Abstract

Cellulose production in Chile has increased noticeably during recent years. Some pulp mili currently released effluents into the ocean, a trend that most these plants seem likely to continue in the future. No standardized protocols exist for evaluating potential environmental effects of such dumping in the marine environment. Resin acids, typical components in cellulose effluents, are known to be highly toxic, particularly for fish. Few investigations have considered this matter for the south area of Golfo de Arauco, one of the most productive areas on the planet in terms of fisheries. This area is currently subjected to effluent dumping from a kraft cellulose industry with secondary treatment. Resin acids are naturally present in conifer wood, making these compounds useful markers for exposure to this type of effluent. Herein, we report the presence of these compounds in bile from two fish species (Paralychtys adspersus and Paralychtys microps) caught in two seasons in the Bah