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(M/EH096) The global distribution of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in butter. Kalantzi, Olga1, Alcock, Ruth1, Johnston, Paul2, Santillo, David2, Stringer, Ruth2, Thomas, Gareth1, Jones, Kevin1, 1 2 ABSTRACT- In order to test the global distillation theories and to obtain data on the atmospheric distribution of POPs, it is necessary to take samples from different parts of the world simultaneously. This would require a huge financial outlay on air sampling equipment. The need to devise a sampling strategy, led us to test whether butter could be a good indicator of 'indirect' air measurements. Butter samples from 22 different countries were analysed for PCBs and organochlorine pesticides and metabolites, to explore the use of butter as a suitable matrix reflecting the regional and global scale distribution of those POPs in air. Higher PCB concentrations were observed in Europe and N. America, in accordance to historical usage and emissions (the European samples contained much higher levels than the American ones, reaching 14,090 pg/g fat in butter from the Czech Republic), whereas the lowest concentrations were observed in the S. Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand). Non-industrial/remote regions had a higher proportion of lighter PCBs, suggesting their greater susceptibility to long range atmospheric transport. Heavier congeners were in greater proportions close to source regions of PCBs. DDT and HCHs were found to be highest in areas of current use (India and S. America for DDT; India, China and Spain for HCHs), reaching 146,080 pg/g fat of pp-DDE in butter from India. We conclude that butter could be used as a convenient matrix with which to monitor the regional/global distribution of POPs and the effectiveness of international measures to reduce their emissions to atmosphere, under national emission control legislation and international POPs treaties. Key words: Long range transport, Persistent organic pollutants, Butter, Environmental monitoring |
