Polychlorinated biphenyls in marine sediments from major bays of Korea

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in surface sediments collected from at five major bays in Korea, where industrial complex, metropolises and harbor are located. The purpose of this study was to identify the status of PCBs and regional difference. The highest level of PCBs was found at inner harbor area of Pusan Bay. Among five bays, Pusan Bay was highly contaminated with PCBs. Total PCB concentrations were in the rang of 0.55 – 16.0 ng/g in Kyeonggi Bay, 0.22 – 2.90 ng/g in Kwangyang Bay, 5.71 – 199 ng/g in Pusan Bay, 2.06 – 22.3 ng/g in Ulsan Bay, and 0.56 – 72.8 ng/g in Youngil Bay, respectively. The distribution patterns indicated that harbor or industrial activities were the local pollution sources. The regional differences of PCB compositions were also observed among the bays according to source type and environmental conditions.