Legacy, Distribution and Risk Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in River Sediments in a Mixed Sources Area

Sediments are an essential part of the river environment and their use as a quality indicator is vital to investigate pollution sources that could affect water. In Central Asia, the environmental monitoring of sediments is rarely performed, despite the multiple concern about the water use and its management. This study tried to shed light on the status of river sediments in the Uzbekistan region of Tashkent, the most industrialized and populated of the country. The research was conducted in areas of low and high anthropization, in order to evaluate the impact of urban, industrial, and agricultural activities on the presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants. Critical Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations were detected near a power plant and a metal mine and metallurgical complex in the Angren valley. Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) like DDT and Chlorobenzenes were detected in all the sampling points among the regions. Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) high concentrations were observed near Tashkent city. A preliminary risk assessment underlines a borderline condition due to PCB-dioxin like. The findings highlight significant pollution hotspots and underscore the urgent need for improved monitoring and management. This study has implications for transboundary water management and the broader regional environment.