First detection of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) foraging in Antarctic waters

The present study shows the first detection of short chain chlorinated paraffins in baleen whales foraging in Antarctic waters and confirms the ubiquity and long range atmospheric transport capability of these semi-volatile chemicals, recently regulated under the Stockholm Convention. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are particularly prone to environmental dispersal through long range atmospheric transport. Consequently, they have been detected in biota and environmental matrices at both the North Pole and South Pole. This study shows the first detection of SCCPs in southern hemisphere humpback whales feeding in Antarctic waters. Blubber of specimens stranded along the Australian coastline was analysed and SCCPs were detected in 7 out of 9 individuals. Levels of SCCPs detected in this study were generally low with concentrations up to only 46 ng/g lw. These results were significantly lower than those detected in Northern Hemisphere odontocetes from previous studies, although no reported burdens in northern hemisphere baleen whales are available for comparison. Both the highest level and lowest ( C . Further investigation is needed in order to evaluate the presence and distribution of SCCPs in the remote Antarctica ecosystem, and delineate longer term environmental consequences of recent inclusion of SCCPs under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, securing their phase out in ratifying nations.