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

Since 2005, air concentrations and depositions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been recorded at the three Alpine peaks Sonnblick (A), Weißfluhjoch (CH) and Zugspitze (D) as part of the MONARPOP project. For this purpose, a technology has been developed that makes it possible to collect all year round under alpine weather conditions and separately according to the regions of origin of the air masses. The report covers the results 2005-2013 for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCDD/F and PCB air concentrations at the three Alpine peaks are one to two orders of magnitude lower than in areas close to emitters. 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 associated Global Monitoring Report.