Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere of sub-alpine northern Italy
Résumé
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 stationwas
set up at the JRC Ispra EMEP site (Italy).We present and discuss a one-year data set (2005–2006) on PCB air
concentrations.P7PCBs 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 mgm-2 yr-1 sum7PCBs yearly total wet deposition flux; 650–2400 pg L-1
rainwater concentrations).