BaselinePCBs, PBDEs and organochlorine pesticides in crabs Hepatus pudibundus and Callinectes danae from Santos Bay, State of São Paulo, Brazil

The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in crabs Hepatus pudibundus and Callinectes danae was assessed from two different places inside of the Santos Bay and Moela Island near one of the most economically important metropolitan areas in Southern Brazil. Among POPs analyzed, ∑PCBs (222-923 ng g−1 lipid weight) and ∑DDTs (154-410 ng g−1 lw) exhibited the highest concentrations in the crabs. ∑HCHs ranged from 10.3 to 30.9 ng g−1 lw and were found in all individuals. Other OCPs found in lower concentration was Mirex (7.6-41.6 ng g−1 lw) and HCB (5.83-16.9 ng g−1 lw). ∑PBDEs (24.1 ng g−1 lw) were only found in one male individual from the species C. danae collected near to the submarine sewage of Santos. Male crabs showed higher POP concentrations than female crabs for those two species.

► We studied bioaccumulation of OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs in crabs collected from Santos Bay. ► PCBs, DDTs and HCH were found in all individuals. ► PBDEs were found in one individual at the place near to the submarine sewage. ► Male crabs showed higher POPs concentrations than female crabs. ► Bottom currents driven by the tide does not favored accumulation in sediments.