Pollution by polychlorinated biphenyls in an estuary of the Gulf of California. Their toxicity and bioaccumulation in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

摘要

Pollution by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is a problem occurring in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly those close to industrialized areas; their toxic effects on fauna are well documented (Colburn et al., 1990; Libes, 1992). Sinaloa, Mexico is located on the east coast of the Gulf of California. Electric power plants and other industries are located there and may be sources of PCBs. The white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei is caught and cultured along the Sinaloa coast; 80-85% of their production is exported to Europe and USA. Recently, several pathologies and, in some cases, massive mortalities have been reported in shrimp resulting in economic losses. Several causes have been reported for these problems: use of uncertified larvae, inadequate management of hatcheries, pollution by wastewater, and effects of pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and PCBs (Alduenda et al., 1985; Galindo, 1987, 1997; Galindo et al., 1999). We considered it important to investigate levels of PCBs in the estuary "Estero de Urias". No previous studies of PCBs have been made in this estuary. Finally, effects of PCBs on L. vannamei were evaluated since few reports of PCBs effects exist.