Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediments of the Daliao River Estuary, China: Levels, distribution and their influencing factors

The concentrations, compositional profiles, possible sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediments of the Daliao River Estuary as well as the factors influencing the distribution of PBDEs were investigated. The total concentrations of PBDEs ranged from 0.13 to 1.98 ng g−1 d.w. BDE209 was the dominating congener in all sediment samples, indicating the pollution of PBDEs in the Daliao River Estuary mainly came from the use of deca-BDE commercial mixtures. The intrusion of sea waters promoted the deposition of the colloid-associated PBDEs in the estuary. There were significantly negative correlations between PBDE concentration in sediment with pH value and salinity in the bottom water. The higher river flow in the flood season (summer) obviously accelerated the transport of PBDEs, and thereby increased the risk of PBDE contamination to the deep ocean. Moreover, a positive correlation between TOC and PBDE distributions was observed, suggesting that TOC regulated the distributions of PBDEs in sediments of Daliao River Estuary.

Research highlights
► BDE209 is the dominating congener in sediment of the Daliao River Estuary.
► Hydrodynamic conditions strongly influence the transportation and deposition of sediment-associated PBDEs in the estuarine zone.
► TOC regulates the re-distribution of PBDEs in sediment of the Daliao River Estuary.