PCBs in Central Vietnam coastal lagoons: Levels and trends in dynamic environments

PCBs were analysed in surficial sediments and selected sediment cores collected between 2002 and 2008 in Central Vietnam coastal lagoons. The aim was to determine contamination levels and trends, and to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic pressures and natural events. Samples were mostly fine-grained with low total PCB concentrations (0.367-44.7 μg kg−1). Atmospheric transport and post depositional processes modify to some degree the fingerprint of PCB inputs to the environment favouring the predominance of 3, 4 and 5 chlorinated congeners. The similarity of congener distributions in contemporary surficial samples also suggests the presence of a unique source over the entire study area, probably connected to mobilisation and long range transports from land-based stocks. The removal of consistent sediment layers is hypothesised based on repeated samplings of the same area. Natural meteorological events (such as typhoons) are suspected to be responsible for these sediment losses.

Research highlights► PCBs were analysed in repeated sediment samplings of Central Vietnam's lagoons. ► PCB contamination in these environments is presently not particularly worrying. ► PCB sources are principally remote urbanized locations and land-based stocks. ► Long distance atmospheric transport affects also the observed PCB composition. ► The effect of natural and anthropogenic events is evidenced by repeated samplings.