Persistent organic pollutants in juvenile Magellan penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) found on the northern shore of the state of São Paulo and southern shore of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

► Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in 25 livers from Magellanic penguins. ► Among the organochlorines, DDT predominated. ► Among the PCBs, there was a predominance of hexachlorobiphenyls (138 and 153) and heptachlorobiphenyls (180 and 187). ► Through histopathologic exams a positive correlation was found between HCB and cardiovascular failure (p = 0.012).