국내 연안 퇴적물내 축적된 다환방향족탄화수소의 분포 및 특성

Abstract

To assess the contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the marine environment of Korea, sediment samples along the coast of Korea were analyzed. This study provides perspectives on concentration ranges and on geographic distributions of PAHs. PAH compounds were detected in surface sediment from 133 sites. PAHs concentrations are in the range of 1.33 – 21,600 ng/g for total PAHs, 0.96 – 7,540 ng/g for low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs, and 0.12 – 18,700 ng/g for high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs in dry weight basis, respectively. Industrialized and urbanized region showed high level of PAHs contamination. When compared with nationwide monitoring results of USA and UK, concentration of total PAHs are in the order of UK > US > this study. Contamination level of PAHs in coastal area of Korea is lower than highly industrialized and urbanized regions but similar with most of Asian and European countries. In coastal and offshore sediments of Korea, 6.8% sites had a mean PAH ERL quotient > 1.0, indicating the potential to cause adverse effects in sensitive species.