Some new data on the distribution of benzo (a) pyrene in fresh water and seawater

Data on the content of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) in various bodies of water in the Estonian SSR including lakes of agricultural regions, lakes and rivers in industrial areas, bodies of water in the National Park and nature protection areas used for drinking water supply, sea gulfs and bays used for recreation are reviewed. Some data on the distribution of BP in bottom sediments and biota of the aqueous medium as well as the accumulation of BP in various organs and tissues of different species of fish are reported. It has been found that the BP level in the bodies of water of the Estonian SSR is relatively low, the highest BP content has been found in seawater, but even there the average concentration of BP was below the safety limit for BP in bodies of water (0.005 microgram/l). Bottom sediments, algae, higher waterplants, zooplankton and fish accumulate BP where its content is about 1,000-100,000 times higher than in water.