Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in human milk from Australia

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants added to a multitude of products to reduce flammability. PBDEs have been widely detected and quantified in biota and humans in many industrialised countries from the Northern Hemisphere. However data concerning the levels of these compounds in the Australian population and environment remain limited. The objectives of this study were to determine PBDE concentrations and congener profiles in Australian human milk and compare this to concentrations found in other countries. Pooled human milk samples obtained from mothers residing in 12 regions of Australia were analysed by HRGC/HRMS for 18 PBDE congeners. In total, 157 human milk samples collected in 2002 and 2003 were divided into 17 regional pools. PBDEs were detected in all pools of human milk from Australia. The mean+/-standard deviation and median summation operatorPBDE concentrations were 11.1+/-3.2 and 11.0 ng g(-1) lipid, respectively with a range of 6.1-18.7 ng g(-1) lipid. The congener profile was dominated by BDE-47 followed by BDE-99, -100, -153, -154 and -183. Regional differences were evaluated, but no trends were observed. The data suggest regional differences are likely to be small if they exist at all. The concentrations of PBDEs found in Australian human milk were lower than those reported from North America but higher than those reported from Europe and Asia. Our results suggest that the exposure pathways which contribute to the PBDE body burden in the Australian population require a better understanding in order to determine future policy regarding their use and disposal.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in seven different marine bird species from Iceland

Data on distribution, concentration and trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) is scarce in biota from the sub-Arctic region of the Atlantic. The present study is an investigation on PBDE and HBCD concentrations in eggs from seven marine bird species from Iceland, i.e. common eider (Somateria mollissima), arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), guillemot (Uria aalge), fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) and great skua (Stercorarius skua). Concentrations of sum PBDEs ranged from 44 ng g⁻¹ fat in eider eggs to 2400 ng g⁻¹ fat in great skua eggs. The contribution of different PBDE congeners to the sum concentration differed between species. Concentration of HBCDs (sum of α−,β⁻ and γ−HBCD) ranged from 1.3 ng g⁻¹ fat in arctic tern eggs to 41 ng g⁻¹ fat in great black-backed gull. PCA on PBDE and HBCD shows different trends between the two BFR groups, further indicating different sources/usage. Investigations on any potential health or population effects of environmental pollutants on the great skua are advised since both the PBDE and HBCD concentrations are high.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediment and bivalves from Korean coastal waters

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in sediment and bivalves collected from 25 coastal locations in Korea. Twenty major PBDE congeners were found in all sediment and bivalve samples. SigmaPBDE20 concentrations ranged from 0.45 to 494 ng/g, dry weight (average 27.8 ng/g dry weight) in sediments, and from 0.38 to 9.19 ng/g, wet weight (average 2.94 ng/g wet weight) in bivalves. The highest concentrations were found at locations near industrial complexes and large harbors, suggesting that human activities contribute to PBDEs contamination in Korean coastal environment. PBDE concentrations measured in our study, excluding BDE congener 209 (deca-BDE), in sediment and bivalves were lower than those reported from other countries; whereas BDE 209 concentrations were comparable to or higher than those reported from other countries. The predominant PBDE congener in sediments and bivalves was deca-BDE, which accounted for >90% and >60% of the total PBDE concentrations in sediment and bivalves, respectively. This is consistent with high consumption of deca-BDE for the flame-retardant market in Korea. Significant correlations existed among BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 in sediments and bivalves; however, BDEs 183 and 209 showed little correlation compared with less highly brominated congeners.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine fish and blue mussels from southern Greenland

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have not previously been reported in Greenland. In this study shorthorn sculpins (Myoxocephalus scorpius) were sampled at three locations in southern Greenland; Usuk (no population), Igaliko (population 40) and Qaqortoq (population 3200). Furthermore uvak (Gadus ogac), spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor), starry ray (Raja radiata), and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) were collected at Usuk. Pooled samples of fish liver and blue mussel were analysed for lower brominated PBDEs (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100 and BDE-153). The highest PBDE levels were found in Qaqortoq followed by Igaliko and Usuk. The measured sum PBDE concentrations in shorthorn sculpin collected at Qaqortoq, Igaliko and Usuk, were 8.2, 3.1 and 2.1 all in units of microg kg(-1) wet weight. In female and male uvak collected at Usuk PBDE levels of 7.1 and 12.0 microg kg(-1) wet weight were measured, while the concentrations were 1.2 microg kg(-1) in spotted wolffish, 1.4 microg kg(-1) in starry ray and 0.11 microg kg(-1) in blue mussels from the same locality all measured on a wet weight basis. The highest concentrations were measured in uvak, a top-predator on fish indicating that PBDEs are biomagnifying. The level of tetra-hexa BDEs is 15-24 times lower than PCB levels measured in the same samples, except for shorthorn sculpin collected at Qaqortoq, where the level of PBDEs was 40 times lower than the level of PCBs. The high concentration of PCBs relative to PBDEs in shorthorn sculpin collected at Qaqortoq signifies a local emission of PCBs, which is higher than the local emission of PBDEs.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and mercury in fish from lakes of the Tibetan Plateau

High mountains may act as cold traps for globally transported persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury (Hg). In the present study, 60 fish samples were collected from eight alpine lakes across the Tibetan Plateau. Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), total mercury (HgT) and methyl mercury (MeHg) were quantified in the fish muscle tissues to improve the understanding of pollution status and factors regulating the transport and fate of these contaminants on the Plateau. The results showed that lake-averaged ∑₁₄PBDEs concentration was between 0.09 ng g⁻¹ dw and 4.32 ng g⁻¹ dw, which was lower than those reported for European mountains. The total mercury concentration in individual fish ranged from 243 to 2384 ng g⁻¹ dw, and that of MeHg from 131 to 1610 ng g⁻¹ dw, which is much higher than those reported in other mountain fish. The spatial variation of PBDEs and mercury in the Plateau is largely controlled by the specific meteorological patterns.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in mussels from selected French coastal sites: 1981-2003

The present study focused on the retrospective analysis of PBDEs in archived blue mussel (Mytilus edulis or Mytilus galloprovincialis) samples collected over the past 22 years (1981-2003) from coastal areas of France. We have found that PBDE levels in mussels from the English Channel increased markedly from 1981 to 1991-1995, doubling approximately every 5-6 years followed by a levelling off and a possible beginning of a decrease. The rate of the decline of hexa- and hepta-BDE congeners was more rapid than the decline of tetra- and penta-BDEs in these mussel samples. The difference in the course of time of lower and higher brominated PBDE concentrations suggests that the congener profile in the mussel samples changes over time. The increase in PBDE concentrations in the mussel samples contrasts with a concomitant constant decrease of chlorobiphenyls (CBs) in the same set of samples. However, pulse inputs of both groups of organohalogen compounds were determined for the mussel samples collected at the mouth of the Seine estuary and were probably related to riverine inundations and a flushing out of the deposited sediments from the internal estuary into the bay of the River Seine, as well as considerable dredging activities taking place during same years. In France, the highest PBDE concentrations were determined in the mussels from the English Channel, more precisely in the bay of the Seine, and the regional differences in PBDE levels were mainly connected to the difference in anthropogenic urban and industrial environmental pressures. Published data comparing PBDE levels in mussels have shown significant differences in concentrations between North/South America and Europe. This observation further confirms that the PBDE levels in the North American environment are higher than in Europe. However, the data used for this comparison of mussel contamination by PBDEs is still relatively sparse.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in breast milk from the Pacific Northwest

Breast milk samples from 40 first-time mothers from the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Total PBDEs (summation operator PBDEs), calculated by summing values for the 12 PBDEs congeners analyzed, ranged from 6 to 321 ppb (lipid weight) (mean=96 ppb; median=50 ppb). In approximately 40% of the women (15/40), summation operator PBDEs>100 ppb lw in their milk, and four samples had levels >250 ppb lw. PBDE 47 was the dominant congener in most samples, whereas PBDE 153 was predominant in a few (3/40). summation operator PCBs were calculated by summing values for the 82 PCB congeners analyzed, and ranged from 49 to 415 ppb (lipid weight) (mean=147 ppb; median=126 ppb). approximately 30% of the mothers (13/40) have summation operator PBDEs> summation operator PCBs in their milk samples, and approximately 65% (25/40) have BDE 47>PCB 153 in breast milk samples, with BDE 47 averaging 3-fold greater levels than PCB 153. Clearly, the lower brominated PBDEs are surpassing PCBs as a major environmental concern in North America, and are likely affecting significant portions of the populations in these regions. PBDEs have become a major persistent organic pollutant. However, there are no positive correlations between levels of summation operator PBDEs and summation operator PCBs, or between levels of PBDE 47 and PCB 153, suggesting there may be some differences in exposure pathways for PBDEs and PCBs in humans.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in marine fish from four areas of China

The levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in marine fish from four areas of China (South China Sea, Bohai Sea, East China Sea, and Yellow Sea) using GC/NCI-MS and GC/ITMS, respectively. Total concentrations of eight PBDEs (BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209) in all samples ranged from 0.3 ng g⁻¹ ww (wet weight) to 700 ng g⁻¹ ww, with median and mean values of 85 ng g⁻¹ ww and 200 ng g⁻¹ ww, respectively. BDE-209 and BDE-47 were the major congeners in all samples, contributing 54% and 19% to the total concentration, respectively. The sum of seven indicator PCB levels (CB-28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) ranged from 0.3 ng g⁻¹ ww to 3.1 μg g⁻¹ ww, with median and mean values of 6.4 ng g⁻¹ ww and 398 ng g⁻¹ ww, respectively. High contributions of CB-138 (32%) and CB-153 (25%) were found in all samples. In general, pollutants measured in this study were at high levels when compared with previous studies from other regions in the world. The relative abundance of BDE-209 may suggest that deca-BDE sources existed in studied area. And principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there were other PBDE sources in Yellow Sea. The pattern and PCA showed that PCB pollutions came from similar sources in the studied areas. In addition, concentrations of ∑₇PBDEs (u/209) were strongly correlated with those of ∑₇PCBs in all fish (r = 0.907, n = 44).     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human liver and adipose tissue samples from Belgium

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in paired human adipose tissue and liver samples (n=25) from Belgium. Average concentrations and standard deviation of sum PBDEs (congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) were 5.3+/-3.0 (range 1.4-13.2) and 3.6+/-2.1 (range 1.0-10.0)ngg(-1) lipid weight (lw) in adipose tissue and liver, respectively. These concentrations were similar to reported PBDE data from Belgium and were at the lower end of the concentration range reported elsewhere in the world. In both tissues under study, BDE 153 and BDE 47 were the most abundant PBDE congeners, contributing approximately 35% and 25% to the total PBDE content. Average concentrations and range of PCBs (sum of 23 congeners) were 490 (range 70-1130) and 380 (range 90-1140)ngg(-1)lw in adipose tissue and liver, respectively. No correlation between age and concentrations of PBDEs could be found (r=0.04), while PCB concentrations correlated significantly with age (r=0.62, p<0.01, for the sum PCBs; r=0.64, p<0.01 for PCB 153 alone). Factors, such as exposure pathways (food, dust and air), rates of bioaccumulation, metabolism and elimination, influence the concentrations of PBDEs differently than those of PCBs in humans.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in farmed and wild salmon marketed in the Northeastern United States

Recently, we reported on the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from Maine, eastern Canada, and Norway, and wild Alaskan Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). In this paper, we extend the analysis to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in these samples. Total PBDE concentrations in the farmed salmon (0.4-1.4ng/g, wet weight, ww) were not significantly different from those in the wild Alaskan Chinook samples (0.4-1.2ng/g, ww), nor were significant differences found among regions. However, significant intra-regional variations in concentrations of total PBDEs and tetra-BDE 47 were observed in the salmon from the Canadian farms (p<0.01). Congener profiles were dominated by BDE-47, followed by the penta-BDEs 99 and 100. PBDE concentrations in the Canadian samples were lower than those reported two years earlier. Removal of skin resulted in no overall reduction in PBDE concentrations in our farmed salmon, and in some cases, PBDE concentrations were higher in skin-off samples. PBDEs were correlated with lipids only in the skinned samples, suggesting that there is greater accumulation and retention of PBDEs in muscle lipids than in skin-associated fat. In skin-on samples, modest correlations were observed between concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs (R(2)=0.47) and mono-ortho PCBs (R(2)=0.50), whereas PBDEs were not correlated with non-ortho PCBs.     

Leaching characteristics of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from flame-retardant plastics

To investigate the effect of leachant on the leachability of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), we determined the leaching concentrations of PBDEs from flame-retardant plastic samples (TV housings and raw materials before molding processing) that are regarded as a source of PBDEs in landfill sites. The leachants used were distilled water, 20% methanol solution, and dissolved humic solution (DHS) of 1000 mg/l based on organic carbon. The leaching test conditions were a liquid-to-solid ratio of 100:1, and a contact period of five days, with twice-daily agitation in a temperature-controlled room of 30 degrees C without pH or ionic strength control. The leaching concentrations of PBDEs increased with increased content, and were found to be remarkably enhanced when methanol and DHS were used instead of distilled water. The enhancement of leachability in the presence of the latter was attributed to the cosolvency effect, and complex formations between the PBDEs and dissolved humic matter (DHM). PBDE concentrations in the leachate obtained from the leaching test and an actual landfill site revealed a significant presence of congeners below heptabromodiphenyl ethers (H7BDEs), detected in the leachate of the actual landfill, while significant amounts of nonabromodiphenyl ethers (N9BDEs) and decabromodiphenyl ether (D10BDE) were detected in the leachate of the leaching test.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative brominated flame retardants in air and seawater of the European Arctic

The spatial distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and several alternative non-PBDE, non-regulated brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in air and seawater and the air-seawater exchange was investigated in East Greenland Sea using high-volume air and water samples. Total PBDE concentrations (Ó₁₀PBDEs) ranged from 0.09 to 1.8 pg m⁻³ in the atmosphere and from 0.03 to 0.64 pg L⁻¹ in seawater. Two alternative BFRs, Hexabromobenzene (HBB) and 2,3-dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE), showed similar concentrations and spatial trends as PBDEs. The air-seawater gas exchange was dominated by deposition with fluxes up to −492 and −1044 pg m⁻² day⁻¹ for BDE-47 and DPTE, respectively. This study shows the first occurrence of HBB, DPTE and other alternative flame retardants (e.g., pentabromotoluene (PBT)) in the Arctic atmosphere and seawater indicating that they have a similar long-range atmospheric transport potential (LRAT) as the banned PBDEs.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in two species of marine top predators from England and Wales

During an earlier study, polybrominated diphenyl ethers were detected at high concentrations in fish and sediments downstream of a manufacturing site in NE England. We have now undertaken analysis of 14 tri- to heptabromodiphenyl ether congeners in tissues of two species of marine top predators exposed to these compounds through their consumption of fish. In this paper we report data for 47 cormorants and 60 harbour porpoises from England and Wales, sampled during the period 1996-2000. Concentrations of the summed congeners ranged from 1.8 to 140 microg kg(-1) wet weight in cormorant livers, and from not detected to 6900 microg kg(-1) wet weight in porpoise blubber. The major congeners present were generally BDE47, BDE99 and BDE100. There was little correlation between concentrations of chlorobiphenyls (as the sum of 25 individual congeners) and the sum of the 14 BDE congeners determined, particularly for the porpoises.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in soils along a rural-urban-rural transect: sources, concentration gradients, and profiles

This study reports concentrations of PBDEs in surface soil samples collected along a 140 km transect across Kuwait to assess the role of urban centers as sources of persistent organic pollutants to the surrounding environment. The ΣPBDE concentrations varied by a factor of ∼250 and ranged from 289 to 80,078 pg g⁻¹ d.w. The concentrations of PBDEs in Kuwait City were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those collected from sites outside the city supporting the hypothesis that urban centers are sources of PBDEs. The congener profiles were dominated by BDE-209, accounting for 93% of the PBDEs in the soil samples. The concentrations of all congeners (except BDE-209) were highly correlated with percent organic carbon (%OC) (p > 0.05) when the data from Kuwait City was omitted from the analysis. These findings suggest that soil concentrations outside the urban centers were close to equilibrium with the atmosphere.     

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk from Beijing, China

The levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk from Beijing, China, were studied. The 6 predominant PBDEs congeners (BDE47, BDE99, BDE100, BDE153, BDE154 and BDE183) in 23 pooled breast milk samples from 205 mothers living in Beijing were measured. Mean and median of SigmaPBDEs concentrations in all samples were 1.12ngg(-1) lipid and 1.07ngg(-1) lipid, respectively. The Statistical difference in SigmaPBDEs concentrations was found between urban areas (1.22ngg(-1) lipid, n=14) and rural areas (0.97ngg(-1) lipid n=9). The sum of BDE47 and BDE153 accounted for more than 70% of SigmaPBDEs in most samples. The significant correlation was found between the SigmaPBDEs in pooled samples and average of consumption of food of animal origin in the pools in urban area. However, there was no correlation was found between the SigmaPBDEs in pooled samples and average of consumption of food of animal origin in the pools in rural area of Beijing. The current study showed that the level of PBDEs in breast milk from Beijing was lower than that from South China and some developed countries such as USA and Sweden.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their methoxylated derivatives in pike from Swedish waters with emphasis on temporal trends, 1967-2000

Temporal trends of five tetra- to hexabromodiphenyl ethers [BDE47, BDE99, BDE100, BDE153 and BDE154) and two methoxy-tetraBDEs [6-methoxy-2,2',4,4'- tetraBDE (6-MeO-BDE47) and 2'-methoxy-2,3',4,5'- tetraBDE (2'-MeO-BDE68)] in pike from Lake Bolmen for the years 1967-2000, are presented. All BDE congeners show increasing trends up to the mid-1980s (Sigma5PBDE from 60 to 1600 pg/g wet weight in 1989, i.e. a more than 25-fold increase), and then decrease or level off. The decreasing trends of PBDEs after the 1980s were considerably slower in the present study than was found in a study of an environmental matrix from the Baltic Proper covering the same time period. This difference suggests local sources near Lake Bolmen. The MeO-BDEs show initially decreasing concentrations, which for 6-MeO-BDE47 continues until the early 1990s. The concentrations of 6-MeO-BDE47 in herring from five locations along the Swedish coast increased from south to north in the Baltic Sea. No correlation between the concentrations of the BDE congeners and the MeO-BDEs was observed, indicating sources other than PBDEs for these compounds. The presence of MeO-BDEs in fish from lakes with different characteristics suggests a natural production not favoured by eutrophication, or dependent on sampling season and geographical location.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers detected in human adipose tissue from Spain

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were detected in 13 human adipose tissue samples from Spain, 3 women and 10 men. Tetra-, penta- and hexabrominated diphenyl ethers were determined at ng/g lipid (ppb) level in all the samples. The average TeBDE level was 1.36 ng/g, the average PeBDE was 0.93 ng/g and the HxBDE 1.83 ng/g. Human adipose tissue levels of PBDE obtained in the current samples from Spain are comparable with the tissue levels reported in recent Swedish investigations.     

Multi-year measurements of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Arctic atmosphere

Weekly high-volume air samples have been collected in the Canadian High Arctic (Alert, Nunavut) since 1992. Fifteen polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are quantified in 104 samples over the time period of 2002–2004. To our knowledge, this study reports the first continuous multi-year measurements of PBDEs in Arctic air. Average air concentrations (in pg m⁻³) were 7.7 (0.40–47) and 1.6 (0.091–9.8) for 14 PBDEs (excluding BDE-209) and BDE-209, respectively, over the entire sampling period. BDE-28/33, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 209 accounted for 90% (72–97%, n=104) of the 15 PBDEs. Occurrence of BDE-47, 99, and 209 suggests that PBDEs in Alert air were likely associated with the usage of “penta-BDE” and “deca-BDE” technical mixtures worldwide. Natural logarithm of concentrations for less brominated PBDEs correlated significantly with ambient temperatures in the summertime, suggesting importance of volatilization emissions in a local and/or regional scale. On the other hand, episodically elevated concentrations of the less brominated PBDEs in the wintertime and lack of seasonality for the non-volatile BDE-209 indicate potential inputs of particle-bound PBDEs through long-range transport (LRT), especially during the Arctic haze season. Inter-annual trend data further show that concentrations of the eight PBDEs increased inter-annually in 2002–2004 with doubling times of 2–6 years, which were similar to growth rates found in Arctic biotic samples. The results of this study and previous measurements suggest that potential sources of PBDEs in Arctic air include both volatilization emissions and LRT inputs.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in house dust in Singapore

The use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants in Singapore is not strictly regulated; therefore these compounds can be readily found in furniture, electronic devices, and building materials. This study was the first of its kind to be conducted in Singapore to measure concentrations of PBDEs in house dust. Samples were collected from 31 homes in various locations across the island-state of Singapore, and a total eight PBDEs congeners were measured. PBDEs were detected in all 31 dust samples and the number of BDE congener detected per home ranged between 3 and 8. The most abundant BDE congeners found were BDE 47, 99 and 209, with a median value of 20 ng g(-1) dust, 24 ng g(-1) dust and 1000 ng g(-1) dust, respectively. BDE 209 contributed 88% to the median of all the congeners, and BDE 47 and 99 contributed 1.8% and 3.5%, respectively. Different congener profiles were observed between this and studies conducted elsewhere, which is consistent with the use of different commercial PBDE around the world. No significant correlations between PBDE dust levels and residential characteristics (number of TVs and computers, floor area or flooring material) were observed. The daily intake of PBDEs via the inhalation pathway was estimated. House dust may be regarded as the most important exposure route of PBDEs for children.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in three fish species from an estuary in the southeastern coast of Brazil

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Diphenyls Ethers (PBDEs) are two highly lipophilic classes of persistent organic pollutants able to resist degradation and with the ability to bioaccumulate through the food chain. In Brazil, there are still few studies on PCBs and PBDEs in aquatic organisms. In this study, we determined the levels of PBDEs and PCBs in three different fish species from the Ilha Grande Bay, located in the southern state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PBDEs levels were very low, with values below the limit of quantification. PCBs concentrations ranged from 2.29 to 27.60 ng g^?1 ww in muscle and from 3.41 to 34.22 ng g^?1 ww in liver of the three investigated fish species. Significant positive correlations were established between PCBs concentration and fish biometric variables in mullet (length and lipid content) and a statistically significant change between seasons in croaker was observed.