Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine sediment of Thermaikos Gulf, Greece
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were determined in marine sediment samples collected from 7 different locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were detected in all sampling sites and their average total concentration (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 0.26 to
4.92 ng g−1 d.w. Concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in locations outlining the inner part of the Gulf, which were also closer to industrial areas, sewage treatment plant discharges, the city's harbour and landfill area. These findings suggest
pollution in the aquatic ecosystem from industrial and urban activities in the area. Congener profiles exhibit predominance of BDE-209, while concentrations of other PBDE congeners were usually lower, when compared to similar studies from other countries globally, indicating that Thermaikos
Gulf is among the low-polluted areas. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among the higher polluted sampling stations. Statistically significant differences also existed between sampling stations with high and low PBDE concentrations. Correlations between congeners suggested
local contamination sources; however, specific point sources of pollution were not established.
Keywords: BDE-209; aquatic ecosystem; brominated flame retardants, BFR; environmental pollution
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Laboratory of Ecology and Protection of the Environment,School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Univ. Box 404Thessaloniki, Greece 2: Department of Environmental Chemistry,Stockholm University, SE-106 91Stockholm, Sweden
Publication date: 01 October 2011
- Editorial Board
- Information for Authors
- Subscribe to this Title
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content