POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF BELARUS: SOURCES, POLLUTION, PROBLEMS OF MONITORING

摘要

In the paper environmental problems connected with such dangerous chemicals as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are discussed. Sources of PCBs in Belarus, location of the main part of PCBs in cities and towns, as well as specificity of PCB discharges into environment are shown. The content of PCBs in urban soil of different functional zones is given. High level of soil pollution by PCBs in places of PCB-containing equipment installation and storage is revealed. The peculiarities of hot spots formation and spreading of PCBs beyond the places of PCB leakage are established. Pollution of bottom sediments of some aquatic ecosystems by PCBs is identified. The problems and perspectives of PCB monitoring in urban environment are discussed.