ABSTRACT

The composition and loads of organochlorine pesticides (DDTs, HCBs, HCHs, CHLs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) transported with the Vistula River waters to the Gulf of Gdansk in 1991-1992 has been determined. The method of organochlorine compounds measurement was capillary gas chromatography with ECD after adsorption of the analyte on Ambertlite XAD-2, resin and subsequent elution, clean-up and HPLC fraction of the extract. The concentrations of DDTs, HCBs, HCHs, CHLs and PCBs in the Vistula River water ranged between 120-840, 7.6-52, 1600-410000, 8.1-57 and 120-300 pg/1, respectively. During 12 months period of the study the total load of DDTs, HCBz, HCHs, CHLs and PCBs transported with the Vistula River water to the Gulf of Gdańsk was assessed on 10.54, 0.73, 1377, 0.38 and 5.02 kg, respectively.