Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Concepcion Bay, central Chile after the 2010 Tsunami

PBDEs (10 congeners) were analyzed using GC-MS in superficial sediments and organisms of the Concepcion Bay after the 2010 Tsunami. From all congeners analyzed PBDE-47, -99, -100 and -209 were the most frequently detected. Concentrations (ng g(-1) d.w.) in sediments for Sigma PBDE-47, -99, -100 were low (0.02-0.09). However, PBDE-209 showed significantly higher values similar to 20 ng g-, d.w. This result were similar to 10 times lower than those reported in a previous study of the 2010 Tsunami. The high result might be influenced by the massive urban debris dragged by the 2010 Tsunami. In organisms, concentrations of PBDE-47, -99, -100 (similar to 0.4 ng g(-1) d.w.) were higher than those found in sediments (similar to 0.04 ng g(-1) d.w.). Differences in PBDE pattern were also observed between different levels of the trophic food chain (primary and secondary consumers). This is the first attempt to assess the current status of Concepcitin Bay after the 2010 Tsunami.
Funding Agencies:Project Fondecyt in Chile 1130329Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX) - National Infrastructure for Research of Toxic Compounds in the Environment LM2011028Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic LO1214