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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence and bioaccumulation, leading to widespread environmental contamination. Despite their recognised environmental risks, particularly to aquatic wildlife, including marine invertebrates, detailed impact studies are limited. PFAS can be categorised according to the length of the compound chain, with short-chain PFAS announced as a safer alternative to the more commonly used long-chain PFAS. However, recent evidence suggests that also short-chain PFAS pose significant environmental risks. The present study evaluated the adverse effects of six PFAS compounds—two short-chain (PFHxA, 6:2 FTA) and four long-chain (PFUnDA, PFDoA, PFTriDA, PFTeDA)— on the digestive gland and gills of mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis , using in vitro assays. The results showed organ-specific responses: the digestive gland was more sensitive to PFHxA, with increased catalase activity and decreased total antioxidant capacity, and cellular damage was observed only at higher concentrations of PFTriDA. Gills were more affected by PFDoA and PFTeDA, with inhibited antioxidant enzyme activity and increased oxidative stress. PFHxA and PFTriDA also showed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. 6:2 FTA had the lowest effects for both organs, while PFHxA was the most harmful. These findings underscore the need for thorough risk assessments of PFAS, considering both chain length and organ-specific effects. • In vitro assays evaluated PFAS adverse biological effects in mussels • Of the PFAS investigated, 6:2 FTA was identified as the least toxic for both organs • Digestive gland was more sensitive to PFHxA, with reduced antioxidant defenses • Gills showed high oxidative stress from PFDoA and PFTeDA exposure • Neurotoxic effects observed in gills exposed to PFHxA and PFTriDA • In vitro assays can offer a reliable tool to assess PFAS adverse effects in mussels
Cunha et al. (Mon,) studied this question.