The occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the aquatic systems under influence of urban areas have been considered as an environmental marker of anthropogenic contamination. In this study, 10 ECs were investigated in sediment samples from Santos Bay using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method with determination by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The method showed acceptable accuracy (51-116%) and precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 9), limits of quantification in ng g-1 levels and matrix effect lower than 29%. Environmental occurrence of benzophenone-3, caffeine, ketoconazole and triclocarban was detected in two campaigns (2015 and 2019), with concentrations ranging from < 1 to 470 ng g-1. Caffeine and triclocarban were the most abundant target chemicals occurring in up to 71 and 100% of the sample point, respectively. The results indicated that ECs in sediment samples came from diffused sources as the discharge of treated and untreated sewage in the estuary.

Antifouling agents have been used on vessels and boats since ancient civilizations. Thus, a brief history on the three generations of antifouling paints was provided in the present review. Additionally, information about physic-chemical properties, environmental levels, toxicology and analytical methods was discussed for the 16 "new" booster biocides used as third-generation antifouling paints. The main problems, limitations and future trends related to this subject were also presented. Finally, actions were suggested in order to appraise the current status of the environmental impact caused by these compounds in South America.