Tracking down PCBS in the Venoge river

Although polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been prohibited in Switzerland since the 1970s, these molecules continue to contribute to the micropollutants found in our streams. PCB concentrations in fish exceeding the sanitary limit have demonstrated the need for efficient tools to locate the sources of pollution. In recent years, investigations conducted by the Central Environmental Laboratory have identified several pollution sources through the use of passive sensors in low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which allow to integrate pollution over time. In 2011, they carried out investigations in the Venoge River to understand the cause of the contaminated fish found there. Potential sources identified were an industrial zone and landfills. This work was supported by the Canton of Vaud (SES A) and the Federal Office for the Environment and will continue in 2012.