Contamination and potential sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in water and sediment from the artificial Lake Shihwa, Korea

► The highest concentration of PBDEs was recorded in sediments from Lake Shihwa in Korea. ► Surrounding creeks are major pathways of PBDE contamination in Lake Shihwa. ► Deca-BDE technical formulations used in industrial complexes are major source of PBDEs in Lake Shihwa. ► A significant correlation was found between TOC and PBDEs for Lake Shihwa sediments.