One century of variations in organic matter inputs in marine Antarctic sediments: Insights from bulk and isotopic data.

The elemental composition and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of sedimentary organic matter (OM) are vital geochemical tools for understanding environments, physical and biogeochemical processes, and even paleoclimatic conditions on Earth. Given that the Antarctic Peninsula region is one of the few areas that remain relatively preserved compared to many other regions on Earth, sensitive to climate change, and yet remains the least explored continent, this study aimed to characterise the elemental (total organic carbon and total nitrogen) and isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) composition of marine sediments from various regions of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. This was done to assess potential sources of OM. The sampling included: (i) 17 surface sediment samples collected across the bay in January 2020; (ii) surface sediment samples collected during the 2009-2019 period at three specific inlets of Admiralty Bay; and (iii) three sediment cores collected from each inlet in 2007-2008. TOC and TN varied from 0.09 to 0.99 % and 0.02 to 0.18 %, respectively. The δ13C values ranged from -25.9 to -18.4 ‰, while the δ15N values varied from -12.4 to 22.7 ‰. The C/N ratio values were from 2.5 to 19.3. OM in sediments from Ezcurra Inlet primarily originates from terrestrial plants prevalent in Antarctica, such as mosses and lichens, alongside aquatic plants like algae and phyto- and zooplankton. Similarly, Mackelar Inlet is characterised by substantial contributions from these abovementioned sources. In contrast, Martel Inlet exhibits diverse sources, predominantly influenced by various marine mammals and seabirds and their excrements, in addition to the signals from mosses and lichens. Recent sediments sampled post-2008 in Martel Inlet show a decreased contribution from animal sources, with mosses and lichens emerging as the predominant contributors, corroborating patterns observed in the other inlets. Our findings suggest that climate change is expanding ice-free areas, promoting the growth of terrestrial vegetation, and altering the composition of sedimentary OM in Admiralty Bay, indicating changes over the studied time scale.

Persistent organic pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in livers of stranded Arctocephalus australis in southern Brazilian beaches.

23 livers of South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) found stranded in southern Brazilian beaches were evaluated for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). POPs (DDTs, mirex, eldrin, dieldrin, aldrin, isodrin, HCHs, chlordanes and PCBs) and PAHs in livers were Soxhlet extracted, analyzed and quantified using Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-TQMS). The main POPs found were PCBs and DDTs, totaling 81 %. Among pesticides, mirex followed DDTs, possibly due to usage in Uruguay, followed by Σdrins, ΣCHLs and ΣHCHs. Naphthalene was the major PAH found, while heavier compounds did not significantly bioaccumulate. Concentrations of POPs resembled previous findings for A. australis. Considering only juveniles, no POPs showed significant differences between sexes. Lipidic content, weight and length did not show any correlation with POP concentration. This was the first record of PAHs and PBDEs in South American fur seals, and the levels of these pollutants were relatively low.

Insights into Antarctic microbiomes: diversity patterns for terrestrial and marine habitats.

Microorganisms in Antarctica are recognized for having crucial roles in ecosystems functioning and biogeochemical cycles. To explore the diversity and composition of microbial communities through different terrestrial and marine Antarctic habitats, we analyze 16S rRNA sequence datasets from fumarole and marine sediments, soil, snow and seawater environments. We obtained measures of alpha- and beta-diversities, as well as we have identified the core microbiome and the indicator microbial taxa of a particular habitat. Our results showed a unique microbial community structure according to each habitat, including specific taxa composing each microbiome. Marine sediments harbored the highest microbial diversity among the analyzed habitats. In the fumarole sediments, the core microbiome was composed mainly of thermophiles and hyperthermophilic Archaea, while in the majority of soil samples Archaea was absent. In the seawater samples, the core microbiome was mainly composed by cultured and uncultured orders usually identified on Antarctic pelagic ecosystems. Snow samples exhibited common taxa previously described for habitats of the Antarctic Peninsula, which suggests long-distance dispersal processes occurring from the Peninsula to the Continent. This study contributes as a baseline for further efforts on evaluating the microbial responses to environmental conditions and future changes.

Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutant contamination in Franciscana dolphins from the Southwestern Atlantic.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analyzed in 136 blubber samples of Franciscana dolphins from Brazil (Pontoporia blainvillei), which is the most threatened dolphin in the Southwestern Atlantic. The dolphins were caught by the fishery fleet and collected from 2000 to 2018 in three regions of São Paulo state: northern São Paulo (SPN), central São Paulo (SPC), and southern São Paulo (SPS). The POPs analyzed in this study were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), Mirex, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The concentrations ranged from 36 to 7200 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) and 113-42200 ng g-1 lw for predominant compounds DDTs and PCBs, respectively. Similar profiles of PCB congeners were observed with a predominance of hexachlorinated compounds, representing approximately 50% of the total PCB amount; the highest PCB concentrations were observed from Baixada Santista (SPC) proximate to a highly urbanized and industrial coastal area. Significant differences were observed between the sexes and maturity of dolphins, mainly for PCBs, DDTs, and Mirex. In general, POPs other than HCB in Franciscana dolphins showed downward temporal trends, matching the regulatory periods for restricting and/or banning these compounds. Although POP concentrations are declining, PCB levels remain high in small dolphins, suggesting adverse health effects on Franciscanas. As organic contaminants are one of the numerous threats Franciscanas have been vulnerable to along the Brazilian coast, we recommend monitoring POPs levels every five years to check for declining (or stabilizing) trends.

Extracellular hydrolytic enzymes produced by yeasts from Antarctic lichens.

In the Antarctic environment, yeasts are versatile eukaryotes that have shown wide dispersion in different substrates, producing active enzymes in extreme conditions, but their relevance in biotechnological applications is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of extracellular hydrolases by yeasts isolated from Antarctic lichens and molecularly identify these isolates. From a total of 144 isolates on the screening, 109 (76%) produced at least one of the hydrolases tested, with most activities for proteases 59 (41%), cellulases 58 (40%), esterases 57 (39%), lipases 29 (20%), amylases 23 (16%) and pectinases 20 (14%). Among these isolates, 76 were identified, most belonged to the phylum Basidiomycota (n=73) with the dominance of Vishniacozyma victoriae (n=27), Cystobasidium alpinum (n=3), Mrakia niccombsii (n=3), Cystobasidium laryngis (n=2), Bannozyma yamatoana (n=2), Holtermanniella nyarrowii (n=2), and Glaciozyma martinii (n=2). This study is the first one reporting extracellular enzyme production by yeasts isolated from thallus of the species of Antarctic lichens Lecania brialmontii, Polycauliona candelaria, Usnea capillacea, Cladonia metacorallifera, and Polycauliona regalis. With these data, it's possible to confirm lichens as a source of hydrolase-producing yeasts, reinforcing the potential of these microorganisms in bioprospecting studies of catalytic molecules from polar regions that may be useful in promising biotechnological applications.

Sources and depositional changes of aliphatic hydrocarbons recorded in sedimentary cores from Admiralty Bay, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica during last decades.

Organic biomarkers, as aliphatic hydrocarbons, are present in sedimentary organic matter and have been largely applied to the evaluation of recent environmental changes in the marine environment around the globe, including the Antarctic continent. Five sediment cores were taken in the Admiralty Bay, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica to evaluate changes in the signature of aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-alkanes (n-C10 to n-C40) and isoprenoids as pristane and phytane, over the last decades. The total n-alkanes concentration ranged from 0.17 to 1.67 µg g-1 (mean = 0.74 ± 0.42) which is considered low and similar to pristine sediments. Aliphatic hydrocarbons present in the sedimentary pool came mostly from terrestrial sources as Antarctic lichens and mosses, and from marine sources as the macroalgae forest debris and emergent macrophytes. Anthropogenic inputs of aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., petroleum and their by-products) may be neglected based on the multi-proxy approach used to distinct sources of these organic compounds. In general, no significant changes in the sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons were observed along the sediment cores; however, an increased aliphatic hydrocarbons input registered between 1975 and 1992 may be related to the increase in meltwater runoff and the relatively high abundance of marine producers more adapted to increased sea temperatures.

Persistent organic pollutants in plasma and stable isotopes in red blood cells of Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtles that nest in Brazil.

Studies of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in sea turtles are reported, but there are still spatial data gaps worldwide. POP contamination of live female blood plasma from Caretta caretta (n = 28), Chelonia mydas (n = 31) and Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 19), which nest in Brazil and feed along the South Atlantic Ocean, was investigated. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes from red blood cells (RBC) were also evaluated to obtain information about trophic ecology. C. caretta had the highest POP concentrations, followed by L. olivacea and C. mydas. PCBs predominated in all species, and the major OCPs were the DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and derivatives) and Lindane. POPs and stable isotopes revealed intra- and interspecific variations, which reflect the high plasticity in the use of habitat and food resources, making individuals within the same population susceptible to different exposures to pollutants.

Integrated biomarker responses in oysters Crassostrea gasar as an approach for assessing aquatic pollution of a Brazilian estuary.

The Laguna Estuarine System (LES), southern Brazil, suffers impacts from anthropogenic activities, releasing contaminants into the ecosystem. This study evaluated changes in biochemical and molecular biomarkers and contaminants concentrations in oysters Crassostrea gasar transplanted and kept for 1.5 and 7 days at three potentially contaminated sites (S1, S2, and S3) at LES. Metals varied spatiotemporally; S1 exhibited higher Ag and Pb concentrations, whereas Cd was present in S3. S2 was a transition site, impacted by Ag, Pb, or Cd, depending on the period. Organic contaminants concentrations were higher before transplantation, resulting in the downregulation of biotransformation genes transcripts levels. Phase II-related genes transcripts and metals showed positive correlations. Decreased levels of HSP90-like transcripts and antioxidant enzymes activity were related to increased pollutant loads. Integrated biomarker response index (IBR) analysis showed S1 and S3 as the most impacted sites after 1.5 and 7 days, respectively. Regardless of the scenario, LES contaminants pose a significant threat to aquatic biota.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and personal care products (PCPs) in the surface sediments of a large tropical bay (Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil).

The occurrence and spatial distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and personal care products (PCPs) were investigated in surface sediments of Todos os Santos Bay. Samples were Soxhlet-extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Quantification limits (QL) ranged from 0.0025 ng g-1 for POPs to 0.25 ng g-1 for PCPs. Of the POPs studied, only PCBs and DDTs were detectable, with concentrations ranging from

Organic contaminants and trace metals in the western South Atlantic upper continental margin: Anthropogenic influence on mud depocenters.

Trace metals, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified in surface sediments from mud depocenters located in the western South Atlantic upper continental margin. There was no anthropogenic trace metal pollution observed, and the higher As values were attributed to high CaCO3 content in the area. The results indicate PCB sources associated with long-range atmospheric transport in addition to past DDT use for agriculture and pest control. PAHs were mainly originated from biomass and fossil fuel combustion, and their distribution is in alignment with the riverine runoff influence in southern region, which is transported towards the northern regions by coastal currents. Higher concentrations of 2-3 ring PAHs and DDTs in shallow and northern stations indicate a coastal influence. This work presents baseline information on the extent of anthropogenic influence in mud depocenters located in the western South Atlantic upper continental margin, showing these locations as potential source to sink of anthropogenic contaminants.

Short-term spatiotemporal biomarker changes in oysters transplanted to an anthropized estuary in Southern Brazil.

Estuarine ecosystems are increasingly being affected by pollution caused by anthropogenic activities. In this study, Crassostrea gasar oysters were transplanted and maintained for seven days at three sites (S1, S2, and S3) in the Laguna Estuarine System (LES)-situated in southern Brazil-that has been exposed to multiple anthropic stresses. On the basis of the concentrations of metal and organic pollutants in oysters, we identified marked spatial variations in pollutant levels, with S3 showing the highest concentration of Ag, Fe, Ni, Zn, and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), followed by S2 and S1. Along with the concentrations of pollutants, a set of biomarkers was analyzed. Oysters maintained at S3 showed enhanced protective defenses in gills, as observed by the increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD-like) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90-like) transcripts and catalase (CAT) activity, concomitant with reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels. Decreased antioxidant activities together with increased MDA levels are indicative of the digestive gland being more susceptible to pollutant-induced oxidative damage. Oysters transplanted into LES showed lower levels of cytochrome P450 transcripts (CYP356A1-like and CYP2AU1), and decreased glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity, suggesting lower biotransformation capacity. By integrating information regarding the concentration of metal and organic pollutants with that of molecular as well as biochemical biomarkers, our study provides novel insights into pollutant exposure and the potential biological impacts of such exposure on estuarine organisms in southern Brazil.

Persistent organic pollutants in blubber of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from the Southern Ocean.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analyzed in eighteen blubber samples biopsied from fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during the feeding season near the Antarctic Peninsula in the summer of 2013. POP content (in ng g-1 lipid weight) ranged from 46.4 to 708 for polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs), 6.77 to 123 for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 10.1 to 489 for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and derivatives (∑DDTs), 5.38 to 52.8 for hexachlorocyclohexanes (∑HCH) and <0.40 to 2.54 for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (∑PBDEs). The presence of those compounds in Southern Ocean fin whales is related to long-range transport and their diet based mainly on euphausiids (krill). Their contents were much lower compared to the same species in other locations, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, presumably due to differences in trophic position and the proximity of POP sources and contamination of prey items.

From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean.

In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reduce banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLD concentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yet been assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues from Guadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens. Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus. Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g-1 of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species from fresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (high or specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses that include internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study.

Depositional history of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an Amazon estuary during the last century.

The sources and depositional history of OCPs (organochlorine pesticides), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) over the last 100years were determined in two sediment cores collected in the Amazon region. It was possible to distinguish two depositional periods along the cores. The first period occurred before extensive anthropogenic effects were registered in the sediments. During this time interval, the concentrations of all OCPs and PCBs were below the detection limits (DL), and the PAH concentrations were low and essentially constant (58.19-124.28ngg-1). The second period starts in the mid-1960s and reflects the increased human influence in the area. The concentrations of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs increased towards the top of the cores, varying between

Contamination status by persistent organic pollutants of the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) at the metapopulation level.

The Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) is an endemic species of the tropical-temperate Atlantic Ocean with widespread distribution. Although this species has been the subject of a large number of studies throughout its range, it remains in the "data deficient" category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Chemical pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been listed as one of the major threats to this species, however, there is no information on a wide scale. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the contamination status of spotted dolphins on the metapopulation level as well as determine spatial and temporal variations in POP concentrations and bio-accumulation. A total of 115 blubber samples collected from a large part of the Atlantic basin were analysed for PCBs, DDTs, PBDEs, chlordanes, HCB and mirex. Although PCBs and DDTs were the predominant compounds in all areas, inter-location differences in POP concentrations were observed. Dolphins found at São Paulo, southeastern coast of Brazil, had the highest PCB concentrations (median: 10.5 µg/g lw) and Canary Islands dolphins had the highest DDT concentrations (median: 5.13 µg/g lw). Differences in PCB patterns among locations were also observed. Dolphins from the Azores and São Paulo demonstrated a similar pattern, with relatively highly contributions of tetra- (6.8 and 5.2%, respectively) and penta-CBs (25.6 and 23.8%, respectively) and lower contributions of hepta-CBs (20.8 and 23.5%, respectively) in comparison to other areas. Moreover, the sex of the animals and the year in which sampling or capture occurred exerted an important influence on the majority of the POPs analysed. Comparisons with toxicity thresholds available in the literature reveal that the São Paulo and Canary Island dolphins are the most vulnerable populations and should be considered in future conservation and management programs for the Atlantic spotted dolphin.

Mercury in the ecosystem of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica: Occurrence and trophic distribution.

Mercury (Hg) can reach the environment through natural and human-related sources, threatening ecosystems all over the planet due to its well known deleterious effects. Therefore, Antarctic trophic webs, despite being relatively isolated, are not exempt of its influence. To evaluate Hg concentrations in an Antarctic ecosystem, different tissues from 2 species of invertebrates, 2 of fish, 8 of birds, 4 of pinnipeds and at least 5 of vegetation were investigated (n=176). For animals, values ranged from 0.018 to 48.7µgg-1 dw (whole Antarctic krill and Antarctic Fur Seal liver). They were generally correlated to trophic position (assessed by δ15N and δ13C) but also to cephalopods and myctophids consumption. For vegetation, values ranged from 0.014 to 0.227µgg-1 dw (Colobanthus quitensis and an unidentified lichen), with lichens presenting significantly higher values than mosses, likely due to year-round exposure and absorption of animal derived organic matter, as hypothesized by literature.

Thiol oxidation of hemolymph proteins in oysters Crassostrea brasiliana as markers of oxidative damage induced by urban sewage exposure.

Urban sewage is a concerning issue worldwide, threatening both wildlife and human health. The present study investigated protein oxidation in mangrove oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana) exposed to seawater from Balneário Camboriú, an important tourist destination in Brazil that is affected by urban sewage. Oysters were exposed for 24 h to seawater collected close to the Camboriú River (CAM1) or 1 km away (CAM2). Seawater from an aquaculture laboratory was used as a reference. Local sewage input was marked by higher levels of coliforms, nitrogen, and phosphorus in seawater, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and fecal steroid in sediments at CAM1. Exposure of oysters to CAM1 caused marked bioaccumulation of LABs and decreased PAH and PCB concentrations after exposure to both CAM1 and CAM2. Protein thiol oxidation in gills, digestive gland, and hemolymph was evaluated. Lower levels of reduced protein thiols were detected in hemolymph from CAM1, and actin, segon, and dominin were identified as targets of protein thiol oxidation. Dominin susceptibility to oxidation was confirmed in vitro by exposure to peroxides and hypochlorous acid, and 2 cysteine residues were identified as potential sites of oxidation. Overall, these data indicate that urban sewage contamination in local waters has a toxic potential and that protein thiol oxidation in hemolymph could be a useful biomarker of oxidative stress in bivalves exposed to contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1833-1845. © 2016 SETAC.

Persistent organic pollutants in blood samples of Southern Giant Petrels (Macronectes giganteus) from the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica.

Seabirds play an important role as top consumers in the food web and can be used as biomonitors of exposure to pollutants. Contamination studies involving non-destructive sampling methods are of considerable importance, allowing better evaluation of the levels of pollutants and their toxic effects. In the present study, organohalogen contaminants were analyzed in 113 blood samples from Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) adults and chicks collected in the austral summer of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 from colonies on Elephant and Livingston Islands, South Shetland, Antarctica. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), mirex, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroetane and derivatives (DDTs) and chlordanes were detected in all birds, whereas polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were not detected in any blood samples. No significant differences were found in organochlorine levels between sampling events. Adults exhibited significantly higher levels than chicks, except for PeCB. PCBs, HCB, mirex and DDTs were statistically similar in males and females from Elephant Island. Females on Livingston Island exhibited higher HCB values than males, but no sex differences were found regarding other organochlorines. The similarity in organochlorine levels between sexes in birds with very marked sexual segregation in feeding habits during the breeding season may indicate that significant amounts of contaminants are acquired during migration to lower latitudes, when the diets of males and females are similar. Birds sampled on Livingston Island exhibited significantly lower levels of PCBs, HCB, DDTs, mirex and chlordanes in comparison to those on Elephant Island, which could be the result of distinct foraging patterns between the two colonies. Organochlorine levels were similar between years in birds captured in two consecutive breeding seasons. Blood samples from Southern Giant Petrels adults and chicks proved to be useful for the comparison of intraspecific contamination levels and appear to be adequate for the long-term assessment of organohalogen contaminants in antarctic top predators. Organochlorine contaminants in blood samples of Southern Giant Petrels reflected intra-specific differences and suggested distinct foraging patterns between colonies.

Validating the use of biopsy sampling in contamination assessment studies of small cetaceans.

Remote biopsy sampling is the most common technique for acquiring samples from free-ranging marine mammals. However, such techniques may result in variable sampling being sometimes superficial skin and blubber biopsies. For decades, blubber has been used to monitor the exposure of marine mammals to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but little is known regarding the variability of POPs as a function of blubber depth in small cetaceans and the available literature offers variable results. Thus, the aim of the present study was to validate biopsy sampling for monitoring contaminant concentrations in small, free-ranging cetaceans. Samples from the dorsal blubber of 10 incidentally captured Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were separated into two different layers (outer and inner) to investigate the influence of sampling depth on POP concentrations. POP concentrations were compared to those of the full blubber layer. The results revealed no significant differences in lipid content between males and females or among the inner, outer and full blubber layers (p>0.05). Moreover, the wet and lipid weight concentrations of all POP classes analysed [i.e. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes (CHLs) and mirex] did not differ significantly with blubber depth (p>0.05). POP classes followed the same decreasing order of wet weight concentrations in blubber layers and full blubber: PCBs>DDTs>PBDEs>mirex>HCB>HCHs>CHLs. Moreover, there was a low degree of differentiation in the accumulation of POP congeners. The present findings indicated that the distribution of contaminants was homogenous with blubber depth, which validates the use of biopsy sampling for the assessment of contaminants in small cetaceans.

Persistent organic pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in penguins of the genus Pygoscelis in Admiralty Bay - An Antarctic specially managed area.

Persistent organic pollutants were assessed in fat samples of the Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) penguins collected during the austral summers of 2005/06 and 2006/07 in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. The predominant organic pollutants were PCB (114 to 1115), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (60.1 to 238.7), HCB (<0.3 to 132.2) and BDE-47 (<1.0 to 10.7) in ng g(-1) wet weight. The mean concentrations of the majority of organic pollutants were similar among the three species of penguins. Chicks of all three species showed similar profiles of PCB congeners, with predominance of lower chlorinated compounds. The distribution of PAHs was similar in all birds, with a predominance of naphthalene and alkyl-naphthalene, which are the main constituents of arctic diesel fuel. These data contribute to the monitoring of the continued exposure to organic pollutants in the Antarctic biota.