Distribution of organochlorine pesticides in intertidal and subtidal sediments in coastal wetland with high tidal ranges.
The present study aimed to understand the distribution characteristics of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in wetlands experiencing high tides and the manner in which these characteristics are affected by various factors, in particular, two distinct physical and topographical features (i.e., sub- and intertidal zones). For all OCPs except HCHs, the distribution levels were higher in the intertidal zone than in the subtidal zone. The spatial heterogeneity in the isomer compositional pattern, distribution levels, and correlation among individual OCPs were pronounced in the intertidal zone. Spatial homogeneity was observed within the subtidal zone, indicating that the effect of flushing and mixing was strong enough to diminish the potential local concentration peaks and unique composition pattern. It was evident that input paths and their strength impact the horizontal and transversal distribution of OCPs. The OCP group-specific discrepancy in spatial distribution suggested that (1) chlordane and chlorobenzenes were from a single dominant innermost terrestrial input path, (2) DDTs were from multiple terrestrial input paths, and (3) HCH was likely to be from the outer sea. The observations in this study imply that (1) benthic organisms could experience greater exposure in the intertidal basin than in the subtidal zone and (2) management measures of OCPs should be set after considering the tidal effect and the OCP-specific input paths.
Kim
Seung-Kyu
SK
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (BK-21), Seoul National University, Kwanak-gu, Shilim-dong san 56-1, Seoul, 151-742, Korea. skkim89@gmail.com
Kang
Dong-Jin
DJ
Kim
Kyung-Ryul
KR
Lee
Dong Soo
DS
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000032:analysis*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis*; D055871:Tidal Waves; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D053833:Wetlands
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010575:Pesticides; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical