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

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.