Platypuses in Australia show disturbing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination

“PFAS contamination is much more widespread than what we know.”

— Katherine Warwick, Western Sydney University researcher

Sydney's water filtration plants and platypus livers across New South Wales have been found contaminated with PFAS chemicals, raising concerns about their environmental impact. PFAS, which are linked to cancer, have been detected in Sydney's water filtration systems at levels considered unsafe in the US. While Australian guidelines permit some PFAS levels in drinking water, they are less stringent than US standards.A groundbreaking study has also found PFAS in the livers of deceased platypuses from various NSW rivers. This discovery is significant because PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," remain in the environment for extended periods and pose severe health risks. Their presence in both wildlife and water systems suggests broader contamination that could impact human health.