Effects of PFOA, PFBA and PFBS on the behavior and development of mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens)

Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” are environmental pollutants that have persistent and widespread ecological effects and severe human health implications. These substances are commonly used in manufacturing and consumer products such as firefighting foams, non-stick cookware and water-repellent fabrics. PFAS has been found to accumulate in aquatic ecosystems by way of surface runoff, atmospheric deposition and wastewater effluent. As a result, freshwater habitats are exceptionally susceptible to PFAS contamination, and aquatic insects are particularly vulnerable since they often spend key developmental stages submerged in potentially contaminated water. Even with increasing concern about the effects of these chemicals in aquatic systems, little is known about the ramifications of PFAS on insect species critical to ecosystem dynamics, such as the mosquito Culex pipiens, which is a vital food source for many organisms, and is the primary vector for West Nile Virus in the Eastern US. This study evaluates three different PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) for their impact on the development and behavior in Cx. pipiens. I examine the effect of PFAS compounds on key life history traits of the mosquitoes including larval growth and activity, pupation, and adult emergence, and quantify the amount of PFAS that remains present in adult mosquitoes exposed to PFAS as larvae. Findings contribute to an expanded body of knowledge on the effects of PFAS on insects, and implications for human health and disease transmission in areas affected with PFAS.