A new study from Florida International University detected toxic contaminants in every single Tampa Bay oyster sampled, posing serious health risks to people and wildlife and raising a definite “red flag.” The most common toxins found in the oysters were perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) and phthalate esters (PAEs), which are chemicals designed to be found in man-made consumer products, not the food chain.
Once introduced, these chemicals can infect an ecosystem for long periods of time and can negatively affect humans, causing health issues such as diabetes, asthma, liver and kidney damage, reproduction and immune function, among others.
“These findings are definitely a red flag,” lead scientist Leila Lemos said. “The biggest dream is that the government can see these results and create new ways to clean our water and protect our environment.”
Known as one of the ocean’s best filter-feeders, oysters can be great indicators on the overall health of the ecosystem they live in. When crippled with toxic chemicals, this typically isn’t a good sign.
The study found that these chemicals are negatively affecting the growth of the oysters, making them smaller and thinning their shells.
Oysters and their reefs play a key role in our waters, creating habitats and providing food sources for fellow sea critters and fish. Oyster reefs also act as a cleansing system for the Bay and as a protective shoreline against storms and erosion, according to Tampa Bay Watch.
The scientists also studied oysters from Biscayne Bay and Marco Island, all of which were contaminated too—Biscayne had the highest levels among the three test sites.
This article appears in Jul 7-13, 2022.