Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in surface water sources and sediments of the Konya Closed Basin and environmental risk assessment

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are potentially toxic, are still detected in the environment at ppb levels, despite being banned or restricted in use. In this study, 38 surface water and 28 sediments were taken from 46 sources in the Konya Closed Basin, Türkiye. The samples were investigated for pollution by PBDE congeners (PBDE47, PBDE100, PBDE99, PBDE154, PBDE153). A risk assessment was carried out using the concentrations detected in the water samples for fish, Daphnia magna, and algae. Total PBDE concentrations were determined to be between 0.96-74.5 ng/L in surface water, and between 0.01-0.64 µg/kg dry weight in sediment samples. PBDE47 congener is dominant in water samples, while PBDE100, PBDE153, and PBDE47 dominant in sediment samples. PBDE47 congener poses a high risk for fish, Daphnia magna, and algae in two surface water sources, PBDE154 and PBDE153 pose a high risk for fish in three surface water sources, PBDE154 poses a high risk for Daphnia magna in two, and PBDE153 poses a high risk for Daphnia magna in three surface water sources. The results show that PBDE pollution is present in the surface waters of Konya Closed Basin at levels affecting aquatic life. Water in the basin is used for many purposes, primarily drinking and agricultural irrigation. Commercial products containing PBDE are still in use and are creating waste. An effective waste management plan should be implemented, and micropollutants, including PBDEs, should be regularly monitored in environmental media.