Levels and Patterns of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans in Sediments from Korean Coast

  • Moon Hyo-Bang (Marine Environment Management Division, National Fisheries & Development Institute) ;
  • Choi Hee-Gu (Marine Environment Management Division, National Fisheries & Development Institute) ;
  • Kim Sang-Soo (Marine Environment Management Division, National Fisheries & Development Institute) ;
  • Jeong Seung-Ryul (Marine Environment Management Division, National Fisheries & Development Institute) ;
  • Lee Pil-Yong (Marine Environment Management Division, National Fisheries & Development Institute)
  • Published : 2001.06.01

Abstract

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were measured in sediment samples from 19 stations in the coastal areas of Korea from February to July 2000. PCDDs and PCDFs were detected in all sediment samples. The concentrations of these con­taminants ranged from 18.2 to 804.0 pg/g dry weight and I-TEQ concentrations varied from 0.1 to 5.5 pg/g dry weight. Examination of homologue groups showed that octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) was predominant congener in Korean coast. This pattern was similar to homologue profiles of marine sediments in which the main source of PCDDs/DFs was derived from the atmospheric deposition of particulate matters generated from various industrial activities. Grain size and total organic carbon (TOC) distribution are one of the important factors governing PCDDs/DFs concentration in this study.

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