Current chemical composition of Lake Baikal water

Lake Baikal's pelagic zone maintains stable ionic composition, with favorable conditions for hydrobiont growth, while its littoral areas face localized pollution near settlements and tourist hotspots. A study conducted between 2010 and 2015 analyzed water samples across eight expeditions, revealing consistent major ion concentrations, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and low levels of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in the pelagic zone. However, eutrophication and pollution near urban areas like Listvyanka, Severobaikalsk, Baikalsk, and Slyudyanka were attributed to inadequate sewage treatment, tourism, and ship traffic. The research highlights the need for ongoing monitoring to address littoral zone degradation.

Khodzher, T. V., Domysheva, V. M., Sorokovikova, L. M., Sakirko, M. V., & Tomberg, I. V. (2017). Current chemical composition of Lake Baikal water. Inland Waters, 7(3), 250–258. https://doi.org/10.1080/20442041.2017.1329982