A team of researchers from The University of New Mexico’s Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) have made a concerning discovery regarding the levels of chemical contamination in wildlife at Holloman Air Force Base. The study, recently published in Environmental Research, revealed that various wild birds and mammals at the base are heavily contaminated with 'forever chemicals' known as per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Lead author of the study, MSB Director and Professor of Biology Christopher Witt, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, "Across 23 species of birds and mammals, PFAS concentrations averaged in the tens of thousands of parts per billion." This level of contamination far surpasses what was seen in dairy cattle in Clovis, N.M., where animals had to be destroyed due to milk contamination at less than six parts per billion.
The research team focused on the area around Holloman Lake, emphasizing its importance as a habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Research Associate Jean-Luc Cartron explained that the primary cause of contamination is believed to be the use of fire-fighting foam by the U.S. Air Force over several decades. The foam, which contained toxic PFAS, was extensively used in training exercises at military installations like Holloman A.F.B., leading to runoff into waste-water catchment ponds.
The study's findings revealed that both aquatic and terrestrial species in the area showed high levels of PFAS contamination. Co-author Chauncey Gadek noted, "There were differences among species in how much of each PFAS they contained, reflecting differences in their habitats, diet, and physiology."
The research team's use of natural history collections at the MSB provided valuable insights into the long-term effects of PFAS contamination. Senior Collection Manager Jon Dunnum highlighted that specimens collected as far back as 1994 showed significant levels of PFAS, indicating prolonged contamination in wildlife at Holloman Air Force Base.
In light of these findings, the study raised concerns about the potential risks associated with consuming wildlife from the area. Witt emphasized the importance of continued research to understand the full extent of PFAS pollution and its implications for human health in the region.
The study, a collaborative effort among various divisions of the MSB and external institutions, sheds light on the urgent need to address the issue of 'forever chemicals' in wildlife at Holloman Air Force Base. As the research team continues to investigate the impacts of PFAS contamination, their work serves as a crucial step towards protecting both wildlife and human populations in the affected area.
