Atmospheric bulk deposition of dioxin and furans to Danish background areas

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were measured in bulk deposition at three Danish rural forest sites with a mutual maximum distance of 450 km. At one of the forest sites concentrations in the ambient atmosphere were sampled from a 12 m high tower. Sampling was carried out within a period of 3 years with sampling intervals of 1-2 months. Mean bulk deposition fluxes were 1 ng m(-2) yr(-1) I-TEQ and deviated less than 30% between the sites. Yearly average PCDD/F concentrations in the atmosphere were 24 fg m(-3) I-TEQ with maximum values in the winter period. During winter months atmospheric concentrations of PCDD/F and oxidized sulphur compounds showed a positive correlation, furthermore seasonal bulk deposition showed correlation between PCDD/F and sulphate. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.