Organochlorine Pesticide and Trace Metal Monitoring of Russian Rivers Flowing to the Arctic Ocean: 1990–1996

Abstract

Information is presented on the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDT residues) and trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni) in waters of 15 large Russian rivers flowing to the Arctic Ocean during 1990–1996. Estimates of the corresponding annual fluxes are made. Other contaminants (Hg, Pb, Cr, Mn, β-HCH and dihydroheptachlor) were examined briefly. Concentration data are presented as averaged annual means for each of the seven years with the ranges, standard deviations and numbers of samples. Also given are data on locations, the methods of analysis and limited quality assurance data. Data on discharges to the Northern Seas for the more frequently monitored contaminants are given for rivers accounting for >70% of the total northerly flows. Scaled-up fluxes to account for unmonitored rivers as well are given for each sea; totals over the period were: Fe, 1452; Cu, 15; Zn, 59 (×10 3 t yr −1); α-HCH, 25; γ-HCH, 44 (t yr −1). Ni was monitored at too few rivers to estimate its total Russian flux. The fluxes for the HCHs considerably exceed previous estimates and indicate that the Arctic Ocean is not in balance as much as was previously believed.