Seasonal, anthropogenic, air mass, and meteorological influences on the atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs): Evidence for the importance of diffuse combustion sources

Journal Article · Wed Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es981323m· OSTI ID:696760

Lee, R G.M.; Green, N J.L.; Lohmann, R; Jones, K C ^[1]

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1. Lancaster Univ. (United Kingdom)

Sampling programs were undertaken to establish air polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) concentrations at a semirural site on the northwest coast of England in autumn and summer and to investigate factors causing their variability. Changing source inputs, meteorological parameters, air masses, and the impact of a festival when it is customary to light fireworks and bonfires were investigated. Various lines of evidence from the study point to diffuse, combustion-related sources being a major influence on ambient air concentrations. Higher PCDD/F concentrations were generally associated with air masses that had originated and moved over land, particularly during periods of low ambient temperature. Low concentrations were associated with air masses that had arrived from the Atlantic Ocean/Irish Sea to the west of the sampling site and had little or no contact with urban/industrialized areas. Concentrations in the autumn months were 2 to 10 times higher than those found in the summer.

• OSTI ID: 696760
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 17 Vol. 33; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
BENZOFURANS
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
DIOXIN
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
METEOROLOGY
POLLUTION SOURCES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
UNITED KINGDOM