Organic micropollutants in the Rio de Janeiro coastal region, Brazil

Abstract

Sediment samples from two protected bays and a lagoon with different environmental charac- teristics in the Rio de Janeiro coastal area (Brazil) were analyzed for four groups of hydrophobic organic micropollutants: PAHs, PCBs (both of industrial origin), DDT derivatives and Drins (chlorinated pesticides). Differences in contamination levels of the three studied areas reflect the different land use in the vicinity of the examined bays and lagoon: the presence of cities, industries or agricultural activities. A comparison of the contamination of the Rio de Janeiro coastal area with the contamination in the North Sea (Europe) indicates lower levels for the industrial pollutants (PCBs, PAHs) in the Brazilian samples; chlorinated pesticide levels are comparable in both sampling areas.