ASSESSMENT OF PCDD/F AND NONYLPHENOL CONTAMINATION IN A SEMI-ENCLOSED BAY (MASAN BAY, SOUTH KOREA) AND A MEDITERRANEAN LAGOON (THAU, FRANCE)

Abstract

The contamination of mussel and sediment by PCDD/Fs and nonylphenols was studied in a semi-enclosed bay in Korea (Masan Bay) and in a Mediterranean lagoon in France (Thau lagoon). Both systems receive different inputs from urban and industrial activities. Thau lagoon is also surrounded by agriculture (vineyards) and is a centre of important fish and shellfish farming activities. The contamination levels of sediment are the highest in Masan Bay, showing a decreasing gradient from the inner part to the outer part of the bay. A point source is also identified in the middle of the bay, corresponding to a municipal sewage outlet. This point source is characterized by high concentrations of PCDD/Fs and a specific isomeric pattern. In Thau lagoon, the concentrations of PCDD/Fs are highest in the Eastern part of the lagoon where the main urban and industrial activities are concentrated, and decrease to a lower level in the Western part. Contamination levels and patterns in both systems are more homogeneous in mussels than in sediment