Persistent organic pollutant levels in Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

This article reports the findings of analyses of toxic contaminants in Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens, a fish-eating seabird that has a high trophic position and a low ability to metabolise xenobiotic compounds. Frigatebirds were collected at Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil (23°8′26″S, 44°14′50″W) between February 2009 and April 2013. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were identified and quantified in tissue composites using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry analyses. The concentrations found were below the range of concern established by the World Health Organization. The sum of analysed PCB-congeners had concentrations of 968 pg/g and 13.9 pg toxic equivalence (TEQ)/g lipid weight. The PCDD/PCDFcongeners had concentrations of 331.04 pg/g and 13.4 pg TEQ/g lipid weight. This study provides information from analyses of seabirds concerning halogenated hydrocarbons as scientific support for policy-makers regarding the management of the State of Rio de Janeiro’s coastal zone.