bioaccumulation in food webs. Conversely, stressed ecosystems, impacted by habitat destruction, climate change, or pollution, can exacerbate the effects of contaminants, leading to altered soil and water properties that enhance pollutant persistence. Moreover, the interactions among different species within an ecosystem can affect their resilience to contaminants; certain species may serve as bioindicators, revealing insights into the level of contamination and overall ecosystem health. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective environmental management and remediation efforts aimed at protecting both ecosystem integrity and human health.
USGS scientists collect samples from diverse environmental systems, including both aquatic and terrestrial environments, to investigate how PFAS are distributed throughout the ecosystem. This research aims to determine the fate of PFAS, identify where it accumulates, and pinpoint hotspots and sources of contamination. For example, USGS scientists are examining the accumulation of PFAS in agricultural lands due to biosolid applications. They are also exploring how PFAS distributes between sediments and plants, focusing on the differences in concentrations and compound types between the roots and the above-ground leafy parts.
Ecosystem Conditions
USGS scientists are at the forefront of developing innovative sampling techniques and providing guidance. The use of passive sampling technologies for monitoring both legacy and emerging organic chemicals in the environment is gaining global acceptance. These samplers provide valuable information on the concentration, occurrence, transport, and fate of a wide range of organic compounds. One commonly used passive sampler for PFAS is the Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS). POCIS captures chemicals in the dissolved phase (as opposed to those bound to particulate matter), effectively mimicking the exposure to bioavailable chemicals that organisms experience. Data from the passive samplers can be compared to toxicity databases to assess the potential risk to organisms through exposure to chemicals. Additionally, extracts from these samples can undergo in vitro and in vivo testing to assess the biological significance of the chemicals collected by the device.
For more information on passive sampling contact David Alvarez, PhD.
Animal Health: Biological Effects
Studying the lethal and sublethal biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is critical for understanding their impact on ecosystems and organismal health. Research in this area focuses on assessing both the acute toxicity of PFAS, which can lead to death in organisms exposed to high concentrations, and the chronic effects that occur at lower levels of exposure. Sublethal effects may include alterations in growth, reproductive success, behavior, and immune response, potentially leading to long-term consequences for populations and food webs. By utilizing a range of experimental approaches, including laboratory assays and field studies, scientists can measure how PFAS affects various organisms—from aquatic life such as fish and invertebrates to terrestrial species. This comprehensive understanding not only aids in evaluating the risks associated with PFAS contamination but also informs regulatory measures and mitigation strategies to protect environmental and human health.
Animal Health: Toxicology
USGS scientists perform both acute and chronic toxicity testing to assist resource managers in establishing criteria aimed at protecting aquatic life. For example, the Toxicology Team identified the mayfly as one of the most sensitive species to perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) exposure through their acute and chronic toxicity assessments. This study highlights the risks posed by environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS to freshwater insects.
For more information on toxicology at CERC contact Jeff Steevens, PhD or David Soucek, PhD.
Animal Health: Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes computational tools and methods to analyze and interpret biological data, such as genomic sequences, protein structures, and molecular interactions, facilitating advancements in areas like genomics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. USGS scientists use transcriptomic profiling, microbiome characterization, and integration of ‘omic techniques to assess sublethal exposure scenarios of PFAS to fish, mussels, and wildlife. In silico bioinformatic software allows the development of hypothesis driven research, providing a mechanistic approach while acting along an adverse outcome pathway to help link different biological levels of organization. Work in this area has identified novel targets of PFAS to early life stage fish, inducing neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and lipid dysregulation. Future research will use ‘omics to better understand the influence of exposure uptake to toxic response and potential effects to offspring following parental treatment.
USGS research has determined that perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) significantly impaired lipid homeostasis in early life-stage zebrafish, which has serious implications for growth, development, and overall health. Disruptions in lipid balance can lead to metabolic disorders, affect energy storage and utilization, and potentially compromise immune function. This finding underscores the broader ecological risks associated with PFHxS exposure, as it could impact population dynamics in aquatic ecosystems and raise concerns about the potential effects on species that rely on fish as a food source, ultimately affecting the entire food web. Moreover, understanding these effects may inform regulatory measures to mitigate PFHxS contamination and protect both aquatic life and human health.
For more information on bioinformatics, contact Jason Magnuson, PhD.
Animal Health: Microbiome
Microorganisms comprising an organism's microbiome provide or enhance essential functions within the host organism. However, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can significantly impact a host organism's microbiome. Exposure can result in alterations to microbiome diversity, composition, and function, which can have detrimental effects to the host’s health and modify how the host interacts with their environment. In aquatic freshwater ecosystems, freshwater fish and benthic macroinvertebrates such as larval insects and freshwater mussels are essential components of large-scale ecosystem processes such as aquatic-riparian linkages and nutrient cycling. Research at CERC seeks to understand how PFAS exposure to these aquatic organisms affects the microbiomes of these hosts and the implications for exposure on host health and ecosystem processes.
For more information on microbiome studies, contact Brittany Perrotta, PhD.
Exposure Through Food Webs
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) enter food webs through various pathways, posing risks to wildlife and human health. These persistent contaminants accumulate in water, soil, and sediments, leading to bioaccumulation in animals that consume contaminated resources. Aquatic food webs are particularly affected, as smaller organisms or communities, such as biofilm uptake PFAS, which then biomagnify in fish and apex predators, including humans. Further, terrestrial ecosystems (i.e., riparian zones) are tightly linked to their neighboring aquatic ecosystems through many pathways, including the movement of aquatic insects from water to land when they emerge as breeding adults. This biomagnification can result in significantly elevated PFAS levels in predators beyond the water’s edge, including birds, mammals, and humans who rely on fish and insects for food. Exposure can disrupt reproductive, immune, and metabolic functions in wildlife and cause similar effects in humans from consuming contaminated fish. The effects of PFAS exposure through food webs extend beyond just chemical accumulation; they can also disrupt biological functions. Overall, PFAS exposure through food webs highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the necessity for comprehensive monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate contamination and protect public health.
For more information on food web studies, contact David Walters, PhD.
Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment
Environmental exposures to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are emerging as a major public health concern due to their widespread use and ability to contaminate air, water, and soil. These persistent chemicals can accumulate in the human body and wildlife, leading to health issues such as immune system dysfunction, elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, reproductive and developmental abnormalities. In light of increasing public awareness about these risks, regulatory agencies are implementing measures to combat PFAS contamination—including health advisories for drinking water, cleanup programs, and ongoing research into their health impacts. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays a vital role in this effort by conducting comprehensive environmental exposure assessments that can be used by resource managers in understanding the relative risk. Our scientists analyze exposure levels and interpret data, helping resource managers understand the implications for both wildlife and human health, ultimately guiding informed decision-making in the fight against PFAS pollution.
For example, USGS was involved in a study that examined levels of PFAS in sportfish in Tampa Bay, FL. Working with researchers from the human health community we found that human health risks from consuming contaminated fish in Tampa Bay exceeded established minimum risk levels (MRLs) and tolerable weekly intake (TWIs) thresholds for both adults and youths. PFOS concentrations in the edible tissues of several key recreational fish species also surpassed available consumption guidelines issued in other states. These elevated PFAS levels and exceedances of risk thresholds raise significant concerns and warrant further investigation, particularly for important recreational fish species and populations involved in subsistence fishing, which may often be underreported.
For more information on the analytical capabilities and risk assessment research please contact Erin L Pulster, PhD.
Toxicology Facilities
Biochemistry and Physiology
Chemistry Capabilities
Conservation, Quantitative, and Restoration Ecology
A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer
Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Integrated Science Team
The Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) conducts cutting-edge research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the lens of the One Health Paradigm, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Introduction to CERC's PFAS Research
A key focus of our research is the exposome, which refers to the comprehensive measurement of environmental exposures an individual encounters throughout their life, encompassing both chemical and non-chemical stressors. By investigating the totality of these exposures, CERC aims to uncover how PFAS and other environmental contaminants impact health at multiple levels.
To facilitate our comprehensive research, our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and experimental toxicology facilities. This enables USGS scientists to examine a diverse range of exposure scenarios involving invertebrates and fish, as well as the analysis of various organic and inorganic chemicals, including PFAS. This diverse approach allows us to construct a more holistic picture of exposure pathways and their implications for health.
Furthermore, CERC actively collaborates with academic institutions, state and federal agencies, and private sector partners to execute both laboratory studies and applied research in field sites across the nation. These collaborative efforts enhance our ability to address the complex challenges posed by PFAS and other environmental hazards, aiming to inform policy and promote sustainable practices that protect both human and ecological health. Through our dedication to exposome research, we seek to advance our understanding of how cumulative exposures shape health outcomes and contribute to broader environmental issues.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals characterized by a carbon-fluorine backbone, first developed back in the late 1930’s. These substances are known for their exceptional resistance to stain, oil, water, temperature, chemicals, and fire, making them essential in numerous commercial and industrial applications. Common products containing PFAS include textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, electronics, household items, medical devices, pesticide formulations, and fire-fighting foams. The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest bonds in nature, contributing to the environmental persistence of PFAS and their resistance to degradation. As a result, PFAS are commonly found in various environmental media and living organisms globally.
Ecosystem Conditions
Ecosystem conditions play a critical role in determining the presence and effects of contaminants within the environment. Various factors, including soil quality, water chemistry, and biodiversity, can influence how contaminants are introduced, distributed, and degraded within an ecosystem. For instance, healthy ecosystems with robust microbial communities may effectively break down pollutants, reducing their toxicity and preventing bioaccumulation in food webs. Conversely, stressed ecosystems, impacted by habitat destruction, climate change, or pollution, can exacerbate the effects of contaminants, leading to altered soil and water properties that enhance pollutant persistence. Moreover, the interactions among different species within an ecosystem can affect their resilience to contaminants; certain species may serve as bioindicators, revealing insights into the level of contamination and overall ecosystem health. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective environmental management and remediation efforts aimed at protecting both ecosystem integrity and human health.
USGS scientists collect samples from diverse environmental systems, including both aquatic and terrestrial environments, to investigate how PFAS are distributed throughout the ecosystem. This research aims to determine the fate of PFAS, identify where it accumulates, and pinpoint hotspots and sources of contamination. For example, USGS scientists are examining the accumulation of PFAS in agricultural lands due to biosolid applications. They are also exploring how PFAS distributes between sediments and plants, focusing on the differences in concentrations and compound types between the roots and the above-ground leafy parts.
Ecosystem Conditions
USGS scientists are at the forefront of developing innovative sampling techniques and providing guidance. The use of passive sampling technologies for monitoring both legacy and emerging organic chemicals in the environment is gaining global acceptance. These samplers provide valuable information on the concentration, occurrence, transport, and fate of a wide range of organic compounds. One commonly used passive sampler for PFAS is the Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS). POCIS captures chemicals in the dissolved phase (as opposed to those bound to particulate matter), effectively mimicking the exposure to bioavailable chemicals that organisms experience. Data from the passive samplers can be compared to toxicity databases to assess the potential risk to organisms through exposure to chemicals. Additionally, extracts from these samples can undergo in vitro and in vivo testing to assess the biological significance of the chemicals collected by the device.
For more information on passive sampling contact David Alvarez, PhD.
Animal Health: Biological Effects
Studying the lethal and sublethal biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is critical for understanding their impact on ecosystems and organismal health. Research in this area focuses on assessing both the acute toxicity of PFAS, which can lead to death in organisms exposed to high concentrations, and the chronic effects that occur at lower levels of exposure. Sublethal effects may include alterations in growth, reproductive success, behavior, and immune response, potentially leading to long-term consequences for populations and food webs. By utilizing a range of experimental approaches, including laboratory assays and field studies, scientists can measure how PFAS affects various organisms—from aquatic life such as fish and invertebrates to terrestrial species. This comprehensive understanding not only aids in evaluating the risks associated with PFAS contamination but also informs regulatory measures and mitigation strategies to protect environmental and human health.
Animal Health: Toxicology
USGS scientists perform both acute and chronic toxicity testing to assist resource managers in establishing criteria aimed at protecting aquatic life. For example, the Toxicology Team identified the mayfly as one of the most sensitive species to perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) exposure through their acute and chronic toxicity assessments. This study highlights the risks posed by environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS to freshwater insects.
For more information on toxicology at CERC contact Jeff Steevens, PhD or David Soucek, PhD.
Animal Health: Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes computational tools and methods to analyze and interpret biological data, such as genomic sequences, protein structures, and molecular interactions, facilitating advancements in areas like genomics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. USGS scientists use transcriptomic profiling, microbiome characterization, and integration of ‘omic techniques to assess sublethal exposure scenarios of PFAS to fish, mussels, and wildlife. In silico bioinformatic software allows the development of hypothesis driven research, providing a mechanistic approach while acting along an adverse outcome pathway to help link different biological levels of organization. Work in this area has identified novel targets of PFAS to early life stage fish, inducing neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and lipid dysregulation. Future research will use ‘omics to better understand the influence of exposure uptake to toxic response and potential effects to offspring following parental treatment.
USGS research has determined that perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) significantly impaired lipid homeostasis in early life-stage zebrafish, which has serious implications for growth, development, and overall health. Disruptions in lipid balance can lead to metabolic disorders, affect energy storage and utilization, and potentially compromise immune function. This finding underscores the broader ecological risks associated with PFHxS exposure, as it could impact population dynamics in aquatic ecosystems and raise concerns about the potential effects on species that rely on fish as a food source, ultimately affecting the entire food web. Moreover, understanding these effects may inform regulatory measures to mitigate PFHxS contamination and protect both aquatic life and human health.
For more information on bioinformatics, contact Jason Magnuson, PhD.
Animal Health: Microbiome
Microorganisms comprising an organism's microbiome provide or enhance essential functions within the host organism. However, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can significantly impact a host organism's microbiome. Exposure can result in alterations to microbiome diversity, composition, and function, which can have detrimental effects to the host’s health and modify how the host interacts with their environment. In aquatic freshwater ecosystems, freshwater fish and benthic macroinvertebrates such as larval insects and freshwater mussels are essential components of large-scale ecosystem processes such as aquatic-riparian linkages and nutrient cycling. Research at CERC seeks to understand how PFAS exposure to these aquatic organisms affects the microbiomes of these hosts and the implications for exposure on host health and ecosystem processes.
For more information on microbiome studies, contact Brittany Perrotta, PhD.
Exposure Through Food Webs
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) enter food webs through various pathways, posing risks to wildlife and human health. These persistent contaminants accumulate in water, soil, and sediments, leading to bioaccumulation in animals that consume contaminated resources. Aquatic food webs are particularly affected, as smaller organisms or communities, such as biofilm uptake PFAS, which then biomagnify in fish and apex predators, including humans. Further, terrestrial ecosystems (i.e., riparian zones) are tightly linked to their neighboring aquatic ecosystems through many pathways, including the movement of aquatic insects from water to land when they emerge as breeding adults. This biomagnification can result in significantly elevated PFAS levels in predators beyond the water’s edge, including birds, mammals, and humans who rely on fish and insects for food. Exposure can disrupt reproductive, immune, and metabolic functions in wildlife and cause similar effects in humans from consuming contaminated fish. The effects of PFAS exposure through food webs extend beyond just chemical accumulation; they can also disrupt biological functions. Overall, PFAS exposure through food webs highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the necessity for comprehensive monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate contamination and protect public health.
For more information on food web studies, contact David Walters, PhD.
Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment
Environmental exposures to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are emerging as a major public health concern due to their widespread use and ability to contaminate air, water, and soil. These persistent chemicals can accumulate in the human body and wildlife, leading to health issues such as immune system dysfunction, elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, reproductive and developmental abnormalities. In light of increasing public awareness about these risks, regulatory agencies are implementing measures to combat PFAS contamination—including health advisories for drinking water, cleanup programs, and ongoing research into their health impacts. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays a vital role in this effort by conducting comprehensive environmental exposure assessments that can be used by resource managers in understanding the relative risk. Our scientists analyze exposure levels and interpret data, helping resource managers understand the implications for both wildlife and human health, ultimately guiding informed decision-making in the fight against PFAS pollution.
For example, USGS was involved in a study that examined levels of PFAS in sportfish in Tampa Bay, FL. Working with researchers from the human health community we found that human health risks from consuming contaminated fish in Tampa Bay exceeded established minimum risk levels (MRLs) and tolerable weekly intake (TWIs) thresholds for both adults and youths. PFOS concentrations in the edible tissues of several key recreational fish species also surpassed available consumption guidelines issued in other states. These elevated PFAS levels and exceedances of risk thresholds raise significant concerns and warrant further investigation, particularly for important recreational fish species and populations involved in subsistence fishing, which may often be underreported.
For more information on the analytical capabilities and risk assessment research please contact Erin L Pulster, PhD.
Toxicology Facilities
Biochemistry and Physiology
Chemistry Capabilities
Conservation, Quantitative, and Restoration Ecology
A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer
Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)