Status and Historical Trend in the Accumulation of Toxic Chemicals in Masan-Chinhae Bay

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants in surface and core sediments of Masan-Chinhae Bay, one of the Special Management Coastal Areas of Korea, are quantitatively determined to evaluate the extent and history of contamination. The target anlytes include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including co-planar PCBs, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated dipheylethers (PBDEs), bisphenol-A, t-octylphenol, nonylphenols, nonylphenol mono- and di-ethoxylates, and butyltin compounds, which are categorized persistent, bioaccumulative and (or) toxic (PBT) chemicals. Most of the target chemicals were detected in the bay, and showed negative gradient from inner to outer bay. Sewage treatment plant effluent outlet is one of the point sources for the contaminants of concern. Vertical profile of some chemicals in the sediment cores provided valuable information on contamination history in the bay. Status and historical trend of PBT chemicals contamination and their ecotoxicological concerns in this study could give better understanding for efficient management planning for Masan-Chinhae Bay in present and future.