PCBs and OCPs residue in sediments and in Manila clams from the Mid-western coast of Korea: Distribution and Bioaccumulation

Abstract

The distribution and bioaccumulation features of PCBs, DDTs and HCHs were investigated in sediment and Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) collected from the Mid-western coast of Korea. The concentration of ΣPCBs, ΣDDTs and ΣHCHs were measured in the range of 0.57 - 1.72, 0.16 - 1.56 and 0.09 - 0.30 ng/g dw in sediment samples. In this study, the levels of these compounds were relatively lower than those from other contaminated areas. The spatial distribution of these chemicals seemed closely related to anthropogenic activities. The concentrations of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs in sediment showed significant relationship with the concentrations of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs in clams. The significant correlation was observed between log BSAF in clams and log Kow for each PCB congeners and DDT metabolites. These findings support that the levels of PCBs and DDTs, very hydrophobic chemicals, in clam tissue reflect the sediment pollution by PCBs and DDTs through biomagnification and bioaccumulation.ere measured in the range of 0.57 - 1.72, 0.16 - 1.56 and 0.09 - 0.30 ng/g dw in sediment samples. In this study, the levels of these compounds were relatively lower than those from other contaminated areas. The spatial distribution of these chemicals seemed closely related to anthropogenic activities. The concentrations of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs in sediment showed significant relationship with the concentrations of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs in clams. The significant correlation was observed between log BSAF in clams and log Kow for each PCB congeners and DDT metabolites. These findings support that the levels of PCBs and DDTs, very hydrophobic chemicals, in clam tissue reflect the sediment pollution by PCBs and DDTs through biomagnification and bioaccumulation.1