Evaluation of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in two penguin species from Antarctica

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a global threat, but impacts of these chemicals upon remote areas such as Antarctica remain unclear. Penguins can be useful species to assess the occurrence POPs in Antarctic food webs. This work's aim was evaluation polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) eggs two penguin species, chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarticus) gentoo penguins papua), breeding South Shetland Islands. Results showed common pattern POP levels regardless characterized by major abundance PCBs (98 %), followed PBDEs (1–2%) PCDD/Fs (<1 %). Concentrations were 482 3250 pg/g l.w., respectively. PCBs, found at higher concentrations eggs, being differences significant for PBDEs. Interspecies agree well with potential trophic position among due changes prey composition foraging areas. profiles dominated congeners low degree halogenation. Our results therefore suggest similar sources webs exploited both cases attributable long-range transportation rather than presence local POPs. TEQs between 1.38 7.33 l.w. non-ortho dl-PCBs > PCDFs PCDDs mono-ortho dl-PCBs. TEQ values lower threshold level harmful effects birds 210 WHO-TEQ/g