Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contaminants of concern in tribal waters of Montana
Abstract
were detected. Despite relatively low concentrations in surface waters within the Crow Reservation, mixture toxicity indicated prevalent chronic ecological effects and human-health secondary contact (recreation) effects at multiple sites. Further, to address Tribal concerns over the prevalence and corresponding risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we sampled water, sediment, biofilms and fish at a limited number of locations in the Little Bighorn River. Results indicated that PFAS were prevalent in fish tissues, including whole blood and filets, and to a lesser extent in biofilms, despite few detections in water and sediment samples. This is the first attempt to document environmental PFAS contamination within the reservation and the potential human-health concerns for the general population from consumption of recreational/subsistence fish. Overall, this effort provided preliminary information on the contaminant mixtures present and their potential health implications, which can support the protection of community health and culturally meaningful resources across the Crow Reservation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact
Fluoride Effects and Removal
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Environmental Science Processes & Impacts
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 579–597
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN