Gas–particle partitioning of persistent organic pollutants in the Western Balkan countries affected by war conflicts

Abstract

Information on the particle-bound fractions of POPs is important not only for prediction of their fate but also for an estimation of risks they can pose to the environment as well as to humans. When assessing such hazards, it has to be considered that modeled values of the particle-bound fractions can be seriously underestimated at sites with elevated levels of suspended atmospheric matter or at sites with heavily contaminated soils.

The octanol-air partition coefficient KOA as a predictor of gas-particle partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls at industrial and urban sites

“…12 The same observation was obtained in previously reported studies of urban 22 and rural 9 localities, while the results of Harner and Bidleman at urban sampling sites lead to the opposite conclusion. 12 The same observation was obtained in previously reported studies of urban 22 and rural 9 localities, while the results of Harner and Bidleman at urban sampling sites lead to the opposite conclusion.…”

“…(7): The modelled and measured particle-bound fractions were compared in order to estimate the validity of the K OA absorption model. A similar variability of the measured/modelled φ values was obtained using the Junge-Pankow adsorption model, 12 once again indicating to the existence of particles enriched with PAHs, whereby the main mechanism which governed the gas-particle partitioning of the PAHs remains unknown. 15 The ratios between the measured φ values and the φ predicted using the K OA model (log φ measured /φ predicted ) for PAHs are presented in Fig.…”

“…12 The exception was the locality P1 (Oil Refinery of Pančevo), where the PAHs with a high molecular mass were 50 % and less particle-bound. Benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene and benzo(ghi)perylene were close to 100 % particle-bound.…”

“…1,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Several approaches for describing gas-particle partitioning of semi-volatile organic compounds have been proposed in the literature. Recent investigations have been focused on estimating, modelling and predicting the atmospheric partitioning of SVOC into the particle and vapour phases.…”

Characterization of dioxin-like contamination in soil and sediments from the “hot spot” area of petrochemical plant in Pancevo (Serbia)

“…European commission experts of the Fifth Framework Programme (Call identifier ICFP501A2PR02) have recognized the problem of identifying POP contamination in war-ravaged areas of former Yugoslavia and approved the proposed investigations under the Contract APOPSBAL ICA2-CT2002-10007 (Picer et al 2006;Radonic et al 2009). Within the frame of this project, in light of the results reported by UNEP (1999a) and due to the fact that sediment toxicity evaluation has never been included into official monitoring programs in Serbia (Teodorovic 2009), this study was conducted to determine dioxin-like contamination in soil from the "hot spot" area of petrochemical plant in Pancevo, and potential release routes via waste water into waste water channel sediment.…”