Plastic resin pellets were collected from coastal areas (n = 7) of central Chile. Pellets were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for polymer identification and gas ...chromatography–mass spectrometry for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) determination. Screened compounds were PBDEs (n = 10), PCBs (n = 7), and OCPs (n = 13). Pellets were only found at Lenga Beach (San Vicente Bay), which is likely influenced by the presence of industrial activities in the surrounding coastal area. The diameter of the pellets was 4.0 ± 0.6 cm (n = 370), the color varied from white (32%) to yellowing (68%), and the most prevalent polymer identified was high-density polyethylene (99%). POPs concentrations (ng/g-pellet) ranged from 10 to 133 for Ʃ10PBDEs, from 3 to 60 for Ʃ7PCBs and between 0.1 and 7 for DDTs. Levels of POPs are consistent with other investigations around the world and highlight the sorbtion capacity of plastics resin pellets, and consequently transport of POPs into coastal environments.
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•The prevalent polymer found was high-density polyethylene (HDPE, 99%).•PCBs showed the highest levels followed by PBDEs with BDE209 as the dominant compound.•White and yellowing pellets showed different POP patterns.•Pellets are suitable tools to monitor POP levels.
In the last decades, research regarding the dynamics of pesticides has grown, even in remote regions. Due to long-range atmospheric transport, environmental persistence and toxicological potential of ...organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), similar characteristics of current-use pesticides (CUPs) and their massive use in Brazil, these contaminants have become a major concern for environmental and human life. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate subgroups or individual chemicals of OCPs and CUPs, which could have travelled over two Conservation Unit sites in the Rio de Janeiro state. The study was carried out for 24 months, (2013–2015), in Itatiaia National Park (INP) and in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (SONP), at ∼2400 and ∼2200 meters above sea level, respectively. The study was based on atmospheric passive sampling (polyurethane foam disks). Target pesticides were detected by means of gas chromatography device coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Significantly higher concentrations were measured in SONP when compared to INP. However, in broad terms, the contamination profile was quite similar for both national parks: The highest concentrations of endosulfan (INP - 1275 pg m−3 and SONP - 3202 pg m−3) were followed by cypermethrin (INP - 148 pg m−3 and SONP - 881 pg m−3) and chlorpyrifos (INP - 67 pg m−3 and SONP - 270 pg m−3). In agreement with previous studies, the atmospheric concentrations of legacy OCPs showed background air levels. The decrease of endosulfan over the years was highlighted with a parallel increase of chlorpyrifos, suggesting a collateral effect of the national bias of permissive and massive use of agrochemicals. CUPs seemed to behave like pseudo-persistent pollutants (pseudo-POPs). This is the first report of atmospheric concentrations of pyrethroids in Brazilian mountain regions, and possibly the first to investigate them in the air in South America or in any mountain region in the world.
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•Longest atmospheric monitoring of OCPs and CUPs in South American mountains.•First report of endosulfan decrease in air after its prohibition in Brazil.•Parallel increase of chlorpyrifos in air after endosulfan's prohibition.•First report of atmospheric concentrations of pyrethroids in Brazilian mountains.•High CUPs concentrations associated to permissive national regulations.
Current-use pesticides were measured at high concentrations in the atmosphere of Brazilian mountains and increase over time, while endosulfan has decreased after its prohibition.
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.
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•This study presents the first PFOA inventory and reviews PFOS inventory in Brazil.•First systematic review of PFAS occurrence in Brazil.•Production of EtFOSA in Brazil estimated to be 40 t per year between 2010 and 2018.•Usage of EtFOSA from 2010 to 2018 could have led to emission of up to 616 t of PFOS.•PFAS concentration in most Brazilian environments is considered low.
Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are widely produced chemicals, with certain CP subgroups facing global restrictions due to their environmental dispersion, persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. To ...evaluate the effectiveness of these international restrictions, we assessed the homologue group contribution and the mass fraction of short-chain CPs (SCCPs: C10–C13), medium-chain CPs (MCCPs: C14–C17), and long-chain CPs (LCCPs: ≥C18) in 36 technical CP mixtures used worldwide over the last 50 years. Using low-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS), we quantified 74 CP homologue groups (C10Cl4–C20Cl10). Additionally, high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–QTOF–MS) screening was employed to identify unresolved CP contents, covering 375 CP homologue groups (C6Cl4–C30Cl30). Overall, 1 sample was mainly composed of <C10-CPs, 10 of SCCPs, 13 of MCCPs, and 12 of LCCPs. Specific homologue group contributions and mass fractions of CP subgroups varied considerably. However, the predominance of C11Cl6- and C14Cl6-CP homologue groups was in good agreement with that of the dominant homologue groups in environmental matrices and manufactured products. SCCP yields are still high in some technical CP mixtures, and three technical CP mixtures currently produced failed the Stockholm Convention restrictions on SCCPs. This study sheds light on significant challenges in implementing international CP restrictions effectively.
•Spatial visualization of pesticide exposure susceptibility.•Identification of possible hotspots and agricultural expansion over the territory.•Link between large-scale monocultural production and ...indigenous communities.•Supporting tool for surveillance and protection of indigenous health.
The expansion of the agribusiness sector, mostly fueled by the international demand for agricultural commodities, is strongly associated with increasing pesticide applications. In Brazil, deforestation and land conflicts are also critical issues that have followed the agricultural frontier expansion. In this scenario, indigenous peoples and their territories are often found in a vulnerable position. Their reliance on natural resources, i.e., waterbodies potentially impacted by pesticides, can lead to chronical exposure and health impacts. Therefore, to evaluate the vulnerability of indigenous communities related to pesticide exposure, we developed an index of pesticide exposure susceptibility, based on data provided by the Census of Agriculture 2017, and applied it to the municipalities in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. Selected variables that are directly or indirectly related to the intensity of pesticide application were processed using GIS, generating a map that compiles agricultural areas classified according to the index values along with the limits of indigenous territories, and the hydrographic network for the study area. The final output allowed a clear visualization of the index gradients across the territory and the identification of priority areas for further in situ studies. This represents a useful management tool for indigenous and environmental health surveillance.
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•First study regarding Se biogeochemistry in the Brazilian Amazon.•Se in sediment might decrease the bioavailability of Hg.•Sediment might be the main source of Se to plankton.•Se ...concentrations decreased along the food chain.•Se probably reduces Hg bioaccumulation in carnivorous fishes.
We investigated Se levels along the Tapajós River basin - which is an important tributary of the Amazon River - and the possible antagonistic effect of Se in Hg availability. This is the first study to investigate Se transfer from abiotic to biotic compartments and along the food chain in aquatic ecosystems of the Amazon basin.
Se concentrations were measured in superficial sediment (n = 29), plankton (n = 28) and fishes (n = 121) along two stretches of the Tapajós River basin (Tapup/mi and Taplow), comprising approximately 500 km with different hydrological characteristics.
Se concentrations in sediment were significantly higher in the Taplow (345−664 μg kg−1) than in the Tapup/mi (60−424 μg kg−1). The seasonal flooding of the Amazon River probably helps to carry selenium-rich sediment to the Tapajós mouth (Taplow stretch). We suggest that Se in sediment could decrease the bioavailability of Hg resulting in lower MeHg concentrations in fish, as observed in the Taplow (45−934 μg kg−1). Sediment and plankton were positively correlated in relation to their Se concentrations (r = 0.62; p = 0.001) suggesting that sediment can possibly be the main source of Se to plankton. Our data indicate Se uptake by primary consumers, as noted in phytoplankton levels. The decrease of Se concentrations along the food chain was also noteworthy.
This work elucidates some aspects of Se biogeochemistry in the Amazon basin and shows its importance regarding Hg cycles in aquatic ecosystems.
In southeastern Brazil, particular altitudinal grassland ecosystems, known as campos de altitude, occur at mountainous summits that host an outstanding level of biodiversity and endemism. However, ...despite being environmentally protected areas, several studies have shown their susceptibility to the impacts of climate change and airborne pollution. Previous studies highlighted that organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), present higher atmospheric concentrations along altitudinal gradients and can be locally deposited. On top of that, formerly used OCPs are still detected in the atmosphere on those mountaintops, long after their phase-out. Nevertheless, the potential bioaccumulation of OCPs by endemic species has not yet been assessed. Thus, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of OCPs in terrestrial subalpine wildlife and to establish a baseline for further in-depth studies on OCPs, or similar hazardous chemicals, in these endangered environments. In summary, 28 OCP congeners were investigated in 49 liver samples of ten small mammal species collected in 2013 and in 2016. Chemical analyses were based on gas chromatography coupled with electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry (GC/ECNI-MS). Additional stable isotope analyses (δ 15 N and δ 13C) were performed to elucidate the role of trophic position on OCP bioaccumulation. Mirex, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, chlordane, and hexachlorocyclohexane congeners were the most frequently detected OCPs (59–97% of all samples). Regarding OCP contents in liver tissues, Mirex was also dominant. The atmospheric transport from secondary sources was assumed to be the origin of OCPs in the studied environment and their occurrence and difference between the two sampling sites are in good agreement with previous atmospheric monitoring. Further studies are needed to evaluate the exposure of campos de altitude endemic organisms to other airborne hazardous chemicals and to assess the potential toxicity posed by contaminant mixtures.
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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.
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•First report on the occurrence of SCCPs and MCCPs in fish from the South Atlantic Ocean in Argentina.•SCCP and MCCP amounts were considered low or moderate, compared to other studies.•Analyzed fish are safe for human consumption regarding SCCP amounts.•SCCPs amounts showed no inter- or intra-specific significative differences.•MCCP interspecific differences were explained by feeding habits and fish size.
Pharmaceutical usage has led to the widespread detection of these compounds in aquatic ecosystems worldwide, raising concerns about the selective pressure they can exert on microbial communities. To ...aid in tackling this global emergency, we undertook an initial step in identifying potential hotspots of bacterial resistance arising from the occurrence of antibiotics in the environment. This was conducted by performing a risk assessment based on the measured environmental concentrations of selected antibiotics, acquired from an international pharmaceutical database, and the respective no-effect concentrations for bacterial resistance of such antibiotics. We identified untreated industrial and hospital sewage as the aquatic matrices of most concern. Regarding treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants, the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and Tunisia exhibit a high-risk quotient. For surface water matrices (rivers and streams), both ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin warrant attention and the countries with the highest risk medians were India, South Africa, and the United States of America. Our study provides an initial basis for highlighting the antibiotics, countries, and aquatic matrices that warrant more attention regarding bacterial resistance. This approach can be applied at national or regional scales for more detailed environmental evaluation and decision-making. Nonetheless, we encourage further investigations to confirm the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes in the potential hotspots identified in this study.
