Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and trace elements in wild European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) off European estuaries

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides like dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), aldrin, dieldrin and trace elements (Cd, Cu, Se, Pb, Zn and Hg) were analysed in the muscle of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sampled in Atlantic coastal regions near several important European river mouths (Gironde, Charente, Loire, Seine and Scheldt). High contamination levels were measured in the muscles of European sea bass sampled in the coastal regions near those river mouths (e.g. Σ ICES PCB = 133–10,478 μg kg− 1 lw and Hg = 250–2000 μg kg− 1 dw).The Scheldt and the Seine are still among the most contaminated estuaries in Europe. Each region presented their specific contamination patterns reflecting different sources due to the input of the respective rivers. As fish and fishery products are the main contributors of the total dietary intake of organochlorinated pollutants, regular consumption of European sea bass with the reported contamination levels may represent a significant exposure route for the general human population.

► The non-essential trace element concentrations measured in our sampling were quite low.
► High contamination levels of organochlorinated compounds were measured in the muscles of European sea bass.
► The Scheldt and the Seine are still among the most contaminated estuaries in Europe.
► Each region presented their specific contamination patterns reflecting different sources due to the input of the rivers.
► Regular consumption of sea bass with the reported contamination levels may represent an exposure route for the population.