Extremely hydrophobic Aroclor 1268 and residues of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marsh sediment collected from Superfund Site in Brunswick, Georgia, USA

摘要

Among the several man-made chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known for their contamination in the global environment, biomagnification in the food chain, and long-term health effects on aquatic and terrestrial animals including humans (Loganathan and Kannan, 1991; Loganathan et al., 2001,2007; Senthil Kumar et al., 1999a,b, 2001 a,b). Although PCBs were banned for production and use in open systems since 1970s, there are several PCB-contaminated Superfund Sites in the United States and these sites were protected to limit dispersal of PCBs from these sites. However, volatilization and leaching of contaminants from these sites continue to occur. Linden Chemicals and Plastics (LCP) Superfund Site is located on Ross Road in Brunswick (Glynn County), Georgia State, USA is one among them. As a result of multi-industrial operations, including an oil refinery (Atlantic Richfield Company, 1919-1935, Georgia electrical power generating facility, 1935-1955, and Dixie Paint and Varnish 1941-55) at this site, the adjacent brackish water have been severely contaminated by metals (mercury, lead, chromium and zinc) and organics (PCBs, PAHs and phenolic compounds) (Kannan et al., 1997; USEPA, 1995). A chlor-alkali plant was established on the site in 1955 and operated until 1994, when it was proposed for listing on the National Priority List (NPL) in October 1995 (USEPA, 1995,1997). Arolcor 1268 is a highly chlorinated PCB formulation which was applied to electrical equipment used in the chlor-alkali process at the LCP site (Kannan et al., 1997; Loganathan et al., 1998). This site is bordered by the Purvis Creek, Turtle River, Gibson Creek, and salt marshes to the west, mixed residential and commercial areas to the north, and Terry Creek, mixed residential and industrial areas to the east and south. This roughly includes an 80 acre industrialized upland portion, and over 550 acres of salt marsh and tidal creeks (Kannan et al., 1997, 1998a,b; Loganathan et al., 1997; Maruya and Lee, 1998a).