Unravelling the magnitude and drivers of PFAS trophic magnification: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) threaten ecosystems worldwide due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Through a global-scale meta-analysis of 119 aquatic and terrestrial food webs from 64 studies, we analyse 1009 trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for 72 PFAS and identify key variability drivers. On average, PFAS concentrations double with each trophic level increase (mean TMF = 2.00, 95% CI:1.64-2.45), though magnification varies considerably by compound. Notably, the industrial alternative F-53B exhibits the highest magnification (TMF = 3.07, 95% CI:2.41-3.92), a critical finding given its expanding use and minimal regulatory scrutiny. Methodological disparities across studies emerge as the dominant source of TMF variability. Our models explain 85% of the va

SUBMITTER: Ricolfi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12663151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature