Coastal Carolina Riverwatch Collecting Coastal Residents’ Feedback Through PFAS, Heavy Metals, and Oysters Survey

Beaufort, NC, April 24, 2025– Coastal Carolina Riverwatch is collecting coastal residents’ perspectives on PFAS and heavy metals contamination and oyster consumption through their new public survey. The survey is part of a larger research project to assess water and seafood safety.
Emerging contaminants, such as PFAS and heavy metals, have been identified as top water quality concerns by NC coastal fishermen due to their impacts on water quality and fisheries. CCRW is working to assess the levels of these contaminants and local knowledge in Pender, Onslow and Carteret Counties in North Carolina. The research involves:

Sampling oysters, water, and sediment.
Analyzing the samples for contamination at Duke University laboratories.
Surveying local communities to assess oyster consumption habits and potential health risks.

Research goals for the survey include elevating community voices, educating coastal areas, and advocating for cleaner waters to support local industry and the coastal ecosystem. The survey will close May 5th, 2025.

The public survey can be taken by scanning the QR code in the image below, or following the survey link. The survey is available to be taken over the phone by calling 252-460-1450. A physical paper survey can be requested by emailing: waterkeeper@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org.

For more information about the project, please visit: https://coastalcarolinariverwatch.org/water-quality-for-fisheries/pfas-and-heavy-metal-contamination-in-north-carolina-farm-raised-and-wild-caught-oyster-populations/

Follow this link to take the survey: https://qualtricsxmqpqtn7wnf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqrKaJ6fUnARdJA

Contact: Waterkeeper@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org / 252-460-1450
About Coastal Carolina Riverwatch: Coastal Carolina Riverwatch is dedicated to protecting the quality of water and life in coastal North Carolina through advocacy, education, and community engagement.