Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in surface sediments from the Middle and South Adriatic coastal waters

The distribution of six PCB congeners (28, 52, 101, 118, 138 and 153) was investigated in surface sediments (0-2 cm) from the coastal waters of the Middle and South Adriatic. The lowest concentration was found at the "offshore" reference station Stoncica, indicating the absence of an anthropogenic influence at the investigated area. The highest concentration was obtained at the area of the Kastela Bay (Split), as the result of long-term urban and industrial wastewater discharges. The most abundant higher-chlorinated congeners PCB 138 and PCB 153 were present at higher concentrations in the entire investigated area than the lower-chlorinated ones. The obtained results showed that the PCB levels in the sediments depend primarily on local pollution sources and environmental characteristics, as well as on the geochemical characteristics of the sediment.