A study on PCB contamination in sediments of Anzali Marsh area

Polychlorinated biphenyls constitute a class of synthetic chemicals with a pronounced persistence against chemical/biological degradation, and significant impacts on environment, even at extremely low concentrations. The aim of this work was to determine polychlorinated biphenyls contaminants in surface sediments (0-5 cm) of 15 rivers entrances of Anzali Marsh in autumn (Dec.2009).The samples were collected using Van Veen Grab. After preparation and freeze–dried, Soxhlet extract and clean up the samples, Concentrations of PCBs (8 congeners) were analyzed using a GC equipped with an electron capture detector. Procedures were done using MOOPAM manuals. Quality and Accuracy was controlled by reference material, internal standards PCB29 and PCB198.Maximum and minimum concentrations of total PCB (8 congeners) were 68/79 ng g-1 with a standard deviation of 3/64 in S11 and 2/23 ng g-1 in S2 with a standard deviation of 0.38 dry wt, respectively. Concentrations of PCBs at sites influenced by industrial and municipal wastes while agricultural activities were less influential. Measurements confirmed that levels of PCBs pollution in sediments of Anzali Marsh were not especially high in comparison to levels recommended by ERM USA, but total PCB in some sites was more than ERL USA.