Analysis of a firn core for assessing POP seasonal accumulation on an Alpine glacier.
Organochlorine pesticides (DDTs, HCHs, HCB) and selected PCBs were analyzed in samples from a firn core drilled on the Lys Glacier (4240 m above sea level, Monte Rosa Group, Italian Alps) in Summer 2000. The samples covered a relatively short time interval (from 1997 to 2000) and a seasonal detail breakdown was possible. A probable seasonal trend was observed only for gamma-HCH, a pesticide currently used in some European countries. For all other chemicals, a seasonal trend was not evident, and this supports the hypothesis of the prevailing role of long-range transport in comparison with local emissions for POP pollution in high mountains. The role of temperature on air-snow exchange has also been highlighted.
Villa
Sara
S
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy. sara.villa@unimib.it
Negrelli
Christian
C
Maggi
Valter
V
Finizio
Antonio
A
Vighi
Marco
M
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000032:analysis*; D046448:Ice Cover / Q000737:chemistry*; D007558:Italy; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010575:Pesticides