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. 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).
Castro-Jiménez
J
J
European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra 21027, VA, Italy.
Dueri
S
S
Eisenreich
S J
SJ
Mariani
G
G
Skejo
H
H
Umlauf
G
G
Zaldívar
J M
JM
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005740:Gases; D007558:Italy; D015233:Models, Statistical; D052638:Particulate Matter; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D011891:Rain; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature
D000393:Air Pollutants; D005740:Gases; D052638:Particulate Matter; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls