Per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in fish samples collected between 2021-01-31 and 2022-05-28 from the greater Houston Gulf Bay region

This dataset captures the analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in fish samples collected from Galveston Bay and Trinity Bay, Texas, regions with known industrial contamination. The study was designed to investigate the presence and concentration of PFAS in fish tissue following the 2019 ITC Petrochemical Disaster, which involved the extensive use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Given the persistence of PFAS in the environment, this dataset provides crucial insights into potential human exposure risks through fish consumption. PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their bioaccumulative properties and environmental persistence. This dataset was created to assess PFAS contamination in commonly consumed fish species and its potential health implications. The primary goal is to understand how industrial activities and past contamination events contribute to PFAS bioaccumulation, particularly for communities reliant on self-caught fish for dietary sustenance.

A total of 39 fish fillet samples were collected from 2021-01-31 and 2022-05-28 across seven sampling trips. Fish species sampled include: Black Drum (Pogonias cromis), Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), and Speckled Trout (Cynoscion nebulosus). Samples were obtained from local fishermen following Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) size regulations and immediately placed on ice for transport to B&B Laboratories (College Station, TX) for preparation. PFAS extraction and analysis were conducted at the Agriculture & Priority Pollutants Laboratories, Inc., using Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A six-point calibration curve was employed, incorporating isotopically labeled internal standards for quality assurance. The dataset covers fish collected from Galveston Bay and Trinity Bay, Texas, from 2021-01-31 and 2022-05-28. Sampling locations included northwestern Burnet Bay, where PFAS concentrations were notably high.

PFOS, PFOA, PFDA, and PFHxS were detected in at least 90% of samples. Total PFAS concentrations in these fish overlapped with nationwide PFAS surveys, highlighting a persistent contamination concern. PFAS levels in self-caught fish exceeded those in retail fish, emphasizing the disproportionate exposure risk for low-income or subsistence fishers. The dataset serves as a baseline for future monitoring and may inform public health advisories regarding PFAS exposure from fish consumption. This dataset provides a comprehensive examination of PFAS contamination in Gulf Coast fisheries, helping researchers, policymakers, and public health officials assess long-term risks associated with PFAS bioaccumulation in aquatic food sources.