Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and personal care products (PCPs) in the surface sediments of a large tropical bay (Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil).

The occurrence and spatial distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and personal care products (PCPs) were investigated in surface sediments of Todos os Santos Bay. Samples were Soxhlet-extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Quantification limits (QL) ranged from 0.0025 ng g for POPs to 0.25 ng g for PCPs. Of the POPs studied, only PCBs and DDTs were detectable, with concentrations ranging from <QL to 4.66 ng g, with increased concentrations near urban and industrial areas. PCPs ranged from <QL to 27.5 ng g and presented a homogeneous spatial distribution, probably related to the continuous inputs of these compounds from diffuse sources. Mean contaminant inventories ranged from 0.33 ± 0.23 ng cm for DDTs to 8.3 ± 8.4 ng cm for fragrances. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the occurrence of UV filters in sediments from Brazilian coastal environments.