Dataset Information

Environmental PCBs in Guanica Bay, Puerto Rico: implications for community health.

ABSTRACT: Guánica Bay, located in southwestern Puerto Rico, has suffered oil spills and other pollution discharges since the 1960s. Previous research showed elevated concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in coral reef and sediment. This research examined PCB concentrations in sediment and fish. Sediment and fish sampling in the bay was facilitated by community members. This study identified the second highest reported PCB level (129,300 ng/g) in sediment in the USA. Fish samples also showed elevated concentrations (1623 to 3768 ng/g), which were higher than the thresholds of safe levels of PCBs in fish for human consumption. The alarmingly high concentration of PCBs calls for proactive community engagement to bring awareness about contamination of the bay and more extensive sampling to test for the concentration of PCBs in seafood and the people of Guánica. This study also underscores the value of the involvement of local communities during sampling design aimed at identifying hot spots of contaminants.

SUBMITTER: Kumar N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4698114 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Environmental PCBs in Guánica Bay, Puerto Rico: implications for community health.

Kumar Naresh N Ramirez-Ortiz Daisy D Solo-Gabriele Helena M HM Treaster Joseph B JB Carrasquillo Olveen O Toborek Michal M Deo Sapna S Klaus Jim J Bachas Leonidas G LG Whitall David D Daunert Sylvia S Szapocznik Jose J

Environmental science and pollution research international 20150701 3

Guánica Bay, located in southwestern Puerto Rico, has suffered oil spills and other pollution discharges since the 1960s. Previous research showed elevated concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in coral reef and sediment. This research examined PCB concentrations in sediment and fish. Sediment and fish sampling in the bay was facilitated by community members. This study identified the second highest reported PCB level (129,300 ng/g) in sediment in the USA. Fish samples also showed e ...[more]

PMID: 26122576

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Dataset Information

Environmental PCBs in Guanica Bay, Puerto Rico: implications for community health.

Publications

Environmental PCBs in Guánica Bay, Puerto Rico: implications for community health.

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