Emerging and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a St. Lawrence River food web

This study set out to provide an up-to-date portrait of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination status in a freshwater food web from the St. Lawrence River (QC, Canada). Water, sediments, aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and some fish species were targeted for analysis.

All data are a part subject of a publication containing method details, full QA/QC, interpretation and conclusions: Munoz G, Mercier L, Duy SV, Liu J, Sauvé S, Houde M. Bioaccumulation and trophic magnification of emerging and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a St. Lawrence River food web. Environ Pollut. 2022;309:119739. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119739

Supplemental Information

Supporting projects:

St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP):

The St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP) 2011 to 2026 (see https://www.planstlaurent.qc.ca/en/) is the latest Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence and builds on the four previous agreements implemented since 1988. The agreement aims to conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence. It is based on strong collaboration and the pooling of resources and expertise between the governments of Canada and Quebec. As part of their respective responsibilities for the management of the St. Lawrence basin, these two governments recognize the need for close cooperation to tackle the environmental challenges facing this important ecosystem. Other partners are also joining in this initiative, including local organizations, environmental groups, research centres, and universities.

Chemicals Management Plan (CMP):

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment. A key element of the Chemicals Management Plan is the monitoring and surveillance of levels of harmful chemicals in Canadians and their environment. Monitoring and surveillance are essential to identify and track exposure to hazards in the environment and associated health implications. Monitoring and surveillance programs provide the basis for making sound and effective public health and environmental health policies and interventions, as well as measuring the efficacy of control measures.

In support of the Chemicals Management Plan, monitoring and surveillance initiatives were established to support Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists, in collaboration with external partners and researchers, to advance our knowledge. This initiative has allowed the Government of Canada to increase its commitment to a number of existing monitoring initiatives, as well as to support new efforts.

For more information on the Chemicals Management Plan, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/chemicals-management-plan.html