Contamination and bioaccumulation of benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers in fish from Manila Bay, the Philippines using an ultra-fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) used in plastic products, building materials and personal hygiene products were analyzed in fishes collected from Manila Bay, the Philippines. BUVSs were detected at ng g−1 level in all the fish samples, indicating their ubiquitous contamination in coastal waters. Among the targeted eight BUVSs, UV-328 was predominantly found with a mean concentration of 34.2 ng g−1 lipid weight, implying large scale production and use of this compound in the Philippines. High concentrations of ∑BUVSs were found in bumpnose trevally (Carangoides hedlandensis), bluetail mullet (adult) (Valamugil buchanani), common ponyfish (Leiognathus equulus) and coral grouper (adult) (Epinephelus corallicola) indicating their active uptake and/or lower metabolic capacity to eliminate BUVSs. Among BUVSs, UV-P showed significant positive relationship (p < 0.05) between concentration and fish length (r = 0.29) and fish weight (r = 0.31). Levels of UV-P in demersal species had positive correlation with δ15N, indicating that possibile sink of UV-P is bottom sediment in the bay, and ultimately accumulate through benthic food web rather than pelagic food web. To our knowledge, this is the first study on BUVSs distribution in fish from developing countries.

► Contamination of benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) was investigated.
► Fishes were collected from Manila Bay, the Philippines and analyzed eight BUVSs.
► BUVSs were detected in all the fish indicating their ubiquitous contamination.
► UV-P was bioaccumulated through benthic food web of Manila Bay.
► This is the first study on BUVSs distribution in fish from developing countries.