Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in water and the surface microlayer of the North Atlantic

Results of four year (1977-1980) observations on concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in waters of the North Atlantic (between 10°N and 60°N) are presented. Gas-liquid chromatography has been used. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides identified (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, DDT, and its metabolites DDE and TDE) between depths of 0 and 100 m range from 1 to 0.10 ng/l. They have also been found at deeper depths. The water area is divided into regions in terms of degree and nature of pollution by organochlorine pesticides. Some patterns in their spatial distribution have been found (non-uniformity and concentration in frontal zones). Background concentrations of gamma-HCH, DDT, DDE and TDE have been determined.