Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in interstitial waters and sediments at a site in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, to study partitioning processes of hydrophobic organic compounds in marine sediments. Pore water concentrations of total PCBs, expressed as Aroclor 1254, increased with depth in the sediments with a maximum concentration of 17.1 μg/L at 9–11 cm. Apparent distribution coefficients of individual chlorobiphenyls decreased with depth and were related to dissolved organic carbon levels. Results from this site suggest that most of the PCBs in interstitial waters are sorbed to organic colloids. A simple three-phase equilibrium sorption model can explain many features of the data. Changes in the composition of individual chlorobiphenyls in the sediments were also apparent. Microbial degradation appears to be responsible for large relative depletions of several chlorobiphenyls with depth in the core.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
