PCDDS, PCDFS, PCDTS, PCBS AND SOME OTHER ORGANOCHLORINE COMPOUNDS IN PINE NEEDLES EXPOSED TO PULP AND PAPER-MILL EMISSIONS AND EFFECTS OF WASTE COMBUSTION ON THE CONCENTRATIONS

Concentrations of semivolatile chlorinated organic compounds alpha-HCH lindane, HCB, DDT, DDE, DDD, chlordanes and PCBs, and low-volatility compounds PCDDs, PCDFs and PCDTs in pine needles in a recipient area o f the emissions from a pulp and paper mill where also waste combustion was done were measured. Mostly, the concentrations were found to be n ear the background levels. Elevated concentrations of HCB, some PCB co ngeners and some HxCDF isomers in samples from two sampling points wer e observed. Some other possible point sources of these compounds are s ituated in the vicinity of the pulp and paper mill. Also the community of Pietarsaari is one possible source of the slightly elevated concen trations. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.