Assessing the influence of local sources on POPs in atmospheric depositions and sediments near Trento (Italy)

The concentrations of five classes of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the atmospheric depositions and sediments of an area interested by a steelmaking plant, a state highway and urban settlements were investigated. Samples were collected through a wet and dry sampler onto the roof of a primary school or cored from the sediments of a nearby pond and analyzed for PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PAHs, PBDEs and PCNs in order to assess the role of different sources on direct emissions in atmosphere and transfer to other environmental compartments. The method was tested with reference materials, laboratory and field blanks. The results show higher concentrations of POPs in winter depositions, with PAH levels up to 6500 ng m-2 d-1. Patterns and diagnostic ratios suggest that the main sources are fuel and wood combustion. PCDD/Fs are present at background level, with maximum total concentrations of 17 pg m-2 d-1 in depositions and 7 pg g-1 in sediments. All concentrations peak at mid-level in the sediment core and then decrease, as an effect of regulatory limitations and update to modern industrial technologies.