Concentration of organochlorine pesticides in water and bottom sediments of the Dniester River ecosystem

Abstract

The main goal of this study is assessing the degree of water and bottom sediment pollution in the lower Dniester by organochlorine pesticides. During the study period, the waters of the lower Dniester were in satisfactory state, an excess of EQS was registered only for the γ-isomer of HCH (Lindane), for other pollutants, an excess of EQS was not noted. The main pollutants were accumulated in bottom sediments, which is associated with the input of organic matter, bio-sedimentation. The concentration of γ-isomer HCH (lindane) in bottom sediments exceeded EQS by 5 and 20 times in spring and summer, respectively, DDT exceeded EQS by more than 4 times in summer, POPs (dieldrin and heptachlor) in summer exceeded EQS by 10.8 and 2.5 times, respectively.