Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) Bioscience Curator Dr. Jason Malaney, a key contributor to the research, revealed the startling findings of high levels of chemical contamination in wildlife near Holloman Air Force Base in Southern New Mexico. The study, published in Environmental Research, uncovered dangerously high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals,' including perfluorooctanosulfonic acid and perfluorooctoanoic acid.
Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, NMMNHS Executive Director, expressed pride in the institution's role in advancing research on the impact of PFAS, stating, "Our institution is proud to play a role in research that advances our understanding of the impact of forever chemicals on New Mexico wildlife and the potential implications for human health."
Dr. Malaney emphasized the significance of the museum's research capabilities, stating, "Discoveries like this remind us that science is never static but constantly evolving through hard work and research." The research involved conducting over 2,000 tests on museum specimens to measure PFAS tissue concentrations in various species near Holloman.
The study, led by Dr. Christopher Witt of the University of New Mexico, revealed that PFAS concentrations in wildlife near Holloman were among the highest ever reported, with levels exceeding EPA recommendations by more than 10,000 times. The contamination was attributed to the use of firefighting foam by the U.S. Air Force over several decades, starting in the 1970s.
The research highlighted the critical role of natural history collections in providing essential data for the study. Historical specimens preserved by the MSB Division of Genomic Resources showed high levels of PFAS, indicating the long-term contamination and bioaccumulation of these chemicals in wildlife in the area.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, known for its diverse research fields, aims to ignite a passion for lifelong learning through its programs and exhibits in Geoscience, Bioscience, and Space Science. The institution's ongoing research continues to shed light on environmental challenges and their implications for wildlife and human health.