Distribution and bioavailability of PAHs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides on the western coast of Korea

Abstract

The distribution and bioavailability of PAHs and organochlorines in the intertidal sediments and in Manila clams collected on the western coast of Korea was studied. MW202 and MW228 appeared as important individual PAH compounds implying that pyrolytic PAH is an important source for PAHs in the study area. For Manila clams collected during this study BSAF of phenanthrene and pyrene were calculated to be 0.058∼0.379 and 0.020∼0.126 gOC/g lipid respectively. Tetra-chloro CB appeared to be the most important congener of PCBs found in the intertidal sediments. Penta-chloro CB accounted for 29.4∼58.1% of total PCBs found in Manila clams. Highly chlorinated PCBs were more commonly found in mussel tissues than in clam tissues. β-HCH concentration in Manila clams was significantly higher than that in oyster and in A. Amurensis (starfish). The reason for the different accumulation pattern of organic pollutants in diverse organisms are discussed.