Multicompartmental analysis of POPs and PAHs in Concepcion Bay, central Chile: Part I - Levels and patterns after the 2010 tsunami

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in abiotic samples from Concepcion Bay in Central Chile. Samples were soxhlet extracted and injected in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) showed the highest levels in air (3-1100 pg m(-3)), in water (2-64 pg L-1), in sediment, and soil (1-78 ng g(-1) (dw)). PAHs were also high in the air (1-6 ng m(-3)), in water (1-7 ng L-1), in sediment (90-300 ng g(-1) (dw)), and in soil (15-2300 ng g(-1) (dw)). The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides were generally low and did not show clear trends along the water column, with exception of PAHs. New data are presented in this work to assess the health status of a relevant coastal area in central Chile.

Automated summary

This study determined the levels of POPs and PAHs in abiotic samples from Concepcion Bay in Central Chile. The results showed that PBDEs had the highest levels in air, water, sediment, and soil, while PAHs also had high levels in these samples. PCBs and chlorinated pesticides were generally low and did not show clear trends along the water column. These new data are important for assessing the health status of a relevant coastal area in central Chile.