Penguins Used as Environmental Monitors to Detect PFAS Chemicals in Patagonia
By
giuliomagnifico
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
Researchers from UC Davis and SUNY-Buffalo conducted a study using Magellanic penguins as environmental monitors by outfitting them with silicone passive samplers on their legs. These chemical-detecting bands absorbed pollutants from water, air, and surfaces during the 2022-24 breeding seasons, demonstrating that penguins can serve as living monitors of environmental contaminants in remote Patagonian regions.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledPenguins living along the Patagonian coast of Argentina can serve as living monitors of their environment by using small, chemical-detecting leg bands
UC Davis scientists outfitted 54 Magellanic penguins with silicone passive samplers placed gently around their legs for a few days during the 2022-24 breeding seasons
The sensors safely absorbed chemicals from the water, air and surfaces
Penguins can serve as living monitors of their environment by using small, chemical-detecting leg bands, according to a study from UC Davis and SUNY-Buffalo
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