A former 3M chemical that has contaminated drinking water and fish in the east metro area has now shown up in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, prompting a fish consumption advisory and a wider investigation of how far the pollutant has spread.
Scientists found PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) ...The average concentrations in bluegill fillets was about 320 parts per billion. PFOS accumulates in blood, and it does not break down in the environment.
Matt Simcik, associate professor of environmental health at the University of Minnesota, said he was surprised to learn that PFOS levels in fish are so high, and that bluegills seem to accumulate it more than other species. "These chemicals keep throwing us for a loop every time we think we've got them understood," he said. "From an environmental chemistry standpoint, they hold a lot of mystery."
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Matt Simcik, associate professor of environmental health at the University of Minnesota, said he was surprised to learn that PFOS levels in fish are so high, and that bluegills seem to accumulate it more than other species. "These chemicals keep throwing us for a loop every time we think we've got them understood," he said. "From an environmental chemistry standpoint, they hold a lot of mystery."
Read more from star tribune