Absorption and Excretion
of <sup>14</sup>C-Perfluorooctanoic
Acid (PFOA) in Angus Cattle (Bos taurus)
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Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), such as perfluorooctanoic
acid
(PFOA), are environmentally persistent industrial chemicals often
found in biosolids. Application of these biosolids to pastures raises
concern about the accumulation of PFOA in the edible tissues of food
animals. Because data on the absorption, distribution, metabolism,
and excretion (ADME) of PFOA in cattle were unavailable, a study was
conducted to determine pharmacokinetic parameters following a single
oral exposure (1 mg/kg body weight of <sup>14</sup>C-PFOA) in four
Lowline Angus steers. Radiocarbon was quantified in blood, urine,
and feces for 28 days and in tissues at the time of slaughter (28
days) by liquid scintillation counting (LSC) or by combustion analysis
with LSC with confirmation by liquid chromatography–tandem
mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). <sup>14</sup>C-PFOA was completely absorbed
and excreted (100.7 ± 3.3% recovery) in the urine within 9 days
of dosing. The plasma elimination half-life was 19.2 ± 3.3 h.
No <sup>14</sup>C-PFOA-derived radioactivity was detected in edible
tissues. Although PFOA was rapidly absorbed, it was also rapidly excreted
by steers and did not persist in edible tissues, suggesting meat from
cattle exposed to an acute dose of PFOA is unlikely to be a major
source of exposure to humans