Spatial distribution and profile of atmospheric short-chain chlorinated paraffins in the Yangtze River Delta

Research on the atmospheric occurrence of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in industrialized areas is scarce. In this study, we investigated the concentrations, profile, and spatial distribution of SCCPs in the highly industrialized and developed areas of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China using polyurethane foam passive air samplers. Sampling was performed during two separate periods in 2011. The concentrations of atmospheric SCCPs ranged from 6.1 to 63 ng m^-3 in summer and 6.2-42 ng m^-3 in winter. The C₁₀ and C₁₁ groups were the predominant carbon groups in all the samples. Different congener patterns between summer and winter were found, indicating that congeners in the air in winter may be influenced by local and external sources. The highest level of SCCPs was found in Suzhou, which is a highly industrialized area with many manufactories including electronic industries and plastic factories. Higher levels of SCCPs were found in the air than polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs), suggesting that the production and use of SCCPs were much higher than prohibited or restricted persistent organic pollutants (e.g., PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs). Future studies should investigate the different sources of atmospheric SCCPs by conducting a comprehensive assessment of SCCP exposure.