Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments from the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba

•The first study on POPs in sediments from Gulf of Batabano (CUBA) was performed.•Levels of DDTs, Lindane, HCB, Heptachlor, Aldrin, Mirex and PCBs were measured.•The POPs concentrations indicated low contamination of the surface sediments.•The Gulf of Batabano can be considered like a pristine environment.•The levels of POPs found not have an adverse effect on sediment dwelling organisms.

The spatial distribution of various organochlorinated compounds, e.g. PCBs, DDTs, HCB and HCHs, were investigated in sediments of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba. Among the target organochlorine compounds measured, ΣDDT isomers were the predominant contaminant with concentrations ranging from 0.019 to 1.27 ng g−1 dry wt. Lindane was present at very low concentrations in the range n.d. to 0.05 ng g−1, while PCBs and other organochlorine pesticide residues, such as HCB, Heptaclor, Aldrin and Mirex were lower than detection limits (∼0.010 ng g−1). According to established sediment quality guidelines, the OCPs concentrations encountered in the surface sediments are probably not having an adverse effect on sediment dwelling organisms. Compared to concentrations reported in coastal environments from other parts of the world, PCBs and OCs concentrations in surface sediments of Batabanó Gulf were low and similar to the reported for remote and pristine environments. These results contribute to the sparse regional database for organochlorinated compounds in the Caribbean marine environment.