Background and Objective
This strategy had been prepared for the Tumen River
Basin. A similar approach can be used for Eastern Mongolian rivers/lakes
if necessary. The survey goal is two-fold: 1) to fill the information gap
regarding some priority pollutants; and 2) to help identify major sources
of these priority pollutants in the Tumen river area. The survey should
not duplicate national monitoring efforts, but complement those. All
member countries will be involved in survey preparation/implementation as
well as in discussion of the survey results. The data will become
available to everyone through the regional EIS that is accessible via the
internet. Pending their eventual full participation in the project, the
DPR Korea is envisaged to become the Regional Lead Agent for this
component.
Parameters to be measured
According to the Chinese National Report, industrial
wastewaters in the Tumen river basin contain significant amounts of trace
metals and organic pollutants. In the Russian National Report, high
concentrations of chlorinated pesticides and petroleum hydrocarbons in the
Tumen river estuary are mentioned as well as different disorders in fish
and invertebrates. Recent press reports in Hong Kong media (SCMP of 23
April 2001) tend to confirm that. Therefore, it is suggested to take
samples of river water, soft bottom sediments (where available) and biota
(fish, invertebrates, and other).
In river water and bottom sediments, concentrations of
chlorinated hydrocarbons (pesticides), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons,
chromium (Cr+6) and arsenic (As) will be measured. In addition, mercury
(Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), phenols, polychlorobiphenyls, dioxins, and
other indicators may be analyzed as required.
Fish tissues (gills, gonads, liver and muscle) and
invertebrate soft tissues will be used for: 1) analysis of pollutant
content; 2) histopathological analysis; 3) analysis of biomarkers.
A final decision regarding the kinds of
pollutants/indicators to be analyzed will be done by experts from
participating countries upon consideration of (a) likely sources of
pollutants identified in National Reports; and (b) analytical capabilities
and logistical arrangements (sample preservation and treatment in the
field prior to analysis).
Sampling period and sites
It is envisaged to organize the survey in two phases.
In phase I (July 2001), major target areas will be delineated (large
tributaries and major known pollution sources) and sampled. Following
analysis and evaluation of the results, phase II will be planned (May
2002) to identify exact pollution sources for different priority
pollutants. Close cooperation and coordination among member countries is
crucial for the survey success.
Eight sampling sites are suggested for phase I in July 2001 (numbers
are shown on attached map).
This sampling methodology will define broad areas of
pollutants' origin in the upstream parts of Tumen river, Hailan river,
Buerhatong river, Gaya river and Hunchun river. During phase II, these
rivers will be sampled in more detail in order to locate specific
pollution sources.
At each sampling site, member country representatives
(China, DPR Korea, Russia) will take three water samples (2-3 liters each)
from mid-stream waters. Where soft bottom sediments are available, they
will take three samples of sediments. Samples will be preserved as
required and stored in iceboxes. National experts will agree on exact
sample volumes, sampling methodologies, sampling locations and sample
preservation and preparation methods. Fish, invertebrates and other biota
will be collected at the same sites and preserved in iceboxes.
For quality control (QC), two additional duplicate
sample sets of water, sediment and biota tissues will be taken at random
locations and two blank samples for each matrix. The duplicate samples
will be analyzed as "blinds" to allow checking the precision of
techniques used. Blank samples will be introduced at random to check
sample contamination.
Should the DPR Korea join the component activities in
time for Phase I, the sampling will be extended, in full consultation with
DPR Korea, to tributaries on the DPR Korea side of the Tumen River.
Logistics
Before organizing the survey, the Chinese National SAP
Planning Unit will seek the written permission of Chinese authorities. The
Chinese counterpart (Jilin Provincial Environmental Protection Agency)
will assist in organizing the sampling on Chinese territory. The Project
Coordination Unit will cover expenses for participants' travel and DSA,
local transportation, and limited analytical work.
It is suggested to have sampling teams from China, DPR
Korea and Russia, consisting of not more than 3-4 persons each (including
the biota sampling team) as well as observers from Mongolia and ROK (1-2
persons). Observers may take samples if they wish so, but are responsible
for sample transportation and analysis. Sampling teams are responsible for
proper preparation of sample containers as well as preservation,
preparation and transportation (including necessary Customs clearance).
The Chinese counterpart will provide cars, ice for sample transportation
and papers for Chinese Customs. Pending participation by the DPR Korea
team, a fleet of between 3-5 four-wheel drive cars may be required.
Member of the sampling party will overnight in Yanji
and commence sampling the following day. Sample storage facilities must be
prepared, such as refrigerators or a supply of fresh ice for iceboxes. The
following day, the Russian team will leave via Hunchun-Kraskino, while the
other teams will depart via Yanji. If necessary, sampling will continue
for a second or third day.
DPR Korea participation in Phase I will necessitate changes to this and
the following chapters.
Sample analysis
Chemical, histopathological and biomarker analysis will
be undertaken in certified and accredited laboratories as soon as
possible, and must be completed within three weeks after sampling. Pending
sample volume, custom requirements and transport facilitation, samples
should ideally be analysed in each of the TREDA countries, ie China, DPR
Korea and Russia. Failing that, samples will be analysed in China.
Observers from other member countries should carry out analyses within the
same time frame. Proper QC procedures should be followed (eg instrument
calibration, use of certified reference materials, measurement of spikes,
blanks and duplicates, use of internal and surrogate standards, etc.).
Data exchange and discussion
Within three weeks of completion of analyses, the
results will be exchanged and compared by all involved parties. In
addition to analytical results, a description of devices and techniques
used should be given with indication of detection limits, precision,
accuracy and other supporting information.
A workshop will be conducted shortly afterwards that
will evaluate results and discuss plans for phase II during 2002. It is
envisaged that results of the survey will be made available via internet
through the Environmental Information System component of TumenNET.
Actions to be taken
National SAP Planning Units are kindly requested to follow-up:
- identify elements/compounds to be analyzed;
- nominate laboratories to perform analytical work;
- nominate experts for sampling teams;
- consider analytical and sampling requirements and suggest
corrections to this strategy (including sample size and exact
locations of sampling sites);
- prepare cost estimations for local transportation, participants'
expenses and analyses;
- approach proper authorities for clearance.
