Contamination of newly emerging contaminants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Sediments near E-waste Recycling Sites in South China

Nora F.Y. Tam, Hai Chao Zhou, Q. H. Wu, Yuk Shan Wong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The contamination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Maozhou River watershed, Shenzhen, China was investigated. The eight target PBDE congeners, including BDE-28-47-99-100-153-154-183 and BDE-209, were detected in all sediment samples, indicating that the contamination is common in this watershed. Spatial variations were significant. The highest concentration of total PBDEs of seven congeners exclude BDE-209 (∑7PBDEs), mean of 12.72 ng g-1 freeze-dried weight (dw), was found in the site closest to the Maozhou Industrial District with more than 10 Industrial Parks. This site also had the highest concentration of BDE-209 (648.89 ng g-1 dw). The lowest concentrations of ∑7PBDEs and BDE-209 were found in the rural area about 5 Km away from industrial regions with respective averages of 1.56 and 23.61 ng g-1 dw. Mangrove sediment at the River mouth furthest away from industries accumulated more PBDEs than the rural area. In all sediment samples, BDE-209 was the most dominant congener making up more than 99% of total PBDEs. Other than BDE-209, the profile of the seven congeners varied from sites to sites, with BDE-28 and-99 being the most dominant congeners in the site closest to the Industrial District, while BDE-47 became more significant in sites further away. These results demonstrated the contamination of PBDEs in sediment, due to the rapid consumption of electronic products and the activities of e-waste recycling along Maozhou River, was very serious.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication21st Century Watershed Technology Conference and Workshop 2014
Subtitle of host publicationImproving Water Quality and the Environment
Pages293-300
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781510859616
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event21st Century Watershed Technology Conference and Workshop 2014: Improving Water Quality and the Environment - Hamilton, New Zealand
Duration: 3 Nov 20146 Nov 2014

Publication series

Name21st Century Watershed Technology Conference and Workshop 2014: Improving Water Quality and the Environment

Conference

Conference21st Century Watershed Technology Conference and Workshop 2014: Improving Water Quality and the Environment
Country/TerritoryNew Zealand
CityHamilton
Period3/11/146/11/14

Keywords

  • Contamination
  • E-waste
  • PBDE congeners
  • Sediment

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