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During the last years, the use of different omics techniques to evaluate the toxic effects of contaminants has increased. In the specific case of metabolomics, it has been applied for assessing the toxicity of chemicals of industrial origin considered persistent organic pollutants such as flame retardants (FRs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). In this sense, this chapter offers a revision of the most commonly used metabolomics strategies for the evaluation of the toxicity of organic substances from industrial origin. These strategies are based on in vivo and in vitro experiments through the exposition to a single contaminant or to a mixture of contaminants. In the case of in vitro experiments for FRs, human hepatotoxic cell lines HepG2/C3A and mouse preadipocyte T3-L1 are the most frequently used due to their versatility. For PFASs, adrenocortical cell line is the most used one. Regarding in vivo experiments, aquatic organisms like microalgae, microcrustacean (i.e., Daphnia magna), filterers like bivalves, and fishes are used. The experiments with terrestrial organisms include earthworm–soil ecosystem (Wang et al., 2018b), chickens (Wigh, 2017), mice, and rats, and some works deal with humans in cohort studies. In general, the biomarkers identified are related to system activation of the stress defenses like adipogenesis, as well as carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms, sugar metabolites, and energy molecules.

PBDEs, HBCD, DBDPE, PBEB and HBB, dechloranes and OPFRs, as well as natural MeO-PBDEs were monitored in muscle tissue of three dolphin species from the southwestern Indian Ocean (Delphinus delphis, Sousa plumbea and Tursiops aduncus) collected between 2012 and 2015. The mean PBDE concentration was 416 ± 333 ng g −1 lw. BDE-47 was found in all samples and was almost half the total PBDE contamination. BDE-209, BDE-100 and BDE-99 were present in ≥85% of the samples. HBCD was detected in just two samples at 20 and 330 ng g −1 lw. PBEB and HBB were not detected, while DBDPE was in all samples but always below its limit of quantification. Dec 602 was the only quantifiable dechlorane at 232 ± 549 ng g −1 lw. Mean OPFR concentration was 10452 ± 11301 ng g −1 lw. TBOEP was found in all samples making up most of the total OPFR contamination. MeO-PBDEs were detected in all samples at 114 ± 137 ng g −1 lw. Data on flame retardants in biota and environmental samples from the southwestern Indian Ocean are scarce and, as a result, comparisons are difficult. However, data from other marine predators in the region, such as penguins, suggest that further studies are needed to determine if these concentrations are the consequence of a high local contamination or widespread thoughout the Indian Ocean. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd, This work has been financially supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Consolidated Research Group 2017 SGR 1404 – Water and Soil Quality Unit). Biotage is acknowledged for providing SPE cartridges. We are grateful to Sabine Wintner and Geremy Cliff from the KwaZulu-Natal sharks board for their continued assistance in making samples available and for financial support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to SP. This forms AEON publication number 188 and Iphakade publication number 224. HB is supported by the National Research Foundation . Appendix A

Eight PBDE congeners, three emerging brominated flame retardants, five dechloranes and eight MeO-PBDEs were monitored in tissues (muscular, adipose, brain) and fur of southern elephant seal and Antarctic fur seal of the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Total PBDEs and total dechloranes concentrations ranged between n.d.–6 ng/g lw. While PBDEs were not detected in brain tissue, Dec 602 was found in brain tissue of both seal species indicating that dechloranes —with potential neurological toxicity— could cross the blood-brain barrier. Emerging brominated flame retardants were not detected in any sample and only two MeO-PBDEs, which are of natural origin, were found. The presence of the detected compounds in biota from the Antarctic evidences their long-range transportation, being of special interest the detection of emerging compounds such as dechloranes. This is the first time that these contaminants have been detected in marine mammals from the Antarctic. BDE-47 concentrations were lower than previously reported for the same species, suggesting a successful effect of the existing regulation and bans on PBDEs. Capsule abstract: Halogenated flame retardants were in tissues of Antarctic seals proving long-range transport. Dechloranes showed similar behaviour to PBDEs, additionally they crossed the BBB. © 2018 Elsevier B.V., This work has been financially supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Consolidated Research Group 2017 SGR 01404 – Water and Soil Quality Unit). Biotage is acknowledged for providing SPE cartridges. The samples were collected with support of the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR). The authors would like to thank the logistic support by Brazilian Navy and Aeronautics Forces. Project CNPq number (ESC). MBA has sandwich doctorate fellowship by CNPq – PDEE.