MONARPOP — Results of dioxin and PCB measurements in air and deposition

At the three Alpine summits Sonnblick (A), Weißfluhjoch (CH) and Zugspitze (D) air concentrations and deposition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been recorded as part of the MONARPOP project since 2005. For this purpose, a technology has been developed that allows to collect all year round under alpine weather conditions and separately by region of origin of the air masses. The report includes results 2005-2013 for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCDD/F and PCB air concentrations at the three Alpine summits are one to two orders of magnitude lower than in emitter-related areas. However, the depositions are similar to those at near source locations — a proof of the entry of these pollutants in remote regions. The results are used to monitor the effectiveness of the UN Stockholm Convention on POPs and are included in the corresponding Global Monitoring Report.