Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID IN_2025_Hoskins

Effects of PFAS on Somatic and Reproductive Development in Largemouth Bass

Institute: Indiana
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $30,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $30,100

Principal Investigators: Tyler Hoskins, Maria Sepulveda

Project Summary: PFAS are common environmental contaminants that do not degrade, accumulate in tissues, and can be toxic to humans and wildlife. PFAS concentrate in sludges at wastewater plants. Sludges are made into fertilizers called biosolids, which are often applied to farm fields. Our data show that PFAS from biosolids enter runoff-receiving ponds, where they expose fish and potentially, people, to these hazardous chemicals. Because PFAS concentrate in predators, species like largemouth bass may be highly exposed, yet PFAS toxicity for bass has not been studied. Bass play important roles in food webs and are caught for recreation and consumption, so understanding toxicity is important. We will determine if and how exposure of very young bass to PFAS from biosolids-affected farm ponds influences development of their bodies and their reproductive systems. Our data will help Hoosiers decide if and how bass and biosolids could be managed to ensure healthy fisheries and people.