PCBs in phytoplankton in the Odra Estuary

Eleven PCB congeners were determined in phytoplankton samples collected from the Odra Estuary at 9 stations in 2001–2002. The PCB concentrations were related to the temperature, turbidity, salinity, oxygen and redox potential of the water as well as to the pigment content in the samples. The results indicate that phytoplankton and the detritus derived from it play a crucial role in the distribution of PCBs, their transfer from the water column to sediments and from the Estuary to the sea. The species composition of the phytoplankton occurring in this area could also be very important as regards the sorption of PCBs.