Chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in river sediments of Poland

Concentrations of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB118, PCB153, PCB138, PCB180), were determined in 80 river sediment samples collected from the whole area of Poland. Chlorinated pesticides were found in almost all samples. The most frequently detected pesticides were isomer y-HCH (Lindane) and the DDT group compounds. The concentrations of Lindane exceeding the detection limit were recorded in 95% of samples and Lindane contents above the PEL value were noted in 32.5% of the analysed samples. The high contests of pesticides were recorded mainly in river sediments near urban-industrial centres. The presence of p,p’-DDT was noted in 31 samples and its metabolite p,p’-DDE —in 78 samples, and p,p’-DDD —in 69 samples. The concentration of p,p’-DDE above PEL value (6.75 ug/kg) were detected in 9 samples, p’-DDD (8.51 ug/kg) —in 9 samples, p,p’-DDT —in 13 samples. Of the remaining pesticides the concentrations of heptachlor epoxide exceeding the detection limit were observed in 5 sediment samples, Dieldrin —in 15 samples, Aldrin —in 10 samples, Endrin —in 10 samples, Endosulfan I only in 1 sample, Endosulfan II — in 4 samples and Methoxychlor — in 2 samples. The concentrations of Heptachlor epoxide higher than the PEL value (2,74 ug/kg) were detected in 1 sample (1.3%). Of 48.8% of the analysed river sediment samples contained polychlorinated biphenyls above detection limit; in two locations the PCB concentrations were high enough to pose a threat for water organisms