Congener‐specific characterization and sources of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls in marine sediments from industrialized bays of Korea

Abstract

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs) were determined in 122 coastal sediments from heavily industrialized areas in Korea. Toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations of PCDD and PCDF (PCDD/F) and DLPCB ranged from 0.44 to 38.5 pg/g dry weight and from 0.01 to 38.4 pg/ g dry weight, respectively. Overall PCDD/F and DLPCB concentrations were elevated in estuarine and inner bay locations close to industrial complexes, indicating that these contaminants derived from local discharges. Concentrations of PCDD/F measured in the present study were comparable to those in industrialized areas of other countries. Nonparametric multidimensional scaling ordination and congener-specific characterization showed that combustion processes occurring in industrial complexes, including the steel industry, are the major source of PCDD/Fs in Korean coastal waters. There were no significant correlations among PCDD/ Fs, DLPCBs, and total organic carbon; however, there was moderate correlation between PCDD/Fs and DLPCBs in some coastal bays, suggesting that these chemicals have similar sources and movements in these locations.