Environmental monitoring of Lake Baikal

Hydro-chemical characteristic of Lake Baikal water
General hydro-chemical characteristic of Lake Baikal water
MPC (maximum permissible concentration):
pH value - 6,5-8,5 units pH;
water colour index - 20 degrees of water colour;
oxygen - not less than 4 mg/l
Mineral content of Lake Baikal water
MPC (maximum permissible concentration): mineral content - 1000 mg/l.
Dynamics of sulphate ions
MPC (maximum permissible concentration): sulphates - 100 mg/l.

The hydro-chemical observations along the longitudinal section of the water area of the lake were performed on all monitored levels (0.5, 25, 50, 100 metres and near-bottom water). General hydro-chemical characteristic of the lake water in 2021 is given on the chart and graphs above.

Observations in 2021 were held from June to October. The pH values remained within the range of 7.6–7.9 pH units, and the content of dissolved oxygen within the range of 10.8–11.7 mg/l.

In 2021 the mineralization of the lake water in the northern, middle and southern parts decreased relative to 2019 and 2020.

In 2021, compared to 2020, the content of sulfate ions in the water of the lake increased slightly. The maximum values of sulfate ions, both in general along the longitudinal section, and in the basins of the lake Baikal were recorded in 2016 and 2018.

Source: Review of the status and pollution of environment in Russian Federation in 2021