Kaolinitic clays as a potential source of dioxins in the Noosa River catchment, Queensland, Australia

Environmental context Dioxins have been found along the east coast of Australia in agricultural areas where there is no obvious source dioxins. These dioxins an unusual signature that does not match common industrial sources, but it has suggested they may be associated with pesticide use. This study a strong correlation between this unique and amount kaolinitic clay sediments sampled. Abstract The presence, concentrations profiles 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) sediment were investigated aim determining whether dioxin-like compounds present and, if found, likely could deduced. sampled catchment lies within area high conservation value. Sediments from seven lake sites as possible sinks for any contamination historical PCDD/Fs measured all sediments. congener profile was dominated by octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) furans at or below limit detection, clays around world. A significant total dioxin concentration percentage lack PCDD/F indicates pesticides pentachlorophenol (PCP) are unlikely to catchment. Further, OCDD tended higher than those outside area, even though, overall, had less use other intensive previously studied. results presented paper indicate caution should taken when attributing presence soil anthropogenic sources.