Recent research conducted by Macquarie University has revealed alarming levels of PFAS chemicals in young sparrows residing in Melbourne’s south-western region. The investigation involved collecting blood samples from house sparrow chicks in areas known for past contamination, such as Williams Landing and Altona, with findings indicating PFAS levels that were ten times greater than those found in a non-polluted rural population.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, highlighted that the highest concentrations were identified in birds from the RAAF Williams–Laverton base. A collaborative effort between Macquarie University and the Environment Protection Authority led to the analysis of samples from 16 locations previously associated with PFAS contamination, including the Altona Wastewater Treatment Plant and a nearby oil refinery.
According to lead researcher Max Gillings, although the PFAS levels discovered were lower than anticipated for contaminated sites, they remained significantly elevated compared to sparrow populations from other areas of the city. The most concerning findings originated from the RAAF Williams–Laverton base, where Dr. Gillings noted, “We did find highly elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of those birds.” Much of the sampling occurred in the suburb of Williams Landing, which has undergone rehabilitation and redevelopment.
The base previously functioned as a large air force firefighting training location, and the sparrows primarily foraged for insects in the vicinity of this restricted military land. Dr. Gillings emphasized that the study did not uncover substantial evidence of contamination spreading beyond the military site. He stated, “The Department of Defence has been aware of the PFAS issue at this site for quite a long time.” Prior to the development of Williams Landing, the Defence conducted extensive rehabilitation efforts to address contamination in the areas repurposed for residential use.
The Department of Defence has been actively managing PFAS at both the RAAF Williams–Laverton base and its Point Cook facility. According to their findings, PFAS contamination has extended into Williams Landing as a result of redevelopment, and consuming homegrown produce from former Defence land poses potential risks. However, a department spokesperson reassured that the risk to residents remains minimal, citing a Human Health Risk Assessment that concluded low PFAS exposure risks to human health, with ongoing assessments being conducted.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, encompass a broad category of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals utilized in various applications, including firefighting foams and electronics. These substances are termed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and their tendency to accumulate in biological organisms through food chains.
Dr. Gillings indicated that the PFAS chemicals are transferred from mother sparrows to their eggs, as well as through the insects consumed by the young birds. He elaborated that house sparrows were chosen for this study due to their limited foraging range, making them ideal indicators of localized contamination levels. The research team has been monitoring the PFAS levels in the birds over time and noted a decline in levels as the birds matured. However, Dr. Gillings cautioned that early exposure to these chemicals may have physiological and genetic repercussions, including increased egg failure rates during breeding.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) acknowledged the study’s significance in enhancing understanding of PFAS dynamics within urban ecosystems. Deputy Chief Environmental Scientist Caroline Martino stated that this research is among the first in Australia to clearly document PFAS movement through terrestrial food webs in urban settings, demonstrating transfer from adult birds to their chicks and through their diet. The findings corroborate existing knowledge regarding the persistence and accumulation of PFAS near known contamination sources.
