Researchers tested a new way to monitor chemical pollution by placing small silicone samplers around penguins' legs during the 2022–24 breeding seasons. The devices stayed on the birds for a few days while the penguins foraged and cared for chicks.
The samplers absorbed chemicals from water, air and surfaces the birds touched. Lab tests detected PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," and showed a mix of older and newer types. Scientists said the method is minimally invasive and can point to places and times for closer monitoring.
Difficult words
- sampler — small device that collects environmental samplessamplers
- forage — search for food in an areaforaged
- absorb — take in liquid, gas, or particlesabsorbed
- detect — find or show that something is presentdetected
- pollution — harmful substances in the environment
- minimally invasive — causing little harm or disturbance to animals
- breeding season — time of year when animals have and raise youngbreeding seasons
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think this monitoring method hurts the penguins? Why?
- How could finding PFAS help scientists protect animals?
- Would you use small samplers to check pollution near your home? Why or why not?
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