Passive air sampling of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides at the Korean Arctic and Antarctic stations: Implications for long-range transport and local pollution

Abstract

To assess levels and patterns of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in polar regions, XAD-resin based passive air samplers were deployed for one year at the Korean polar research stations at Ny-？lesund, Norway (2005-2006) and King George Island, Antarctica (2004-2005). Backward trajectories suggest that these stations are affected by long-range transport from source regions in NorthernEuropeandRussiaandthe southern tip ofSouthAmerica, respectively. Relatively high levels of PCB-11, averaging 60 pg ·m-3, were observed in Antarctica, suggesting an unusual source of PCB-11 to the Southern Hemisphere. Reflecting the hemispheric distribution of global PCB emissions, the average level of Σ205PCB (excluding three mono-CBs and PCB-11) was five times higher in the Arctic (95 pg ·m-3) than in the Antarctic (19 pg ·m-3). Levels of Σ9PCB at Ny-？lesund were similar to those reported for other Arctic sites, while levels at King George Island were lower than at other sites on the Antarctic Peninsula but 1 order of magnitude higher than background levelsmeasuredatamoreremoteAntarctic site. Lighthomologues were predominant in all samples (except for one Arctic sample), consistent with the hypothesis of global fractionation and predictions of long-range transport potential. Dominance of heavy PCBs on the roof of the main building at Ny-？lesund and a concentration gradient with distance from the main building at King George Island strongly indicated the influence of local sources. OCP levels were also influenced by longrange transport but not by local sources. This study highlights the feasibility of using passive air sampling to assess both longrange transport and local pollution in remote regions.