Fathead minnow 21-day exposure to two PFAS chemicals and one PFAS mixture

This study investigated the effects of two short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA) and 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (5:3 FTCA), on fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Chronic morphometric and behavioural effects were evaluated throughout the exposure. Embryos were exposed to a concentration gradient ranging from 0 to 10 000 nanograms per litre (ng/L) and were under exposure conditions until 16 days post-hatch (dph). Assessed endpoints included hatchability, time-to-hatch, larval deformities, growth, and survival. Behavioural responses were measured by exposing 9 dph fry to alternating light and dark stimuli and quantifying activity and movement. A PFAS mixture of six compounds will also be tested in the future. The body burden of PFAS in these exposed fish will subsequently be measured to determine whether fathead minnows sequester and/or degrade these compounds. The findings from this study will support risk assessors in developing guidelines for the use and regulation of these PFAS compounds in industrial applications. Supplemental Information The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a Government of Canada initiative…

Publisher

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Resources

4

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-08-20