Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Sediments from the Southeastern Coastal Areas of Korea

Polybrominated diphenylether (PBDEs) congeners, 2,4,4'-TrBDE, 2,2',4,4'-TeBDE, 2,2',4,4',5-PeBDE, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-HXBDE, and 2,2',4,4',5,6-HxBDE, were measured in sediments from 52 stations in the southeastern coastal areas of Korea. Sediment samples were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer detector (GC/MSD) with positive electron impact (PEI) mode. New analytical methodology for PBDEs by the isotope dilution method was established using a multi-layer silica gel column chromatography. Total PBDEs levels in sediments for Pohang coast ranged from 1,1 to 33.8 ng/g dry weight (mean 5.3 ng/g dry), from 1.6 to 36.4 ng/g dry weight (mean 5.7 ng/g dry) for Ulsan coast, from 0.8 to 20.3 ng/g dry weight (mean 4.9 ng/g dry) for Busan coast, and from 0.8 to 10.3 ng/g dry weight (mean 4.4 ng/g dry) for Jinhae Bay. PBDEs contamination in surface sediments from Korean southeastern coasts was relatively moderate in comparison to that of other marine environment in the world. The predominant PBDE congeners were 2,2',4,4'-TeBDE and 2,2',4,4',5-PeBDE.