Wildfires as a Source of PAHs in Surface Waters of Background Areas (Lake Baikal, Russia)

Wildfires significantly elevate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Lake Baikal's surface waters, with concentrations spiking to 610 ng/L during extreme events like the 2016 fires. The study identified ten PAHs—including naphthalene and phenanthrene—in samples from various depths and tributaries, confirming wildfires as a major source through atmospheric transport analysis and satellite data. Total PAH concentrations (ΣPAHs) ranged widely (9.3–160 ng/L), with seasonal peaks linked to fire activity. Toxicity assessments indicated moderate ecological risk for biota, underscoring the need for monitoring in pristine environments like Lake Baikal.

Gorshkov, A. G., Izosimova, O. N., Kustova, O. V., Marinaite, I. I., Galachyants, Y. P., Sinyukovich, V. N., & Khodzher, T. V. (2021). Wildfires as a Source of PAHs in Surface Waters of Background Areas (Lake Baikal, Russia). Water, 13(19), 2636. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13192636