Spatial distribution and source identification of phthalates and organochlorine compounds in Galician mussels (NW Spain)

The spatial distribution of five phthalate esters (PAEs) and 17 organochlorine compounds (OCs) in wild and raft mussels from Galician littoral collected in 2020, and its relationship with anthropogenic activities was studied in this work. The Rias de Foz and Muros-Noia were the most polluted by PAEs, while the Rias de Ferrol and Barqueiro by PCBs. The highest levels of all contaminants were present in wild mussel, except DEHP that were predominant in raft mussel. The levels of most PAEs were negatively correlated with levels of the lower chlorinated PCBs and OCPs. The spatial distribution of pollutants confirmed by PCA was affected by the proximity to anthropogenic sources, phthalates by urban wastewater and PCBs by industrial inputs, mainly. The study of human exposure assessment suggests that Risk Quotient values were < 1, so the consumption of Galician raft mussels did not pose a risk to human health.

Automated summary

This study investigated the spatial distribution of five phthalate esters (PAEs) and 17 organochlorine compounds (OCs) in mussels from the Galician littoral in 2020 and its relationship with anthropogenic activities. The results showed that the Rias de Foz and Muros-Noia were the most polluted by PAEs, while the Rias de Ferrol and Barqueiro were most affected by PCBs. Additionally, the study found that the levels of most PAEs were negatively correlated with lower chlorinated PCBs and OCPs. The spatial distribution of pollutants, as confirmed by PCA, was influenced by proximity to urban wastewater for PAEs and industrial inputs for PCBs. The study's assessment of human exposure indicated that the consumption of Galician raft mussels did not pose a risk to human health.