Organochlorine compounds in soils and sediments of the mountain Andean Lakes

Semi-volatile organochlorine compounds (OC) were andlyzed in remote Andean soils and lake sediments. The sampling sites covered a vide iatitudinel gradient froni 18"s to 46"s along Chile and an altitudinal gmdient (10-4500 ni). The concentrations were in the order of background levels, involvirig absence ormajor pollution sources in the high moiintain areas. Significant correlations were found between log-transforined concentrations of hexachlorobenzene. a- and y-hendchlorocyclohexane in soils and total organic content (TOC). In addition, TOC-iiormalized concentrations of the niost volatile OC showed a significant linear dependence with air temperature. This good agrcemerit points to teniperature as a significant factor ior the retention orloiig range transported OC in reniote ecosystems such as the Andean mountains. although other variables should not be totally excliided. The highest concentrations of OCs were achieved in the sites located at highest altitude and lowest temperature of the dataset.