Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a benthic ecosystem in Gwangyang Bay, South Korea

► PCBs are still detectable in Gwangyang Bay in spite of their ban in 1980s. ► PCBs in the benthic ecosystem is enriched in lower chlorinated biphenyls. ► PCBs are released from a nearby local steel industry. ► Distribution of PCBs to the bay arises mostly from atmospheric transfer.