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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere of sub-alpine northern Italy

2008; Elsevier BV; Volume: 157; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.envpol.2008.10.007

1873-6424

Javier Castro-Jiménez, Sibylle Dueri, Steven J. Eisenreich, G. Mariani, Helle Skejo, Günther Umlauf, J.M. Zaldı́var,

Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols

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. Sigma 7PCBs monthly averaged concentration varied from 31 to 76 pgm(-3). Concentrations in the gas phase (21-72 pgm(-3)) were higher than those in the particulate phase (3-10 pgm(-3)). Advection of air masses and re-volatilization from local sources seem to play a dominant role as drivers of PCB atmospheric concentrations in the area. Indications of seasonal variation affecting PCB congener patterns and the gas/particulate partitioning were found. Modeling calculations suggest a predominant importance of the wet deposition in this region (1 microgm(-2)yr(-1) Sigma 7PCBs yearly total wet deposition flux; 650-2400 pgL(-1) rainwater concentrations).