Occurrence of methylsiloxanes in sediments from a subtropical river-lake system in eastern China and its implication for ecological risks

Distribution of methylsiloxanes in environment is still far from being well studied. Little is known about the concentrations and associated risks of these chemicals in river-lake systems. This study investigated the occurrence of twelve methylsiloxanes (D4–D6, L5–L13) in the sediments from Lake Chaohu and its inflowing rivers, China, and found the total concentrations (ng/g dry weight) were in the range of 47.1–496 and 239–3593, respectively. Linear congeners were dominant, representing a median of 62.8% and 58.7% of the total concentrations found in the lake and its inflowing rivers, respectively. In general, the concentrations of sediment methylsiloxanes in the investigated river-lake system were low to moderate, compared with the results reported previously in other waters. Source assessment indicated that the emissions from industrial activities and the use of silicone-containing products were the main contributors of sediment methylsiloxanes in the investigated waters. D4 and D5 in 18.5% and 11.1% of river sediment samples might pose ecological risks to fish. The risks from the linear congeners in sediments in the area were not estimated due to no related benchmarks available. More studies are needed to investigate the occurrence of these chemicals and associated risks in aquatic environment. [Display omitted] •Twelve methylsiloxanes distributed widely in the sediments in the river-lake system.•Low to moderate levels of sediment methylsiloxanes were observed.•Industrial activities and specific product uses contributed mainly to the pollution.•D4 and D5 in some river sediments might pose risks to fish.