During the GDR, Lakes FH, BL, SL, CR, OR, and TF belonged to one single district (Neubrandenburg), and Lakes ST and WM to another (Potsdam). Guidelines of these distinct administrations could play a role in existing similarities within each of these two groups. Still, circumstances on a much more local scale can contribute largely. The group of lakes around Lake FH (FH, BL, SL, CR), are close in terms of distance and connection. Nevertheless, they did not show four almost identical profiles but can be divided into pairs: Lakes FH and BL are quite similar, as are Lakes SL and CR. OCP concentrations of the four lakes follow this order: FH ≈ BL < SL < CR. Considering the absolute amounts of agriculture and forest area surrounding these lakes in their hydrological catchment area, there is a similar pattern: FH < BL < SL < CR. The influence of forest area in the vicinity of the lakes needs to be stressed not only for TEs but also for OCPs, although in this case the contribution of LRAT in conjunction with the forest filter effect was probably minor in comparison to the effect of the direct aerial pesticide applications in the GDR. In Switzerland, analyzed the DDX pollution load (among others) in lichens collected in 1995 and 2014. They found significant declines between 56% and 84% and credited this to POP emission regulations in Switzerland as part of central Europe, leading to decreasing direct inputs.