AhR-mediated potency of sediments and soils in estuarine and coastal areas of the Yellow Sea region: A comparison between Korea and China

Extracts of sediments (n = 45) and soils (n = 37) collected from the coast of the Yellow Sea, in Korea and China, were screened for their ability to induce dioxin-like gene expression in vitro using the H4IIE-luc, transactivation bioassay. Significant dioxin-like potency was observed except for a few soils from Korea. Concentrations of TCDD-EQ (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents) in sediments were comparable between Korea and China, but concentrations of TCDD-EQ in soil were 2-fold greater from Korea. Mass balance analysis indicated that concentrations of TCDD-EQ were to some degree chemical- and/or matrix-dependent, but were much more site-specific. For example, the proportion of the TCDD-EQ that could be identified varied among locations, which suggests different sources. Unidentified AhR-active compounds represented a greater proportion of the TCDD-EQ in samples from Korea, which suggests that sources in Korea were more complex than those in China. Potential sources of TCDD-EQ were investigated by considering land-uses and local activities.

► AhR potencies of 45 sediment and 37 soil samples of the Yellow Sea region were determined.
► Some samples contained dioxin-like compounds from regional human activities.
► PAHs were dominant and widespread contributors in both sediments and soils.
► Unknown AhR agonists were widely distributed in sediments and soils.
► Dominant AhR agonists in sediments and soils were found to be site-specific.