Expanding the chemical footprint of shipyards: Non-targeted analysis and risk assessment of marine sediments in a global shipbuilding hotspot

초록

Shipbuilding is a major source of organic contamination in marine environments, yet the chemical footprint of shipyards remains poorly characterized beyond a few legacy pollutants. This study utilized high-resolution mass spectrometry-based non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening to systematically trace and quantify shipyard-derived contaminants in surface sediments from Gohyeon Bay, South Korea—a global shipbuilding hotspot. Analysis revealed 412 compounds with known functional uses, 12 of which were identified as suspect shipyard-related chemicals based on literature. Hierarchical clustering of spatial distribution patterns further isolated nine “diagnostic contaminants” with clear concentration hotspots adjacent to shipyard facilities. Six of these were confirmed and quantified using authentic reference standards, with five reported for the first time in marine sediments. Ecological risk assessment based on risk quotients indicated a potentially higher ecological hazard (RQ > 1) for five diagnostic contaminants, suggesting a significant threat to benthic organisms. Overall, this study broadens the known inventory of shipyard-related contaminants in marine sediments and demonstrates the utility of combining NTA with spatial pattern analysis to identify industrial pollution markers, providing a robust foundation for future coastal sediment monitoring and regulatory assessment. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.

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