Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis): Biomonitoring and Potential Human Health Effects

Abstract

Organochloride (OC) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were determined in the muscle tissue of fifty sardine samples (Sardinella brasiliensis) sampled off the south-east Brazilian shelf. The aim herein was to investigate OCs and PCBs composition profile, bioaccumulation potential and human risks. The concentrations of 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were below the method limit of quantification in most samples (ca. 94%), with few detected, namely δ-HCH, γ-HCH, Endosulfan I and II, Endosulfan Sulphate, DDE, Dieldrin, Endrin, Endrin Aldeide, Endrin Cetone and Metoxyclor. The median concentration for the Σ41 PCBs was 2.32 ng g−1, ranging from values below the limit of quantification (<LOQ) to 37.2 ng g−1. Based on the analyzed samples, the concentrations reported herein do not represent a risk for human consumption according to both national and international guidelines, nor do OC and PCB bioaccumulation in sardines appear to be a concern at the moment. These findings, although preliminary, represent a baseline for future comparisons of the quality of an important source of protein available to the poorest Brazilian population strata.