Occurrence and levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in deep-sea sharks from Suruga Bay, Japan

Few studies have investigated the prevalence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in deep-sea sharks. In this study, the levels and profiles of PBDEs were determined in liver samples of eight different species of deep-sea sharks collected in Suruga Bay, Japan. Widespread contamination of PBDEs in the deep-sea environment was reconfirmed in this study as these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were detected in all specimens analyzed. Mean ΣPBDE levels in the deep-sea sharks ranged from 7 to 517 ng/g of lipid weight. The distribution patterns of BDE homologues were similar in all species where tetra-BDEs provided the dominant contribution to total PBDEs (46%). PBDEs levels were similar to, or higher than, those seen in other deep-sea sharks from different regions. The levels of PBDEs were likely to reflect their feeding preferences as higher PBDE levels were seen in species with higher trophic positions.