Spatial distribution characteristics of perfluoroalkyl substances in bulk and grain size fractionated sediments in Shenzhen Bay

Haoshuai Li; Zimin Wang; Yang Zhou; Cui Shi; Huayang Gan; Fang Chen; Lei Xing; Danxu Guo; Longhai Zhu; Nan Wang; Shuhong Fang; Rui Bao

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115931

Spatial distribution characteristics of perfluoroalkyl substances in bulk and grain size fractionated sediments in Shenzhen Bay

Mar Pollut Bull. 2024 Feb:199:115931. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115931. Epub 2024 Jan 26.

Authors

Haoshuai Li¹, Zimin Wang¹, Yang Zhou², Cui Shi³, Huayang Gan², Fang Chen⁴, Lei Xing⁵, Danxu Guo¹, Longhai Zhu⁶, Nan Wang⁷, Shuhong Fang⁸, Rui Bao⁹

Affiliations

¹ Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China.
² Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 5111458, China.
³ Shenzhen Branch of China National Offshore Oil Corporation Limited, Shenzhen 518000, China.
⁴ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 5111458, China. Electronic address: Zhchenfang66@21cn.com.
⁵ Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China. Electronic address: xinglei@ouc.edu.cn.
⁶ Key Lab of Submarine Geosciences and Prospecting Techniques, MOE, Qingdao 266100, China.
⁷ Key Lab of Submarine Geosciences and Prospecting Techniques, MOE, Institute for Advanced Ocean Study, College of Marine Geosciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
⁸ College of Resources and Environment, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, China. Electronic address: fsh@cuit.edu.cn.
⁹ Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China. Electronic address: baorui@ouc.edu.cn.

PMID: 38280293
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115931

Abstract

Understanding Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) spatial distribution in natural environments is crucial due to their environmental persistence and potential bioaccumulation. However, limited research has investigated PFASs spatial distribution at a high resolution, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Here, we examined the composition and concentration of PFASs in 36 bulk surface sediments and grain-size fractionated sediments from 9 representative sites to determine the spatial distribution characteristics in Shenzhen Bay. We found that ΣPFASs decreased gradually from nearshore area to offshore area (0.680 and 0.297 ng g^-1 dw, respectively). Furthermore, PFASs are easily adsorbed on fine-grained sediments, likely due to their chain length and hydrophobicity. We argue that the lateral movement of sediments may transport fine-grained sediments associated with ΣPFASs out of the bay, resulting in the spatial difference in ΣPFASs in Shenzhen Bay. Our findings provide important insights into explore the mechanisms associated with preservation and transport of PFASs.

Keywords: Grain size; PFASs; Sediment; Shenzhen Bay; Spatial distribution; Transport mechanism.

MeSH terms

Alkanesulfonic Acids* / analysis
China
Environmental Monitoring / methods
Fluorocarbons* / analysis
Geologic Sediments
Rivers
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

Fluorocarbons
Water Pollutants, Chemical
Alkanesulfonic Acids