Ian Mannix
Cosmos newsroom
Australian scientists are trying to understand the impact of “forever chemicals” on livestock which have been raised on pastures which have been exposed to sewage biosolids or wastewater.
Recent research has identified that synthetic per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) – the so-called “forever chemicals” – accumulate in blood and in humans are linked to harmful health issues.
There is comparatively little research into the impact of these chemicals on livestock, or the animal to human food chain.
Now a national study by the University of Adelaide will seek to understand the prevalence of PFAS in Australian livestock, with researchers seeking farmers who have previously applied biosolids as fertiliser, to be collaborators in the project.
The research project will focus on the correlation between PFAS in livestock that grazes on land which has received sewage biosolids or wastewater in the past 10 years.
“In livestock, PFAS primarily trace back to their presence in the environment, notably in drinking water, plant and feed,” says Dr Shervin Kabiri, of the University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.
“One potential way it can accumulate in the environment is from biosolids and wastewater effluent. These organic waste streams are utilised as fertiliser, recycling nutrients back into agricultural land and reducing the demand for synthetic fertilisers.
“However, the potential for PFAS contamination necessitates a better understanding of the risks involved.”
Kabiri told Cosmos that some farmers may be aware of PFAS presence on their property if their farms are located next to PFAS-contaminated lands.
“The level of detected PFAS is important, and although it’s unlikely to be very high at farms with biosolid application initially, PFAS don’t degrade and can accumulate in the environment. Therefore, monitoring its levels in the soil is advisable. Farmers wouldn’t necessarily need to take immediate action if PFAS is detected on their farms.”
These chemicals can persist and concentrate within an animal’s body, potentially entering the human food chain through consumption of animal products.
Kabiri and her research team are recruiting farmers from South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland who have used sewage biosolids or effluent as fertiliser in the past 10 years on fields now used to raise sheep or cattle livestock.
PFAS research in animals
A 2018 NSW Department of Primary Industry fact sheet says globally PFAS are emerging contaminants: “…which means there is a lot we do not know about how these chemicals affect animals, and what impacts they may have.
“There is no consistent evidence that exposure to PFAS, at concentrations typically found in contaminated areas, is harmful to animal health and wellbeing.”
However it warns that “adverse health effects” have been demonstrated in laboratory studies of animals where high levels of PFAS were administered.
“There is insufficient research to confirm whether other animals exposed to PFAS levels present in the environment at contaminated sites will experience similar health outcomes. Animal owners in areas with elevated levels of PFAS may choose to take steps to minimise their animals’ exposure. PFAS accumulate over time so the less exposure an animal has, the less PFAS it will accumulate.”
Farmers interested in participating in the PFAS in livestock study can register their interest by contacting [email protected]. The expression of interest period closes at the end of May 2024.
Detecting PFAS
