Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the riverine and marine sediments of the Laizhou Bay area, North China

Abstract

62 riverine and marine sediments were collected from the Laizhou Bay area, where the largest manufacturing base of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in Asia is located. Eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analyzed to investigate the impact of rapidly-developed bromine industries on the regional aquatic system. PBDE concentrations varied largely in riverine sediments. Σ₇PBDEs (including BDE 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) and BDE 209 ranged from 0.01 to 53 ng g⁻¹ dw and from 0.74 to 285 ng g⁻¹ dw with a mean value of 4.5 ng g⁻¹ dw and 54 ng g⁻¹ dw, respectively, indicating a strong influence of direct pollution discharges from local factories. In marine sediments, Σ₇PBDEs and BDE 209 ranged from not detected (nd) to 0.66 ng g⁻¹ dw and from 0.66 to 12 ng g⁻¹ dw with a mean value of 0.32 ng g⁻¹ dw and 5.1 ng g⁻¹ dw, respectively. PBDE concentrations were mostly <10 ng g⁻¹ dw for Σ₇PBDEs and <50 ng g⁻¹ dw for BDE 209, which are at a relatively low level for monitored riverine and coastal sediments around the world. Even at the most contaminated sites in Laizhou Bay area, PBDE concentrations were not among the highest concentrations reported in the literature. Congener compositions were dominated by BDE 209 (57.2–99.9% of the sum of BDE congeners), with minor contributions from penta- and octa-BDE products. Tri- to octa-BDE congeners were well correlated among each other (r > 0.75) and thus sources from similar mixing of penta- and octa-BDE products were suggested in this area. Compared with riverine sediments, a much better correlation between PBDE concentrations with TOC was observed in marine environment. The congener pattern changed and their correlation coefficients among each other were remarkably reduced. Contributions of BDE 28, 47 and 99 to Σ₇PBDEs were generally the same in almost all the marine sites, while it was distinctively higher for BDE 153. These are probably attributable to several reasons, such as contributions by atmospheric deposition and/or redistribution between particles of various sizes during and/or after fluvial transportation combined with the difference of physiochemical properties of BDE congeners.