Evaluation of pollution degree of the Odra river basin with organic compounds after the 1997 summer flood - General comments

The aim of this study is a qualitative and quantitative characterisation of organic pollutants in post-flood sediments in the Odra basin and the descr iption of their sources with indication of especially polluted sites (so ca lled "hot spots") in the most suspected places in the drainage area. It was found that maximum allowable concentration levels for PCBs (polychlorinate d biphenyls), VOC's (volatile organic compounds) and pesticides were not ex ceeded. Among regulated compounds, the exceeding values of the permissible level of concentration were found only for PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydroc arbons) in sediments. Sixteen investigated samples, out of 72 had very high content of total PAHs. Sampling sites in which concentration levels of PAH s were found high, were located near power plants or roads with heavy traff ic.