Organic pollutants in the central and coastal Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

Mar Pollut Bull. 2015 Dec 30;101(2):972-85. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.023. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

Abstract

Surface sediments from the central and coastal Beibu Gulf, southern China, were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants. The absence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB; generally below detection limit), low concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH; 24-647 ng g(-1)), and locally high contamination with organo-chloro pesticides (DDT; 0.03-92 ng g(-1)) reflect the early stages of development in southwest China, with human activities dominated by agriculture and low impact of industry. Concentrations of PCB and PAH indicate no ecological risk, while DDT accumulation poses a probable toxic risk in coastal but not in shelf sediments. Diagnostic ratios suggest PAH originating mainly from combustion of biomass and diesel fuels, and recent DDT use in agriculture and antifouling paint. Distribution patterns along the coastal-shelf-gradient indicate mainly airborne transport of PAH and waterborne transport of DDT. In the central Gulf, also water column samples reveal low concentrations of PAH (1.7-7.8 ng L(-1)) and DDT (0.006-0.053 ng L(-1)).

Keywords: Aquaculture; Beibu Gulf; Estuary; Mangrove; Source attribution; Toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Estuaries
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Pesticides / analysis*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / analysis*
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
  • Rivers / chemistry
  • Seawater / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Pesticides
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls