Low Volatile Chlorinated Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Aquatic Sediments in Berlin and Environs

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Abstract
Chlorinated hydrocarbons of low volatility, especially DDT, HCH, and PCB, have been used as indicators of the level of pollution in aquatic sediments. These compounds are present in all the sediment samples analysed by gas chromatography. Enrichment factors between water and sediment are high (Kd = 85,108 in the case of DDT), documenting the strong geoaccumulation tendency of toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons. No linear relationship was observed between the concentration of contaminants (HCH and PCB) and the amount of organic matter in the sediments. The application of the EVOLON model to determine the kinetics of sorption showed clearly a value of saturation. The sorbed amount of these chlorinated hydrocarbons appears to be largely dependent upon that portion of organic matter which is on the surface of the sediment particles. From the metals investigated Hg, Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn are of anthropogenic origin; Cr, Ni and Co are of geochemical origin and correspond to background values.