Characterization of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in different particle size fractions of marine sediments.
The distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) was examined according to particle size in marine sediments, with a particular focus on fine particulates. Samples from different coastal sites were fractionated into five size groups (<2, 2-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-63 microm diameter) by gravitational split-flow thin fractionation. Despite the different size profiles and PCDD/F contents of the sediments at each site, PCDD/F levels in fractionations tended to increase as the particle size decreased; the PCDD/F levels in the finest particles were up to 16 times higher than in the coarsest particles, which was associated with their organic carbon contents. Log normalization showed high levels of PCDD/Fs in the fine silt particles (2-10 microm), which are consumable by aquatic biota. Because of the different toxicity and bioavailability of PCDD/Fs in different sediment particle sizes, it is important to study particle actions to understand their effects on the aquatic ecosystem.
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, San 31, Hyoja-dong, Namgu, Pohang, 790-784, South Korea.
Se-Jin
SJ
Lee
Ji-Hun
JH
Kim
Yoon-Seok
YS
Chang
Myeong Hee
MH
Moon
D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis*; D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D007220:Industrial Waste; D007723:Korea; D010316:Particle Size; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D001572:Benzofurans; D007220:Industrial Waste; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C023614:dibenzofuran