Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine sediments of the Arctic fjord Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Islands

Abstract

New data on the occurrence of POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and legacy pesticides (LPs), along with current-use pesticides (CUPs) in the surface marine sediments of Kongsfjorden over five years (2018–2022) are presented. LPs examined were p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), p,p’-l,l-dichloro-2,2-bis(chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), while CUPs included chlorpyrifos (CPF), dacthal (DAC), and endosulfan (ENDO). LPs (0.12–0.59 ng/g) were in higher amounts than CUPs (0.01–0.15 ng/g). The first data on CPF (0.003–0.07 ng/g) and DAC (0.001–0.06 ng/g) in Arctic marine sediments were obtained. Σ34PCBs (0.25–0.62 ng/g) were found with a dominance of lower molecular weight congeners, probably transported via atmospheric currents.

A general increasing trend in concentrations of target compounds was observed over the study period. Overall, higher concentrations of these compounds were found near the tidal glaciers, suggesting that glacier meltwater plays a role in releasing contaminants. However, the potential influence of oceanic currents on their transport cannot be ruled out.