Distribution, Source and Potential Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Sediments from the Liaohe River Protected Area, China

This study aimed to assess the occurrence, distribution, toxicity equivalency and health risks of dl-PCBs (dioxin-like PCBs) from nine sites collected in surface sediments Liaohe River Protected Area. ?dl-PCBs concentrations range 79.2 365.1 pg/g. Sediment profiles showed that pentachlorobiphenyl is most abundant congener among all sampling sites. The results principal component analysis cluster indicated PCBs were mainly derived electronic waste paint additives Toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) values Area are at comparatively lower levels compared with previously reported data. Hazardous ratio (HR) for human risk assessment allied cancer was found be than non-carcinogenic within an acceptable range.