High level of tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in sediments from the intertidal zone of New River Estuary-a polluted and degraded wetland

Abstract

The levels and distribution of tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in sediments in the intertidal zone of the New River Estuary were investigated. The concentration of TBC ranged from 2.78 to 35.1 ng·g^-1dw, and the concentration of total HBCDs ranged from 10.3 to 43.5 ng·g^-1dw. The composition of the three HBCD isomers, α-, β-, and γ-HBCD, was 6.23%, 8.00% and 85.8%, respectively. Moreover, the mass inventory of TBC, α-, β-, γ-HBCD, and total HBCDs in sediments were estimated to be about 1465.49, 124.64, 154.98, 1707.54, 1987.16 kg, respectively. Compared to previous studies, the concentrations of TBC and HBCDs in the intertidal zone of the New River Estuary were relatively high. Therefore, more concern of the potential public health and environmental risks of TBC and HBCDs is necessary.

Keywords: Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs); Intertidal zone of New River Estuary; Inventory estimation; Sediments; Total organic carbon (TOC); Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)isocyanurate (TBC).