Summary
Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and NPD-compounds (naphtalenes, phenathrenes and dibenzothiophenes) were estimated at 8 stations in the Haukås River (Bergen, Norway) by passive semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) deployed at 8 different stations. Exposure over 30 days in April-May 2014 yielded average concentrations for this period. The results indicate low concentrations of PAHs in the river. NPD concentrations indicated some oil pollution in the upper part of the watershed at Lake Kipevatn, and also downstream in the Brurås-Haukåsmyra area. The contents found for PAH and NPD compounds are not considered to constitute a problem for the local freshwater pearl mussel population. A filled-in area close to the river further downstream at Jonsterhaugskiftet had been suspected to be a potential source of pollution. This area also receives direct runoff from the E39 highway. Three soil samples were screened for >200 compounds. These tests indicated low levels of pollution (“Very good” condition for all compounds detected) except for a slightly elevated level of zinc (“Good condition”) measured by the highway runoff. Thus, this area does not constitute a significant source of pollution for the Haukås River.