Concentrations of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Sediments from Jukskei River, Gauteng, South Africa

This study determined concentration levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediment samples collected from Jukskei River in South Africa. Final extracts, after concentration and dilution to 200 mu L were analyzed by injecting 1 mu L in the GC-ECD and GC-MS. Results obtained showed good recoveries (73%-114%, with RSD < 17%). The concentrations of aPBDEs in sediment for the seven sampling sites ranged from 0.92 to 6.76 ng g(-1) dry weight and total PBDEs with a total BDE sum of 23.85 ng g(-1) dry weights. Concentrations of PBDEs obtained in the present study are significantly lower than the values reported from developed countries.