Occurrence, compositional patterns, and possible sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in agricultural soil of Shanghai, China

The present study analyzed surface soil collected from agricultural region of Shanghai to determine the occurrence, compositional patterns and possible sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The results showed that 32 PBDEs were detected among 44 target PBDEs. Total PBDE concentrations ranged from 129 to 1245 ng kg−1 with a mean of 429 ng kg−1. BDE209 was the predominant congener in a range of 33.2–796 ng kg−1 with a mean of 254 ng kg−1. Meanwhile, BDE47, BDE49, BDE153, BDE190, and BDE99 have the most abundant with high concentrations and detectable frequencies. PBDE congeners and homologues analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that the major source of PBDE in the soil samples was associated with the prevalent use of technical decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE) and pentabromodiphenyl ether (Penta-BDE). The correlation analysis proved that there was a significant correlation between total organic carbon (TOC) and lower brominated PBDEs, indicating the significant diffuse nature of the sources of these congeners.

► We determine the occurrence, compositional patterns and possible sources of PBDEs in Shanghai agricultural soil.
► The levels of PBDEs appeared to be low as compared to those reported in other regions of the globe.
► A higher proportion of BDE209 compared with individual congeners detected was observed in Shanghai agricultural soil.
► The sources of PBDE in the soils were associated with the prevalent use of technical DeBDE and PeBDE.
► The correlation analysis showed important influence of soil TOC on PBDEs contamination in soil matrix.