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The pampas of South America represent one of the most productive lands for agriculture in the world, and consequently this activity has expanded throughout the region, especially in Argentina. In this context, native fauna faces various risks associated with agriculture, with exposure to pesticides being one of the most dangerous and deadly. Assessing the impact of pesticides on wildlife becomes fundamental and the use of sentinel species emerges as an important tool to monitor environmental health. In this study, we determined pesticide levels in the burrowing owl Athene cunicularia nesting in both rural and urban areas of the argentinean pampas. We used a multiple scale approach to evaluate the influence of land-uses (urban, crops, and grazing fields) at the nesting site on the contaminant load of A. cunicularia individuals, and assessed the potential use of this owl as a sentinel species. From March 2018 to January 2020, A. cunicularia feathers were collected at their nest sites in one urban and two rural areas. These samples were analyzed for the presence of contaminants, including chlorpyrifos and 18 organochlorine pesticides. All the compounds analyzed were detected in A. cunicularia samples. The chlorpyrifos showed the highest frequency of occurrence and concentration, thus denoting the exposure of owls to current-use pesticides. ∑DDTs showed the highest occurrence among organochlorines, followed by ∑HCHs > ∑Endosulfans > ∑Heptachlors > ∑Drins = ∑Chlordanes > methoxychlor. Principal Component Analysis showed that most of the compounds found in A. cunicularia samples showed a positive association with grazing fields, suggesting that exposure to contaminants does not depend on specific habitat use at the local scale, but probably the regional scale. Our results evidenced the exposure of A. cunicularia individuals to past and current-use pesticides in the pampas of Argentina, and indicate that this owl would be useful as a sentinel species., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite their global ban in 2001, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) remain detectable in marine species, posing ongoing environmental and health risks. Current use pesticides (CUPs) like chlorpyrifos and chlorothalonil, along with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), also contaminate coastal areas, affecting human health. This study assessed POPs, CUPs and PAHs in bivalves, gastropods, polychaetes, crustaceans, and echinoderms from an Atlantic Patagonian harbor. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) ranged from -1 ww, respectively, with endosulfan, PCB #44, 66, 118, 138, and PBDE #47 as the most prevalent. PAHs ranged from -1 ww, with Indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and Benzo[g,h,i]perylene as the highest. Most contaminants were below permissible limits, except PAHs in sea urchins. These findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring of pollutants in marine environments and regulation of edible species to safeguard health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Elasmobranchs are good indicators of marine pollution as they accumulate pollutants from water and food, and occupy different trophic levels. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorpyrifos were quantified in muscle, liver, gonads, gills, and brain in both sexes and maturity stages of the Southern Eagle Ray, Myliobatis goodei, captured in Argentine coastal waters. Moreover, possible histological alterations in the liver and gonads were analyzed. Pollutant concentrations were pervasive across all tissues, with PCBs > OCPs > chlorpyrifos. Elevated pollutant levels were notably found in the liver and gills. We identified thirty-six PCB congeners in tissues, with low-chlorine congeners prevailing. Among OCPs, ∑DDT and ∑endosulfan were predominant. Females exhibited higher pollutant levels in most tissues compared to males, except in the gonads, and adults generally displayed elevated pollutant levels. Histological analysis revealed the presence of atretic follicles and melanomacrophages (MM). Continuous monitoring of pollutant levels, alongside their effects on physiological and ecological traits, is imperative for effective management and conservation efforts., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Argentina is a leading honey producer and honey bees are also critical for pollination services and wild plants. At the same time, it is a major crop producer with significant use of insecticides, posing risks to bees. Therefore, the presence of the highly toxic insecticide chlorpyrifos, and forbidden contaminants (organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) was investigated in honey bee, beebread, wax and honey samples in apiaries from three contrasting regions of Argentina. Chlorpyrifos was detected in all samples with higher levels during period 1 (spring) in contrast to period 2 (fall), agreeing with its season-wise use in different crops, reaching 3.05 ng/g in honey bees. A subsequent first-tier pesticide hazard analysis revealed that it was relevant to honey bee health, mainly due to the high concentrations found in wax samples from two sites, reaching 132.4 ng/g. In addition, wax was found to be the most contaminated matrix with a prevalence of OCPs (∑OCPs 58.23-172.99 ng/g). Beebread samples showed the highest concentrations and diversity of pesticide residues during period 1 (higher temperatures). A predominance of the endosulfan group was registered in most samples, consistent with its intensive past use, especially in Central Patagonia before its prohibition. Among the industrial compounds, lighter PCB congeners dominated, suggesting the importance of atmospheric transport. The spatio-temporal distribution of pesticides shows a congruence with the environmental characteristics of the areas where the fields are located (i.e., land use, type of productive activities and climatic conditions). Sustained monitoring of different pollutants in beekeeping matrices is recommended to characterize chemical risks, assess the health status of honey bee hives and the pollution levels of different agroecosystems. This knowledge will set a precedent for South America and be helpful for actions focused on the conservation of pollination services, apiculture and ecosystems in Argentina., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pollinators such as Apidae bees are vital for ecosystems and food security. Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to several factors including pesticide use. Among them, the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos, poses a global threat, while legacy compounds like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) easily bioaccumulate, increasing the concern. Bombus pauloensis, a widely distributed native bee in Argentina, is used for commercial pollination; however, information regarding their health status is scarce. This study assessed chlorpyrifos and OCP levels in B. pauloensis (workers and males) and related environmental matrices living from three different land uses schemes, by means of GC-ECD and GC-MS. The ornamental horticulture field (OP) showed the highest total pesticide concentrations in workers (13.1 ng/g), flowers and soils, whereas the organic agriculture field (OA) exhibited the lowest. Chlorpyrifos was the most abundant compound, accounting for at least 20 % of pesticide load across all matrices. The food production horticulture field (FH) had the highest chlorpyrifos concentration in workers, males and soils (5.0, 4.4 and 3.3 ng/g, respectively), suggesting a local greater usage, whereas OA showed the lowest. Regarding OCPs groups, Drins and DDTs were predominant in most matrices, with FH males registering the highest levels (4.0 and 2.5 ng/g, respectively), closely followed by OP. However, metabolites' contribution indicated historical use and atmospheric inputs in all sites. Multivariate analyses confirmed the significance of site and bumblebee sex to explain pesticide composition. Males from all sites exhibited higher chlorpyrifos levels than workers and this trend was similar for some OCP groups. Overall, OA differed from FH and OP, indicating a correlation between production modes and pesticide profiles. This study demonstrates the value of B. pauloensis as a pesticide biomonitor but also offers insights into its populations' health in the area. In this sense, this information could be useful towards the preservation of this crucial pollinator., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), agriculture is the primary consumer of water and the biggest user of pesticides worldwide. Given that groundwater is a crucial resource in this region, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the current state of knowledge on the presence of pesticides in aquifers. The review examined 48 research papers published between 1998 and 2020, and found that only six countries in the region have information on pesticides in groundwater. A total of 70 agrochemicals were detected, encompassing legacy pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and metabolites. Herbicides, including the widely used atrazine and glyphosate, were the most commonly detected current-use pesticides. These herbicides are being gradually banned or restricted due to their potentially harmful effects on the environment. Factors that contribute to the presence of these contaminants in aquifers include preferential flows, seasonal variations in rainfall, aquifer type, unsaturated zone thickness, and land use and management practices. Researchers noted that analysis of these contaminants is often beyond the economic or methodological scope, and analytical capacity in the region is generally limited. Based on the findings of this review, there is a clear need for groundwater pesticide monitoring in the region to reduce health risks to humans and ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Estuarine saltmarshes from South America are exposed to several anthropogenic impacts due to diverse human activities that occur in both Atlantic/Pacific coastal environments. Primarily, chemical and petrochemical industries negatively impact saltmarshes generating inputs/deposition of non-essential trace elements (NTEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments. The native cordgrass Spartina densiflora inhabits a wide range of environments, from non-impacted to highly impacted areas. It is important to know its performance towards pollution in different environmental settings in South America. The content of Cd, Hg, Pb, and PAHs was determined in the roots and leaves of S. densiflora, bulk sediments (Bs), and rhizosediments (Rs) of estuaries from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Differences in NTEs and PAHs levels were observed between Bs, Rs, and Spartina tissues from different saltmarsh areas. Differences in Rs/Bs (RHICF; rhizosediments concentration factors), roots/Bs (RCF; roots concentration factors) and leaves/roots (TF; translocation factors) factors were also found. In terms of NTEs, S. densiflora showed a high capability to increase levels in their Rs (RHICF>1) and bioconcentrate Cd in roots (RCF > 1), while no general translocation (TF < 1) was observed. Conversely, in cordgrass tissues, Bs and Rs, PAHs contents showed RCF and TF > 1, which was in line with lower levels in Rs related to Bs (RHICF<1) in most sites. These findings showed the S. densiflora capacity to retain, remove and/or translocate priority contaminants depending on intrinsic chemical characteristics and the level of contamination. The present study enables future considerations regarding the biomonitoring and phytoremediation/stabilization capabilities of Spartina in coastal environments., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Temporal and spatial distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, one of the main insecticides used in Argentina, was evaluated in two populations of the sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii living under different anthropological stressors: Las Delicias (LD) adjacent to a wastewater plant, and Punta Cantera (PC) a reference site. Pesticides were analyzed throughout the year in water, sediments and whole organisms. Chlorpyrifos represented 50% of the total pesticide found in water samples during winter. HCHs and drins were predominant in sediment samples, mainly in LD. Total pesticide concentration in anemones from LD was higher than those from PC during winter (mainly associated with HCHs, endosulfans, DDTs and chlorpyrifos levels), coincident with the main period of effluent discharge to the coast after pesticide applications and also the rainiest season. Dissimilarities among anemones populations could stem from a differential input of pesticides in each site and/or a contrasting physiological status of the populations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Organic contaminants are of great environmental concern due to their negative impacts on coastal ecosystems, especially on highly vulnerable species as chondrichthyans. Accumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chlorpyrifos was assessed in muscle, gonads, and liver of the cockfish Callorhinchus callorynchus for both sexes and maturity stages. This species has a wide distribution in South Atlantic Ocean and it is an important resource for coastal Argentine fisheries. Pollutants were quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detector and the distribution pattern found in C. callorynchus was the following: (∑OCPs+chlorpyrifos) > ∑PCBs>∑PBDEs. Endosulfan was predominant among OCP groups, penta-CBs and hexaCBs among PCBs and BDE 47, 66, 99, and 100 in PBDE group. The highest levels were found in liver followed by muscle and gonads. The highest percentage of lipids was also observed in the liver. Moreover, the concentrations of ∑OCPs and ∑PCBs in C. callorynchus liver varied with maturity stage, and ∑OCPs also with sexes. Females presented higher values than males, and mature individuals showed higher concentrations than immature ones, according with biological parameters such as age, sex, maturity stage, metabolic and redistribution processes and habitat use influence. These results indicate that C. callorynchus reflects a historical and recent contamination in their tissues, and therefore, especially females, becomes as a good biomonitor of these pollutants in the marine environment. To our knowledge, this work represents one of the few investigations on the occurrence of POPs and chlorpyrifos in chondrichtyans from South Atlantic Ocean; therefore more research is mandatory for an adequate management and conservation of existing fisheries and aquatic resources., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This work reports the spatial and temporal variations on the dynamics of OCPs, PCBs, PBDEs and chlorpyrifos in honey bee, bee bread and honey samples, as well as soil and flowers from the surrounding areas, considering, different land uses. Honey bee samples showed the highest pollutant levels, with a predominance of the industrial contaminants over pesticides. Chlorpyrifos showed the highest concentration during the application period in almost all samples from the soybean field (S2), in concordance with its current use. By other hand, the recalcitrant compounds such as, DDTs, BDE #47 and also light PCBs exhibited the highest levels in beehive samples from the field adjacent to urban disposal waste (S3). In both soils and flower samples a prevalence of obsolete compounds over chlorpyrifos was observed, and the 6-CB predominated among the homologous groups of PCBs These results highlights the importance of soils as sink of these persistent contaminants, which became available depending on environmental conditions. Results revealed that the land uses and seasonal variations have directly impacted on the levels of agrochemicals, PCBs and PBDEs found in the beehive matrixes. This survey provides novel evidence about the current situation of pollution on honey bee colonies under temperate climates and contributes to the knowledge of this poor studied topic in Argentina., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are accumulated through time and can exert different effect on ecosystems. POPs and Chlorpyrifos, a current use pesticide, were assessed in body feathers of males and females of Black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris, BBA) and Cape petrels (Daption capense, CAP) during their non-breeding seasons at the Patagonian Shelf, Argentina. Chlorpyrifos showed the highest values among all pollutants in both species (49.56-84.88 ng g -1 ), resulting from current agricultural practices. The pattern OCPs > PCBs > PBDEs was observed in both species, and CAP showed higher concentrations than BBA probably as a consequence of higher lipid mobilization and pollutants availability during dispersion. Non-significant differences between sexes about POPs levels were found; however a slight tendency was observed, females>males in CAP, and males>females in BBA. More attention and further studies are needed to understand seabirds' physiology and its relationship with the pollutants distribution in their tissues and considering breeding season., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The endobenthic bivalves are widely used as a bioindicators since they inhabit the sediment-water interface and are able to accumulate a different kind of contaminants. In the present work, we evaluated wild Corbicula largillierti (Phillippi, 1844) as a bioindicator of water quality in the central region of Argentina. The responses at different levels of the biological organization were used. We measured organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in water and clams tissues. The biomarkers selected were enzymatic activities (Glutathione S-Transferase, Catalase, Acetyl-, Butyryl-cholinesterase, and Carboxylesterase) morphometry of the digestive gland, condition index and morphology of valves. In order to integrate all the responses a multivariate analysis and integrated stress index were applied. Our results showed the presence of contaminants along the studied river and the ability of C. largillierti to bioaccumulate them. All the biomarkers selected varied according to the water quality gradient, although there was no specific correlation with OCPs and PCBs levels. At the most polluted sites, the detoxification and oxidative stress enzymes, the morphometric analysis of the digestive gland and the variation in the morphology of the valves indicated the water quality degradation. The multivariate analyses allowed to discriminate the sites according to the different biomarker responses. The IBR index also showed a variation pattern according to the environmental quality gradient along the basin. According to the responses shown by C. largillierti we suggest this species as an useful bioindicator of aquatic pollution., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Because an understanding of aquatic bioaccumulation of human pharmaceuticals in Latin America is limited, this area was recently identified as a priority environmental quality research need. We examined bioaccumulation of twenty-seven pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and their metabolites in muscle, liver and gills of multiple fish species (Rhamdia quelen, Hypostomus commersoni, Hoplias lacerdae, Prochilodus lineatus) from an urban river receiving wastewater discharges (Paraná) and a lotic system (Acaraguá) without direct wastewater sources, which runs through a protected area. All samples were analyzed using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Caffeine, which was detected up to 13 μg/kg, and antibiotics were consistently detected in all fish. Among antibiotics, erythromycin was ubiquitous (0.7-5.6 μg/kg) but its tissue concentrations were lower than levels of sulfamethoxazole, sulfathiazole and trimethoprim (0.9-5.5 μg/kg), which are used in human medicine, aquaculture and livestock. Erythromycin bioaccumulation in fish is reported here from Argentina for the first time, though levels of antibiotics in edible muscles of these species were lower than the maximum residue limits for human consumption. We observed norfluoxetine, the primary active metabolite of the antidepressant fluoxetine, ranging from 1.1-9.1 μg/kg in fish. We further identified benzoylecgonine, a primary metabolite of cocaine, in fish from both study systems, representing the first observation an illicit drug or associated metabolites bioaccumulation in aquatic life from Argentina. Interestingly, high pharmaceutical levels were observed in fish from the Acaraguá river suggesting their transport into the protected area, from the surrounding lands. Though fish from the Paraná river were sampled near WWTP discharges, pharmaceutical concentrations may have been reduced by hydrological and other environmental conditions, and biological differences among species. These findings, which observed bioaccumulation of select pharmaceuticals, their metabolites and illicit drugs in wild fish sampled inside a protected area, highlight the importance of developing an advanced understanding of urban influences on inland protected watersheds., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of great concern for the environment. In this study we (a) determine levels and distribution of OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs in sediments and two crab species (Neohelice granulata and Cyrtograpsus altimanus), (b) assess bioaccumulation in crabs, and (c) explore the occurrence of POPs in the Near Threatened Olrog's gull (Larus atlanticus) chicks and eggs in one of the most important salt marsh environments in the South West Atlantic. Sediments, crabs, and gull chicks and eggs showed POPs presence at low levels; being α-endosulfan, PCB-153, and BDE-47 the most represented compounds. In sediments, pollutant concentrations were lower than those reported in Canadian guidelines for the protection of the aquatic life. POP bioaccumulation was recorded in crabs, suggesting a risk to upper trophic level predators. Further studies are needed to understand the trophic effects of POPs in San Blas bay, particularly on the threatened Olrog's gull., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Southwest Atlantic (SWA) estuaries have been historically impacted by industrial and agricultural activities that represent an important source of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Intraspecific differences in OCPs and PCBs levels were evaluated in the benthic polychaete Laeonereis culveri from SWA estuaries (Samborombón; Mar Chiquita; Quequén Grande and Bahía Blanca) at different spatio-temporal scales. Regarding inter- and intra-estuarine spatial comparisons polychaetes showed significant differences in OCPs/PCBs levels (p < 0.05) being DDTs, endosulfan, penta- and hexa-CBs homologues the most representative compounds. Intra-estuarine comparisons also showed significant differences in terms of seasonality and body size (p < 0.05). OCPs/PCBs concentrations were negatively correlated with animal weight, but this covariable was not relevant on differences observed. OCPs/PCBs levels in polychaetes showed strong relationships with those of sediments, being suitable for estuarine biomonitoring studies. Seasonal and body-size differences found in OCPs and PCBs levels in tissues reveal the importance of these factors for intra-estuarine monitoring., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phytoremediation is a low cost technology based on the use of plants to remove a wide range of pollutants from the environment, including the insecticide DDT. However, some pollutants are known to enhance generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can generate toxic effects on plants affecting the phytoremediation efficiency. This study aims to analyze the potential use of antioxidant responses as a measure of tolerance to select plants for phytoremediation purposes. Tomato and zucchini plants were grown for 15 days in soils contaminated with DDTs (DDT + DDE + DDD). Protein content, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in plant tissues. Exposure to DDTs did not affect protein content or CAT activity in any of the species. GST, GR and GPx activity showed different responses in exposed and control tomato plants. After DDTs exposure, tomato showed increased GR and GPX activity in stems and leaves, respectively, and a decrease in the GST activity in roots. As no effects were observed in zucchini, results suggest different susceptibility and/or defense mechanisms involved after pesticide exposure. Finally, both species differed also in terms of DDTs uptake and translocation. The knowledge about antioxidant responses induced by pesticides exposure could be helpful for planning phytoremediation strategies and for the selection of tolerant species according to particular scenarios., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A discussion is presented on the limitations for air monitoring studies around the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), highlighting key issues requiring further attention, and reports on how a special initiative is addressing these limitations. Preliminary results are presented for the first reported data on organophosphorus flame retardant (OPFR) concentrations in outdoor air from the GRULAC region. At the majority of sites the concentrations and the profile of the OPFRs detected were similar with tris (chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) dominating (3 ). However, the urban location at Concepción, Chile presented higher concentrations and a different profile with tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) dominating (mean 800pg/m 3 vs 80pg/m 3 at the other locations) -indicating different sources at this location. OPFRs, used extensively as flame retardants and plasticizers, are found ubiquitously in indoor environments yet only few studies report outdoor air levels. This preliminary study of only 7 sites highlights how extensive regional passive sampling networks (such as GAPS) can provide important new information to support risk assessment of these and similar chemicals. Finally, the various challenges with implementing a regional monitoring program are discussed, including harmonizing data from various monitoring programs for reporting to the GMP., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment can affect organisms inhabiting aquatic systems, in particular shallow lakes that are vulnerable to environmental stressors. This study aimed to assess POPs accumulation and changes at histological and physiological levels in tissues of three fish species with different trophic habits. Gills, brain, muscle, liver and gonads of Odontesthes bonariensis, Oligosarcus jenynsii and Cyphocharax voga were collected from the shallow lake La Peregrina, located in an agricultural area from Argentina. In addition, contaminant levels in surface water (SW), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and bottom sediments (BS) were assessed. Histological lesions were evaluated in fish tissues and levels of vitellogenin (VTG) were assessed in plasma of male fish in order to correlate these alterations with the presence of POPs in the environment. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined by GC-ECD. Biotic and abiotic samples showed the same POPs distribution pattern: OCPs>PCBs>PBDEs. Although tissue distribution of OCPs was species-specific, muscle showed the lowest levels in all species. The most abundant contaminants were endosulfans, suggesting their widespread use in the area. O. bonariensis showed the highest endosulfans levels in liver (184.2-219ngg(-1)wet w), which was associated with the high SPM levels considering this species is a filter feeder. The occurrence of PCBs and PBDEs shows the ubiquity of these pollutants in the area. Histological lesions in gills and liver of O. bonariensis and O. jenynsii, might be related with the high levels of endosulfans in these organs. The detection of VTG in males warns about a possible exposure to estrogenic compounds in the environment. In conclusion, the simultaneous exposure of fish to multiple environmental pollutants leads to different alterations, so measures should be taken in order to prevent their occurrence and toxic effects., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Glyphosate (GLY) and AMPA concentrations were determined in sandy soil profiles, during pre- and post-application events in two agricultural soybean fields (S1 and S2). Streamwater and sediment samples were also analyzed. Post-application sampling was carried out one month later from the event. Concentrations of GLY+AMPA in surface soils (0-5 cm depth) during pre-application period showed values 20-fold higher (0.093-0.163 μg/g d.w.) than control area (0.005 μg/g d.w.). After application event soils showed markedly higher pesticide concentrations. A predominance of AMPA (80%) was observed in S1 (early application), while 34% in S2 for surface soils. GLY+AMPA concentrations decreased with depth and correlated strongly with organic carbon (r between 0.74 and 0.88, p<0.05) and pH (r between -0.81 and -0.76, p<0.001). The slight enrichment of pesticides observed from 25 cm depth to deeper layer, in addition to the alkaline pH along the profile, is of high concern about groundwater contamination. Sediments from pre-application period showed relatively lower pesticide levels (0.0053-0.0263 μg/g d.w.) than surface soil with a predominance of glyphosate, indicating a limited degradation. Levels of contaminants (mainly AMPA) in streamwater (ND-0.5 ng/mL) denote the low persistence of these compounds. However, a direct relationship in AMPA concentration was observed between sediment and streamwater. Despite the known relatively short half-life of glyphosate in soils, GLY+AMPA occurrence is registered in almost all matrices at different sampling times (pre- and post-application events). The physicochemical characteristics (organic carbon, texture, pH) and structure of soils and sediment in addition to the time elapsed from application determined the behavior of these contaminants in the environment. As a whole, the results warn us about vertical transport trough soil profile with the possibility of reaching groundwater., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)