Contamination of water basins of Armenia by persistent organic pollutants

Abstract

In 2002-2003, studies were performed in concern of persistent organic pollutants: DDT, HCH, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in open water basins of Armenia.Main goal of the study was to trace their fate in such specific media as surface waters. Samples of water were taken from the Lake Sevan and rivers Argichi, Arpa, Debet, Gavaraget, Hrazdan, Karchaghbyur, Pambak, Vardenik, Voghchi, and Vorotan. Analyses were performed by means of gas chromatography. Research findings indicate that in samples taken from rivers, at which hydro power plants are functioning, the content of PCBs is extremely high, as compared to the levels of HCH and DDT. This signifies that PCBs are a real problem for Armenia and the energy sector is the main source of PCB-related pollution in rivers of Armenia. © 2006 Springer.