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