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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in core sediments from creek ecosystem: occurrence, geochronology, and source contribution

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Abstract

The levels of 15 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in grab sediment and sediment cores from the Thane creek were monitored for their spatial and temporal distribution. Total PBDE (ΣPBDE) concentrations in grab sediments were ranging from 15.98 to 132.72 ng g−1 dry weight. BDE-209 was the most abundant congener with percentage contribution in the range of 19–35% to total PBDEs. Total PBDE show multimode concentration with depth in sediment, among which mode at a depth of 10 cm is predominant. Results of sediment core also indicates PBDEs were enormously used in last two decades in surrounding area. Sedimentation rate at the creek was also evaluated using Pb210 dating technique. Average percentage contribution of commercial penta-BDE (fP), octa-BDE (fO), and deca-BDE (fD) to the profile found in sediments collected across Thane creek were 24 ± 5, 5 ± 1 and 69 ± 7% (p < 0.001) respectively. Levels of all measured PBDEs in sediment met with guideline values except for the penta-BDE (total, BDE-99 and BDE-100) at few locations.

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Acknowledgements

This work is funded by Government of India under XII plan project at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. It is hereby declared that, there is no financial and personnel conflict of interest associated with this study.

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  1. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Section, Health Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Mahesh Tiwari, Sanjay Kumar Sahu, Rahul C. Bhangare, P. Y. Ajmal & Gauri Girish Pandit

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, India

    Mahesh Tiwari, Sanjay Kumar Sahu & Gauri Girish Pandit

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  1. Mahesh Tiwari
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  2. Sanjay Kumar Sahu
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Correspondence to Gauri Girish Pandit.

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Tiwari, M., Sahu, S.K., Bhangare, R.C. et al. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in core sediments from creek ecosystem: occurrence, geochronology, and source contribution. Environ Geochem Health 40, 2587–2601 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-018-0125-9

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