Persistent organochlorine residues in sediments from the Black Sea

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2002-02, Vol.44 (2), p.122-133
• Main Authors: Fillmann, G, Readman, J.W, Tolosa, I, Bartocci, J, Villeneuve, J.-P, Cattini, C, Mee, L.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Black Sea; Cyclodienes; DDTs; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environmental Monitoring; Exact sciences and technology; Geologic Sediments - analysis; HCB; HCHs; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Insecticides - analysis; Marine; Natural water pollution; Organochlorine; PCBs; Pesticide Residues - analysis; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Pollution, environment geology; Russia; Seawaters, estuaries; Sediment; Soil and sediments pollution; Turkey; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/S0025-326X(01)00188-6

The extent of contamination of the Black Sea by selected organochlorine compounds has been assessed through the analysis of surficial sediments taken from throughout the region. Concentrations of HCHs at sites influenced by the Danube delta are among the highest recorded on a global basis (up to 40 ng g −1 dry wt). The ratio between the α- and γ-isomers was relatively low indicating contamination through the use of lindane. Concentrations of DDTs ( 0.06–72 ng g −1 dry wt) and PCBs ( 0.06–72 ng g −1 dry wt) were not especially high in comparison to levels reported from throughout the world. The DDE/DDT ratio was, however, low indicating fresh inputs and hence current usage of DDT within the Black Sea region.