Status of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) contamination in several marine and freshwater sediments in the world during the last three decades

Abstract

Despite the research on PCBs occurrence in the various matrices in the world, no review has been carried out on the status of these substance contaminations in marine and freshwater sediments during the current periods throughout the globe. The objectives of this paper are to briefly discuss the occurrence of PCBs concentrations within marine and freshwater sediments in several places in the world and to determine which part of marine and freshwater sediments are the most contaminated in the world. The emphasis is on the last three decades namely from 1985 to 2020. The results suggested that during 1985 to 2010, the PCBs concentrations in the sediments ranged between 2 μg.kg−1 and 1648 μg.kg−1. The most elevated was found in Ionian Sea, Italia as the site where connected with high activities of industries, urban and harbor. The lowest one was reported in Bering sea and the Gulf of Alaska as the uncontaminated site during this era. Subsequently, a decade later which was recorded from 2011 to 2020 found the PCBs concentrations in the sediments ranged from 0.036 to 3730 μg.kg−1. The highest concentration was reported at coastal area at the center of Vietnam where linked with the urban and industries sites. Conversely, the lowest one was found at Chao River sediments where connected with the agriculture field. The evaluation of sediments guide lines quality through ERL (Effects Ranged Low) and ERM (Effects Ranged Medium) showed that the most contaminated marine and freshwater sediment in the world during 1985 to 2010 was at Ionian Sea, Italy, whereas in the recent period (2011 to 2020) was found in the Coastal area of Vietnam. According to this evaluation, these locations are high risk to the toxic effect particularly to the benthic organisms. Therefore, these places are high concerned in terms of protection and conservation of some marine biotas.