Halogenated and organophosphorus flame retardants in cetaceans from the southwestern Indian Ocean

PBDEs, HBCD, DBDPE, PBEB and HBB, dechloranes and OPFRs, as well as natural MeO-PBDEs were monitored in muscle tissue of three dolphin species from the southwestern Indian Ocean (Delphinus delphis, Sousa plumbea and Tursiops aduncus) collected between 2012 and 2015. The mean PBDE concentration was 416 ± 333 ng g −1 lw. BDE-47 was found in all samples and was almost half the total PBDE contamination. BDE-209, BDE-100 and BDE-99 were present in ≥85% of the samples. HBCD was detected in just two samples at 20 and 330 ng g −1 lw. PBEB and HBB were not detected, while DBDPE was in all samples but always below its limit of quantification. Dec 602 was the only quantifiable dechlorane at 232 ± 549 ng g −1 lw. Mean OPFR concentration was 10452 ± 11301 ng g −1 lw. TBOEP was found in all samples making up most of the total OPFR contamination. MeO-PBDEs were detected in all samples at 114 ± 137 ng g −1 lw. Data on flame retardants in biota and environmental samples from the southwestern Indian Ocean are scarce and, as a result, comparisons are difficult. However, data from other marine predators in the region, such as penguins, suggest that further studies are needed to determine if these concentrations are the consequence of a high local contamination or widespread thoughout the Indian Ocean. © 2019 Elsevier LtdThis work has been financially supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Consolidated Research Group 2017 SGR 1404 – Water and Soil Quality Unit). Biotage is acknowledged for providing SPE cartridges. We are grateful to Sabine Wintner and Geremy Cliff from the KwaZulu-Natal sharks board for their continued assistance in making samples available and for financial support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to SP. This forms AEON publication number 188 and Iphakade publication number 224. HB is supported by the National Research Foundation . Appendix APeer reviewe