Consequences of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) exposure on sexual hormones and sperm quality in an Arctic seabird

Poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a wide range of modern products. They are non-degradable and extremely persistent in the environment, but little is known about their effects on survival or reproduction in animals or humans. This study investigates the consequences of PFAS exposure on reproduction in black-legged kittiwakes breeding in Svalbard. We focus on components of male reproduction (endocrine mechanisms and sperm quality) and reproductive success. Specifically, we investigate effects of PFASs on: 1) Secretion of testosterone (endocrine mechanism), which is a key driver of the onset of reproduction in birds (spermatogenesis) and 2) Spermatic quality (fertility) which is important for the ability to fertilize the egg. 4) Hatching- and breeding success (reproductive success), which are measures of potential fitness consequences of PFAS. We study how Arctic seabirds are affected by pollutants in their natural environment, and this cannot be replaced by a laboratory- or non-animal model. A total number of 40 males will be used to be able to answer the research questions. Refinement is ensured by using methods we master well, including using specialists, and we expect the distress to be little to moderate. This study is a follow-up of the 2016 study when the field technique to obtain sperm samples was developed. This study is scientifically novel, because no study has investigated effects of PFAS exposure on semen quality in free-living animals. It benefits society and human heath by having strong relevance for regulation of production and use of Poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances.