The contamination of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) by legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and emerging organic contaminants was investigated in specimens from Reunion Island (Southwest Indian Ocean) in 2018 and 2019. Contamination levels were determined in the muscle of adult individuals of both sexes in relation to biological and trophic parameters. Maternal transfer was additionally investigated in one set of embryos in each species. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), organochlorinated pesticide (OCP) and perfluoroalkylated substance (PFAS) concentrations were 2597 ± 2969, 785 ± 966 and 267 ± 194 pg g-1 ww, respectively, in bull sharks, and 339 ± 270, 1025 ± 946 and 144 ± 53 pg g-1 ww in tiger sharks. The results highlighted higher PCB contamination, and by the heavier congeners, in adult bull sharks versus tiger sharks. The significant differences found in PCB profiles and concentrations suggest that the two species are exposed to different contamination sources. As bull sharks rely on a more coastal habitat for feeding, their higher contamination by PCBs suggests the occurrence of local PCB sources. DDT concentrations were similar in both species, suggesting a more homogeneous contamination on the scale of the Southwest Indian Ocean. Female bull sharks showed lower OCP and PCB concentrations than males, while this trend was not observed in tiger sharks. The ratio of chlorinated contaminants in muscle between the mother and her embryos was related to molecule hydrophobicity in bull shark but not in tiger shark, suggesting that shark mode of gestation, known to be different in the two species, is a key driver of organic contaminant maternal transfer. Finally, the results show that organic contaminant levels in the studied species were lower than those of other shark species in the Southern Hemisphere, related to the limited urbanization and industrialization of Reunion Island.Please note that this is an author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available on the publisher Web site.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in filter-feeding shellfish collected from 2013 to 2017 along the English Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of France. PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFTrDA (perfluorotridecanoic acid), PFTeDA (perfluorotetradecanoic acid), PFDoDA (perfluorododecanoic acid) and PFUnDA (perfluoroundecanoic acid) were detected in more than 80% of samples, thus indicating widespread contamination of the French coastal environment by these chemicals. The distribution of PFAS concentrations showed differences according to sampling locations and years. PFOS was the predominant PFAS in most samples collected from English Channel and Atlantic coasts until 2014, but the opposite was observed in 2015, 2016 and 2017, while perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) prevailed in Mediterranean samples in all study years. Among PFCAs, PFTrDA showed the highest maximum (1.36 ng g−1 ww) and median (0.077 ng g−1 ww) concentrations in 2016-2017. Other PFAS median concentrations were within the 0.014 (PFNA)-0.055 (PFTeDA) ng g−1 ww range. The profiles determined each year in most Mediterranean samples suggest distinctive sources. PFOS median concentrations showed a significant decrease over the study years, from 0.118 to 0.126 ng g−1 ww in 2013-2015 to 0.066 ng g−1 ww in 2016 and 2017. ∑PFCAs showed no trends in concentration ranges over the same years. The shift in PFAS profiles from PFOS to long-chain PFCAs over the study period reflects PFOS production phase-out, combined with continuous inputs of PFCAs into the marine environment. These results provide reference data for future studies of the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern on European coasts. Highlights ► PFAS levels and profiles investigated in shellfish from French coasts in 2013-2017. ► Evidence of current widespread contamination by PFOS and long-chain PFCAs. ► Higher levels of PFOS in main estuaries and of ∑PFCA at one industrial site. ► Profile shifts from PFOS to long-chain PFCAs were evidenced over the study period. ► Significant decrease in PFOS concentrations after mid-90s.

Highlights► Occurrence of organic contaminants in tuna and swordfish from the Indian Ocean. ► DDTs and PFASs were predominant in swordfish and tunas, respectively. ► Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids dominated PFAS profiles. ► Species sharing similar feeding habitats showed similar POP profiles. ► Tunas from Mozambique Channel showed unique DDT profiles.

No abstract

No abstract