Mariculture activity has increased its production along the Atlantic Coast of Brazil over the last years. This protein source for human consumption may also represent risks due to the exposure to bioaccumulated contaminants in the tissues of organisms reared in polluted shallow waters. This study evaluated the bioaccumulation of pesticides and dioxin-like compounds in two commercial marine bivalve species reared at different sites along the Rio de Janeiro State coast (SE-Brazil). We observed distinct contamination profiles in bivalve tissues reared at each sampling site, which may be related to human activities historically developed in those areas. A pronounced tendency for higher contamination levels in animals sampled in the last month of winter (September) is discussed as being likely due to environmental issues, rather than biological factors. Based on Minimal Risk Level, Maximum Residue, Acceptable Daily Intake and Toxic Equivalent, bivalves are classified as safe for human consumption.
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