Marine plastic litter (MPL) was collected from beaches (n = 3) of the Arauco Gulf in central Chile in spring 2021 and summer 2022. MPL was analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics, and plasticizers were also screened using FTIR-ATR. Three hundred seventeen plastic items with an accumulated weight of 226.8 g were found. MPL densities ranged from 0.4 to 17.1 items m-2. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between seasons were observed for Arauco and Maule beaches, being ∼ten times higher in summer compared to spring. Solid pieces were the predominant shape, macroplastics were the most abundant (>2.5 cm), and white and blue colors were dominant. Polypropylene (52 %) and polyethylene (31 %) were the predominant polymers. Plasticizers (n = 3) were detected in the MPL in the study area (dioctyl phthalate, polybutene, and alpha-methylstyrene) for the first time. This study contributes new information related to MPL in coastal areas of central Chile and their chemical composition.

• Klíčová slova
• Beaches, Phthalates, Plastic pollution, Polymer composition,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza   MeSH
• koupací pláže MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• plastické hmoty * analýza   MeSH
• zvláčňovadla * analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• plastické hmoty * MeSH
• zvláčňovadla * MeSH

This study assessed the presence of marine litter along the beach of the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. The sampling period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 239 plastic waste items were identified out of a total of 638 litter items. The Clean Coast Index reported within this study ranged from Clean (CCI 2-5) to Extremely dirty (CCI >20), especially near the port. The majority of litter items has been classified as originating from varied origins, as it is not possible to pinpoint a precise origin in most items. The results indicate that the predominant plastic litter in Punta Arenas is PVC. The results are discussed in relation to the sources and composition of the residues, the morpho dynamics of the coast, and the CCI is compared with other locations around the globe.

• Klíčová slova
• Chile, Clean coast index, Marine debris, Plastic pollution, Strait of the Magellan,
• MeSH
• COVID-19 MeSH
• koupací pláže * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• odpadní produkty analýza   MeSH
• plastické hmoty * analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• odpadní produkty MeSH
• plastické hmoty * MeSH

Flame retardants (FRs) are released throughout the plastic life cycle, potentially impacting the environment, biodiversity, and human health. This study analyzed novel flame retardants (NFR) in marine plastic litter (MPL) from six coastal areas in central Chile in November 2017. Target chemicals (n = 19) were analyzed using ultrasonic extraction with hexane, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). From all nineteen NFRs analyzed, only ten (53 %) were routinely detected. BTBPE (1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane) showed the highest concentrations at the Bellavista site (618 to 424,000 pg g-1), and HBB (Hexabromobiphenyl), banned since 1970, was detected in Coliumo (2630 to 13,700 pg g-1). These results show emerging transport patterns and underscore the critical need for enhanced waste management practices for MPL in coastal regions to prevent adverse impacts on marine biodiversity.

• Klíčová slova
• Chilean coast, Hexabromobenzene (HBB), Marine litter, Plastic pollution, Stockholm Convention,
• MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery analýza   MeSH
• hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí metody   MeSH
• retardanty hoření * analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• halogenované difenylethery MeSH
• retardanty hoření * MeSH

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants in building materials, electronics, furnishings, vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles for many years. Currently, the primary commercial mixtures, penta-, octa-, and deca-BDE, are globally restricted. Still, products containing PBDEs are expected to impact waste management and the environment for many years. In January 2016, an open fire in the Santa Marta landfill close to Santiago de Chile affected the city and surroundings. The fire caused several acute health effects and an increase in emergency hospitalizations. We measured PBDE levels in the areas affected by the fire in the air (gaseous and particulate) and soil, and PBDE emissions were estimated using a dispersion model. The results showed an increase in PBDE concentrations by a factor of 2-4 one day after the start of the fire. However, PBDE concentrations measured after the fire in PM10 and the gas phase were considered low compared to other regions. Interestingly, PBDEs' patterns differed across the sites; however, BDE209 was the dominant congener for all environmental matrices. A preliminary risk assessment was conducted using the daily exposure dose (DED) by air inhalation estimation. The results showed low DED values for adults and children and suggested no direct health risk due to PBDE exposure. This study brings new data useful for future solid waste management initiatives in the country.

• Klíčová slova
• Atmospheric pollution, Fire plume, Inhalation risk assessment, Open dumping, PBDEs, Urban solid waste,
• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery * analýza   MeSH
• hodnocení rizik MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• retardanty hoření * analýza   MeSH
• skládková zařízení MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• halogenované difenylethery * MeSH
• pentabromodiphenyl ether MeSH Prohlížeč
• retardanty hoření * MeSH

Air-sea exchange of POPs and PAHs was assessed in Concepción Bay during January, summer 2015. Results showed low levels, in air and water, for POPs (1-20 pg m-3, and 6-50 pg L-1, respectively) and for ΣPAHs (1-2 ng m-3 and 1-2 ng L-1, respectively). The highest levels were found for PBDEs (200-20,000 pg L-1) in the water samples (3-fold times higher than PCBs and OCP) and PBDE209 accounted for 90% of total ΣPBDEs. Air-sea exchange fluxes (ng m-2 d-1) were low in general, with exception of PBDEs showing values up to 40,000 ng m-2 d-1. Net deposition was found for PAHs, HCB and some PBDEs; while, BDE99, and BDE100 showed net volatilization. These findings contribute with new data of diffusive air-sea exchange on the southern hemisphere Pacific coast.

• Klíčová slova
• Air-sea exchange, Chile, Concepción Bay, PAHs, POPs, Upwelling,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza   MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• zátoky MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in abiotic samples from Concepción Bay in Central Chile. Samples were soxhlet extracted and injected in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) showed the highest levels in air (3-1100 pg m-3), in water (2-64 pg L-1), in sediment, and soil (1-78 ng g-1 (dw)). PAHs were also high in the air (1-6 ng m-3), in water (1-7 ng L-1), in sediment (90-300 ng g-1 (dw)), and in soil (15-2300 ng g-1 (dw)). The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides were generally low and did not show clear trends along the water column, with exception of PAHs. New data are presented in this work to assess the health status of a relevant coastal area in central Chile.

• Klíčová slova
• Abiotic matrices, Chile, Concepción Bay, Ocean pollution, Persistent Organic Pollutants, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, tsunami,
• MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• tsunami MeSH
• zátoky MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky * MeSH

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in marine plastic litter (MPL) on six beaches of central Chile. MPL was characterized physically and chemically, showing an abundance of macroplastic (size >2.5 cm). The polypropylene (PP) (47%) was the predominant polymer found. The Desembocadura beach, located at the mouth of the Biobio River, recorded the highest abundance of MPL (3.7 items m-2). PFAS detected (n = 15/21) ranged from 279 to 1211 pg g-1 and accounted for MeFOSE (46%) > PFHxS (14%) > PFPA (11%) > PFBS (6%) > PFOA (4%) and > PFOS (4%). Long-chain PFAS were prevalent, which can be metabolically degraded into PFOS (new POPs). This study i) highlights the need to further investigate the occurrence of chemicals in the MPL to reduce their impact on the environment; and ii) points out the need to improve future coastal management strategies for the elimination of solid waste along the coast of the country.

• Klíčová slova
• Chile, Coastal areas, Marine plastic litter, PFAS, Solid waste,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza   MeSH
• fluorokarbony * analýza   MeSH
• kyseliny alkansulfonové * analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• plastické hmoty MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• fluorokarbony * MeSH
• kyseliny alkansulfonové * MeSH
• plastické hmoty MeSH

In this study, we characterized plastic debris (PD) found on beaches from Concepción Bay in central Chile during spring 2017 and summer 2018. The identification of polymers was carried out using FT-IR. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were extracted with hexane using an ultrasonic bath and further quantified through GC-MS. The highest abundance of PD was obtained during the summer (4.1 ± 3.7 items/m2), with the most common size range between 2.5 and 10 cm (42%) and the most frequent shape were plastic fragments (44%). FT-IR analysis showed that polypropylene was the most recurrent plastic polymer found. The ∑10PBDEs ranged from 2.1 to 1300 ng/g in spring 2017 and 392 to 3177 ng/g in summer 2018. ∑7PCBs ranged from 0.9 to 93 ng/g during the spring 2017 and 0.3 to 4.5 ng/g for summer 2018. This study is the first with information on POPs occurrence in the plastic debris of central Chile.

• Klíčová slova
• Beach, Central Chile, Macroplastics, POPs, Plastic debris,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   MeSH
• koupací pláže MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• odpadní produkty analýza   MeSH
• plastické hmoty MeSH
• spektroskopie infračervená s Fourierovou transformací MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• odpadní produkty MeSH
• plastické hmoty MeSH

Plastic resin pellets were collected from coastal areas (n = 7) of central Chile. Pellets were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for polymer identification and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) determination. Screened compounds were PBDEs (n = 10), PCBs (n = 7), and OCPs (n = 13). Pellets were only found at Lenga Beach (San Vicente Bay), which is likely influenced by the presence of industrial activities in the surrounding coastal area. The diameter of the pellets was 4.0 ± 0.6 cm (n = 370), the color varied from white (32%) to yellowing (68%), and the most prevalent polymer identified was high-density polyethylene (99%). POPs concentrations (ng/g-pellet) ranged from 10 to 133 for Ʃ10PBDEs, from 3 to 60 for Ʃ7PCBs and between 0.1 and 7 for DDTs. Levels of POPs are consistent with other investigations around the world and highlight the sorbtion capacity of plastics resin pellets, and consequently transport of POPs into coastal environments.

• Klíčová slova
• Microplastics, POPs, Pellets, San Vicente Bay,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• plastické hmoty analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• plastické hmoty MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly MeSH

In this study we have identified and characterized microplastic particles (MPs) found in six fish species of commercial importance in central Chile. The fish species belong to different trophic levels and were obtained from the oceanic and coastal habitats. To analyze MPs, the fish gastrointestinal content was extracted, analyzed and characterized using a microscopy equipped with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The MPs found in fish samples were mainly constituted by red microfibers (70-100%) with sizes ranging between 176 and 2842 μm. Polyester, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were identified as the prevalent polymers detected. The coastal species showed the presence of microfibers with a higher size and abundance (71%) compared to oceanic species (29%), suggesting there is a greater exposure risk. These findings are consistent with results found in other investigations worldwide. However, further research is still needed to accurately establish the potential exposure risk for the public consuming these fish and the impact of MPs in the Chilean fishery activities.

• Klíčová slova
• Biobío region, Chile, FTIR, Fish species, Microfibers, Microplastics,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• gastrointestinální obsah chemie   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• oceány a moře MeSH
• plastické hmoty analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• potrava z moře (živočišná) analýza   MeSH
• ryby metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chile MeSH
• oceány a moře MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
• plastické hmoty MeSH