Abstract
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 μm 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 μm), 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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 554-561 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Environmental Pollution |
Volume | 144 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 Nov |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This paper was supported by the Korea Polar Research Institute (project number: PE05005) and the Brain Korea 21 project. We thank Professor Dongwoo Suk at Hanyang University for providing sediment samples.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Toxicology
- Pollution
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis