Linking field and laboratory studies: Reproductive effects of perfluorinated substances on avian populations
Christine M. Custer
Abstract
Abstract Although both laboratory and field studies are needed to effectively assess effects and risk of contaminants to free-living organisms, the limitations of each must be understood. The objectives of this paper are to examine information on field studies of reproductive effects of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) on bird populations, discuss the differences among field studies, and then place those results in context with laboratory studies. Hypotheses to explain the divergences between field studies and between laboratory and field studies will be discussed. Those differences include mixture issues, misattribution of the mechanism or the specific PFAS causing impairments, as well as other possible reasons. Finally, suggestions to better link laboratory and field studies will be presented. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:690–696. Published 2021. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. KEY POINTS Effects of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) on reproductive success in avian field studies are described, compared, and contrasted. Laboratory studies to assess reproductive effects of PFASs, primarily perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), in birds are described. Hypotheses to explain differences among avian reproductive effect field studies and to explain differences between laboratory and field study results are presented.