PFAS pollution discovered in more fish and shellfish in the Western Scheldt

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More species of fish, crustaceans and shellfish in the Western Scheldt than previously known contain PFAS concentrations that exceed legal limits. Scientists from Wageningen have better mapped the pollution. Their measurements show that various PFAS limits are exceeded not only on the eastern side of the Western Scheldt, but also in the mouth of the estuary.

Exploratory research had previously made it clear that shrimp and flounder from the Western Scheldt contained relatively high levels of the chemical substances. The Dutch Fishermen’s Union advised members last year to no longer fish east of the Vlissingen – Breskens line due to pollution. The RIVM has also been advising consumers for some time to eat home-caught fish and, for example, mussels from the Western Scheldt, “as little as possible”.

With a view to food safety, there was “a need for a more complete picture”, the researchers from Wageningen Food Safety Research write in their report. It also indicates for each part of the Western Scheldt which European limits for PFAS were exceeded in samples.

Excessive levels of specific PFAS variants were found in species such as sole, turbot, lobster and shrimp in all parts of the Western Scheldt. Species such as sea bass and mullet showed a mixed picture. In the mouth of the inlet, PFAS values ​​for these species remained within the limit, further to the east the limit values ​​were exceeded.

The maximum permitted values ​​are determined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A wide margin is always maintained.

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By: Editorial