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. ∑7PCBs monthly averaged concentration varied from 31 to 76 pg m−3. Concentrations in the gas phase (21–72 pg m−3) were higher than those in the particulate phase (3–10 pg m−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 μg m−2 yr−1 ∑7PCBs yearly total wet deposition flux; 650–2400 pg L−1 rainwater concentrations).