The source and distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in sediments of Port Jackson, Australia

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins)(PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)(furans) in sediments from Port Jackson ranged from 32 to 4352 pg WHO-TEQ DF g(-1)dw with a mean of 712 pg g(-1)dw. Maximum total dioxins plus furans concentrations in this sediment was 6,290,000 pg g(-1)dw, which is the highest recorded in Australia and among the highest reported for sediment globally. Permanent bans were placed on fin fishing and prawn trawling in February, 2006 for the whole estuary, based on dioxin tissue burdens. A distinct congener profile corresponded to chemicals known to have been produced by industry on the shores of Homebush Bay in the upper estuary. These chemicals are being dispersed extensively and exceed pre-anthropogenic concentrations in even distant, less developed parts of the harbour. Remediation of sediments is currently being undertaken, with the intention of containing dispersion of dioxins and reducing body burdens in fin fish and prawn populations.