Chemical Pollution
in Wildlife

Chemical pollution has become a significant threat to wildlife globally, affecting a range of ecosystems and species.

Chemical pollution is one of the 5 main drivers of species loss according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The introduction of various pollutants – such as PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, flame retardants, bisphenols, and pesticides to name a few – into the environment has profound consequences for both terrestrial and aquatic life. These substances can enter habitats through various pathways, including waste disposal, agricultural runoff and industrial discharges, leading to the contamination of soil, water and air. Once in the environment, these chemicals can cause direct harm to wildlife by disrupting biological processes, impairing reproduction and increasing vulnerability to disease. Better regulation is needed to stop pollution at source.

Chemical pollution impacts rivers and freshwater species

Eurasian Otter

A recent study found PFAS in all otter livers tested across England and Wales1

Marine species are affected by contamination of our seas

Seals

Both harbour and grey seals have displayed levels of PFAS and flame retardants 2,3

On land, terrestrial species are exposed to harmful chemicals in our air, soil and in the food chain

Hedgehogs

Persistent flame-retardant chemicals and pesticides have been detected in hedgehogs4

Pollutants can build up through food chains putting predators and their young at risk

Northern Gannet

Northern gannets are contaminated with flame retardants that come from furniture and electronics5, as well as forever chemicals, PFAS6

Impacted wildlife

In the UK, chemical pollution affects ecosystems from the dense woodlands of Scotland to the coastal waters of Cornwall. Understanding and preventing chemical pollution is crucial for the conservation of the UK’s rich and diverse wildlife.

Learn more in our blog covering the latest findings on how UK species are impacted by pollution.

The Cocktail Effect

Over time, these impacts can lead to declines in populations and a loss of biodiversity. For instance, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can accumulate in the food chain, posing significant risks to top predators such as birds of prey and marine mammals. Aquatic species are particularly vulnerable, as rivers, lakes, and coastal waters can serve as reservoirs for various pollutants, leading to toxic conditions that can affect entire ecosystems. The mix of chemicals coming from various sources leads to complex interactions of multiple pollutants and this combined ‘cocktail effect’ on wildlife is still not fully understood. Our infographic below shows example sources of chemical pollution such as wastewater, agriculture, waste and industrial emissions, each contributing contamination to our environment.

A Need for Robust Regulation

Many more of the UK’s wildlife species are facing the burdens of unnecessary and harmful chemical use. But it’s not too late to save our wildlife, by having better controls on chemicals and robust regulation we can stop pollution at source.

Fidra’s Principles for Sound Chemical Management underpin the approach we need to take to use safer chemicals in the future and prevent pollution. For more information on how Fidra’s projects are working towards these principles, see our Chemical Pollution and Project webpages.

References

  1. O’Rourke, E., Hynes, J., Losada, S., Barber, J.L., Pereira, M.G., Kean, E.F., Hailer, F. and Chadwick, E.A. 2022. Anthropogenic drivers of variation in concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances in otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales. Environmental Science and Technology,56(3), pp.1675-1687.
  2. Androulakakis, A., Alygizakis, N., Gkotsis, G., Nika, M.C., et al. 2022. Determination of 56 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in top predators and their prey from Northern Europe by LC-MS/MS, Chemosphere, 287(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131775.
  3. Robinson, K.J., Hall, A.J., Scholl, G., Debier, C., et al. 2019. Investigating decadal changes in persistent organic pollutants in Scottish grey seal pups. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 29(S1), pp.86 – 100.
  4. Rasmussen, S.L., Pertoldi, C., Roslev, P., Vorkamp, K., and Nielsen, J.L. 2024. A Review of the Occurrence of Metals and Xenobiotics in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), Animals (Basel), 14(2). https://doi.org/3390/ani14020232
  5. Crosse, J.D., Shore, R.F., Jones, K.C. and Pereira, M.G., 2012. Long term trends in PBDE concentrations in gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from two UK colonies. Environmental Pollution, 161, pp.93-100.
  6. Pereira, M. G., Lacorte, S., Walker, L. A. & Shore, R. F. 2021. Contrasting Long Term Temporal Trends in Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Eggs of the Northern Gannet (Morus Bassanus) from Two UK Colonies. Science of the Total Environment, 754, 141900. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141900