Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in sediment, soil, fish, shellfish and crab samples from Tokyo Bay area, Japan

Concentrations of tetra- to octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzof urans in samples collected in or near Tokyo Bay, Japan, with a densely inha bited catchment area, were congener-specifically determined and discussed. Analyzed in this study were samples of surface sediment covering the whole bay area, reference soil representing atmospheric impact, and fish, shellfi sh and crab commonly consumed as food. The range of concentrations were com parable to or higher than those in other parts of Japan. The origins of the se compounds in the catchment area of the bay were investigated in terms of homolog and isomeric compositions in the sediment samples. Biota-sediment accumulation factors for benthic species declined as the degree of chlorina tion increased. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.