First assessment of persistent organic pollutants and halogenated natural compounds in an omnivorous resident coral-reef fish species, black triggerfish, Melichthys niger, from an Atlantic oceanic island, Brazil.

Studies on the occurrence of POPs and other persistent compounds in pristine areas are extremely valuable, as they offer insights on the long-range transportation of POPs and the occurrence of natural compound producers' areas. In this regard, this study aimed to report data of both anthropogenic (polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) and natural (methoxylated PBDEs, MeO-BDEs) compounds in tissues of the black triggerfish, Melichthys niger (Tetraodontiformes, Balistidae), specimens (n = 30) sampled in 2018 during a scientific expedition conducted at Trindade Island. Concentrations of ∑28PCBs ranged from 73 to 1052 ng g-1 lw in liver, 334 to 1981 ng g-1 lw in gonads, and 20 to 257 ng g-1 lw in muscle, with the predominance of PCB-180 in liver and PCB-52 in gonad and muscle. Concentrations of ∑7PBDEs ranged from

Behavior of diclofenac from contaminated fish after cooking and in vitro digestion.

BACKGROUND: Seafood consumers are widely exposed to diclofenac due to the high contamination levels often present in aquatic organisms. It is a potential risk to public health due its endocrine disruptor properties. Limited information is available about diclofenac behavior after food digestion to enable a more realistic scenario of consumer exposure. This study aimed to evaluate cooking effects on diclofenac levels, and determine diclofenac bioaccessibility by an in vitro digestion assay, using commercial fish species (seabass and white mullet) as models. The production of the main metabolite 4'-hydroxydiclofenac was also investigated. Fish hamburgers were spiked at two levels (150 and 1000 ng g-1) and submitted to three culinary treatments (roasting, steaming and grilling). RESULTS: The loss of water seems to increase the diclofenac levels after cooking, except in seabass with higher levels. The high bioaccessibility of diclofenac (59.1-98.3%) observed in both fish species indicates that consumers' intestines are more susceptible to absorption, which can be worrisome depending on the level of contamination. Contamination levels did not affect the diclofenac bioaccessibility in both species. Seabass, the fattest species, exhibited a higher bioaccessibility of diclofenac compared to white mullet. Overall, cooking decreased diclofenac bioaccessibility by up to 40% in seabass and 25% in white mullet. The main metabolite 4'-hydroxydiclofenac was not detected after cooking or digestion. CONCLUSION: Thus, consumption of cooked fish, preferentially grilled seabass and steamed or baked white mullet are more advisable. This study highlights the importance to consider bioaccessibility and cooking in hazard characterization studies. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Brominated flame retardants and natural organobrominated compounds in a vulnerable delphinid species along the Brazilian coast.

Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, are vulnerable to extinction along their distribution on the Brazilian coast and assessing chemical pollution is of utmost importance for their conservation. For this study, 51 carcasses of Guiana dolphins were sampled across the Brazilian coast to investigate legacy and emerging brominated flame retardants (BFRs) as well as the naturally-produced MeO-BDEs. PBDEs and MeO-BDEs were detected in all samples analyzed, whereas emerging BFRs were detected in 16 % of the samples, all in Rio de Janeiro state. PBDE concentrations varied between 2.24 and 799 ng.g-1 lipid weight (lw), emerging BFRs between 0.12 and 1.51 ng.g-1 lw and MeO-BDEs between 3.82 and 10,247 ng.g-1 lw. Concentrations of legacy and emerging BFRs and natural compounds varied considerably according to the sampling site and reflected both the local anthropogenic impact of the region and the diversity/mass of biosynthesizers. The PBDE concentrations are lower than what was found for delphinids in the Northern Hemisphere around the same sampling period and most sampling sites presented mean concentrations lower than the limits for endocrine disruption known to date for marine mammals of 460 ng.g-1 lw, except for sampled from Santa Catarina state, in Southern Brazil. Conversely, MeO-BDE concentrations are higher than those of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly close to the Abrolhos Bans and Royal Charlotte formation, that are hotspots for biodiversity. Despite the elevated concentrations reported for this group, there is not much information regarding the effects of such elevated concentrations for these marine mammals. The distinct patterns observed along the Brazilian coast show that organobrominated compounds can be used to identify the ecological segregation of delphinids and that conservation actions should be planned considering the local threats.

Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in fish from an anthropized south-western Atlantic estuary, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are synthetic organic compounds of growing environmental and social concern. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2017. Further, in 2021, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) were proposed to be listed as POPs. We investigated SCCP and MCCP amounts and homolog profiles in four wild fish species from Bahía Blanca Estuary, a South Atlantic Ocean coastal habitat in Argentina. SCCPs and MCCPs were detected in 41% and 36% of the samples, respectively. SCCP amounts ranged from <12 to 29 ng g-1 wet weight and <750-5887 ng g-1 lipid weight, whereas MCCP amounts ranged from <7 to 19 ng g-1 wet weight and <440-2848 ng g-1 lipid weight. Amounts were equivalent to those found in fish from the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans and from some North American and Tibetan Plateau lakes. We performed a human health risk assessment and found no direct risks to human health for SCCP or MCCP ingestion, according to present knowledge. Regarding their environmental behavior, no significant differences were observed among SCCP amounts, sampling locations, species, sizes, lipid content, and age of the specimens. However, there were significant differences in MCCP amounts across species, which could be attributed to fish size and feeding habits. Homolog profiles in all fish were dominated by the medium-chlorinated (Cl6 and Cl7) CPs and shorter chain length CPs were the most abundant, with C10Cl6 (12.8%) and C11Cl6 (10.1%) being the predominant SCCPs and C14Cl6 (19.2%) and C14Cl7 (12.4%) the predominant MCCPs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the presence of CPs in the environment in Argentina and the South Atlantic Ocean. CP occurrence in the environment, particularly in the food chain, promotes the need for further research on their occurrence and behavior, and the impact of CPs in marine ecosystems in Argentina.

Agrochemical Residues in Fish and Bivalves from Sepetiba Bay and Parnaiba River Delta, Brazil.

Accumulation of pesticides has a harmful impact on the environment and human health. The main goal of this work was to develop a method to determine and quantify the residues of thirteen pesticides in edible fish and bivalves such as parati (Mugil curema), seabass (Centropomus ssp.), mullet (Mugil brasiliensis), clams (Anomalocardia brasiliana) and mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from Sepetiba Bay and Parnaiba River Delta (Brazil) between 2019 and 2020. Matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was used for extraction and quantification through gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The method was validated (linearity, accuracy and precision) for fatty fish (Salmo salar), lean fish (Mugil curema) and bivalves (Mytilus edulis). The survey found linear correlation coefficients (r) equal to or greater than 0.9 for almost all analytes. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of five replicates were less than 20% for almost all analytes at different concentrations in lean fish, fatty fish and bivalves. Most analytes showed satisfactory accuracy. Alachlor herbicide was found in samples of seabass, mussels, clams and parati with levels ranging between 0.55 to 420.39 µg kg-1 dw. Ethion was found in parati (maximum 211.22 µg kg-1 dw), mussels (15.1 µg kg-1 dw) and clams (maximum 44.50 µg kg-1 dw). Alachlor was found in clams (maximum 93.1 µg kg-1 dw), and bifenthrin was found in parati (maximum 43.4 µg kg-1 dw) and clams (maximum 42.21 µg kg-1 dw). The validated method was satisfactory for the determination of eleven pesticides in the fatty fish matrix, and thirteen pesticides in the samples of lean fish and bivalves. The presence of alachlor, ethion and bifenthrin stands out.

PAHs impacts on aquatic organisms: contamination and risk assessment of seafood following an oil spill accident.

Oil spills, intrinsically related to the petroleum production chain, represent a risk to the marine environment and a potential threat to humans through seafood consumption. We revised the NE Brazil oil spill and other accidents along the Brazilian coast, with a focus on seafood contamination, covering topics such as bioaccumulation, bioaccessibility, and risk analysis. Comprehensive knowledge of the impacts of spills helps in the interpretation of the dynamics of hydrocarbons released into the sea, contributing to actions to control their negative impacts. Currently, no legal limits have been established permanently in Brazil for PAHs in seafood edible tissues.

Inventory approach for short-chain chlorinated paraffins for the Stockholm Convention implementation in Brazil.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are chemicals with multipurpose applications. Their global production has increased despite their adverse impacts on the environment and human health. In 2017, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. Yet, specific exemptions were granted for their applications despite the recycling prohibition for products containing SCCPs. Therefore, we aimed to produce the first Brazilian inventory of SCCPs following its respective guidance to evaluate the applicability of the SCCP inventory guidance and to provide technical insights regarding SCCPs in the update of the Brazilian National Implementation Plan (NIP). Moreover, we performed a review of SCCP occurrence in Brazil to fulfil data gaps in the inventory development. We identified and consulted nationwide stakeholders and assessed foreign trade data of CPs and products that might contain CPs in relevant amounts. The Brazilian production of CPs was discontinued in 1994. However, CPs are still imported and used in the country. CPs have been mostly applied as plasticizers, flame retardants and lubricants in Brazil. The import of products containing CPs also pose a significant route of CP entrance into Brazil. Thus, the current end-of-life management of CP-containing products is a bottleneck towards the Convention implementation. The guidance application was feasible and useful despite the low engagement of stakeholders. To assess foreign trade of CPs and CP-containing products, we recommend the use of more specific tracking codes. Besides, the review of SCCP occurrence is not a demanded part for an inventory but was a useful complementation.

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in seafood from two Brazilian coastal areas: Implication for human risk assessment.

Pharmaceuticals (PhACs) are considered emerging contaminants with potential accumulation in aquatic organisms. Thus, seafood consumption may cause long-term effects and health risk for consumers. In the present study, the occurrence of PhACs in seafood from two Brazilian coastal areas, Sepetiba Bay (n = 43) and Parnaiba Delta River (n = 48), was determined for the first time, and their potential risk for human health was assessed. An eco-friendly multi-analytes method was used, after being validated for the different types of matrices (mussels, fatty and lean fish). All compounds under study were detected at least in four seafood species, including chloramphenicol, an antibiotic prohibited in animal foods. Most PhACs had mean concentrations below limit of quantification. Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as simvastatin and carbamazepine were the main PhACs bioaccumulated in edible parts of seafood species from Brazil. The high trophic level carnivorous species, snook, was the most contaminated by NSAIDs, while bivalves were the seafood more contaminated by lipid regulators. The profile of contamination did not vary among different types of matrix, except in relation to carbamazepine and ketoprofen. These PhACs were more abundant in species from Sepetiba Bay, an area highly impacted by human influence. The estimated daily exposure for Brazilian population that consumes the studied species was up to 20.3 ng/kg bw/day via carib pointed-venus and 25.7 ng/kg bw/day via snooks, lower than acceptable daily intake. Thus, consumption of seafood species from Sepetiba Bay and Parnaiba Delta River seems to be safe to the population in what concerns the PhACs studied.

Brazilian overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances listed as persistent organic pollutants in the stockholm convention.

PFAS are a group of organic chemicals, which some presents environmental persistence, dispersion and potential toxicity. Some of them have been listed in the Stockholm Convention as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to have its production and use restricted, namely PFOS, its salts and PFOSF and PFOA, its salts and related substances. As a Party, Brazil has to comply with the Convention provisions regarding the control of POPs. In order to develop listed PFAS inventories in the country, the Convention guidance documents were used. Stakeholders were consulted and trade data was assessed. Complementary, a review on listed PFAS occurrence in Brazil was performed. From over 1000 queries sent, only 3 answers were received. International trade data showed an import of 93.7 tonnes of PFOSF from China and export of sulfluramid-base ant bait to other developing countries. Domestic trade data showed that around 28 t per year of EtFOSA is commercialized in Brazil. The EtFOSA sold internally could lead to emissions of up to 616 t of PFOS. With domestic and foreign trade data it was possible to estimate the production of EtFOSA from 2010 to 2018 to 40 t per year. Only 10 studies reported listed PFAS occurrence in Brazilian environmental matrices. All of them reported ubiquitous occurrence of listed PFAS in the country, being PFOS the predominant in terms of occurrence and concentration. Brazil needs to develop strategies to overcome the low engagement of stakeholders and enforce control over listed PFAS foreign trade.

Occurrence of pyrethroids in the atmosphere of urban areas of Southeastern Brazil: Inhalation exposure and health risk assessment.

The occurrence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) used decades ago for vector control in urban areas is still reported as a threat to human health. Pyrethroids emerged as a replacement for OCPs in sanitary campaigns and are currently the main insecticides used for vector control worldwide, with prominent use as agricultural and household insecticides, for veterinary and gardening purposes, and as wood preservative. This study aimed to assess the occurrence, seasonal variation, and potential sources of pyrethroids in ambient air of two urban regions of Southeastern Brazil, along with the potential health risks to local populations via inhalation exposure. Pyrethroids were sampled by polyurethane foam passive air samplers and their concentrations were determined by gas chromatography coupled with electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry (GC/ECNI-MS). Atmospheric pyrethroid concentrations (hereinafter reported in pg m-3) were considerably higher than those reported by previous studies worldwide. Cypermethrin (median: 2446; range: 461-15 125) and permethrin (655; 19-10 328) accounted for 95% of the total measured pyrethroids in ambient air. The remaining fraction comprised smaller amounts of bifenthrin (46;  urban-industrial > background areas. HQs increased with decreasing age group, but deterministic and probabilistic estimates did not identify direct health risks for any group. Nevertheless, since only inhalation exposure was considered in this work, other pathways should be investigated to provide a more comprehensive risk assessment of the human exposure to pyrethroids.

Equatorial Atlantic pelagic predators reveal low content of PBDEs in contrast to MeO-BDEs: An analysis of brominated diphenyl ethers in blue shark and yellowfin tuna.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their methoxylated analogues (MeO-BDEs) are widely distributed in the environment. The main concern about the presence of PBDEs and MeO-BDEs in fish is due to their potential endocrine disruption effects in the specimens, and their potential risk to the health of human consumers. Considering these concerns, the goal of this study was to investigate the occurrence of PBDEs and MeO-BDEs in muscle tissues of blue shark (BSH), Prionace glauca, and yellowfin tuna (YFT), Thunnus albacares, caught in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean (EAO), North-eastern Brazilian waters, and to evaluate the potential risk of human exposure by consumption. Muscle tissues of YFT and BSH were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus and an Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE), respectively. PBDEs and MeO-BDEs were analysed by GC-NCI-MS. Concentrations of PBDEs ranged from not detected (nd) to 10 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) in YFT muscle samples, while PBDE levels in BSH muscle samples ranged from

Atmospheric Occurrence of Organochlorine Pesticides and Inhalation Cancer Risk in Urban Areas at Southeast Brazil.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been produced for almost a century and some of them are still used, even after they have been proved to be toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative and prone to long-range transport. Brazil has used and produced pesticides in industrial scales for both agricultural and public health purposes. Urban and industrial regions are of special concern due to their high population density and their increased exposure to chemical pollution, many times enhanced by chemical production, application or irregular dumping. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of OCPs in outdoor air of urban sites from two major regions of southeast Brazil. Some of these sites have been affected by OCP production and their irregular dumping. Deterministic and probabilistic inhalation cancer risk (CR) assessments were conducted for the human populations exposed to OCPs in ambient air. Ambient air was mainly affected by Æ©-HCH (median = 340 pg m-3) and Æ©-DDT (median = 233 pg m-3), the only two OCPs registered for domissanitary purposes in Brazil. OCP concentrations tended to be higher in summer than in winter. Dumping sites resulted in the highest OCP atmospheric concentrations and, thus, in the highest CR estimations. Despite of all limitations, probabilistic simulations suggested that people living in the studied regions are exposed to an increased risk of hepatic cancer. Infants and toddlers (0 < 2 y) were exposed to the highest inhalation CRs compared to other age groups. Other exposure pathways (such as ingestion and dermic uptake) are needed for a more comprehensive risk assessment. Moreover, this study also highlights the need to review the human exposure to OCPs through inhalation and their respective CR in other impacted areas worldwide, especially where high levels of OCPs are still being measured.

Biomonitoring mercury contamination using fur from roadkilled giant anteaters.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) can occur in both preserved and anthropogenic environments in Brazilian biomes. The Cerrado biome, where the samples were collected, is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots; however, a large part of it has been converted to pasture and agricultural land. In this environment, animals may be exposed to contaminants, such as mercury (Hg). Despite its immense biodiversity, there are few studies investigating Hg contamination in terrestrial mammals in Brazil. This study aimed to create a baseline for Hg levels in giant anteater fur and establish which biotic and abiotic variables can influence its concentration. Total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry in 141 individuals sampled on highways between January and October 2017, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. THg concentrations in fur ranged from 0.27 to 4.77 µg g -1. The decomposition stage of the carcasses and vehicular traffic volume on highways did not influence the THg concentrations. Juveniles presented lower THg concentrations than adults. A spatial pattern of higher concentrations in the eastern-southeastern region of the state was found, which could be related to anthropogenic impacts; however, no clear links have been established. The THg concentrations in giant anteaters' fur seems higher than expected considering the trophic position of the species. Despite this, the range was in accordance with studies of other Brazilian terrestrial mammals and within safe threshold levels. This study indicates the potential of utilizing roadkilled fauna to monitor large-scale contamination in wildlife.

Fluoroquinolones and trace elements in poultry litter: estimation of environmental load based on nitrogen requirement for crops.

Poultry litter soil application contributes to sustainability of agricultural systems and is in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG). Poultry litter recommended rates are based on crop nitrogen (N) needs, however, their application can be a potential source of antibiotics and trace elements overload. The aim of the study was to estimate the role of poultry litter application on soil contamination by fluoroquinolones [enrofloxacin (ENR) and ciprofloxacin (CIP)] and trace elements, based on N requirements for crops. Analytical and sampling techniques were used to estimate the loads from poultry litter application. Only CIP was found in poultry litter samples (283 ± 124 µg kg-1) and its load was estimated to be of 9.89 ± 4.33 g ha-1, for the poultry litter application (35 t ha-1). The estimated loads (g ha-1) of trace elements were: Cr 9.19 ± 3.26, Ni 12.3 ± 4.93, Pb 22.0 ± 8.26, Cu 229 ± 85.6, Mn 691 ± 259 and Zn 1,011 ± 378. These estimates were 900% higher than those recommended by the technical guidance, while N exceeded 600% the recommended application. In order to achieve UN-SDGs, local policies to disseminate knowledge and technologies are required for consolidating sustainable agricultural practices.

Pyrethroid insecticides along the Southwestern Atlantic coast: Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) as a bioindicator.

The presence of pyrethroid compounds in hepatic tissue of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) is reported for the first time. Twelve pyrethroids were determined in 50 animals from eight locations of the Brazilian coast. The highest average concentration of total pyrethroids (∑PYR) was 1166 ng.g-1 lw, with values ranging from 148 to 5918 ng.g-1 lw, in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro State, while the Espírito Santo State had the highest median, 568 ng.g-1 lw. Permethrin was the predominant compound in most areas, contributing for 42% to 81% of the ∑PYR, whereas cypermethrin was the most abundant compound in Guanabara and Sepetiba bays (79% and 81%, respectively), both located in Rio de Janeiro State. Biological factors were not correlated with pyrethroids concentration. Tetramethrin and es/fenvalerate compounds were negatively correlated to the age, suggesting degradation/metabolization capacity in these animals that increases throughout life. Despite being metabolized and excreted, the wide use of these pollutants is reflected in relevant concentrations found in Guiana dolphins. This is the first study evaluating pyrethroids in a representative number of hepatic samples and covering >2600 km of coast. The overall lack of information on pyrethroids in cetaceans highlights the importance of understanding the profile and distribution of these pollutants in dolphins which exclusively inhabit the Southwestern Atlantic coast.

Total mercury in wild felids occurring in protected areas in the central Brazilian Amazon

This is the first study to investigate mercury (Hg) contamination in felid species in the Brazilian Amazon. We collected 26 fur samples from wild felids of four species (Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis and Leopardus wiedii) occurring in the Mamirauá and Amanã sustainable development reserves, in the state of Amazonas. Samples were from museum specimens, except for five P. onca samples collected from free-living individuals. Total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 48.1 µg g-1. Concentrations of Hg did not differ significantly between museum specimens and live individuals of P. onca, but varied significantly among species, with significantly higher concentrations for P. onca and L. pardalis, which could be related to factors such as diet and habitat. (AU)

Mercury contamination in the recently described Brazilian white-tail dogfish Squalus albicaudus (Squalidae, Chondrichthyes).

The recently described Squalus albicaudus is a mesopredator shark and, as such, exposed to mercury biomagnification processes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess total Hg (THg) concentrations in S. albicaudus, a deep-water species, sampled off Southeastern Brazil and discuss ecological, reproductive, human consumption and conservation implications. Thirty-two individuals were sampled off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, including 13 gravid females carrying 34 embryos. Muscle THg concentrations were higher in all sex classes compared to liver, gonads and brain. The last three, in turn, presented THg concentrations above toxic biota thresholds. Significant correlations were observed between muscle and brain and liver, indicating systemic Hg contamination and inter-organ transport and distribution. In addition, correlations observed between organs strongly support efficient Hg blood-brain barrier crossing and maternal transfer. Maternal THg transfer was observed, with embryo THg also above toxic thresholds for fish. THg levels in muscle and liver, as well as embryos, were higher compared to other Squalus species worldwide. Hg contamination off the coast of Rio de Janeiro is of significant concern and should be further assessed. Potential human consumption risks are noted, as muscle THg concentrations were above maximum permissible levels set by regulatory agencies.

Tracking mercury in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean: the use of tuna and tuna-like species as indicators of bioavailability.

Mercury is a trace element that is potentially dangerous due its high toxicity and tendency to bioaccumulate in organisms. Currently, high mercury concentrations are seen in the environment especially due climate changes. Studies regarding mercury bioavailability in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean using tuna and tuna-like species are rare. The aim of the present study was to use tuna and tuna-like species (Thunnus atlanticus, Thunnus albacares, Katsuwonus pelamis, Euthynnus alletteratus, Coryphaena hippurus and Sarda sarda) as indicators of the availability of total mercury (THg) in oceanic food webs of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. THg concentrations varied significantly among species for both muscle and liver (Kruskal-Wallis test; H5,130 = 52.7; p < 0.05; H5,130 = 50.1; p < 0.05, respectively). The lowest concentrations were found in C. hippurus (0.008 mg kg-1 wet weight in the muscle and 0.003 mg kg-1 wet weight in the liver), and the highest concentrations were reported in the muscle of T. atlanticus (1.3 mg kg-1 wet weight) and in the liver of S. sarda (2.5 mg kg-1 wet weight). The continued monitoring of tuna and tuna-like species is necessary to assist in their conservation since tuna can be sentinels of mercury pollution.

Residues of legacy organochlorine pesticides and DDT metabolites in highly consumed fish from the polluted Guanabara Bay, Brazil: distribution and assessment of human health risk.

Organochlorine (OCP) pesticides were determined in samples of sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis), whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), and mullet (Mugil liza) from Guanabara Bay (state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). OCP concentrations and fish consumption were linked with acceptable daily intake values in order to assess the human health risk for the Brazilian population. The total concentrations of OCPs (Σ OCP) was 6.6 ng/g f.w., 7.5 ng/g f.w., and 2.8 ng/g f.w. for sardines, corvina, and mullet, respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) among the species related to o,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDT concentrations. Both DDT-related compounds were 5 and 76 times more abundant in sardines than in whitemouth croaker and mullet. Newly discovered DDT metabolite, o-Cl-DDMU, was frequently detected in the fish. None of the samples exceeded the maximum limits for acceptable levels of OCP residues. According to the data of average intake of Brazilian population, none of three species exceeded toxicological parameter. The investigated fishes are considered as safe for human consumption in regard to exposure of the studied OCPs. However, fish may be a intake source of OCP metabolites such as o-Cl-DDMU whose toxicity is still unknown.

Total mercury in wild felids occurring in protected areas in the central Brazilian Amazon / Mercúrio total em felinos selvagens em áreas protegidas na Amazônia central brasileira

This is the first study to investigate mercury (Hg) contamination in felid species in the Brazilian Amazon. We collected 26 fur samples from wild felids of four species (Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis and Leopardus wiedii) occurring in the Mamirauá and Amanã sustainable development reserves, in the state of Amazonas. Samples were from museum specimens, except for five P. onca samples collected from free-living individuals. Total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 48.1 µg g-1. Concentrations of Hg did not differ significantly between museum specimens and live individuals of P. onca, but varied significantly among species, with significantly higher concentrations for P. onca and L. pardalis, which could be related to factors such as diet and habitat.(AU)

Este é o primeiro estudo a investigar a contaminação por mercúrio (Hg) em espécies de felinos na Amazônia brasileira. Foram coletadas 26 amostras de pelo de felinos selvagens de quatro espécies (Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis e Leopardus wiedii) ocorrendo nas reservas de desenvolvimento sustentável Mamirauá e Amanã, no estado do Amazonas. As amostras foram coletadas de espécimes de museu, exceto cinco amostras de P. onca obtidas de indivíduos capturados em vida livre. As concentrações de Hg variaram de 0,12 a 48,1 µg g-1. Não houve diferença significativa entre a concentração de Hg no pelo de espécimes de museu e de indivíduos vivos de P. onca. Houve variação significativa entre espécies, sendo que P. onca e L. pardalis tiveram concentrações significativamente mais altas, o que pode estar relacionado a fatores como dieta e hábitat.(AU)