PCDD/F release during benthic trawler-induced sediment resuspension

Abstract

Benthic trawling can cause the resuspension of large amounts of sediments. Such regular practice in the Grenland fjord system in the south of Norway has the potential to affect the fate, movement, and bioavailability of sediment-associated polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). A novel mode of exposing passive sampling devices consisting of towing semipermeable membrane devices attached to the trawl net was used to gauge in situ changes in the freely dissolved concentration of PCDD/Fs on benthic trawlerinduced sediment resuspension. Significant accumulation of a number of PCDD/F congeners was observed despite the short (5?h) sampler exposure times. On average, a one order of magnitude increase in freely dissolved PCCD/F concentrations was seen within minutes of the sediment being resuspended. This observation was supported by similar changes in filtered PCDD/F concentrations measured by high-volume sampling prior to resuspension and in the sediment plume. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 27802787. (c) 2012 SETAC

Keywords

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans; Passive sampling; Sediment resuspension; Benthic trawling; Desorption

Published in

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
2012, Volume: 31, number: 12, pages: 2780-2787 Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Nilsson, Hans

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG3 Good health and well-being
SDG6 Clean water and sanitation
SDG14 Life below water


UKÄ Subject classification

Organic Chemistry


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.1999

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/42785