Abstract
The State of São Paulo is the most developed area in Brazil and was impacted by persistent organic pollutants for several decades. This study investigated organochlorines in five species of small cetaceans (Pontoporia blainvillei, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus and Steno bredanensis) found dead along the coast of São Paulo between 1997 and 2003. DDTs (15.9μgg−1 lipid; mean for all pooled individuals) and PCBs (8.08μgg−1) exhibited the highest concentrations in the animals, reflecting large amounts formerly used in Brazil. Lower levels of mirex (0.149μgg−1), HCB (0.051μgg−1), CHLs (0.008μgg−1) and HCHs (0.007μgg−1) were detected in all species. Residual pattern of DDTs in dolphins suggests that o,p′-DDT is more recalcitrant than p,p′-DDT in the body of the animals and/or the environment. In contrast to p,p′-DDT, residues of o,p′-DDT seem to be preferentially converted into o,p′-DDD rather than o,p′-DDE.
Published Version
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