Characteristics of PAHs, PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in the Sediment of Lake Baikal, Russia

Abstract

The levels of PAHs, PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in Lake Baikal were monitored for the first time using deep water sediment. The sediment samples were collected from 15 stations in four regions of Lake Baikal: Ol’khon Island (n = 8), the Angara River estuary (n = 2), the Selenga River delta (n = 2), and the Baikal pulp and paper mill (BPPM) (n = 3). The highest average concentrations of PCDD/Fs (20.24 pg/g d.w.) and PCBs (68.72 ng/g d.w.) were found at Ol’khon Island. The highest total PBDE concentrations were found at BPPM, with a mean concentration of 575.76 pg/g d.w. For PCBs, PCB-52, and PCB-69 were dominant, making up 11% of the total 209 PCB congeners. BDE-209 contributed 60% of PBDEs in Lake Baikal. According to the TPEQ concentration of PAHs, PAHs contributed the most to Lake Baikal contamination. The sources of contamination of PAHs, PCDDs, and PCBs in Lake Baikal are identified as combustion, runoff from the use of the pesticides (PCP) and insulating oil, specifically for PCBs. The source of PBDEs is assumed to be production, use and disposal of products containing PBDEs, in addition to atmospheric long-range transport and deposition.