Endocrine and Fitness Correlates of Long-Chain Perfluorinated Carboxylates Exposure in Arctic Breeding Black-Legged Kittiwakes

Increasing levels of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) have recently
been described in Arctic biota. These emerging substances are of concern given their resistance to
degradation and metabolization. Some studies have reported endocrine disrupting effects for some
PFASs. However, there is a gap of knowledge on the potential relationships between PFASs and
hormones mediating the life-history trade-off between reproduction and survival, such as
glucocorticoids. The aims of this study were to (1) describe the concentrations of plasma
perfluoroalkyl sulfonates and perfluoroalkyl carboxylates in Svalbard black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa
tridactyla) in relation to gender and body-condition, (2) explore the relationships between PFASs
and corticosterone (the major glucocorticoid in birds), and (3) assess the consequences of PFAS
exposure for reproductive success. Perfluorononanoate was positively related to body-condition in
male kittiwakes; perfluorotridecanoate and perfluorotetradecanoate to decreased baseline
corticosterone in both sexes; and perfluorododecanoate was related to lower hatching success.
These results underline the importance of considering each compound separately when
investigating the hazardous effects of PFASs on wildlife.