Distributions and compositional characteristics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in sediments of the regional seas of South Korea

Abstract

This study investigated the distribution and composition of 28 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface and core sediments from the regional seas of South Korea. Surface sediments were collected from the Yellow Sea (YS, n = 10), East China Sea (ECS, n = 6), South Sea (SS, n = 5), and East Sea (ES, n = 12), and core sediments were obtained from the ES (n = 3, 0–30 cm). Sediment samples were extracted with methanol by shaking, followed by purification using solid-phase extraction cartridges. The purified extracts were then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) to quantify 11 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, 9 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, 5 precursors, and 3 emerging PFASs. The highest PFAS concentrations in surface sediments were observed in the YS (300 ng g−1 organic carbon (OC)), followed by the ES (150 ng g−1 OC), ECS (120 ng g−1 OC), and SS (14 ng g−1 OC). Core sediment analysis revealed the accumulation of PFASs within the top 10 cm depth at the dumpsite, along with elevated OC contents (2.7–4.4 %) and lighter carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13C, −23 to −22 ‰) indicating the influence of dumped wastes. Principal component analysis classified the sites into three groups based on chemical composition, reflecting regional differences in PFASs usage, transport, and deposition. These findings provide critical insights into the distribution and environmental behavior of PFASs in marine sediments and contribute to developing future regulatory frameworks and pollution management strategies. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd