露天堆场防风抑尘网遮蔽效果的数值模拟

应用Fluent6.3标准k-ε方程对露天堆场周围空气流场进行数值模拟;计算来流风速6 m/s工况下,孔隙率为0、0.2、0.3、0.4、0.6、1时,抑尘网及料堆前后不同断面处风速的垂直分布及不同高度空气压力系数分布。结果表明,抑尘网网前1倍网高范围内,风速廓线受抑尘网影响显著,风速较无网工况最大降幅62.9%,且风速降幅随孔隙率增大而减小;抑尘网和料堆间区域,风速沿垂直高度非单调一致变化,30 m以下风速较无网工况小,30 m以上较无网工况大;堆后2倍堆高范围内,12 m高度以下处于回流区,风速较无网工况时大,12 m以上处于主流区,风速较无网工况时小;堆后3倍堆高距离外,各孔隙率风速廓线与无网工况一致。压力系数分布显示:网前3倍网高(66 m)至堆后3倍堆高(51 m)间压力系数变化显著,尤其在抑尘网处压力系数梯度大;孔隙率小于0.3时,迎风面负压最大,孔隙率大于0.4时,冠顶负压最大,至孔隙率为0.6时,料堆高度压力系数分布与无网工况一致。综合风速衰减和压力系数分布,孔隙率为0.2~0.4时,抑尘网遮蔽效果最佳。     

钢铁厂露天堆料场挡风抑尘墙效果的数值模拟

对某钢铁厂露天堆料场设置挡风抑尘墙进行数值模拟研究,通过对动力阴影区覆盖面积的考察,分析了自然风速、墙高、墙开孔率及墙后建构筑物对挡风抑尘墙的挡风抑尘效果的影响.该钢铁厂露天堆料场设置防风抑尘墙的最佳几何尺寸是:墙长(L)为500 m,墙厚(d)为5 mm,墙高(H)为15～20 m,墙开孔率(k)为0.2～0.3,在主导风风速达到10 m/s以上的大风天气能够形成有效覆盖整个料场的动力阴影区,再配以合适的喷雾洒水或喷洒化学抑尘剂等其他抑尘手段就能够非常有效地抑制料场扬尘.     

混凝土尘抑尘剂配方研制及其性能表征

针对建筑工地扬尘控制需求,研究了适用于混凝土尘的抑尘剂。以高温抗蒸发性、抗研磨性、渗透性作为指标,研究了以吸湿剂、凝并剂和表面活性剂为组成的抑尘剂配方,并对其抑制混凝土尘性能进行了表征。结果表明:(1)混凝土尘粒径越小,越难被润湿。200目混凝土尘粒径均一;Ca含量最多,其次是Si,质量分数占11.10%;真密度为6.41g/cm3。(2)抑尘剂最优配方为25%(质量分数,下同)CaCl2、0.15%蔗糖、0.10%吐温-20。(3)10d后喷洒抑尘剂溶液的混凝土尘含湿量仍能达到10%,具有很好的吸湿放湿性。持续14m/s风速1h后,混凝土尘的损失率为2.23%(质量分数),具有良好的抗风蚀性能。     

水性聚合物对铁矿粉的抑尘性能与现场应用

为控制扬尘污染,采用水性聚合物抑尘剂将澳洲铁矿粉稳定化,表征了铁矿粉的含水率、Zeta电位、表面形貌、化学组成与晶体结构,研究了聚合物的抑尘性能和现场应用效果。结果表明,抑尘剂可促进铁矿粉聚集、提高内聚力,可在湿润状态下延缓水分挥发、干燥状态下紧密封闭粉体,有效降低风力侵蚀性。在30℃、35%相对湿度下的平均含水率比洒水提高了1.2倍,装卸过程和露天堆场估算的扬尘控制效率分别达到67.78%和93.96%。露天料场24 h PM_(2.5)和PM_(10)的控制效率分别为75.0%和80.95%,与估算结果接近;30 d的观察期间,堆体的封闭状态稳定,实现了现场有效抑尘。     

新型阶梯式人工湿地处理生活污水的研究

采用一种新型阶梯式人工湿地处理生活污水,考察了该工艺对COD、BOD5、NH3-N、全氮(TN)和全磷(TP)的去除效果,实验结果表明,当水力负荷约为0.44 m3/(m2.d),水力停留时间为3 d时,湿地对COD、BOD5、NH3-N、全氮(TN)和全磷(TP)的去除效果较好,平均去除率分别达到90.6%、87.9%、66.7%、63.4%和92.6%,出水COD约为14.1～30.8 mg/L,BOD5约为8.2～13.1 mg/L,NH3-N约为9.9～19.6 mg/L,TN约为17.3～28.7 mg/L,TP小于1.2 mg/L,出水水质优于农田灌溉水质标准(GB5084-2005)。植物种植长状况、温度变化及进水污染物浓度等因素对湿地处理效率有较大影响,总体上来讲,温度大于24℃、植物种植密度越大、进水污染物浓度越低处理效果越好。     

旋流场超细颗粒聚集实验研究

不同粒径分布和浓度的催化裂化(FCC)三旋回收超细催化剂颗粒在旋流场中经过50 h循环回流,颗粒中值粒径变化明显。物料中分散相越多、颗粒粒径越小时,颗粒碰撞越频繁,其聚集趋势越明显。颗粒聚集体在旋流场内不够稳定,通过对比不同进料速率下的旋流场聚集效果,得到最适合颗粒聚集的旋流场雷诺数为20 000。颗粒聚集体存在聚集极限粒径,其最佳聚集时间约为40 h,颗粒聚集后的旋流分离效率提高近5%。     

高风速复合式电收尘器的试验研究

应用"高风速"理论,将流体力学、电动力学、静电学有机结合设计出的高风速复合式电收尘器(HWSCESP)系统.试验以收尘效率作为收尘指标,以粉尘初始浓度、有效收尘面积、工作电压和系统风速为影响因素进行试验分析.结果表明,当粉尘初始浓度在45 g/m3,工作电压在47 kV,有效收尘面积为14.5 m2,系统风速为3.8 m/s时,收尘效率可达99.92%.从实验结果表明,HWSCESP是高效率、低成本的新型电收尘器.     

高岭土固定GY2B优化其降解性能

以高岭土为负载材料分别用吸附和包埋2种方法固定GY2B优化其降解苯酚的性能。结果显示,采用吸附固定法,高岭土投加浓度为20 g/L时效果最佳,苯酚降解效率相比游离GY2B提升约10%,降解时间由12 h缩短至6 h。包埋法当固定化小球组分投加为高岭土1%(m/v)、聚乙烯醇10%(m/v)、海藻酸钠0.3%(m/v)、GY2B菌悬液10%(v/v)时降解效果最佳,相比游离菌降解效率提升约14%,降解时间缩短至6 h。2种固定方式与游离菌相比均可提升苯酚的降解效果,其中包埋法效果更优,具有更大的适用推广前景。     

以磷矿石为填料的生物滴滤塔处理含挥发性脂肪酸的臭气

对磷矿石为填料的生物滴滤反应器净化挥发性脂肪酸臭气的净化能力进行了研究,实验考察了空床停留时间、进气浓度和进气体积负荷等参数对净化效果的影响,研究结论如下:在挥发性脂肪酸浓度不变的条件下,停留时间越长,废气的净化效果越好。进气浓度控制在205.80~677.40 mg·m-3的条件下,废气在反应器中的停留时间为97 s时,废气所获得的净化效率为99%;停留时间波动不大的情况下,反应器对挥发性脂肪酸的净化效果随进气浓度的增加而降低。当空床停留时间65~97 s条件下,臭气的进气浓度为224.29 mg·m-3时,去除率达到100%;臭气进气浓度增至1 345.71 mg·m-3时,去除率降到98.60%;当臭气浓度进一步增至4 934.29 mg·m~(-3)时,去除率降至67.40%;在停留时间波动不大的情况下,废气的净化效率随进气的体积负荷呈先增加后降低的趋势。空床停留时间65~97 s条件下,当臭气的体积负荷为3.14g·(m3·h)-1时,去除率约为99.20%。当体积负荷增至18.08 g·(m~3·h)~(-1),去除率降到97.6%。当进气体积负荷继续增至39.25 g·(m~3·h)-1时,去除率降到89.25%。总之,磷矿石作为生物反应器的填料具有一定可行性。     

一株施氏假单胞菌Pseudomonas stutzeri DN-LWX19的脱氮性能

从缺氧生物滤池筛选纯化得到一株具有高效反硝化能力的异养菌DN-LWX19,通过形态观察、生理生化特性及16S rDNA同源性分析,确定该菌株为施氏假单胞菌(Pseudomonas stutzeri).脱氮性能研究结果表明,菌株DN-LWX19在NO3--N初始浓度为120.43 mg/L的试管培养基中,60 h对NO3--N去除率达90％,NO2--N积累浓度仅0.05 mg/L.以添加适量乙酸钠的实际污水处理二级出水为液体培养基,研究DN-LWX19在初始NO3--N浓度约为30.00 mg/L时的脱氮效果,当碳氮比(COD/NO3--N)为5∶1时,菌株DN-LWX19在32 h对NO3--N去除率为100％,但是有NO2--N的积累(7.00 mg/L),且至72 h无明显变化;当碳氮比为9∶1时,菌株DN-LWX19在32h对NO3--N的去除率为100％,且无NO2-N的积累.     

Dioxin- and POP-contaminated sites—contemporary and future relevance and challenges

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Once they have been generated, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can persist in soils and sediments and in waste repositories for periods extending from decades to centuries. In 1994, the US EPA concluded that contaminated sites and other reservoirs are likely to become the major source of contemporary pollution problems with these substances. With this in mind, this article is the first in a new series in ESPR under the title 'Case Studies on Dioxin and POP Contaminated Sites--Contemporary and Future Relevance and Challenges', which will address this important issue. The series will document various experiences from sites contaminated with PCDD/F and other POPs. This article provides an overview of the content of the articles comprising the series. In addition, it provides a review of the subject in its own right and identifies the key issues arising from dioxin/POP-contaminated sites. Additionally, it highlights the important conclusions that can be drawn from these examples. The key aim of this article and of the series as a whole is to provide a comprehensive overview of the types of PCDD/F contaminated sites that exist as a result of historical activities. It details the various processes whereby these sites became contaminated and attempts to evaluate their contemporary relevance as sources of PCDD/Fs and other POPs. It also details the various strategies used to assess these historical legacies of contamination and the concepts developed, or which are under development, to effect their remediation. MAIN FEATURES: Special sessions on 'Contaminated sites--Cases, remediation, risk and policy' were held at the DIOXIN conferences in 2006 and 2007, and this theme will be continued at DIOXIN 2008 to be held in Birmingham. Selected cases from the approximately 70 contributions made to these sessions, together with some additional invited case studies are outlined together with the key issues they raise. By evaluating these cases and adding details of experiences published in the current literature, an overview will be given of the different features and challenges of dioxin and POP-contaminated sites. RESULTS: This article provides a systematic categorisation of types of PCDD/F and POP-contaminated sites. These are categorised according to the chemical or manufacturing process, which generated the PCDD/Fs or POPs and also includes the use and disposal aspects of the product life cycle in question. The highest historical PCDD/F and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination burdens have arisen as a result of the production of chlorine and of chlorinated organic chemicals. In particular, the production of chlorinated pesticides, PCBs and the related contaminated waste streams are identified being responsible for historical releases of toxic equivalents (TEQs) at a scale of many tonnes. Along with such releases, major PCDD/F contaminated sites have been created through the application or improper disposal of contaminated pesticides, PCBs and other organochlorine chemicals, as well through the recycling of wastes and their attempted destruction. In some extreme examples, PCDD/F contaminated sites have also resulted from thermal processes such as waste incinerators, secondary metal industries or from the recycling or deposition of specific waste (e.g. electronic waste or car shredder wastes), which often contain chlorinated or brominated organic chemicals. The examples of PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB contamination of fish in European rivers or the impact of contaminated sites upon fishing grounds and upon other food resources demonstrate the relevance of these historical problems to current and future human generations. Many of the recent food contamination problems that have emerged in Europe and elsewhere demonstrate how PCDD/F and dioxin like PCBs from historical sources can directly contaminate human and animal feedstuffs and indeed highlight their considerable contemporary relevance in this respect. Accordingly, some key experiences and lessons learnt regarding the production, use, disposal and remediation of POPs from the contaminated sites are summarised. DISCUSSION: An important criterion for evaluating the significance and risks of PCDD/Fs and other POPs at contaminated sites is their present or future potential for mobility. This, in turn, determines to a large degree their propensity for off-site transport and environmental accessibility. The detailed evaluation of contaminated site cases reveals different site-specific factors, which influence the varied pathways through which poor water-soluble POPs can be mobilised. Co-contaminants with greater water solubility are also typically present at such sites. Hence, pumping of groundwater (pump and treat) is often required in addition to attempting to physically secure a site. At an increasing number of contaminated sites, securing measures are failing after relatively short time spans compared to the time horizon, which applies to persistent organic pollutant contamination. Due to the immense costs and challenges associated with remediation of contaminated sites 'monitored natural attenuation' is increasingly gaining purchase as a conceptual remediation approach. However, these concepts may well prove limited in their practical application to contaminated sites containing persistent organic pollutants and other key pollutants like heavy metals. CONCLUSIONS: It is inevitable, therefore, that dioxin/POP-contaminated sites will remain of contemporary and future relevance. They will continue to represent an environmental issue for future generations to address. The securing and/or remediation of dioxin/POP-contaminated sites is very costly, generally in the order of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Secured landfills and secured production sites need to be considered as constructions not made for 'eternity' but built for a finite time scale. Accordingly, they will need to be controlled, supervised and potentially repaired/renewed. Furthermore, the leachates and groundwater impacted by these sites will require ongoing monitoring and potential further remediation. These activities result in high maintenance costs, which are accrued for decades or centuries and should, therefore, be compared to the fully sustainable option of complete remediation. The contaminated site case studies highlight that, while extensive policies and established funds for remediation exist in most of the industrialised western countries, even these relatively well-regulated and wealthy countries face significant challenges in the implementation of a remediation strategy. This highlights the fact that ultimately only the prevention of contaminated sites represents a sustainable solution for the future and that the Polluter Pays Principle needs to be applied in a comprehensive way to current problems and those which may emerge in the future. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: With the continuing shift of industrial activities in developing and transition economies, which often have poor regulation (and weak self-regulation of industries), additional global challenges regarding POPs and other contaminated sites may be expected. In this respect, a comprehensive application of the "polluter pays principle" in these countries will also be a key to facilitate the clean-up of contaminated areas and the prevention of future contaminated sites. The threats and challenges of contaminated sites and the high costs of securing/remediating the problems highlight the need for a comprehensive approach based upon integrated pollution prevention and control. If applied to all polluting (and potentially polluting) industrial sectors around the globe, such an approach will prove to be both the cheapest and most sustainable way to underpin the development of industries in developing and transition economies.     

Sorption and Desorption Behavior of Chloroanilines and Chlorophenols on Montmorillonite and Kaolinite

The bioavailability of pollutants, pesticides and/or their degradation products in soil depends on the strength of their sorption by the different soil components, particularly by the clay minerals. This study reports the sorption-desorption behavior of the environmentally hazardous industrial pollutants and certain pesticides degradation products, 3-chloroaniline, 3,4-dichloroaniline, 2,4,6-trichloroaniline, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol on the reference clays kaolinite KGa-1 and Na-montmorillonite SWy-l. In batch studies, 2.0 g of clay were equilibrated with 100.0 mL solutions of each chemical at concentrations ranging from 10.0 to 200.0 mg/L. The uptake of the compounds was deduced from the results of HPLC-UV-Vis analysis. The lipophilic species were best retained by both clay materials. The most lipophilic chemical used in the study, 2,4,6-trichloroaniline, was also the most strongly retained, with sorption of up to 8 mg/g. In desorption experiments, which also relied on HPLC-UV-Vis technique, 2,4,6-trichloroaniline was the least desorbed from montmorillonite. However, on kaolinite all of the compounds under study were irreversibly retained. The experimental data have been modelled according to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. A hypothesis is proposed concerning the sorption mechanism and potential applications of the findings in remediation strategies have been suggested.     

Persistence and dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in onion and soil

The persistence and dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on onion were studied after application of their combination formulation at a standard and double dose of 75 + 150 and 150 + 300 g a.i. ha^?1. The fungicides were extracted with acetone, cleaned-up using activated charcoal (trifloxystrobin) and neutral alumina (tebuconazole). Analysis was carried out by gas chromatograph (GC) and confirmed by gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The recovery was above 80% and limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.05 mg kg^?1 for both fungicides. Initial residue deposits of trifloxystrobin were 0.68 and 1.01 mg kg^?1 and tebuconazole 0.673 and 1.95 mg kg^?1 from standard and double dose treatments, respectively. Dissipation of the fungicides followed first-order kinetics and the half life of degradation was 6–6.6 days. Matured onion bulb (and field soil) harvested after 30 days was free from fungicide residues. These findings suggest recommended safe pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 14 and 25 days for spring onion consumption after treatment of Nativo 75 WG at the standard and double doses, respectively. Matured onion bulbs at harvest were free from fungicide residues.     

Synthesis and characterization of m- and p-methylbenzyl-mercapturic acids derived from m- and p-xylenes

Chemical synthesis and physical properties of two mercapturic acids suggested as urinary metabolites of m- and p-xylenes ace described. These compounds may be used for the identification and quantivative determination by high-performance liquid chromatography of the corresponding mercapturic acids in urine.     

Levels of PCDDs and PCDFs in products and effluent from the Swedish pulp and paper industry and chloralkali process

Within the Swedish Dioxin Survey various samples from the pulp and paper industry and the chloralkali process have been analyzed by congener specific analytical methods. In addition to the generally discussed “bleaching pattern” of the tetrachlorinated congeners, these samples also contained higher chlorinated congeners like hexa-CDDs, hepta-CDFs, octa-CDD and octa-CDF. Consequently it is recommended that samples from the pulp industry should be analyzed for all PCDDs and PCDFs (tetra- through octa-). Counted as Nordic Toxic Equivalents (NTEQ), the recycled pulp samples had the highest contamination level followed by TMP, unbleached sulfite and bleached softwood and hardwood. In addition to the bleaching process, various chemicals used in the pulping, bleaching and wastewater treatment can contribute to the contamination.     

Field and laboratory studies of the fate and enantiomeric enrichment of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

The stereoselectivity of R,S-venlafaxine and its metabolites R,S-O-desmethylvenlafaxine, N-desmethylvenlafaxine, O,N-didesmethylvenlafaxine, N,N-didesmethylvenlafaxine and tridesmethylvenlafaxine was studied in three processes: (i) anaerobic and aerobic laboratory scale tests; (ii) six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating under different conditions; and (iii) a variety of wastewater treatments including conventional activated sludge, natural attenuation along a receiving river stream and storage in operational and seasonal reservoirs. In the laboratory and field studies, the degradation of the venlafaxine yielded O-desmethylvenalfaxine as the dominant metabolite under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Venlafaxine was almost exclusively converted to O-desmethylvenlafaxine under anaerobic conditions, but only a fraction of the drug was transformed to O-desmethylvenlafaxine under aerobic conditions. Degradation of venlafaxine involved only small stereoisomeric selectivity. In contrast, the degradation of O-desmethylvenlafaxine yielded remarkable S to R enrichment under aerobic conditions but none under anaerobic conditions. Determination of venlafaxine and its metabolites in the WWTPs agreed well with the stereoselectivity observed in the laboratory studies. Our results suggest that the levels of the drug and its metabolites and the stereoisomeric enrichment of the metabolite and its parent drug can be used for source tracking and for discrimination between domestic and nondomestic wastewater pollution. This was indeed demonstrated in the investigations carried out at the Jerusalem WWTP.     

Uptake and translocation of metformin, ciprofloxacin and narasin in forage- and crop plants

Transfer of bioactive organic compounds from soil to plants might represent animal and human health risks. Sewage sludge and manure are potential sources for bioactive compounds such as human- and veterinary drugs. In the present study, uptake of the anti-diabetic compound, metformin, the antibiotic agent ciprofloxacin and the anti-coccidial narasin in carrot (Daucuscarota ssp. sativus cvs. Napoli) and barley (Hordeumvulgare) were investigated. The pharmaceuticals were selected in order to cover various chemical properties, in addition to their presence in relevant environmental matrixes. The root concentration factors (RCF) found in the present study were higher than the corresponding leaf concentration factors (LCF) for the three test pharmaceuticals. The uptake of metformin was higher compared with ciprofloxacin and narasin for all plant compartments analyzed. Metformin was studied more explicitly with regard to uptake and translocation in meadow fescue (Festucapratense), three other carrot cultivars (D.carota ssp. sativus cvs. Amager, Rothild and Nutri Red), wheat cereal (Triticumaestivum) and turnip rape seed (Brassicacampestris). Uptake of metformin in meadow fescue was comparable with uptake in the four carrot cultivars (RCF 2-10, LCF approximately 1.5), uptake in wheat cereals were comparable with barley cereals (seed concentration factors, SCF, 0.02-0.04) while the accumulation in turnip rape seeds was as high as 1.5. All three pharmaceuticals produced negative effects on growth and development of carrots when grown in soil concentration of 6-10 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight.     

Copper-catalyzed chlorination and condensation of acetylene and dichloroacetylene

The chlorination and condensation of acetylene at low temperatures is demonstrated using copper chlorides as chlorinated agents coated to model borosilicate surfaces. Experiments with and without both a chlorine source and borosilicate surfaces indicate the absence of gas-phase and gas-surface reactions. Chlorination and condensation occur only in the presence of the copper catalyst. C₂ through C₈ organic products were observed in the effluent; PCDD/F were only observed from extraction of the borosilicate surfaces. A global reaction model is proposed that is consistent with the observed product distributions. Similar experiments with dichloroacetylene indicate greater reactivity in the absence of the copper catalyst. Reaction is observed in the gas-phase and in the presence of borosilicate surfaces at low temperatures. The formation of hexachlorobenzene is only observed in the presence of a copper catalyst. PCDD/F were only observed from extraction of the borosilicate surfaces. A global reaction model is proposed for the formation of hexachlorobenzene from dichloroacetylene.     

Aerobic and anaerobic degradation of profluralin and trifluralin

Abstract

The degradation of profluralin [N‐(cyclopropylmethyl)‐α,α,α‐trifluoro‐2,6‐dinitro‐N‐propyl‐]p‐toluidine] and trifluralin (α,α,α‐trifluoro‐2,6‐dinitro‐N,N‐dipropyl‐p‐toluidine) was studied under aerobic and anaerobic soil conditions. Three soils (Goldsboro loamy sand, Cecil loamy sand, Drummer clay loam) were each treated with 1 ppmw herbicide; anaerobic conditions were maintained by flooding. Soil samples were extracted monthly and subjected to TLC analysis. No degradation was detected in sterile controls. Aerobic degradation of both herbicides was greatest in the Cecil loamy sand soil over the entire incubation period. Degradation of profluralin in Cecil soil under aerobic conditions was 86 percent after 4 months with three products detected; 83 percent of the trifluralin was degraded with two products detected. Anaerobic degradation accounted for 72 percent of the profluralin and 78 percent of the trifluralin after 4 months. Degradation of both herbicides increased with incubation time for the first 3 months and decreased slightly thereafter. Generally there was more extensive degradation (percent and in number of products formed) of profluralin than trifluralin under the conditions tested. More degradation products were detected for both herbicides under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions.     

Sources and distribution of polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins and -dibenzofurans in soil and sediment from the Yellow Sea region of China and Korea

Polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins and -dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were measured in soils and sediments from the Yellow Sea region. Korean soils and sediments mostly contained detectable PCDD/Fs and showed a widespread distribution among locations. Soil and sedimentary PCDD/Fs from China were comparable to or less than those in Korea. The patterns of relative concentrations of individual congeners in soils were different between the two countries, but similar in sediments. Sources of PCDD/Fs in China and Korea were found to be independent of each other and their distributions reflected matrix-dependent accumulation. Spatial distribution indicated some point sources in Korea while Chinese sources were more widespread and diffuse. PCDD/Fs measured in the coastal areas of the Yellow Sea were comparable to or less than those previously reported in for eastern Asia. However, ∑TEQs in soils and sediments were near to or, in some cases exceeded environmental quality guidelines.