This report details findings from an EPA-funded study on the presence and concentrations chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) in marine and freshwater fish from King County. Smallmouth bass from Lake Union and rockfish from Elliott Bay were collected in 2021 and analyzed for select chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, triclosan, and alkylphenols to expand local knowledge about exposure of King County fish to mixtures of CECs. 

We detected 20 CECs in rockfish and 9 in smallmouth bass. Over half these also occurred in fish/mussels from other local and national studies, indicating their widespread presence in aquatic environments. Over half the CECs in rockfish were previously detected in Puget Sound sediment, effluent, or water. None of the CECs in smallmouth bass were found in Lake Union 2015 water samples, suggesting  presence of those CECs is sporadic in the lake. Of the CECs detected in this study, three are listed as Category 1 (high priority) and 18 are listed as Category 2 (watch list) chemicals from a recent CEC prioritization effort in Puget Sound. Considering their potential for biological effects, we recommend further monitoring of the Category 1 and 2 chemicals detected in King County fish. See final report for further recommendations.