Spatial and temporal patterns of organic contaminants in wet precipitation in Atlantic Canada

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Environmental Science and Technology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00019a004· OSTI ID:5388959

Brun, G L; Howell, G D; O'Neill, H J ^[1]

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1. Environment Canada, Moncton, New Brunswick (Canada)

Wet precipitation samples were collected on a monthly basis from three locations in Atlantic Canada for the period 1980-1989 and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated benzenes, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The compounds most commonly detected included the pesticide lindane ({gamma}-HCH) and its decomposition product {alpha}-HCH, fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, and PCBs. Statistical analysis of {alpha}-HCH and {gamma}-HCH data indicated a significant decrease in concentration of these compounds after 1983, probably the result of curtailing the agricultural use of lindane in North America and on other continents. Seasonal patterns were observed with maximum concentrations/loadings occurring during the spring and fall. Fluoranthene was the dominant PAH compound and was detected in almost every sample. Fluoranthene and other PAHs were shown to follow seasonal patterns, with increasing concentrations during the colder months of the year (December to April). Spatial influences were also observed, indicating both localized and long-range atmospheric source inputs. Abnormally high annual mean concentrations of PCBs ranging between nondetectable levels and 0.220 {mu}/l were measured during the 1981-1986 period at the Prince Edward Island station. Spatial variations for PCBs in the Atlantic Region were significant and attributed in part to localized source inputs. Seasonal patterns similar to the PAHs were also observed. Concentrations dropped to nondetectable levels after 1984 at all sites with the exception of a few sporadic observations.

• OSTI ID: 5388959
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States) Vol. 25:7; ISSN ESTHA; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION
AROMATICS
CANADA
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHLORINATED ALICYCLIC HYDROCARBONS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
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ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
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HALOGENATED ALICYCLIC HYDROCARBONS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION
INSECTICIDES
ISLANDS
LINDANE
LIQUID COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY
NEW BRUNSWICK
NORTH AMERICA
NOVA SCOTIA
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
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POLLUTION
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
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RAIN WATER
SAMPLING
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
TIME DEPENDENCE
TRANSFRONTIER POLLUTION
VARIATIONS
WATER