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Alligators Tested for Industrial Chemical 100 Miles from Chemical Plant

How far has the little-studied industrial compound spread?

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Scientists are expanding their search for a little-studied industrial compound by testing whether it's collecting in the bodies of alligators and fish about 100 miles from the chemical plant where it is made.

The StarNews of Wilmington reports that North Carolina State University researchers and Cape Fear River Watch started taking samples in May from alligators, catfish and striped bass in the Cape Fear River.

The study aims to establish if GenX and several related compounds are collecting in their bodies.

The state Department of Environmental Quality earlier this year tested for GenX in fish from a lake near The Chemours Co. chemical plant in Bladen County.

Officials have not released their findings, though they planned to discuss them with Robeson County residents last week.

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