High PFAS levels found in young sparrows in Melbourne's south-west

Scientists have detected alarmingly high levels of PFAS chemicals in young sparrows inhabiting Melbourne's south-west. A study by Macquarie University and the Environment Protection Authority analyzed blood samples from house sparrows at 16 locations known to be contaminated with PFAS, including the RAAF Williams–Laverton base, the Altona Wastewater Treatment Plant, and nearby industrial sites.

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We did find highly elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of those birds.

The research, published in Environmental Science and Technology, revealed that the average level of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFAS) in the young sparrows was ten times higher than that found in birds from an uncontaminated rural area in Norway. Lead author Max Gillings noted that while the levels weren't as severe as initially anticipated for known contamination zones, they were significantly elevated compared to sparrow populations elsewhere in the city.

The RAAF Williams–Laverton base emerged as the site with the most concerning concentrations. "We did find highly elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of those birds," Dr. Gillings stated. "Part of it has now been rehabilitated and redeveloped into the suburb of Williams Landing, so a lot of our sampling was actually in that suburb." The sparrows with the highest PFAS levels were predominantly found in this area, likely feeding on insects within the restricted defense land.

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Part of it has now been rehabilitated and redeveloped into the suburb of Williams Landing, so a lot of our sampling was actually in that suburb.

While the study suggested minimal off-site contamination, Dr. Gillings emphasized that legacy contamination persists in areas where sparrows forage on these military bases. "What our data does tell us is, certainly is that if sparrows are feeding from areas on these bases, so, private military areas, essentially, that there still is legacy contamination in those areas," he explained. The Department of Defence acknowledged awareness of the PFAS issue at the site and stated that human health risk assessments indicated minimal risk to residents, despite redevelopment activities potentially spreading contamination.

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What our data does tell us is, certainly is that if sparrows are feeding from areas on these bases, so, private military areas, essentially, that there still is legacy contamination in those areas.