Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments of southwest Taiwan: Regional characteristics and potential sources

► This paper presents the very first PBDE and PCB study in coastal sediment of Taiwan. ► Compositional patterns indicated deca-BDE and octa-BDE products as dominant sources. ► The possible source of PBDE may be the nearby electric/electronic industry in Taiwan. ► PCB signatures suggested the legacy of past use of commercial PCB mixtures in Taiwan.