Distribution and bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides residues in sediments and Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) from along the Mid-Western coast of Korea

Abstract

The distribution and bioaccumulation features of PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs were investigated in the sediments and Manila clams collected from along the Mid-Western coast of Korea. The measured concentrations of Sigma PCBs, Sigma DDTs and Sigma HCHs were 1.08-3.5, 0.12-0.35 and 0.090-0.30 ng g(-1) dw in sediment, and 33-390, 7.4-46 and 6.3-27 ng g(-1) lipid in Manila clam, respectively. Their levels were found to be relatively lower than those of other contaminated areas and the consumption of Manila clam from these areas seems to be safe for human health according to calculated lifetime cancer risk and hazard indices. The Sigma PCBs and Sigma DDTs concentrations in sediments showed a significant relationship to those in clams. The significant correlation was observed between BSAF in clams and K-ow for each PCB congeners and DDT metabolites. These findings support that the PCBs and DDTs levels, which are highly hydrophobic chemicals, in clam reflect the sediment pollution through bioaccumulation. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.