Spatial distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecanes in sediments from coastal waters of Korea

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) were determined in surface sediments collected from 24 coastal locations in Korea. The concentrations of ∑PBDEs (defined as the sum of all targeted PBDE congeners except for BDE-209) and BDE-209 ranged from 0.05 to 32 ng g−1 dry wt. and from 0.40 to 98 ng g−1 dry wt., respectively. The PBDE congener compositions were dominated by BDE-209, which is in accordance with the consumption of decaBDE mixture in Korea. HBCD concentrations ranged from 0.39 to 59 ng g−1 dry wt. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDs were found to be higher near locations with industrial complexes and harbors, associating these compounds to urbanization and industrialization. Significant positive correlations between PBDE and HBCD concentrations and organic carbon content in sediments imply the role played by organic matter in the contaminant transport and trapping in the aquatic environment.