Distributions, historical trends, and source investigation of polychlorinated biphenyls in Dianchi Lake, China

► The six PCB congeners were measured in water and sediment across Dianchi Lake. ► Six PCB congeners were found to demonstrate similar distribution characteristics. ► PCB inputs into the lake have remained fairly constant since the 1970s. ► On-going contamination into the lake originates from the industrial facilities.