Application of congener based multi-matrix profiling techniques to identify potential PCDD/F sources in environmental samples from the Burrishoole Catchment in the West of Ireland

P. White, B. McHugh, R. Poole, E. McGovern, J. White, P. Behan, B. Foley, A. Covaci

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Homologue and congener profiles of PCDD/Fs in eels, passive sampler and sediment extracts from the Burrishoole, a rural upland catchment on the western Irish seaboard were compared with potential PCDD sources. ΣPCDD/F levels in eels ranged from 2.9 to 25.9 pg g-1 wet weight, which are elevated compared to other Irish locations. The OCDD congener dominated the pattern of ΣPCDD/Fs in all matrices from Burrishoole. Passive samplers were successfully deployed to identify for the first time the presence in the water column of PCDD/Fs and dimethoxylated octachlorodiphenyl ether (diMeOoctaCDE), impurities found in pentachlorophenol (PCP) production. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified similarities between PCDD/F profiles in technical PCP mixtures and environmental samples from the Burrishoole region. Results strongly suggest residual PCDD contamination associated with historic local use of a dioxin contaminated product in the catchment area, with pentachlorophenol a strong candidate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)449-456
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume184
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Anguilla anguilla
  • Passive samplers
  • PCDD/F
  • Pentachlorophenol
  • Principal components analysis

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