Investigating the Presence and Health Implications of Four PFAS in Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Populations Across South Carolina 

Introduction: 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds used in industrial and commercial products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Their chemical stability has led to environmental persistence, especially in aquatic systems, where they accumulate in water, soil, and wildlife. In South Carolina, PFAS has been detected in over 100 water bodies, with notable concentrations near military installations that use aqueous film-forming foams. Our research aims to determine how widespread PFAS are in coastal wetlands near military and non-military lands in South Carolina, and what the potential health and ecological risks associated with PFAS accumulation in waterfowl. 

 

Objectives: 

1. Establish a baseline dataset of four PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFHxA) in soil and water. 

1. Assess PFAS exposure in wood ducks by age and sex. 

1. Quantify PFAS in plasma, feces, and muscle tissue. 

1. Investigate links between PFAS and duck health indicators. 

1. Determine maternal transfer via egg albumin. 

1. Evaluate potential human health risks from waterfowl consumption. 

 

Methodology: 

We will use quantitative, field-based contaminant monitoring and physiological health assessment. Samples will be collected from six coastal sites (military, state, federal, and private lands) and from wood ducks captured via nest boxes (Figure 1), live-trapping, and hunter harvest (Figure 2). 

 

Data Collection: 

• Environmental: Soil (~100 g) and water (500 mL) samples collected at five random points per site (30 total samples/year for each medium). 

• Waterfowl: 

• Live capture: Blood, feces, and morphometrics collected; individuals banded. 

• Hunter-harvested: Breast muscle biopsy, blood, feces collected. 

• Reproduction: Two eggs per nest collected for PFAS in albumin (Figure 3). 

 

PFAS concentrations will be analyzed in all samples. Blood will be evaluated for packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), and immune response via red/white blood cell smears. Plasma will be separated via centrifugation. Data will be analyzed using standard contaminants and hematological assessment protocols. 

 

Anticipated Results: 

• PFAS are expected to be present in all sample types, with higher concentrations near military sites. 

• Wood ducks are likely accumulating PFAS in tissues, plasma, feces, and potentially transferring them to eggs. 

• Differences in PFAS levels are anticipated across age and sex classes. 

• Health assessments (PCV/TP and blood smears) may show correlations between PFAS burden and immune or chronic stress indicators. 

• Muscle tissue concentrations will inform human exposure risk through consumption. 

 

Interpretation: 

This study will provide the first comprehensive look at PFAS contamination in wood ducks and their coastal habitats in South Carolina. It addresses critical data gaps related to environmental exposure, reproductive transfer, and health risks for both wildlife and humans. The findings will inform land managers, public health officials, and the hunting community about potential risks associated with PFAS in wetland ecosystems and waterfowl. 

 

Acknowledgements: