Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania: Environmental Impacts and Contamination Profile

Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania: Environmental Impacts and Contamination Profile | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania: Environmental Impacts and Contamination Profile Ilirjana Osmani, Arben Haziri, Aurel Nuro This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6861891/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake, Albania. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected in December 2023 and May 2024. The samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analysis of POPs was conducted using GC-MS/MS. Total PCB concentrations in water, sediment, and fish ranged from < MDL to 4.372 ± 0.957 µg/L, < MDL to 4.217 ± 0.968 µg/kg, and < MDL to 5.849 ± 0.953 µg/kg, respectively. PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples ranged from < MDL to 0.195 ± 0.061 µg/L, < MDL to 0.203 ± 0.067 µg/kg, and < MDL to 0.227 ± 0.072 µg/kg, respectively. OCP concentrations in water, sediment, and fish ranged from < MDL to 3.626 ± 1.058 µg/L, < MDL to 3.032 ± 0.724 µg/kg, and < MDL to 3.558 ± 1.108 µg/kg, respectively. Although aldrin and endosulfan were detected at higher levels, an increase in the concentrations of DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlor was also noted. Continuous monitoring of POP levels by relevant institutions is recommended to ensure comprehensive assessments of the potential environmental risks facing the lake. Water Sediment Fish POPs Chromatographic methods Fierza Lake Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Introduction Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very stable compounds which are bioaccumulative, toxic and environmental persistent compounds and are known to be transported over large distances from their point of application (Han and Currell 2017 ; Liu et al. 2017 ; Yüce et al. 2024 ). OCPs are still being used illegally or in an uncontrolled way in many areas for agricultural purposes as pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides and herbicides (Liu et al. 2015 ). On the other hand, PAHs are produced from the combustion of organic matter such as burning of coal, automotive emissions and biomass combustion (Yilmaz et al. 2016; Thiombane et al. 2018 ; Qi et al. 2020 ). PCBs are compounds containing 1–10 chlorine atoms bonded to a biphenyl ring and have been employed in electrical apparatus, carbon less copy paper and heat transfer fluids, but they have not been used in agriculture (Morin et al. 2020). Nevertheless, they are usually detected in soil samples because of their atmospheric precipitation and long-range transport (Barhoumi et al. 2014 ; Kanzari et al. 2014). Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the continuous influx of anthropogenic POPs via atmospheric deposition and river runoff (Montuori et al. 2014 ; Liu et al. 2017 ). Agricultural activities, such as the uncontrolled use of pesticides, along with industrial processes and combustion sources like traffic emissions, contribute to environmental pollution, and POPs are often detected in water, sediments, and biota (Wang et al. 2018 ; Afërdita et al. 2024 ). POPs can have a range of harmful effects on human health, including carcinogenic, neurological, reproductive, and immunological impacts (Wang et al. 2010 ). Contamination of water and sediment is a significant factor influencing aquatic organisms, and human exposure to POPs typically occurs through food, particularly through the consumption of aquatic products (Su et al. 2012 ). Fierza Lake, Albania’s largest artificial lake, spans across Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. It is a key water source and supports local fisheries, making contamination by POPs a major concern. Despite its importance, no prior studies have examined POP levels in this lake. To the best of our knowledge, no data currently exists regarding POPs levels in Fierza Lake. This study represents the first report on the water quality of Fierza Lake concerning POPs. The primary objective of this research is to assess the levels of POPs in Fierza Lake, whose water is utilized for both drinking and fishing. By acquiring this data, we aim to better understand the potential risks to the population relying on this water source, whether through direct consumption or the food chain. MaterIal and methods For POPs analysis in Fierza Lake, all analytical-grade chemicals (hexane, dichloromethane, anhydrous sodium sulfate, florisil, sulfuric acid and silica gel) were purchased from Merck (Germany). Internal standards and calibration solutions were obtained from Wellington Laboratories. Study area and sampling at Fierza Lake Water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake (Fig. 1 ) were collected in December 2023 and May 2024, following the guidelines outlined in ISO 5667-3:2024, ISO 5667-15:2009, and ISO 23893-1:2007, respectively. These months were chosen to reflect seasonal variations in pollutant levels. December is part of the rainy season, when heavy rainfall causes high runoff and erosion, increasing pollution in the lake. Meanwhile, May is part of the dry season, with lower rainfall and reduced water levels, leading to the accumulation of pollutants. Water samples were collected at 10 sampling stations using glass bottles, with a volume of 2.5 liters per station. After collection, the water samples were transported to the laboratory and stored at + 4°C prior to analytical analysis. Sediment samples were obtained from a depth range of 0.8 to 2.7 meters using a Van-Veen grab at the same 10 stations (Fig. 1 ). The sediment samples were air-dried and then further dried in an oven at 105°C for 4 hours. The coordinates of the water and sediment sampling stations in Fierza Lake are presented in Fig. 1 . Additionally, 10 fish samples of Cyprinus carpio L, the most common fish species in Fierza Lake, were analyzed. Fish samples were collected directly from the lake by local fishermen. These fish samples were transported and stored at -80°C. Only the muscle tissue of the fish, which is the part consumed by the local population, was selected for analysis. Water Treatment for Organic Pollutants Analysis For the determination of organic pollutants (OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs) in water samples (2 L), a two-step liquid-liquid extraction method was employed. In the first step, 50 mL of dichloromethane was added, followed by 50 mL of n-hexane in the second step. After extraction, the organic phase was dried using anhydrous sodium sulfate (5 g), and the sample was further purified using a florisil column (5 g). The organic compounds were eluted with 10 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (4:1, v/v). The extract was then concentrated to 1 mL and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for both qualitative and quantitative analysis (Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Aurel et al. 2014 , 2018 , 2019 ). Sediment Treatment for Organic Pollutants Analysis Dried sediment samples were ground in a mortar and sieved to obtain the 63 µm fraction for organic pollutant determination. For the extraction of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs from sediment samples (10 g), an ultrasonic bath was used with organic solvents (n-hexane/dichloromethane, 3:1, v/v). After extraction, the organic phase was treated with mercury to remove sulfur compounds. A glass column packed with florisil (2 g) was used for sample clean-up. The organic compounds were then eluted with 10 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (4:1, v/v). After concentration to 1 mL, the samples were analyzed using GC-MS (Beltran et al. 2000 ; Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Aurel et al. 2014 , 2018 , 2019 ). Preparation of Fish Samples for GC-MS Analysis The fish samples (consumed part) were homogenized with anhydrous sodium sulfate (1/5, m/m) and extracted using an ultrasonic bath (10 g) with 50 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (3:1, v/v). The first clean-up step was performed by shaking the extract with 15 g of silica gel, which had been pre-impregnated with 45% sulfuric acid to hydrolyze macromolecules. A second clean-up step was carried out in a glass column filled with 5 g florisil, deactivated with 5% water. The organic compounds were eluted with 10 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (4:1, v/v). The extract was then concentrated to 1 mL and analyzed by GC-MS (Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Aurel et al. 2014 , 2018 , 2019 ). GC-MS/MS Analysis of Organic Pollutants A Shimadzu Nexis GC2030 gas chromatograph, coupled with a Shimadzu GCMS-CP2020NX mass spectrometer, was used for the qualitative analysis of OCPs, PAHs, and PCB markers in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake by using EPA methods 8081B (EPA Method 8081B, 2007 ). The instrument was equipped with a Shimadzu AOC-20i Plus autosampler and a split/splitless injector. A 30 m × 0.25 mm i.d. × 0.25 µm film thickness Rtx-5ms fused silica column was used for separation. A 1 µL sample (water, sediment, or fish) was injected in split mode at 280°C. The oven temperature program was as follows: 130°C for 2 minutes, raised to 280°C at 5°C/min, and held for 4 minutes. The mass spectrometer operated in scan mode (50–500 m/z), followed by selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode (Table 1 ). Three ions were selected for each individual OCP, 8 PCB congeners, and 13 PAHs according to EPA methods 8081B. The highest relative abundance ion was used as the quantifier, and the remaining ions served as qualifier ions for confirmation (USEPA, 2009 : Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Nshimiyimana et al. 2014 ; Aurel et al. 2014 , 2018 , 2019 ). The analytical method was validated, with assessments of accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The method was validated according to European Commission standards (SANTE/11312/2021). Table 1 GC/MS parameters for determination of POPs in samples of Fierza Lake Pollutant RT Primary ion (m/z) Secondary ion (m/z) Tertiary ion (m/z) R2 LOD (ppb) LOQ (ppb) OCP SIM Mode OCPs α -HCH 8.9 128.0 102.0 127.0 0.9984 0.042 0.126 β -HCH 10.3 142.0 141.0 115.0 0.9991 0.045 0.135 Lindane 12.2 152.0 151.0 150.0 0.9975 0.044 0.132 δ -HCH 13.3 153.0 154.0 152.0 0.9958 0.048 0.144 Heptachlor 14.7 166.0 165.0 163.0 0.9967 0.040 0.120 Aldrin 16.5 178.0 176.0 152.0 0.9934 0.042 0.126 Heptachlor epoxide 19.3 202.0 200.0 203.0 0.9969 0.047 0.141 γ -Chlordane 20.4 212.0 210.0 213.0 0.9928 0.045 0.135 Endosulfan I 22.5 228.0 226.0 229.0 0.9972 0.045 0.135 α -Chlordane 23.2 240.0 238.0 213.0 0.9966 0.046 0.138 p , p ’-DDE 24.9 228.0 226.0 229.0 0.9984 0.044 0.132 Dieldrin 25.5 240.0 238.0 215.0 0.9993 0.042 0.126 Endrin 25.8 252.0 250.0 253.0 0.9954 0.048 0.144 Endosulfan II 26.3 265.0 241.0 195.0 0.9961 0.051 0.153 p , p ’-DDD 26.9 237.0 235.0 165.0 0.9957 0.049 0.147 Endrin aldehyde 27.4 345.0 250.0 175.0 0.9984 0.043 0.129 p , p ’-DDT 27.9 237.0 235.0 195.0 0.9936 0.044 0.132 Endosulfan sulfate 28.1 387.0 272.0 229.0 0.9992 0.047 0.141 Methoxychlor 29.2 276.0 277.0 138.0 0.9983 0.048 0.144 Endrin ketone 30.5 317.0 209.0 129.0 0.9968 0.050 0.150 Mirex 31.2 278.0 276.0 139.0 0.9954 0.047 0.141 PCB SIM Mode PCBs PCB 28 8.2 255.9 257.9 196.0 0.9982 0.044 0.132 PCB 52 9.8 291.9 298.8 289.9 0.9964 0.042 0.126 PCB 101 11.6 325.9 323.9 327.8 0.9994 0.043 0.129 PCB 118 13.1 359.8 357.8 361.8 0.9967 0.044 0.132 PCB 153 14.4 325.8 323.9 327.8 0.9959 0.042 0.126 PCB 138 15.2 393.8 395.8 397.7 0.9928 0.041 0.123 PCB 170 16.6 429.7 427.7 392.7 0.9995 0.040 0.120 PCB 180 17.1 427.7 354.8 287.9 0.9984 0.042 0.126 PCB 209 18.9 497.7 499.7 425.7 0.9963 0.043 0.129 PAH SIM Mode PAHs Acenaphthylene 9.2 128.0 102.0 127.0 0.9924 0.053 0.159 Fluorene 10.4 142.0 141.0 115.0 0.9918 0.052 0.156 Phenanthrene 12.5 162.0 164.0 152.0 0.9933 0.051 0.153 Anthracene 13.4 152.0 151.0 150.0 0.9954 0.056 0.168 Pyrene 14.1 153.0 154.0 152.0 0.9967 0.054 0.162 Benzo[ a ]anthracene 16.5 166.0 165.0 163.0 0.9928 0.050 0.150 Chrysene 19.6 178.0 176.0 152.0 0.9947 0.052 0.156 Perylene 20.5 202.0 200.0 203.0 0.9955 0.049 0.147 Benzo[ b ]fluoranthene 22.7 212.0 210.0 213.0 0.9984 0.056 0.168 Benzo[ k ]fluoranthene 23.4 228.0 226.0 229.0 0.9975 0.052 0.156 Indeno[1,2,3- c , d ]pyrene 25.2 252.0 250.0 253.0 0.9969 0.055 0.165 Dibenzo[ a , b ]anthracene 28.4 276.0 138.0 277.0 0.9948 0.056 0.168 Benzo[ g , h , i ]perylene 29.1 278.0 207.0 139.0 0.9963 0.049 0.147 Results and discussion Analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was conducted on water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake during two sampling periods: December 2023 and May 2024. These organic pollutants are highly stable compounds and can persist in the environment for many years after their application. Water and sediment samples were collected from the same sampling stations, while Cyprinus carpio L. was selected as a representative fish species of Fierza Lake. Organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) The Table 2 provides the concentrations of several organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples, collected in December 2023 and May 2024. The data includes the individual concentrations of various OCPs, as well as the sums of different groups of chemicals (like HCHs, heptachlors, chlordanes, aldrins, DDTs, and endosulfans). In water samples, the total concentration of OCPs (ΣOCPs) was 3.548 ± 0.851 µg/L in December 2023, increasing slightly to 3.626 ± 1.058 µg/L in May 2024. Endosulfan I (1.584 ± 0.514 µg/L), endosulfan II (0.147 ± 0.048 µg/L), and endosulfan sulfate (0.355 ± 0.082 µg/L) were predominant in December 2023. However, in May 2024, endosulfan I decreased sharply to 0.255 ± 0.072 µg/L, while aldrin (0.854 ± 0.361 µg/L) and endosulfan II (0.907 ± 0.287 µg/L) increased substantially. The concentrations of α-HCH, β-HCH, and lindane declined, although β-HCH showed a slight resurgence. These variations are linked to seasonal agricultural activities: increased pesticide application and reduced water flow in May 2024 contributed to higher concentrations, whereas heavy rainfall and erosion in December 2023 led to runoff contamination. Endosulfan and aldrin made up over 80% of the total OCP burden in water, indicating recent use near the lake basin. Notably, concentrations exceeded EU Directive 2006 /118/EC limits (0.1 µg/L for individual pesticides, 0.5 µg/L total), highlighting potential ecological and human health risks. In sediments, total OCP levels rose slightly from 2.798 ± 0.921 µg/kg in December 2023 to 3.032 ± 0.724 µg/kg in May 2024. Endosulfan sulfate (0.616 ± 0.217 µg/kg), endosulfan II (0.405 ± 0.154 µg/kg), aldrin (0.132 ± 0.065 µg/kg), and heptachlor epoxide (0.119 ± 0.043 µg/kg) were dominant in December 2023. By May 2024, aldrin and endosulfan II decreased to 0.088 ± 0.037 µg/kg and 0.258 ± 0.093 µg/kg, respectively, while DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlor showed moderate increases. The presence of legacy compounds such as p,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDE, and lindane isomers reflects historical contamination and the slow degradation of these persistent pollutants. In fish samples, the total OCP concentration increased significantly from 1.961 ± 0.507 µg/kg in December 2023 to 3.558 ± 1.108 µg/kg in May 2024. In December 2023, the highest concentrations were for endosulfan I (0.325 ± 0.094 µg/kg), aldrin (0.252 ± 0.081 µg/kg), and dieldrin (0.216 ± 0.093 µg/kg). In May 2024, aldrin and dieldrin rose to 1.453 ± 0.628 µg/kg and 1.025 ± 0.311 µg/kg, respectively, while endosulfan I (0.265 ± 0.077 µg/kg) and endosulfan II (0.235 ± 0.075 µg/kg) remained prominent. These increases likely result from bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The levels in May 2024 far exceeded the Codex Alimentarius ( 2010 ) maximum residue limit of 0.5 µg/kg for total pesticide residues in fish, raising serious concerns for food safety and human health. Overall, the findings reveal widespread and persistent OCP contamination in Fierza Lake. Water and fish samples, in particular, showed values greatly exceeding international safety standards, with aldrin, dieldrin, and endosulfans consistently dominant. Sediments reflect both recent and historical use. The results highlight an urgent need for stronger pesticide regulation, regular environmental monitoring, and public health interventions to reduce exposure risks in local communities. Table 2 OCP data in water, sediment and fish samples of Fierza Lake Water samples Sediment samples Fish samples Dec. 23 May. 24 Dec. 23 May. 24 Dec. 23 May. 24 α-HCH N.D. N.D. 0.016 ± 0.009 0.280 ± 0.084 0.027 ± 0.018 0.017 ± 0.07 β-HCH N.D. 0.157 ± 0.67 0.027 ± 0.011 N.D. 0.235 ± 0.068 1.024 ± 0.322 Lindane 0.116 ± 0.063 0.065 ± 0.038 0.055 ± 0.016 N.D. 0.012 ± 0.006 N.D. δ-HCH 0.225 ± 0.075 0.058 ± 0.026 0.209 ± 0.062 0.258 ± 0.084 0.026 ± 0.015 N.D. Heptachlor 0.055 ± 0.018 0.175 ± 0.069 0.032 ± 0.011 0.189 ± 0.052 N.D. N.D. Aldrin 0.071 ± 0.028 0.854 ± 0.361 0.132 ± 0.065 0.088 ± 0.037 0.252 ± 0.081 0.027 ± 0.012 Heptachlor epoxide 0.187 ± 0.052 N.D. 0.119 ± 0.043 0.121 ± 0.036 0.026 ± 0.008 0.038 ± 0.014 γ-Chlordane 0.189 ± 0.057 N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.023 ± 0.010 N.D. Endosulfan I 1.584 ± 0.514 0.255 ± 0.072 0.067 ± 0.028 0.228 ± 0.053 0.325 ± 0.094 0.265 ± 0.077 α-Chlordane 0.121 ± 0.042 0.062 ± 0.024 0.182 ± 0.056 N.D. 0.087 ± 0.033 0.154 ± 0.049 p , p ’-DDE N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.067 ± 0.039 N.D. N.D. Dieldrin 0.228 ± 0.061 0.133 ± 0.051 0.046 ± 0.019 0.095 ± 0.037 0.216 ± 0.093 1.025 ± 0.311 Endrin 0.091 ± 0.026 0.284 ± 0.082 0.096 ± 0.037 0.084 ± 0.031 0.227 ± 0.045 0.254 ± 0.081 Endosulfan II 0.147 ± 0.048 0.907 ± 0.287 0.405 ± 0.154 0.258 ± 0.093 0.114 ± 0.047 0.235 ± 0.075 p , p ’-DDD N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.044 ± 0.015 N.D. N.D. Endrin aldehyde 0.084 ± 0.038 0.207 ± 0.056 0.254 ± 0.085 N.D. N.D. 0.154 ± 0.046 p , p ’-DDT N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.061 ± 0.028 N.D. N.D. Endosulfan sulfate 0.355 ± 0.082 0.132 ± 0.054 0.616 ± 0.217 0.126 ± 0.060 0.214 ± 0.072 0.327 ± 0.093 Methoxychlor N.D. N.D. 0.096 ± 0.035 N.D. N.D. 0.036 ± 0.017 Endrin ketone N.D. 0.068 ± 0.022 0.362 ± 0.117 0.274 ± 0.075 0.114 ± 0.031 N.D. Mirex N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. ∑OCPs 3.548 ± 0.851 3.626 ± 1.058 2.798 ± 0.921 3.032 ± 0.724 1.961 ± 0.507 3.558 ± 1.108 ∑HCHs 0.341 ± 0.082 0.281 ± 0.087 0.295 ± 0.069 0.538 ± 0.152 0.305 ± 0.081 1.034 ± 0.316 ∑Heptachlor’s 0.242 ± 0.072 0.352 ± 0.083 0.149 ± 0.062 0.31\2 ± 0.096 0.032 ± 0.012 0.045 ± 0.013 ∑Chlordan’s 0.314 ± 0.072 0.121 ± 0.031 0.237 ± 0.055 0.193 ± 0.057 0.117 ± 0.029 0.164 ± 0.058 ∑Aldrin’s 0.474 ± 0.152 1.546 ± 0.447 0.884 ± 0.238 0.584 ± 0.159 0.826 ± 0.254 1.453 ± 0.628 ∑DDTs 0.095 ± 0.028 0.034 ± 0.012 0.141 ± 0.038 0.744 ± 0.218 0.041 ± 0.018 0.032 ± 0.011 ∑Endosulfanes 2.086 ± 0.627 1.294 ± 0.411 1.088 ± 0.316 0.612 ± 0.167 0.653 ± 0.207 0.827 ± 0.225 N.D. – Not detected or lower than Limit of Detection (LOD) Table 3 PCB data in water, sediment and fish samples of Fierza Lake PCBs Water samples Sediment samples Fish samples Dec. 23 May. 24 Dec. 23 May. 24 Dec. 23 May. 24 PCB 28 1.261 ± 0.395 2.351 ± 0.855 1.258 ± 0.427 0.126 ± 0.036 0.255 ± 0.065 0.695 ± 0.177 PCB 52 0.136 ± 0.051 1.264 ± 0.632 0.117 ± 0.036 N.D. N.D. 0.057 ± 0.018 PCB 101 0.177 ± 0.053 0.258 ± 0.086 0.274 ± 0.072 0.274 ± 0.061 0.065 ± 0.024 0.657 ± 0.057 PCB 118 0.058 ± 0.024 0.044 ± 0.015 0.049 ± 0.021 0.049 ± 0.019 0.036 ± 0.011 1.265 ± 0.394 PCB 153 0.255 ± 0.075 0.043 ± 0.014 0.099 ± 0.036 0.547 ± 0.138 1.254 ± 0.329 0.856 ± 228 PCB 138 0.062 ± 0.018 0.193 ± 0.052 0.208 ± 0.054 0.955 ± 0.315 1.263 ± 0.418 2.314 ± 0.637 PCB 180 0.114 ± 0.035 N.D. 1.365 ± 0.368 0.658 ± 0.164 N.D. N.D. PCB 209 N.D. N.D. 0.854 ± 0.217 0.925 ± 0.331 N.D. N.D. ∑PCBs 2.063 ± 0.428 4.372 ± 0.957 4.217 ± 0.968 3.644 ± 0.862 2.873 ± 0.775 5.849 ± 0.953 N.D. – Not detected or lower than Limit of Detection (LOD) Table 4 PAH data in water, sediment and fish samples of Fierza Lake PAHs Water samples Sediment samples Fish samples Dec. 23 May. 24 Dec. 23 May. 24 Dec. 23 May. 24 Acenaphthylene N.D. 0.026 ± 0.008 N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.051 ± 0.016 Fluorene N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. Phenanthrene N.D. 0.019 ± 0.006 N.D. N.D. 0.032 ± 0.011 0.027 ± 0.011 Anthracene N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. Pyrene N.D. 0.015 ± 0.006 N.D. N.D. 0.051 ± 0.021 0.033 ± 0.009 Benzo[ a ]anthracene N.D. 0.024 ± 0.007 0.062 ± 0.028 N.D. 0.024 ± 0.009 0.028 ± 0.009 Chrysene N.D. 0.062 ± 0.021 0.015 ± 0.005 N.D. N.D. 0.015 ± 0.006 Perylene N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. Benzo[ b ]fluoranthene 0.026 ± 0.010 0.023 ± 0.011 0.126 ± 0.038 0.032 ± 0.009 0.012 ± 0.005 N.D. Benzo[ k ]fluoranthene 0.036 ± 0.151 0.026 ± 0.012 N.D. 0.015 ± 0.005 0.031 ± 0.012 N.D. Indeno[1,2,3- c , d ]pyrene 0.015 ± 0.007 N.D. N.D. 0.154 ± 0.042 N.D. 0.047 ± 0.018 Dibenzo[ a , b ]anthracene N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.014 ± 0.005 0.012 ± 0.005 Benzo[ g , h , i ]perylene N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. ∑PAHs 0.077 ± 0.029 0.195 ± 0.061 0.203 ± 0.067 0.201 ± 0.048 0.184 ± 0.062 0.227 ± 0.072 N.D. – Not detected or lower than Limit of Detection (LOD) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Table 3 presents data on PCB marker concentrations in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in nearly all water, sediment, and fish samples collected from Fierza Lake in December 2023 and May 2024. In water samples, the total PCB concentration (ΣPCBs) increased significantly from 2.063 ± 0.428 µg/L in December 2023 to 4.372 ± 0.957 µg/L in May 2024. The most abundant congeners were PCB 28 (1.261 ± 0.395 µg/L in December 2023, rising to 2.351 ± 0.855 µg/L in May 2024) and PCB 52 (from 0.136 ± 0.051 to 1.264 ± 0.632 µg/L). PCB 101, PCB 118, and PCB 138 were also present at lower concentrations. Volatile congeners (PCB 28 and 52) made up over 65% of the total PCBs, indicating atmospheric or terrestrial sources, likely from urban waste and maintenance activities involving electrical equipment in the surrounding catchment. These levels vastly exceed the EU Directive 2006 /118/EC threshold of 0.0005 µg/L for individual PCBs, raising significant environmental concerns. In sediment, PCB concentrations slightly decreased from 4.217 ± 0.968 µg/kg in December 2023 to 3.644 ± 0.862 µg/kg in May 2024. In December, PCB 180 (1.365 ± 0.368 µg/kg) and PCB 138 (0.208 ± 0.054 µg/kg) dominated, while PCB 28 was present at 1.258 ± 0.427 µg/kg. By May, PCB 28 dropped sharply to 0.126 ± 0.036 µg/kg, whereas PCB 138 increased significantly to 0.955 ± 0.315 µg/kg. Heavier PCBs, which are less volatile and more persistent, were more prevalent in sediments, consistent with their tendency to bind to particles. PCB 209, undetected in water and fish, was present in both sampling periods, with a slight increase in May 2024 (0.925 ± 0.331 µg/kg). In fish, ΣPCBs increased markedly from 2.873 ± 0.775 µg/kg in December 2023 to 5.849 ± 0.953 µg/kg in May 2024. The December profile was dominated by PCB 138 (1.263 ± 0.418 µg/kg) and PCB 153 (1.254 ± 0.329 µg/kg), both of which are highly lipophilic. By May, PCB 118 showed the most notable increase (1.265 ± 0.394 µg/kg), and PCB 138 rose further to 2.314 ± 0.637 µg/kg, while PCB 153 declined to 0.856 ± 0.228 µg/kg. PCB 28, initially detected at lower levels, also declined. The bioaccumulation of heavier PCBs in fish tissues reflects their persistence and lipophilic nature. Despite the observed increases, all fish samples remained below the Codex Alimentarius ( 2010 ) maximum residue limit (MRL) of 200 µg/kg for PCBs. Nonetheless, the upward trend, particularly in highly bioaccumulative congeners, suggests the need for continuous monitoring and preventive management. Overall, results indicate a concerning rise in PCB concentrations in both water and fish between December 2023 and May 2024, potentially due to ongoing emissions and hydrological factors. While sediment concentrations remained relatively stable or declined slightly, the shift in congener profiles, particularly the increase in heavier PCBs, highlights differential environmental behavior across media. The dominance of volatile PCBs in water and the accumulation of heavier congeners in biota underscore the need for urgent source identification, stricter regulation, and mitigation to protect ecosystem and public health in the Fierza Lake region. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in all water samples, 67% of sediment samples, and less than 50% of fish samples collected from Fierza Lake in December 2023 and May 2024. In water, the mean total PAH concentration (ΣPAHs) rose significantly from 0.077 ± 0.029 µg/L in December 2023 to 0.195 ± 0.061 µg/L in May 2024. In December 2023, only low concentrations of benzo[b]fluoranthene (0.026 ± 0.010 µg/L) and benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.036 ± 0.015 µg/L) were detected, while other PAHs were below detection limits. By May 2024, several additional PAHs appeared, including acenaphthylene (0.026 ± 0.008 µg/L), phenanthrene (0.019 ± 0.006 µg/L), and pyrene (0.015 ± 0.006 µg/L), suggesting increased inputs from combustion-related sources. The presence of pyrogenic PAHs and their increase over time are likely associated with traffic emissions, fuel spills, and industrial activities in the surrounding watershed. Although individual PAH concentrations remained below the EU Directive 2006 /118/EC limit of 0.1 µg/L, the total concentration in some samples exceeded the indicative threshold, indicating a need for precautionary measures. In sediment, ΣPAHs remained relatively stable between sampling periods 0.203 ± 0.067 µg/kg in December 2023 and 0.201 ± 0.048 µg/kg in May 2024. In December, benzo[b]fluoranthene (0.126 ± 0.038 µg/kg), benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.031 ± 0.012 µg/kg), and benzo[a]anthracene (0.062 ± 0.028 µg/kg) were most prevalent. May 2024 samples showed shifts in profile, with pyrene (0.051 ± 0.021 µg/kg) and chrysene (0.015 ± 0.006 µg/kg) appearing, and a decrease in benzo[a]anthracene (0.024 ± 0.009 µg/kg). These changes reflect seasonal variations and continued influence from pyrogenic sources such as fossil fuel combustion and wildfires. The sediment appears to function as a long-term reservoir, slowly releasing or redistributing PAHs into the water. In fish, PAHs were detected in fewer than half of the samples but showed a slight increase from 0.184 ± 0.062 µg/kg in December 2023 to 0.227 ± 0.072 µg/kg in May 2024. In December, the dominant compounds were pyrene (0.051 ± 0.021 µg/kg), phenanthrene (0.032 ± 0.011 µg/kg), and benzo[a]anthracene (0.024 ± 0.009 µg/kg). In May 2024, pyrene remained high (0.033 ± 0.009 µg/kg), while benzo[a]anthracene (0.028 ± 0.009 µg/kg) and dibenzo[a,b]anthracene (0.014 ± 0.005 µg/kg) were detected. These compounds, known for their lipophilicity, suggest moderate bioaccumulation, although all levels remain well below international food safety thresholds. Codex Alimentarius ( 2010 ) does not provide specific MRLs for PAHs in fish, but detected levels are not considered an immediate health risk. Overall, PAH levels in water and fish samples showed an increasing trend from December 2023 to May 2024, possibly due to seasonal runoff or increased combustion related emissions. Sediment concentrations remained stable but reflected the persistence of heavier pyrogenic PAHs. The consistent detection of compounds like pyrene and benzo[a]anthracene in fish suggests potential bioaccumulation and emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring. While concentrations do not currently pose a food safety threat, elevated PAHs in water samples, particularly in May 2024, highlight a need for identifying pollution sources and implementing preventive strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems. Statistical analysis of POPs in Lake Fierza Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and Cluster) were used to better understand the distribution and correlations of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples from Lake Fierza. PCA results for OCPs (Fig. 2 ) revealed four distinct groups based on their correlations. A strong positive correlation (75–85%) with one component was observed for β-DDT, heptachlor, and endrin. Another group of OCPs, including endosulfan compounds, α-chlordane, methoxychlor, and aldrin, showed positive correlations with both components (65–95%), indicating widespread occurrence across all matrices. In contrast, p,p’-DDE, δ-HCH, and lindane had strong negative correlations (85–99%), suggesting localized contamination or advanced degradation. Cluster analysis (Fig. 3 ) identified six OCP groups, with high similarity levels between α-HCH, β-HCH, and lindane (up to 99.5%) and moderate similarity among DDT isomers, endrin, and other legacy pesticides, pointing to mixed sources and behaviors. For PCBs (Figs. 4 and 5 ), PCA highlighted two patterns: PCB 28, 52, and 180 showed similar behaviors in water, indicating atmospheric or diffuse sources, while heavier congeners such as PCB 153 and PCB 209 showed matrix-specific distributions, especially in sediments and fish. Cluster analysis grouped PCBs into two major clusters: the first included lighter congeners (PCB 28, 52) and heavier ones (PCB 180, 209) with moderate similarity (30–89%), while the second grouped mid-weight congeners (PCB 101, 118, 153, 138) with stronger similarities (84–90%). This suggests different environmental pathways and accumulation patterns between volatile and bioaccumulative PCBs. PCA of PAHs (Fig. 6 ) indicated mostly negative correlations across sample types, except for benzo[k]fluoranthene, which had a strong positive correlation, reflecting its persistence. Other compounds such as anthracene, pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene were negatively correlated in both water and sediment, suggesting variable presence and degradation. Cluster analysis (Fig. 7 ) grouped the 13 most toxic PAHs into four major clusters, with high intra-group similarity (up to 99%) and low inter-group similarity (30–44%). The grouping patterns reflect both chemical characteristics and environmental behavior. Overall, the statistical analyses revealed alarming trends. Several persistent and toxic pollutants, including DDT derivatives, lindane, PCB 153, and benzo[k]fluoranthene, were consistently present at concerning levels in all matrices. The grouping and correlations indicate multiple contamination sources (historic and recent), low degradation rates, and high potential for bioaccumulation, raising significant environmental and public health concerns. Comparison of POPs content in water, sediments, and fish from various aquatic ecosystems across the Balkan peninsula The levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) detected in Lake Fierza were compared with findings from other aquatic ecosystems across the Balkans. Sanja et al. (2017) reported higher concentrations of PCBs (up to 57.0 µg/kg), PAHs (up to 728 µg/kg), and OCPs (up to 113 µg/kg) in Serbian river and lake sediments compared to those found in Fierza sediments (PCBs: <MDL–3.64 µg/kg; PAHs: <MDL–0.201 µg/kg; OCPs: <MDL–3.032 µg/kg). DDT and its degradation products were present in both studies, but in smaller quantities in Fierza. Elizabeta et al. (2011) found similar OCP levels in Ohrid Lake sediments (< MDL–4.46 µg/kg), but lower concentrations in water (0.006–0.138 µg/L) and higher levels in fish (0.452–14.725 µg/kg) compared to Fierza (water: <MDL–8.756 µg/L; fish: <MDL–3.558 µg/kg). Aurel et al. ( 2018 ) showed lower pollutant levels in Albanian rivers, lagoons, and marine waters than in Fierza, particularly for ΣHCHs, ΣDDTs, PCBs, and PAHs. Similarly, Aurel et al. ( 2019 ) reported lower OCP and PCB concentrations in Porto-Romano, while PAHs were significantly higher in sediment (345 µg/kg) but comparable in water. Overall, POP concentrations in Lake Fierza tend to exceed those found in other Balkan water bodies, especially in water and fish samples. Conclusions This study assessed the presence and distribution of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake, Albania, collected in December 2023 and May 2024. OCPs were detected in nearly all samples, with aldrin, endosulfans, and DDT derivatives dominating, indicating both recent and historical contamination. PCBs were consistently present, with lighter congeners (PCB 28, 52) prevalent in water and heavier ones (PCB 138, 153) dominating in sediments and fish. PAHs showed the highest concentrations in water, with levels increasing in May 2024, likely due to seasonal industrial and urban activities. Notably, PAH compounds such as benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]anthracene were found at elevated levels in sediments and fish, respectively. The detected concentrations of all three pollutant groups in water and fish samples exceeded EU Directive 2006 /118/EC and Codex Alimentarius ( 2010 ) limits, signaling serious environmental and public health risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement, targeted pollution control, and sustained monitoring efforts within the Fierza Lake catchment. Declarations Acknowledgements We thank Prof. Dr. Ferim Gashi, Professor of Geography at the University of Prishtina for preparing the map. Ethics approval and consent to participate : Not applicable. Consent for publication : All authors have read and approved the final manuscript and consent to its publication. Availability of data and material : Data available upon request. Competing interests : The authors declare no competing interests. Funding : This research was conducted without any funding or financial support. Authors contribution : Ilirjana Osmani: Investigation, Methodology, Sample collection, Software, Data curation, Formal analysis, Validation, Visualization, Writing-original draft, Writing-review & editing; Arben Haziri: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing-original draft, Writing-review & editing; and Aurel Nuro: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Sample collection, Software, Data curation, Formal analysis, Validation, Visualization, Writing-original draft, Writing-review & editing. References Afërdita CI, Haziri A, Nuro A, Ibrahimi A (2024) An overview on persistent organic pollutants levels in the White Drin River, Kosovo. Sci Horiz 27(6):73–85 Aurel N, Elda M, Bledar M (2014) Determination of PAH and BTEX levels in water sampling using GC/FID technique. Case study: Patoku Lagoon. Int J Ecosyst Ecol Sci 4(2):195–200 Aurel N, Elda M, Bledar M (2018) An overview of organic pollutants in water ecosystems of Albania. Madridge J Anal Sci Instrum 3(1):77–81 Aurel N, Elda M, Bledar M (2019) Organic pollutants in hot-spot area of Porto-Romano, Albania. Annu Sofia Univ St Kliment Ohridski 4(104):243–255 Barhoumi B, LeMenach K, Dévier MH, Megdiche YE, Hammammi B, Ameur WB, Hassine SB, Cachot J, Budzinski H, Driss MR (2014) Distribution and ecological risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments from the Bizerte lagoon, Tunisia. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:6290–6302 Beltran J, Lopez FJ, Hernandez F (2000) Solid-phase micro-extraction in pesticide residue analysis. J Chromatogr A 885 Codex Alimentarius (2010) Volume II – Pesticide Residues in Food Elizabete SV, Jordanski M, Stafilov T, Stefova M (2011) Study of organochlorine pesticide residues in water, sediment and fish tissue in Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania). Maced J Chem Chem Eng 30(2):163–179 EPA Method 8081B (2007) Organochlorine pesticides by gas chromatography. https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-test-method-8081b-organochlorine-pesticides-gas-chromatography EU Directive (2006) 118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration Fiedler H, Spliethoff H (2014) Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in environmental samples. Environ Sci Technol 48(7):3750–3758 Han D, Currell MJ (2017) Persistent organic pollutants in China’s surface water systems. Sci Total Environ 580:602–625 ISO 23893-1 2007. Sampling of fish, handling and preservation of samples ISO 5667-15:2009 Guidance on the preservation and handling of sludge and sediment samples ISO 5667-3 2024. Preservation and handling of water samples Kanzari F, Syakti AD, Asia L, Malleret L, Mille G, Jamoussi B, Abderrabba M, Doumenq P (2012) Aliphatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine, and organophosphorus pesticides in surface sediments from the Arc river and the Berre lagoon, France. Environ Sci Pollut Res 19:559–576 Liu C, Zhang L, Fan C, Xu F, Chen K, Gu X (2017) Temporal occurrence and sources of persistent organic pollutants in suspended particulate matter from the most heavily polluted river mouth of Lake Chaohu, China. Chemosphere 174:39–45 Liu M, Feng J, Kang B, Chen Y, Liu Q, Sun J (2015) Ecological and health risks of DDTs and HCHs in surface water from the upper reaches of the Huaihe River. Toxicol Environ Chem 97(8):1124–1136 Montuori P, Cirillo T, Fasano E, Nardone A, Esposito F, Triassi M (2014) Spatial distribution and partitioning of polychlorinated biphenyl Sarno River and Estuary, Southern Italy. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:5023–5035 Morin-Crini N, Louzon M, Amiot C, de Vaufleury A (2020) QuEChERS applicability to measure land snail polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for risk assessment. Toxicol Environ Chem 102(5–6):209–223 Nshimiyimana FX, El Abidi A, Fekhaoui M, Benbakhta B, Barakate N, Hami H, Soulaymani A (2014) Analysis Method for Pesticide Residues in Biological Matrices: Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry. J Life Sci 8(6):489–495 Qi P, Qu C, Albanese S, Lima A, Cicchella D, Hope D, Cerino P, Pizzolante A, Zheng H, Li J, De Vivo B (2020) Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Caserta provincial territory, southern Italy: spatial distribution, source apportionment, and risk assessment. J Hazard Mater 383:121–158 Sonja S, Ostojic B, Dordevic D (2017) Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in sediments from river and artificial lakes in Serbia. J Geochem Explor 180:91–100 SANTE/11312/2021. European Commission Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General (2021) Guidance document on analytical quality control and validation procedures for pesticide residues analysis in food and feed Su G, Liu X, Gao Z, Xian Q, Feng J, Zhang X, Giesy JP, Wei S, Liu H, Yu H (2012) Dietary intake of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from fish and meat by residents of Nanjing, China. Environ Int 42:138–143 Thiombane M, Petrik A, Di Bonito M, Albanese S, Zuzolo D, Cicchella D, Lima A, Qu C, Qi S, De Vivo B (2018) Status, sources and contamination levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in urban and agricultural areas: a preliminary review in central–southern Italian soils. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:26361–26382 USEPA (2009) Method EPA 524.3: Measurement of purgeable organic compounds in water by capillary column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry Wang DL, Shelver WL, Atkinson S, Mellish JA, Li QX (2010) Tissue distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides and potential toxicity to Alaskan northern fur seals assessed using PCBs congener-specific mode of action schemes. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 58:478–488 Wang L, Li C, Jiao B, Li Q, Su H, Wang J, Jin F (2018) Halogenated and parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetables: levels, dietary intakes, and health risk assessments. Sci Total Environ 288–295 Yılmaz A, Karacık B, Yakan SD, Henkelmann B, Schramm KW, Okay OS (2016) Organic and heavy metal pollution in shipbreaking yards. Ocean Eng 123:452–457 Yüce B, Güzel B, Canlı O et al (2024) Characterization, source identification and risk assessment of POPs (PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs) in indoor dusts from two metropolitan cities (Istanbul and Kocaeli) of Türkiye with intensive industrial and human activities. Stoch Environ Res Risk Assess 38:1383–1401 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6861891","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":469564345,"identity":"0a492a6b-99fe-408e-8701-aa71527041a6","order_by":0,"name":"Ilirjana Osmani","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Universiteti i Prishtinës: Universiteti i Prishtines Hasan Prishtina","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ilirjana","middleName":"","lastName":"Osmani","suffix":""},{"id":469564346,"identity":"ebf0008c-78d1-4c37-8aa8-f8fb35c09133","order_by":1,"name":"Arben 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15:00:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":126310,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePCA statistical analyze for OCP data on water, sediments and biota samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6861891/v1/299d2f17cc167b49e1503dd4.jpeg"},{"id":84568551,"identity":"64301a68-1c21-4391-b446-2f67616def7c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-13 14:52:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":123522,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCluster analyze for OCP data on water, sediments and biota samples of Fierza 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on water, sediments and biota samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6861891/v1/b5e37053446fc85d75a27ff7.jpeg"},{"id":84569167,"identity":"fa29c5d9-a6dd-4c98-9887-450ed9316309","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-13 15:00:29","extension":"jpeg","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":120896,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePCA statistical analyze for PAH data on water and sediments samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6861891/v1/151e220e043eeadbd770a81e.jpeg"},{"id":84568564,"identity":"b7973b6f-be4f-42da-9b5b-9db95d8519ea","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-13 14:52:29","extension":"jpeg","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":95752,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCluster analyze for OCP data on water and sediments samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage7.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6861891/v1/95a01c5246efb66fbf5e7807.jpeg"},{"id":85975961,"identity":"da3927ea-de30-4f70-97c4-51827cae65c3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-03 21:52:07","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3358252,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6861891/v1/3f2e0852-af6c-4630-a8e7-64c9665ef460.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania: Environmental Impacts and Contamination Profile","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003ePersistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very stable compounds which are bioaccumulative, toxic and environmental persistent compounds and are known to be transported over large distances from their point of application (Han and Currell \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Liu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Y\u0026uuml;ce et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). OCPs are still being used illegally or in an uncontrolled way in many areas for agricultural purposes as pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides and herbicides (Liu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). On the other hand, PAHs are produced from the combustion of organic matter such as burning of coal, automotive emissions and biomass combustion (Yilmaz et al. 2016; Thiombane et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Qi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). PCBs are compounds containing 1\u0026ndash;10 chlorine atoms bonded to a biphenyl ring and have been employed in electrical apparatus, carbon less copy paper and heat transfer fluids, but they have not been used in agriculture (Morin et al. 2020). Nevertheless, they are usually detected in soil samples because of their atmospheric precipitation and long-range transport (Barhoumi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Kanzari et al. 2014).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the continuous influx of anthropogenic POPs via atmospheric deposition and river runoff (Montuori et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Liu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Agricultural activities, such as the uncontrolled use of pesticides, along with industrial processes and combustion sources like traffic emissions, contribute to environmental pollution, and POPs are often detected in water, sediments, and biota (Wang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Af\u0026euml;rdita et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). POPs can have a range of harmful effects on human health, including carcinogenic, neurological, reproductive, and immunological impacts (Wang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Contamination of water and sediment is a significant factor influencing aquatic organisms, and human exposure to POPs typically occurs through food, particularly through the consumption of aquatic products (Su et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFierza Lake, Albania\u0026rsquo;s largest artificial lake, spans across Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. It is a key water source and supports local fisheries, making contamination by POPs a major concern. Despite its importance, no prior studies have examined POP levels in this lake. To the best of our knowledge, no data currently exists regarding POPs levels in Fierza Lake. This study represents the first report on the water quality of Fierza Lake concerning POPs. The primary objective of this research is to assess the levels of POPs in Fierza Lake, whose water is utilized for both drinking and fishing. By acquiring this data, we aim to better understand the potential risks to the population relying on this water source, whether through direct consumption or the food chain.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MaterIal and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eFor POPs analysis in Fierza Lake, all analytical-grade chemicals (hexane, dichloromethane, anhydrous sodium sulfate, florisil, sulfuric acid and silica gel) were purchased from Merck (Germany). Internal standards and calibration solutions were obtained from Wellington Laboratories.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy area and sampling at Fierza Lake\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWater, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) were collected in December 2023 and May 2024, following the guidelines outlined in ISO 5667-3:2024, ISO 5667-15:2009, and ISO 23893-1:2007, respectively. These months were chosen to reflect seasonal variations in pollutant levels. December is part of the rainy season, when heavy rainfall causes high runoff and erosion, increasing pollution in the lake. Meanwhile, May is part of the dry season, with lower rainfall and reduced water levels, leading to the accumulation of pollutants. Water samples were collected at 10 sampling stations using glass bottles, with a volume of 2.5 liters per station. After collection, the water samples were transported to the laboratory and stored at +\u0026thinsp;4\u0026deg;C prior to analytical analysis. Sediment samples were obtained from a depth range of 0.8 to 2.7 meters using a Van-Veen grab at the same 10 stations (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The sediment samples were air-dried and then further dried in an oven at 105\u0026deg;C for 4 hours. The coordinates of the water and sediment sampling stations in Fierza Lake are presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. Additionally, 10 fish samples of \u003cem\u003eCyprinus carpio\u003c/em\u003e L, the most common fish species in Fierza Lake, were analyzed. Fish samples were collected directly from the lake by local fishermen. These fish samples were transported and stored at -80\u0026deg;C. Only the muscle tissue of the fish, which is the part consumed by the local population, was selected for analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Treatment for Organic Pollutants Analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the determination of organic pollutants (OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs) in water samples (2 L), a two-step liquid-liquid extraction method was employed. In the first step, 50 mL of dichloromethane was added, followed by 50 mL of n-hexane in the second step. After extraction, the organic phase was dried using anhydrous sodium sulfate (5 g), and the sample was further purified using a florisil column (5 g). The organic compounds were eluted with 10 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (4:1, v/v). The extract was then concentrated to 1 mL and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for both qualitative and quantitative analysis (Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Aurel et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSediment Treatment for Organic Pollutants Analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDried sediment samples were ground in a mortar and sieved to obtain the 63 \u0026micro;m fraction for organic pollutant determination. For the extraction of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs from sediment samples (10 g), an ultrasonic bath was used with organic solvents (n-hexane/dichloromethane, 3:1, v/v). After extraction, the organic phase was treated with mercury to remove sulfur compounds. A glass column packed with florisil (2 g) was used for sample clean-up. The organic compounds were then eluted with 10 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (4:1, v/v). After concentration to 1 mL, the samples were analyzed using GC-MS (Beltran et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e; Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Aurel et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePreparation of Fish Samples for GC-MS Analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fish samples (consumed part) were homogenized with anhydrous sodium sulfate (1/5, m/m) and extracted using an ultrasonic bath (10 g) with 50 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (3:1, v/v). The first clean-up step was performed by shaking the extract with 15 g of silica gel, which had been pre-impregnated with 45% sulfuric acid to hydrolyze macromolecules. A second clean-up step was carried out in a glass column filled with 5 g florisil, deactivated with 5% water. The organic compounds were eluted with 10 mL of a n-hexane/dichloromethane mixture (4:1, v/v). The extract was then concentrated to 1 mL and analyzed by GC-MS (Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Aurel et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGC-MS/MS Analysis of Organic Pollutants\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Shimadzu Nexis GC2030 gas chromatograph, coupled with a Shimadzu GCMS-CP2020NX mass spectrometer, was used for the qualitative analysis of OCPs, PAHs, and PCB markers in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake by using EPA methods 8081B (EPA Method 8081B, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). The instrument was equipped with a Shimadzu AOC-20i Plus autosampler and a split/splitless injector. A 30 m \u0026times; 0.25 mm i.d. \u0026times; 0.25 \u0026micro;m film thickness Rtx-5ms fused silica column was used for separation. A 1 \u0026micro;L sample (water, sediment, or fish) was injected in split mode at 280\u0026deg;C. The oven temperature program was as follows: 130\u0026deg;C for 2 minutes, raised to 280\u0026deg;C at 5\u0026deg;C/min, and held for 4 minutes. The mass spectrometer operated in scan mode (50\u0026ndash;500 m/z), followed by selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode (Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Three ions were selected for each individual OCP, 8 PCB congeners, and 13 PAHs according to EPA methods 8081B. The highest relative abundance ion was used as the quantifier, and the remaining ions served as qualifier ions for confirmation (USEPA, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e: Fiedler and Spliethof 2014; Nshimiyimana et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Aurel et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). The analytical method was validated, with assessments of accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The method was validated according to European Commission standards (SANTE/11312/2021).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGC/MS parameters for determination of POPs in samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePollutant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary ion (m/z)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary ion (m/z)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary ion (m/z)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLOD (ppb)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLOQ (ppb)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOCP SIM Mode\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"20\" rowspan=\"21\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOCPs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eα\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e-HCH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9984\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eβ\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e-HCH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e142.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9991\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.135\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLindane\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9975\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eδ\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e-HCH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e153.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9958\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.048\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.144\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeptachlor\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e166.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9967\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAldrin\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e178.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e176.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9934\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeptachlor epoxide\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e202.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e203.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9969\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.047\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.141\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eγ\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e-Chlordane\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e212.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e213.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9928\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.135\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndosulfan I\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e226.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e229.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9972\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.135\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eα\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e-Chlordane\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e240.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e238.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e213.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9966\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.046\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026rsquo;-DDE\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e226.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e229.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9984\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDieldrin\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e240.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e238.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e215.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9993\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndrin\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e252.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e253.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9954\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.048\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.144\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndosulfan II\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e265.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e241.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e195.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9961\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.153\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026rsquo;-DDD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e237.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e235.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9957\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.049\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndrin aldehyde\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e345.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e175.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9984\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.129\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026rsquo;-DDT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e237.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e235.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e195.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9936\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndosulfan sulfate\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e387.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e272.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e229.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9992\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.047\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.141\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethoxychlor\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e276.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e277.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e138.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9983\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.048\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.144\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndrin ketone\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e317.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e209.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e129.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9968\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.050\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMirex\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e278.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e276.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e139.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9954\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.047\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.141\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB SIM Mode\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCBs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 28\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e255.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e257.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e196.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9982\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 52\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e291.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e298.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e289.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9964\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 101\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e325.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e323.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e327.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9994\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.129\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 118\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e359.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e357.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e361.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9967\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 153\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e325.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e323.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e327.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9959\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 138\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e393.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e395.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e397.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9928\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.041\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.123\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 170\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e429.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e427.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e392.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9995\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 180\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e427.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e354.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e287.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9984\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 209\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e497.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e499.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e425.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9963\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.129\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePAH SIM Mode\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"12\" rowspan=\"13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePAHs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAcenaphthylene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9924\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.053\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.159\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFluorene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e142.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9918\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.156\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenanthrene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e162.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9933\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.153\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnthracene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9954\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePyrene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e153.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9967\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.054\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.162\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]anthracene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e166.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9928\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.050\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChrysene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e178.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e176.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9947\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.156\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerylene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e202.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e203.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9955\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.049\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eb\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]fluoranthene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e212.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e213.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9984\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ek\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]fluoranthene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e226.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e229.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9975\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.156\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIndeno[1,2,3-\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ec\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ed\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]pyrene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e252.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e253.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9969\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.055\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDibenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003eb\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]anthracene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e276.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e138.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e277.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9948\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eg\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003eh\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ei\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]perylene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e278.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e207.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e139.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9963\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.049\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results and discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAnalysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was conducted on water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake during two sampling periods: December 2023 and May 2024. These organic pollutants are highly stable compounds and can persist in the environment for many years after their application. Water and sediment samples were collected from the same sampling stations, while \u003cem\u003eCyprinus carpio\u003c/em\u003e L. was selected as a representative fish species of Fierza Lake.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrganochlorine pesticide (OCPs)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e provides the concentrations of several organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples, collected in December 2023 and May 2024. The data includes the individual concentrations of various OCPs, as well as the sums of different groups of chemicals (like HCHs, heptachlors, chlordanes, aldrins, DDTs, and endosulfans). In water samples, the total concentration of OCPs (ΣOCPs) was 3.548\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.851 \u0026micro;g/L in December 2023, increasing slightly to 3.626\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.058 \u0026micro;g/L in May 2024. Endosulfan I (1.584\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.514 \u0026micro;g/L), endosulfan II (0.147\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.048 \u0026micro;g/L), and endosulfan sulfate (0.355\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.082 \u0026micro;g/L) were predominant in December 2023. However, in May 2024, endosulfan I decreased sharply to 0.255\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072 \u0026micro;g/L, while aldrin (0.854\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.361 \u0026micro;g/L) and endosulfan II (0.907\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.287 \u0026micro;g/L) increased substantially. The concentrations of α-HCH, β-HCH, and lindane declined, although β-HCH showed a slight resurgence. These variations are linked to seasonal agricultural activities: increased pesticide application and reduced water flow in May 2024 contributed to higher concentrations, whereas heavy rainfall and erosion in December 2023 led to runoff contamination. Endosulfan and aldrin made up over 80% of the total OCP burden in water, indicating recent use near the lake basin. Notably, concentrations exceeded EU Directive \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e/118/EC limits (0.1 \u0026micro;g/L for individual pesticides, 0.5 \u0026micro;g/L total), highlighting potential ecological and human health risks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn sediments, total OCP levels rose slightly from 2.798\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.921 \u0026micro;g/kg in December 2023 to 3.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.724 \u0026micro;g/kg in May 2024. Endosulfan sulfate (0.616\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.217 \u0026micro;g/kg), endosulfan II (0.405\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.154 \u0026micro;g/kg), aldrin (0.132\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.065 \u0026micro;g/kg), and heptachlor epoxide (0.119\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.043 \u0026micro;g/kg) were dominant in December 2023. By May 2024, aldrin and endosulfan II decreased to 0.088\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.037 \u0026micro;g/kg and 0.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.093 \u0026micro;g/kg, respectively, while DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlor showed moderate increases. The presence of legacy compounds such as p,p\u0026rsquo;-DDD, p,p\u0026rsquo;-DDE, and lindane isomers reflects historical contamination and the slow degradation of these persistent pollutants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn fish samples, the total OCP concentration increased significantly from 1.961\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.507 \u0026micro;g/kg in December 2023 to 3.558\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.108 \u0026micro;g/kg in May 2024. In December 2023, the highest concentrations were for endosulfan I (0.325\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.094 \u0026micro;g/kg), aldrin (0.252\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.081 \u0026micro;g/kg), and dieldrin (0.216\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.093 \u0026micro;g/kg). In May 2024, aldrin and dieldrin rose to 1.453\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.628 \u0026micro;g/kg and 1.025\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.311 \u0026micro;g/kg, respectively, while endosulfan I (0.265\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.077 \u0026micro;g/kg) and endosulfan II (0.235\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.075 \u0026micro;g/kg) remained prominent. These increases likely result from bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The levels in May 2024 far exceeded the Codex Alimentarius (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) maximum residue limit of 0.5 \u0026micro;g/kg for total pesticide residues in fish, raising serious concerns for food safety and human health.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the findings reveal widespread and persistent OCP contamination in Fierza Lake. Water and fish samples, in particular, showed values greatly exceeding international safety standards, with aldrin, dieldrin, and endosulfans consistently dominant. Sediments reflect both recent and historical use. The results highlight an urgent need for stronger pesticide regulation, regular environmental monitoring, and public health interventions to reduce exposure risks in local communities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOCP data in water, sediment and fish samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWater samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSediment samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFish samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eα-HCH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016 \u0026plusmn; 0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.280\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.084\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.027\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.017\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eβ-HCH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.157\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.027\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.235\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.068\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.024\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.322\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLindane\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.116\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.063\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.065\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.038\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.055\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eδ-HCH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.225\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.058\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.026\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.209\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.062\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.084\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeptachlor\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.055\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.175\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.069\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.189\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAldrin\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.071\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.854\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.361\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.065\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.088\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.037\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.252\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.081\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.027\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeptachlor epoxide\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.187\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.119\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.043\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.121\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.036\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.038\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.014\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eγ-Chlordane\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.189\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.057\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.023\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndosulfan I\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.584\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.514\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.255\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.067\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.228\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.053\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.325\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.094\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.265\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.077\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eα-Chlordane\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.121\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.062\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.182\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.087\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.033\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.154\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.049\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026rsquo;-DDE\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.067\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.039\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDieldrin\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.228\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.061\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.133\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.046\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.019\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.095\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.037\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.216\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.093\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.025\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.311\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndrin\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.091\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.026\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.284\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.082\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.096\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.037\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.084\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.031\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.227\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.045\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.254\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.081\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndosulfan II\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.147\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.048\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.907\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.287\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.405\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.093\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.114\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.047\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.235\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026rsquo;-DDD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndrin aldehyde\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.084\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.038\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.207\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.254\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.085\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.154\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.046\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026rsquo;-DDT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.061\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndosulfan sulfate\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.355\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.082\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.132\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.054\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.616\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.060\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.214\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.327\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.093\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethoxychlor\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.096\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.035\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.036\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEndrin ketone\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.068\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.362\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.117\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.274\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.114\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.031\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMirex\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;OCPs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.548\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.851\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.626\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.058\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.798\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.921\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.724\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.961\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.507\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.558\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;HCHs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.341\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.082\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.281\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.087\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.295\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.069\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.538\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.152\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.305\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.081\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.034\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.316\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;Heptachlor\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.242\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.352\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.083\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.149\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.062\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\\2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.096\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.045\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.013\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;Chlordan\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.314\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.121\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.031\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.237\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.055\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.193\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.057\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.117\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.029\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.164\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.058\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;Aldrin\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.474\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.152\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.546\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.447\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.884\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.238\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.584\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.159\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.826\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.254\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.453\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.628\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;DDTs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.095\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.034\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.141\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.038\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.744\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.218\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.041\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;Endosulfanes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.086\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.627\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.294\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.411\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.088\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.316\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.612\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.167\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.653 \u0026plusmn; 0.207\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.827\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.225\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D. \u0026ndash; Not detected or lower than Limit of Detection (LOD)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePCB data in water, sediment and fish samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePCBs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWater samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSediment samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFish samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 28\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.261\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.395\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.351\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.855\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.427\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.036\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.255\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.065\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.695\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.177\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 52\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.136\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.264\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.632\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.117\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.036\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.057\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 101\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.177\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.053\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.086\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.274\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.274\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.061\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.065\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.657\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.057\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 118\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.058\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.049\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.049\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.019\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.036\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.265\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.394\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 153\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.255\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.014\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.099\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.036\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.547\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.254\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.329\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.856\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;228\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 138\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.062\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.193\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.208\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.054\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.955\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.315\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.263\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.418\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.314\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.637\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 180\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.114\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.035\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.365\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.368\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.658\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.164\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePCB 209\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.854\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.925\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.331\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;PCBs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.063\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.428\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.372\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.957\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.217\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.968\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.644\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.862\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.873\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.775\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.849\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.953\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D. \u0026ndash; Not detected or lower than Limit of Detection (LOD)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePAH data in water, sediment and fish samples of Fierza Lake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePAHs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWater samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSediment samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFish samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDec. 23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay. 24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAcenaphthylene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.051\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFluorene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenanthrene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.027\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnthracene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePyrene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.051\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.033\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]anthracene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.024\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.062\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.024\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.028\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChrysene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.062\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerylene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eb\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]fluoranthene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.023\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.038\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ek\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]fluoranthene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.036\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.151\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.031\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIndeno[1,2,3-\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ec\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ed\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]pyrene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.154\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.047\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDibenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003eb\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]anthracene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenzo[\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eg\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003eh\u003c/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003ei\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e]perylene\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026sum;PAHs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.077\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.029\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.195\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.061\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.203\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.067\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.201\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.048\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.184\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.062\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.227\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eN.D. \u0026ndash; Not detected or lower than Limit of Detection (LOD)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e presents data on PCB marker concentrations in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in nearly all water, sediment, and fish samples collected from Fierza Lake in December 2023 and May 2024. In water samples, the total PCB concentration (ΣPCBs) increased significantly from 2.063\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.428 \u0026micro;g/L in December 2023 to 4.372\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.957 \u0026micro;g/L in May 2024. The most abundant congeners were PCB 28 (1.261\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.395 \u0026micro;g/L in December 2023, rising to 2.351\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.855 \u0026micro;g/L in May 2024) and PCB 52 (from 0.136\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.051 to 1.264\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.632 \u0026micro;g/L). PCB 101, PCB 118, and PCB 138 were also present at lower concentrations. Volatile congeners (PCB 28 and 52) made up over 65% of the total PCBs, indicating atmospheric or terrestrial sources, likely from urban waste and maintenance activities involving electrical equipment in the surrounding catchment. These levels vastly exceed the EU Directive \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e/118/EC threshold of 0.0005 \u0026micro;g/L for individual PCBs, raising significant environmental concerns.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn sediment, PCB concentrations slightly decreased from 4.217\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.968 \u0026micro;g/kg in December 2023 to 3.644\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.862 \u0026micro;g/kg in May 2024. In December, PCB 180 (1.365\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.368 \u0026micro;g/kg) and PCB 138 (0.208\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.054 \u0026micro;g/kg) dominated, while PCB 28 was present at 1.258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.427 \u0026micro;g/kg. By May, PCB 28 dropped sharply to 0.126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.036 \u0026micro;g/kg, whereas PCB 138 increased significantly to 0.955\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.315 \u0026micro;g/kg. Heavier PCBs, which are less volatile and more persistent, were more prevalent in sediments, consistent with their tendency to bind to particles. PCB 209, undetected in water and fish, was present in both sampling periods, with a slight increase in May 2024 (0.925\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.331 \u0026micro;g/kg).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn fish, ΣPCBs increased markedly from 2.873\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.775 \u0026micro;g/kg in December 2023 to 5.849\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.953 \u0026micro;g/kg in May 2024. The December profile was dominated by PCB 138 (1.263\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.418 \u0026micro;g/kg) and PCB 153 (1.254\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.329 \u0026micro;g/kg), both of which are highly lipophilic. By May, PCB 118 showed the most notable increase (1.265\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.394 \u0026micro;g/kg), and PCB 138 rose further to 2.314\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.637 \u0026micro;g/kg, while PCB 153 declined to 0.856\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.228 \u0026micro;g/kg. PCB 28, initially detected at lower levels, also declined. The bioaccumulation of heavier PCBs in fish tissues reflects their persistence and lipophilic nature. Despite the observed increases, all fish samples remained below the Codex Alimentarius (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) maximum residue limit (MRL) of 200 \u0026micro;g/kg for PCBs. Nonetheless, the upward trend, particularly in highly bioaccumulative congeners, suggests the need for continuous monitoring and preventive management.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, results indicate a concerning rise in PCB concentrations in both water and fish between December 2023 and May 2024, potentially due to ongoing emissions and hydrological factors. While sediment concentrations remained relatively stable or declined slightly, the shift in congener profiles, particularly the increase in heavier PCBs, highlights differential environmental behavior across media. The dominance of volatile PCBs in water and the accumulation of heavier congeners in biota underscore the need for urgent source identification, stricter regulation, and mitigation to protect ecosystem and public health in the Fierza Lake region.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePolyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in all water samples, 67% of sediment samples, and less than 50% of fish samples collected from Fierza Lake in December 2023 and May 2024. In water, the mean total PAH concentration (ΣPAHs) rose significantly from 0.077\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.029 \u0026micro;g/L in December 2023 to 0.195\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.061 \u0026micro;g/L in May 2024. In December 2023, only low concentrations of benzo[b]fluoranthene (0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010 \u0026micro;g/L) and benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.036\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.015 \u0026micro;g/L) were detected, while other PAHs were below detection limits. By May 2024, several additional PAHs appeared, including acenaphthylene (0.026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.008 \u0026micro;g/L), phenanthrene (0.019\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006 \u0026micro;g/L), and pyrene (0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006 \u0026micro;g/L), suggesting increased inputs from combustion-related sources. The presence of pyrogenic PAHs and their increase over time are likely associated with traffic emissions, fuel spills, and industrial activities in the surrounding watershed. Although individual PAH concentrations remained below the EU Directive \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e/118/EC limit of 0.1 \u0026micro;g/L, the total concentration in some samples exceeded the indicative threshold, indicating a need for precautionary measures.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn sediment, ΣPAHs remained relatively stable between sampling periods 0.203\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.067 \u0026micro;g/kg in December 2023 and 0.201\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.048 \u0026micro;g/kg in May 2024. In December, benzo[b]fluoranthene (0.126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.038 \u0026micro;g/kg), benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.031\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.012 \u0026micro;g/kg), and benzo[a]anthracene (0.062\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.028 \u0026micro;g/kg) were most prevalent. May 2024 samples showed shifts in profile, with pyrene (0.051\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.021 \u0026micro;g/kg) and chrysene (0.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006 \u0026micro;g/kg) appearing, and a decrease in benzo[a]anthracene (0.024\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009 \u0026micro;g/kg). These changes reflect seasonal variations and continued influence from pyrogenic sources such as fossil fuel combustion and wildfires. The sediment appears to function as a long-term reservoir, slowly releasing or redistributing PAHs into the water.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn fish, PAHs were detected in fewer than half of the samples but showed a slight increase from 0.184\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.062 \u0026micro;g/kg in December 2023 to 0.227\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072 \u0026micro;g/kg in May 2024. In December, the dominant compounds were pyrene (0.051\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.021 \u0026micro;g/kg), phenanthrene (0.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.011 \u0026micro;g/kg), and benzo[a]anthracene (0.024\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009 \u0026micro;g/kg). In May 2024, pyrene remained high (0.033\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009 \u0026micro;g/kg), while benzo[a]anthracene (0.028\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.009 \u0026micro;g/kg) and dibenzo[a,b]anthracene (0.014\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005 \u0026micro;g/kg) were detected. These compounds, known for their lipophilicity, suggest moderate bioaccumulation, although all levels remain well below international food safety thresholds. Codex Alimentarius (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) does not provide specific MRLs for PAHs in fish, but detected levels are not considered an immediate health risk.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, PAH levels in water and fish samples showed an increasing trend from December 2023 to May 2024, possibly due to seasonal runoff or increased combustion related emissions. Sediment concentrations remained stable but reflected the persistence of heavier pyrogenic PAHs. The consistent detection of compounds like pyrene and benzo[a]anthracene in fish suggests potential bioaccumulation and emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring. While concentrations do not currently pose a food safety threat, elevated PAHs in water samples, particularly in May 2024, highlight a need for identifying pollution sources and implementing preventive strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis of POPs in Lake Fierza\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultivariate statistical analyses (PCA and Cluster) were used to better understand the distribution and correlations of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples from Lake Fierza. PCA results for OCPs (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) revealed four distinct groups based on their correlations. A strong positive correlation (75\u0026ndash;85%) with one component was observed for β-DDT, heptachlor, and endrin. Another group of OCPs, including endosulfan compounds, α-chlordane, methoxychlor, and aldrin, showed positive correlations with both components (65\u0026ndash;95%), indicating widespread occurrence across all matrices. In contrast, p,p\u0026rsquo;-DDE, δ-HCH, and lindane had strong negative correlations (85\u0026ndash;99%), suggesting localized contamination or advanced degradation. Cluster analysis (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) identified six OCP groups, with high similarity levels between α-HCH, β-HCH, and lindane (up to 99.5%) and moderate similarity among DDT isomers, endrin, and other legacy pesticides, pointing to mixed sources and behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor PCBs (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e), PCA highlighted two patterns: PCB 28, 52, and 180 showed similar behaviors in water, indicating atmospheric or diffuse sources, while heavier congeners such as PCB 153 and PCB 209 showed matrix-specific distributions, especially in sediments and fish. Cluster analysis grouped PCBs into two major clusters: the first included lighter congeners (PCB 28, 52) and heavier ones (PCB 180, 209) with moderate similarity (30\u0026ndash;89%), while the second grouped mid-weight congeners (PCB 101, 118, 153, 138) with stronger similarities (84\u0026ndash;90%). This suggests different environmental pathways and accumulation patterns between volatile and bioaccumulative PCBs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePCA of PAHs (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e) indicated mostly negative correlations across sample types, except for benzo[k]fluoranthene, which had a strong positive correlation, reflecting its persistence. Other compounds such as anthracene, pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene were negatively correlated in both water and sediment, suggesting variable presence and degradation. Cluster analysis (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) grouped the 13 most toxic PAHs into four major clusters, with high intra-group similarity (up to 99%) and low inter-group similarity (30\u0026ndash;44%). The grouping patterns reflect both chemical characteristics and environmental behavior.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the statistical analyses revealed alarming trends. Several persistent and toxic pollutants, including DDT derivatives, lindane, PCB 153, and benzo[k]fluoranthene, were consistently present at concerning levels in all matrices. The grouping and correlations indicate multiple contamination sources (historic and recent), low degradation rates, and high potential for bioaccumulation, raising significant environmental and public health concerns.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eComparison of POPs content in water, sediments, and fish from various aquatic ecosystems across the Balkan peninsula\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) detected in Lake Fierza were compared with findings from other aquatic ecosystems across the Balkans. Sanja et al. (2017) reported higher concentrations of PCBs (up to 57.0 \u0026micro;g/kg), PAHs (up to 728 \u0026micro;g/kg), and OCPs (up to 113 \u0026micro;g/kg) in Serbian river and lake sediments compared to those found in Fierza sediments (PCBs: \u0026lt;MDL\u0026ndash;3.64 \u0026micro;g/kg; PAHs: \u0026lt;MDL\u0026ndash;0.201 \u0026micro;g/kg; OCPs: \u0026lt;MDL\u0026ndash;3.032 \u0026micro;g/kg). DDT and its degradation products were present in both studies, but in smaller quantities in Fierza. Elizabeta et al. (2011) found similar OCP levels in Ohrid Lake sediments (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL\u0026ndash;4.46 \u0026micro;g/kg), but lower concentrations in water (0.006\u0026ndash;0.138 \u0026micro;g/L) and higher levels in fish (0.452\u0026ndash;14.725 \u0026micro;g/kg) compared to Fierza (water: \u0026lt;MDL\u0026ndash;8.756 \u0026micro;g/L; fish: \u0026lt;MDL\u0026ndash;3.558 \u0026micro;g/kg). Aurel et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) showed lower pollutant levels in Albanian rivers, lagoons, and marine waters than in Fierza, particularly for ΣHCHs, ΣDDTs, PCBs, and PAHs. Similarly, Aurel et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) reported lower OCP and PCB concentrations in Porto-Romano, while PAHs were significantly higher in sediment (345 \u0026micro;g/kg) but comparable in water. Overall, POP concentrations in Lake Fierza tend to exceed those found in other Balkan water bodies, especially in water and fish samples.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study assessed the presence and distribution of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake, Albania, collected in December 2023 and May 2024. OCPs were detected in nearly all samples, with aldrin, endosulfans, and DDT derivatives dominating, indicating both recent and historical contamination. PCBs were consistently present, with lighter congeners (PCB 28, 52) prevalent in water and heavier ones (PCB 138, 153) dominating in sediments and fish. PAHs showed the highest concentrations in water, with levels increasing in May 2024, likely due to seasonal industrial and urban activities. Notably, PAH compounds such as benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]anthracene were found at elevated levels in sediments and fish, respectively. The detected concentrations of all three pollutant groups in water and fish samples exceeded EU Directive \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e/118/EC and Codex Alimentarius (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) limits, signaling serious environmental and public health risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement, targeted pollution control, and sustained monitoring efforts within the Fierza Lake catchment.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe thank Prof. Dr. Ferim Gashi, Professor of Geography at the University of Prishtina for preparing the map.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e: Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e: All authors have read and approved the final manuscript and consent to its publication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and material\u003c/strong\u003e: Data available upon request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e: The authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e: This research was conducted without any funding or financial support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors contribution\u003c/strong\u003e: Ilirjana Osmani: Investigation, Methodology, Sample collection, Software, Data curation, Formal analysis, Validation, Visualization, Writing-original draft, Writing-review \u0026amp; editing; Arben Haziri: Conceptualization, \u0026nbsp;Methodology, \u0026nbsp; Writing-original draft, Writing-review \u0026amp; editing; and Aurel Nuro: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Sample collection, Software, Data curation, Formal analysis, Validation, Visualization, Writing-original draft, Writing-review \u0026amp; editing.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAf\u0026euml;rdita CI, Haziri A, Nuro A, Ibrahimi A (2024) An overview on persistent organic pollutants levels in the White Drin River, Kosovo. 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Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:26361\u0026ndash;26382\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSEPA (2009) Method EPA 524.3: Measurement of purgeable organic compounds in water by capillary column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWang DL, Shelver WL, Atkinson S, Mellish JA, Li QX (2010) Tissue distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides and potential toxicity to Alaskan northern fur seals assessed using PCBs congener-specific mode of action schemes. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 58:478\u0026ndash;488\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWang L, Li C, Jiao B, Li Q, Su H, Wang J, Jin F (2018) Halogenated and parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetables: levels, dietary intakes, and health risk assessments. Sci Total Environ 288\u0026ndash;295\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYılmaz A, Karacık B, Yakan SD, Henkelmann B, Schramm KW, Okay OS (2016) Organic and heavy metal pollution in shipbreaking yards. Ocean Eng 123:452\u0026ndash;457\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eY\u0026uuml;ce B, G\u0026uuml;zel B, Canlı O et al (2024) Characterization, source identification and risk assessment of POPs (PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs) in indoor dusts from two metropolitan cities (Istanbul and Kocaeli) of T\u0026uuml;rkiye with intensive industrial and human activities. Stoch Environ Res Risk Assess 38:1383\u0026ndash;1401\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Water, Sediment, Fish, POPs, Chromatographic methods, Fierza Lake","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6861891/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6861891/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this study was to analyze persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake, Albania. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected in December 2023 and May 2024. The samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analysis of POPs was conducted using GC-MS/MS. Total PCB concentrations in water, sediment, and fish ranged from \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL to 4.372\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.957 \u0026micro;g/L, \u0026lt; MDL to 4.217\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.968 \u0026micro;g/kg, and \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL to 5.849\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.953 \u0026micro;g/kg, respectively. PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples ranged from \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL to 0.195\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.061 \u0026micro;g/L, \u0026lt; MDL to 0.203\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.067 \u0026micro;g/kg, and \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL to 0.227\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.072 \u0026micro;g/kg, respectively. OCP concentrations in water, sediment, and fish ranged from \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL to 3.626\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.058 \u0026micro;g/L, \u0026lt; MDL to 3.032\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.724 \u0026micro;g/kg, and \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;MDL to 3.558\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.108 \u0026micro;g/kg, respectively. Although aldrin and endosulfan were detected at higher levels, an increase in the concentrations of DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlor was also noted. Continuous monitoring of POP levels by relevant institutions is recommended to ensure comprehensive assessments of the potential environmental risks facing the lake.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania: Environmental Impacts and Contamination Profile","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-06-13 14:52:24","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6861891/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"7fbeb96b-4b24-4aef-aaa9-304c0ef7b452","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 13th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-07-03T21:43:59+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-06-13 14:52:24","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6861891","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6861891","identity":"rs-6861891","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}