Results of Heavy Metal Concentration Monitoring in Surface Water in the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve

The paper presents statistical indicators of the dataset of long-term monitoring for mercury, cadmium, lead, and copper concentrations in the Volga delta watercourses on the territory of the Astrakhan State Biosphere Reserve. Based on analysis of the statistical indicators and on comparison of initial concentrations with MPC for potable and fishery water, the concentration of trace elements in watercourses of the Buzan, the Volga’s eastern arm, is recommended as the background one in assessing the contamination of the Volga basin watercourses with the analyzed trace elements.