GC–Mass determination of low levels polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran in beach sand and marine sediment of the Gulf of Aqaba

Abstract

The levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from industrial by-products were determined in beach sand and marine sediments from different sites along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Seventeen polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (PCDD/Fs) compounds were identified. Automatic Soxhlet (Soxtec) extraction method was used for PCDD/Fs extractions using toluene as a solvent. Pre-washed multilayer silica gel column was used for cleanup step. Samples were analyzed using high-resolution gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy detector (HRGC–MS). Low levels of POPs were found in all sand and sediment samples. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs ranged between 3.91 and 8.91 ng kg−1 dw with an average of 6.49 ng kg−1 dw for beach sand samples and between 6.560 and 45.95 ng kg−1 dw with an average of 28.70 ng kg−1 dw for marine sediment samples. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs for soil and sediment were mostly less than other sites worldwide. PCDD/Fs concentrations measured in this study can be considered as a baseline for future monitoring and control of PCDD/Fs as requested by Stockholm Convention.