A startling revelation has emerged from the depths of the New Mexico desert, where researchers from The University of New Mexico’s Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) have unearthed a troubling reality: wild birds and mammals at Holloman Air Force Base are plagued by unprecedented levels of chemical contamination. Published in Environmental Research, the study exposes the pervasive presence of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), colloquially known as “forever chemicals,” in the local wildlife population.
The research, led by MSB Director and Biology Professor Christopher Witt, unveiled astonishingly high concentrations of PFAS across 23 species of birds and mammals inhabiting the vicinity of Holloman Lake. These compounds, notorious for their carcinogenic and toxicological effects, pose grave threats to both animal and human health, encompassing risks of cancer, developmental abnormalities, immune system disorders, and endocrine disruptions.
Central to the study’s findings is the revelation that even minute concentrations of PFAS have inflicted profound harm on the local wildlife, with levels averaging in the tens of thousands of parts per billion. Such contamination levels starkly contrast with the recent dairy crisis in Clovis, N.M., where milk contamination at a mere six parts per billion necessitated the destruction of thousands of dairy cattle.
The epicenter of contamination lies in the wetlands surrounding Holloman Lake, a vital habitat for over 100 species of migratory waterbirds and a cherished recreational area for locals. Historically, the widespread use of fire-fighting foam by the U.S. Air Force, laden with toxic PFAS compounds, has been identified as the primary culprit behind the contamination epidemic. The persistent nature of PFAS, coupled with their propensity to accumulate in water and mud, has transformed the once-pristine wetlands into a toxic trap for unsuspecting wildlife.
In a groundbreaking endeavor to trace PFAS movement through the local ecosystem, the research team conducted over 2000 measurements across various species and tissue types. Surprisingly, both aquatic and terrestrial species exhibited heavy contamination, shedding light on the intricate pathways through which PFAS permeate and accumulate within ecosystems.
Drawing upon the invaluable resources of the MSB’s natural history collections, the study unearthed a chilling revelation: PFAS contamination has plagued the region for decades, with specimens dating back to 1994 revealing alarmingly high levels of chemical pollutants.
Despite the critical insights gleaned from this research, numerous questions linger regarding the potential risks posed to human health and the broader ecosystem. As the community grapples with the repercussions of PFAS pollution, urgent action is imperative to mitigate further harm and safeguard the delicate balance of nature.
In the wake of this environmental crisis, the study underscores the indispensable role of natural history collections in documenting and addressing environmental challenges. With each specimen serving as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms, it is incumbent upon society to rally together in the pursuit of environmental stewardship and preservation.