Insights into the long-term fates and impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediment samples in Taiwan: The national project for background monitoring of the environmental distribution of chemical substances (BMECs)

Wei Hsiang Chang, Quang Oai Lu, Hsiu Ling Chen, Ning Syuan Hsu, Ching Chang Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact factors and effectiveness of management policies on the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediment samples in Taiwan from the last 10 years. Twenty-four PBDE congeners were detected in 838 sediment samples collected from 4 stages (2006–2019) in 30 principal rivers, based on the national project for background monitoring of the environmental distribution of chemical substances. The ΣPBDE concentrations in the 4 stages ranged from 30.00 to 147.10 ng/g dw, 6.03–15.30 ng/g dw, 4.99–7.00 ng/g dw, and 1.20–2.10 ng/g dw in the northern, southern, central, and eastern areas, respectively. The concentrations of PBDEs (e.g., penta-BDE and octa-BDE) in sediment samples notably decreased (−6 to −73%) as the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration implemented policies banning PBDEs (except deca-BDE). The PBDEs levels of the sediment samples collected in the dry season were higher than those collected in the wet season. The levels of ΣPBDEs in sediment samples were affected by season, the amount of general waste present, and nearby PBDE-related factories and e-waste recycling facilities. Reducing the release of PBDEs, especially deca-BDE, through sound waste management and recycling practices is still needed to improve environmental sustainability in Taiwan.

Original languageEnglish
Article number119417
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume306
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022 Aug 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Toxicology
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Insights into the long-term fates and impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediment samples in Taiwan: The national project for background monitoring of the environmental distribution of chemical substances (BMECs)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this