Tasmania's little penguins have a big chemical problem.
Scientists have found 14 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in the nesting soils, abandoned eggs and blood of the seabirds.
The researchers, led by University of Tasmania School of Natural Sciences and Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies PhD candidate Mel Wells, say the discovery is alarming evidence the chemicals have become widespread in the marine and coastal environments.
"They're referred to as 'forever chemicals' because they're very stable in the environment, they can transport long distances through natural processes and are resistant to degradation," she said.
"Bioavailable PFAS enter food chains and become concentrated within predators – called bioaccumulation."
PFAS are a large group of chemicals that resist heat, stains, grease and water.
They are widely used in firefighting foams, medical devices and metal plating, fabric and furniture waterproofing, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, sunscreen, fast-food packaging and more.
The study found the more urban the penguin colony, the higher the PFAS concentration.
"We detected PFAS in 100 per cent of the samples collected from Burnie and Hobart's Derwent Estuary," Ms Wells said.
Examination of the penguins indicated the chemicals could be negatively impacting their general health.
"This is a real health risk to biological life, especially to marine predators like seabirds, seals and dolphins," Ms Wells said.
"And because we consume seafood exposed to PFAS, it's also a risk to human health."
The study was recently published in Science of the Total Environment.
