Contamination Profiles of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Atmosphere and Soil of South Korea

This chapter provides an overview of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the atmosphere and soil of South Korea. Variations in PCB trends were evaluated via spatial distribution, temporal variation, and gas/particle partitioning. In addition, information on the history of and future plans for PCB management in Korea was examined. Levels of PCBs in the atmosphere decreased gradually, whereas those in soil samples exhibited the opposite trend, which is a steady increase over time. For the atmospheric PCBs, no significant seasonal or spatial variations in the profiles of PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs were observed. In addition, low-molecular-weight PCBs (mono- to penta-CBs) mostly appeared in the gas phase and showed high contributions in the summer. Most high-molecular-weight PCBs (hexa- to deca-CBs) existed in the particle phase and were enriched in the winter. The major emission source of the atmospheric PCBs is believed to be re-emission from PCB-containing surfaces, such as soil, water, or PCB-containing equipment. There was also no significant difference in the spatial distribution and profiles of PCBs in soil. Most of the soil samples exhibited high fractions of penta-and hexa-CBs. Moreover, the heavy PCBs at the urban and industrial sites showed higher proportions compared to those at the rural sites. Remote areas, such as a forest site, showed higher fractions of light PCBs. The major emission sources of PCBs in soil are likely leakage from commercial PCBs and the influence of local combustion.