Atmospheric deposition of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in Guangzhou, China: seasonal variations and sources

J Environ Monit. 2011 Oct;13(10):2880-5. doi: 10.1039/c1em10195a. Epub 2011 Aug 25.

Abstract

The atmospheric deposition of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) was investigated at four locations in different suburban and urban functional districts of Guangzhou City. The annual deposition fluxes of total PBDD/Fs (eight 2,3,7,8-substituted tetra- to hexa-BDD/Fs) were in the range of 36-51 (mean 46) pg m(-2) day(-1), and the corresponding TEQ fluxes were estimated to range between 7.9 and 11.3 (mean 10.3) pg I-TEQ m(-2) day(-1), indicating a noticeable pollution level. The deposition fluxes of PBDD/Fs during the wet season were 2-4 times as high as those during the dry season. Both rainfall and temperature positively correlated with PBDD/F deposition fluxes. Ambient gas/particle partition coefficients (K(p)) were predicted with SPARC. It appears seasonal variations of PBDD/F deposition fluxes were influenced by meteorological parameters and the local usage of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). The congener profiles of PBDD/Fs at four locations were similar either spatially or temporally, indicating that the main PBDD/F emission sources were similar to one another. Seasonal variations and congener patterns of PBDD/Fs indicated the possible sources included electronic waste recycling, industrial waste incinerators and products containing BFRs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollution / statistics & numerical data*
  • Atmosphere / chemistry*
  • Benzofurans / analysis*
  • China
  • Dioxins / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Seasons

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Benzofurans
  • Dioxins
  • dibenzofuran
  • dibenzo(1,4)dioxin