Long-term changes in distributions of dioxin-like and estrogenic compounds in sediments of Lake Sihwa, Korea: Revisited mass balance

Abstract

In the late 1990s, severe pollution by persistent organic contaminants (POCs) was observed in Lake Sihwa by use of a combination of instrumental analyses and in vitro bioassays. To determine long-term changes (>15-year gaps) in distributions of POCs and their potential toxic potencies in the given region, sediment assessments were reconducted. Target chemicals include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylphenols (APs), and recently reported emerging chemicals, styrene oligomers (SOs). We employed in vitro bioassays (such as H4IIE-luc and MVLN) to determine potential sediment toxicities. The reduction rates of mean concentrations of APs and SOs in sediments between the two sampling years (1998 vs. 2015) were estimated to be 99% and 67%, respectively. Although APs and SOs significantly declined over the 15-year period, concentrations of PAHs were consistent. Results of the bioassays were consistent with the instrumental data, with relatively great concentrations of all target compounds being detected, particularly in inland creeks. Compositions of all target compounds exhibited changes in homologue patterns over the 15 years considered. This result indicated varying and/or continuing sources in this region. In particular, PAHs were dominated by higher-molecular-weight PAHs (e.g., benzo[g,h,i]perylene and benzo[b]fluoranthene) in recent years. This result might indicate consumption of oil-related fuels. Quantitative potency balance analysis revealed that concentrations of instrumentally-derived equivalents accounted for as little as 18.5% of bioassay-derived equivalents, which indicated significant amounts of unknown and/or unmeasured compounds were present. The present study documented the continuing severe pollution by selected POCs in the Lake Sihwa region over the last 15 years, indicating a lack of management in the area studied.