Observation and origin of organochlorine compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the free troposphere over central Europe

Environ Pollut. 2009 Dec;157(12):3264-71. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.028. Epub 2009 Jun 12.

Abstract

On Zugspitze (2670 m a.s.l.), Alps, higher concentrations were observed during a winter than during a summer measurement campaign of PAHs, chlorobenzenes (43.6 vs. 2.0 pg m(-3)) and DDTs (3.7 vs. 1.2 pg m(-3)), while hexachlorocyclohexanes and PCBs were found at similar levels. The PCB, HCH and DDT levels are among the lowest ever reported from outside the Arctic. Mostly lower levels were found in samples collected in summer than in winter despite a significant boundary layer air influence, but no such influence on samples collected during the winter campaign. Boundary layer influence was quantified by Lagrangian particle dispersion model retroplume analyses. Photochemical lifetimes corresponding to k(OH) < 1.5 x 10(-12) cm(3) molec(-1) s(-1) are found for p,p'-DDT, k(OH) < 0.75 x 10(-12) cm(3) molec(-1) s(-1) for p,p'-DDE and k(OH) < 1.0 x 10(-12) cm(3) molec(-1) s(-1) for p,p'-DDD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Atmosphere / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Europe
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / analysis*
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
  • Seasons

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons