Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Atmosphere of Sub-Alpine Northern Italy

The main objective of this work was to assess the atmospheric concentrations and seasonal variations of selected POPs in a sub-alpine location where few data are available. A monitoring and research station was set up at the JRC Ispra EMEP site (Italy). We present and discuss a one year data set (2005-2006) on PCB air concentrations. ¿7PCBs monthly averaged concentration varied from 31-76 pg m-3. Concentrations in the gas phase (21-72 pg m-3) were higher than those in the particulate phase (3-10 pg m-3). Advection of air masses and re-volatilization from local sources seem to play a role as drivers of PCB atmospheric concentrations in the area. Indications of seasonal variation affecting PCB congener patterns and the air gas/particulate partitioning were found. Modeling calculations suggested a predominant importance of the wet deposition in this region (1 ¿g m-2 yr-1 ¿7PCBs yearly total wet deposition flux; 650-2400 pg L-1 rainwater concentrations).

CASTRO JIMENEZ Javier;  DUERI Sibylle;  EISENREICH Steven;  MARIANI Giulio;  SKEJO Helle;  UMLAUF Gunther;  ZALDIVAR COMENGES Jose'; 

2009-01-27

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

JRC45933

0269-7491,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC45933,   

10.1016/j.envpol.2008.10.007,