Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4424841 Environmental Pollution 2011 11 Pages PDF
Abstract

Polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins and -dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were measured in soils and sediments from the Yellow Sea region. Korean soils and sediments mostly contained detectable PCDD/Fs and showed a widespread distribution among locations. Soil and sedimentary PCDD/Fs from China were comparable to or less than those in Korea. The patterns of relative concentrations of individual congeners in soils were different between the two countries, but similar in sediments. Sources of PCDD/Fs in China and Korea were found to be independent of each other and their distributions reflected matrix-dependent accumulation. Spatial distribution indicated some point sources in Korea while Chinese sources were more widespread and diffuse. PCDD/Fs measured in the coastal areas of the Yellow Sea were comparable to or less than those previously reported in for eastern Asia. However, ∑TEQs in soils and sediments were near to or, in some cases exceeded environmental quality guidelines.

Research highlights► PCDDs were comparable or greater than PCDFs for Yellow Sea soils and sediments. ► PCDD/Fs congener patterns in soils were different but similar in sediments. ► PCDD/Fs congener patterns varied among regions reflecting regional activities. ► Sources of PCDD/Fs in China and Korea were mainly independent of each other. ► ∑TEQs in Yellow Sea soils and sediments often exceeded corresponding guidelines.

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Life Sciences Environmental Science Environmental Chemistry
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