Polygalaceae is represented in Brazil by ten genera and 191 species, of which the Polygala is the most representative, characterized by the occurrence of methyl salicylate. Seventeen species of Polygalaceae have been analyzed by HPLC-DAD and the technique proved to be selective, precise, accurate, and with low limits of quantification and detection. The analysis of plant material confirmed the presence of methyl salicylate, with concentration values ranging from 14.1 a 126.9 µg/g.

No presente estudo, peixes, camarões, mexilhões e carnes de siri frescos e processados, comercializados na região metropolitana de Campinas (SP), foram analisados quanto à presença de benzo(a)pireno (B(a)P). A metodologia utilizada envolveu extração com n-hexano, limpeza em Sep-Pak sílica plus e determinação por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência com Detector de Fluorescência. A presença de B(a)P foi detectada em todas as amostras analisadas (n=35), em quantidades variando na faixa de 0,03 a 4,54 µg/kg. Os maiores níveis de contaminação foram encontrados em produtos defumados (níveis médios=2,5 µg/kg) e mexilhões (níveis médios=2,4 µg/kg). Considerando-se o potencial carcinogênico desse contaminante e a importância desse grupo de alimentos na dieta, um programa de monitoramento deve ser iniciado para identificar e controlar a fonte de contaminação de pescados por B(a)P.

In the present study samples of fresh and processed fish, shrimp, mussels and crab meat commercialized in the metropolitan area of Campinas (SP), Brazil were analysed for benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P). The methodology involved extraction with n-hexane, clean-up on Sep-Pak silica plus and determination by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence Detector. B(a)P was detected in all samples analysed (n=35) at levels ranging from to 0.03 a 4.54 µg/kg. The highest content of B(a)P was found in smoked products (mean level=2.5 µg/kg ) and mussels (mean level=2.4 µg/kg). In view of the carcinogenic potential of this widely distributed contaminant and the importance of seafood in the daily diet of fisherman communities, a monitoring program should be initiated to identify and control the source of contamination of seafood by B(a)P.