Specific accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in Japanese common squid as a bioindicator

Comparison of Cd, Cu, Se, and Zn Concentration in the Muscle and Hepatopancreas of Sepia pharaonis and Uroteuthis duvauceli in the North of Persian Gulf (Iran)

The objective of this research was to examine and contrast the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) in the muscle and hepatopancreas tissues of two species, namely pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) and Indian squid (Uroteuthis duvauceli), from the Persian Gulf. A total of thirty individuals of each species were gathered in January 2009 from the northern waters of the Persian Gulf. The metal concentrations were significantly higher in muscle tissue (p < 0.05) than in other tissues. S. pharaonis had higher metal concentrations than U. duvauceli. In the muscle and hepatopancreas samples of S. pharaonis, the highest mean concentrations were found to be for Zn (58.45 ± 0.96 µg/g dw) and Cu (1541.47 ± 192.15 µg/g dw), respectively. In U. duvauceli, the highest concentration of measured elements was seen for Zn in both muscle (36.52 ± 0.56 µg/g dw) and hepatopancreas (60.94 ± 2.65 µg/g dw). Se had the lowest concentration among the elements measured in both species. There was a negative and significant correlation between Cu and biometrical factors (total body length and weight) in both muscle and hepatopancreas samples of S. pharaonic and only in the muscle samples of U. duvauceli (p < 0.01, R2 =  - 052; p < 0.01, R2 =  - 0.055). However, there was a strong correlation between Zn and biometrical factors in hepatopancreas samples of both species. The comparison of metal concentrations with standards revealed that only Cd levels in S. pharaonis exceeded the ESFA and WHO standards, whereas other metals were below the standards.

Variation of 210-polonium in the cephalopod community from the Bay of Biscay, North-East Atlantic

Among natural radionuclides, 210Po is the major contributor to the radiation dose received by marine organisms. In cephalopods, 210Po is concentrated in the digestive gland, which contains over 90% of the whole-body burden of the nuclide. Although previous studies showed that 210Po was taken up independently of 210Pb, its parent nuclide, very little is known about the factors influencing its levels in cephalopods. To the best of our knowledge, no studies investigated 210Po levels in different species at the same time. In the present study, 210Po was analysed in the digestive gland of 62 individuals from 11 species representing a large range of feeding ecologies and habitats, including squids, cuttlefish and octopus species from coastal to deep-oceanic habitats. Among species, the highest activity was measured in Loligo vulgaris (5720 ± 3606 Bq/kg) and the lowest in T. megalops (188 Bq/kg). However, considering the habitats (benthic vs pelagic and neritic vs oceanic), no significant differences appeared. At the species level, no differences between sexes were found so both sexes were plotted together to test the size effect for species with at least 8 individuals (i.e., Eledone cirrhosa, L. vulgaris, L. forbesi and Sepia officinalis). In the first three species, 210Po levels decreased significantly with increasing size or weight but not in S. officinalis. In squid, this could be related to ontogenetic changes in diet from a high proportion of crustaceans (high Po content) in small individuals to fish (low Po content) in larger individuals, while the high dietary plasticity of S. officinalis at all stages of its life cycle could explain the lack of decrease in 210Po with size. In comparison to the few data from the literature, the levels of 210Po concentrations in the cephalopod community of the Bay of Biscay were overall in the same range than those reported in other cephalopods, varying across 4 orders of magnitude. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of retention in the cephalopod digestive gland.

Trophic Chain Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination in a Highly Productive Upwelling Area in Southeastern Brazil

Organochlorine pesticides (OCP) are legacy anthropogenic compounds known to persist for several years in the environment. The continuous use of some OCP, such as DDT, after restrictions in developing countries are cause of concern, due to their deleterious effects to marine life and humans. Studies assessing OCP contamination in coastal environments are still scarce in South America and there is a need to understand the impacts from trophic chain accumulation of these pollutants in marine life. In this study, we have assessed OCP levels in muscle and liver and estimated the biomagnification factor in several upwelling system trophic chain members, including fish, squid, and marine mammal from Southeastern Brazil. DDT degradation product DDE was the OCP detected in the highest concentrations in Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei), 86.4 ng·g^-1 wet weight, and fish muscle and liver. In general, higher OCP levels were found in liver than in muscle, except for croaker. Biomagnification factors (BMF) of OCP in the top predator P. blainvillei and the carnivorous cutlass fish (Trichiurus lepturus) were on average between 0.2 and 1.8. Continued OCP monitoring in this region is warranted to better understand the distribution and fate of these compounds over time, with the goal to establish strategies for the conservation of local dolphin species and to assess human health risks from local coastal region populations.

Dietary intake of trace elements from commercially important fish and shellfish of Thoothukudi along the southeast coast of India and implications for human health risk assessment

The concentrations of eight trace elements (chromium, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead) in14 commercially important fish and shellfish collected from Thoothukudi along the southeast coast of India was investigated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in order to assess the health risks associated with their consumption. The concentration of trace elements ranged from 0.001 to 39.5 μg/g. The estimated weekly intake of cadmium in seven fish and shellfish (0.0081-0.0996 mg/kg body weight) were above the provisional tolerable weekly intake set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. The risk assessment analysis indicated that there was non- carcinogenic risk upon lifetime consumption of rock crab, C. natator (TTHQ >1) and carcinogenic risks upon lifetime consumption of S. jello, P. semisulcatus, P. sanguinolentus C. natator, Uroteuthis duvaceli, Sepia pharaonis and Cistopus indicus due to cadmium exposure indicating a potential health risk to the exposed consumers.

Use of survival rates of the barnacle Chthamalus stellatus as a bioindicator of pollution

Concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in marine environments have increasingly become a problem for several ocean ecosystems, due to increments in pollution. Habitats daily exposed to extreme conditions, such as the intertidal rocky platforms and pools, are more vulnerable to pollution effects. In the coast of Punta del Hidalgo (Tenerife, Spain), we have located a water-treatment plant that could be pouring periodically pollutants to the near shore. We studied coverage and survival rates of the cirriped Chthamalus stellatus inhabiting the intertidal near the sewage pipe of the water plant of ​Punta del Hidalgo and in a control area in a proximate location. Concurrently, water samples from intertidal pools were obtained from both affected and control areas in order to corroborate the presence of pollutants, analyzing the concentrations of metals and trace elements. The results obtained clarified that the area near the underwater outfall presented higher percentage of coverage and mortality of C. stellatus than the control zone. The analysis of metal content in water samples also showed higher concentrations of metals for the affected area compared to the control one. We therefore propose the use of survival rates of populations of C. stellatus in the intertidal as bioindicators of metal pollution.

Different profiles of naturally produced and anthropogenic organohalogens in the livers of cetaceans from the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific Ocean

Levels and profiles of naturally produced halogenated bipyrroles (Br₄Cl₂-DBP and Cl₇-MBP), methoxylated tetrabromodiphenyl ethers (6-MeO-BDE47), anthropogenic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were investigated in the livers of 14 cetaceans from the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific Ocean. The concentrations of Br₄Cl₂-DBP (4 to 4900 ng/g-wet), Cl₇-MBP (16 to 3960 ng/g-wet) and 6-MeO-BDE47 (7 to 190 ng/g-wet) were higher in the order of killer whales > toothed whales > baleen whales. Profiles of PFASs were dominated by perfluoroundecanoic and perfluorotridecanoic acids (10 to 540 ng/g-wet), sum of which accounted for 70% of total measured PFASs. Regional difference was observed for Cl₇-MBP and PFASs, which were higher in the Sea of Japan, whereas Br₄Cl₂-DBP was in the North Pacific Ocean. Specific accumulation pattern of these natural contaminants in cetaceans around northern Japan could help compare the exposure profile of PFASs and POPs among other geographic regions.

Metal bioaccumulation and detoxification processes in cephalopods: A review

In recent decades, cephalopods have been shown to have very high capacities to accumulate most trace elements, regardless of whether they are essential (e.g., Cu and Zn) or non-essential (e.g., Ag and Cd). Among the different pathways of exposure to trace elements, the trophic pathway appears to be the major route of assimilation for numerous metals, including Cd, Co, Hg and Zn. Once assimilated, trace elements are distributed in the organism, accumulating in storage organs. The digestive gland is the main organ in which many trace elements accumulate, whichever of the exposure pathway. For example, this organ can present Cd concentrations reaching hundreds to thousands of ppm for some species, even though the digestive gland represents only a small proportion of the total mass of the animal. Such a specific organotropism towards the digestive gland of both essential and non-essential elements, regardless of the exposure pathway, poses the question of the detoxification processes evolved by cephalopods in order to sustain these high concentrations. This paper reviews the current knowledge on the bioaccumulation of trace elements in cephalopods, the differences in pharmaco-dynamics between organs and tissues, and the detoxification processes they use to counteract trace element toxicity. A peculiar focus has been done on the bioaccumulation within the digestive gland by investigating the subcellular locations of trace elements and their protein ligands.

Human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in snappers (Lutjanus) fish from the Navachiste Lagoon complex, Mexico

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues were determined in fillets of Lutjanus colorado, L. argentiventris, and L. novemfasciatus. Fillet samples were collected bimonthly from February 2012 to February 2013. OCPs average concentrations do not differ significantly according to size, weight, or season, nor do they relate with the physico-chemical parameters of the sea water. The highest concentration and most frequently encountered OCPs were endosulfan sulfate, δ-HCH, and heptachlor epoxide, which indicates their use in the recent past and confirms their persistence. Average concentrations of ∑HCHs, ∑chlordane, and ∑heptachlor in samples were above cancer MRLs according to data from monthly consumed portions. HCHs and heptachlor are listed in Appendix III of the Rotterdam Convention of chemicals placed on a prior informed consent procedure for import and export purposes; they are considered illegal in Mexico. The OCPs concentrations above cancer MRLs in Lutjanus spp. turn its frequent consumption into a human health risk.

Cytochrome P4501A1 expression in blubber biopsies of endangered false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) and nine other odontocete species from Hawai'i

Odontocetes (toothed whales) are considered sentinel species in the marine environment because of their high trophic position, long life spans, and blubber that accumulates lipophilic contaminants. Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) is a biomarker of exposure and molecular effects of certain persistent organic pollutants. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize CYP1A1 expression in blubber biopsies collected by non-lethal sampling methods from 10 species of free-ranging Hawaiian odontocetes: short-finned pilot whale, melon-headed whale, pygmy killer whale, common bottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, Blainville's beaked whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale, and endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale. Significantly higher levels of CYP1A1 were observed in false killer whales and rough-toothed dolphins compared to melon-headed whales, and in general, trophic position appears to influence CYP1A1 expression patterns in particular species groups. No significant differences in CYP1A1 were found based on age class or sex across all samples. However, within male false killer whales, juveniles expressed significantly higher levels of CYP1A1 when compared to adults. Total polychlorinated biphenyl (∑PCBs) concentrations in 84% of false killer whales exceeded proposed threshold levels for health effects, and ∑PCBs correlated with CYP1A1 expression. There was no significant relationship between PCB toxic equivalent quotient and CYP1A1 expression, suggesting that this response may be influenced by agonists other than the dioxin-like PCBs measured in this study. No significant differences were found for CYP1A1 expression among social clusters of false killer whales. This work provides a foundation for future health monitoring of the endangered stock of false killer whales and other Hawaiian odontocetes.

Contaminants in tracked seabirds showing regional patterns of marine pollution

Ocean-scale monitoring of pollution is challenging. Seabirds are useful indicators because they travel over a broad foraging range. Nevertheless, this coarse spatial resolution is not fine enough to discriminate pollution in a finer scale. Previous studies have demonstrated that pollution levels are higher in the Sea of Japan and South and East China Seas than the Northen Pacific Ocean. To test these findings in a wide-ranging animal, we tracked streaked shearwaters (Calonectris leucomelas) from four islands in Japan using global positioning system (GPS) and measured persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the oil of their preen glands. The POPs did not change during 6 to 21 days when birds from Awashima were foraging only in the Sea of Japan, while it increased when they crossed to the Pacific through the Tsugaru Strait and foraged along the eastern coast of Hokkaido where industrial cities occur. These results indicate that POPs in the oil reflect relatively short-term exposure. Concentrations of POPs displayed greater variation among regions. Total polychlorinated biphenyls were highest in birds foraging in a small area of the semiclosed Seto Inland Sea surrounded by urbanized coast, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was highest in birds foraging in the East China Sea, and total hexachlorocyclohexanes were highest in birds foraging in the Sea of Japan. All were lowest in birds foraging in the Pacific. This distribution of POPs concentration partly agrees with previous findings based on mussels, fish, and seawater and possibly reflects the mobility and emission sources of each type of POP. These results highlight the importance of information on the foraging area of highly mobile top predators to make them more effective monitors of regional marine pollution.

Organohalogen compounds in deep-sea fishes from the western North Pacific, off-Tohoku, Japan: Contamination status and bioaccumulation profiles

Twelve species of deep-sea fishes collected in 2005 from the western North Pacific, off-Tohoku, Japan were analyzed for organohalogen compounds. Among the compounds analyzed, concentrations of DDTs and PCBs (up to 23,000 and 12,400 ng/g lipid wt, respectively) were the highest. The present study is the foremost to report the occurrence of brominated flame retardants such as PBDEs and HBCDs in deep-sea organisms from the North Pacific region. Significant positive correlations found between delta(15)N ( per thousand) and PCBs, DDTs and PBDEs suggest the high biomagnification potential of these contaminants in food web. The large variation in delta(13)C (per thousand) values observed between the species indicate multiple sources of carbon in the food web and specific accumulation of hydrophobic organohalogen compounds in benthic dwelling carnivore species like snubnosed eel. The results obtained in this study highlight the usefulness of deep-sea fishes as sentinel species to monitor the deep-sea environment.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants in Korean offshore waters: squid (Todarodes pacificus) as a biomonitor

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were determined in Japanese common squid collected from the offshore waters of Korea. Liver accumulated higher levels of contaminants than mantle. The sums of DDTs, PCBs, CHLs and HCHs in liver were in the ranges of 164-4430 ng g(-1), 95-1030 ng g(-1), 15-121 ng g(-1), and 13-98 ng g(-1) on a lipid weight basis, respectively. Among the POPs, DDTs showed distinct regional difference in concentration levels and composition between the western and eastern offshore of Korea. One of the highest concentrations of DDTs so far recorded in the western offshore of Korea, that is Yellow Sea. This implies ongoing fresh input of technical DDT to this regional sea. HCHs were relatively high in the Yellow Sea as well, with an enhanced signal of gamma-HCH indicating recent input of lindane. In contrast, CHLs showed higher level in the eastern offshore of Korea, that is East Sea, but PCBs showed an even distribution in both regions. Squid could be a useful bio-indicator for monitoring offshore water contamination by POPs.

Selection of bioindicators of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides in mollusks in the Chinese Bohai Sea

Mollusks, including bivalve and gastropod samples, were collected in the summer of 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the spatial patterns of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the coastal water of the Chinese Bohai Sea. Seven species of mollusks, including Rapana venosa (Rap), Neverita didyma (Nev), Scapharca subcrenata (Sca), Mytilus edulis (Blue mussel, Myt), Amusium (Amu), Meretix meretrix (Mer), and Crassostrea talienwhanensis (Oyster, Ost) were investigated to select appropriate bioindicators. Compared with other species, Ost and Myt possess higher lipid contents and have higher concentrations of OCPs and PBDEs. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the most influential factor on the contaminant concentrations in mollusks is the trophic level (TL), followed by the lipid contents. Concentrations of OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs correlated negatively with the TL of the selected mollusks. Results of principal component and correlation analyses suggest that Ost and Myt can be used as potential bioindicators of pollution by OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs of the Chinese Bohai Sea.

Metal and metalloid concentrations in the giant squid Architeuthis dux from Iberian waters

This study investigated 14 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn) in the tissues of the giant squid Architeuthis dux from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Spanish waters. As for other families of cephalopods, the digestive gland and the branchial hearts of Architeuthis showed the highest concentrations of Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Se, V and Zn, highlighting their major role in the bioaccumulation and detoxification processes. With the exception of Hg, the muscles showed relatively low trace element concentrations. Nevertheless, this tissue contained the main proportion of the total As, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Zn body burden because muscles represent the main proportion of the squid mass. These findings suggest that the metal metabolism is overall the same as other cephalopod families from neritic waters. In females, Zn concentrations increased in the digestive gland with the squid's weight likely reflecting physiological changes during sexual maturation. Comparing the trace element concentrations in the tissues of Architeuthis, higher Ag, Cu, Hg and Zn concentrations in the squid from the Mediterranean reflected different exposure conditions. In comparison to other meso-pelagic squids from the Bay of Biscay, Cd concentrations recorded in the digestive gland suggest that Architeuthis might feed on more contaminated prey or that it displays a longer life span that other cephalopods.

Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in small size specimens of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea)

The concentration levels and pattern distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs), were investigated in liver of small size specimens of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea). PCB concentrations (average: 526 ng g(-1) lipid wt) were comparable with DDT levels (average: 435 ng g(-1) lipid wt). The specific analysis of PCB congeners revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta- and heptachlorinated congeners, while among DDTs, the compounds with the higher concentration was p,p'-DDE, constituting 91.9% of the total DDT. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono- and non-ortho congeners, was 0.55 pg g(-1) wet weight with. The congeners with highest TEQs values were non-ortho congeners followed by mono-ortho ones.

Investigating the presence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in wild and farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) from the Western Mediterranean sea

The presence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in wild and farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) from the Western Mediterranean, Spain, is investigated. These pollutants were determined in white and red muscle and liver by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Contaminant profiles present in both wild and farmed fish tissues include DDTs, PCBs and HCB. The highest concentrations of contaminants were found in liver, and an increase in pollutant levels was observed in autumn, before spawning. This fact is explained in light of increased food intake when sea water temperatures increase. Gilthead sea bream from Western Mediterranean populations showed significantly higher concentrations of DDTs and PCBs than farmed fish from the same area. This fact is attributed to the low level of organochlorine contaminants present in fish feed supplied to the cultured fish. The diet is highlighted as an important factor in understanding differences observed in organochlorine pollutants levels of fish tissues.

ESTABELECIMENTO DE METODOLOGIAS DE EXTRAÇÃO DE HEXACLOROBENZENO (HCB) DE SEDIMENTO E ÁGUA DE ESTUÁRIO E DO MAR

RESUMO O hexaclorobenzeno (HCB) foi amplamente utilizado como fungicida e é também subproduto de vários processos industriais, como na fabricação de solventes. Suas características químicas o tornam pouco disponível à degradação química e biológica, levando a bio-acumulação e biomagnificação ao longo da cadeia alimentar. Assim, sua detecção e quantificação em organismos e no ambiente são importantes e, para isto, metodologias eficientes devem possibilitar o rastreamento e a quantificação de contaminação ambiental da maneira mais econômica. Este trabalho comparou diferentes métodos de extração de HCB de sedimentos e águas de estuário e de mar, avaliando as vantagens de cada método. Os testes de recuperação utilizaram amostras de sedimentos e águas de estuário e mar tratadas com HCB em mistura com 14C-HCB como radiotraçador e quantificação do radiocarbono por espectrometria de cintilação em líquido (ECL). A recuperação de 14C-HCB das águas foi comparada por extração das amostras com hexano em coluna C18 e extração líquido-líquido também com hexano como solvente. Nos sedimentos testouse extração com mistura de hexano:acetona e energia de microondas. A extração por fase sólida (C18) foi o melhor método de extração de água, com 88,3% e 83,4% de recuperação, respectivamente de água de estuário e de mar. A extração de sedimento por microondas recuperou 99,5% e 99,9% de radiocarbono, respectivamente de sedimentos de estuário e de mar. A análise custo/benefício indica a extração por coluna C18 para águas e a extração por microondas para sedimentos como os melhores métodos de recuperação e que possibilitarão boa detecção de HCB em estudos de poluição.

Dioxin Concentrations in the Edible Parts of Japanese Common Squid and Saury

We examined the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxin-like PCBs) in muscle and gut tissues from Japanese common squid and saury. These body parts are often eaten in Japan, so it is important to measure their dioxin concentrations and evaluate the risks to consumers. The toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations in the squid gut samples (1.0 to 14 pg-TEQ/g fresh weight, n=3) were 50-fold larger than those in the muscle tissues (0.020 to 0.22 pg-TEQ/g fresh weight, n = 3) taken from the same samples. By contrast, the TEQ concentrations in the saury gut samples (0.35 to 0.63 pg-TEQ/g fresh weight, n=3) were only 1.1- to 1.7-fold greater than those in the muscle tissues (0.33 to 0.37 pg-TEQ/g fresh weight, n= 3) from the same samples. The TEQ contents in the squid gut tissues ranged from 60 to 990 pg-TEQ/squid, accounting for about 95% of the total dioxin content of the edible parts of the samples. By contrast, the TEQ contents in the saury gut tissues ranged from 4.4 to 12 pg-TEQ/saury, accounting for less than 25% of the total dioxin content of the edible parts of the samples. These tissues showed comparable PCDD/PCDF-congener and dioxin-like PCB-isomer profiles in both species. The results indicate that squid gut tissues occasionally contain high levels of dioxins, and consumption of this foodstuff could potentially significantly increase the dietary intake of dioxins.

Total and organic Hg concentrations in cephalopods from the North Eastern Atlantic waters: influence of geographical origin and feeding ecology

Total (T-Hg) and organic (O-Hg) mercury concentrations and tissue distribution were examined in 20 species of cephalopods (n=278) from the north eastern Atlantic waters, i.e. from the Bay of Biscay to the Faroe Islands. Concentrations of T-Hg in whole cephalopods showed elevated variations among species, i.e. from 40 to 3560ng g(-1) dwt, but a low variability within each species (mean CV%=39%). With the exception of oceanic squids, the digestive gland globally displayed higher T-Hg concentrations than the remaining tissues. In contrast, O-Hg concentrations determined in selected species were generally higher in the remaining tissues. Despite higher T-Hg concentrations, the digestive gland weakly contributed to the total body burden of both T-Hg and O-Hg (<25% and <15%, respectively). In fact, from 75% to 95% of the T-Hg and O-Hg were contained in the muscular remaining tissues. Therefore, O-Hg may have a strong affinity to proteins in cephalopods. Sex and size only significantly influenced the bioaccumulation of Hg for the Loliginidae family. T-Hg and O-Hg concentrations were also influenced by geographical origin: Celtic Sea>Bay of Biscay>Faroe Islands, corresponding to the seawater Hg concentrations in these areas. In the Faroe Islands and the Celtic Sea, benthic cephalopods contained significant higher Hg concentrations compared to pelagic ones. This suggests that diet is not the main pathway of Hg uptake in cephalopods as pelagic species were expected to be more exposed to O-Hg through fish consumption than benthic ones.

Concentrations and composition of organochlorine contaminants in different species of cephalopod molluscs from the Italian waters (Adriatic Sea)

Persistent organochlorines, such as polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners and DDT compounds were measured in the liver of different species of mollusc cephalopods: broadtail squid (Illex coindetii), horned octopus (Eledone moschata) and spider octopus (Octopus salutii) collected in two different areas of the Adriatic Sea (central and southern Adriatic Sea). The concentration of PCBs exceeded DDT ones in horned octopus (PCBs: 617.0 ngg(-1) lipid weight, DDTs: 188.0 ngg(-1) lipid weight) and in spider octopus (PCBs: 590.0 ngg(-1) lipid weight, DDTs: 293.0 ngg(-1) lipid weight), while in broadtail squid PCB load (748.0 ngg(-1) lipid weight) was similar to those of DDTs (514.5 ngg(-1) lipid weight). No significant difference in PCB levels was observed among species, while DDT concentrations were higher in broadtail squid than in horned octopus and spider octopus. DDTs composition showed slight differences in relation to species, thought p,p'-DDE was the predominant compound in all cephalopod species (broadtail squid: 88.1%, horned octopus 94.1%, spider octopus: 97.5%). PCB isomer profiles were similar among species being hexachlorinated isomers the most abundant, followed by penta- and heptachlorobiphenyls, while tri- and tetrachlorobiphenyls made up a small percentage of the total PCB residues. Regarding coplanar congeners, non-ortho PCBs were below the detection limit in all samples and the 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations were very low. The influence of biological and ecological factors (size/weight and location) on the bioaccumulation of organochlorine compounds has been discussed.

Specific accumulation of organochlorines in human breast milk from Indonesia: levels, distribution, accumulation kinetics and infant health risk

This study determined concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine compound (OC) pesticides in the milk samples of women from the general population in four locations of Indonesia. The most prevalent residues of OCs were DDTs, PCBs and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), whereas other OCs such as chlordane compounds (CHLs), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane and hexachlorobenzene were lower. The levels of OCs varied between locations and individuals, with DDTs higher in suburban and rural areas than urban localities, may be due to the differences in food habits and sources between the individuals and locations. Data from Purwakarta site indicated continuing DDT exposure, which may confirm recent usage of DDT in Indonesia. A positive correlation was observed between concentration of OCs in human milk and age of mothers, primiparas women having higher OCs than multiparas, suggesting these parameters play an important role influencing the OC burdens in lactating women. Some individuals accumulated DDTs and HCHs in breast milk close to or even higher than the TDI (tolerable daily intake) guidelines proposed by Health Canada.

Bioaccumulation of PCBs in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis from seawater, sediment and food pathways

The cuttlefish Sepia officinalis was selected as a model cephalopod to study PCB bioaccumulation via seawater, sediments and food. Newly hatched, juvenile cuttlefish were exposed for 17 days to environmentally realistic concentrations of (14)C-labeled 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB#153) (18 ng PCB l(-1) seawater; 30 ng PCB g(-1) dry wt sediments; Artemia salina exposed to 18 ng PCB l(-1) seawater). Accumulation of PCB#153 was followed in three body compartments: digestive gland, cuttlebone and the combined remaining tissues. Results showed that (1) uptake kinetics were source- and body compartment-dependent, (2) for each body compartment, the accumulation was far greater when S. officinalis was exposed via seawater, (3) the cuttlebone accumulated little of the contaminant regardless of the source, and (4) the PCB congener showed a similar distribution pattern among the different body compartments following exposure to contaminated seawater, sediment or food with the lowest concentrations in the cuttlebone and the highest in the remaining tissues. The use of radiotracer techniques allowed delineating PCB kinetics in small whole organisms as well as in their separate tissues. The results underscore the enhanced ability of cephalopods to concentrate organic pollutants such as PCBs, and raise the question of potential risk to their predators in contaminated areas.