Evaluation of water quality for livestock with a focus on PFAS

Abstract

Clean water is indispensable for animal health, yet the regulations governing water quality for livestock lag behind emerging contaminants. This assignment aims to report on the current regulatory landscape regarding water quality for livestock, emphasizing its broader implications for the overall health of livestock. Recognizing the pivotal role of clean water in augmenting the well-being and productivity of animals, our primary objective is to explore the existing regulatory measures governing water quality for livestock. Crucial questions guide our inquiry: What factors currently manage water quality for livestock? What are the pathways and sources of water pollution in livestock environments, and how do they vary across regions and livestock types? Additionally, we probe into the potential health impacts of emerging contaminants, particularly perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), on livestock. The literature review employs an approach, using publications from the past decade associated with water quality for livestock. These publications serve as valuable resources, offering insights into the regulatory landscape and pollution dynamics in livestock environments. A notable emphasis is placed on emerging contaminants, especially PFAS, due to the absence of established limits in water quality regulations for livestock. The study critically reports recent updates in risk limits for PFAS in Dutch surface waters for humans. Furthermore, the exploration of existing literature reveals knowledge gaps, particularly in understanding the impact of PFAS on livestock. To address these gaps, proposed research projects aim to provide deeper insights into water quality for livestock, establish maximum residual limits for PFAS for drinking water for livestock, and investigate potential effects associated with elevated PFAS concentrations in water. In conclusion, while this assignment reports factors and pathways of contaminants in water for livestock, the specific health effects of PFAS on livestock remain uncertain. Future research is recommended to encompass comprehensive studies on air and feed consumption, feed storage, and their correlation with water quality. A meticulous examination of PFAS exposure implications on livestock is imperative, necessitating the determination of maximum residual limits, assessment of potential effects, and the formulation of strategies to limit exposure. The assignment underscores the importance of ongoing research in this evolving issue, making substantial contributions to the welfare of animals and the production of safe, high-quality food.