Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in riverine and marine sediments of the Laizhou Bay area, North China

PCN congeners were analyzed in marine and riverine sediments of the Laizhou Bay area, North China. Concentrations of PCNs ranged from 0.12 to 5.1 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) with a mean value of 1.1 ng g−1 dw. The levels of PCNs varied largely, with industrial group approximately ten folds higher than those of the rural in riverine sediment. A strong impact by direct discharge from local factories was suggested. Similar compositional profiles were found within groups. High resemblance of compositional profiles between industrial samples and Halowax 1014 was observed. It was indicated that PCNs in riverine sediments were mainly from release of industrial usage, with additional contributions from industrial thermal process at certain sites. In marine sediments, it was suggested that PCNs along the coast of Laizhou Bay were mainly controlled by riverine input. While in the central bay, PCN distributions were possibly impacted by combined multiple factors.

► We investigated the PCN levels both in the riverine and marine surface sediments of Laizhou Bay.
► PCN concentrations in the river sediments of industrial group were ten times higher than in the rural group.
► Leakage from industrial materials and thermal processes were the major sources.
► PCNs in the coastal sites were more influenced by the river discharge.
► In the centre bay, PCN distributions were possibly impacted by combined multiple factors.