An optimized method for the analysis of cyclic and linear siloxanes and their distribution in surface and core...

Environmental contamination by siloxanes is a matter of concern due to their widespread consumption in personal care as well as industrial products and potential toxicity. Nevertheless, methods for simultaneous determination of cyclic and linear siloxanes in sediment are lacking. In this study, we developed an optimized analytical method to determine cyclic and linear siloxanes based on gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This method was applied to determine concentrations of 19 siloxane compounds in surface and core sediments from industrialized bays in Korea to assess contamination status, spatial distribution, and historical trends. Total concentrations of siloxanes ranged from 15.0 to 11730 (mean: 712) ng/g dry weight, which were similar to or higher than those reported in other countries. The highest concentrations of siloxanes were found in rivers/streams that discharge into coastal waters and bays close to industrial complexes, indicating that industrial activities are major sources of siloxane contamination. Cyclic siloxanes such as D5 and D6 were predominant in surface and core sediments. A significant correlation existed between the concentrations of cyclic and linear siloxanes, suggesting similar sources in the marine coastal environment. The historical record of cyclic siloxanes in core sediments revealed a clear increasing trend since the 1970s. This finding is consistent with the history of local industrialization and global production of siloxanes. This is the first study of historical trends in siloxanes in the coastal environment.