Widespread 'Forever Chemicals' Found in New Zealand's Whales and Dolphins, Research Reveals

New Research Highlights Pervasive PFAS Contamination

Groundbreaking research led by Massey University, in collaboration with institutions including the University of Wollongong, the University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Auckland, has revealed the widespread presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' in New Zealand's whale and dolphin populations. The findings, published in Science of the Total Environment, indicate that these persistent pollutants have infiltrated marine ecosystems more extensively than previously understood, affecting a diverse range of species from coastal dwellers to deep-ocean inhabitants.

The study involved the analysis of liver samples from 127 stranded toothed whales and dolphins, encompassing 16 different species. For eight of these species, including New Zealand's endemic Hector's dolphins and three species of beaked whales, this marked the first global assessment of PFAS levels.

Unexpected Exposure Patterns Emerge

Contrary to initial assumptions, the research found that an animal's habitat was not a primary predictor of its PFAS exposure. Instead, factors such as sex and age were identified as stronger indicators of pollutant accumulation. Professor Karen Stockin of Massey University, who led the study, noted, 'While we might expect a sperm whale offshore to have less exposure to PFAS and therefore accumulate less than an inshore Maui dolphin, that did not at all in the modelling prove to be the case.' The study observed that newly first-born whales exhibited the highest levels of PFAS, attributed to the 'offloading' of accumulated chemicals by their mothers. Additionally, males generally showed higher concentrations than females.

Species feeding in mid-water, such as false killer whales and common dolphins, were found to be as exposed as coastal Māui dolphins or deep-diving species like beaked whales and sperm whales. This suggests that PFAS contamination is deeply entrenched within ocean food webs, reaching even remote marine environments.

Sources and Implications of 'Forever Chemicals'

PFAS are human-made chemicals used in a vast array of consumer and industrial products due to their resistance to heat, stains, grease, and water. In New Zealand, sources of PFAS contamination include historical use of firefighting foams at sites like airports and military bases (e.g., Ohakea and Woodbourne), industrial discharge, landfills, wastewater treatment, and imported consumer goods such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and water-repellent clothing.

These chemicals are known to accumulate through the food chain and have been linked to various health concerns in both humans and animals, including disruptions to immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems, as well as certain cancers, high cholesterol, and reduced immunity. The presence of PFAS across different marine habitats and species raises urgent questions about their long-term health impacts on marine populations.

New Zealand's Regulatory Landscape

New Zealand has taken steps to address PFAS contamination, including the implementation of National Environmental Standards for soil and water. The country is phasing out PFAS-containing firefighting foams, with a complete ban expected by December 2025, and a ban on PFAS in cosmetic products by December 2026. However, some experts note that New Zealand's regulations currently lag behind those of some other nations.