Geographical distribution of non-PBDE-brominated flame retardants in mussels from Asian coastal waters

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) used as alternatives for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are also persistent in the environment as PBDEs. Limited information on these non-PBDE brominated flame retardants (BFRs) is available; in particular, there are only few publications on environmental pollution by these contaminants in the coastal waters of Asia. In this regard, we investigated the contamination status of HBCDs, BTBPE, and DBDPE in the coastal waters of Asia using mussels as a bioindicator. Concentrations of HBCDs, BTBPE, and DBDPE were determined in green (Perna viridis) and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) collected from the coastal areas in Cambodia, China (mainland), SAR China (Hong Kong), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam on 2003-2008. BTBPE and DBDPE were analyzed using GC-MS, whereas HBCDs were determined by LC-MS/MS. HBCDs, BTBPE, and DBDPE were found in mussels at levels ranging from <0.01 to 1,400, <0.1 to 13, and <0.3 to 22?ng/g lipid wt, respectively. Among the three HBCD diastereoisomers, α-HBCD was the dominant isomer followed by γ- and β-HBCDs. Concentrations of HBCDs and DBDPE in mussels from Japan and Korea were higher compared to those from the other Asian countries, indicating extensive usage of these non-PBDE BFRs in Japan and Korea. Higher levels of HBCDs and DBDPE than PBDEs were detected in some mussel samples from Japan. The results suggest that environmental pollution by non-PBDE BFRs, especially HBCDs in Japan, is ubiquitous. This study provides baseline information on the contamination status of these non-PBDE BFRs in the coastal waters of Asia.     

Geographical distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorines in small cetaceans from Asian waters

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one of the flame retardants widely used in plastics, textiles, electronic appliances, and electrical household appliances. In this study, PBDEs and organochlorine compounds (OCs) were determined in the archived samples from the Environmental Specimen Bank for Global Monitoring (es-BANK) at Ehime University. The blubber of cetaceans found stranded along the coasts of Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and India during the period from 1990 to 2001 were employed for chemical analysis to understand the present status of contamination and the specific accumulation of PBDEs. PBDEs were detected in all the cetacean samples analyzed, and concentrations were one or two orders of magnitude lower than for PCBs and DDTs. Concentrations of PBDEs ranged from a low value of 6.0 ng/g lipid wt. in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) from India to a high value of 6000 ng/g lipid wt. in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) from Hong Kong. No difference in PBDE levels between coastal and offshore species from Japan was observed, implying the existence of pollution sources in this region other than Japan. Highest concentrations of PBDEs were found in animals from Hong Kong, followed by Japan, and much lower levels from the Philippines and India, suggesting that developing nations may also have pollution sources of PBDEs. Geographical distribution of PBDEs in Asian waters was different from PCBs but similar to DDTs.     

Contamination by butyltin compounds and organochlorine residues in green mussel (Perna viridis, L.) from Thailand coastal waters

In order to elucidate marine pollution by butyltins and organochlorine residues in coastal waters of Thailand, green mussels (Perna viridis) were collected in 1994 and 1995 and analyzed. Butyltin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), were detected in most mussel samples, ranging from 4 to 800 ng g(-1) wet wt (as total). The composition of butyltin derivatives in green mussel was in the order of TBT > DBT > MBT. The results indicated that butyltin contamination was widespread, particularly in high boating areas and in coastal aquaculture facilities. Concentrations of organochlorine residues were much lower than of butyltin compounds. Among organochlorine residues examined, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane compounds (DDTs) were found to be the highest, followed by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) > chlordane compounds (CHLs) > hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) > hexachlorobenzene (HCB). To our knowledge, this is a first report on the detection of butyltin residues in Thailand coastal waters.     

Organohalogen compounds in human breast milk from mothers living in Payatas and Malate, the Philippines: Levels, accumulation kinetics and infant health risk

Human breast milk samples (n = 33) from primipara and multipara mothers from Payatas a waste dump site, and Malate a reference site in the Phillipines were collected in 2004 and analyzed for eight organohalogen compounds, viz., PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, HCHs, HCB, TCPMe, PBDEs and HBCDs. DDTs and PCBs were predominant in all the samples. Overall mean concentrations of PBDEs found in our study were higher (7.5 ng/g lipid wt.) than those reported for Japan and many other Asian countries. Primipara mothers had significantly higher levels of DDTs, CHLs and HCHs than multipara mothers, but not PBDEs and HBCDs. A few individuals accumulated CHLs close to or even higher than the tolerable daily intake guidelines proposed by Health Canada.     

Characterization of polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants in surface soils from Surabaya, Indonesia

In this study, soil contamination by PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDs and two novel BFRs such as 1,2-bis-(2,4,6-tribromopenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in various locations such as industrial, urban, rural, dumping site and agricultural areas of Surabaya, Indonesia has been characterized in order to evaluate their contamination status, profiles, potential sources, fate and behavior. Range and median concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDs, BTBPE and DBDPE were ND - 9.6 (1.2), 0.069 - 24 (7.4), ND - 1.8 (0.48), ND - 1.7 (0.14) and ND - 7.6 (2.2) ng g⁻¹ dw, respectively. Industrial, urban and dumping areas were inventoried as the main sources of these pollutants. Decreasing gradient levels were observed for these contaminants from industrial district, urban, dumping site, rural and agricultural areas, in that order. Furthermore, organic carbon contents and proximity to the point sources were found as the major controlling factors. Contaminant profiles were characterized by the predominance of hexa-, hepta- and penta-homologues for PCBs; deca-, nona- and octa- for PBDEs and α-isomer for HBCDs. Product mixtures such as Ar1260/KC600 and Ar1254/KC500 for PCBs, deca- and octa-BDEs for PBDEs were the possible common formulations used in study area. To our knowledge, this is a first comprehensive study on characterization of soil contamination by PCBs, PBDEs and HBCDs together with two novel BFRs in a highly industrialized city located in tropical region. This study provides baseline information for establishing national monitoring programs in Indonesia.     

Butyltin residues in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and arkshells (Scapharca broughtonii) collected from Korean coastal waters

Butyltin compounds (BTs) including tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation products, di- (DBT) and mono-butyltin (MBT), were determined in bivalves such as blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and arkshells (Scapharca broughtonii) collected from Korean coastal waters. BTs were detected in all the blue mussels and arkshells analyzed. The concentrations of total butyltin (sigmaBTs: MBT + DBT + TBT) in blue mussels and arkshells ranged from 49 to 2500 ng/g and 29 to 87 ng/g wet weight, respectively. Higher concentrations of BTs were found in blue mussels collected from Okpo and Kohyonsong Bays and Jangsengpo Harbor where large shipyards and harbors are located with dry-dock facilities. This suggested that maritime activities nearby the harbors play a major role as the source of BTs. Concentrations of TBT in mussels collected from Korea were one of the highest values reported, suggesting ongoing TBT contamination in Korea. Among BTs, TBT was the predominant compound both in blue mussels and arkshells collected from almost all the sampling locations, indicating the fresh input of TBT in Korean coastal waters. Smaller mussels tended to accumulate BTs at higher concentrations than larger ones, which may be due to higher filtration rate of small mussels and/or contact with surface microlayer in intertidal zones.     

Certain organochlorine and organobromine contaminants in Swedish human milk in perspective of past 20-30 years

The investigations of organochlorine compounds in breast milk from women living in the Stockholm region started in 1967. The present study summarises the investigations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), naphthalenes (PCNs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and pesticides (DDT, DDE, hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin) as well as methylsulfonyl metabolites of PCBs and DDE in human milk sampled during different periods up to 1997. During the course of 20-30 yr the levels of organochlorine compounds in human milk have decreased to various extent. A decrease to the half of the original concentration was attained in the range of 4-17 yr periods. On the contrary to the organochlorine compounds, the concentrations of PBDEs have increased during the period 1972-1997, indicating a doubling of the levels by 5 yr. The levels reflect the environmental contamination and background levels in the population. The accumulation and ongoing increase in the levels of PBDEs calls for immediate measures to stop the environmental pollution and human exposure to PBDEs.     

Persistent toxic substances in soils and waters along an altitudinal gradient in the Laja River Basin, Central Southern Chile

In this study the levels and distribution of some persistent toxic substances (PTS) were investigated in soils, superficial water, and snow along an altitudinal gradient in the Laja River Basin (South Central Chile). The principal objective was to establish the basin's contamination status. The working hypothesis was that PTS levels and distribution in the basin are dependent on the degree of anthropogenic intervention. Fifteen PAHs, seven PCBs congeners, and three organochlorine pesticides were studied in superficial soil and water samples obtained along the altitudinal gradient and from a coastal reference station (Lleu-Lleu River). Soil samples were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction with acetone/cyclohexane (1:1) for PAHs and organochlorine compounds. Contaminants were extracted from water and snow samples by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). PAH and organochlorine compound quantification was carried out by HPLC with fluorescence detection and GC-MS, respectively. PCBs in soils presented four different profiles in the altitudinal gradient, mainly determined by their chlorination degree; these profiles were not observed for the chlorinated pesticides. In general, the detected levels for the analyzed compounds were low for soils when compared with soil data from other remote areas of the world. Higher summation operator PAHs levels in soils were found in the station located at 227 masl (4243 ng g-1 TOC), in a forestry area and near a timber industry, where detected levels were up to eight times higher than the other sampling sites. In general, PAH levels and distribution seems to be dependent on local conditions. No pesticides were detected in surface waters. However, congeners of PCBs were detected in almost all sampling stations with the highest levels being found in Laja Lake waters, where 1.1 ng/l were observed. This concentration is two times higher than values reported for polluted lakes in the Northern Hemisphere. The presence of organochlorine compound in snow sampled at the highest elevation point of the basin is indicative of the transport and atmospheric deposition phenomena of alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH and PCB 52, with values being similar to the levels reported in Canadian snow samples. We conclude that environmental PTS substance levels are in general relatively low, although PAHs may be of concern in some areas of the basin.     

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine pollutants in two species of Antarctic fish (Chionodraco hamatus and Trematomus bernacchii)

In the late 1960s the first scientific studies on contamination in Antarctica demonstrated the presence of pollutants in Antarctic ecosystems. Many Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are transported globally from the areas in which they are produced and released into the environment in remote areas, including Antarctica. Here we report results obtained concerning the accumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), mono- and non-ortho-polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the tissues of two species of Antarctic fish (Chionodraco hamatus and Trematomus bernacchii). The 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs) were also calculated to evaluate the potential risk of these compounds for the two species. In general, POP levels were higher in the tissues of T. bernacchii than in C. hamatus and the highest concentrations were found in the liver of both species. The PBDE levels varied from 160.5pgg(-1) wet wt in C. hamatus muscle to 789.9pgg(-1) wet wt in T. bernacchii liver and were lower than the levels of PCBs. PCBs were the main organochlorine compounds detected and their concentrations ranged from 0.3ngg(-1) wet wt in C. hamatus muscle to 15.1ngg(-1) wet wt in T. bernacchii liver. TEQ concentrations resulted higher in C. hamatus than in T. bernacchii and were due mainly to PCDDs. The presence of PBDEs and organochlorine pollutants in the tissues of Antarctic organisms confirms their global transport and distribution.     

Persistent toxic substances in remote lake and coastal sediments from Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic: Levels, sources and fluxes

Surface sediments from remote lakes and coastal areas from Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Relatively high levels of PAHs were encountered from several lakes from Ny-Ålesund, which were within the range of levels reported for European high mountain lakes and some urban/industrialized areas in the world, pointing to the role of remote Arctic lakes as potential reservoir of semi-volatile organic compounds. Specific patterns of PBDEs were observed, showing higher concentrations of lower brominated compounds such as BDE-7, 17 and 28. Estimated surface sediment fluxes of PAHs in Ny-Ålesund remote lakes were similar to those observed for some European high mountain lakes. The current PAH levels in sediments from three lakes exceeded Canadian sediment quality guidelines, suggesting the presence of possible risks for aquatic organisms and the need for further studies.     

Organochlorine and organotin compounds in Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) collected during an unusual mortality event in the Caspian Sea in 2000

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides and organotin compounds were determined in the blubber and liver of Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) found stranded on the coast of the Caspian Sea during an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) in 2000. Among organochlorines analyzed, DDTs were the most dominant contaminants with concentrations ranging from 6.3 to 470 microg/g on a lipid-weight basis. Caspian seals collected in 2000 during the epizootic had higher concentrations of organochlorines than healthy individuals sampled in 1998. However, the blubber layer was generally thinner in the seals collected in 2000 than those in the previous surveys. Although compositions of organochlorine pesticides in seals suggested that the contamination status in the Caspian Sea is improving, the levels found in Caspian seals in 2000 were comparable to those in other marine mammals that have suffered from epizootics. This implies that the present status of contamination found in Caspian seals poses a risk of immunosuppression. Concentrations of butyltin compounds in livers of seals ranged from 0.49 to 17 ng/g on a wet-weight basis and octyltin compounds were below limit of detection in all the samples analyzed, suggesting less contamination by organotin compounds in the Caspian Sea.     

Organochlorine and heavy metal residues in the water/sediment system of the Southeast Regional Park in Madrid, Spain

A study into levels of contamination by organochlorine compounds (insecticides and PCBs) and heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the water/sediment system of the Southeast Regional Park (SERP) in Madrid, Spain, has been carried out. Residue levels of xenobiotics were determined in surface and underground waters and sediments from selected sites throughout the protected area. The results showed these contaminants to be widespread throughout the studied area. p,p'-DDT concentration levels were consistently higher than its metabolite p,p'-DDE, indicating a recent use of this organochlorine insecticide in the area. PCB levels exceeded, in the majority of the cases, the levels taken as the maximum (100 ng/microl) for highly polluted waters. Cd and Pb levels found in water samples were under the detection limits of the methodology used. Pb levels found in sediment samples were higher than Cd.     

Characterization of polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants in sludge,sediment and fish from municipal dumpsite at Surabaya,Indonesia

We investigated the PCBs, PBDEs and HBCDs contamination in sludge, sediments and fish from various locations including raw leachate pond, leachate treatment plans (LTPs), control wells and reference site at open landfill of municipal dumpsite, Surabaya City, Indonesia. 62 PCBs and 14 PBDEs congeners, and 3 HBCDs isomers were identified and quantified using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS, respectively. Concentration ranges and median (value in parentheses) of PCBs, PBDEs and HBCDs were from not detected (ND) to 60 (3.9) ng g⁻¹ dw, 0.0075 to 45 (4.5) ng g⁻¹ dw and ND to 2.8 (0.052) ng g⁻¹ dw in sludge and sediments, respectively. While in two polled of fish samples were 30–55 ng g⁻¹ lw, 6.6–11 ng g⁻¹ lw and 1.6–3.3 ng g⁻¹ lw, respectively. Among the sampling sites, the highest level of PCBs and PBDEs were detected in sludge from raw leachate pond. However, PCBs and PBDEs levels were showing decreased in LTP-1 that could be due to the bacterial degradation but not in LTP-2, HBCDs were more stable in both LTPs. Levels of PCBs and BFRs in sludge at the present study were lower than those reported in sewage sludge reported from some other countries. PCBs profiles were mainly composed in that order by CB-138, -153, -180, -101, -118 and -28, while by BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -154 and -28 for PBDEs in sludge, sediments and fish. Profiles of HBCDs were predominantly composed by γ- and α-isomers in sludge and fish, respectively. Debromination, dechlorination, commercial formulations used and congener-specific accumulation of those contaminants are the factors influenced the profiles.     

PCBs, PCNs and PBDEs in sediments and mussels from Qingdao coastal sea in the frame of current circulations and influence of sewage sludge

Influence of current circulation and sewage sludge on spatial distributions of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediments and mussels from the Qingdao coastal sea were investigated. Total concentrations of PCBs, PCNs and PBDEs in sediments ranged 6.5-32.9, 0.2-1.2, and 0.1-5.5 ngg(-1) dry wt, respectively. The maximum concentrations were all found near the Haibo River mouth, affected by sewage sludge input from the river. Under the current system in Jiaozhou Bay the organic pollutants were subject to deposit on the east side of the bay and trapped inside the bay. Sewage sludge was an important source of PCBs, PCNs and PBDEs in the bay and exponentially magnified the enrichment of PCBs. On the other hand, the congener profiles of PCBs in sediments outside the bay may signify an atmospheric source of PCBs. Total Concentrations of PCBs, PCNs and PBDEs in mussels were 61.4-88.6, 9.0, and 13.8 ngg(-1)lipid, respectively. Mussels enriched significantly PCBs, PCNs and PBDEs relative to the sediments. The total toxicity equivalent quantities (TEQs) of PCNs in mussels were generally lower than that of PCBs. The fluxes of the total PCBs and their TEQs have been decreased steadily since 1950s. The lower chlorinated/brominated congeners of PCNs and PBDEs may exhibit a greater tendency due to less lipophilic and thus a greater probability of being affected by the current circulation in the bay.     

Contamination by chlorinated pesticides, PCBs and PBDEs in Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) in western South Atlantic

Chlorinated pesticides, PCBs and PBDEs were analysed in nine blubber samples of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, incidentally captured during fishing operations in southern and southeastern Brazil between 2005 and 2007. The majority of compounds analysed were detected, suggesting widespread contamination over the region. Although the samples came from a location far from main coastal industrial areas, the results revealed an influence from such sources. Therefore, levels of PCBs (774-23 659 ng g⁻¹ lipid wt.) and PBDEs (23-1326 ng g⁻¹ lipid wt.) detected seem to be related to the movement of individuals throughout near-shore and offshore waters. The sample from a lactating female exhibited a lower level of contamination and a distinct pattern, indicating selective transfer favouring less lipophilic compounds.     

Nationwide monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in sediments from coastal environment of Korea

To assess the organochlorine contamination in the Korean marine environment, a nationwide monitoring study was conducted. A total of 138 surface sediments, covering the whole Korean coast, were collected and analyzed. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) were widely distributed in the Korean coastal environment, with PCB and DDT contamination being particularly prevalent. The overall concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB in surface sediments were in the range of 0.088-199ngg(-1) (median value: 1.56ngg(-1)), 0.006-135ngg(-1) (0.68ngg(-1)), not detected (ND)-5.46ngg(-1) (0.32ngg(-1)), ND-3.26ngg(-1) (0.14ngg(-1)), and ND-2.59ngg(-1) (0.05ngg(-1)), respectively. The southeastern coast was found to be highly contaminated. Overall contamination status of Korean coastal sediments with regard to OCs is lower than that of USA. With the exception of highly industrialized sites, Korean coastal areas in general showed similar OC concentrations to those of other Asian countries. There was a significant correlation between distributions of most organochlorine contaminants with each other. OC contamination is closely related to shipping and industrial activities. Of the 7 sites categorized as highly polluted, 4 are in a harbor zone. Adverse effects to benthic communities are expected at the levels of OC contamination observed from harbor and industrial areas.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides in mussels from the Egyptian Red Sea coast

The residues of 17 organochlorine pollutants were analyzed in bivalve Brachiodontes sp. collected from 11 different locations in April 2000 along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. The pollutants studied were 10 individual polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, alpha,alpha,alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs), cyclodienes (heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, aldrin, dieldrin) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) (p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDT). The concentration of total DDTs ranged between 125 and 772 ng/g of wet weight whereas the concentration of the PCBs, HCHs and cyclodienes ranged from 6.7 to 66.4 ng/g; 16.2 to 183.4 ng/g and 8.8 to 221.6 ng/g of wet weight, respectively. The levels are low to moderate in relation to the published data from other coastal areas. The present results indicate low to moderate PCBs and pesticides contamination in the investigated mussels except DDTs.     

Within- and among-clutch variation of organohalogenated contaminants in eggs of great tits (Parus major)

In this study we investigated the variation of organohalogenated compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), within and among clutches of a small insectivorous songbird, the great tit (Parus major), and determined whether egg laying order affects the concentrations of these compounds. PCBs were the major organohalogenated contaminants in the eggs of great tits (mean 4778 ng/g lipid weight), while PBDEs (mean 204 ng/g lipid weight) and DDTs (mean 601 ng/g lipid weight) were found at much lower concentrations. Within-clutch variability of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs residues in the egg samples was small (7%, 3%, and 22%, respectively) compared to among-clutch variability (93%, 97%, and 78%, respectively). The small within-clutch variability may be in part related to the small home range of great tits and low spatial heterogeneity of the contaminants. We found no laying order effects on the concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs. Our results show that random egg samples of great tits are suitable as a biomonitoring tool for contamination with persistent organohalogenated pollutants in terrestrial environments.     

Temporal variation and biomagnification of organohalogen compounds in finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from the South China Sea

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine compounds (OCs) were determined in the blubber of male finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) collected in 1990 and 2000/01 from the South China Sea. Among the organohalogen compounds analyzed, DDTs and PCBs were the predominant contaminants in the porpoises, ranging from 26,000 to 260,000 and 1400 to 28,000 ng/g lipid wt., respectively. PBDEs ranged from a minimum of 84 ng/g lipid wt., in 1990 to a maximum of 980 ng/g lipid wt., in 2001, showing a significant increase during the time period investigated. Congener profiles in finless porpoises did not shift to higher BDE congeners during these years, implying a continuous discharge of lower BDE commercial mixtures, such as PentaBDE. For OCs, HCHs concentrations decreased significantly, while others did not exhibit any significant temporal variation. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) were found to be highest for CHLs and lowest for HCB. PBDEs and PCBs had comparable BMFs, indicating a similar potential for biomagnification through the food web.     

Contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers of sediments from the Lake Maggiore basin (Italy and Switzerland)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are characterized by chemical properties and toxicological profiles similar to other POPs (persistent organic pollutants) included in the EU Priority Pollutant List (2455/01/CE). However, limited data have been available for these compounds thus far for Italian freshwater abiotic matrices. Lake Maggiore basin, a heavily industrialized and densely populated area, was selected for studying PBDE contamination in Italy. PBDEs and OCs (organochlorine compounds) in the basin were quantified by analysing both sediment cores collected in 2005 from the lake and grab samples from the main tributaries and the emissary. Fourteen PBDEs, from tri-BDE to hepta-BDE congeners and BDE209, were compared with some organochlorine POPs (PCBs and DDTs) characterizing Lake Maggiore basin contamination. Analyses of tri-to hepta-BDEs, PCBs and DDTs were undertaken by GC-MS/MS, while BDE-209 was analysed by GC/ECD. Results showed a dominant presence of BDE-209 (>95% of SigmaBDE) and limited amounts of BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153 and BDE-154. Lake core profiles highlighted a decreasing trend in PCB concentrations starting from the year 2000, while PBDEs showed greater concentrations after the beginning of the 1990s (up to 30 ng g(-1)d.w.). Among the tributaries, the Bardello and Boesio rivers were the most PBDE-contaminated (up to 290 ng g(-1)d.w.).