An assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediments and bivalves of the U.S. coastal zone

Kimani L. Kimbrough, Warren Edward Johnson, G. G. Lauenstein, John David Christensen, D. A. Apeti

This report represents the first national assessment of PBDEs in the U.S. coastal zone. Results suggest that they are widely distributed nationally. Several regions, including the northern Mid-Atlantic, central Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, Pacific Northwest and the Great lakes have elevated PBDE concentrations compared with other coastal regions. Furthermore, PBDE concentrations are positively correlated with human population density along the U.S. coastline. The national and regional perspectives provided herein are intended to support research, local monitoring, and to assist resource managers and policy makers tasked with making regulatory decisions about these contaminants.