Measurement of endosulfan, dieldrin and endrin in Norwegian air and sediment samples.

Abstract

Endosulfan-I, endosulfan-II, endosulfan sulfate, dieldrin and endrin are not part of the existing environmental monitoring network in Norway. To get an indication on the background concentration levels and long range atmospheric transport potentials of these compounds, NILU was requested to measure the concentrations of these compounds in air samples from Birkenes and Ny-Ålesund and in marine and fresh water sediment samples distributed all over Norway. Measurable amounts of endosulfan-I are found at Birkenes and Ny-Ålesund and the correlation of the concentrations with origin of the air masses, are strong indications for airborne long-range transport of endosulfan. Endosulfan-I, -II and endosulfan sulfate was not detected in sediment samples from Norway.