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 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 mu g m(-2) yr(-1) Sigma 7PCBs yearly total wet deposition flux; 650-2400 pg L-1 rainwater concentrations). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.