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Kangaroo Rat Liver Holds Shocking PFAS Levels
27 Oct
Summary
- PFAS contamination found in water, soil, plants, and wildlife.
- Kangaroo rat liver showed exceptionally high PFOS concentrations.
- Contamination in wildlife dates back at least three decades.
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination has been extensively documented at Holloman Lake in southern New Mexico, affecting various environmental components and wildlife. An investigation in 2025 revealed PFAS in water, soil, plants, and animal tissues, with particularly alarming levels found in the livers of Merriam's kangaroo rats. Concentrations of PFOS reached 120,000 ng/g in one rat's liver, potentially one of the highest recorded in a wild animal.
Further studies in 2026 examining vertebrate animals near Holloman Air Force Base confirmed the prevalence of PFOS, with levels exceeding 10,000 ng/g wet weight in bird and mammal liver tissues. Historical museum specimens indicate that this contamination has persisted in wildlife for at least 30 years. The contamination likely stems from treated wastewater and stormwater runoff from the base, where aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) was historically used for firefighting.
Postmortem examinations of some animals revealed tissue abnormalities, including liver and spleen changes, raising concerns about potential biological effects from the contaminated environment, though direct causation by PFAS requires further controlled studies. Wildlife movements, such as migrating waterfowl and oryx, create potential pathways for human exposure through consumption, necessitating further research on contaminant levels in harvested animals and human dietary habits.
