United Nations
Environment Programme
Chemicals
Mediterr
Mediterranean
REGIONAL REPORT
anean
RBA PTS REGIONAL REPOR
Regionally
Based
Assessment
T
of
Persistent
Available from:
UNEP Chemicals
11-13, chemin des Anémones
CH-1219 Châtelaine, GE
Switzerland
Phone : +41 22 917 1234
Fax : +41 22 797 3460
Substances
E-mail: chemicals@unep.ch
December 2002
http://www.chem.unep.ch
UNEP Chemicals is a part of UNEP's Technology, Industry and
Printed at United Nations, Geneva
Economics Division
GE.03-00149­January 2003­500
UNEP/CHEMICALS/2003/4
G l o b a l E n v i r o n m e n t F a c i l i t y

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UNITED NATIONS
ENVIRONMENT

PROGRAMME


CHEMICALS


Regional y Based Assessment
of Persistent Toxic Substances


Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus,
Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, San
Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, The Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia


MEDITERRANEAN
REGIONAL REPORT




DECEMBER 2002


GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

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This report was financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through a global project with co-
financing from the Governments of Australia, France, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States of
America.
This publication is produced within the framework of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound
Management of Chemicals (IOMC).
This publication is intended to serve as a guide. While the information provided is believed to be
accurate, UNEP disclaim any responsibility for the possible inaccuracies or omissions and
consequences, which may flow from them. UNEP nor any individual involved in the preparation of
this report shall be liable for any injury, loss, damage or prejudice of any kind that may be caused by
any persons who have acted based on their understanding of the information contained in this
publication.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this report do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations of UNEP
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning
the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.


The Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), was
established in 1995 by UNEP, ILO, FAO, WHO, UNIDO and OECD (Participating
Organizations), following recommendations made by the 1992 UN Conference on
Environment and Development to strengthen cooperation and increase coordination in the
field of chemical safety. In January 1998, UNITAR formally joined the IOMC as a Participating
Organization. The purpose of the IOMC is to promote coordination of the policies and
activities pursued by the Participating Organizations, jointly or separately, to achieve the
sound management of chemicals in relation to human health and the environment.


Material in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted but acknowledgement is requested
together with a reference to the document. A copy of the publication containing the quotation or
reprint should be sent to UNEP Chemicals.


UNEP

CHEMICALS

Available from:
UNEP Chemicals11-13, chemin des Anémones
CH-1219 Châtelaine, GE
Switzerland
Phone: +41 22 917 1234
Fax:
+41 22 797 3460
E-mail: chemicals@unep.ch
http://www.chem.unep.ch

UNEP Chemicals is a part of UNEP's Technology, Industry and Economics Division
ii

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE .........................................................................................................V
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................VII
1
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... 1
1.1
DEFINITION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION...........................................................1
1.2
PHYSICAL SETTING.....................................................................................................................1
1.3
PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT...............................................................................................5
1.4
SCOPE OF THE REGIONAL ASSESSMENT...........................................................................7
1.5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................11
2
SOURCE CHARACTERISATION.......................................................... 12
2.1
PRODUCTION AND USE DATA FOR PERSISTENT PESTICIDES ................................12
2.2
SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL PERISTENT TOXIC CHEMICALS....................................14
2.3
SOURCES OF UNINTENTIONAL PERSISTENT TOXIC BY-PRODUCTS....................16
2.4
OTHER PTS OF CONCERN IN THE REGION .....................................................................19
2.5
EMISSIONS OF SELECTED PTSS ...........................................................................................26
2.6
SUMMARY OF MOST SIGNIFICANT REGIONAL PTS....................................................29
2.7
DATA GAPS....................................................................................................................................31
2.8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................32
3
ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, TOXICOLOGICAL AND
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISATION ................................... 34
3.1
CONCENTRATIONS OF PTS IN ABIOTIC COMPARTMENTS......................................34
3.2
CONCENTRATIONS OF PTS IN BIOTA, INCLUDING HUMANS ..................................45
3.3
EVIDENCE OF HARMFUL EFFECTS ....................................................................................62
3.4
COMPARISON OF MEASURED DATA..................................................................................69
3.5
CASE STUDIES..............................................................................................................................71
3.6
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .....................................................................75
3.7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................77
4
ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR PATHWAYS OF PTS TRANSPORT........ 89
4.1
ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION AND DEPOSITION OF PTS ........................................89
4.2
RIVER AND WASTEWATER DISCHARGES OF PTSS......................................................97
4.3
MEDITERRANEAN SEAWATER EXCHANGES ...............................................................100
4.4
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF LONG RANGE TRANSPORT OF PTS ....................103
4.5
SUMMARY AND DATA GAPS ...............................................................................................104
4.6
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................105

iii

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5
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE REGIONAL
CAPACITY AND NEEDS TO MANAGE PTS...................................... 107
5.1
EXISTING CAPACITY TO MONITOR PTS.........................................................................107
5.2
REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES ADDRESSING PTS ................112
5.3
STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT IN THE REGION ............122
5.4
EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVES OR MEASURES FOR REDUCTION......................123
5.5
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ISSUES ....................................................................................126
5.6
IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS, FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION............................127
5.7
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................130
6
CONCLUSIONS................................................................................... 131
6.1
IDENTIFICATION OF THE BARRIERS...............................................................................131
6.2
PRIORITY PTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE REGION ....................................132
6.3
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES .......................................................134
ANNEX I LIST OF PARTICIPANTS TO TECHNICAL MEETINGS ........... 137
ANNEX II GENERAL DEFINITIONS OF PTS........................................... 140
ANNEX III STATUS OF COUNTRIES TO PIC ........................................... 149
iv

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PREFACE
i.
Overview of the project
The introduction of xenobiotic chemicals that are generally referred to as "persistent toxic substances" (PTS)
into the environment and resulting effects is a major issue that gives rise to concerns at local, national, regional
and global scales. Thus, and following the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical
Safety, the UNEP Governing Council decided in February 1997 (Decision 19/13 C) that immediate
international action should be initiated to reduce and/or eliminate the emissions and discharges of an initial set
of twelve persistent organic pollutants (POPs)1, identified by the international community as the cause of
serious environmental and health threats. Accordingly, an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
was established with a mandate to prepare an international legally binding instrument for implementing
international action on certain persistent organic pollutants. These series of negotiations have resulted in the
adoption of the Stockholm Convention in 2001.
The UNEP Governing Council further identified the need to develop science-based criteria and a procedure for
identifying additional POPs as candidates for future international action and recognised the need to develop an
instrument that would take into account differing regional conditions. With funding from the Global
Environment Facility (GEF) and support from several donor countries2, the United Nations Environment
Programme implemented a project to regionally assess PTS. The assessment should lead to the identification of
priorities for future GEF intervention, and through application of a root cause analysis, should attempt to
identify appropriate measures to control, reduce or eliminate releases of PTS, at national, regional or global
levels and stimulate research through the identification of data gaps.
The activities to be undertaken in the project comprised an evaluation of the sources of persistent toxic
substances, their levels in the environment and consequent impact on biota and humans, their modes of
transport over a range of distances, the existing alternatives to their use and remedial options, as well as the
barriers that prevent their good management. The outcome of this project will be a scientific assessment of the
threats posed by persistent toxic substances to the environment and human health.
For the implementation of the project, the globe was divided into twelve regions3, one of which being the
Mediterranean, which is the object of the present Report. Under the direction of a project manager who is
situated at UNEP Chemicals in Geneva (Switzerland), a Regional Co-ordinator and a Regional Team were
appointed by UNEP to co-ordinate the collection and interpretation of existing data and to produce the Regional
Report on the PTS selected for analysis. This Report should be drafted on the basis of:
· contributions from individuals through the completion of questionnaires previously prepared for collecting
information on sources, levels, effects and transboundary movements of PTS, as well as on the barriers to
their sustainable management;
· a series of regional Technical Workshops to review the regionally available data and information collected
by experts from the region, including discussion papers setting the scene for these workshops; and
· a "Priority Setting" meeting which will bring together stakeholders from various sectors of academia,
government, NGOs and the private sector to prioritise the issues and discuss their root causes.
A network of PTS experts and national focal points were part of the supporting structure for the regional
assessment. At the end, consolidation of the results of the regional analyses will provide the basis for a global
assessment, to highlight priority issues, suggest interventions to address the problems identified, and to provide
guidance to the GEF for further actions.



1 Aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene, PCBs, dioxins and furans.
2 The project costs approximately US$4.2 million funded mainly by GEF, with sponsorship from countries including
Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.
3 Arctic, North America, Europe (Northern part, including Baltic, Black Sea and Caspian Sea), Mediterranean (including
Portugal and Jordan), Sub-Saharan Africa, Indian Ocean, Central and North East Asia (Western North Pacific), South-east
Asia and South Pacific, Pacific Islands, Central America and the Caribbean, Eastern and Western South America, and
Antarctica

v

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ii.
Structure of the Regional Team

The Regional Team included the Regional Co-ordinator, five Team Members and three Technical Advisors,
whose names and addresses are listed below.
Regional Co-ordinator:
Joan ALBAIGES
Department of Environmental Chemistry
CID-CSIC
Jordi Girona Salgado, 18-26
08034-Barcelona, Spain
E-mail:albqam@cid.csic.es
Team Members:
Fouad ABOUSAMRA
Assem BARAKAT
UNEP/MAP
Department of Environmental Sciences
Vassileos Konstantinou, 48
University of Alexandria
11635 Athens, Greece
Alexandria, Egypt
E-mail: fouad@unepmap.gr
E-mail: abarakat@dataxprs.com.eg
Elena DE FELIP
Jean-François NARBONNE
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Laboratory of Biochemical Toxicology
Viale Regina Elena, 299
University of Bordeaux I
00161 Roma, Italy
Av. des Facultés
E-mail: defelip@iss.it
33405 Talence Cedex, France
E-mail : jf.narbonne@lptc.u-bordeaux.fr
Mladen PICER
Institute Rudjer Boskovic

Bijenicka 54
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
E-mail: picer@rudjer.irb.hr
Technical advisors:
Jordi BRUNO
Jordi DIAZ
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Institut Quimic de Sarria
Campus Nord, Edifici B2
Via Augusta 390
Jordi Girona 1-3
08017-Barcelona, Spain
08034-Barcelona, Spain
E-mail: jdiaz@iqs.es
E-mail: Jordi.Bruno@upc.es

Aldo IACOMELLI

Department of Science of Humans and the

Environment

Pisa University

Via Emanuele Filiberto, 1-3

56127 ­ PISA, Italy

E - mail: iacomelli@scamb.unipi.it

iii. Acknowledgements
The Regional Team is highly indebted to those experts listed in Annex I, who attended the Technical
Workshops and the Priority Setting Meeting and contributed with data and information.
A particular acknowledgement goes to the Institutions who provided support to the Team members as well as to
those who hosted the Technical Workshops and the Priority Setting Meeting:
- The Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-
ECSDE), Athens (Greece)
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome (Italy)
- Institut d'Estudis Catalans, Barcelona (Spain)
Finally, the enthusiastic co-operation of individuals who contributed in different ways to the project, either
filling questionnaires, writing specific sections, or providing technical assistance during the meetings is greatly
appreciated.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Mediterranean Region, embracing parts of two continents as diverse as Europe and Africa, is a complex
geographic, ecological, cultural and socio-political set-up based around the Mediterranean Sea basin. The
Mediterranean climate, with mild wet winters and hot dry summers, has been used as a model for many other
regions around the world. Its landscape and monuments continues to be the greatest tourist destination in the
entire world. As a consequence, urbanisation has been particularly growing along the coastal strip, to
accommodate both permanent and temporal population, with the result of a substantial modification of the coast
itself and adverse effects on the quality of the environment.
The highly developed industrial countries in the North stand in stark contrast to the countries in the South.
These differences have significant implications when addressing environmental issues, and particularly those
related with the management of persistent toxic substances (PTSs). The description of the main properties, uses,
and environmental behaviour and toxicity of all these PTSs, are summarised in Annex II.
In addition to the problems originated by the controlled and uncontrolled chronic releases of these substances
into the environment, the Region has been challenged by different accidental episodes, like the Seveso
explosion in 1976 and the bombing of electric and industrial installations during the Kosovo war in 1999, apart
from some of the largest oil spills in front of its coasts.
The Mediterranean Action Plan of UNEP and the traditional co-operation among countries in the region, in the
framework of the Barcelona Convention, has contributed significantly to the progress of the project.
i.
Sources of PTSs
For many Mediterranean countries no detailed information is available on the release of PTSs from point
sources (industry and urban centres). In general, there is a lack of adequate data sets to perform a quantitative
source assessment. This is because local and national authorities do not routinely monitor PTSs sources in the
Region. However, an attempt has been made to collect the available information and to qualify and quantify the
current status of PTSs sources.
The main findings of this assessment are as follows:
· For persistent pesticides, including lindane, the sources are multiple and diffuse. Although, there is a
decreasing tendency in the use of these compounds in the Region as a result of the PIC procedures and
associated conventions, there is a worrisome lack of control regarding the existing stockpiles of obsolete
pesticides. DDT and their derivatives are still being used in the Region as precursors of dicofol production
but the total amounts being used are in the range of thousand tonnes.
· For industrial PTSs the situation in the Region is as follows. PCB containing equipment has been largely
used. Total PCB production in some of the European countries (France, Italy and Spain) was in the range of
300000 tonnes, for the period 1954-84. There is a lack of quantitative information concerning the amount
and status of remaining stocks of PCB containing equipment. Most of the PCB destruction capacity of the
Region is located in France. PCB emissions show a decreasing trend with time in the EMEP countries of
the Region. Some hot spots have arisen from the destruction of electrical and military equipment during
regional conflicts, such as the Balkans and the Israel-Lebanon wars.
· For unintentional PTSs, dioxins and furans, the assessment indicates that main primary sources are thermal.
Controls and optimisation in incineration plants have achieved a decrease of emissions from municipal
waste incineration. Remaining sources are the metallurgical industry, the uncontrolled combustion of waste
in landfills and the combustion of wood. There is a clear need for a comprehensive Regional Inventory that
should include most of the primary thermal sources. Emission estimates indicate a decrease during the last
decade in the MSC-E countries of the Region.
· For other PTSs of concern, the situation in the Region is as follows:
- The main sources of PAHs in the Region are connected to oil shipping operations. They could
be as large as 1000 tonnes per year, although continental emissions and runoff may represent a
contribution of 40-700 range tonnes/year. River inputs contribute to some 40 tonnes/year.
- Release from antifouling painting in commercial shipping is the source of TBTs in the Region.
The present release rates estimates are in the order of some 240 tonnes/year. The harbours in
the NW Mediterranean and in the Adriatic are potential hot spots for this type of PTSs.

vii

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- Emissions of brominated flame-retardants from the various countries of the Region are
proportional to their consumption of electrical and electronic equipment. Hence, economic
development patterns in the Region indicate an increasing trend in emissions, although the
absolute levels are relatively low at present.
- The release of non-ionic surfactants is quite large, in the range of 167000 tonnes per year, due
to the large consumption of detergents (6 million tonnes/year). The five EU countries of the
region contribute to 50% of this release.
In terms of setting priorities to reduce PTSs sources, it would appear that a better control of remaining
stockpiles of PCBs, PCB containing equipment and obsolete pesticides in the Region is highly needed. The
development of sustainable destruction capacity is also required. A better control of oil shipping operations in
the Mediterranean is also a top priority in order to reduce PAH releases in the Region. Commercial shipping is
also responsible for the release of sizeable amounts of TBTs in the Region.
ii.
Levels and effects in biotic and abiotic compartments
A substantial amount of information exists on the distribution of PTSs in the different environmental
compartments of the Region. However, this is mainly the result of research campaigns rather than the existence
of monitoring networks. In consequence, data available mainly deal with local studies, or hot spot situations.
Data is often missing for some compartments, particularly atmosphere, ground and drinking waters, soils and
sewage sludges, etc. Significant geographical data gaps also exist, particularly for the South and South-eastern
basins, and for the PTSs of more recent concern (e.g. dioxins or alkylphenols). Moreover, the lack of
standardised methodologies makes it difficult to compare and use data in a regional assessment, and draw
definite conclusions on spatial and temporal trends.
In spite of these limitations, available data indicate that PTSs are widely, but not uniformly, distributed in the
Region. For example, HCB and -HCH concentrations in air reach the higher values in northern France (2.4
ng/m3 and 1.5 ng/m3, respectively) and decrease to values below 0.1 ng/m3 in remote areas. Total DDT
concentrations in sediments vary from <0.25 to 885 ng/g at different locations, and PCBs from 1.3 to 7274
ng/g, the higher levels corresponding to localised "hot spots", near sewage outfalls of big cities or at the mouths
of large rivers (e.g. Rhone and Seine). Similarly, freshwater and marine organisms, extensively used in
biomonitoring, show PTSs concentrations closely associated to their habitats. Levels up to 400 µg/g ww of
DDTs and 1400 µg/g ww of PCBs have been found in the blubber of Mediterranean marine mammals
(dolphins), values which are higher than those found in similar species living in the Atlantic.
The marine environment is by large the compartment most widely studied, probably due to its regional
importance but also to the incentive of the Barcelona and OSPAR Conventions. Comparison between Western
and Eastern Mediterranean basins has been approached using the Audouin's Gull eggs. Levels are significantly
and consistently higher in the Western than in the Eastern basin, and, in general, significantly higher than in
samples from the North Atlantic or the Arctic.
Few long-term temporal trend monitoring in fish, mussels and seabird eggs has been carried out in the Northern
Mediterranean. A general decline of DDTs has been reported for marine biota along the Mediterranean coasts
of France and Italy, and from the Adriatic Sea between 1960s and 1990s, which is consistent with the
regulatory restrictions on production and use of this compound. The French monitoring network of coastal
pollution shows, during the period 1979-1998, general decreasing trends in the order:
DDT>HCHs>>PCBs>PAHs, although they are not so evident for the latter two, indicating a steady source of
these contaminants in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Results also suggest that atmospheric concentrations of
PCBs have remained approximately constant during the past decade.
A number of reports have identified some geographical areas of concern. These include estuaries (e.g. Seine,
Rhone, Ebro, Po and Nile), coastal enclosures (e.g. Izmit and Iskenderun Bays, Venice Lagoon, etc.) coastal
areas (e.g. NW Mediterranean and Northern Adriatic), inland waters (e.g. Po, Ebro, Seine, Kupa and Lepenica
rivers) and dumpsites (e.g. Durres, Skopje, Alger, Mustaganem, etc.). Apart from areas of intense local
contamination, compounds of regional concern are PCBs, DDT, HCHs, PAHs, HCB and TBTs. Other
compounds e.g., phthalates, alkylphenols, PBDE/PBBs are suspected to be ubiquitous but data are lacking.
Comprehensive studies have been conducted in a limited number of cases, e.g. in the NW Mediterranean, in the
Adriatic coast, including the Venice Lagoon, or in the area affected by the Balkans war. Some of these case
studies are described for illustrating the approaches followed to assess the sources and fate of PTSs.
viii

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Based on the limited data available, it is unlikely that present levels of chlorinated pesticides would adversely
affect marine and continental higher organisms. Laboratory studies have shown bird species to be susceptible to
exposure to PTSs displaying decreased egg production, embryotoxicity and thickness of the egg shell, but field
evidence in the Region is very limited. However, the combination of chemical and biological methods has
provided early identification and response to some emerging problems. For example, Imposex has been
observed in gastropods from many coastal areas and attributed to the presence of TBT. A range of symptoms,
e.g. endocrine disruption, is shown by fish exposed to PTSs in some Spanish and Italian rivers. Finally,
exposure of marine mammals to certain PTSs has been demonstrated. The levels of organochlorine compounds
were higher than those found in animals showing reproductive failure and physiological impairment following
prolonged PCB exposure, suggesting that this contamination may be a major causative factor for the large-scale
deaths of dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea, although this relationship is not conclusive.
The cases reported above, as an example of a presumably widespread and not yet fully characterised
environmental contamination by PTSs, strongly indicate the need to activate monitoring programs of the
general population. In fact, while the exposure of the population living in contaminated areas and in their
surroundings has not been fully characterised, and data on levels in human tissues are not available, the ability
of PTSs to enter the food chains and to biomagnify along them makes the hypothesis of a high human exposure
to these compounds highly plausible, and the correlated damage for health worthwhile to be explored.
In spite of this "weight of evidence" data on human health effects in the Region show a substantial paucity. A
common bias of most gathered data, basically including breast milk, adipose tissue and blood, is their lack of
representativeness, since the generally small size of population sampled does not allow an extrapolation to the
general population. Moreover, data comparability, even on a country basis, is in most cases affected by a
number of variables inherent to the study design (individual vs/pooled samples, characteristics of the sampled
groups) and to intrinsic factors (type oh human specimen, analytical procedure, time of the study).
Data on banned pesticides in human tissues mostly dates back to the 80's, with the exception of DDT, which is
largely found in the form of the DDE metabolite. Levels in adipose tissue were in the last decade, in Spanish
and Italian populations, in the range of 3.7-6.3 µg/g fat. In general, in the case of DDT, PCBs and PCDD/Fs, for
which quite large data sets are available, a temporal trend may be observed for the general population that
shows a consistent decrease of the human body burden over the last two decades due to regulations applied in
the eighties.
Since diet accounts for up to 95% of human exposure to PTSs, data on the presence of PTSs in various
foodstuffs or in the "total diet" of a country are of primary importance to characterise the actual levels of
exposure of the general population. "Estimated Daily Intake" (EDI) are available, at present, only for a small
number of compounds/countries, representing a valuable indication of specific "local" situations rather than
allowing an adequate risk assessment for the whole Region.
A major step towards the filling of the existing data gaps in the Region will be the activation of monitoring
programs at three levels:
· Analysis of abiotic samples or sentinel species to identify hot spots and transport pathways. Monitoring
activities should be established in the corresponding countries to fill the geographical data gaps, and
ensuring the continuation of existing time trend series. Regional surveys of emerging PTSs and compounds
actually on the market (e.g., PBDE, triclosan,...) or those difficult to analyse (e.g., PCDD/Fs) should be
particularly envisaged.
· Analysis of food to evaluate the general exposure of the population and to detect abnormal increases due to
different cases of contamination. Monitoring design should allow the assessment of any correlation of PTSs
body-burden with factors as age and gender groups, dietary habits, occupation and education. In this
context, total diet studies taking into account regional habits are of primary interest.
· Analysis of human tissues (blood, milk) for human body burdens estimation and risk evaluation. Human
tissues are also exposure sources for developing bodies. Although this kind of assessment poses a series of
technical and ethical problems, monitoring of human tissues provides the best information on human
exposure to PTSs. The data obtained should also allow the validation of exposure models.
A closer relationship between monitoring and modelling should, finally, be encouraged for improving the
estimates of the fate and effects of emissions and pools of existing PTSs.


ix

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iii. Transport
pathways
Presumably the atmospheric and the aquatic compartments play the major role in the transboundary transport of
PTSs. Although the knowledge of the water circulation in the Mediterranean Sea and of the regional
meteorology is well established, only recently a series of studies have been intended to document processes that
connect the general circulation at the Basin level to pollution episodes. However, there is still a lack of broad
scale information and baseline values of PTSs to be able to determine the significance of the major transport
pathways. In general, it is difficult to assess what source(s) are controlling environmental levels and whether
they can be further controlled or affected by long range transport processes.
The physiographic characteristics of the Mediterranean Region and the prevailing climatic conditions have as a
result the development of a complicated atmospheric flow pattern. Its main features are the strong northern
component, particularly pronounced during the warm period of the year. This is due to differential heating
between the land of North Africa (almost bare soil), the Mediterranean waters and the land of South Europe
(with mixed-type vegetation cover). On the other hand, a second path of transport has been identified from
Western towards the Eastern Mediterranean with a stronger component during the cold period of the year.
Based on meteorological modelling, transcontinental scale transport of air pollutants between Europe, Asia and
Africa is apparent, the Europe to Africa direction prevailing over the others, and the warm period of the year
being the most effective. Air masses from Europe reach the mid-tropospheric layers of the Equatorial Zone
within a time period of 3-4 days. These processes are further complicated by the appearance of desert dust
particles, the role of which on the environmental fate of PTSs is unknown. Moreover, there are indications of a
massive upward transport of various aged pollutants in the coastal zones which may also involve the cycling of
PTSs, although this aspect has not yet been investigated. Some locations of the Mediterranean Region act as
"temporal reservoirs" where air pollutants are "stored", and "aged enough" before they are re-advected again
(e.g. Black Sea, Western Mediterranean).
Modelling of long range transport of PTSs (e.g. PCBs, HCB, lindane and B[a]P) has been developed by the
MSC-East Centre, from EMEP data, and deposition values have been estimated. The Mediterranean Sea,
particularly the Western basin and the Northern Adriatic, may be sinks for PTSs. However, the weak data
coverage of the southern part of the Region does not allow a precise assessment of sources and receptors in the
whole Region.
Several riverine and wastewater discharges from highly industrialised and populated cities have been identified
as coastal "hot spots" and also potential PTSs sources for transboundary transport. However, beyond the zone
of influence of these discharges, concentrations drop rapidly reflecting the enhanced sedimentation processes,
which take place at the freshwater-seawater interface. In spite of this, currents may transport the finest particles
and the dissolved species to long distances, and signatures are found in remote sediments and biota. Recent
studies indicate that most PTSs coming from rivers are linked with flooding with suspended solids. The
characteristic variations of the water regimes of Mediterranean rivers and the lack of long temporal series
render it difficult to evaluate the impact of these discharges.
Finally, the assessment of long-range transport of PTSs using biological indicators deserves consideration.
Accumulation of PTSs in biota is a well known process, and it will continue for a long time as a result of the
environmental redistribution pathways after a substance has been banned. Indicator species can be identified
and monitored for temporal trends assessment. In this respect, the following have been used tentatively in the
Region: terrestrial vegetation, as an important receptor of long range transported PTSs, fish inhabiting remote
places like alpine lakes and the deep sea, and eggs from sea birds, which constitute large colonies widely
distributed in the Region.
iv.
Management and capacity building
Monitoring of PTSs in the Region is heterogeneous at the National level, ranging from systematic monitoring
networks in France to non-existing for many of the Southern and South-eastern countries. As a consequence,
and with some exceptions, no comprehensive information exists on obsolete stocks of pesticides or on polluted
or contaminated sites (hot spots). Capacity building plans are required to actively manage the generation of data
for improving emission inventories and risk assessment studies.
Although the EU members and the associated countries have made an effort to harmonise the monitoring
programs the degree of implementation is varying. MEDPOL is a good example of Regional collaboration in
monitoring programmes, but its efficiency is weakened by the lack of commitment of some participant
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countries. MEDPOL has also played a key role in developing quality criteria standards throughout the Region
and it is a good example of a capacity building programme.
The regulatory status of the Region mimics the socio-economic and political structure. The European countries
have more effective national environmental regulations and capabilities to undertake monitoring and
enforcement activities for PTSs. These countries exhibit several positive signs of high compliance of
substantive obligations through their commitments to EU directives. Other Mediterranean countries exhibit low
commitments to relevant national and regional regulations even though they have developed a comprehensive
national legal and institutional framework for the implementation of these regulations. Furthermore, as most of
these countries have ratified only few of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements, they are not required to
submit reports on several important parameters. As such, information about compliance of substantive
obligations remains scarce and, where it exists, quite uneven in coverage and quality.
The control and management of PTSs at national level is quite dispersed among various authorities, depending
on the PTSs type. Pesticides are usually regulated by the corresponding Agricultural Ministries, through a
system of national registration. Industrial PTSs are usually left as a legacy to the new-born Environmental
Ministries. The levels and effects of PTSs in biota are either the responsibility of the Environmental or
Agricultural (Veterinary) Ministries. Finally, PTSs control and regulation in foodstuff is always the
responsibility of the corresponding Health Authorities.
There are few examples of alternatives to the use of PTSs compounds in the Region, but since most of them
have been gradually banned, there is a positive reduction of the cycling of these substances in the
Mediterranean Region. The main alternatives to PTSs in the Region are connected to the replacement and
reduction of the intensive use of pesticides. This requires quite a substantial educational effort to promote
Sustainable Pest Control strategies.
There is a clear need to promote technology dissemination and transfer and one of the objectives should be to
make information available in the languages of the Region, including the non-European. Measures for PTSs
reduction in the industrial processes through cleaner production should be one of the targets. The Regional
Activity Centres for Cleaner Production could play an important role in this context.
In terms of the specific needs for Regional Co-operation, the main requirements identified are the following: to
develop institutional capacity building in individual countries; to introduce in national environmental
regulations the obligation to declare possession and/or use of dangerous substances, which cause emissions and
transfers; to control and reduce the wastes at source; to promote non-polluting technologies; and to develop
containment facilities before disposal, in particular for pesticides and PCBs.
Mere formal State ratification of international agreements is not sufficient for effectively combating PTSs
environmental and human health problems. For that to happen, countries need to go one step further and initiate
actual domestic implementation and policy changes. Regarding the future actions, the most pressing ones are:
·
The need for more comprehensive capacity building efforts in the Region, referred to all efforts and
strategies to increase the ability to and effectiveness of government performance.
·
The continued support and development of the on going national monitoring programmes and their co-
ordination through the existing regional monitoring programmes.
·
The improvement of the co-ordinated management efforts, technology transfer and international
collaboration for handling stockpiles of PCBs and obsolete pesticides.
·
The necessary integration of the diverse contamination issues at different educational levels in order to
raise the general environmental and scientific literacy and promoting public awareness including the
collective attitude towards municipal and industrial waste management.
·
The development of national and international economic instruments to support the financial requirements
for the proper management of PTSs. Strengthening existing regulations and implementation of
international commitments invariably draw financial resources. Financing these activities constitutes
continued challenges, particularly for the less developed countries.
In conclusion, it is necessary to develop an overall strategy for regional governance of PTSs. This should
include explicit reporting procedures based on voluntary and binding agreements to report on a regular basis
about emission estimates, levels, monitoring methods and activities, and control strategies planed and in force.
Such a framework will provide the basis for improving the consistency and the coverage of available
information and a possible mechanism to assess and improve compliance.

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 DEFINITION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION
1.1.1 Geographical and political boundaries
The Mediterranean Region is a complex geographic, climatic, hydrological, ecological, cultural and socio-
political set-up based around the Mediterranean Sea basin. The Mediterranean Sea has been historically a
means of spreading of a large variety of cultures. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Catalans, Turks
and British, just to mention a few, have displayed the control of the trading and military activities and, to some
extent, the political life around the Mediterranean Region. The three major monotheist religions, Christian,
Muslim and Jewish, were born there. The sea has never been a difficulty for communications and, on the
contrary, the Mediterranean Sea has allowed close ties to be laid down since remote times among the various
nations and alternating periods of war and peace have configured present political divisions and alliances. As
the cradle of many civilisations, the region has played during the last millennia a pre-eminent role in the
development of human kind.
Located in the mid-latitudes half way between the subtropical and the temperate zones surrounded by large
continents (Eurasia, Africa), it has climatic and ecological characteristics typical of these latitudes, partly
maritime and partly continental. The countries included in this Region for the purpose of the present project are
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan,
Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, San Marino, FR Yugoslavia
(Serbia and Montenegro), Slovenia, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, Tunisia and Turkey (Figure 1.1).




Figure 1.1. Map of the region

1.2 PHYSICAL
SETTING
1.2.1 Climate and meteorology
The climate of the Mediterranean Region has been used as a model for many other regions around the world
(California, South Africa, Australia, etc.). In simple terms, it may be characterised by mild wet winters and hot
dry summers. Air temperature differences are generally limited to about 15ºC, although local meteorological
factors can result in exceptional conditions. Winter rainfall accounts for more than 90% of the total
precipitation. In much of the region summer rainfall is practically zero. This strong summer-winter rainfall
contrast is associated with a pronounced seasonal cycle in almost all climate variables.
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The seasonal cycle proceeds as follows: July, August and September are characterised by warm, dry conditions
associated with a strong high-pressure ridge which pushes eastwards from the Azores over the Mediterranean
the subtropical highs. The axis of this ridge is displaced southward over Egypt by a trough extending from the
Persian Gulf area to the Northwest towards Greece, associated with the Indian summer monsoon depression.
The rainy season begins in mid-October and is associated with a change in the mean-wave pattern of the upper
westerlies characterised by a trough over Europe (whose position is highly variable). Winter is characterised by
cyclonic disturbances and low mean pressure in the Mediterranean with higher pressure to the east associated
with the Siberian High. In March, April and May, as the main features of the upper flow (jet streams, air mass
discontinuities) begin to move northward from their southernmost winter positions, the rainy season continues.
By May, the polar front and associated strong upper-air westerly flow is sufficiently far north that its influence
is removed, and the subtropical highs and associated ridges once more exert their influence.
The rate of precipitation varies considerably from place to place and from year to year. There is a general
decrease in yearly rainfall from west to east and from north to south. Rainfall varies from more than 1500 mm
yr-1 along the western part of the Balkan peninsula and over mountain ranges in Europe to less than 100 mm yr-
1 in the interior highlands of northern Africa and western Asia, as well as some islands of both the eastern and
western basins. Precipitation, mainly associated with cyclonic disturbances, is strongly influenced by local
mountain effects.
Mediterranean depressions originate in the western, central and eastern regions within the basin. Their
formation is partly determined by transitory excursions of the polar front jet and the European trough modified
by the land-sea temperature contrast which favours cyclogenesis over the warm Mediterranean Sea. Their
movement is not well understood. In the western Mediterranean depressions are frequently "steered" by the
temperature contrast which results from colder continental air moving over the warmer sea particularly strong
in spring. Roughly half of the central basin depressions are routed over the Black Sea, and there is some
evidence of steering by the upper flow along the axis of the subtropical jet. Eastern basin depressions are often
associated with cold northerly airflow and lee cyclogenesis. These relationships provide a link between the
local rain-producing pressure systems and larger-scale aspects of the general circulation over Europe. These
depressions have also been a subject of major concern from the standpoint of their implication in the long range
atmospheric transport of pollutants from central Europe to the region (see sect. 4.1).
Apart from the classic body of knowledge on meteorology in the Mediterranean Basin, a series of recent studies
have documented previously unknown atmospheric processes that connect the atmospheric circulations at the
Basin level to air pollution episodes (see sect. 1.4.2). These studies have shown the importance of feedback
mechanisms in this region; for example, they have documented the relation between soil properties and
atmospheric circulation patterns, and between sea temperatures and torrential rains in the area. However,
because of the fact that much of this data is being processed at present and that research programmes adapted to
the conditions of this region are still incomplete, it is not yet possible to substitute the long-accepted knowledge
system with a new and consistent one.
1.2.2 Physiography

The region is formed by coastal and in-land areas draining into or connected with the Atlantic and the
Mediterranean Seas, and limited by the existence of important mountain ranges:
· Coastal ranges in northern and eastern Iberian Peninsula,
· Massif Central and Alps in western and central Europe,
· Dinaric Alps and other mountain ranges on the western and southern Balkan Peninsula,
· Taurus Mountain range in the Anatolian peninsula,
· Lebanese mountains in the Middle East and
· Coastal ranges all along the North African continent
The broken geomorphology of the Basin ensures relatively rapid riverine run-off. Except for some of the rivers
whose basins deeply penetrate in the European (e.g. Rhone and Po) and African (Nile) continents, most of the
rivers of the region draining into the sea are relatively short and highly seasonal in discharge rates. These small
drainage basins have defined a rather narrow littoral zone and, until relatively recently, a certain isolation
ingrained in the culture of coastal populations. Very often one single cultivated species, the olive tree, may be
sufficient to delimitate the Mediterranean climatic/ecological region.
1.2.2.1 The
landscape
In recent years, efficient farming and growing urbanisation in the north has led to increased abandonment of
farmland and rangeland and the corresponding advance of forests. This contrasts strongly in the south and east

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where marginal areas, such as arid steppes and rangelands, are being cleared for grain production.
Unfortunately, the lack of rain and continually flowing rivers has restricted the use of irrigation. Given the
trends of the past 40 years, in the near future virtually all tillable land in the southern and eastern part of the
Mediterranean basin will be cultivated for cereal production, even though the risk will be high and yields low.
Currently, forested areas in the Mediterranean countries cover 74 million ha (FAO, 2001). Over 2/3 of the total
area and near 90% of the standing wood biomass are in the northern countries of the Basin, while about 10
million ha are in southern or eastern countries. Trends in forest conservation and use are very different in the
Northern and in the Southern and Eastern borders, due mainly from different socio-economic dynamics. In the
north, the countries with a larger proportion of forest areas are largely under temperate or Atlantic, non-
Mediterranean climates. In the less productive, steepest or arid rural areas of these Northern Basin countries, a
number of traditional activities have been abandoned, including crops and grasslands and many forests are
mismanaged, due to low economic returns. Forests are invading old crops, and biomass increases within the
forests, and so does fire propagation risk.
In Southern and Eastern areas, biomass is overexploited for fuel and wood, and overgrazing is frequent. Wild
fires are rare, but forest area decreases at an annual rate of 1.1%, higher than the average in tropical countries
(0.8%). These forests are also the most sensitive to climate change. In the slopes of degraded forest areas, there
is a high erosion risk. Therefore, as a result of very different processes, for the entire Mediterranean countries,
sensitive areas, mainly those that have less than 600 mm of average annual rainfall, are jeopardised by a serious
desertification risk. Longer and deeper summer droughts, higher temperatures and the impairment in annual
water balance (lowering soil moisture) may also favour changes in the dominant species and landscapes
(Lavorel et al., 1998).
Wild fires may become a driver of future changes in landscape in the Mediterranean region. A fast increase in
the number of days with a high meteorological fire-risk hazard has been observed due to the evolution of
climate during the last decades. This has to be added to the increase of fire-risk human activities in the forest
areas or in their neighbourhoods (traffic, industry, waste disposal, etc.). Not surprisingly, the records of the
number of fires ignited show a continuous increase and the costs of current fire suppression policy increase as
well. It is estimated that, on average, 500000 ha of the 35 million combustible hectares in Mediterranean
Europe are burned each year, a figure that might well rise with the risks of climate change. These large fires are
short catastrophic events, with serious socio-economic consequences and severe damage to living resources and
to bio-diversity in the entire region. The forest fires are also considered as sources of a number of PTSs.
1.2.3 Marine
environment
The Mediterranean Sea is a central compartment of the region and their characteristics and functioning are
crucial for a proper description of the Region. It also plays a key role in the accumulation, diffusion and impact
of pollutants in the region.
1.2.3.1 Geomorphology
The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed basin that extends for 3800 km in an East to West direction and for
800 km North to South in the widest sections, although almost half of its surface is within 100 Km far from a
coast. It covers an area of 2.5 million km2 and contains a volume of 3.7 million km3 of water. The average
depth of the basin is thus 1500 m. Depths over 4000 m are common and the maximum depth is 5121 m
(Margalef, 1985).
The Mediterranean Sea is connected to:
· the Atlantic Ocean through the strait of Gibraltar (290 meters deep and 15 Km wide);
· the Black Sea through the straits of the Dardanelles (with a depth of 55 meters and a width from
450 meters to 7.4 Km), the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus;
· the Red Sea through the Suez Canal (12 meters deep and 1.2 Km wide).
The Mediterranean Sea is formed of various interconnecting but nearly autonomous basins. In the Western
Mediterranean, the Alboran, Balearic, Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas can be identified though only bottom
topography, hydrographic or even historical boundaries separate one from the other. In the Eastern
Mediterranean, the Aegean and the Adriatic Seas are clearly separated from the rest of the basin while no real
separations exist between the Ionian and Levantine Seas.
The Mediterranean sea-land interface, characterised by a relatively narrow continental shelf in most areas and a
lack of tides, is very narrow but intensely utilised. The surface covered by the continental shelf is about 20% of
the western basin and 22% of the eastern basin (80% of the Adriatic Sea can be classified as continental shelf).
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Thus, the shelf usually extends for a few kilometres except in areas of the central and western basins and in the
upper Adriatic Sea. The continental slope is steep dropping rapidly into submarine valleys and canyons that
lead into deep basins. This is particularly true in the eastern basin where the continental shelf is not continuous
but dissected by its complex topography.
The circulation and characteristics of the Mediterranean water masses are strongly affected by the complex
physical feature of the Mediterranean Sea floor, originating from the existence of various tectonic entities to
which the surrounding land masses and islands pertain. Knowledge of this complex topography is necessary for
an understanding of the overall ecological view of the region (UNEP, 1977).
1.2.3.2 Hydrology
The Mediterranean Sea receives from rivers a contribution of about 15000 m3 s-1 of which the 92% is coming
from the northern bank. The total size of the catchment areas of the rivers draining into the Mediterranean Sea
is about 4 million km2. The continental runoff estimated in the framework of the MEDPOL project (UNEP
1984) gave a value for total runoff of about 14000 m3/s. There is a large imbalance between runoff from the
northern shore, draining 92 % of the water that flows into the Mediterranean Sea and the southern shore,
draining only the remaining 8 %. This difference arises mainly from differences in yearly precipitation since
the size of the areas drained is quite similar. The area of the Mediterranean that receives the largest input
through river runoff is the Adriatic Sea, followed by the Northwest Mediterranean, receiving between nearly 70
% of all the river discharges. These two areas are followed by the Aegean, the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Seas
(20 %). The North African coast, including runoff from the Nile, receives less than 10 %.
The water budget for the entire Mediterranean basin is negative. The high evaporation rates caused by the
strong heating of the surface water, and the dryness of the continental winds blowing across the basin from
neighbouring continental masses outweigh the weak rates of precipitation and river runoff. The amount by
which evaporation exceeds precipitation plus runoff is approximately 50000 to 70000 m3/s. To account for the
observed conditions of water and salt mass balance, approximately 20 times this amount of water must flow in
from the North Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar, and consequently an almost equal amount of
Mediterranean water has to flow out (Lacombe and Tchernia, 1974).
The most significant hydrological process occurring within the Mediterranean basin is the increase in salinity in
the water as it follows a circuit from the incoming surface Atlantic Ocean to the outgoing intermediate and deep
waters. During a mean residence time of approximately 75 to 100 years, almost all the substances dissolved in
the former Atlantic water undergo an increase in concentration of about 4.7 % before they flow back at depth
into the Atlantic Ocean at the Straits of Gibraltar. The relatively higher salinity allows the Mediterranean
waters to be traced as far as the subequatorial Atlantic.
Incoming Atlantic surface water, with salinity only slightly above 36 psu is transformed into outgoing
intermediate Mediterranean water, with salinity of 38.4 psu and above. The process by which the incoming
surface North Atlantic water is transformed into the outgoing Mediterranean water requires large horizontal
movements covering the entire basin and the general net gain in density generates unusual vertical movements
seldom found in other regions of the world's oceans. The water circulation contains also strong vertical
components determining the salinity distribution and proceeding to a vertical mixing up of dissolved nutritive
and contaminating substances. Changes in salinity of subsurface and deep waters range from 38.35 psu to 39.10
psu (Miller and Stanley, 1965). The Mediterranean tides are of low interest, while the energy associated to such
phenomena is sometimes meaningful.
The temperature of the surface Mediterranean water is subject to strong seasonal changes that affect the upper
layers down to about 50 to 75 m deep. Sea surface temperatures range between 12 and 29ºC the lowest being in
winter in the Northwest basin and in the North Adriatic Sea and the highest in summer in the Northeast Levant
Sea. The temperature of the intermediate waters (below the warm surface layer), characterised by an
outstanding homogeneity, is about 13ºC in the Western Mediterranean while a wider range of variation,
between 13 and 16ºC, occurs in the Eastern Mediterranean. The deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea have an
average temperature fluctuating between 12.5°C and 13.5°C in the western basin and between 13.5°C and
15°C in the eastern one, while the salinity varies from 38.4 psu to 39 psu. The water exchange time is of about
80 years and this parameter constitutes a very important value for the anthropogenic phenomena that condition
its physical-chemical features on a local scale.

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1.3 PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT
1.3.1 Urban and non-urban centres
The Mediterranean population has always been constrained in its physical settling by its mountainous
physiography, except for a few major river basins. Therefore, urbanisation has been particularly growing along
the coastal strip, to accommodate both permanent and temporal population, with the result of a substantial
modification of the coast itself and adverse effects on the quality of the environment.
Mediterranean-rim countries presently hold 447 million people, mainly concentrated in the coastal areas and in
the north-western part. In 1985, the 18 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea had a combined population
of 352 million people of which 37 % lived directly in the coastal zone, meaning that population densities range
from greater than 1000/km2 in the Nile Delta to less than 20/km2 along coastal Libya. According to some
projections, the population in the Mediterranean is expected to reach 545 million in 2025 (Grenon and Batisse,
1989). Increasingly, the population will urbanise: at present 63% of the population was urban, whereas by 2025
it is expected to be 75% urban. Countries like Israel, Lebanon and Libya are already much over this figure.
Therefore, the economic and environmental burden on cities therefore will increase substantially, whichever
type of development is pursued.
Population growth, however, shows major differences between north and south. The European countries have
nearly stable populations, with annual growth rates often less than 1%. In contrast, population growth in
southern countries ranges from 2 to 3% per year (UNDP, 2002). Thus, the population of the northern-rim
nations will grow from 192 million in 2000 to 196 million in 2025, whereas the population of the southern- and
eastern-rim nations will grow from 235 million to 327 million. As a result, the population in the coming years
will increase and become younger in the south. With this shift, problems in education and job-creation will
become critical in southern Mediterranean countries.
Finally, it should be pointed out that because of both climate and historical/archaeological significance, the
Mediterranean continues to be the greatest tourist destination in the entire world. Concurrently, tourism is the
greatest consumer/user of the Mediterranean coast. In 1984, for example, there were about 100 million tourists
in coastal areas, whereas the number could rise to 200 ­ 340 million by the year 2025 (Grenon and Batisse,
1989). Such a growth will mean an increasing demand for coastal space as well as such commodities as electric
power and water. Furthermore, the impact on certain habitats (particularly sandy beaches and dunes) will also
increase. However, the economic importance of tourism for the Mediterranean is such that no riparian countries
can do without this sector.
1.3.2 Industrial
activity
The industrial structure in the region is likewise heterogeneous in terms of sectors and size of enterprises. The
sector stretches from extraction activities, iron and steel, cement works and petrochemicals to agriculture
activities, leather, paper and agribusiness. Taking into consideration the world's most important raw materials,
the Mediterranean countries production of mercury (Spain), phosphates (Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan),
chromite (Turkey), lead, salt, bauxite (Bosnia, Croatia, France, Greece, Slovenia and FR Yugoslavia) and zinc
(Spain and Morocco) is higher than the world average. Steel manufacturing is concentrated in the north
whereas oil and gas production is limited to the south, representing a production capacity of 4.55 million
barrels/day.
The North-western part of the region is highly industrialised, receiving multiple sources of pollution through
continental runoff, sewage sludge disposal, river inputs (Po, Rhone, Seine and Ebro) and atmospheric transport.
However, as a result of oil-refining and transportation, the South Mediterranean countries are also highly
polluting their coastal environments. In terms of added value in the manufacturing industries, which are much
more important than the extractive industries, France and Italy together account for 72%, followed by Spain
(15%), FR Yugoslavia and Turkey (3.6% each), and the rest (6%), out of a total of almost 600 billion dollars.
At 7.3% of the world population, the region contributed 16% of the world production.
Looking at the industrial activities from the standpoint of the relative importance of export-import production,
one can distinguish three groups of countries:
· Countries specialised in some export products, like oil and gas, the rest being imported, such as
Algeria, Syria, Libya and Egypt, although the latter also produces some manufactured goods (e.g.
textiles, shoes, etc.)
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· Countries less specialised and with more diversified exports like Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, FR
Yugoslavia, Cyprus, Malta.
· Countries strongly diversified such as the EU Member States.
Industry frequently coexists with tourism along the coastal areas of the region, together with coastal
overpopulation and proximity to large cities. Industry is even frequently located within the actual urban nuclei.
All these factors, and this situation in general, mean that industrial activities are currently faced with
environmental constraints.
The Mediterranean Sea, being part of the Atlantic Ocean, is also in the origin of ultramarine activity. Ports like
Alexandria, Piraeus, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona have been the bases of much of the transatlantic trade as
some of the countries build their empires overseas. In modern times, the Straits of Gibraltar and the Sicilian
Channel have become some of the more frequented passages for commercial, leisure and military navigation.
The Dardanelle and the Bosphorous, joining the Black Sea to the rest of the world, are also an important
passageway for all kinds of shipping. Around 200000 commercial vessels ply the Mediterranean annually, a
large number visiting one of the 305 ports therein (approx. 1 port every 150 km of coastline).
1.3.3 Natural
resources
Mediterranean countries mostly lack natural resources. Nevertheless, important mining and oil/gas producing
activities exist. Libya, Algeria and Egypt are considered moderate-sized petroleum and gas producers. Morocco
is the world's third-largest producer of phosphate ores, Albania the third-largest producer of chromium and
Spain the second-largest producer of mercury.
Water resources are relatively plentiful in the north but scarce in the east and south. Forests have limited
economic significance, but are important for the preservation of soil as for recreation and landscape. Though
their surface is growing in the North due to abandonment of cropland, it is in clear regression in the South and
East. Average wood biomass in the European countries is 84 m3/ha, while in southern and eastern countries it is
approximately 18 m3/ha. A common problem existing all around the region is the high frequency of forest fires
reaching great magnitude in relation to their extension (see section 1.2.3).
Mediterranean agriculture is characterised by long-term misuse and over exploitation. In part, this is due to
generally poor soils, lack of rain and the increasing population pressure (particularly in the south). As a result,
the agriculture in the region is characterised by multi-faceted crops, mainly aimed to meet the food demand of
the resident population. In addition to more general crops such as cereals, typical Mediterranean products are
olives, citrus fruits, grapes and hard grain. The main livestock is sheep. Increasingly, irrigation is needed in the
south to maintain or increase crop production. While coastal regions tend to have little agricultural land, it often
is of high quality, particularly around delta areas. The percentage of the agriculture in the GDP of the region is
under 20%.
The Mediterranean Sea is highly oligotrophic, with primary productivity ranging from 50 to 150 mg C/m2/y,
with a net decrease towards the eastern basin. However, higher productivities are found both in shallow areas
supported by fluvial nutrient inputs and by upwelling induced by very active water circulation processes. The
Mediterranean Sea fish supply does not match the consumption of the local population. More than 50 % of fish
consumed in the region is originated in long-distance fisheries from all over the world ocean. Most demersal
fish stocks along the northern coasts of the Mediterranean are heavily fished and the introduction of regulatory
measures is necessary to maintain high levels of yield and catch. Pelagic fish stocks are also endangered.
Increasing coastal pollution may affect not only coastal fishing activities but also limit the extent to which
aquaculture may be developed.
1.3.4 Socio-economic indicators
The wide variation in political and economic systems as well as historic differences have led to great
discrepancies in the level of development between Mediterranean countries. The highly developed industrial
countries in the North (e.g. France, Italy and Spain) and countries on the way to become industrialised (e.g.
Greece and Turkey) stand in stark contrast to the countries in the south. For instance, in 2000, the Gross
National Product per Capita ranged from around 24000 USD in France and Italy to around 3500 USD in
Albania, Morocco or Egypt, although the annual growth rate during the 90's was in general slightly higher in
the latter countries (UNDP, 2002).

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The large spread between the northern-rim and the southern- and eastern-rim nations is also reflected in other
indicators such as, for example, the public expenditure on health and education, the life expectancy at birth and
the adult illiteracy rate. On the other hand, the northern countries are, in general, disbursing official
development assistance to third countries, not necessarily in the region, whereas those in the south are primarily
receivers.
These differences have significant implications for the establishment of environmental standards in the
countries of the Region because there is a clear relationship between GDP, expenditure in education and the
application of environmental control and environmental management. Countries that cannot satisfy the basic
needs of their citizens cannot afford to digress into environmental management systems and these are only
applied once a certain GDP threshold is attained.
This socio-economic context has also important consequences when addressing the potential technology
transfer issues. Proper technology transfer opportunities can be created by making emphasis on education,
social and environmental awareness and through the creation of long-term networks of scientific and technical
collaboration among the countries of the Region. At the same time, the opportunities created by the increased
internationalisation of the markets have to be monitored by the public administrations of the receiving
countries, as well as by the stakeholders, so that the environmental standards are kept throughout the process. It
is clear that the northern countries bear much of the responsibility of the actions taken, or not taken, today and
over the past two centuries that shape the present state and delineate the future.
Finally, consumers from the more developed countries play an important role in defining the ethical and
environmental standards for the goods they consume, which more and more are being grown and manufactured
in the less developed countries of the Region. Hence, this could also be a driving factor for environmental
progress.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
1.4.1 Existing
assessments
The Mediterranean region, embracing parts of two continents as diverse as Europe and Africa, has benefited of
the adoption by the bordering countries, in 1975, of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the
Mediterranean Sea. The initial focus of the Convention and of the associated Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)
was primarily on marine pollution. However, experience soon confirmed that poor management and planning
of development were the roots of most environmental problems. Therefore, focus of the action plan gradually
shifted from a sectorial approach to integrated coastal zone planning and management as the key tool through
which solutions can be attained. Thus, during the last 20 years the Unit responsible in Athens (Greece) for the
implementation of the Convention and its Protocols has carried out a series of activities aiming, on one hand, to
the improvement of knowledge on the sources and fate of pollutants in the marine environment, and on the
other, to the definition of strategic interventions under the provision of the Strategic Action Program (SAP)
which address a list of priority substances, including PTSs. More than 100 Technical Reports have been
produced to assess the state of the pollution by petroleum hydrocarbons, organohalogen, organotin and
organomercury compounds, carcinogenic substances, etc. as well as the biological effects of pollutants and the
identification of hot spots and sensitive areas, which constitute a valuable source of information and a
diagnostic tool. Actually, the MEDPOL data bank includes a large inventory related to chemical contaminants
in biota (over 15000 samples for 50000 analyses of heavy metals and halogenated hydrocarbons). Moreover,
two overviews "The State of the Marine and Coastal Environment in the Mediterranean Region", issued in
1989 and 1996, are of basic reference (UNEP, 1989 and 1996).
More recently, the European Environment Agency has published, with the co-operation of the UNEP/MAP
Unit, the monograph "State and pressures of the marine and coastal Mediterranean environment" (EEA, 1999),
following the DPSIR assessment framework (Driving forces/Pressures/State/Impacts/Response) developed by
EEA, and describes the various interactions between human activities and the environment.
On the other hand, in 1973 the European Commission (EC) began supporting research into the physico-
chemical processes which govern the dynamics of air pollutants in various regions of Europe, including the
Mediterranean region. A driving and particularly important issue at that time was to make sure that the models
affecting directives and important economic decisions were appropriate. Major aims of these projects (e.g.
MECAPIP, RECAPMA, SECAP and T-TRAPEM) were the characterisation of pollutants dispersion in
southern European regions and the issues of monitoring networks. Later, in early 90's, started to launch within
7

---

their Framework R+D Programmes, targeted actions on the Mediterranean that besides a major emphasis on
oceanographic research (e.g. MAST initiatives) also included the scientific assessment of environmental
pollution. Projects on biogeochemical processes of pollutants in the coastal zones (EROS 2000), the assessment
of antifouling agents (ACE), bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in small cetaceans (BIOCET),
biological effects of marine pollution (BIOMAR and BEEP), or atmospheric deposition and impact of
pollutants on the open Mediterranean (ADIOS) are some examples of the initiatives funded, which have
contributed to transfer up-to-date methodologies and to develop advanced studies in the region. As a result,
environmental information on PTSs in the region has been significantly improved during the last 10 years, and
can be found in the open literature.
Moreover, co-operation has been extended to southern bordering countries through the Avicenne Initiative
(1993-97), INCO-DC (1997-2001), MATER (1996-2000) and FP5 (1999-2002), covering areas of action such
as organic pollutants and their effects on the environment and the evaluation of risks to human health. The
participation of North African countries has been, however, very limited.
Finally, there are a number of international initiatives which pay also attention to environmental problems of
PTSs and concern some particular countries in the region. Among these are the Convention on Long-Range
Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) under the auspices of the UN Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE), the Basel Convention that regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, which may
include PTSs, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the recently adopted Stockholm Convention on persistent
organic pollutants. On the other hand, a number of regional organisations have already conducted assessments
of persistent toxic substances. Where they exist, the present project will rely on these assessments which
include, for example, the work accomplished in the European Union through the Dangerous Substances
Directive and the Quality Status of the North East Atlantic completed by the Oslo and Paris Commission
(OSPAR).
In this respect, the countries also facing the Atlantic Ocean, namely Portugal, Spain and France, are members
of OSPAR. The general objective of OSPAR is to prevent and eliminate pollution of the maritime area of the
Convention and to ensure that the ecosystems of the maritime area are in a sustainable, sound and healthy
condition and that human health is protected. In 1998 and 1999 the Commission adopted strategies for the
purposes of directing its work in the medium to long term in several areas, including the area of hazardous
substances. To this end, lists of priority pollutants including POPs have been compiled and updated from time
to time. Monitoring activities and risk assessment studies have been implemented together with a constructive
dialogue on the reduction of these substances with all parties concerned, including producers, manufacturers,
user groups, authorities and environmental NGOs.
Within the framework of the Co-operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-Range
Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP), a number of workshops on persistent organic compounds
have also been held, where series of measurements and atmospheric transport modelling of POPs over Europe
were recommended. POPs contamination has been assessed for countries which are entirely covered by EMEP
region: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Malta, Greece, Italy, Portugal, FR Yugoslavia
(Serbia and Montenegro), Slovenia, Spain, the FYR of Macedonia, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine, Tunisia,
Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Mediterranean Sea. Information on POPs contamination includes distribution
between environmental media, concentration and deposition fields, and contamination trends. Besides this,
preliminary results on transboundary transport of some PTSs and their depositions to individual sub-basins of
Mediterranean Sea have been obtained (see section 4.1).
All these activities have produced information relevant for the Project, which represents the higher effort
carried out to date for a global assessment of PTSs.
1.4.2 Selection of PTSs of concern in the Region
The compounds of priority consideration were the twelve POPs included in the Stockholm convention. They
are classified into three groups, pesticides (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor,
hexachlorobenzene, mirex and toxaphene), industrial compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls) and unintended
by-products (dioxins and furans), although one compound, hexachlorobenzene, belongs to all three.
The UNEP assessment allows as well for adjustments to the list of chemicals to be reported in the regional
reports, based on regional priorities and data available. In the case of the Mediterranean region, other
organohalogen compounds were also included, namely lindane, chlorophenols, and PBBs and PBDEs, as well

8

---

as organometallic compounds (organomercury and organotin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
phthalates and alkylphenols.
The description of all these PTSs, regarding their main properties, uses, and environmental behaviour and
toxicity, are summarised in Annex II.
1.4.3 Literature
survey
As background material for the assessment a literature survey was used, performed for the candidate substances
and the countries involved in the study, and covering the years 1980-2001. The survey provided 2331
references, which were organised in a database Manager programme for an easy retrieving. Among these
references, 70 were reviews about different topics on PTSs in the region.
The analysis of the regional database (Table 1.1) showed that among the twelve POPs included in the
Stockholm Convention, PCB, DDT and dioxins and furans were those PTSs accumulating the higher number of
references. A preliminary search about other PTSs candidates seemed to indicate the interest of including in the
assessment compounds such as PAHs, HCH (lindane), organomercury and organotins, phthalates, alkylphenols
and brominated flame retardants.
Table 1.1. Literature survey (1980-2001)

Aldrin Dieldrin Endrin Chlordane Heptachlor DDT Toxaphene Mirex HCB PCBs PCDD/F
Albania
0 1 0 0
0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Algeria
0 1 0 0
0 3 0 0 1 1 0
Andorra
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bosnia-H.
2 2 1 0
2 2 0 0 0 1 0
Croatia
5 9 3 0
7 34 0 0
12
35 7
Cyprus
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Egypt
29 30 31 14
18 71 3 3 18 27 4
France
7 15 1 1
14 49 0 0 17
98 28
Greece
9 15 8 1
14 31 0 0 7 28 9
Israel
2 3 0 0
5 15 0 0 3
12 4
Italy
18 19 9 1
25 146 0 0 59
206 194
Jordan
6 6 5 1
6 8 0 0 4 3 0
Lebanon
0 0 0 0
0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Libyan A.J.
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 1 0
FYR
Macedonia
1 3 2 0
3 4 0 0 0 0 0
Malta
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Monaco
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 1
10 0
Morocco
3 3 2 0
2 2 0 0 3 1 0
Palestine
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 1 4
Portugal
4 4 2 0
2 10 0 0 2
13 10
San Marino
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Slovenia
0 2 0 0
2 4 0 0 1
16 0
Spain
40 48 28 9
46 135 2 1 70
161 96
Syrian A.R.
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Tunisia
0 1 0 0
1 6 0 0 4 1 0
Turkey
16 14 9 4
13 29 0 0 15 9 0
FR
Yugoslavia
9 9 3 3 10 35 2 0 9
31 5
Total
167
203
104
56
168
614
7
5
227
686
365

9

---

Table 1.1. Literature survey (1980-2001) (cont.)
PBB/
Alkyl Organo- Organo- Organo-
Total
Lindane PCP
PAHs Phthalates


PBDE
phenols
tin
mercury
lead
countries
Albania
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

3
Algeria
3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

9
Andorra
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0
Bosnia-H.
2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

6
Croatia
24 2 0 15 1
4 0 1 2

85
Cyprus
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

3
Egypt
57 2 0 8 12 0 1 0 2

137
France
59 5 0 93 7
2 15 1 6

320
Greece
33 0 0 30 1
0 1 0 1

122
Israel
8 1 0 2 3 8 0 0 0

43
Italy
55 1 0 185 30 8 15 7 0

771
Jordan
6 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

18
Lebanon
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2
Libyan A.J.
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1
FYR
Macedonia
3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

7
Malta
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1
Monaco
2 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0

16
Morocco
3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

11
Palestine
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6
Portugal
3 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

47
San Marino
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0
Slovenia
4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

26
Spain
103 7 1 75 11 12 18 2
1

516
Syrian A.R.
0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

5
Tunisia
3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

11
Turkey
16 0 0 3 0
0 2 0 0

43
FR
Yugoslavia
29 0 0 14 2
0 0 0 0

83
Total
402
18
1
457
70
33
47
11
12

2331
Some temporal and geographical trends were identified and a compartment (air, water, sediment, soil/sludge,
human, animals, etc.) analysis was also completed.
The major outputs of the database were:
· The identification of regional experts on the different topics to be covered,
· Background information, complementary to that of the questionnaires, for the Regional Team
about sources, levels, health effects, etc.
The whole literature database is available as a Report Annex, in the website of the project:
www.chem.unep.ch/pts.
1.4.4 Other information sources
The materials presented in the Regional Workshops and the Priority Setting Meeting provided access to
valuable unpublished data, which have been collected in the website of the project.
The following international organisations, among others which are cited along the report, may also provide
information on several aspects dealt with in the report:

10

---

· Chemical
Safety
Information (http://www.inchem.org)
· Cleaner
Production
Centres
(http://www.cipn.es)
· European
Environment
Agency
(http://www.eea.eu.int)
· EU, Environment DG
(http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/index_en.htm)
· European Chemicals Bureau (http://ecb.ei.jrc.it)
· European Chemical Industry Council, CEFIC

(http://www.cefic.org)
· Euro Chlor, representing the Chlor-Alkali industry
(http://www.eurochlor.org)
· Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO

(http://www.fao.org)
· MSC-E
(EMEP)
(http://www.msceast.org)
· OSPAR
Convention (http://www.ospar.org)
· UNECE
(http://www.unece.org)
· UNEP/MAP (http://www.unepmap.org)
· World Health Organization, WHO


(http://www.who.int)
1.4.5 Overview of limitations and omissions
The activities undertaken in the project were not aimed to produce new data on PTSs but to assess the existing
ones on sources, environmental levels, transport pathways and effects, on the alternatives to their use and
remedial options, and to identify the barriers that prevent their good management. As a project of such broad
scope has never been carried out in the region, a major difficulty encountered was the identification and active
involvement of the different sectors. The responses were very different between members of the academic
community, the administration and the private sector. A potential source of contributions such as that of the
Focal points was also very irregular because some lack of members updating and the weakness of their
commitment for such an exercise.
The definition of the region as Mediterranean and the inclusion of some countries which do not border the sea
or also border other marine regions (e.g. the Atlantic) has introduced some difficulties in the treatment of the
information. In this respect, information was sometimes unexpectedly biased, and the presentation of the
regional pathways was not always coherent.
In spite these limitations and the short time available, the exercise was feasible on the basis of data and
information published in the open literature and collected through the activities developed within the Project,
particularly the Technical Workshops and the Priority Setting Meeting.
1.5 REFERENCES
EEA (1999). State and pressures of the marine and coastal Mediterranean environment, European Environment Agency,
Copenhagen, Denmark.
FAO (2001). Situation of the forests in the World, FAO, Rome, 175 pp
Grenon M. and M. Batisse, Eds. (1989). Future for the Mediterranean Basin: The Blue Plan. Oxford University Press,
Oxford, UK, 279 pp.
Lacombe, H. and P. Tchernia (1974). Hydrography of the Mediterranean. Consultation on the protection of living resources
and fisheries from pollution in the Mediterranean, FAO, Roma, 19-23 Febr. 1974. 12 pp.
Lavorel, S., J. Canadell, S. Rambal and J. Terradas (1998). Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystems: research priorities on
global change effects. Global Ecol. and Biogeogr. Letters, 7, 157-166.
Margalef R., Ed. (1985). A Natural History of the Mediterranean. Pergamon Press, Oxford, UK.
Miller, A.R. and R.J. Stanley (1965). Volumetric T/S diagrams for the Mediterranean Sea. Rapp. et Procès-verb. réunions
C.I.E.S.M. 18(3), 755-759.
UNDP (2002). Human Development Report, United Nations Development Programme, New York, USA, 293 pp.
UNEP (1977). Preliminary Report on the State of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. UNEP/IG.11/Inf. 4, Athens, 209 pp.
UNEP (1984). Pollution from land-based sources in the Mediterranean. UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies. UNEP,
Nairobi.
UNEP (1989). State of the Mediterranean Marine Environment, MAP Technical report Series No. 28, UNEP, Athens.
UNEP (1996). The State of the Marine and Coastal Environment in the Mediterranean Region, MAP Technical report
Series No. 100, UNEP, Athens, 142 pp.
11

---

2 SOURCE
CHARACTERISATION
For many Mediterranean countries no detailed information exists on the releases of PTSs from point sources
(industry and urban centres). In general, the local or national authorities do not routinely monitor most of the
PTSs considered. Therefore, no data sets are available for an adequate assessment. On the other hand, larger,
multinational companies often have information regarding the amount of PTSs used, produced and/or emitted
by their plants in the Mediterranean region. However, the predominant small and medium enterprises in the
area do not have either the means, or the required know-how to monitor PTSs.
The definition of sources for most PTSs has to take into consideration the fact that most of the concerned
compounds have been banned in the majority of the countries of the Region. Hence, the main sources will
consist on stockpiles and inventories due to former production and/or import, and more importantly the
compounds present in the main environmental vectors and reservoirs due to previous chronicle usage and in
accidental spills. The contribution from industrial production will only be important for those cases where some
restricted usage of the PTSs is allowed (i.e. DDT as precursor of Dicofol) and for the PTSs that are generated as
inadverted secondary products (i.e. PAHs and PCDDs from combustion).
2.1 PRODUCTION AND USE DATA FOR PERSISTENT PESTICIDES
An important effort was made in the first Regional Workshop on PTSs sources (Athens, 2002; Annex I.i), to
identify the main PTSs sources. For the pesticide compounds the following Table 2.1 was agreed upon. The
environmental vectors and reservoirs shown in bold are thought to be the main sources of pesticide PTSs in the
region.
Table 2.1. Main sources of chlorinated pesticides to the various environmental vectors and compartments.
Main vectors and reservoirs are shown in bold.

Air sources
Water sources
Soil sources
Sea
Agricultural run-
Agricultural usage
Agricultural
Stockpiles
off
Chlorinated
Spraying/Land
usage
Production
Major rivers
pesticides
application
Run-off
waste
and drains
Production
Production
Misuse
Atmospheric
deposition

This is in agreement with a previous overall study of the state of the Mediterranean Sea published by MEDPOL
in 1996 (UNEP, 1996). In this study it was found out that pesticide pollution in the sea mainly comes from
agricultural run-off and major rivers (see section 4.2.2). In particular, pesticide discharges are largely due to
soil erosion in the Mediterranean watershed. However, it was assessed that the contribution from agricultural
run-off within the coastal area was a fraction of the pollution loads carried by rivers into the sea. The air-borne
load of pesticides could not be included in the study due to the lack of data. Therefore, it was concluded that
rivers and drains carry most of the pesticide residues from agricultural areas in the Mediterranean watershed.
2.1.1 General situation in the Region
2.1.1.1 Production and use of chlorinated pesticides in the Region
Organochlorine pesticides have been largely used in the Region, but their production and usage is banned in the
majority of the countries of the region as a consequence of the application of the PIC protocols, with some
exceptions which will be discussed below. Aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, chlordane and HCHs are prohibited in
the EU for plant protection whereas for other applications a written authorisation for import is needed. Endrin
and mirex are not subjected to the PIC procedure although many countries have banned its use (PIC, 2002).
Specific exemptions have also been requested by Algeria (chlordane, DDT and heptachlor) and Morocco
(DDT) in the framework of the Stockholm Convention.
DDT is the only organochlorine pesticide that is still currently in production and use in the Region. In some
Mediterranean countries both in the north and south side some specific uses are still in practice. DDT is also an
intermediate in the production of dicofol and production for export still occurs for this purpose in Western

12

---

Europe. For example, Italy imported, in 1998, 1200 tonnes from Mexico to convert it totally in dicofol. At the
same time, a decline has been noted for amounts of DDT used for agriculture in developing countries.
In European countries of the region, till middle nineties, EniChemi Synthesis produced DDT at Pieve-
Vergonte, in Italy, at a 6000 tonnes per year rate, which was sold, among others in the region, to Rohm and
Haas Italia Srl, Industrias Produtti Chimici SpA (Italy), and Lainco SA (Spain). The producer Elf-Atomchem
had a 10000 tonnes per year plant at Jarrie (France) that was closed in 1988. DDT is at present being produced
as a precursor of dicofol in the Montecinca factory, located close to Huesca (Spain) at a yearly rate of 1500
tonnes.
Hexachlorobenzene was also produced in the region up to the mid 80's, particularly by the Ercross factory
located in Flix (Spain), some 200 km up from the Ebro delta. The annual production was in the order of 1000
tonnes/year. This has had as a consequence the presence of particularly high HCB levels in the area, as it will
be discussed in chapter 3. HCB is included in the PIC procedure and banned in most countries of the Region.
The industrial and socio-economic structure of the Region implies that the Northern countries have been
producers and users of chlorinated pesticides, while at present are mainly producers and exporters. On the other
side, the Southern ones are mainly users of these substances. This was particularly critical when some of the
pesticides were banned in the European countries of the region and their unwanted stocks were dumped in the
Southern parts of the Region. These fluxes are largely unknown but some of their consequences are still
apparent when looking into the environmental levels of some of the receptive countries.
Because of its intensive and extensive agricultural production Egypt is, through the Nile basin, a potentially
large source of pesticides into the Mediterranean. In the period between 1952 and 1981 more than 13000 tonnes
of DDT, 54000 tonnes of toxaphene, and 10500 tonnes of endrin (together with 11300 tonnes of lindane) were
used (El-Sebae et al., 1993). Presently, the application of pesticides has decreased in the country, according to
the data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, from 20500 tonnes in 1980 to 16435 tonnes in 1995. As
chlorinated pesticides are banned, the majority of these pesticides are presently organophosphorous
compounds.
The same applies for Turkey where in 1978 up to 1700 tonnes of chlorinated pesticides were used (Kolankaya
and Ayas, 2002), while now some 36 tonnes of pesticides are organohalides of the total 41000 being used in the
country.
2.1.2 Hotspots, abandoned inventories and stockpiles in some countries of the Region
The available information concerning the remaining stockpiles of pesticides in some of the countries of the
region is summarised in Table 2.2. It is clear that this Table is far from being complete, but it is expected that
FAO database will be updated as new inventories are performed, so a key priority should be to establish a
realistic inventory of abandoned pesticides in the Mediterranean region. As an example, there is information in
Syria about a stock of obsolete pesticides of some 230 tonnes (although other data sources indicate a stock of
325 tonnes), which include some of the PTSs. Another example is found in Turkey, where since 1960 a
considerable number of synthetic organochlorine pesticides have been produced for use against pests, including
DDT. Of this last substance there is a reservoir in Kirikkale, with an amount of 10930 kg stored (Rejic Saydam
Hygiene Institute).
In Tunisia, some preliminary studies revealed, in 1997, the existence of obsolete pesticides containing mostly
HCHs, DDT and other organochlorines. These stocks were created mostly through massive provisions in order
to fight against migratory pests such as locust and some date back more than 20 years. The stocks of obsolete or
unwanted pesticides were estimated in 1997 to be approximately 882 tonnes. An additional problem to the
existence of these old stocks is that, in some cases, banned pesticides continue to be used in practice under no
control of the authorities.
Some accidents and spills have also been a source of pesticide hot spots. For instance, the large contamination
that occurred in the area of Pieve Vergonte, a large industrial site in the Piemonte region, at north of Italy, had
important consequences. The origin of DDT pollution was due to large spills from the factory EniChemi
Synthesis, where 6000 tonnes per year were produced. It was estimated that 1000 tonnes was spilt, which for
more than 40 years produced, among other substances, considerable quantities of organochlorine compounds,
including DDT. Consequently, this episode of contamination extended over the River Foce that flows into Lago
Maggiore. Due to the magnitude of the pollution, this has been considered a high priority area, and different
actions of remediation and environmental restoration have been undertaken.

13

---

Table 2.2. Some referenced pesticides stocks in countries of the Mediterranean region (FAO, 2002).
Container Container
Country Location
PTSs
Kg
type
condition
Algeria
Tipaza Aldrin
Metal

? 25

Alger Aldrin
Metal

?
320
Tripoli-Bengazi-
20
Lybia
Dieldrin Cardboard
Bad
locust
(1950)
?
Dieldrin
?
?
880
?
Endrin
?
?
122
Morocco
?
Heptachlor ?
?
2626
?
DDT
?
?
2062
Syria Hamah
DDT Cardboard
Good 1500
Ain Temouchent DDT
Kraft
?
5000
Alger DDT
Plastic

?
1000
Algeria
Mustaganem DDT Kraft
?
180000

Sidi bel Abbas
DDT
Kraft
?
2000
Tizi Ouzou
DDT
Kraft
?
1075
Mascara DDT
Metal

? 1400
Tipaza DDT
Kraft

? 425

Other indications for accidental contamination from pesticides have arisen in Croatia where during the period
1976-1981, an intensive ecological investigation of the Rijeka Bay aquatic ecosystem was performed. A
significant portion of the investigation concentrated on determining the extent of pollution from persistent
chlorinated hydrocarbons, particularly on the distribution of DDT and its metabolites, as well as dieldrin and
PCBs in various parts of the Bay ecosystem. The conclusion was that the investigated pollutants had been
introduced into the Rijeka Bay from the atmosphere and through various local sources of pollution including
urban and industrial wastewater, maritime activities, insecticides used on trees in recreational areas, etc. Ten
years later the levels were significantly lower for DDTs but not for PCBs.
Another remarkable event occurred around the Black Sea and across Turkey because of the run-off of DDT
coming from rivers from the nearby states and favoured with wind and rain, which caused serious problems to
land, freshwaters and also to the Mediterranean Sea.
2.2 SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL PERISTENT TOXIC CHEMICALS
2.2.1 General situation in the Region
PCB containing equipment has been largely used in the Region. The total production of PCBs in some European
countries of the Region (e.g. France, Italy and Spain) has been estimated to be about 300000 tonnes for the period
1954-1984. This is some 15% of the total accumulated world-wide production (De Voogt and Brinkman, 1989).
The production was stopped in 1985 in France, and in 1987 in Spain.
The first regulation on PCBs applied by the EEC was in 1976 when their usage was restricted to closed circuits; the
second one, in 1985, when the use of PCB as a raw material or chemical intermediate was banned. Finally, in 1987,
the usage of PCBs was completely banned in new closed circuits and a Directive issued in September 1996 (96/59)
imposes the total elimination before December 2010. The UNEP Strategic Action Program for the Mediterranean
has also included the phasing out of PCBs in 2010 (UNEP/MAP, 1999).
PCB are part of the PIC procedure followed by most countries of the Region. Details on the degree of commitment
to the procedure by the various Mediterranean countries are given in Annex III. In spite of the legislation in force,
there are still large amounts of PCB in use. This is because in many countries (e.g. Algeria, Croatia, FYR of
Macedonia, Morocco and Slovenia), there are exemptions for restricted uses in devices in use for long duration.
Moreover, there are stockpiled amounts waiting to be eliminated.

14

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Studies performed in the last five years give substantial signs about the location of PCBs environmental pollution in
the EU. Recent studies concerning the human intake of PCBs indicate that PCB exposition has increased (Draft
report on implementation of Directive 96/59/EEC, 2000).
There is a general agreement that the disposal of equipment with PCB containing oils is the main source of
PCBs in the Region. PCB production and usage has been linked to economical development before the use of
the substance was banned. Hence, the main stockpiles of PCB equipment will reside in the northern parts of the
region, where appropriate management of the PCB wastes has not been fully implemented. The less developed
countries have their share of PCB stocks due to the import of PCB containing equipment without the
appropriate environmental infrastructure to manage its disposal.
Only France has, at present, an installed capacity for incineration of PCB residues in the region, amounting
22000 t/y. Spain will have to get and provide, at least, an incineration capacity of 5000 t/y. Decontamination of
materials and oils containing PCBs is ensured by national companies.
2.2.1.1 PCB situation in the various countries
There is not a uniform information regarding the statistics of actual uses and stocks of PCBs for the countries of the
Region. The temporal trends of PCB uses are only available in a limited fashion for France and Italy, as a result of a
EU study on the commercial transactions of PCBs in five European countries. In Table 2.3 the data collected in this
study, which refers to the years 1973 and 1980, is presented.
Table 2.3. Development of PCB stockpiles in the northern countries of the Region.
Year 1973
1980
Country France Italy Spain France Italy
Production 9674 2519 1935 6577 1479
Import
525 1547 217 74

Export 6136
1107 0 4848
1356

The data show a clear decreasing trend in all commercial operations related to PCB containing equipment in both
France and Italy. A first inventory built up in France in 1987 reported that the number of installed transformers
containing at least 100 kg of PCBs was at the time 100000 units, corresponding to 50000 tonnes of fluids with
60 % of PCBs (Pyralène) and to 50000 tonnes of carcasses with 5% of PCB residues. The 250000 medium
voltage capacitors represented about 3000 - 5000 tonnes of pure PCBs. The low voltage capacitors appeared to
represent 1500 - 2000 tonnes of hardly extractable PCBs. For Spain, the inventory made in 1997 by the Ministry
of Environment indicated and existence of 6004 tonnes of PCBs, although the amount of materials containing or
contaminated with PCBs may reach the 200000 tonnes.
From 1996 to 2001, France has eliminated on average 20000 tonnes per year of PCBs. The hazardous residues
containing PCBs eliminated during the period 1992-99 in Spain was of 15334 tonnes. This is relevant information
as it covers the main producers and users of PCBs in the Region.
A good example of international collaboration in the assessment of PTSs inventories is given by the Croatia
case. A very thorough study concerning PCB containing equipment has been done (Table 2.4), which also gives
a clear decreasing trend in the PCB use through the 70's, 80's and 90's.
Table 2.4. Inventory of electric devices containing PCBs in Croatia (UNEP, 2000)
Year of
Industry and other
Electricity plants
Total
installation
sectors

Number Tonnes Number Tonnes Number Tonnes
Capacitors






Until
1970
6630 150 1250 34 7880 184
1971-1975
6100 157 790 25 6890 182
1976-1980
4170 130 1900 47 6070 177
1981-1991 1800 70 740 14 2540 84
Total
18700 507 4680 120 23380 627
Transformers






1970-1991
300 720 15 54 315 774
Subtotal
19000 1227 4692 174 23695 1401
15

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In spite of the lack of homogenous data an attempt has been made to give a comparison of the main PCB stocks
which reside in the various countries of the Region. These data should only be seen on the relative scale since it
lacks the accuracy to make it valuable in the absolute sense.
Table 2.5 gives an indication about the main countries where the PCB stocks still reside and the percentage of the
cumulative amounts by mid 90's. There is a clear need for a more systematic survey concerning the actual stocks of
PCBs in the various countries of the Region.
Table 2.5. Relative country contributions to the cumulative stockpiles of PCBs in the Region at mid 90's.
Country PCB
inventories
% of Total PCB Stock
(tonnes)
in the Region
Spain 5972
24%
France 5846
23%
Italy 3872
12%
Algeria 3055
12%
Croatia 2082
11%
Greece 1768
7%
Tunisia 2000
8%
Portugal 657
3%
FR Yugoslavia (S & M)
197
1%

An additional source of PCBs is provided by their content in sewage sludge and the subsequent management of
these sludges. The three major sewage sludge producing countries, France, Italy and Spain generate some 2350
tonnes of sludge per year. The three main lines of management of the sludge are: soil application, either for
agricultural purposes or as plain landfilling (99% in Italy), incineration (15% in France) and sea dumping (24%
in Spain). If we take into consideration the average PCB content in sewage sludge, some 0.4 tonnes/year of
PCBs are inputted into the soil (either through land application or landfilling), some 0.03 tonnes/year are
returned to the atmosphere and an additional 0.03 tonnes/year are dumped into the sea..
2.3 SOURCES OF UNINTENTIONAL PERSISTENT TOXIC BY-PRODUCTS
Polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) occur as trace contaminants in a variety of industrial and
thermal processes. As a consequence, dioxins from so-called "primary sources" can be transferred to other
matrices and enter the environment. Such "secondary" sources are sewage sludge/biosludge, compost, or
contaminated areas. Enzymatic reactions can dimerize chlorophenols to PCDD/Fs. However, compared to
chemical-industrial and combustion sources, biological formation seems to be negligible.
2.3.1 Primary Sources of Dioxins/Furans
2.3.1.1 Industrial-Chemical
Processes
One main primary source of PCDD/Fs was, in the past, the production and use of chloro-organic chemicals,
including use in the pulp and paper industry. Changes in the industrial processes have resulted in reduction of
PCDD/Fs concentrations in the products. In addition, the interdiction of some of these products has decreased
the emission of dioxins from this source. Wood treated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) or other chlorinated
preservatives, as well as PCB-based electric fluids, are other actual sources.
2.3.1.2 Thermal
Processes
The present inputs of dioxins are largely due to thermal processes. There is still a considerable focus on waste
incineration but based on the requirements for dioxins reduction in stack gases set by several national
authorities, the importance of this source category has declined during the last years in some countries.
An overview on combustion sources known to generate and to emit PCDD/Fs is shown in Table 2.6. It should
be mentioned that PCDD/Fs are not only found in the stack gases but also in the solid residues from any
combustion process, e.g. bottom ashes, slags, and fly ash. With advanced technology and better burn-out of the
ashes and slags (characterised by a low content on organic carbon), the PCDD/Fs concentrations decline.



16

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Table 2.6. Primary sources of dioxins
Stationary sources
Waste incineration: municipal solid waste, clinical, hazardous waste, sewage sludge
Steel industry:
steel mills, sintering plants
Recycling plants:
non-ferrous metals (foundry, Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Sn)
Energy production: fossil fuel power plants, wood combustion, landfill gas
Diffuse sources
Traffic: automobiles
Home heating:
coal, oil, gas, wood
Accidents:
PCB fires, fires in buildings
2.3.2 Secondary Sources of PCDD/Fs (Reservoirs)
Dioxin reservoirs are those matrices where PCDD/Fs are already present, either in the environment or as
products. The PCDD/Fs found in these reservoirs are not newly generated but concentrated from other sources.
A characteristic of the reservoir sources is that they have the potential to allow re-entrainment of PCDD/Fs into
the environment. Product reservoirs include PCP-treated wood, PCB-containing transformers and sewage
sludge, compost, and liquid manure, which can be used as fertilisers in agriculture and gardens. Reservoirs in
the environment are for example landfills and waste dumps, contaminated soils (mainly from former chemical
production or handling sites), and contaminated sediments (especially in harbours and rivers with industries
discharging directly to the waterways). So far, hardly any country has done a reservoir inventory for PCDD/Fs.
2.3.3 Emission inventories of relevance for the Region
In the early 1990s, many industrialised countries initiated national emission inventories. As a consequence,
countries commissioned national research institutes or agencies to identify and quantify PCDD/PCDFs
emissions from known sources. In addition to national inventories, some regional inventories have been carried
out, especially in Europe:
· The TNO Institute of Environmental Sciences, in Apeldoorn (The Netherlands), published an
European emission inventory (38 countries) of heavy metals and POPs, including PCDD/PCDFs
(UBA, 1997) on the basis of submissions of emission data from the Parties to OSPARCOM,
HELCOM and the Convention on LRTAP. The inventory was based on official country submissions
and supplementary default emission estimates by TNO. The default emission database was prepared
for the base year 1990.
· The European General Directorate (DG) XI commissioned a research program to the State
Environmental Agency North Rhine-Westphalia (LUA) to identify dioxin emitting sources and to
quantify total releases of PCDD/Fs within the Member States. The program started in 1994 and the
results were published in 1997 (Stage I) and at the end of 2000 (Stage II) (European Commission,
1977 and 2000a).
· In 1999, UNEP Chemicals reviewed the international situation on inventories and identified only 15
inventories, nearly all from developed northern countries (UNEP, 1999).
All these inventories have been used as information source to evaluate PCDD/Fs emissions in the countries of
the Mediterranean region.
2.3.4 Present situation in the countries of the Region
Although data on levels of dioxins and furans in environmental compartments of the region start to increase
(see chapter 3), no data is available about emissions in other countries of the Mediterranean region than those
reported below. Besides the information given here, extended assessments of dioxin emissions in the EU
countries until 2005 can be found as a Report Annex, in the website of the project: www.chem.unep.ch/pts.
2.3.4.1 Croatia
Croatia gave first estimates on emissions of PCDD/Fs in February 1998 (Table 2.7) (SDPNE, 1998). The
methodology used is the same as the one described in the European CORINAIR project. Croatia estimates
annual emissions of approximately 96 g TEQ per year from six major sectors. Of these, almost all emissions are
due to the combustion of wood.
17

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Table 2.7. Estimated PCDD/F releases into air in Croatia.
Sources Emission
flux
(g I-TEQ/yr)
Coal combustion
0.036
Fuel combustion
0.97
Steel industry
1.7
Traffic emissions
0.21
Medical waste incineration
0.0016
Wood combustion
92.7
Total
95.5
2.3.4.2 France
Officially the atmospheric emissions of PCDD/Fs in France are estimated by CITEPA and made available to
the public on the Internet site of the Ministry of Environment
(www.environnement.gouv.fr/actua/cominfos/dosdir/DIRPPR/dosdppr.htm#dioxine). The site contains data on
large MSWI (>6 tonnes waste per hour overall capacity) and facilities in the metal industry. The abatement
measures as well as closures of plants have reduced the emissions to 25% from 1990 to 2000 and for 2005 it is
assumed that the decreasing trend will continue with a further emission reduction by 50%. Regarding metal
industry, iron ore sintering results showed that these processes constitute a considerable emission source.
Besides sintering plants, also a number of electric arc steel works revealed to be rather strong dioxins emitting
sources. The Recytech plant emission was estimated to be very high. After emission data became public, the
company carried out a three-step abatement program and by mid 1999, an emission reduction of 90% was
confirmed by concentration measurements.
The dioxins emission situation in France in 1995 reported by LUA (Table 2.8) was characterised by emissions
from industrial sources (nearly two thirds) and non-industrial activities (ca. one third). According to the official
informations (CITEPA), the atmospheric release of PCDD/Fs in year 2000 was 570 I-TEQ g/year, which is
somewhat lower than the data reported by the EC, as seen in Table 2.8..
Table 2.8. Assessment of dioxin emissions in EU countries until 2005 (in g I-TEQ/year)
(European Commission, 2000a)*
Country
Sources
Revised for 1995
Data 2000
Projection 2005
France
Total of sources considered
1350-1529
804-949
692-813
Industrial sources
987-1027 461-461 340-340
Non-industrial sources
363-502 343-488 352-473
Greece
Total of sources considered
89-136 90-135 91-136
Industrial sources
55-58 56-56 58-58
Non-industrial sources
34-79 34-79 34-78
Italy
Total of sources considered
366-967
370-985
227-628
Industrial sources
271-620 281-648 153-303
Non-industrial sources
95-348 89-336 74-325
Portugal Total of sources considered
90-136
88-133
82-123
Industrial sources
17-54 17-52 13-45
Non-industrial sources
73-82 72-81 69-78
Spain
Total of sources considered
131-388
117-327
122-323
Industrial sources
77-184 64-132 71-137
Non-industrial sources
54-203 53-195 51-187
* Detailed data for the different countries are shown in the report website: www.chem.unep.ch/pts.
2.3.4.3 Greece

Data on PCDD/Fs emissions were scarce when the first inventories were set up in other European countries.
Hence the estimation presented in the Stage I of LUA report and the assessment published by TNO was entirely
based on the default emission factors chosen from other country's experiences and on statistical data reported in
related statistical documents. During the Stage II of LUA inventory first PCDD/Fs emission measurements at
industrial installations in Greece were performed (Table 2.8). Three facilities were investigated: a hospital
waste incinerator, an electric arc steel plant and a drying kiln for residual materials from olive oil production.
The electric arc furnace steel plant was the one with the highest annual emission, while the rotary kiln was

18

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found to be negligible with regard to emissions of dioxins and furans. LUA inventory for 1995 also considered
additional information obtained from Greenpeace about the PCDD/F releases to air caused by landfill fires.
According to those data, the emissions from uncontrolled landfill fires seemed to be a considerable source of
dioxins and furans to air and to land in this country.
2.3.4.4 Italy

A first national inventory, based on emission factors drawn from studies made in other countries and from
activity rates taken from national statistics, and a detailed inventory of emissions from MSWI were presented in
1998 (Coutinho et al, 1998). Hence, those MSWI data were used by LUA for the revised 1995 inventory. Since
no additional data had been obtained in the meantime, it was considered reasonable to assume, that the situation
had not changed and the 1995 data could generally be assumed to be valid also for the year 2000. Similarly,
future emissions for 2005 year were assessed (Table 2.8). According to the data presented by LUA, decreasing
trends are likely for fossil fuel combustion sources. Further, it may be expected that PCDD/F emissions from
road transport will decline due to cease of leaded fuel use. In the case of MSWI the min/max range of future
emissions is determined by different scenarios with respect to the amount of waste being burned; emission
factors are assumed to be the same and to reflect compliance to the upcoming European emission limit of 0.1
ng I-TEQ/m3. A slight increase is assumed for emissions from crematoria on the basis of general European
trend of annual cremation numbers.
2.3.4.5 Portugal

First national information on the dioxins emission situation in Portugal was restricted to the Oporto region and
it was entirely based on emission factors (De Lauretis, 1999). The presented data indicated that the TNO values
for 1990 most likely were incomplete. On the other hand, the LUA estimate presented in the Stage I report was
considerably higher, mainly due to the estimate calculated for hospital waste incineration and non-industrial
sources. In the Stage II of LUA inventory (Table 2.8) a number of emission measurements were performed:
three hospital waste incinerators (two old ones and one new installation), and electric arc furnace steel plant, a
secondary aluminium smelter and a secondary copper smelting facility. The 1995 inventory is dominated by the
estimates of non-industrial sources, which make up around 90% of the annual emissions. This reflects, on one
hand, the lower industrial capacity of Portugal and, on the other, that a better knowledge on the industrial
structure should be gathered. Although future actions, such as the shut-down or upgrading of hospital waste
incinerators with high emissions, will certainly decrease the emissions from industrial sources, it appears
reasonable to assume that further industrial emission sources may be found which may make further revisions
of the inventory necessary.
2.3.4.6 Spain

An inventory on dioxins emissions in Spain was first developed within the framework of CORINAIR in 1995
for the reference year 1990. It was based entirely on emission factors drawn from other countries or from a
PARCOM-ATMOS report on emission factors. This inventory was set up in co-operation with TNO; hence the
data presented in the TNO European Inventory on heavy metals and POPs are almost the same. It is apparent
that a number of emission sources which are likely to exist in Spain have not been considered in both
documents. For this reason, but also because higher default emission factors were used, the LUA estimates
were nearly three times higher. The Spanish Ministry of Environment has become aware of these contradictory
assessments and started to build up, more systematically, an inventory of the dioxins emission sources. A first
output from these activities was a survey on the actual emissions from MSWI (Fabrellas et al, 1999). Regarding
other emission sources not much additional information is available yet. Based on the available data, a revised
1995 inventory was set up by LUA as well as projections for the years 2000 and 2005 (Table 2.8).
2.4 OTHER PTS OF CONCERN IN THE REGION
2.4.1 General situation in the Region
2.4.1.1 Hexachlorocyclohexanes
(HCHs)
HCHs and particularly lindane were extensively used against pests in many countries of the region. In France,
1600 t/y of lindane were used in the mid 90's (Bintein and Devillers, 1996) and, in Egypt, more than 11300
tonnes between 1952 and 1981 (El-Sebae et al., 1993). In Turkey, the usage of lindane amounted in 1976 to
96.6 tonnes that decreased to 21 in 1978 (Kolankaya and Ayas, 2002).
19

---

As described in Chapter 3, HCHs are ubiquitous in the region but this fact may only indicate the large
environmental persistence of this compound because at present the use of the various HCH isomers is
practically banned in the whole Region. HCHs are subjected to the PIC Procedure and the degree of compliance
in the Region can be found in Annex III. Therefore, the main sources of lindane will be stockpiled inventories
and contaminated land at hot spots, as a result of previous manufacturing and stockage (see section 3.5.2).
However, the situation in the Mediterranean region is not homogeneous. For example, Albania inherited several
environmental impacts after the 90's war conflict, so it was required to assess their environmental "hot spots",
including rundown industrial sites. The chemical plant of Durrës comprises a large area severely contaminated
by hazardous chemicals and residues in Albania's biggest port. Until its closure in 1990 the plant produced
sodium dichromate, for leather tanning, and pesticides such as lindane (-HCH) and thiram. The pollution from
these processes heavily contaminated an area that includes the former plant, a nearby dumpsite and abandoned
chemical storage facilities. Today, the area is one of the worst environmental hot spots in the Balkans. The
chemical manufacturing complex of Vlorë, at the south of the country, closed in 1992, was substantially
destroyed during civil disturbances in 1997. In the area, lindane and DDT were detected in soils.
Another remarkable event takes place in Skopje, FYR of Macedonia, where approximately 10000 tonnes of
hazardous chlorinated organic chemicals (largely the technical mixture of HCH isomers) have been stored in
several basins for the last 20 years. The condition of the barrels that contain the mixture is unknown today.
Large stocks of lindane disposal were also identified in the Basque Country in Spain (around 80000 tonnes)
while in Sabiñanigo (Huesca, Spain) it is supposed that there is a larger amount separated in two dumps.
2.4.1.2 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) (including used lubricating oils)
The main sources of PAHs in the environment are natural and intentional combustion of organic matter (e.g.
forest fires and fuel combustion) and petroleum manipulation (extraction, transport and refining). The
contributions, therefore, range from diffused chronic inputs (e.g. atmospheric deposition and terrestrial run-off)
to large point releases (i.e. tanker accidents or accidents at coastal installations). Present information
concerning the sources and inputs of PAHs in the region is rather limited, but the Mediterranean Sea has been
considered to be relatively more polluted by oil than any other sea from which data are available (US Nat.
Acad. Sci., 1975 and UNEP/IOC, 1988).
2.4.1.2.1 Chronic sources of PAHs in the Region
Sea transportation appears to be one of the main sources of PAHs pollution into the Mediterranean. It has been
estimated that about 220000 vessels of more than 100 tonnes each, cross the Mediterranean each year and about
250000 tonnes of petroleum hydrocarbons are discharged due to shipping operations such as deballasting, tank-
washing, dry-docking, fuel and bilge oil, etc. This figure is less than the 500000 tonnes estimated by Le Lourd
(1977) and which was not considered unreasonable by IMO (UNEP/IOC, 1988).
According to this, an annual input of PAHs ranging between 0.3 and 1000 tonnes, depending on the discharge
figure and the type of oil being transported, can be estimated. This is assuming, tentatively, a concentration
range of 3-5 ring PAHs in crude oils from 1.3 µg/g in light oils, up to 0.2% in heavy oils (as the ones spilled in
the Eureka accident).
The land-based discharges are both industrial and urban. The number of major refineries located in the
Mediterranean region is more than 40 with a combined capacity, in 2000, of about 438 million tonnes (Int. Petr.
News, 2000). On the other hand, the weighted average oil content of European coastal refinery effluents, is
approximately 1.9 g per tonne of crude oil processed (CONCAWE, 1998). Therefore, considering the total
quantity of oil processed in Mediterranean countries, a total input of about 900 tonnes of oil, and an input of
PAHs ranging from 1 kg up to 180 kg, depending on the kind of oil processed, can be estimated. These oil
discharges seem to be constant since the last ten years (EEA, 2002).
There are no figures or estimates available regarding the amount of petroleum hydrocarbons carried directly
through land run-off into the Mediterranean. Lipiatou et al. (1997) estimated that the total PAHs riverine inputs
amount to about 5.3 to 33 tonnes per year from the Rhone river and 1.3 tonnes from the Ebro river. The
difference in these riverine fluxes is due to differences in the annual water discharges and upstream land use.
An additional source of PAHs is the result of the sewage sludge management estrategies. The three major
sludge producer countries, France, Italy and Spain generate an annual load of 2.9 tonnes of PAHs. Of those,
some 1.2 tonnes are spread in the fields due to the use of sludge in agricultural applications, and additional 1.2
tonnes per year are input in the soil via landfilling while some 180 kg/year are returned to the atmosphere

20

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mainly through sludge incineration in France. An additional 220 kg/year are dumped into the Mediterranean
through sludge dumping in Spain.
As regards atmospheric inputs, Lipiatou et al. (1997) reported a total PAHs input ranging from 35 to 70 tonnes
per year with a mean value of 47.5 tonnes (wet/dry mean ratio of ~2-3).
2.4.1.2.2 Hot spots and accidental sources of PAHs in the Region
Over the last 15 years, about 55000 tonnes of oil have been spilled at the Mediterranean Sea with 3 major
accidents amounting to 75% of the quantity spilled. According to REMPEC statistics, 82 accidents involving
oil spills were recorded during the period Jan. 1990 to Dec. 1999 while the quantity of spilt oil was 22150
tonnes (REMPEC, 2001). The Spanish and French Atlantic coasts have also been affected by several large oil
spills (Table 2.9).
Incidents at oil terminals, together with routine discharges from land-based installations, contribute to elevated
concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in their vicinity. MAP Technical Reports Series no. 19 estimates the
overall input of oil from different industrial sources in the Mediterranean to be 110000 tonnes (UNEP/IOC,
1988). However, the total input in the selected hot spots exceeds 120000 tonnes. The oil loads in a number of
priority pollution hot spots in the Mediterranean have also been assessed (UNEP/WHO, 1999). In some cases
the volume of oil entering the sea exceeds 20000 tonnes per year while in others it is lower.
Table 2.9. The largest oil spill episodes in the Region
Tanker
Year
Location
Oil discharge
Urquiola 1976
La
Coruña, Spain
100000 tonnes
Amoco Cadiz
1978 off Brittany, France 223000 tonnes
Sea Spirit
1990 West Gibraltar
12200 tonnes*
Haven
1991 Genoa, Italy
144000 tonnes
Aegean Sea
1992 La Coruña, Spain
74000 tonnes
Erika
1999 off Brittany, France 10000 tonnes*
Prestige
2002 La Coruña, Spain
10000 tonnes*
* amount of spilled oil
The estimates of the relative importance of the various sources of PAHs in the Region are summarised in Table
2.10. Riverine/urban inputs and atmospheric emissions appear to have a relatively high importance while the
actual PAHs input from shipping activities remains uncertain. Another source, difficult to estimate, is the
accidental fires which are rather current in the region (see section 1.2.2.1).
Table 2.10. Estimated PAH inputs from diverse sources,
assuming two different PAH contents in the case of oil discharges.
Type
Annual Oil Input PAH content PAH input
Rate (tonnes)
(g/tonne)
(tonnes)
Shipping discharges
250000
1.28 0.32
(low estimation)
2000 500
500000
1.28 0.64
(high estimation)
2000 1000
1.28 0.005
Accidents 3667
2000 7.3
Refinery effluents
900
1.28 0.001
2000 1.8
Urban and river discharges


30-40
Sludge sea dumping


0.2
Sludge applications in soils


1.2
Sludge landfilling


1.2
Atmospheric

48
Sludge incineration


0.2
21

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2.4.1.3 Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)
These products, basically used as additives in different commercial applications, encompasses a variety of
chemical species. The most used are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls
(PBBs), tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (see Annex II).
Information on sources in the region is basically restricted to EU countries, where are applied in the different
sectors as shown in Table 2.11.
Table 2.11 Application of BFRs in various category products in Western Europe (BSEF, 2000)
Final use
Percentage
Electronics/electrical 56%

Building/construction 31%
Transportation 6%
Textile/other 7%



The general consumption of BFRs in Western Europe was quantified in 30860 tonnes in 1999, approximately
the 15% of the world-wide production. The market volume of PBDEs in these countries indicate an increase of
their usage from 1996 to 1998, from 11440 to 16250 tonnes. However, a market analysis of 1999 indicated a
decrease in the use of PBDEs, mainly in Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordic Countries. PBBs are mostly
used in the South European countries (some 2000 tonnes/year), with a clear impact in the Mediterranean region.
TBBPA and derivatives accounted for 26% of the total market in 1998 in Western Europe. Table 2.12 shows
data on consumption of plastics treated with brominated flame retardants for production of electronics and
electrical equipment in Western Europe.
In the Mediterranean region there are two large facilities in France and one in Israel. However, none of these
production plants is expected to contribute to a significant extent as sources of BFRs into the Mediterranean
region, in comparison to the impact of electronics and electrical consumer goods and building materials.
At present, PBBs and PBDEs are not classified under the Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the classification
and labelling of dangerous substances. However, the members of the German Association of Chemical
Industries voluntarily stopped the production as early as 1986, while leading European companies in the
electric and electronic industry have proclaimed an official policy of avoiding PBDEs and PBBs in their
products. The last European manufacturer of PBBs stopped its production in the year 2000. In addition,
member States will have to substitute PBBs and PBDEs by other substances in electrical and electronic
equipment by 2008.
Table 2.12 Consumption of plastic materials treated with BFRs in Western Europe in 1995 (APME, 1998)
Sector
Plastic parts treated with % of plastics
Weight of FR
% of plastics
FR
treated with treated plastics containing BFR

FR
(tonnes)
Brown products
For TV sets the majority of
55% 128000 83%

external parts are treated.
Data processing
Apart from keyboards, the
63% 71000 83%

majority of monitors'
external parts are treated.
Epoxy internal parts are
treated.
Electrical equipment Circuit breakers and carry
20% 35000 54%
materials
fusible

2.4.1.4 Alkylphenols
The main use of alkylphenols (normally octyl- and nonylphenols) is the production of non ionic surfactants by
the detergent industry in the form of a complex mixture of oligomers and isomers of ethoxylated derivatives
(see Annex II). Nonylphenol ethoxylates take some 80% of the market while octyphenols are responsible for
the remaining 20%. The EU market for nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenolethoxylates (NPE) was estimated to
be, in 1997, of 78500 and 77600 tonnes, respectively. The main uses of the NPE in EU and their relative
contribution to the risk for the aquatic environment are shown in Table 2.13

22

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Table 2.13 Major NPE surfactant uses in the EU in 1997 (ENDS Report, 1999).
Sector
NPE use (tonnes) % of aquatic burden
Cleaning 23000
44.7
Emulsion polymerisation
9000
--
Textile processing
8000
14.7
Chemical synthesis
7000
0.1
Leather processing
6000
6.1
Agriculture (pesticide)
5000
1.1
Paints 4000
0.2
Metal industry
2000
1.2
Pulp, paper and board
1000
1.7
Miscellaneous uses (electronics,
7000 0.2
oils, engineering, photography)
Unknown 5600
23.7
NPE production

5.8
Product formulation

0.5
Total
77600 100



The major NPE sources in the region, both in terms of mass and also in terms of risk, would be connected to
their use in cleaning activities, seconded by the miscellaneous usage and the textile and leather processing.
There are no specific data in the region concerning the use of octyl- and nonylphenol ethoxylates in detergents.
However, the European detergent industry launched a few years ago the voluntary implementation of the AISE
code of good environmental practice in Europe. AISE represents 90% of the detergent and cleaning industries
of Europe and compliance with good environmental practices is audited by third parties. As a result of the
implementation of the AISE code, the evolution of key production parameters has been monitored in the EU
state members, and both detergent consumption per capita and PBO (poorly biodegradable products) generation
per capita are being reported. Although, it is unclear what type of contaminants are lumped into the PBO
definition, the detergent consumption and PBO generation indicators can give a suitable information about the
key potential sources of NP and NPE in the European countries of the Region. Data indicate that per capita
consumption of detergents in the European countries of the Region is quite constant around 11.2 ± 1.0 kg/year
and PBO release per capita is even more constant, 0.29 ± 0.02 kg/year. Then, if we assume that most of the
countries of the Region have similar water hardness (which largely controls detergent per capita consumption)
and that the main detergent industries operate around the Region with similar makes and compositions, we may
extrapolate the results from the EU countries to the rest of the countries in the Region. The results of these
calculations are given in Table 2.14.
Table 2.14. Estimated detergent consumption and PBO generation in the countries of the Region
in year 2000.
Population
tonnes detergent/
tonnes PBO/
Country
(millions inh.)
year
year
Albania 3.1
34720
899
Algeria 30.3
339360
8787
Andorra 0.07 784 20.3
Bosnia Herzeg.
3.5
39200
1015
Croatia 4.7
52640
1363
Cyprus 0.8
8960
232
Egypt 67.9
760480
19691
France 59.2
663040
17168
Greece 10.6
118720
3074
Israel 6.0
67200
1740
Italy 57.5
644000
16675
Jordan 4.9
54880
1421
Lebanon 3.5
39200
1015
Lybia 5.3
59360
1537
FYR Macedonia
2.0
22400
580
23

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Population
tonnes detergent/
tonnes PBO/
Country
(millions inh.)
year
year
Malta 0.4
4480
116
Monaco 0.03 336 8.7
Morocco 29.9
334880
8671
Palestine 3.1
34720 899
Portugal 10.0
112000
2900
San Marino
0.02
224
5.8
Slovenia 2.0
22400 580
Spain 39.9
446880
11571
Syrian Arab
16.2
181440
4698
Tunisia 9.5
106400
2755
Turkey 66.7
747040
19343
FR Yugoslavia
10.6
118720 3074
Total 447.72
5014464
129839

2.4.1.5 Phthalates
Around one million tonnes of phthalates are produced and used in Western Europe each year. These include
674000 tonnes of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), 18000-45000 tonnes of butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), and
10000 to 50000 tonnes of di-butyl phthalate (DBP) (CEFIC). All these phthalates have been put, due to their
potential risks to human health and the environment, on the first three priority lists for risk assessment in
accordance with EU Regulation 793/93 on existing substances.
A large percentage of the production, approximately 900000 tonnes, are used to plasticise PVC (European
Commission, 2000b). The remainder is used in rubber products, paints, printing inks, adhesives, lubricants and
some cosmetics. The total market of flexible PVC in Western Europe was around 1.75 million tonnes in 1997,
with the distribution among different products shown in Table 2.15.
Table 2.15. West European market for flexible PVC (Corden, 1998)
Total flexible PVC
Percentage
Application
(kt)
(%)
Cables 540
30.9
Flexible film/sheet
300
17.2
Flooring 250
14.3
Synthetic leather
120
6.9
Fabric coats
55
3.2
Flexible profiles
160
9.2
Wall coverings
80
4.6
Sealants 55
3.2
Others 185
10.6
Total
1745 100

The quantities of plasticisers added to the PVC polymer vary depending on the required properties. Depending
on the final use, plasticisers contents vary between 15 and 60%, with typical ranges for most applications
around 35 to 40%. Considering the former 40% as the typical percentage of phthalates in PVC flexible
applications, an estimation has been done of the amount of phthalates used in each country of the region (Table
2.16).
The amount of PVC, and consequently of phthalates, is related to the GNP. Hence, it is expected that with time,
some of the developing countries will see a growing consumption of PVC per capita. Average world growth
rates of PVC production in recent years have been between 2 and 10%, with differences per region and per
application (higher for rigid, lower for flexible). The consumption of phthalates is slightly increasing in the EU
as a whole and stagnant in northern Europe (Hansen and Havelund, 2000).


24

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Table 2.16. Estimation of phthalates use in countries of the Mediterranean Region
Country PVC
total
Phthalates (kt)
(kt)
Albania 1.6 0.6
Algeria 31.6
12.7
Croatia 6.1 2.5
Cyprus 3.1 1.2
Egypt 39.1
15.6
France 274.2
109.7
Greece 33.3
13.3
Israel 24.2
9.7
Italy 261.7
104.7
Jordan 3.5
1.4
Lebanon 3.5 1.4
Lybian 9.7
3.9
FYR Macedonia
1.8
0.7
Malta 1.4
0.5
Morocco 19.0 7.6
Palestine
n.a.
n.a.
Portugal 33.0 13.2
Slovenia 6.2 2.5
Spain 145.1
58.1
Syrian Arab
9.7
3.9
Tunisia 10.8 4.3
Turkey 93.5
37.4
FR Yugoslavia
n.a.
n.a.
Total
1012.1 404.8




n.a. not available
In conclusion, the large quantities of phthalates used in PVC applications contribute to their ubiquitous
presence in the environment. Transport in the air and leaching from certain applications seem to be major
routes by which phthalates enter the environment. In 1998, the Scientific Committee for Toxicity, Ecotoxicity
and the Environment (SCTEE) determined the highest emission rates of phthalate dissolution from toys to be
61µg/g/day or 7 - 15 µg/cm2 (INRS, 1998).
2.4.1.6 Tributyltin compounds (TBTs)
2.4.1.6.1 Chronic sources in the Region
The main source of TBTs in the region is through their release from antifouling paintings in ships, although
from January 2003, when the new IMO Convention that banned the use of TBT compounds in the ship paints
will enter into force, the situation would change. As far as the present is concerned, there are no available data
about the annual amount of TBT released to the Mediterranean Sea. An effort has been made in this report to
estimate the releases of TBTs to the Mediterranean Sea due to maritime activities.
The total discharges of TBT may be estimated on the basis of leaching rates. The International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) has recommended a maximum leaching rate of 4 µg/cm2/day at 25ºC. Therefore, the first
step was to estimate the number of ships longer than 25 metres. The sea traffic of ships that met the
requirements was considered. On one hand, approximately 20% of merchant marine sail across the
Mediterranean Sea, representing some 17000 ships. On the other hand, it is supposed that more than 4000 ships
smaller than 500 tonnes but longer than 25 metres also circulate in this area. So the number of ships considered
in this study amounts to 21000. The average surface in touch with the water that has been considered for each
unit is about 700 m2, so the surface susceptive of discharging is 14700000 m2.
It must be remarked that the discharge rate considered for the estimation of losses of TBTs into the sea has been
revised upward, bearing in mind that the leaching rate given in the IMO regulations is the maximum value. So,
having considered the former rate as well as the total surface of ships, we obtain the following approximate
25

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release rate: 588 kg/day. This results in an approximate annual release of 214 tonnes of TBT from commercial
shipping.
2.4.1.6.2 Hot spots for TBTs in the Region
According to the previous discussions, the hot spots for TBT release in the Mediterranean will be associated
with the major commercial harbours in the Region. We can stretch further the previous calculations and deduce
where are the Mediterranean areas, particularly around harbours, with larger inputs.
Following the MEDPOL practice, the Mediterranean Sea has been divided in different areas because of the
difficulty of estimating the exact percentage discharged in the main harbours. Then, an estimation is done of the
sea traffic in each zone for ships larger than 25 m and with a metallic boat hull and the results are shown in
Table 2.17 (next page).
Hence the main TBT sources to the Mediterranean are concentrated in the north-western and north-central parts
of the sea and accordingly the harbours in these areas may be regarded as potential hot spots for TBT release.
2.5 EMISSIONS OF SELECTED PTSs
2.5.1 General situation in the region
An estimate of atmospheric inputs of selected PTSs in the Mediterranean region has been carried out by EMEP,
taking into consideration the particular climatic and morphologic conditions of the Region. It must be
mentioned, however, that the model used does not present complete reliability in the spatial distribution of
contaminants. This is due to the scarcity of atmospheric data, to the climatic and orographic variability of the
region (see section 1.2) and to the size of the grid used (150 x 150 km. spatial resolution), which is too large to
monitor with good detail the distribution of contaminants. At further stages of the model development, a grid
with 50 x 50 km. resolution has been used.
Table 2.17. Estimated distribution of TBTs in the Mediterranean Sea
Sea traffic/Annual
Zone
Countries (main harbours)
TBT release (tonnes)
North-west
Spain (Marbella, Alacant, Valencia,
Balearic Islands, Barcelona), Monaco,
26% / 56
France (Marseille, Nice, Toulon), Italy
(Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno)
Centre/North
France (Corsica), Italy (Cagliari, Catania,
Palermo, Civitavecchia, Napoli, Venice,
28% / 60
Trieste), Slovenia, Croatia, FR
Yugoslavia, Albania
North-
Oriental Greece (Piraeus, Iraklion), Turkey
16% / 34
(Istanbul, Izmir, Anatolian Peninsula)
Southeast
Syria, Israel (Haifa), Lebanon (Beirut),
Cyprus (Famagusta, Limassol), Egypt
13% / 28
(Port Said, Alexandria)
South-central
Lybia (Banghazi, Marsa al Burayqah,
Tripoli, El Brega), Malta (La Valletta),
3% / 6
Tunisia (oriental coast)
Southwest
Tunisia (Tunis), Algeria (Alger), Morocco
14% / 30
(Ceuta, Melilla, Algeciras)

The EMEP emission data is based mainly on the official information reported by countries with an unified
methodology for PTSs emission inventories, and on emission expert estimates, intended to fill the large gaps in
official information. The data for 1995 is presented in Table 2.18, but the extended data set for the period 1970-
1995 is presented in the Report Annexes shown in the website of the project: www.chem.unep.ch/pts.
2.5.1.1 PCB
Emissions

The total amount of PCBs released to the environment in the North Hemisphere is about 100000 tonnes (from
which the 75% between 1955 and 1970). At this moment there are no available data about emissions in the

26

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North-African countries. The data reported in Table 2.18 indicate the limitations of the approach, derived from
some important inconsistencies between the officially reported data and the model estimates, mainly because
some official data include emissions from industries but not diffused emissions from all electric equipments in
use and contaminated surface.
In general, a temporal decreasing trend has been observed for all developed countries of the Region, and an
increasing emission trend for developing countries like the ones emerging from the FR Yugoslavia, although
emissions from these countries are 5-10 times lower than the ones from the more developed countries.
Table 2.18. Experts estimates and official data (UN/ECE reported) of PTS emissions in European countries
for 1995 (in kg/y)
Country
PCBs
HCB PCDD/Fs ­HCH+
Official data
Albania 146
55
2.67
463

Bosnia &Herzegovina *
231
50
21.7
567

Croatia *
238
78
22.4
472

60 (PCBs);
France 20347
1285
1119
560000
1785 (PCDD/Fs)
Greece 221
175
122
5863

Italy 6054
795
799
2230

FYR Macedonia *
97
30
9.12
69

Portugal 557
145
34.4
13189

Slovenia *
123
15
11.6
169
4.9 (PCDD/F)
6088 (HCB);
Spain 8721
1172
305
122909
157 (PCDD/Fs)
FR Yugoslavia *
574
137
53.9
1694

*Estimated on the basis of spatial emission distribution (Pacyna et al., 1999)
in the FR Yugoslavia. +Estimate for 1996.
On the other hand, the rate of PCB depositions has decreased by a factor of ten since 1970. However, this
decrease is lower than the overall decrease of anthropogenic emissions in the MSC-E countries, probably
because of re-emission from secondary sources.
2.5.1.2 HCB
emissions
With regard to emissions of HCB it is of worth to point out that the estimate of the pollutant import from
outside the EMEP grid is of importance. In 2000 a first attempt of the assessment of HCB long-range transport
for 1970-98 was made (see section 4.1.2.1).
In Table 2.18, the available emission official data (corresponding to Spain) and the estimates made by MSC-
East for the emissions of this compound are presented. In this case, the model estimates indicate an overall
decrease of the HCB emissions in the Region and a reasonable agreement between the estimated and officially
reported data for Spain.
2.5.1.3 PCDD/Fs
Emission

Similar estimates have been made for the MSC-E countries and they have been compared to the officially
reported data to UN/ECE. As it can be seen in Table 2.18, there is a reasonable agreement between the two sets
of data (within a factor 2). The data shown in the Annex (www.chem.unep.ch/pts) indicate a tendency to
increase in the developing countries of the MSC-E area, and a decrease in dioxins emissions in the more
developed countries. However, the overall rate of decrease is less than expected from the rates of abatement of
anthropogenic emissions. This is probably because there are a number of smaller sources, besides municipal
waste incinerators, that have not addressed the problem.
2.5.1.4 -HCH emissions
The comparison between the officially reported data for lindane and the emission estimates for the
Mediterranean countries of the MSC-E area (Table 2.18) would indicate a decrease on the emissions of a factor
of 3.5.
The spatial distribution of these emissions in the MSC-E area would indicate that France constitutes a hot spot.
Bintein and Devillers (1996) made a regional estimate of lindane emissions for France, indicating a
contribution of 715 t/y from the north-western regions from a total of 1646 t/y for the whole country.
27

---

2.5.1.5 BFRs
emissions
The knowledge of emissions of brominated flame retardants is rather limited. Model estimates indicate that the
major source of BFRs is their evaporation from products in use. BFRs are particularly emitted to in-door
environment from products in service. Several studies confirm that the most obvious sources of emissions to
the air would be from products where the flame retardants are used as additive. This is the case of computer
monitors or other elements from TV sets.
In 1991, Ball et al. (1991) analysed the emissions of PBDT and, according to his experimental results, the
maximum rate emitted from a TV set was 192 ng/unit/3 days while the maximum rate from a PC monitor was
889ng/unit/3 days. The total content of PBDEs in a TV unit can be roughly estimated to be 180 g while in a PC
there are some 340 g. The content of TBBPA is approximately 180 g for TVs and 204 g for PCs (Danish EPA,
1999).
The possible emission per year from the former products in service by volatilisation can be estimated applying
emission factors for each substance. For the calculation it will be assumed that the accumulated amount of the
selected BFRs (PBDEs and TBBPA) from TV sets and PCs in service in 2001 correspond to 10 years of
consumption. The worst case emissions of BFRs have been considered, obtained from an EU risk assessment.
Consequently, in the following tables the emission rate is applied to a total-service life of 10 years and the total
amount of PBDE and TBBPA emitted to the air from TV sets and PCs is broken down by country.
The results indicate that the EU Member States are those having larger emissions due to their larger BNP. It is
expected that developing countries, with the measure that their economies grow, increase their proportion of
TV sets, PCs and other household goods which contain BFRs. The main sources of emissions are DeBDE from
TV sets.
Table 2.19. BFRs emissions from televisions in service for ten years
(International Telecommunication Union, 2002a)
Country TV
units* TBPPA
DeBDE
OcBDE
PeDBE
(x1000) Emissions (tn) Emissions (tn) Emissions (tn) Emissions (tn)
Albania 480
0.02
3.28
0.47
0.34
Algeria 3400
0.15
23.26
3.30
2.39
Andorra 36
0.00
0.25
0.03
0.03
Bosnia 440
0.02
3.01
0.43
0.31
Croatia 1310
0.06
8.96
1.27
0.92
Cyprus 122
0.01
0.83
0.12
0.09
Egypt 12000
0.54
82.08
11.66
8.42
France 37000
1.67
253.08
35.96
25.97
Greece 5200
0.23
35.57
5.05
3.65
Israel 2100
0.09
14.36
2.04
1.47
Italy 28300
1.27
193.57
27.51
19.87
Jordan 560
0.03
3.83
0.54
0.39
Lebanon 1170
0.05
8.00
1.14
0.82
Lybia 770
0.03
5.27
0.75
0.54
FYR Macedonia
570
0.03
3.90
0.55
0.40
Malta 218
0.01
1.49
0.21
0.15
Morocco 4700
0.21
32.15
4.57
3.30
Palestine 427
0.02
2.92
0.42
0.30
Portugal 6319
0.28
43.22
6.14
4.44
Slovenia 730
0.03
4.99
0.71
0.51
Spain 24000
1.08
164.16
23.33
16.85
Syrian Arab R.
1080
0.05
7.39
1.05
0.76
Tunisia 1900
0.09
13.00
1.85
1.33
Turkey 29500
1.33
201.78
28.67
20.71
FR Yugoslavia
3000
0.14
20.52
2.92
2.11
Total
165332 7.44
1130.87
160.70
116.06
*It has been considered that only 5% of televisions contain TBPPA as additives

28

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Table 2.20. BFRs emission from computers at home in service for ten years
(International Telecommunication Union, 2002b)
Country PC
Units*
TBPPA
DeBDE
OcBDE
PeDBE
(x1000) Emissions (tn) Emissions (tn) Emissions (tn) Emissions (tn)
Albania 30
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.04
Algeria 220
0.15
0.28
0.40
0.29
Croatia 400
0.27
0.52
0.73
0.53
Cyprus 170
0.11
0.22
0.31
0.23
Egypt 1000
0.66
1.29
1.84
1.33
France 20000
13.26
25.84
36.72
26.52
Greece 860
0.57
1.11
1.58
1.14
Israel 1600
1.06
2.07
2.94
2.12
Italy 11300
7.49
14.60
20.75
14.98
Jordan 170
0.11
0.22
0.31
0.23
Lebanon 200
0.13
0.26
0.37
0.27
Malta 90
0.06
0.12
0.17
0.12
Morocco 400
0.27
0.52
0.73
0.53
Portugal 1210
0.80
1.56
2.22
1.60
Slovenia 550
0.36
0.71
1.01
0.73
Spain 6800
4.51
8.79
12.48
9.02
Syria 270
0.18
0.35
0.50
0.36
Tunisia 230
0.15
0.30
0.42
0.30
Turkey 2700
1.79
3.49
4.96
3.58
FR Yugoslavia
250
0.17
0.32
0.46
0.33
Total
48450 32.12
62.60
88.95 64.24
* It has been considered that 65% of computers contain TBBPA
2.6 SUMMARY OF MOST SIGNIFICANT REGIONAL PTS
The main sources, environmental vectors and reservoirs of PTSs for the Region are summarised in Table 2.21.
The most important sources as agreed upon at the Technical Regional Workshop under this project held in
Athens (2002) are shown in bold. The Table includes only the main direct sources, although there are important
indirect sources due to transfers between different reservoirs, particularly through atmospheric deposition.
For PTS pesticides, including lindane, the sources are multiple and diffuse. Although, these compounds have a
tendency to disappear as a result of the implementation of the PIC procedure and the associated conventions,
there is a worrisome lack of control regarding the existing stockpiles in the countries of the Mediterranean
region. The use of lindane is severely restricted in the Region, but in countries like France and Spain the
estimated atmospheric emissions are quite large.
DDT is still being used in the Region as precursor of dicofol but information about the amounts being used is
uncertain.
Some hot spots have arisen as a consequence of mismanagement of former production sites. This is particularly
true for lindane. In the case of toxaphene and other pesticides, the dumping of obsolete stocks in the southern
countries of the region is deemed to have created potential hot spots.
For PCBs, atmospheric emissions show a decreasing trend in the MSC-E countries of the Region which
coincide with the more industrialised and consequently with the larger amounts of PCBs containing equipment.
However, there is a clear lack of reliable information concerning the amounts of equipment in use and the
status of the stockpiles of faced out equipment and PCBs oils. Potential hot spots have arisen from the
destruction of electrical and military equipment during the Balkans conflict.
For dioxins and furans, the main sources derive from thermal sources. The controls on incineration plants have
achieved a decrease on the emission levels from municipal waste incineration. However, other remaining
sources are the metallurgical industry, the uncontrolled combustion of waste in landfills and wood combustion.
There is a need for a comprehensive Regional Inventory, which should include most of the thermal sources.
Emission estimates indicate a decrease during the last decade in the MSC-E countries of the Region.
29

---

Table 2.21. Main sources, environmental vectors and reservoirs for PTS in the Region.
Compound type
Air sources
Soil sources
Freshwater
Seawater sources
sources
Pesticides
Agriculture use, Stockpiles,
Runoff from
Major rivers and
spraying/land
production waste agriculture use. coastal runoff
application
DDT, dicofol
DDT, dicofol

production
production.
PCBs
Emissions from Equipment
Leakage from
Major rivers and
equipment and stocks and
equipment
coastal runoff
stocks
landfills
Sewage sludge dumping
Sewage sludge
Sewage sludge
incineration
PCCDs
Emissions from By-products of

Major rivers and coastal
combustion
PCBs
runoff
PAHs
Emissions from Sewage sludge Oil spills,
Oil spills in shipping
combustion, oil, Timber
sewage runoff
and refineries
traffic
preservation
Sewage sludge dumping
Sewage sludge

incineration
BFRs
Emissions from Landfilling of


the use of
obsolete
electrical and
equipment
electronic
equipment
Alkylphenoletho
Sludges
from
Runoff from
Major rivers and
xylates
wastewater
industrial and
coastal runoff
treatment plants
domestic
detergent usage
Phthalates
Emissions from Landfilling of


treated PVC
materials
TBT
Release of antifouling
paint from shipping

The main source for PAHs in the Region appear to be oil shipping operations, they could be as large as 1000
tonnes per year. The estimated PAHs emissions in the Mediterranean are of the same order of magnitude than
the overall riverine inputs (some 40 tonnes per year). Inputs from coastal refinery operations are less important,
of the order of 1 tonne per year. PAHs emissions in the region are uncertain, ranging between 40 and 700
tonnes per year depending on the estimate.
Release from antifouling painting in commercial shipping is the source of TBTs in the Region. The present
release rates estimates are in the order of some 240 tonnes per year. Commercial harbours in the North-western
and Adriatic areas constitute potential hot spots.
Emissions of brominated flame retardants into the atmosphere is very much linked to the consumption of
electrical and electronic equipment in the Region. The patterns of economical development would indicate that
the potential sources are bound to increase in the Region as a result of increased wealth.
The per capita consumption of detergents in the Region is relatively high due to both the water hardness and
cultural reasons. The estimated total amount of detergent being used in the Region in year 2000 was around 6
million tonnes. This has an impact on the release of poorly biodegradable organics (PBOs), including non-ionic
surfactants in the Region, which is estimated to be in the range of 167000 tonnes per year. This is a substantial
input of PTSs in the Mediterranean area. The five EU countries of the Region contribute to 50% of both the
total detergent consumption and the PBO release.
In terms of setting priorities to reduce PTSs sources in the Mediterranean region, it would appear that pesticide
stockpiles should be better inventoried, particularly in the Southern countries of the region. A better control on
PCB inventories and the implementation of reasonable destruction plans is also a key issue. The remaining

30

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stockpiles in the northern part of the region are enormous and contribute to the remaining emissions in the area.
The negative impact of the Balkans conflict in the widespread of PCBs in the region will have to be addressed.
Another priority objective would be a better control in the activities associated to shipping and its
mismanagement of oil transportation to effectively reduce PAHs emissions in the area. The same industrial
sector is responsible for the release of sizeable amounts of TBTs into the Mediterranean sea, although the issue
is being addressed in recent MEDPOL protocols
2.7 DATA
GAPS
As mentioned before, great gaps exist in the data for PTSs sources in the Mediterranean Region. Most of the
countries in the area have not performed any comprehensive survey at present. Industrial sources are extremely
difficult to quantify due to the lack of co-operation from most of the industrial associations active in the
Region. Environmental control units in the countries have not got the capabilities to monitor industrial sources
in a comprehensive fashion and are only faced with the outcome of the industrial mismanagement practices (i.e.
PCBs containing apparatus landfilling, abandoned stocks, etc.). There is a clear need to promote a PTSs source
monitoring programme at regional level in association with the industrial sector. This can only be achieved by
intensive consumer pressure, as occurs with the AISE code implementation for domestic detergents.
The uncertainty of PTSs emission estimates are conditioned mainly by a number of reasons:
· There are no data available (a comprehensive monitoring programme would be required);
· A wide range of emission factor values (even for one and the same kind of activity);
· Incomplete information on consumption (fuel, chemicals, other substances);
· Incomplete information on product output;
· Quantity and method of pesticide application in different countries;
· No data on material flow (goods and waste related with POPs or PTS);
· No pollution release transfer register (PRTR) on PTS available for the Region.
The use of emission factors, calculated for similar industrial processes in other countries may be used (in some
cases) to estimate the possible PTSs release into the environment through air emissions and liquid discharges.
However, it has to be recognised that the use of emission factors will produce data with a degree of uncertainty,
because of the differences in industrial technology between different countries. This is particularly valid in the
Mediterranean Region, where technological differences may be very important, especially in small and medium
enterprises.
Discrepancies (in some cases rather appreciable) between used emission estimates (Pacyna et al., 1999) and
official data testify to a necessity of reporting by countries more complete information on emissions (estimation
methodology used, emission factors, total emission splitting by sectors, etc.).
In Eastern European countries there are data gaps with respect to pesticide stockpiles due to the little co-
ordination of work on this issue. No inventory data have been published yet for these regions, but early
indicators suggest that very large stockpiles exist. Apocryphal reports suggest that about 70000-100000 tonnes
of obsolete pesticides are held in these countries. In locations upstream to the Black Sea basin and related
rivers, or in the region close to Turkey and the Middle East there are important diffuse (non point) sources of
obsolete pesticides as runoff from agriculture, including HCHs and also DDT. These could indicate improper
uses or unsafe disposal.
In the Middle East there are some uncontrolled sources of by-products such as PCDD/PCDFs as a result from
waste incineration and improper disposal. More data are needed.
Military and civilian sites and dumpsites with electrical equipment, as relevant sources of PCBs are present in
the region: from Turkey to Israel, Lebanon, Italy and especially in Spain. There are also many local sources of
other relevant PTSs in the region not adequately addressed. The survey and identification of these sites within
the Mediterranean region should be made to properly address the dimensions of the problems and to identify
concrete action. This should follow the policy already accepted by countries under the Barcelona Convention or
a similar provision for the non-Mediterranean countries inserted in region IV for the present exercise.
31

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2.8 REFERENCES
APME (1998). Plastics. A material of choice for the electrical and electronic industry. Association of Plastics
Manufacturers in Europe,1998, Brussels.
Ball M., O. Päpke and A. Lis (1991). Weiterführende Untersuchung zur Bildung von polybromierten Dioxinen und
Furanen bei der thermischen Belastung flammgeschützter Kunststoffe und Textilien. UBA Research Report No.
10403364/01. Umweltbundesamt, Berlin.
Bintein, S. and J. Devillers (1996). Evaluating the environmental fate of lindane in France. Chemosphere, 32, 2427-2440.
CEFIC: http://www.cefic.org
CONCAWE (1998). Trends in oil discharged with aqueous effluents from oil refineries in Europe. Report No. 8/98, 13 pp.
Corden C. (1998). A Study into the Environmental Acceptability of PVC with particular reference to the Retail Sector,
MSc. Thesis. Imperial College Centre for Environmental Technology, London, September 1998.
Coutinho M., C. Borrego and C. Ferreira (1998). Atmospheric Emissions of PCDD/PCDF and Heavy Metals in the Oporto
Urban Area, Organohalogen Compounds, 36, 153-156.
Danish EPA (1999). Brominated Flame Retardants, Substance Flow Analysis and Assessment of Alternatives. Danish
Environmental Protection Agency. June 1999.
De Lauretis R. (1999). Dioxins and Furans Italian National and Local Emission Inventories, Organohalogen Compounds
41, 487-489.
EEA (2002). Indicator Fact Sheet EN15: Discharge of oil from refineries and offshore installations, EEA, October 2002.
El-Sebae, A.H., M. Abou Zeid and M.A. Saleh (1993). Status and environmental impact of Toxaphene in the third world ­
A case study of African agriculture. Chemosphere, 27, 2063-2072.
ENDS Report (1999). Risk reduction strategy proposed for NP, NPEs. Issue No. 295, August 1999. The Environmental
Data Services Ltd.. London, UK. August, 1999.
European Commission (1997). The European Dioxin Emission Inventory (stage I). November 1997.
European Commission (2000a). The European Dioxin Emission Inventory (Stage II), Final report, Vol. 3. Quass, U.,
Fermann, U., Bröker, G. 140 pp. This report was prepared by the North Rhine Westphalia State Environment Agency
(LUA) on behalf of the European Commission, Directorate General for Environment (DG ENV). December, 2000.
European Commission (2000b). Environmental issues of PVC. Green Paper. COM (2000) 469 final. Commission of the
European Communities, Brussels, Belgium, July 2000.
Fabrellas B., P. Sanz, E. Abad and J. Rivera (1999). The Spanish Dioxin Inventory: Proposal and Preliminary Results from
Municipal Waste Incinerator Emissions. Organohalogen Compounds , 41, 491-494.
FAO (2002). Electronic dissemination of the obsolete pesticide database, 2002
(http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/Disposal/index_en.htm)
Hansen, E. and S. Havelund (2000). Draft report to the Danish EPA on substitutes for phthalates in non-PVC applications,
November, 2000.
INRS (1998). http://www.inrs.fr/dossiers/pointsur10.html
International Telecommunication Union(2002a): http://www.itu.int/itunews/issue/2002/04/world-indicatorstv.html
International Telecommunication Union(2002b): http://www.itu.int/itunews/issue/2002/04/table4.html
Kolankaya D. and Z. Ayas (2002). An overview on the POPs in Turkey. Paper presented at the 1st UNEP Regional
Workshop on Sources and Levels of PTS in the Mediterranean Region. Athens, February 2002.
Le Lourd P. (1977). Oil Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. Ambio, 6, 317-321.
Lipiatou E., I. Tolosa, R. Simo, I. Bouloubassi, J. Dachs, S. Marti, M-A. Sicre, J-M. Bayona, J.O. Grimalt, A. Saliot and J.
Albaigés (1997). Mass budget and dynamics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean Sea. Deep Sea
Research II, 44, 881-905.
Pacyna J.M. (1999). Technical Report. Appendix 1 to Executive Final Summary Report. Environmental Cycling of
Selected Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Baltic Region (Popcycling-Baltic project). Contract No. ENV4-CT96-
0214.
PIC (2002). PIC Circular XV, June 2002. Interim Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent
Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade.
(http://www.pic.int/en/Circular/CIRC15EN.pdf)

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REMPEC (2001). Records and statistics on oil spill alerts and accidents. http://www.rempec.org/.
SDPNE (1998). Emission Inventory of Air Pollutants in Republic of Croatia for 1996. State Directorate for the Protection
of the Nature and Environment (SDPNE). February 1998
UBA (1997). The European Atmospheric Emission Inventory of Heavy Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants for 1990.
TNO Institute of Environmental Sciences, Energy and Process Innovation. Forschungsbericht 104 02 671/03 im Auftrag
des Umweltbundesamtes Berlin.
UNEP/IOC (1988). Assessment of the state of pollution of the Mediterranean sea by petroleum hydrocarbons. MAP
Technical Reports Series No. 19
UNEP (1996). The State of the Marine and Coastal Environment in the Mediterranean Region. MAP Technical report
Series No. 100, UNEP, Athens, 142 pp
UNEP (1999). Dioxin and Furan Inventories: National and Regional Emissions of PCDD/PCDF. May 1999. UNEP-
Chemicals, Geneva, Switzerland.
UNEP/MAP (1999). Strategic Action Programme to address pollution from land-based sources. Athens, Greece.
UNEP (2000). Country report on POPs: Current situation in Croatia relating to PCBs and Dioxins/Furans. Proceedings of
the subregional workshop on identification and management of PCBs and Dioxins/Furans. UNEP Chemicals, 2000.
UNEP/WHO (1999). Identification of priority pollution hot spots and sensitive areas in the Mediterranean. MAP Technical
Reports series No. 124, 102 pp.
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Voogt, P. de and U.Th. Brinkmann (1989). Production, properties and usage of polychlorinated biphenyls. In: Halogenated
biphenyls, terphenyls, naphthalenes, bibenzodioxins and related products (Ed. by R.D. Kimbrough and A.A. Jensen), pp.
3­45. Elsevier Science, NL.
33

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3 ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, TOXICOLOGICAL AND
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISATION
A considerable amount of data is available on the occurrence of PTSs in the region, although with a very
uneven distribution in terms of compartmental, geographical and temporal coverages, as well as analytical
quality, particularly for the older ones (UNEP/FAO/WHO/IAEA, 1990). The data reported here is not intended
to be exhaustive, but comprehensive enough for providing information about current levels of PTSs in the
different matrices. Data basically refer to the last decade and where possible the temporal variability is also
assessed.
3.1 CONCENTRATIONS OF PTS IN ABIOTIC COMPARTMENTS
3.1.1 Air and precipitation
The atmospheric compartment is one of the least studied in the region probably due to methodological
difficulties. Data are basically restricted to HCB, HCHs, PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PAHs, and, except for PAHs
which have been determined in a large number of countries, results are mainly from urban areas. The other
measurements received do not qualify for a global assessment. Only in France has a systematic determination
of pesticides been carried out in a few urban and rural areas since the end of the 80s.
3.1.1.1 HCB
In France, HCB concentrations ranged from 9-2400 pg/m3, with mean levels in continental air of 300 pg/m3
(Chevreuil et al., 1996; Sanusi et al., 2000) and of 161 to 240 pg/m3 in remote areas (Pyrennes) (Nerin et al.,
1996). Total fallout measured by Chevreuil et al. (1996) in France was in the range of 0.7 ­ 4.5 ng/L.
Based on modelling calculations, the Meteorological Synthesising Centre-East (MSC-E) has estimated mean
concentrations in natural media of all northern countries of the Mediterranean region, for 1998 (Dutchak et al.,
2002). Air concentrations range from 39 to 66 pg/m3, with a slight decreasing West-East trend and the lower
values for Malta and Cyprus.
3.1.1.2 PCBs
Data reported during the 90's on atmospheric concentrations of PCBs in the Mediterranean region is
summarised in Table 3.1. The values found in Crete (15.7 and 1.2 pg/m3, gaseous and particulate, respectively)
may constitute the background value for the region.
The mean annual PCBs concentration in air reaches its maximum (0.8 ng/m3) in the centre of Europe and
decreases to averages of 0.34 and 0.16 ng/m3 in coastal and open sea air, respectively (UNEP/MAP/WMO,
2001).
Table 3.1. Levels of PCBs in different components of the Mediterranean atmosphere
Matrix
Location
Sampling PCBs conc.
References
Air
Mediterranean Sea 1989-1990 PCB av. 0.49 ng/m3
Iwata et al., 1993
France (Paris area) 1986-1990 7 cong. 0.6- 2 ng/m3
Granier and Chevreuil, 1991
Crete (rural area)
1999
7 cong. 17 pg/m3 (g+p) Mandalakis et al., 2002
Rain water
Monaco 1985
PCB 24 ng/L
Villeneuve and Cattini, 1986
France (Paris area) 1986-2001 7 cong. 10 - 120 ng/L
Chevreuil et al., 2001
Snow Spain
(Pyrenees)
1998
7 cong. 0.22 ng/L
Carrera et al., 2001
Snow and
Croatia
1993
PCB < 1 ­ 203 ng/L
Fingler et al., 1994
rain water
Total atmospheric fallout has been measured in Paris since 1986. Over 15 years, in spite of varying instant
contamination, the average value remained approximately constant (40 ng/L as 7 congeners), but the present
yearly variability is higher than in 1986 (Chevreuil et al., 2001).
3.1.1.3 PCDD/PCDFs
Concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs in ambient air are available only for four countries in the region (Table 3.2).
Data have also been obtained from a remote place (Crete) with values of 2.5-3.3 and 1.7-2.9 fg I-TEQ/m3 for

34

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the vapor and particulate phases, respectively. As it can be seen, air concentrations are similar in the four
countries. Levels in rural areas are lower than those in urban areas but not very different. The influence of
industrial plants or incinerators is reflected in higher PCDD/Fs concentrations in some industrial areas.
In this respect, Seveso (Milan, Italy) should be considered as a particular area. After the accident of July 1976,
the area was divided in three zones according to the levels of contamination. The first (zone A), presented a soil
concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD > 50 µg/m2, and zones B and R, of 5-50 µg/m2 and < 5 µg/m2, respectively. A
recent investigation (Fattore et al, 1997), collecting long-term air samples during the four seasons of the year,
revealed that annual TEQs were 240, 350 and 220 fg ITEQ/m3 in zones A and B of Seveso, and in Milan,
respectively. Levels detected in Milan were comparable with those of other industrialised cities.
Table 3.2. Summary of PCDD/Fs air concentrations from Mediterranean countries
(ambient air as fg I-TEQ/m3)
Country Ambient
air
References
Rural
Urban
Industrial

Greece
2-178
4-119
-
Mandalakis et al., 2002
Italy
2-6
11-480
-
Turrio-Baldassarri et al., 2001
Portugal
24-244
36-548
-
Coutinho et al., 2001
Spain
5-125
13-357
18-954
Abad et al., 2002

3.1.1.4 HCHs
Atmospheric lindane concentrations varied from 0.75-1.5 ng/m3 with no significant differences between urban
and rural sites, in France (Chevreuil et al., 1996; Sanusi et al., 2000).
HCHs have also been determined in Spain, close to an industrial solid waste dump (Sabiñanigo, Huesca) (39 -
77 ng/m3 of -HCH and 28 - 58 ng/m3 of -HCH) and in a remote area (Pyrennes) ( 3 pg/m3 of -HCH) (Nerín
et al., 1996). Mean annual concentrations over the Mediterranean were estimated to be around 0.5 ng/m3
(UNEP/MAP/WMO, 2001).
In spite of its prohibition in agriculture, lindane was still detected in the Paris fallout, in 2000. However, its
average concentration decreased from 29 ng/L in 1986 to 15 ng/L in 2000 (Teil et al., 2002). In Croatia, the
average concentration was 38 ng/L (Fingler et al., 1994).
3.1.1.5 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
The determination of atmospheric PAHs is hindered by many problems, the most common derived from
sampling. Therefore, it is difficult to integrate the existing information into a coherent data set.
3.1.1.5.1 Dry deposition
PAHs concentrations have been reported in dry deposition in a number of urban areas as well as in remote
places, including the open Mediterranean Sea (Table 3.3). Despite the variety of components analysed, some
seasonal and spatial trends are apparent. Concentrations are consistently higher in winter than in summer, and
in urban than in rural areas. The higher values are found in particular places like stack gases, tunnels of
motorways, open burning sites, etc.
3.1.1.5.2 Rainfall (Bulk precipitation)
PAHs contamination of total atmospheric fallout (14 compounds) was determined in the centre of Paris, from
November 1999 to October 2000, and ranged from 51 to 995 ng/L, which represented a flux of 0.18 to 2.1
ng/m2/day (Ollivon et al., 2001). Total concentrations in bulk precipitation samples from the main plain of
Northern Greece were in the range of 0.8-781 ng/L with the higher values in the cold months (Manoli et al.,
2000).
3.1.2 Fresh and wastewaters
3.1.2.1 Chlorinated
pesticides
Cyclodiene pesticides (dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, heptachlor) have been reported in river water samples collected
during the 80's and 90's in many countries in a wide range of values (<0.1 ­ 228 ng/L), but only in France as
part of a continued monitoring activity. Therefore, it is not possible to assess the environmental significance of
the reported values, as they do not correspond to representative river conditions. Concentrations of DDT ranged
from 0.1 to 40 ng/L in rivers from Egypt, France, Italy and Spain, with values up to 83 ng/L in Po River (Italy).
35

---

Lindane and HCB have been found at levels ranging from 0.7-111 and 0.1-36 ng/L, respectively. Chlordane,
toxaphene and endosulfan have only rarely been reported in the region.
Table 3.3. Concentrations of PAHs in aerosol samples from different cities and reference sites.
Location
Sampling period
PAHs
Conc. (ng/m3) Reference
Mediterranean Sea
NW Coastal stations
1990
10-14 PAHs
0.2-4
Conde et al., 1993
Algeria
Algiers (downtown)
Wint./Sum. 1999
18 PAHs
59.9 / 13.7
Yassaa et al., 2001a


BaP
0.4-2.3

Oued Smar landfill
Wint./Sum. 1999
18 PAHs
136.5 / 24.9
Yassaa et al., 2001b

BaP
0.3-3.9

Egypt
Cairo (urban area)
Wint./Sum.
12PAHs
14.8 / 7.5
Hassanein et al., 2001


BaP
0.1-0.2

Alexandria
Summer 1997-98
39PAHs
32
Barakat, unpubl.


BaP
0.95

France
Paris (urban)
Winter 90-98
9 PAHs
4-24
Person, 2000

BaP
0.4-3.2
Lille (traffic sites)
1990-2000
BaP
0-1.2
Inst. Pasteur, 2000
Paris




-Urban area
Wint./Sum. 1999
9 PAHs
13.7-18.4 / 5.6-7
AIRPARIF, 2001
-Motorway
Wint./Sum. 1999
9 PAHs
33.3 / 27.1

Normandie




-Industrial site
Winter 1996
BaP
1.88-6.99
INERIS, 1997
-Rural area
Winter 1999
BaP
0.13-0.99

Greece
Thessaloniki
1987-1988
9 PAHs
22-55
Viras et al., 1991
BaP
2-6
North Greece towns
Wint./Sum. 96-97
13 PAHs
5-60 / 0.4-8.1
Papageorgopoulou et


al., 1999
Crete
2000-2001
10 PAHs
11.3 (V), 0.8 (P)
Mandalakis et al., 2002
-Finokalia
(N=26)
BaP
0.003(V), 0.025(P)
Italy
Rome 1993-1998
7PAHs
5.96-7.33
Menichini et al., 1999
BaP
1.2
Bologna
1991-1993
BaP
0-174 (av. = 22.7) Roda et al., 1994
Naples 1996-1997
PAHs
2-130
Caricchia et al., 1999
BaP
0.31-3.8

Genoa
1997-1999
4 PAHs
0.8-19.1
Valerio et al., 2000
-Traffic sites
1994-1999
BaP
1.1-2.0

Portugal
East Coast (Aveiro)
August 1996
PAHs
10-30
Alves et al., 2001
Spain
Barcelona
Wint./Sum. 1991
14PAHs
240-310 / 10-32
Lipiatou et al., 1997


BaP
0.76-22

Madrid (traffic area)
Winter 93
13PAHs
4.2-48.2
Kayali et al., 1995
Zaragoza Wint./Sum.
99-01
7PAHs
12.5-18 / 3-6.5
Mastral et al., 2002

BaP
0.09-1.65
Syria
Damascus 1999-2000
18 PAHs
14.8-45.7
Dimashki et al., 1996
BaP
0.9-2.7
FR Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro)
Belgrade
2000
BaP 0.2-0.6

Mati et al., 2001

36

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Three cases of freshwater pollution in the vicinity of lindane factories have been reported in the 90's in the
region (see section 3.5.2). Lindane has also been detected in 11.6% of the 1314 groundwater samples analysed
from the Calvados Department, with concentrations ranging between 20-50 ng/L (Bintein and Devillers, 1996).
Residues of organochlorine pesticides in drinking water supplies of different cities (e.g Barcelona, Paris,
Nicosia, Cairo, Istanbul and Tel-Aviv) were found to be absent or significantly below the permissible levels.
3.1.2.2 PCBs
The accurate assessment of PCB levels in freshwaters is precluded by the different units used in the studies
performed until early 90's. The most relevant problem in the region concerning the aquatic environment is
probably the contamination of several aquifers in the Balkans area during the Kosovo war (see section 3.5.1).
However, the ecological disaster with greatest impact was the pollution of the Krupa River (Slovenia), in 1983,
resulting from wastes dumped during the manufacture of transformers by Iskra in Semic. Despite the
remediation measures applied since 1990, the groundwaters still contained, in 1997, 100 ng/L of PCBs (380
ng/L in 1988).
Concentrations of up to 120 ng/L (7 cong.) were found in the wastewaters of Barcelona, Marseille, Toulon
and Nice. An extensive study of the evolution of PCBs in wastewater treatment plants has been carried out in
France and summarised in Table 3.5.
3.1.2.3 PCDD/PCDFs
PCDD/Fs have been determined in landfill leachates in Catalonia (Spain) and in the Ebro river with values of
6.4 and 0.01-0.05 pg ITEQ/L, respectively (Cabes et al., 1999). In general, the profiles were characterised by
the large predominance of octachlorinated dioxin congeners.
3.1.2.4 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Total concentrations of 15 PAHs in suspended matter of river waters collected in the 90's were in the range of
<35-16600 ng/g dw (Tronczynski et al., 1999), whereas a study carried out in 1994-95 in the Rhone River
found concentrations in the range of 100-500 ng/g (av. 300 ng/g dw, 7 PAHs) (Sicre and Fernandes, 1996).
A study of the evolution of PAHs in wastewater treatment plants has been carried out in France and
summarised in Table 3.4. The levels of PAHs in ground waters measured between 1991-95 in the area of Paris
were all <0.2 µg/L.
Table 3.4. Concentrations of PCBs and PAHs in wastewaters in France
Location
Sampling
PCBs (ng/L)
PAHs (ng/L)
References
25 WW plants
1990
(7 cong) Input: 130 ADEME,
1998
(Seine watershed)

Output: 54
11 WW plants
1990-93 (7 cong) Input: 280 (6 PAHs) Input <100-2000
(east of France)
Output: 53 Output <100-1000
Paris: wet weather
1999
(7 cong) 15-26
(15 PAHs) Input: 860
Teil et al., 2001;


Output: 18

dry weather
(7 cong) 32-53
(6 PAHs) 573 - 1180
Teil et al., 2000
15-26
90 - 899

3.1.2.5 Phthalates
Phthalates have been barely determined in freshwaters. Levels of 2.1-4.6 µg/L have been found in the mid
course of the Seine River (Romaña, pers. com.) and in the Ebro River (0.7 µg/L of DEHP) (Peñalver et al.,
2000). A continued survey of phthalates has been carried out in the major dams and rivers of Cyprus, since
1992 and the maximum concentrations detected for individual phthalates ranged from 5 up to 117 µg/L
(Michaelidou, unpubl.).
3.1.2.6 Chlorophenols
Chlorophenols are monitored monthly in Portugal in 46 river water stations covering the whole country (see
section 5.1.1). Pentachlorophenol was found in 19% of the samples collected in 1999 at concentrations between
0.1 - 1.0 µg/L (Marcolino and Vianha, unpubl.).
37

---

3.1.2.7 Alkylphenols
Nonylphenol (NP) and their ethoxylate derivatives were first studied in the Krka River estuary (Croatia). The
concentrations of NP in municipal wastewaters varied within the range of <5-419 µg/L, being the concentration
range in the estuary <20-1200 ng/L (Kvestak and Ahel, 1994). In Spain, NP were encountered in all water
samples analysed at the vicinity of urban discharges and sewage treatment plants from Catalonia at levels of 6 -
144 µg/L (Petrovic et al., 2002). Measurable concentrations of NP were also found in 80% of the Portuguese
river water samples. Concentrations ranged from 0.13-6.41 µg/L.
Recent studies have shown that total concentrations of alkylphenols in Israeli rivers, groundwaters, and coastal
waters are in the range of 12.5-74.6, trace-20.2 and 4.2-25.0 µg/L, respectively (Zoller, 2001). Finally, water
samples analysed in the Venice Lagoon (Italy) showed NPEO oligomers at an overall concentration range of
0.6-4.5 µg/L (Marcomini et al., 1990).
3.1.2.8 Organomercury
compounds
The dynamics of the MeHg in the aquatic environment has been a subject of special interest in Slovenia. Idrija
is the second largest mine of Hg in the world and even 10 years after its closure, the Idrijca and Soca rivers
continue to supply about 1.5 tonnes of Hg per year to the Gulf of Trieste. The anoxic conditions of the bottom
waters of the North Adriatic and the seasonal temperature stratification, favour the transformation of inorganic
Hg into MeHg, which is the responsible for the elevated Hg levels in marine organisms in the region.
3.1.3 Seawater

Most of the first data published until the late 80's on organic pollutants in sea water lied below the analytical
sensitivity of the method used, so the significance of the data sets is limited. More recently, the use of large
water volume sampling devices has provided accurate data on levels and budgets of PTS in the marine environment
(see section 4.3.2).
3.1.3.1 Chlorinated
pesticides
Some surveys have been carried out in estuaries and coastal waters. -HCH, -HCH and lindane were detected
in significant amounts (1-30 ng/L) in the marine wetlands of Amvrakikos and Thermaikos Gulfs in Greece
(Albanis et al., 1994; 1995a). Similar levels were reported in coastal waters of Alexandria and Abu-Quir (Abd-
Allah and Abbas, 1994; Abd-allah, 1999). Lindane levels off shore in the Eastern Mediterranean ranged from
0.06 to 0.12 ng/L, and values even lower were found in the Western basin, although along the Spanish coast
1.3-2 ng/L of HCHs were found (Prats et al., 1992).
Open sea waters were sampled in 1993-94 in the Western Mediterranean, including the straits of Sicily and
Gibraltar (Dachs et al., 1997). DDT levels were of 0.1-0.7 pg/L and 0.4-2.8 pg/L in the particulate and dissolved
phases, respectively. In the continental shelf the values were 1 and 4 pg/L, respectively.
3.1.3.2 PCBs
An extensive review of data obtained during the 80's has been published by Tolosa et al. (1995). In general, the
concentrations of PCBs for all the investigated areas in the Mediterranean Sea were similar except in the
Ligurian Sea where concentrations were higher. Predictably, the highest concentrations were reported in urban
and industrial wastewaters (e.g. from Marseille and Barcelona) as well as in river discharges (e.g. from the Rhône).
Accordingly, decreasing concentration gradients have also been found in transects offshore from these sources.
PCB concentrations in the suspended particulate matter from coastal and open Western Mediterranean waters
were in 1990 of 5-35 pg/L, of the same order of magnitude as those reported in other regions, e.g. North Sea
and North Atlantic. In a more recent study covering the whole Western basin, a spatial gradient was also
observed from the continental shelf (3.5-26.6 pg/L) towards the open sea (1.7-6.6 pg/L) and a relatively important
enrichment (8.4 pg/L) in open sea stations located in higher productivity frontal zones (Dachs et al., 1997). The
dissolved PCBs (12 congeners) amounted 28-63 pg/L.
3.1.3.3 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
A large number of determinations of aromatic hydrocarbons in sea water were performed in the 80's within the
MEDPOL Program, following the ICES procedure. However, recent data are usually referred to individual
compounds, and, therefore, not comparable with previous bulk data.
In 1997, levels of PAHs in samples from the North Aegean Sea were found to be 0.01 to 0.03 µg/L. Along the
Turkish coast, concentrations vary over a wider range (0.02 to 40 µg/L), with high concentrations from offshore

38

---

samples caused most probably from direct discharges from the ships. In 1999, the concentrations of 16 PAHs
were found in the range of 0.2-7.4 ng/L in sea water along the coast of zmit Bay (Marmara Sea, Turkey)
(Kolankaya, unpubl.). Coastal waters sampled at 1 mile from the main Portuguese estuarine systems presented
concentrations of 2-3 ring PAHs in the range of 0.5 - 9.5 ng/L (Vinhas et al., 2000).
Data on individual PAHs in the water column of the Western Mediterranean have also been reported (Dachs et
al., 1997). PAHs (16) associated to SPM were evenly distributed in subsurface waters, and their
concentrations ranged from 200 to 750 ng/L, maximising at the Rhone and Ebro river plumes (570-970 ng/L).
The vertical profiles exhibited a decreasing concentration trend with a relative increase of the more
polycondensed compounds derived from pyrolytic sources. The PAHs content in the dissolved phase of the
open sea were of 0.4-0.9 ng/L , with values around 2 ng/L in coastal areas.
3.1.3.4 Organotin
compounds
MEDPOL organised in 1988 a survey to monitor butyltins in seawater and sediments of marinas and harbours,
to be representative of the various contaminated sites along the Mediterranean previous to the TBT regulation.
The areas investigated were the French Mediterranean and Northern Tyrrhenian coasts, the Nile Delta area, and
the Southern coast of Turkey. The concentrations of TBT in seawater from harbours and marinas on average
vary between 100 and 1000 ng/L (Gabrielides et al., 1990).
In the Spanish Mediterranean coast, butyl and phenyltin compounds were determined for the first time in 1988
(Tolosa et al., 1992). Highest concentrations were found in marinas (TBT: 74-369 ng/L; TPhT: 3-68 ng/L). In
the SW Spanish waters (Cadiz Bay) TBT ranged from 100-400 ng/L and no phenyltin species were found
(Gómez-Ariza et al., 1992).
A later survey conducted in the NW Mediterranean coastline (Cote d'Azur) found water concentrations
reaching to 460 ng/L for TBT in all marinas. Triphenyltin (TPhT) and TBT degradation products were also
detected, but at lower concentrations than TBT (Tolosa et al., 1996). In another study carried out in the Eastern
and Western Harbours of Alexandria, the concentrations of TBT and TPhT were in the ranges of 18-83 ng/L
and 30-135 ng/L, respectively, also proving recent inputs of these compounds (Abd-Allah, 1995).
A campaign conducted by IFREMER in 1997 confirmed that contamination of French coast was still a problem
because 75% of the measurements were above the threshold of 1 ng/L, which is known to cause toxic effects
for some marine species. Another study conducted in 1998 measured TBT concentrations in the NW
Mediterranean open waters (France) as high as 0.47 ng/L, 20 km off-shore, and never lower than 0.08 ng/L in
the open sea. Contamination of abyssal deep waters reached to a maximum of 0.04 ng/L at a depth of 1200 m
(Michel and Averty, 1999).
3.1.4 Soils and sewage sludges
3.1.4.1 Chlorinated pesticides and PCBs
Surveys of DDTs and PCBs in soils are very scanty and mainly related to the studies carried out after the
Kosovo war. Lindane has also been a problem in the Balkan countries in relation with some abandoned
stockpiles (see section 3.5).
Sewage sludges are monitored for PCBs in countries like France were they are largely used (60%) in
agriculture. The EU establishes a maximum concentration of 0.8 mg/kg of PCBs (7). The values found in 50
wastewater plants of the East of France were between 0.05 ­ 1.13 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg in the region of Paris.
The mean value in sludges disposed in agriculture was of 0.19 mg/kg (Table 3.5).
Table 3.5.- Concentrations of PCBs and PAHs in sewage sludges in France
Location
Sampling PCBs (µg/g dw) PAHs (µg/g dw)
References
Mean of 50 plants
1994
(7 cong.)
ADEME,
1998
(East of France)
0.05-1.13
Agricultural area
1996
0.72 (6 PAHs)
Palayer, 1997
(Chalons en Champagne)

Industrial area (Le Havre)
1996

10.8 (6 PAHs)
Palayer, 1997
Mean in agricultural recycling
2000
(7 cong.) 0.19 1.23 ( Flu, BaF, BaP) ADEME, 2001
Paris (Achères) annual mean
2000
(7 cong.) 0.50 1.80 ( Flu, BaF, BaP) (Data from SIAAP)

39

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3.1.4.2 PCDD/PCDFs
Data about levels of PCDD/Fs in soils are available for the five EU countries of the region (Table 3.6). In
general, data come from studies where the concentrations of PCDD/Fs were measured around areas influenced
by potential point sources, such as waste incinerators or industrial plants. Soil concentrations are similar in the
five countries, with logical urban-rural gradients. Soils under the influence of strong emitting sources (e.g.
uncontrolled combustion) present the high levels.
Table 3.6. Summary of PCDD/Fs concentrations in soils from Mediterranean countries
(expressed as ng I-TEQ/kg dw).
Country Backgrd. Forest Pasture Arable Rural Urban Influenced
by References
point sources
France 0.02-0.35

0.09-1.0
0.2-17 2-60
ADEME,
1998
Greece
2





34-1144
Martens et al., 1998
Italy
0.06-4.31 5.31 0.1-43 0.08-3.1

1.0-6.2 0.9-130
Fachetti,
1998
Portugal




0.79-0.85 2.04-16.4

Coutinho et al., 2002
Spain
0.27-2.24 0.72-1.16


0.12-8.40 0.15-24.2
0.1-1080
Eljarrat et al., 2001
Concentrations in sewage sludges from rural and urban wastewater treatment plants sampled during the 90's in
Catalonia (Spain) range from 5.6 to 90 ng I-TEQ/kg dw. The comparison of these levels with those detected in
sludges sampled and archived during the 70's and 80's (which show levels between 29 and 8300 ng I-TEQ/kg
dw) seems to indicate a decline in PCDD/Fs concentrations in this type of matrix (Eljarrat et al., 1999). The
values found in the other EU member states range from 15-40 ng ITEQ/kg dw.
The use of sewage sludge for fertilising soils is a quite common practice in some countries. Molina et al. (2000)
studied the evolution of PCDD/Fs in sewage sludge-amended soils used in the restoration of degraded lands.
Their results revealed that polluted sewage sludge increases PCDD/Fs concentration in soils and that these
compounds are persistent in soil after long periods of time (> 2 years).
3.1.4.3 PAHs
The distribution of PAHs in solid wastes, soil and aquifer sediment beneath the municipal solid waste landfill
of Zagreb (Croatia) has been studied. Results suggested that despite their high concentration in solid waste
(0.39-3.88 µg/g), higher PAHs (>4 rings) usually do not pose a major risk to groundwater due to the efficient
biological elimination in landfills and an efficient sorption on organic-rich soils immediately beneath the
landfill (Ahel and Tepic, 2000). In the Novi Sad region (FRY) soils were found to contain up to 2.44-8.53 µg/g
of PAHs (16) (av. 5.48 µg/g) after the war period (section 3.5.1) (Sekulic, 2001).
Concentrations of PAHs in sewage sludges from rural and urban areas in France are presented in Table 3.5.
The European threshold values for their use in agriculture are: 0.53 µg/g Flu, 0.39 µg/g BaF and 0.31 µg/g BaP.
3.1.4.4 Alkylphenols
High concentrations of NP (170-600 mg/kg) have been found in digested sewage sludges from wastewater
treatment plants in the Catalonian region (Spain) (Petrovic et al., 2002).
3.1.5 Sediments
3.1.5.1 Aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and chlordane
Cyclodiene pesticides have been extensively reported in sediments collected during the 80's in the Nile River
(Egypt), associated with agricultural practices. More recently, lower levels of heptachlor (0.01-0.93 ng/g dw)
and total chlordane (sum of and -chlordane) (0.4-18.5 ng/g dw) were reported in sediments from the Nile
River and the Manzala Lake (Yamashita et al., 2000). In coastal sediments, cyclodiene pesticides were found to
be in the range of <0.1-72 ng/g (Abd-Allah and Abbas, 1994), whereas values up to 44 ng/g dw were reported
for total chlordane (sum of and -chlordane) in the Alexandria harbour sediments (Barakat et al., 2002).
Cyclodiene pesticides were found in the Ebro River sediments all along the course at concentrations ranging
from 0.02 to 1.7 ng/g dw (mean 0.4 ± 0.6 ng/g). Aldrin was found only in 46% of the samples (Fernandez et al.,
1999). In Israel, levels were <0.5 ng/g in coastal, estuarine and river sediments, but noticeable in surface
sediments of Lake Kinneret for dieldrin (1.6-9.9 ng/g) and heptachlor (2.1-59.9 ng/g) (Zimand, 2002). Dieldrin
was also found in 4 out of 9 sampling locations of river sediments in Cyprus in a survey carried out from 1997-
1998. The values ranged from 1.7-133 ng/g on dry basis (Michaelidou and Christodoulidou, unpublished data).

40

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3.1.5.2 HCB
HCB is widely distributed in the Western Mediterranean. The higher concentrations have been reported for the
Gulf of Fos, the Rhone and the Ebro Deltas (30-39 and 19 ng/g dw, respectively). In the coastal shelf the values
were below 1 ng/g (Prats et al., 1992; Tolosa et al., 1995).
HCB was found in shallow sediments of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) at concentrations ranging from 0.85-1.11
ng/g dw (Bernstein et al., 2002) and in 4 out of 9 sampling locations of river sediments in Cyprus, at levels
ranging from 0.1-4.8 ng/g dw (Michaelidou and Christodoulidou, 1998, unpublished data).
HCB residues were reported in sediments from the Nile River, in the range of 3.8-4.5 ng/g dw (Yamashita et al.,
2000). In Alexandria region, HCB residues in sediments from Abu-Quir and El-Mex Bays exhibited
concentrations in the range 5-60 ng/g dw (Abd-Allah and Abbas, 1994), whereas lower levels (<5 ng/g dw)
were reported recently in sediments from Lake Maryut and Alexandria harbour (Barakat et al., 2002).
3.1.5.3 DDT and PCBs
Sediments constitute an important sink for DDT and PCBs entering the marine environment. A mapping of
DDT and PCBs of the Western Mediterranean basin in bottom sediments (around 100 samples) has revealed the
widespread occurrence of these pollutants in the region and allowed a mass balance assessment (Tolosa et al.,
1995 and 1997) (see section 4.3.2). Localised inputs or "hot spots" have been identified near sewage outfalls
from highly industrialised and populated cities (e.g. Marseille, Barcelona and Naples) and the freshwater
discharges like the Po, Rhône (229 ng/g 9 PCB cong. and 227 ng/g DDTs) and Ebro (34 ng/g 9 PCB cong.
and 47 ng/g DDTs) rivers. However, beyond the zone of influence of these discharges, concentrations drop
rapidly reflecting the enhanced sedimentation processes, which take place at the freshwater-seawater interface.
The levels of DDTs and PCBs in the deep basin were of 0.5-1.2 and 1-2 ng/g dw (9 cong.), respectively. More
recent data is shown in Table 3.7.
Table 3.7. Levels of DDT and PCBs in estuarine and coastal sediment samples of the Mediterranean region
Country
Location
Sampling DDTs (ng/g dw)
PCBs (ng/g dw) References
Albania
Adriatic coast
1993

1 to 5
Koci, 1998
Cyprus
Dams 1997-
98
DDTs: 19- 660
2-158
Michaelidou unpubl.
Egypt
Nile River
1993
DDT: 7; DDE : 45

Yamashita et al., 2000
Manzala Lake 1993
DDTs: 5-640
125 - 330
Yamashita et al., 2000
Maryiut Lake
1998
DDTs: 2-157
4.2-304
Barakat et al., unpubl.
Coastal Bays
1990
DDTs: 32 - 223 39 - 744
Abd-Allah et al., 1994
Alexandria
1998
DDTs: av. 87
0.9-1210 (av.
Barakat et al., 2002
Harbour
(<0.25 ­ 885)
260)
France
Rhone delta
1994-96 DDT: 5-15
IFREMER,
1998
Coastal cities

DDE: 16 (av.)
(Marseille,...)
DDT: 11 (av.)
Coastal
DDE: 1-2.3
lagoons
DDT: 2-15
Greece
Northern
1992 -93 DDTs: 0.3-60

Albanis et al. 1994,
estuaries


1995a
Morocco
Med. coast
1996
DDTs: 0.1-1.8
0.1-1.8
Pavoni et al., 2002
Portugal
Guadiana
2001
DDTs: 0.03-11.7 0.04-2.4
Ferreira et al, 2002
(estuaries) Sado, Tagus 1987-89 DDTs: 0.1-21
0.1-87
Castro and Vale, 1995
Mondego 1998
DDTs: 0.4-1.2
0.2-5.2
Vale et al., 2002
Spain
Ebro (bed)
1995-96 DDTs: 0.4 to 7.9 14.1 (av.)
Fernandez et al., 1999
(rivers)
Ebro (delta)
1990
DDTs: 47 (av.)

Tolosa et al., 1995
Guadalquivir DDTs: 18 (av.)
12.2 (av.)
Hernandez et al, 1992
FR
Danube
2001
DDTs: 3.20
0-774 (7cong.) Jaroslav Cerny Inst, unp.
Yugoslavia Adriatic coast 1994
DDTs: 0.1 - 1.5
1.2 ­ 3.8
Vojinovic et al., 2002
41

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3.1.5.4 PCDD/PCDFs
Some data of PCDD/Fs concentrations in sediments are available for Italy, Spain and Portugal. In Italy, the
most studied area has been the Venice Lagoon (see section 3.1.7.3). In addition, the first data on PCDD/Fs
levels in Po River sediments have been recently published. Concentrations range from 1-2 ng WHO-TEQ/kg
dw to 10-11 ng WHO-TEQ/kg dw (Fattore et al., 1997).
Sediments sampled in the Catalan coast in the late 80's - early 90's, showed concentrations in the range 0.4-8
ng ITEQ/kg dw (Eljarrat et al. 2001). The influence of a sewage sludge dumping site increased these levels to
57 ng ITEQ/kg dw. In Portugal, data are only available from three river sediments in the Oporto region.
PCDD/Fs concentrations range from 0.54 to 3.39 ng ITEQ/kg dw. In general, profiles show higher
concentrations of those congeners with high chlorination degree, mainly OCDDs and OCDFs.
3.1.5.5 HCHs
HCHs were detected during the 80's in coastal sediments from the Western, Central and Eastern part of the
Mediterranean, with mean values of 0.5-2.5 ng/g (Jeftic, 1993). A comparison of the concentrations found in
recent studies, in various areas of the Mediterranean, is presented in Table 3.8. Concentrations up to 100 ng/g,
and therefore to be taken into consideration as a result agricultural pollutants of the coast of Portugal (e.g. Sado,
Duoro, Lima, Mondego, etc.).
Table 3.8. Levels of -HCH in sediment samples from different locations in the Mediterranean region
Country Location
Sampling
Conc. (ng/g dw)
References
Egypt
AbuQuir and El-Mex Bays
1992
10-51 (30)
Abdallah and Abbas, 1994

Nile River and Manzala Lake
1993
0.07-2.7 (0.6)
Yamashita et al., 2000

Alexandria Harbour
1999
<0.25-2.1
Barakat et al., 2002
France
Seine River
2000
0.5-1.2
Romaña, pers. com.
Greece
Thermaikos Gulf
1992 - 1993
7-140 (+-HCH)
Albanis et al., 1994

Amvrakikos Gulf
1992 - 1993
0.1-29 (+-HCH)
Albanis et al., 1995a
Israel
Lake Kinneret
2001
14.5 - 45.6
Zimand, 2002
Spain
Ebro prodelta
1990
0.02-0.94 (HCHs)
Tolosa et al., 1995
Ebro
River
1995-1996
0.007 (HCHs)
Fernández et al., 1999
Off-Barcelona
1990
0.02-1.22 (HCHs)
Tolosa et al., 1995
3.1.5.6 Endosulfan
Mean concentrations of - and -endosulfan in different sites of the coastal lagoon of Mar Menor (Spain) were
in the ranges of 1.67-86 and 1.83-248 ng/g, respectively (Perez-Ruzafa et al., 2000). In Israel, levels of
endosulfan were reported to be lower than 2 ng/g in coastal, estuarine and river sediments, while levels of 33-
276 ng/g were reported in surface sediments from Lake Kinneret (Zimand, 2002). Endosulfan II (<0.25-22
ng/g dw) was detected in 44% of the 23 samples collected in 1999 from Alexandria harbour (Barakat, unpubl.).
3.1.5.7 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PAHs are widespread in coastal zones and clearly associated to urban and industrial inputs. An increasing trend
of pyrolytic PAHs in transects from the coastal areas towards the open sea indicate the predominance of
atmospheric inputs in the latter, which account for 80-90% of the total in the deep sea basins. Concentrations of
PAHs reported in sediments from different locations of the Mediterranean region are presented in Table 3.9.
3.1.5.8 Phthalates

Data is very scanty. Levels of 6-9 µg/g dw of DEHP were found off-shore Barcelona (Spain) close to the urban
sewage outlet. DM, DE, DB phthalates were found at concentrations in the order of 0.1 of µg/g dw each (Garcia
et al., unpubl.). Phthalates were also detected in all sediment samples collected in the major dams of Cyprus
(1997-98). The total concentrations ranged from 70 ng/g to 447 ng/g dw.
3.1.5.9 Alkylphenols
Data is scarce in the region. Sediment samples were analysed in the Venice Lagoon, being the sum of NP,
NP1EO and NP2EO in the range 0.15-13.7 µg/g dw (Marcomini et al., 1990). On the other hand, in sediments
collected along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, concentrations ranged from <10 to 480 µg/kg dw of NP. In
the Atlantic coast the values were similar. OP was only found in some samples (21 ­ 145 µg/g dw) (Petrovic et

42

---

al., 2002). Levels up to 66-81 µg/g dw. of NP were found off-shore Barcelona (Spain) close to the urban
sewage outlet (Garcia et al., unpubl.).
Table 3.9. Concentration levels of PAHs in coastal sediments from the Mediterranean region
Location Sampling
PAHs
Conc. (µg/g dw)
References
NW Mediterranean Sea

1987-91
22 PAHs
0.06-4.84
Tolosa et al., 1996
1996-98
14 PAHs
0.001-20 (3.31)
LPTC Bordeaux
Algeria
Algiers Bay


117 to 1820
Sellali et al., 1998
-Off the coast
19 to 96
Cyprus
Rivers
1997-98

0.07 to 1.09
Michaelidou, unpubl.
Egypt
Alexandria Harbour
1998
39 PAHs 0.008 to 131 (28.7) Barakat et al., 2002
Maryut Lake
1998
39 PAHs
0.4 to 4.0 (1.1)
Barakat et al., unpubl.
France
French coasts
1996
14 PAHs
0.01-0.36
Baumard et al., 1998
Harbours 1996
14 PAHs
0.055-6.94
Baumard et al., 1998
Greece
Thermaikos Gulf
1991

0.5-0.9
Kilikidis et al., 1994
Israel
Coasts and rivers
1995
2.76-7.76
Zimand, 2002
Industrial outfalls
1995
0.32-36.6
Italy
North Adriatic coast
1990
10 PAHs
0.02 to 0.5
Guzzella and De Paolis,
1994
Venice Lagoon
1996-99
15 PAHs
0.57-3.20
Bernstein et al., 2002
Morocco
Mediterranean coast
1996
16 PAHs 0.01-0.55 (av. 0.02) Pavoni et al., 2002
Portugal
Main River Estuaries
1995-98
5 PAHs
n.d.-5.97
Vinhas et al., 2000
Slovenian coast
Koper area
1996
22 PAHs
0.04 and 0.68
Notar et al., 2001
Spain
Spanish coasts
1996
14 PAHs
0.005-0.84
Baumard et al., 1998
Harbours 1996
14 PAHs
1.74-8.42
Baumard et al., 1998
Tunisia
Sfax Bay


1865
Louati et al., 2001
Turkey
Bosphorus 1995
17 PAHs
0.01-0.53
Readman et al., 2002
FR Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro)
Danube 2000
16 PAHs
0.266-123.5
Dalmacija et al., 2000

3.1.5.10 Organotin compounds
The 1988 MEDPOL pilot survey on TBT (section 3.1.3.4) reported levels in sediments from harbours in the
range of 30 ­ 1375 ng/g (Gabrielides et al., 1990). The RNO monitoring program in France determined
concentrations of 2-197 ng/g of TBT in the Atlantic Bays (Brest and Arcachon) and of 9-127 ng/g in the
Mediterranean ports (IFREMER, 1996).
Studies have also been performed in many coastal sites (e.g. Egypt, Malta, France, Spain, Italy, etc.) (Bressa et
al., 1997; Barakat et al., 2002; Díez et al., 2002) with reported values of 1 to 2067 ng Sn/g dw for TBT,
indicating that antifouling paints are still of concern in marinas, harbours and, particularly in sites adjacent to
vessel repair facilities. However, the large predominance of the organotin degradation products over the parent
compounds in the Western Mediterranean suggests that there are almost no recent inputs of these compounds.
43

---

A comparative study of the organotin occurrence in the sewage sludge disposal sites offshore Spanish cities
shows that domestic primary sewage sludge effluents can contribute to coastal organotin pollution (100 ng/g of
TBT). Nevertheless, sewage sludge is a secondary source of contamination in the coastal environment
compared with antifouling paints (Gomez-Ariza et al., 1995).
3.1.5.11 Organomercury compounds
The Gulf of Trieste is one of the most mercury-contaminated areas in the Mediterranean Sea. It is characterised
by high mercury inputs from the Isonzo River whose tributary, the Idrijca River, drains the mercury mining
area of Idrija in Slovenia where extraction activity has taken place for nearly 500 years. This appears, therefore,
to be one of the most suitable sites for studying processes that affect Hg cycling in the marine environment and
for determining whether sediments might act as secondary sources of mercury species in the water column.
A recent study (1995-1997) aimed for assessing the extent of contamination of the Gulf of Trieste showed that
the major source of inorganic mercury is still the Isonzo River while the major source of methyl mercury is the
bottom sediment of the Gulf (Horvat et al., 1999).
3.1.6 Temporal
trends
3.1.6.1 Chlorinated
pesticides
Decreasing trends have generally been observed for organochlorine insecticides in surface streams during the
80's and 90's. This is the case, for example, for the Danube River and its tributaries in Vojvodina (FR
Yugoslavia); the Nile (Egypt), where levels of DDT decreased by 100 fold in the period 1982-1993, although
this difference can be partially attributed to the higher accuracy in the analytical methods; the Seine (France),
with a sharp decrease for the drins and DDT since 1985, and for lindane since 1993, etc.
Figure 3.1 shows the temporal trend of DDTs (DDT+DDE) concentrations in sediments from the Eastern
Adriatic Sea (Picer and Picer, 1991). Temporal trends of chlorinated pesticides have also been assessed using
dated sediment cores collected in the mouths of the rivers (e.g. Ebro, Nile, etc.), showing increasing discharges
until mid 80's and further decrease, although HCHs are still increasing at present times in the Nile.
3.1.6.2 PCBs
Concentrations reported at the mouths of the Ebro and Rhone Rivers in 1993 were consistently lower than those
found during the previous decade. During the period 1974-82 concentrations were also reduced by a factor of 3 off-
shore Monaco (Burns et al. 1985).
Temporal variability of PCBs contamination has also been assessed through analyses of dated sediment cores from
the Rhône and Ebro areas (Tolosa et al., 1995). In the Rhône area, maximum PCBs concentration was identified
during the period 1960-75, whereas near the Ebro the maximum was still in the surface, corresponding to the period
1975-90. These data suggests that the restricted use of PCBs in 1976 was more effective in France than in Spain.
Indeed, the factory located upstream from the Ebro river may be the sole reason for this difference. The surface
sediments of the Adriatic coast (Figure 3.1) did not show a temporal trend (Picer and Picer, 1991).
Long-term trends of contamination for some pollutants and media for a number of countries have been
estimated by the MSC-East Centre from field data and emission expert estimates. Figures show that the
downward concentration trends follow the emission reductions, although soil concentrations decrease at much
slower rates (http://www.msceast.org/countries/index.html).
3.1.6.3 PAHs
Atmospheric PAH concentrations were measured weekly for 24 h at 4 sites in the urban area of Paris (France),
during winter, from 1990 to 1998 (AIRPARIF). The average particulate concentration of BaP ranged from 0.4
to 3.2 ng/m3 and showed a decreasing trend down to twice lower during this period.
Sediment cores have also been sampled for assessing temporal trends of PAHs. Sediments from the Piallassa
Baiona coastal lagoon (North Adriatic) and from the Rhone and Ebro prodeltas showed maximum
accumulation rates of PAHs in the 1920-1940 and the 1975-1990 periods, although with a steep decrease since
mid 80's.
Concentrations of PAHs in sea water samples obtained from various areas of the Mediterranean Sea have
statistically significant differences from year to year, but levels do not show any significant yearly trend.
Moreover, as shown in Table 3.9, the concentrations in NW Mediterranean surface sediments remained within
the same range during the last decade.

44

---

8
6
4
2
0
Log OC (ng/g) d.w.
7 5
7 7
7 9
8 1
8 3
8 5
8 7
8 9
9 1
-2
L N D D T(ng /g )
L N P C B (ng /g )
-4
L ine a l (L N P C B (ng /g ))
L ine a l (L N D D T(ng /g ))
-6
Y E AR O F S AM P L ING
Figure 3.1. Temporal trend of DDT and PCB levels in Eastern Adriatic coastal sediments
3.1.6.4 Organotin
compounds
The comparison of data on sediments collected in the late 80's and in 1999 in the Catalan coast (Tolosa et al.,
1992) reveals that organotin regulations established in the Mediterranean region in 1991 on the use of TBT-
based antifouling paints have been effective in marinas, but not significantly in commercial and fishing
harbours. Surveys conducted in areas of the South Atlantic coast of Spain (Gómez-Ariza et al., 1995) and the
Mediterranean coast of France (Tolosa et al., 1996) also reveal a decline in the TBT concentration in seawater
but still exceeding the non-effect level for the most sensitive species.
3.2 CONCENTRATIONS OF PTS IN BIOTA, INCLUDING HUMANS
3.2.1 Terrestrial
biota
3.2.1.1 Vegetation

Using compartmental modelling, the Meteorological Synthesising Centre-East has estimated mean
concentrations of HCB in natural media of all northern countries of the Mediterranean region, which are
reflected in vegetation (Dutchak et al., 2002). Calculated mean concentrations range from 0.03 ng/g in Turkey
to 0.57 ng/g in France.
Leafy vegetables (cabbage and lettuce) and, particularly, conifer needle species have been mainly used as
biomonitors to evaluate the pattern of PTSs contamination. HCB, HCHs and DDTs have been measured in pine
needles in Greece and more extensively in Italy, Croatia and France. The results are summarised in Table 3.10.
Table 3.10. Concentration of some organochlorinated hydrocarbons in pine needles
from several countries. The values are expressed in ng/g dw
Sampling site HCB -HCH -HCH pp'DDE pp'DDT
PCBs
Reference
Croatia 0.3-1.5
0.2-7.4
0.5-7.4
0.8-2.6
0.0-0.7 1.4-10 (Aroclor) Krauthacker et al., 2001
France (Paris)

7-27
59-69


190-680 (av. 340)
Granier et al., 1992
Greece
5.0-7.2





Calamari et al., 1999
Italy (North):







- Industrial
2.2-5 1.4-26 3.9-10 1.6-12.4 2.6-11
30-360
Gaggi et al., 1985
- Alps
0.5-3 1.1-4.5 0.6-4.9 0.6-3.2 0.6-5.0


The sampling sites in Italy cover the whole country, from the North (Alps and Milano) to the South (Taranto).
The highest levels of HCB in pine needles were found in Milano, while the lowest were in the Alpine region,
far from urban pollution. Conversely, HCHs levels in vegetation were lower in the Northern industrialised area
than in Central Italy (e.g. Siena, Pisa), where there is widespread agricultural activity.
45

---

PCBs are widespread environmental contaminants but there are few data in vegetation as shown in Table 3.10.
Higher levels were found in sites considered as "hot-spots" where there is an evidence of a PCB-pollution
source (e.g. electrical transformers).
PCCD/Fs have been found in pine needles collected in urban and rural sites revealing that they are excellent
biomonitors for dioxins contamination (Di Guardo et al., 1999). The data of dioxins levels presented in the EU
SCOOP report and related to France, Greece, Italy and Spain indicated a typical range of 0.09 ­ 1.22 pg I-
TEQ/g dw, with a maximum value of 64 pg I-TEQ/g dw in a contaminated site.
The Seveso area (Italy) was of particular concern for PCDD/Fs contamination of vegetables and human risk
assessment (Arnoldi et al., 1999). The vegetables analysed are zucchini, cabbages and cucumbers and the most
abundant isomers were hepta and octacloro dioxins indicating that atmospheric deposition plays an important
role in determining levels in vegetables.
3.2.1.2 Animals
Surprisingly there is no recent information on most chlorinated pesticides in terrestrial animals, considering that
these are at the top of the food chain. Only some studies have been performed in Italy, involving foxes, rabbits
and barn swallows.
3.2.1.2.1 DDT and metabolites
Mean DDT values (op'- and pp'-DDT, DDE and DDD) were 0.55 µg/g in muscle (n=18) and 0.14 µg/g in fat
of Vulpes vulpes (fox) from Pisa, 1.16 µg/g in muscle (n=36) and 0.49 µg/g in fat of foxes from Siena, while
specimens from Grosseto contained 4.17 µg/g in muscle (n=3) and 0.67 µg/g in fat (Corsolini et al., 2000a).
In barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) collected in 1995 in agricultural areas around Milan (Northern Italy), mean
pp'-DDE levels in liver and muscle were 95 and 75 ng/g ww, respectively (Kannan et al., 2001).
3.2.1.2.2 HCB

HCB in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) sampled in 1992-1993 from three variously impacted areas of Tuscany
ranged from an average of 0.08 µg/g ww in fat (n=13) of foxes from Pisa (industrialised area) to 1.06 µg/g ww
in muscle (n=3) of those from Grosseto (agricultural area) (Corsolini et al., 2000a).
3.2.1.2.3 PCBs

PCBs ranged between 0.6-8.0 ng/g ww (mean: 2 µg/g; n=10) in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Central Italy
collected in 1991-1992. TEQs were calculated on 13 dioxin-like PCB congeners (range: 17.8-1379.6 pg/g;
mean: 177.8 pg/g) (Corsolini et al., 1995a). PCBs were also detected in adipose and muscle tissues of red foxes
(V. vulpes) sampled in 1992-1993 in three areas of the Tuscany region. Mean concentrations on lipid basis were
20.2-38 µg/g in muscle and 7.2-7.5 µg/g in fat (Corsolini et al., 2000a).
Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) collected in 1995 from agricultural areas around Milan (Italy) contained mean
values of 1230 ng/g ww in liver and 716 ng/g ww in muscle. Toxic equivalents, calculated as the sum of TEQs
of coplanar PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PCNs, ranged 14.1-19.7 pg/g ww in swallow tissues (Kannan et al., 2001).
3.2.1.2.4 PCDD/PCDFs
The liver of some rabbits fed for 3-4 months with grass cut in four areas selected for their specific
contamination (Seveso area) was analysed to detect the dioxins contamination. The highest concentration (27-
31 pg I-TEQ/g ww) was detected in rabbits that were fed with grass cut over basins that contain materials and
debris of the ICMESA accident. The rabbits fed with grass that should be contaminated mostly by deposition of
traffic pollution were less contaminated (5-13 pg I-TEQ/g ww).
PCDD/Fs in barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) collected in 1995 from agricultural areas around Milan (Northern
Italy) were below the limits of detection (Kannan et al., 2001).
3.2.2 Freshwater environment: fish and aquatic birds
3.2.2.1 Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor and Heptachlor epoxide
Concentrations of aldrin, dieldrin and heptachlor in gills of fish (S.galileum) from different sites in Lake
Kinneret (Israel) were found in the range 0.5-106.5 ng/g (Zimand, 2002). In Egypt, the levels of pesticides in
fish were generally lower and below the acceptable tolerance levels for human consumption.

46

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Levels of aldrin (0.1 ­ 3.4 ng/g dw), endrin (0.0 ­ 6.9 ng/g dw), heptachlor (0.1 ­ 3.0 ng/g dw) and heptachlor
epoxide (1 ­ 57 ng/g dw) were measured in unhatched Audouin gull eggs from Aegean Sea (North-eastern
Mediterranean) colonies in 1997 and 1998, whereas dieldrin was below the detection limit (Goutner et al., 2001).
Lower residue values of aldrin (0.01 ­ 0.3 ng/g dw), heptachlor (0.3 ­ 0.9 ng/g dw) and heptachlor epoxide (3.8 ­
8.6 ng/g dw) were found in four Greek wetlands of international importance (the Evros and Axios Deltas, and
Kerkini and Prespa Lakes), using the cormorant Phalacrocorax carbosinesis (Konstantinou et al., 2000).
3.2.2.2 DDT
The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, has been used by Galassi et al. (1994) to monitor the Po River basin.
The maximum level of DDT was found in Lake Magiore at the mouth of the River Toce (3120 ng/g ww) which
may indicate a point source, identified as a DDT manufacturer located at Pieve Vergonte. Zebra mussel was
also used in the Seine River which exhibited a DDE conc. of 8.4-29 ng/g dw (Chevreuil et al., 1996).
Data available for different Po River fish species vary from 17 ng/g ww (eel) to 4030 ng/g fat weight (barbel)
(Galassi et al., 1994; Bressa et al., 1997; Vigano et al., 2000). Roach catched in the Seine River in 1996
contained 4.1 ng/g ww of DDE (Chevreuil, pers. com.).
In Croatia, levels of DDTs in various rivers and fish species are between 1 and 147 ng/g (Radakovic et al.,
1992). In the FR Yugoslavia, perch, carp and pike from the tributaries of the Danube River in the region of
Vojvodina exhibited levels ranging 1.7-49 ng/g (Vojinovic-Miloradov et al., 2002). In Egypt, DDTs in fish
species from the River Nile and coastal lakes range from 1 to 850 ng/g (Dogheim et al. 1996a; Yamashita et
al., 2000; Abd-Allah and Ali, 1994; Badawy and Wahaab, 1997). Levels of DDTs (1-31 ng/g ww) measured in
fish samples collected during 1995-1996 from the local markets indicated a decline in DDT concentrations.
A number of studies have focused on the use of eggs of aquatic birds as biomonitors. Levels of pp'-DDE in
eggs of avocet and fish-eating birds of the Po River Delta are shown in Table 3.11. Eggs of Egretta garzetta,
collected in the Göksu Delta (Turkey), were also analysed for DDTs (1254, 787 and 85 ng/g dw of p,p'-DDT,
p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDE, respectively) (Aya et al., 1997).
Table 3.11. Mean organochlorine concentrations (in ng/g ww) in eggs of avocet and fish-eating birds of the
River Po Delta (Focardi, 2002).
Species PCBs
p,p'-DDE
HCB
3.2.2.2.1.1.1.1.1 Phalacrocorax
477 - 7085
206 - 1281 1.13 - 3.82
sp.
Sterna sp.
1060 - 2551
316 - 349
2.01 3.17
Larus ridibundus
5041
960
5.13
Egretta garzetta
1314
372
1.02
Recurvirostra avosetta
329
198
1.97
DDTs were determined in eggs of Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) as well as in eels (Anguila anguila)
the main pelican prey, collected at the wetlands of Amvrakikos Gulf (Greece) during 1992-93 (Albanis et al.,
1995b). DDTs were also measured in unhatched Audouin gull eggs from Aegean Sea (NE Mediterranean)
colonies in 1997 and 1998 (1-1035 ng/g dw) (Goutner et al. 2001) and in four Northern Greek wetlands, using
the cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo(Konstantinou et al., 2000).
The Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus, which is a species of special concern in the area because of its
status of endemic threatened seabird, has shown levels of 3-2544 ng/g dw of pp'-DDT (3-1937 pp'-DDE) (Ruiz
et al. 2002). It is outstanding the lack of information for the South and South-Eastern basin. Only recently,
some data corresponding to Larus audouinii from the Chafarinas Islands has been obtained (DDTs: 1360 ng/g
dw) (Ruiz pers. com.). The mean level of this species in the Ebro Delta was 4610 ng/g dw (n=56)(Pator et al.,
1995).
Comparison between Western and Eastern Mediterranean basins has been approached using the Audouin's Gull
(Larus audouinii) eggs. Levels are significantly higher in the Western than in the Eastern basin.
3.2.2.3 HCB
Data are available for different fish species (Alburnus alburnus, Silurus glanis, Rutilus pigus, Leuciscus
cephalus, Perca fluviatilis) from Po River showing contamination in the range of 4-21 ng/g fresh tissue or 26-
130 ng/g fat basis (Galassi et al., 1994). Mean levels of about 7 and 4 ng/g fat have been reported, respectively,
for rainbow trout and eel from the same river (Galassi, et al., 1996; Bressa et al., 1997). HCB residues found in
eggs of avocet and fish-eating birds of the Po River Delta are reported in Table 3.11.
47

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In France, the concentrations of HCB in roach (Rutilus rutilus) collected in 1991 in the Seine river were in the
range of 3.8-274 ng/g dw, whereas lower concentrations (3.1-6.1 ng/g dw) were reported in zebra mussel
(Chevreuil et al., 1995 and 1996b). HCB has also been found in trouts from isolated lakes in the Pyrenees
(0.10-0.22 ng/g), where only atmospheric inputs can be expected (Sanchez et al., 1993).
3.2.2.4 PCBs

Levels of PCBs investigated in muscle of three cyprinids of the Po River: nase (Chondrostoma söetta), chub
(Leuciscus cephalus) and barbel (Barbus plebejus) were in the range from 1174 to 5130 ng/g fat weight,
significantly lower than those found in a different selection of species (Alburnus alburnus, Silurus glanis,
Rutilus pigus, Leuciscus cephalus, Perca fluviatilis) in early 90's (Galassi et al., 1994, Viganò et al., 2000). In
the Seine River (France) PCBs (7 cong.) were found in roach at concentrations of 40.5 ng/g ww (Chevreuil,
pers. com.).
In Croatia, PCBs levels in fish species from various rivers are between 70 to 95700 ng/g ww (Radakovic et al.,
1992). Recently, a serious contamination of the Kupa River (Slovenia) resulting from improper disposal of the
waste discharged by an electrical capacitor manufacturing plant was observed. Concentrations of PCBs in fish
ranged from 90 to 1590 ng/g (Aroclor eq.) (Picer et al., 1995). In the FR Yugoslavia, perch, carp and pike from
the tributaries of the Danube River in the region of Vojvodina exhibited levels ranging 6.0-25.5 ng/g
(Vojinovic-Miloradov et al., 2002). In Egypt, fish from coastal lakes exhibited PCB levels from 6 to 54 ng/g
ww (Badawy and Wahaab, 1997; Abd-Allah and Ali, 1994; UNEP/FAO/WHO/IAEA, 1990).
Evidence of long range atmospheric transport of PCBs over the region has been obtained by the occurrence of
the more volatile congeners in trouts captured in remote lakes from the Pyrenees, at 2200m of altitude.
Concentrations of the 28 more abundant congeners were in the range 2.7-7.5 ng/g ww (Sanchez et al., 1993).
A number of papers have been published on PCBs have in eggs of fish-eating birds. Table 3.11 shows data
from the Po River Delta. Koci et al. (2000) determined PCBs residues in eggs of a series of migratory birds
(Sterna and Pelecanus sp.) inhabiting the Karavasta lagoon, a natural protected area in Albania. Concentrations of
total PCB congeners were in the range of 145-656 ng/g ww. In turn, the mean concentration in eels liver (Anguilla
sp.) was 9 ng/g ww.
Levels of eight PCB congeners (IUPAC Nos. 8, 20, 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 180) were measured (2-349 ng/g dw) in
unhatched Audouin gull eggs from Aegean Sea (NE Mediterranean) colonies in 1997 and 1998 (Goutner et al.
2001) and in four Northern Greek wetlands, using the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) eggs as a suitable
bioindicator (Konstantinou et al. 2000). The median of total PCBs were significantly different among the areas,
being unexpectedly high in Prespa Lake (68.4 ng/g) and low in Evros Delta samples (12.2 ng/g).
Comparison between Western and Eastern Mediterranean basins has also been approached using the Audouin's
Gull (Larus audouinii) eggs. Trends for total PCB are similar to those obtained for total DDT, but in this case
the differences are even larger, indicating a higher impact of industrial PTSs sources for the Western basin.
3.2.2.5 HCHs
A number of fish (roach and perch) collected in 1991 in the Seine, Marne and Yonne Rivers (France) exhibited
concentrations of lindane of 11-29 ng/g ww (Bintein and Devillers, 1996). The zebra mussel, also used as
sentinel organism in the Seine river, contained, in 1992, 0.5-63 ng/g dw of lindane (Chevreuil et al., 1996b). A
concentration of 0.9 ng -HCH/g fat has been reported for rainbow trout from the Po River (Galassi et al.,
1996). Concentrations slightly lower were found in trouts from high altitude lakes in the Pyrenees (0.1-0.3
ng/g), suggesting an effective long range transport of this pollutant (Sanchez et al., 1993).
Fish samples collected in 1993 from the Nile River near Cairo showed concentrations of -, - and -HCH of
0.5, 1.5 and 0.2 ng/g ww, respectively. Levels were higher in the coastal lagoon of Manzala (1.3-5.1, 3.0-7.2
and 0.6-2.1 ng/g ww, respectively) (Badawy and Wahaab, 1997; Yamashita et al., 2000).
-HCH, -HCH and lindane were determined in eggs of Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) as well as in eels
(Anguila anguila) the main pelican prey collected at the wetlands of Amvrakikos Gulf (Greece) during 1992 and
1993. The concentrations of these compounds in pelican eggs were 7.9 ± 3.2, 16.4 ± 5.4 and 7.6 ± 2.9 ng/g ww,
respectively, and 6.5 ± 2.5, 10.1 ± 4.2 and 4.2 ± 1.6 in eels (Albanis et al., 1995b).
Levels of -CH (0.4 ­ 11 ng/g dw), -HCH (155 - 308 ng/g dw) and lindane (0.4 ­ 19 ng/g dw) were measured in
unhatched Audouin gull eggs from the Aegean Sea (NE Mediterranean) colonies in 1997 and 1998 (Goutner et al.
2001). Slightly lower residue values of these compounds were also found in four Northern Greek wetlands, using
the cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo as a suitable bioindicator (Konstantinou et al. 2000).

48

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3.2.2.6 PAHs
Total concentrations of 15 PAHs in roach (Rutilus rutilus) and zebra mussels collected in 1996 -1998 in the
Seine River (France) were in the range of 23-136 ng/g dw and 0.6-1.1 ng/g dw, respectively (Blanchard et al.,
1999).
Frogs have been proposed as a new indicator of pollution in aquatic and terrestrial systems, in Serbia (FR
Yugoslavia). High concentrations of PAHs were found in liver (Vojinovic-Miloradov et al., 1996).
3.2.3 Marine environment: bivalves, fish and marine mammals
Organisms inhabiting coastal areas have often been proposed as sentinels for monitoring PTS of land-based origin
because they may concentrate indicative hydrophobic compounds in their tissues, directly from water through
respiration and also through the diet. In the Mediterranean Sea, the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis and the
benthic red mullet (Mullus sp.), have been largely used, preferentially reflecting contamination from the water
column and sedimentary compartments, respectively.
3.2.3.1 Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor and Heptachlor epoxide
Cyclodiene pesticides have been determined during the last 20 years in a large number of organisms, mainly
bivalves and fish, in coastal areas of Spain, Egypt, Morocco, in the middle and north Adriatic Sea, Greece,
Turkey, etc. (UNEP/FAO/WHO/IAEA, 1990). Concentrations of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and heptachlor in Mullus
barbatus were in the low ng/g range. More recently, values of 0.1-1.0 ng/g ww have been reported, for
example, in samples collected in the coasts of Greece and Turkey (Giouranovits et al., 1994; Kucuksezgin et al.,
2001). Mullus barbatus has also been monitored in Cyprus coastal waters and the values found between 0.86-
1.46 ng/g dw for aldrin, 0.62-2.51 ng/g dw for dieldrin, 0.25-0.34 ng/g dw for endrin, and 0.94-1.19ng/g dw for
heptachlor, with a slight temporal decreasing trend from 1993 to1999 (Gabrielides, pers. com.).
3.2.3.2
DDT
A summary of the concentrations of DDTs in different organisms based on data from the MEDPOL database is
shown in Fig. 3.2. In general, p,p'-DDE was the predominant component in all organisms, and the
concentrations are too diverse to detect any trend, except the occurrence of local hot spots. Concentrations up
to 230 ng/g ww of total DDTs (DDT+DDE) were found, for example, in red mullet in the area of influence of
Barcelona, whereas the lowest (<1 ng/g ww) were found in Corsica and Sardinia Islands (Porte et al., 2002).
The mean values of total DDTs found in mussels in the French Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts during 1995-
99 were 6 ng/g dw (0.7-45 ng/g) and 24.4 ng/g dw (1.2-157 ng/g), respectively (IFREMER, 2001), indicating
the higher presence of DDT in the Mediterranean basin. Levels in the range of 7-29 ng/g ww were found in
mussels collected during the 90's in the Morocco coast.
Concentrations of DDTs from 1 to 25 ng/g ww were found in bivalves (oysters and clams) collected in the Sado
and Formosa estuaries (Portugal) (Ferreira et al., 1994 and 1998).
Figure 3.2. Concentrations of DDTs and PCBs (ng/g ww) in selected species from the Mediterranean Sea.
DS: Diplodus sargus; LM: Lithognatus mormyrus; MB: Mullus barbatus; MG: Mytilus galloprovincialis;
PK: Penaeus keraturus; PL: Parapenaeus longirostris; SP: Sardina pilchardus; TT: Thunnus thynnus.

The Adriatic Sea was also an area largely investigated. DDTs were determined in several fish species (Gobius
sp., Mullus barbatus, Diplodus annularis, Oblada melanura, and Merluccius merluccius) collected from three
areas in the Eastern coastal waters. Average levels of DDTs were 124 ng/g and 37 ng/g for the Istrian coast and
49

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Rijeka Bay, respectively. Concentrations in Mullus barbatus from the Montenegro Coast (South Adriatic)
varied for DDE (0.01 to 4.95 ng/g ww) and DDT (4.17 to 15.14 ng/g ww). Finally, bivalves, red mullet,
mackerel, anchovy and squid samples from the northern, central, and southern Adriatic exhibited DDE levels
from 0.7 to 32.4 ng/g fw. The highest levels were found in mackerel, red mullet and anchovy (17.7-32.4 ng/g
ww, 8.1-9.8 ng/g ww, and 6.4-11.9 ng/g ww, respectively) (Bayarri et al., 2001). In molluscs from open sea
areas of the Venice Lagoon, levels between 0.2-2.7 ng DDE/g ww have been found (di Domenico et al., 1997).
Mullus barbatus was also the indicator species used in the Aegean Sea. A large survey conducted from 1986 to
1995 in both the Greek and Turkish coasts determined a relatively low level of pollution in this area.
DDTs were also measured in a variety of mesopelagic and deep sea fish species collected in the Western
Mediterranean. The concentrations shown in Table 3.12 can be considered as the background values for the
region
Table 3.12. Concentrations (in ng/g ww) of organochlorinated compounds in samples of fish tissues collected
in the NW Mediterranean
Fish species
Habitat
DDTs
HCB PCBs References
(DDT+DDE)
( 7 cong.)
Mullus sp.
Coastal
4.4 - 16.8
1.6 - 6.7
8.7 - 20.3
Pastor et al. 1996
Dicentrarchus sp.
2.6 - 4.0
0.6 - 0.8
4.4 - 6.2
Lepidorombus sp.
Mesopelagic
0.8 ± 0.2

2.1 ± 0.3
Garcia et al. 2000
Phycis sp.

0.4 ± 0.1

1.0 ± 0.2
Lepidion sp.
Deep sea
6.0 - 7.1
0.14 ­ 0.17
8.3 ­ 9.4
Porte et al. 2000
Coryphaenoides sp.

1.9 - 4.3
0.25 ­ 0.67
2.5 ­ 4.6

Bathypterois sp.
5.0 ­ 10.2
0.12 ­ 0.25
6.0 ­ 10.0
Mora moro
7.4 ­ 12.6

9.0 ­ 16.2
Solé et al. 2001
DDTs were determined in the tissues and organs of cetaceans (Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus,
Balaenoptera physalus, Steno bredanensis, Grampus griseus and Globicephala melaena) stranded along the
Italian coasts in the period 1987-1993 and in Bottlenose and Risso's dolphins found dead along the Italian coast
in 1992 (Corsolini et al., 1995). DDT concentrations measured in blubber ranged from 8.0 to 550 µg/g ww
(mean: 170 µg/g) in bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and 5.2 to 400 µg/g ww (mean: 200 µg/g) in Risso's
dolphins (Grampus griseus). In sharks (Prionace glauca and Alopias vulpinus) DDT ranged between 14 and
300 ng/g ww (mean: 78.2) while in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) levels ranged 56-780 ng/g ww (mean: 256)
(Corsolini et al., 1995).
Levels of p,p'-DDE were measured in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and
cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) collected off the Italian coast in 1999. Mean concentrations of p,p'-DDE on
ww basis in tuna was 82 ng/g in liver, 49 ng/g in muscle and 135 ng/g in fat. In swordfish p,p'-DDE was 135
ng/g in liver and ranged 45-69 ng/g ww in muscle (mean: 57 ng/g), while in cormorant livers concentrations
ranged 144-190 ng/g ww (mean: 166 ng/g). (Kannan et al., 2001).
3.2.3.3 HCB
HCB has been widely distributed in Western Mediterranean fish species, as shown in Table 3.12. Measurable
amounts of HCB have also been found in red mullet collected along the NW coast, with levels along the
Spanish coast (0.24-2.80 ng/g ww) slightly higher than in the French one (0.42-0.97 ng/g ww). The highest
levels were found in the vicinity of the Ebro Delta, probably by the existence of an industrial source upstream
of the river.
HCB was also found in mussels collected in the Atlantic coast of Morocco (2.5-3.0 ng/g ww) (Fahri et al.,
1995) and in red mullet from Cyprus (0.69 ng/g dw) (Gabrielides, pers. com.).
Storelli and Marcotrigiano (2000) investigated the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides in tissues of some
specimens of the Mediterranean turtle Caretta caretta beached along the Adriatic Sea, Italy. The concentrations
of HCB in the liver of all specimens varied from 0.02 - 0.08 µg/g and in the kidney from 0.01- 0.04 µg/g.
3.2.3.4 PCBs
A summary of the distribution of PCBs in different Mediterranean organisms based on data from the MEDPOL
database is shown in Fig. 3.2. The levels of PCBs found in mussels and mullets from the Western Mediterranean
during the 70's and 80's have been reviewed and discussed by Tolosa et al. (1997). It appears that rivers and

50

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wastewater discharges are the major sources of PCBs in coastal areas. "Hot spots" (av. 527 ng/g dw) have been
identified at enclosed locations along the French coast (Toulon, Thau, Sete, Cannes, Monaco), off industrial and
highly populated cities (Marseille, Barcelona and Genova), and at the mouths of the Rhône and Ebro rivers.
Most recent data shows concentrations in the Eastern Mediterranean coast (< 2 ng/g ww for mussels, and between
the detection limit and 10.0 ng/g ww for Mullus sp.)(Giouranovits et al., 1994; Kucuksezgin et al., 2001) much
lower than those found in the Western basin. The levels in the Atlantic coast are also slightly higher than in the
Mediterranean (IFREMER, 2001). Levels of PCBs (19 cong.) in bivalves and benthic fish collected in the
Atlantic coast of Portugal were in the range of 1-12 ng/g ww (Ferreira et al., 1994 and 1998).
The accumulation of PCBs in red mullet, mackerel and anchovy from the northern, central, and southern
Adriatic revealed detectable differences among species and sites. The higher concentrations were found in the
northern area and in mackerel (94 -177 ng/g ww) (Bayarri et al., 2001). PCBs levels in fish and bivalves
collected from the Egyptian Mediterranean coast and Nile estuary ranged from 18 to 32 ng/g, and 28 to 37 ng/g,
respectively, (Abd-Allah et al., 1998). Representative concentrations of PCBs in Mediterranean pelagic and
deep sea fish are shown in Table 3.12.
PCBs were also determined in the blubber and liver of striped dolphins affected by the 1990 morbillivirus
epizootic in the Mediterranean Sea (Corsolini et al., 1995). PCBs levels were found to be significantly higher in
the individuals that succumbed to the epizootic than in a 'healthy' population sampled before or after the event.
The levels were also higher than those found in animals showing reproductive failure and physiological
impairment following prolonged PCBs exposure, thus suggesting that the contamination by PCBs may be a
major causative factor for the large-scale deaths of dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea.
Levels of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs have also been determined in tissues of dolphins (Stenella sp.)
beached along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of Apulia - Southern Italy. The results obtained confirm that the
accumulation of contaminants is higher in Mediterranean dolphins than in similar species living in the Atlantic.
Tissues from a number of cetaceans stranded along the Italian coasts in the period 1987-1993, and of
Bottlenose and Risso's dolphins found dead along the Italian coast in 1992 were also sampled and analysed for
PCBs. TEQs calculated on 13 dioxin-like PCB congeners ranged 3325-53470 pg/g (mean: 18840 pg/g) in
bottlenose and 912-40612 pg/g (mean: 20838 pg/g) in Risso's dolphin (Corsolini et al., 1995b).
PCBs were analysed in bluefin tuna, swordfish and cormorants sampled in autumn 1999 off the Italian coast.
Concentrations of total PCBs in livers of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) ranged 224-1660 ng/g ww (mean:
934) or 5670-14400 ng/g lipid basis. Mean concentrations of tuna muscle and fat were 280 ng/g and 817 ng/g
ww, respectively. Mean PCBs values in pooled samples of liver and muscle of swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
were 745 and 329 ng/g ww, respectively (Kannan et al., 2001).
Corsolini et al. (2000b) investigated the presence of PCBs in stranded specimens of the Mediterranean
loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta found along the Italian Adriatic coast in 1994. PCBs ranged 69-205 ng/g
ww (mean: 119 ng/g) in liver, 10-19 ng/g ww (mean: 15 ng/g) in muscle and 136-563 ng/g ww (mean: 334
ng/g) in fat.
3.2.3.5 PCDD/PCDFs
Total PCDD/Fs in samples of selected marine species from the Adriatic Sea are presented on Table 3.13
(Bayarri et al., 2001). In general, I-TEQ findings were greater for species collected in the northern area and for
those situated at higher levels in the trophic web (mackerel > red mullet > anchovy).
Table 3.13.- Total PCDD/PCDFs concentration levels in marine organisms from the Adriatic Sea
Species %fat
PCDDs
PCDFs
PCDD/Fs
(pg/g ww) (pg/g ww)
(pg TEQ/g)
Anchovy 1.8-3.3
0.33-0.50
0.71-1.53 0.23-0.47
Squid 1.2-1.9
0.20-0.30
0.48-0.83
0.12-0.25
Mussel 1.4-1.6
0.49-1.54
0.89-1.52
0.11-0.24
Lobster 0.5-0.7
0.46-0.69
0.62-0.77
0.09-0.14
Marckerel 5.6-8.7
0.32-0.53 2.38-3.05 0.59-1.07
Red mullet
4.3-4.9
0.29-0.60 0.99-1.49
0.37-0.56
Clam 0.9-1.1
0.38-0.53
0.38-1.38
0.07-0.13

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PCDD/Fs were also analysed in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and
cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) collected off the Italian coast in 1999. Concentrations in tuna were less than
the limits of detection which varied from 1-75 pg/g ww. PCDD/F congeners were below the detection limits in
swordfish. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF were
detected in livers of some cormorants (Kannan et al., 2001).
3.2.3.6 HCHs
Isomeric ratios (/) below 1 have usually been found in bivalves and benthic fishes. A large survey of mussels
performed during 1995-99 in the French Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts (over 700 samples) have shown
mean values of 0.8/3.6 ng/g dw and 0.5/2.0 ng/g dw for /-HCHs, respectively (IFREMER, 2001). Mussels
from the coast of Morocco exhibited values of 0.5-6.4 ng/g ww.
Concentrations of lindane in the range of 0.1 - 0.6 ng/g ww have been reported for mussels and red mullet from
the Spanish coast. An extensive survey of Mullus barbatus carried out between 1986 and 1991 in 8 coastal
stations of the Aegean Sea revealed concentrations of and -HCH of 0.1-0.5 ng/g ww and 0.6-3.5 ng/g ww,
respectively. Lindane was also found in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) collected between 1993-99 in the Cyprus
coast (0.6-1.3 ng/g dw) (Gabrielides, pers. com.).
3.2.3.7 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Concentrations of PAHs in marine biota indicate a high degree of contamination of certain areas of the region.
Data given for the Ligurian Sea for Mytilus sp. range from 14 to 571 ng/g dw (UNEP/WHO, 1995). In more
recent studies, Baumard et al. (1998) determined the 14 priority PAHs in mussel tissues (Mytilus sp.) and fish
livers (Serranus and Mullus sp.) of specimens collected in the French and Spanish Mediterranean coasts and
found values of 25-82, 27-87 and 15-49 ng/g dw, respectively, although values up to 390 ng/g dw were found
in mussels collected inside harbours. Similar determinations carried out in deep sea fish from the NW
Mediterranean basin (Mora sp.) showed liver concentrations of 7-16 ng/g ww (Solé et al., 2000).
A large survey of mussels carried out during 1995-99 in the French Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts gave
mean values of 590 and 411 ng/g dw (16 PAHs), respecively (IFREMER, 2001). A survey carried out
recently in bivalves (Perna perna) from 18 stations along the Atlantic coast of Morocco gave results from 3.4-
34.6 ng/g (14 PAHs) with values up to 87-109 ng/g ww in the vicinities of the cities of Agadir and El Jadida
(Moukrim, 2002). Values of 170-750 ng/g dw were found in mussels from the Thermaikos Gulf (Greece)
(Kilikidis et al., 1994). The concentrations of 16 PAHs in mussels collected in 1999 from Izmit Bay (Turkey)
were found in the range 1.25-34.0 ng/g (Telli-Karakoç et al., 2002).
In Israel, total concentrations of PAHs in livers of coastal fish collected in 1997 were reported to be in the
range 97-987 ng/g dw. Total PAHs in benthic fauna (D. trunculus, Patella sp. and M. coralina) collected from
Haifa Bay during the period 1995-1998 were reported in the range 54-267 ng/g dw (Zimand, 2002).
Blubber samples were collected in 1993 and 1996 from live specimens of fin whales (Balenoptera physalus)
and stripped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Ligurian and Ionian Seas. In whales, the median value
of total PAHs was 350 ng/g ww while median carcinogenic PAH values were 114 ng/g ww, in dolphins. The
median values of total and carcinogenic PAHs were 938 and 670 ng/g ww, respectively (Marsili et al., 2001).
3.2.3.8 Alkylphenols
Nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and their ethoxylates were detected in edible molluscs, cuttlefishes and
squids, caught from 15 harbours along the Italian coast in 1997. NP reached the maximum concentration of 696
ng/g ww in the squids from the central Adriatic Sea. Levels were lower in mussels and clams (246-270 ng/g
fresh tissue). OP generally occurred at levels 30 times lower than NP (Ferrara et al., 2001).
3.2.3.9 Organotin
compounds
The first survey in Spain was conducted in 1988 in the NE Mediterranean coast (Tolosa et al., 1992). Clams
(Tapes decussatus) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovinciatis) were collected in marinas and mariculture areas
where concentrations of TBT were found in the range of 900 ng/g and 200 ng/g ww, respectively. A survey
conducted ten years later (Morcillo et al., 1997) still showed elevated concentrations of TBT (1200-5400 ng/g).
In the SW of Spain, levels of TBT in bivalves were generally <400 ng/g (Gomez-Ariza et al., 1995).
Mussels collected along the Portuguese coast exhibited, in certain places (e.g. Lagos and Viana do Castelo),
values of 200-838 ng/g of TBT and no traces of MBT and DBT, indicating recent inputs of this compound.
TPhT was also found at high concentrations (up to 800 ng/g).

52

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Levels of respectively 11-44 and 6-9 ng BTs (DBT+TBT)/g fresh tissue have been found in fish (sea bass,
salmon, trout, etc.) and in shellfish (mussels) from the Naples province, sampled in the period 1997-1998
(Amodio-Cocchieri et al., 2000). Mussels and clams collected in the Alexandria harbours were also analysed
and exhibited concentrations of 93-420 ng/g of TBT, respectively (Abd-Allah, 1995).
Concentrations of TBT and its degradation products, MBT and DBT, were determined in the liver and kidney
of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and in a foetus of the
common dolphin (Delphinus delphi) stranded along the western Italian and Greek coasts in 1992-1994.
Butyltin compounds were detected in almost all samples analysed and were higher in kidney (780-8050 ng/g
ww) than in liver (150-1020 ng/g). The high levels found in a foetal sample, suggest that organotin compounds
are transferred from mother to foetus (Focardi et al., 2000). The same compounds have been found in mean
concentrations of 47 ng/g ww in muscle of bluefin tuna from the Egadi Islands (Kannan et al., 1996).
3.2.3.10 Organomercury compounds
Mercury (organic and inorganic) was monitored in marine organisms since the inception of the MEDPOL
programme. Initial results indicated that mercury concentrations in Mediterranean species were generally
higher than those found in organisms from the Atlantic. These higher concentrations were attributed to the
higher natural background levels of mercury in the Mediterranean and not to anthropogenic contamination.
In 1996, a large survey of methyl mercury in mussels and oysters along the French coast was carried out as part
of the National Monitoring Network (Claisse et al., 2001). The concentrations found were similar in both
species, and ranged from 8 to 238 ng/g dw with a mean of 64 ± 35 ng/g. The higher values were found along
the Brittany coast and the Rhone delta, although they were all below the WHO guideline.
A collection of 15 kinds fish samples (115) was performed at the Zagreb fish market during 1997. The mean
content of total mercury and organic mercury in pooled samples was 111±100 ng/g and 95±87 ng/g,
respectively. The highest values of total mercury (119±111 ng/g) and organic mercury (103±96 ng/g) were
found in bathypelagic fish. This concentration did not exceed the maximum allowed level of 500 ng/g for total
and 400 ng/g for organic mercury in any of the samples examined.
Total mercury and methyl mercury concentrations were also measured in tuna fish and sharks from the South
Adriatic Sea. The highest mean levels of total mercury were found in Squalus acanthias (6.5 µg/g ww). In the
other species levels were notably lower (0.46 µg/g ww for Auxis rochei: 0.38 µg/g ww for Prionacee glauca).
The analytical data showed that mercury was present mainly in the organometallic form with percentages
between 69 and 100% (Storelli et al., 2001).
3.2.4 Levels in food
3.2.4.1 Chlorinated
pesticides
Food pesticide residues have been extensively determined in all countries for regulatory purposes but data is
not easily available. In Egypt, organochlorine pesticide residues were not detected in 70-80% of the fruit and
vegetable samples collected from local markets in Cairo, but DDT and HCHs were found in around 50% of the
samples at levels of 0.04 and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively, close to the MRL (Dogheim et al., 1996a,b; 1999).
In Turkey, residue analysis has been conducted on milk, butter and wheat with 60-90% of positive results but
below the MDL (e.g. total DDTs in wheat samples: 0.05 mg/kg) (Kara et al., 1999; Yentur et al., 2001). DDT,
HCHs, chlordane and HCB residues were found in canned fish but much below the MRL values.
In the FR Yugoslavia measurements were carried out in 1662 meat samples during a 5-year period (Spiric and
Saicic, 1999). Among lamb samples, 2.5% contained lindane residues exceeding the MRL, with a mean of 4.7
ng/g. In Croatia, raw cow's milk from 19 dairy locations (174 samples) was monitored for organochlorine
pesticides from 1994 to 1998 with results below the DL except for DDT (7 ng/g) (Cerkvenik et al., 2000).
Organochlorine residues were also investigated in Spain in milk, dairy products, meat and meat products (229
samples of lamb, pork, beef and poultry) with results below the RL (Martinez et al., 1997). Data on pesticide
residues in fruit, cereals and vegetables provided by the Italian National Health Service (1993-1994), have
shown no detectable residues of the pesticides analysed ("drins", chlordane, DDT, HCB and HCHs).
Monitoring of pesticide residues in agricultural products in Slovenia was performed over the past twenty years.
Over more than 1000 samples, the permitted level was exceeded in 3.3% of the samples analysed. The analyses
showed that DDT values were reduced by a factor of ten in seven years.
53

---

In Cyprus, chlorinated pesticides are currently determined in milk, meat, and vegetables. Concentrations are
from 0-20% of the MRL, the higher values corresponding to dieldrin and DDT (Michaelidou and Ziegler,
unpubl.).
3.2.4.2 PCBs
Data from Mediterranean countries presented in Table 3.14 were provided for Spain (Fernandez et al., 2001),
France (AFSSA, 2001) Croatia (Cerkvenik et al., 2000) and Egypt (Abd-Allah and Ahmed, 1993). PCBs were
also analysed in Cyprus in meat and milk, in 1999-00, with values below the detection level (1-5 µg/kg in meat
fat and 0.6 µg/kg in milk) (Michaelidou and Ziegler, unpubl.).
Table 3.14. Concentration of PCBs in various type of food in Mediterranean countries
(collected between 1990 and 2001)
Foodstuffs
DL-PCB (pg WHO-TEQ/g fat)
7 PCB ng/g fat

- N Mean sd range Country N Mean range
Country
Milk
-18 0.40 0.5
Spain -108 5 2 ­ 140
Croatia



-25 1.83, 2.63 (cow, buffalo) Egypt
Dairy products
-7 1.33 1.84
Spain

- Butter
-7 1.54 1.54
Spain

- Cheese
-16 4.36 5.89
Spain

- Yoghurt
-5 0.69 0.30
Spain

- Cream
-7 0.35 0.07
Spain

Fish and sea foods




-Marine fish
-16 0.77-13.3 Spain

-
-111 0.36 0.90
France -89 25 2.1-121
France
- Trout
-56 13.6 5.94-28.9 France -56 143 45-274
France
-Molluscs
-9 2.29 2.32
Spain -50 122 9-300
France
Meat
-8 0.20 0.29
Spain

Meat products
-16 0.34 0.38
Spain

3.2.4.3 PCDD/Fs

Monitoring programmes on food products were implemented in Spain, in 1992 and in France in 1995. Samples
were collected in markets from the overall country, covering the period 1992-2001. The current database (Table
3.15) shows national average concentrations of PCDD/Fs in more than 300 and 450 food samples in Spain and
France, respectively (Fernandez et al, 2001, AFSSA 2001).
Table 3.15. Concentration of PCDD/Fs in various types of food from Spanish and French markets,
collected between 1998 and 2001, expressed in pg WHO-TEQs/g fat or g fw*
Type of food
Egypt Italy
Spain
France



n Mean sd n Mean sd
Cow's milk


16
1.34
0.76
148
0.65
0.29
Cheese



7 1.54 1.54 55 0.77 0.36
Yoghurt


16 1.85 1.20 19 1.16 0.67
Butter

0.41-29.9
0.45-1.2 7 0.97 0.63 16 0.92 0.44
Eggs


0.2-3.3 7 3.24 5.18 14 1.51 1.70
Beef meat
0.94

8
1.25
0.87
13
0.8
0.39
Pork meat

0.4-0.7
10
2.16
2.81
6
0.16
0.16
Cured meat


16
1.93
2. 80
14
0.25
0.22
Poultry



11 6.15 5.86 6 0.60 0.29
Wild marine fish


18
3.47
1.85
29
4.64
6.67
Salmons


11
5.15
1.63
Trouts



56
3.94
4.03
Molluscs


16 8.67 7.06 5 50.3 6.38
Cereals*


4
0.012
0.005
Bread*



4
0.01
0.03
Fruits*



5
0.010
0.011
Vegetables*


7
0.032
0.036

54

---

Virtually no food sample was found to be over the maximum levels recommended by the EU council regulation
(November 2001), except for some wild marine fish. However, when the concentration of dioxin-like PCBs is
added to the contribution of PCDD/Fs, the total WHO-TEQs increase significantly, and almost all the food
types investigated are over the mentioned maximum levels.
Complementary data for other Mediterranean countries (Egypt and Italy) are presented in Table 3.15 (Rainer
and Saad, 1994, Report SCOOP Task 1999).
3.2.4.4 Endosulfan
No endosulfan was found in 120 samples of raw and pasteurised (HT-ST and UHT) cow's milk collected from
3 regions in Italy (Capei and Neri, 1998) as well as in north-western Spain (De la Riva and Anadon, 1991), and
in 229 samples of meat products of different species (lamb, pork, beef and poultry) (Herrera et al., 1994).
However, high values were shown in red pepper and eggplant (87.3 and 72.4 ng/g, respectively) (Fallico and
Ferrante, 1993) from Catania (Italy) and in vegetables (potatoes, grapes, etc.) from Cyprus (<10 ­ 85 ng/g).
3.2.4.5 PAHs
Sources of PAHs in food are due to natural constituents, contaminants from food chain, environmental
exposure (air particles deposits, sediments, water column), but mainly from food processing. A national food
monitoring programme was initiated in France in 2000 and a tentative food intake estimation was carried out by
the AFSSA. From 6 to 16 PAHs were measured in oils (5.1 ng/kg), bread (1.2 ng/kg), fish (1.6 ng/kg),
vegetables (0.5 ng/kg), raw and grilled meat (0.3 and 11.5 ng/kg, respectively), sausages (2.9 ng/kg) and
chorizo (13.8 ng/kg).
In Italy, analyses of various foodstuffs carried out in 1994 gave values of B(a)P in the range of 0.001-0.030
ng/g ww in vegetables, fruits, bread and cheese, whereas in oil and chocolate were of 0.10-0.33 ng/g ww
(Lodovici et al., 1995). Meat exhibited values of 0.45-0.61 ng/g ww and barbecued beef of 1.44 ng/g ww.
Apparently, the main contributor for food intake is meat and especially grilled and fried meat, indicating the
importance of food heating processes.
3.2.4.6 Phthalates
Phthalate plasticisers have been primarily determined in foodstuff plastic packages for their potential transfer to
human diet. In Italy, contamination by phthalate esters was found in Sicilian and Calabrian citrus (lemon,
orange and mandarin) essential oils, produced in the crop years 1994-1996, at levels up to a maximum of 62
mg/L of di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) and 30 mg/L of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (Bella et al., 1999).
Also in Italy, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was detected in 97, 80, 95, 100, and 49% of cheese, salted meat,
vegetable soup, potato chips, and milk samples, respectively. No DBP was recovered from jams and baby food.
The mean levels of contamination with DBP were 0.07-2.80 µg/g. DEHP was found in 80, 71, 94, and 52% of
salted meat, jam, baby food, and milk samples, respectively, and in all the cheese and vegetable soup samples.
The mean DEHP values were 0.21-2.38 µg/g (Amodio-Cocchieri, 1986).
Retail dairy products from Spain were contaminated with <0.01-0.55 µg/g DEHP with a maximum level of
total phthalates of 3.0 µg/g in cream samples (Sharman et al., 1995).
3.2.4.7 Organomercury
compounds
Total mercury and methylmercury concentrations from long-term monitoring of the terrestrial soil-vegetation-
herbivore-carnivore food chain with regard to accumulation and transformation processes were studied in
Slovenia, the second larger producer of mercury in the world. The results obtained indicated that vegetation
mediates significant transfer of Me-Hg to herbivores, and this becomes subject to further accumulation in the
higher trophic levels of this food chain (Gnamus et al., 2001).
A large monitoring of food contamination and intake of mercury and methyl-mercury was also carried out in
France by the AFSSA in 2002. The main food contributors were fish (47%) and fruits and vegetables (19%).
3.2.5 Temporal
trends
3.2.5.1 DDT
Two surveys conducted along the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy, in 1973/1974 and in 1988/1989
(Villeneuve et al., 1999) showed that DDTs levels decreased by a factor of approximately 5 in 15 years. A
similar trend was observed in the Ebro Delta where a decrease by a factor of 3 was observed from 1980 to 1990
(Solé et al., 1994). It is interesting to notice that levels of DDTs detected in red mullet in the Spanish coast are
55

---

similar to those found 10 years earlier by Porte and Albaigés (1993), which may well reflect the high
persistence of DDT residues associated to sediments in the region.
The Adriatic Sea has also been extensively monitored from this perspective. Decreasing trends of HCB and
p,p'-DDE concentrations have been observed in the eggs of little and common terns and black-headed gull
collected at the River Po Delta over the past 20 years (Fig. 3.3). In Fig. 3.4 are also shown the annual trends of
DDTs in benthic and epibenthic fish from 1974 until 1991 (Picer and Picer, 1995). Recent reported levels of
DDT in fish collected from different coastal areas in Egypt also suggest a concentrations decline during the
90's (Abd-Allah et al., 1998).
Common tern
PCB
Common tern
Little tern
Little tern
DDE
Black-headed gull
Black-headed gull
4
9
3,5
8
7
3
6
2,5
5
(w.w.)
2
g
4
/k
1,5
g
3
mg/kg (w.w.)
m
1
2
0,5
1
0
0
1977
1981
1998
1977
1981
1998
Fig. 3.3. Temporal trends of mean organochlorine concentrations in eggs of fish-eating
birds of the River Po Delta (Focardi, 2002).

3.2.5.2 PCBs
The concentrations of PCBs in different marine samples (e.g. plankton, faecal pellets and mussels) collected along
the French coast exhibited reduction factors of 2.8-3.6 between mid 70's and late 80's. Two surveys conducted
along the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy, in 1973/1974 and in 1988/1989 (Villeneuve et al., 1999) also
showed a PCBs decrease by a factor of 5 in 15 years, following the gradual cessation of PCBs production.
10 ,0

L N D D T(n g /g )
L N P C B (n g /g )

L in e a l (L N P C B (n g /g ))
8 ,0
L ine al (L N D D T(ng /g ))

6 ,0


4 ,0


2 ,0
Log OC (ng/g) w.w.

0 ,0

72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92

-2,0

-4,0

Y E A R O F S A M P LIN G
Fig. 3.4. Yearly trend of DDT and PCBs level in the eastern Adriatic coastal epibenthic and benthic fish
However, in other areas the trends were not so evident. As shown in Fig. 3.3 the PCBs levels in little tern and
black-headed gull eggs did not vary significantly. PCBs concentrations have also remained constant in benthic
fish from the Adriatic coasts during the last 20 years (Fig. 3.4) (Picer and Picer, 1995). Corsolini et al. (1995)
measured similar levels in tuna and sharks of the Mediterranean Sea collected in 1980 and in 1992, indicating a
steady source of these contaminants in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Similar trends were observed in the
French monitoring network of coastal pollution using bivalves as sentinel organisms (IFREMER, 2000). In
Table 3.16 are shown the number of increasing and decreasing trends in the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts
in the different sampling stations. In general, it can be seen that during the period 1979-1998 the decreasing
trends were in the order: DDT > HCHs > PCBs > PAHs.

56

---

Table 3.16. Number of trends by contaminant observed in the RNO Atlantic and Mediterranean sampling sites
(for mussels or oysters) (1979 - 1998)

RNO Atlantic
RNO Mediterranean
Contaminant
Up Trend Down Trend No Trend Up Trend Down Trend No Trend
(PCB) CB 153
0
22
57
0
4
19
DDT
0
62
17
0
16
7
-HCH
0
55
24
0
13
10
-HCH (Lindane)
0
40
39
0
16
7
PAH
0
12
67
0
5
17
In summary, it appears that a decline of PCBs has been achieved, consistently with the regulatory restrictions on the
use of these compounds, although they remain still in significant amounts in some coastal areas of the
Mediterranean Sea where localised chronic contamination exists.
3.2.5.3 PCDD/Fs
An important trend to be assessed in the case of dioxins is the reduction of levels in the vicinities of
incineration plants after the activity is improved or discontinued. In this respect, farm milk is generally used as
a biomonitor of dioxin sources. In France, cow milk from a general survey ranged from 0.64-2.4 pg TEQ/g fat
in comparison with milk produced in the vicinity of metallurgic and metal reclamation (0.4-3.8 pg TEQ/g fat)
and MSWI (4.5-70 pg TEQ/g fat). A case study carried out in the vicinity of a MSWI indicated that mowing
and discarded grass after closure of the plant led to recovering background levels of dioxins. Then, the dioxins
level in milk from cows after remediation decreased within the 9 following months from more than 10 pg
TEQ/g fat to background levels (lower than 3 pg TEQ/g fat) (AFSSA, 2002).
A decreasing trend in concentration of PCDD/PCDFs in dairy products collected in Spanish markets from 1993
until 2000 has been observed. These results agree with those observed in other European countries.
3.2.6 Levels in humans
The available data, describing the concentrations of the selected PTS in the general population, represent a
basis of information quite inhomogeneous in terms of both the chemicals specifically monitored and the
monitoring geographical pattern. In fact, the data assessed mostly refer to some chlorinated pesticides, PCBs
and PCDD/Fs, whereas a general paucity or absence of data is observed for the other chemicals of the list, to
make an evaluation of health risks feasible. The analysis of information at a country level shows that most of it
refers to a few countries (i.e. Egypt, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey and FR Yugoslavia).
Since in data evaluation a crucial role is played by the way they were reported (i.e. fresh weight or lipid basis),
an effort was made, where possible, to express all the collected data on a lipid basis in order to facilitate
comparison between levels in different tissues, different individuals and different years. Information useful to
define the power of the study (i.e. sample size) and the statistical design have also been taken into account.
As to sample typology, breast milk, blood, and adipose tissue were the human tissues better characterised in
terms of contamination from PTS. In particular, a considerable number of studies have been produced on breast
milk, mainly aimed to characterise breast-fed infant exposure and the associated risk. Although studies on PTS
in human milk have produced a considerable amount of information, caution is needed when trying to compare
data from different countries and different times. Mother's age, number of breast-fed infants and dietary habits
are in fact crucial parameters in determining PTS body burden and hence milk contamination. In particular, the
number of breast-fed infants has been shown to progressively and considerably decrease the body burden of
PTS (especially PCDD/Fs and PCBs) while an increase in mother's age is generally correlated with a
significant increase in PTS body burden.
3.2.6.1 Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin
Data has only been reported for human milk in few countries. Fig. 3.5 shows the situation in the years 1987-
1990 in Egypt, France and Turkey (Dogheim et al., 1991; Bordet et al., 1993; Üstünba et al., 1994). Dieldrin
levels became undetectable in Egypt in 1994.
Recent data on human milk contamination in Jordan report levels of about 860, 1400 and 3300 ng/g fat of
aldrin, dieldrin and endrin, respectively (Nasir et al., 1998).



57

---

3.2.6.2 Chlordane

5 0 0
Few data are available for chlordane in
D ield r in
human milk. A study carried out in
4 0 0
France in 1990 (Bordet et al., 1993),
reporting levels of 78 ng/g fat -
3 0 0
chlordane and of 6 ng/g fat -chlordane,
and a study carried out in Jordan in
D ield r in
2 0 0
1996 (Nasir et al., 1998), reporting
ng/g, lipid based
E n d r in :
levels of 460 ng/g fat -chlordane and
1 0 0
E n d r in :
E n d r in
A ld r in n o d a ta
of 590 ng/g fat -chlordane are the only
A ld r in
A ld r in n o d a ta
D ield r in
ones identified.
0
Human adipose tissue samples collected
E g y p t 1 9 8 7
F r a n c e 1 9 9 0
T u r k ey 1 9 8 8
in Madrid (Spain) in early 90's did not
contain chlordane at measurable levels Figure 3.5. Levels of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin in human milk
(Hernandez et al., 1992).
3.2.6.3 Heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide
In Turkey, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide were found in human milk samples of 51 mothers working in
agriculture in the Region of Kayseri at levels of 198 and 11 ng/g fat (Üstünba et al., 1994). Heptachlor epoxide
levels of 78 and 69 ng/ fat were also found in Van and Manisa, respectively (Ergin, pers. com.).
Values of 700 and 580 ng/g fat of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, respectively, were attained in human milk
samples collected in Jordan in 1989-90, although they decreased to 500 and 190, respectively, in 1997 (Alawi
et al., 1992; Nasir et al., 1998).
Adipose tissues have also been analysed. Mean levels of 121 ng/g fat heptachlor epoxide have been detected in
Manisa residents (Turkey) (Cok et al., 1998), while levels of 62 ng/g fat had previously been reported for
Ankara citizens. This difference is possibly due to the fact that in the Manisa area, agriculture is the
predominant activity and samples had been collected before the use of heptachlor was prohibited.
3.2.6.4 DDTs
Figure 3.6 shows p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE levels in human milk from different countries, in the period 1990-
1995 (Krauthacker et al., 1998; Bordet et al., 1993; Larsen et al., 1994; Hernandez et al., 1993). A considerable
difference in contamination may be observed among them, although the large predominance of the p,p'-DDE in
all samples suggests the absence of recent DDT sources.
In Israel, contamination levels of 79 ng/g p,p'-DDT and 8.5 ng/g p,p'-DDE (fresh weight) have been reported
in 1985 (Weisenberg et al., 1985). DDTs were the most frequently found pesticide in human milk sampled in
Cairo area with levels up to 240 ng/g fresh weight in samples collected in 1994 (Dogheim et al., 1996a).
Mean concentration of total DDTs in 60 human milk samples collected in 1993 from 20 Egyptian governorates
was found to be of 24 ng/g whole milk basis (Fig. 3.7) (Saleh et al., 1996). The highest levels, up to 42-55 ng/g
were found in the Delta region, and
2500
attributed to the higher agricultural
DDE
DDE
activity. In none of the samples where
2000
d
DDT was detected were the WHO
recommended limits (1986) exceeded.
1500
Recent data from four Governorates in
Jordan show levels of 5-18 ng/g fat DDTs
1000
DDE
(Akeel, pers. com.). For the same area,
ng/g, lipid base
these compounds had been reported to be
500
DDE
in the range of 1060-2640 ng/g fat in a
DDT
DDT
DDT
DDT
study carried out in 1993-1994 (Alawi et
0
al., 1996), whereas p,p'-DDT was 450
Croatia
France Italy Spain
ng/g fat. Another study reports levels of
1991-1995
1990-1991
1993
1991
p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT of 6350 ng/g fat
Figure 3.6. Levels of DDT and DDE in human milk
(Nasir et al., 1998).

58

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In Turkey, levels of 410 ng/g fat p,p'-DDT and 2389 ng/g fat p,p'-DDE were detected in milk samples from the
Kayseri Region (Üstünba et al., 1994), while levels of 72-141 ng/g fat p,p'-DDT and 1850-2260 ng/g fat p,p'-
DDE were found in Van and Manisa areas (Ergin, pers. com.). In Northern Greece, levels of 35 ng/g fat p,p'-
DDT have been found in the early 80's, while levels of the same compound of 65.9 ng/g fat have been detected
in samples from the region of Patras collected in 1995-97 (Schinas et al., 2000).
p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT mean levels in
colostrum from Novi Sad (FR Yugoslavia)
6000
DDE
were of 13.1 and 0.5 ng/g (fresh weight)
89-90
5000
respectively, in 1993, whereas the same
compounds were about 69.4 and 20 ng/g
4000
in samples collected in 1982 in the same
DDT
area (Vukavi et al., 1997).
3000
DDE
89-90
1987
Decreasing temporal trends are generally
2000
DDT
ng/g, lipid based
DDE
DDE
observed, reflecting the effectiveness of
1987
DDT 1993
DDT 1997
1000
the restrictions imposed on the DDT use
1993
1997
since the mid 70's. Representative trends
0
for Spain and Egypt are shown in Fig. 3.7
Egypt
Spain
(Dogheim et al., 1991; Saleh et al., 1996;
Figure 3.7. Temporal trends of DDT levels in human milk
Hernandez et al., 1993).
Available data from Spain indicate that in the years 1989-1993 levels of DDT and DDE in the adipose tissue of
the general population were in the range of 0.7-1.5 µg/g fat and of 3.7-6.3 µg/g fat, respectively (Camps et al.,
1989; Catalan et al., 1993). Mean concentrations of p,p'-DDE in adipose tissue collected in 1991-1992 in
Central Italy was 2.52 µg/g ww (Corsolini et al., 1995a). In 1997-2000 mean DDT concentration was 1.9 µg/g
ww. Levels and age were found to be positively correlated (Mariottini et al., 2002). Data for Jordan on adult
population indicate DDT and DDE contamination levels of about 1.3 µg/g fat and of 92 µg/g fat, respectively,
in early 90's, while recent data indicate mean values in the range of 0.5-1.3 µg/g fat and of 1.8-3.6 µg/g fat for
the same compounds (Alawi et al., 1999). Serum levels of 3.4, 0.2 and 0.6 ng/mL of DDE, DDD, and DDT
respectively have been reported for the Croatian general population in 1994-1995 (Krauthacker, 1996). In
Spain, serum levels of 0.53 DDT and 9.41 DDE ng/mL have been found in specimens from general population
sampled in 1992-1995 (Porta, 1999).
3.2.6.5 HCB
Considerable differences in HCB levels in human milk are observed among different countries, as shown in
Table 3.17, covering a 10 years span (Krauthacker et al., 1991; Dogheim et al., 1991; Weisenberg et al., 1985;
Üstünba et al., 1994; Krauthacker et al., 1998; Bordet et al., 1993; Larsen et al., 1994; Hernandez et al., 1993;
Nasir et al., 1998).
Table 3.17. Mean levels of HCB in human milk
Country Year
Conc.
(ng/g lipid based)
1987 50
Croatia
1991-1995 13
Egypt
1985
490
France
1990-1991
147
Israel
1985
80
Italy
1993
217
Jordan
1990-97
290
Spain
1991
0.8
1988 84
Turkey
1995-96
44-58
Temporal trends may be derived only in a very few cases, and appear to vary according to the country
considered. Decreasing trends were observed in Croatia (Table 3.17) but not so evident in the case of Jordan or
Turkey (Ergin, 2002).
In Italy, HCB levels in adipose tissues were about 310 ng/g fat in the years 1985-1986, whereas in 1997-2000,
concentrations in Central Italy averaged 335 ng/g ww, and were positively correlated to age (Mariottini et al.,
59

---

2002). Data available for Spain indicate that levels in adipose tissue of the general population have remained in
the range of 2500-4000 ng/g lipids in the years 1989-1993 (Camps et al., 1989; Catalan et al., 1993). In the
same period, available data for Turkey indicate contamination of about 170 ng/g lipids and, more recently
(1995-96), levels of 33 ng/g fat have been reported for Manisa residents (Cok, 1998). Finally, data on adult
population in Jordan indicate levels of about 400-660 ng/g fat in early 90's, while recent data indicate values in
the range of 120-220 ng/g fat (Alawi et al., 1999).
Blood levels of 300 ng/L serum have also been reported for general population in Croatia in 1994-1995
(Krauthacker et al., 1996).
3.2.6.6 PCBs
Literature data show a considerable dishomogeneity in terms of kind and numbers of congeners analysed. Table
3.18. shows the mean PCBs levels for some countries, expressed as the sum of the six marker congeners as well
as the coplanar congeners (WHO, 1996; Bordet et al., 1993; Larsen et al., 1994).
Table 3.18. Mean concentrations (1987-1990) of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in human milk
Country PCBs

PCBs
PCDD/Fs
Marker congeners
Coplanar

(ng/g lipid base) (pgTEQ/g lipid base) (pgTEQ/g lipid base)
Albania 54.3
1.14
4.88
Croatia 219
4.62
12.8
France 411
4.79
23.1
Italy
290
10.3
25.6
Spain 458
7.93
22.3

Data on blood contamination of the general population are available for the period 1994-1996 for Israel and
Palestine (Schecter et al., 1997), indicating levels of coplanar congeners in the range of 7-12 pgTEQ/g fat. For
Croatia, levels of about 160 ng/g fat have been reported as the sum of the marker congeners (Krauthacker et al.,
1996). Data from 13 main towns in France ranged from 3.79 to 6.14 ng/mL (mean value of 4.9 ng/mL) as the
sum of the seven marker congeners (Ministère de la Santé, France, 1989).
The three most abundant congeners (#138, 153, 180) have been reported in human blood in Spain (3.7 ng/mL)
(Porta, 1999) and in follicular fluid from healthy women from Rome (900 pg/g fat) (De Felip et al., 2001).
3.2.6.7 PCDD/PCDFs
Human milk has been the object of a number of studies in the last two decades, because of the sanitary concern
associated to the exposure of breast-fed infants to these contaminants. The monitoring programmes periodically
carried out by WHO on a number of countries are a very valuable source of high quality data, being the
selection of mothers based on strict criteria.
The contamination levels in pooled milk samples in the period 1987-1990 for certain countries are shown in
Table 3.18 (Gonzalez et al., 1996; EU-SCOOP Task 3.2.5, 2000). Studies on human milk contamination have
also been published for other non-European countries, like Egypt, Israel and Palestine (Fig. 3.8) (Schecter et al.,
1997; Malisch et al., 2000). A decreasing trend has also been observed for European countries (Fig. 3.9).
30
30
25
25
1990
1990
d
1998
20
20
2000
1996
15
15
10
10
pgTE/g, lipid base
pgTE/g, lipid based
5
5
0
0
Spain France
Egypt
Israel Palestine
Figure 3.8. PCDD/Fs in human milk (1996-1997) Figure 3.9. Trends of PCDD/Fs levels in human milk

60

---

Data on fat are available for France, reporting contamination levels in the general population of about 36
pgTEQ/g fat in 1999 (Arfi et al., 2001) and for Spain, showing levels of about 45 and 36 pgTEQ/g fat in 1993
and 1996, respectively (Gonzalez et al., 1993; Schumacher et al., 1999a).
Data on blood contamination in Israel and Palestine in 1996 have been published (Schecter et al., 1997),
showing levels of PCDD/Fs in the range of 26.6-32 pgTEQ/g fat and of 8.44-16.9, respectively. A study carried
out on blood samples from general population in Spain has shown an increase in PCDD/Fs body-burden as a
function of age as already highlighted in a number of studies (Schuhmacher et al., 1999b).
3.2.6.8 HCHs
An overview of human milk contamination by HCHs in different countries in two consecutive time periods is
shown in Figures 3.10 (1985-1990) and 3.11 (1990-1997) (Krauthacker et al., 1991, 1998; Dogheim et al.,
1991; Weisenberg et al., 1985; Alawi et al., 1992; Üstünba et al., 1994; Saleh et al., 1996; Bordet et al., 1993;
Larsen et al., 1994; Nasir et al., 1998; Hernandez et al., 1993).
600


350

d 500
300
d


250
400

200

300
, :
150

200
no data


100
ng/g, lipid base
ng/g, lipid base
, :

100









50

no data

0
0
Croatia 1987- Egypt 1985
Israel 1985 Turkey 1988
Croatia Egypt
France
Italy Spain
1990
1994-
1993
1990-
1993
1993
1995
1991
Figure 3.10. Levels of ,, - HCH in human milk Figure 3.11. Levels of ,, - HCH in human milk
(1985-1990) (1990-1997)
When focusing on the most toxic isomer, -HCH, it is possible to observe a temporal trend for some countries
(e.g. Turkey, Greece and Spain). In Novi Sad (FR Yugoslavia), HCHs have been determined in colostrum
samples in 1982 and ten years later, in 1993, giving values of 1.7 and 1.3 ng/mL, respectively (Vukavic, 1997).
Data available for adipose tissue from the general population in Spain indicate levels of - and -HCH in the
range of 1160-3060 and 50-80 ng/g fat, respectively, in the years 1989-1993 (Camps et al., 1989; Catalan et
al., 1993). Available data for Turkey in 1985-1986 indicate a contamination of - and -HCH of about 1500
and 2 ng/g fat, respectively. For the same compounds, 374 and 43 ng/g fat were found in samples collected
from Manisa residents in 1995-96 (Ergin, pers. com.). In Jordan were reported levels of - and -HCH around
870 and 130 ng/g fat, respectively, while recent data indicate mean contamination values of 857-1332 and 90-
330 ng/g, for the same compounds (Alawi et al., 1999).
Serum levels of 1.2 ng/mL -HCH and 0.3 ng/mL -HCH have been found in general population in Zagreb
(Croatia), in 1994-1995 (Krauthacker et al., 1996).
3.2.6.9 PBBs and PBDEs
Only one study concerning the occurrence of these chemicals in human adipose tissue has been reported in the
region, which was conducted in Spain (Meneses et al., 1999). Tetra-, penta- and hexabrominated diphenyl
ethers were found in all samples, at average concentrations of 1.36, 0.93 and 1.83 ng/g lipid, respectively.
These values were similar to those found in northern European countries.
3.2.6.10 PAHs
General population exposure to PAHs mainly occurs from atmospheric pollution and diet, this latter accounting
for about 90% of the total exposure (Lagorio et al., 2000).
Sanitary risk from human exposure is mainly due to continuous exposure rather than to bioaccumulation, since
biological persistence is generally rather low. PAHs half-lives in humans are in fact in the range of days/hours,
and metabolism is responsible of the formation of toxicologically active (carcinogenic) metabolites. Because of
the lack of persistence and to the complexity of PAH mixtures, human exposure is usually characterised in
terms of "internal dose" rather than of "body-burden", by the use of biomarkers of exposure, mainly 1-OH
pyrene in urine and DNA adducts in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
61

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Data on urinary 1-OHPy excretion in some
0,6
Smokers
groups of the general population are available
0,5
Non
for Italy (Sartorelli et al., 1994; Merlo et al.,
e
smokers
1998; Pavanello et al., 2000) and Turkey
0,4
(Karahalil et al., 1998). Due to the relevance
0,3
of smoking in determining individual
Smokers
Smokers
exposure, literature data hereafter reported
0,2
Smokers
Non
mmol/mol creatinin
Non
Non
always make a distinction between smokers
no data
smokers
smokers
smokers
0,1
and non smokers. Figure 3.12 show
contamination levels in different years,
0
referred to both smokers and non-smokers.
1993
1996
1997
2000
Levels of DNA-adducts in lymphocytes
Figure 3.12. 1-hydroxypyrene in human urine in Italy
formed after oxidative activation are used as a
qualitative marker of exposure, mostly in assessing risk of carcinogen exposure. Because of the large
interindividual differences, adduct levels can only be compared on a group basis, resulting in insignificant
comparisons on a country and/or temporal basis. As an example of what has been found for general population,
a few data are reported. Data available for Greece indicate a level of 1.39 adducts/108 nucleotides for non
smoking students in 1997-98 (Georgiadis et al., 2001). In 1996, levels in Italy were about 2.2 adducts/108
nucleotides in low-traffic exposed non-smokers and 2.4 adducts/108 nucleotides in low-traffic exposed smokers
(Yang et al., 1996).
3.3 EVIDENCE OF HARMFUL EFFECTS
The basic approach of risk assessment is to measure the amount of chemical or chemicals present in the
environment and then to relate that to the expected adverse effects caused by this amount of chemical, on the
basis of bioassays conducted under laboratory conditions. Alternatively, a hazard assessment can estimate the
ecotoxicological threshold and set quality standards/objectives (QS/QO) or predicted no effect concentrations
(PNEC) for each chemical. The proposed EU QO for fresh and marine waters can be found in Bro-Rasmussen
et al. (1994), and PNECs for priority chemicals are available from the ECB. These values are generic values for
Europe, covering the Mediterranean region. Similarly, the risk for humans can be established from the
comparison of exposure levels with those expected to be safe from toxicity studies. Maximum tolerable
exposure to xenobiotics, e.g. as tolerable daily intake (TDI), are available from different European and
international organisations.
These threshold levels are considered to be safe even for combined exposures to several contaminants (if
exposure from those with a similar mode of action is combined). However, the evaluation of concentrations
above threshold is very complex. Interpreting measured concentrations versus observed effects in the complex
multistressor reality, which includes not only chemical exposure but also other factors, is very difficult. Only
for hot spots and accidental episodes can cause-effect relationships be established through toxicological
diagnosis. Nevertheless, associations between exposure levels and some ecological effects have been observed
in some cases within the Region, as reported below.
3.3.1 Existence of regionally derived ecotoxicological data and appropriate test species
3.3.1.1 Terrestrial biota: vegetation and animals
Assessing the risk of chemicals on terrestrial ecosystems is challenging as several receptors and exposure
patterns must be considered. The receptor approaches (e.g. Tarazona et al., 2002) can be applied to the Region
when enough information is available (Ramos et al., 2000).
Exposure via soil is relevant for soil microorganisms, plants and soil dwelling invertebrates. For pesticides and
biocides, real data are now required, while for industrial chemicals, extrapolations from aquatic toxicity are
considered in some cases. Some additional information can be obtained from studies on contaminated soil,
although the information for the Region is scarce. Plants can also be exposed via atmospheric deposition, very
recently, specific requests have been included for pesticides, but this regulation does not cover PTSs.
Much work has been carried out on the incorporation of PTSs into grasses and vegetables, as part of
investigations into PTS transfer from air, soil and water to vertebrates including humans in food chain
contamination studies.

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Regarding invertebrates, studies used to focus on earthworms but test on other groups have been recently
standardised. Typical endpoints are mortality and reproduction but biomarkers based on enzymatic activities
and DNA adducts have also been considered. For insecticides, the efficacy trials and the studies on beneficial
arthropods offer information on ground and foliar invertebrates including bees. Studies conducted on typical
Mediterranean crops offer specific information for the region however, not all studies are public particularly for
the PTS pesticides banned in Europe.
Alteration of reproduction of top predator birds (eagles and falcons) in the terrestrial food chains were the first
observed environmental effects of DDT and other chlorinated pesticides. The Mediterranean Region combines
a huge biodiversity with a large number of endangered species. Monitoring data indicates a significant exposure
of birds to several PTSs in the Region, and chemical pollution is included among the list of factors affecting the
success of these species. Recovery of some prey species has been observed in recent years after several
chlorinated pesticides were banned. Therefore, there are indications of possible impact of PTSs on bird
populations but no conclusive evidence allowing quantifying the role of these chemicals within the multitude of
factors affecting population dynamics.
Toxicological information on mammals is available for all PTSs as it is essential for the human health
assessment. This information can also be used for setting ecotoxicological thresholds in wild populations.
However, differences in the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of laboratory versus wild mammals must be
considered. Regarding effect assessment in the Region, the situation is similar to that presented for birds,
showing indications of possible effects but no clear evidence of cause-effect relationships other than for hot
spots.
3.3.1.2 Freshwater environment: fish and aquatic birds
Different biotic indices, based on the direct observation of changes in the populations structure in terms of
biodiversity (number of species) and population size for each species, are applied in several Mediterranean
countries as direct bio-assessment techniques. However, these indices are strongly related to changes in
environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, oxygen concentration, productivity) and, therefore, not specific of
PTSs effects, except for hot spots.
Ambient water toxicity assessments, Toxicity Identification Evaluations, and toxicological diagnosis have been
applied in the Region (Muñoz et al., 1994) but with relatively low incidence. Fish kills are relatively frequent,
but the role of PTSs in these events is mainly concentrated to areas downstream from specific discharges. The
biomarker methodology has also been applied with some difficulty by Water Agencies. In the early 90's,
EROD activities were measured in a wide range of fish species in France. More recently, biomarkers in
molluscs species (e.g. Corbicula, Unio, Dressenia) were found to be sensitive to PTSs (PAHs and PCBs) in
laboratory exposures and field experiments with caged animals (Mora et al., 1999).
Among sub-lethal effects affecting river fish, endocrine disruption may be the one more directly related to
PTSs. For example, the benthic cyprinid Barbus plebejus, captured from the middle Po River showed profound
inter-sexual alterations (50% of the individuals). These effects can be related to the high levels of NP measured
in Po river sediments, although the contribution of natural and synthetic estrogens cannot be excluded (Viganò
et al., 2001). Bioassays based on induction of vitellogenine synthesis in primary culture of trout hepatocytes
clearly demonstrated the ability of PCBs, TCDDs and PAHs to elicit or antagonise the estradiol effect.
In France, in the Seine-Maritime region, cyprinids of the species Rutilus rutilus showed inter-sex gonads, with
the incidence of inter-sexuality ranging up to 21% in the different sampling areas. The same kind of effect was
observed in 7% of the males of flounder (Plathychthys flesus), a flat fish captured in the Seine Bay.
A third example of endocrine disruption likely related to PTSs, has been recently identified in two tributaries of
the Llobregat River (Spain) (Solé et al., 2000). In male specimens of another cyprinid species (Cyprinus
carpio), a significant induction of plasma vitellogenine (Vtg) was found. Higher levels of Vtg were found
downstream from sewage treatment plants, with a meaningful correlation between NP present in water and Vtg
response. Although the high levels of NP (up to 644 µg/L) found in that area strongly suggest that NP can be
responsible for the estrogenic alterations, again the contribution of other estrogen agonists cannot be excluded.
Due to the widespread occurrence of PTSs sources and the relatively high concentrations of NPE metabolites, it
can be expected that the number of observations of endocrine disruption will rapidly increase. A much greater
effort should be devoted to increasing knowledge of the dimensions and consequences of this problem both in
freshwater and marine environments.

63

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A particular challenge for risk assessment is posed by estuarine systems, especially by the diversity of habitats
and environmental conditions. A limited number of standard tests (water and sediments) exist, particularly for
long-term effects assessment, and experimental designs are weak for many of them. Therefore, a research effort
is needed to produce more information about toxicity, especially in estuaries, but also more work is needed
about how to use toxicological information in risk assessment in these systems (see section 3.5.4).
3.3.1.3 Marine environment: fish and marine mammals
As it has been reported in section 3.2.1.3., the amount of data available on levels of PTS in marine biota is not
negligible. However, information on the fate and toxicity of these and other chemicals that are currently
released into the marine environment is scarce, and very few monitoring programs have addressed the
integrated use of chemical analyses with ecotoxicological assessment.
3.3.1.3.1 Oil
pollution
In assessing the effects of oil pollution, one should distinguish the impact of chronic pollution, which is the
most common in the marine environment, from the episodic spills. In this case, the impact and the recovery of
the ecosystems affected vary considerably. Both biotic and abiotic factors govern the extent of the biological
consequences of each oil spill and it is the interaction and relative contribution of these factors which are
important.
Danovaro et al. (1995) studied the meiofauna response to Agip Abruzzo oil spill in sub-tidal sediments of the
Ligurian Sea, where about 30000 tonnes of crude oil were released in front of the Livorno harbour and caused a
decline in meiofauna density relative to the pre-pollution conditions. Statistical analyses indicated that the
structural characteristics of meiobenthos collected after two weeks were almost indistinguishable from pre-
pollution, demonstrating the high resilience of these meiobenthos assemblages. High crude oil toxicity was also
found by testing Erika oil samples with mussel larvae and algae, although the acute effects seem to decrease
rapidly due to oil dilution and degradation.
The effects of chronic oil pollution are more difficult to be assessed as they usually co-exist with other forms of
pollution. It is well documented that even 1µg/L of water-soluble oil component can harm sensitive organisms
like larvae hatched from fish eggs. Exposure to low boiling hydrocarbons of 12 µg/L, halves the rate at which
mussels can assimilate food. Low salinities and high temperatures enhance the effect. Bearing in mind the
temperature in certain Mediterranean coastal areas, it is expected that chronic effects occur although at present
there is little or practically no information on this subject. Long-term, sub-lethal effects were recently assessed
by using the biomarker methodology. Results from Aegean Sea and Erika studies found that after a period of 6-
12 months the biochemical markers returned to initial values, indicating no differences with original long-term
contamination (Porte et al., 2000, Narbonne et al., 2001).
3.3.1.3.2 Other
PTSs
At the end of the 80's, France and Italy incorporated for the first time the use of biomarkers as tools for
assessing sub-lethal effects on marine organisms in a monitoring program (GICBEM 1986-1993). Later, in
1994-1995, a series of international coastal monitoring programs started (BIOMAR 1994-1998, MEDPOL
1995-now, BEEP 2000-2003), involving the measurement of a range of biomarkers in bivalves (mussels) and
benthic fish (Mullus barbatus, Serranus cabrilla and Dicentrachus labrax) in Mediterranean areas exhibiting
significant pollution gradients (e.g. harbours, urban sites, etc.) in comparison with cleaner areas (e.g. Corsica
and Sardinia). Following the same strategy, a monitoring network (REMER) was recently initiated in Morocco.
The biomarkers most commonly used have been the cytochrome P450 1A monooxygenase (CYP1A), the 7-
ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, the measurement of DNA damage, the benzo(a)pyrene
oxydation (BPH), the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and the determination of lysosomal membrane stability.
CYP1A expression in the benthic species Mullus barbatus has been related to PAHs levels in sediments
(Burgeot et al., 1996). Likewise, studies examining residue levels of bioaccumulated PCBs in muscle tissue
have shown a direct correlation with CYP1A activity along the NW Mediterranean coast (Porte et al., 2002),
the higher response being observed in specimens collected near urban and industrial areas. Other fish species,
such as Serranus crabilla and Dicentrarchus labrax, have also been successfully used in biomonitoring
programs, particularly along the Western Mediterranean coast.
Lysosomal alterations are accepted as a marker of general stress and it has been related to levels of PAHs and
PCBs accumulated by mussels along the Spanish coast (Porte et al., 2001), the Adriatic Sea (Petrovic et al.,
2001), and Venice Lagoon (Lowe and Fossato, 2000) among other areas. DNA damage in molluscs inhabiting
contaminated areas has been reported in the Orbetello Lagoon (Frenzilli et al., 2001).

64

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The BIOMAR program demonstrated the ability of a multimarker approach to build indices of marine
contamination impact (Narbonne et al., 1999). For each site, a global response index was calculated as the sum
of the response index of each of the five selected biomarkers. As a result of the calculation method, the impact
of coastal pollution at each site can be classified in a five level scale.
In addition to biochemical and cellular effects, several studies indicate disruption of normal endocrine function
in the Mediterranean area. A series of field investigations with marine invertebrates suggests that tributyl and
triphenyltin compounds can induce imposex. The monitoring of a gastropod (Bolinus brandaris) along the
Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean) showed that imposex was a widespread phenomenon (Solé et al., 1998).
Imposex has also been described in the gastropod Nucella lapillus collected in the Galicia coast (Ruiz et al.,
1998), in the whelks Stramonita haemastoma and Hexaplex trunculus in Israel (Rilov et al., 2000) and Italy
(Terlizzi et al., 1998), and in Malta (Axiak et al., 2000). Five neogastropod species collected in a TBT-polluted
site, near the port of Faro (Portugal), were examined in 1996 for imposex with positive results (Gibbs et al.,
1997). Imposex was also found in the species Hinia reticulata in Portuguese coastal waters and on the south
part of the Tagus River (Pessoa et al., 1997). Also, in Portugal, oyster shell anomalies in Crassostrea angulata
were found in the Sado and Tagus estuaries (Phelps and Page, 1997).
A wide variety of the PTS considered here (e.g. DDT, PCBs, nonylphenols and phthalates) have been
associated with potential reproductive anomalies in fish, and there has been a growing awareness of the need to
detect and assess the adverse effects. Recently, new evidence based on monitoring hormone and vitellogenin
levels together with gonad histology indicate that the central Mediterranean male swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is
undergoing sex inversion (14%) (Fossi et al., 2001). There is no evidence, however, of reproduction
impairment. The effect on other large pelagic predators or on marine mammals is also unknown.
Despite the difficulty to directly attribute population responses to pollutants, there are some indications that
coastal fish assemblages respond to the impact caused by sewage discharge or mussel fisheries in SE Italy. But
still more data is required at the population, community and ecosystem level to assess the health of the
Mediterranean. The two approaches (individual and ecosystem health) are not exclusive, but the fact that the
type of studies involved are very different usually means that they are not conducted in tandem. Actually, it is
difficult to extrapolate from a cellular response caused by chronic exposure, and assess its effect on a whole
organism or an ecosystem, as it is also difficult to extrapolate from an acute response resulting from a lethal
concentration of a stressor to low-level effects occurring over long exposure periods.
In marine mammals, PCBs levels determined in the blubber and liver of striped dolphins affected by the 1990
morbillivirus epizootic in the Mediterranean Sea, and in the blubber of striped dolphins from the same area in
1987-1989 and 1991 (see section 3.2.3), raised the question of the possible relation with the event. Although
recent mobilisation of lipid reserves was found to have occurred in some of the diseased dolphins, this had little
effect on their PCBs blubber levels and cannot explain the observed difference with the healthy individuals.
Three hypotheses were put forward to explain the apparent link between high PCBs levels and mortality caused
by the epizootic: (i) depressed immuno-competence caused by PCBs leading to an increase in individual
susceptibility to the morbillivirus infection, (ii) mobilisation of fat reserves leading to increased PCBs levels in
blood which, in turn, may produce a liver lesion capable of increasing the individual's susceptibility to the
morbillivirus infection, and (iii) previous existence of an unspecific hepatic lesion producing impairment of the
liver function which, in turn, could lead to an increase both in tissue PCBs levels and susceptibility to the
morbillivirus infection.
3.3.2 Human health effects
For many PTSs, toxicological effects are still unknown or not fully clarified, and mechanistic information is
lacking. Moreover, even for those PTSs whose human health hazard has been characterised (i.e. PAHs ), no risk
assessment is actually feasible due to the lack of exposure data in most countries. Food being the main
exposure route to PTSs, data on PTSs daily intakes are of major relevance and represent the necessary basis to
develop an adequate risk assessment. Some food exposure estimates are reported below.
3.3.2.1 Pesticides
3.3.2.1.1 Aldrin,
dieldrin, endrin and heptachlor
Exposure to these pesticides mostly happens from eating contaminated foods, such as root crops, fish, or
seafood, but also from water. Human breast milk may be a major route of exposure for nursing infants. The
total daily intake of aldrin and dieldrin from food has been estimated to be 0.5 µg/day (aldrin + dieldrin) per
person in Spain in 1990-91 (Urieta et al. 1996). In one study in Egypt in 1995 (Zeinab et al. 1998), aldrin and
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dieldrin were found to be completely absent in the composite diet. In the same study, the daily intake of endrin,
heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide were found to be completely absent in the composite diet.
At high levels of exposure, aldrin, dieldrin and endrin mainly affect the central nervous system (EHC 91, 1989;
EHC 130, 1992). Ingesting moderate levels of aldrin or dieldrin over a long period may also cause convulsions
as a consequence of their bioaccumulation. The effects of exposure to low levels of aldrin or dieldrin over a
long time are not known. Some workers exposed to these insecticides had reversible nervous system effects
with excitation leading to convulsions. Studies in animals indicated that these compounds may be
immunotoxic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that aldrin, dieldrin and
endrin are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3, IARC 1987).
Heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide are moderately toxic to humans and animals and can damage the nervous
system (EHC 41, 1984). A few reports showed that people who accidentally swallowed pesticides containing
heptachlor, or who spilled pesticides on their clothes became dizzy, confused, or had convulsions. IARC has
classified heptachlor as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B, IARC 1991).
3.3.2.1.2 DDT
Exposure to DDT, DDE, and DDD occurs mainly from residues in food. The total daily intake of DDT, DDE,
and DDD from food has been estimated to be 1.4 µg/day (DDT+DDE+DDD) per person in Spain in 1990-91
(Urieta et al. 1996) and 2.01 µg/day (DDT) in Italy in 1997 (Camoni et al. 2001). In one study in Egypt in
1995, DDT was found to be absent in the composite diet and only DDE was present at 2.18 µg/day (Zeinab et
al. 1998). In FR Yugoslavia the daily intake for new-borns in the period 1993-94 was estimated in 3.29 µg of
DDE and 0.21 µg of DDT (Vukavic et al., 1997).
Acute exposure of DDT mainly affects the nervous system (EHC 9, 1979). Animal studies show that long-term
exposure to DDT may affect the liver, while short-term exposure to DDT in food may have a harmful effect on
reproduction. DDT has been shown to have an estrogen-like activity, which is probably responsible for its
impact on reproduction in laboratory animals. As a consequence, it has been classified as a substance for which
there is evidence of endocrine disruption in an intact organism (COM, 1999).
In animals, oral exposure to large amounts of DDT over a short time mostly affects the nervous system and can
cause liver cancer. Tests in animals also suggest that short-term exposure to DDT in food may have a harmful
effect on reproduction. DDT has been shown to have an estrogen-like activity. Studies of DDT-exposed
workers did not show increases in deaths or cancers, but these studies are considered biased by a number of
factors and hence inconclusive. IARC has determined that DDT, DDE, and DDD are possibly carcinogenic in
humans (Group 2B, IARC 1991).
3.3.2.2 Industrial
compounds

3.3.2.2.1 Hexachlorobenzene
(HCB)
The intake of HCB by adults in the general population is predominantly from the diet (about 90%). In utero
exposure occurs through mother's blood; breast lactation may also be a significant route of exposure. The total
daily intake of HCB from food has been estimated to be 0.2 µg/day per person in Spain in 1990-91 (Urieta et al.
1996). In Egypt, in 1995, HCB was found to be completely absent in the composite diet (Zeinab et al. 1998).
HCB has little capability to directly induce gene mutation, chromosomal damage and DNA repair (EHC 195,
1997). However, it has been tentatively shown that it may play a role, together with other organochlorine
compounds such as p,p'DDT, p,p'DDE and some PCBs, in the pathogenesis of exocrine pancreatic cancer
through modulation of K-ras activation (Grimalt et al., 1993; Porta et al., 1996). Hexachlorobenzene has been
classified as a substance for which there is evidence of endocrine disruption in an intact organism (COM, 1999)
and as possibly as being carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B, IARC 2001).
3.3.2.2.2 PCBs
Human exposure to PCBs mostly results from the consumption of contaminated food. Total daily intake of
PCBs from food has been estimated to be 2-4µg per person in Italy (Turrio-Baldassarri et al., 1998). Infants are
exposed through lactation and a study carried out in FR Yugoslavia with 88 new-borns estimated 1.75µg to be
the daily intake of PCBs (Vukavic et al., 1997).
The toxicological evaluation of PCBs presents many problems. PCBs usually occur as mixtures of many
congeners each characterised by a range of toxicological activities strictly depending on the degree and pattern
of chloro-substitution. "Dioxin-like" congeners are characterised by dioxin-like activity, while other congeners
may cause more subtle effects, among which is endocrine disruption (COM 1999). The acute toxicity of

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commercial PCB mixtures (Aroclors, etc.) is generally low (EHC 140, 1992). PCBs induce production of
various enzymes in the liver and can produce changes in the immune system, behavioural alterations, impaired
reproduction, liver, stomach, and thyroid gland injuries. Some PCBs can mimic or block the action of hormones
from the thyroid and other endocrine glands.
The most commonly observed health effects in people exposed to large amounts of PCBs are skin conditions
such as acne and rashes. Studies in exposed workers have shown changes in blood and urine that may indicate
liver damage. Few studies of workers indicate that PCBs were associated with certain kinds of cancer in
humans, such as cancer of the liver and biliary tract. Both EPA and IARC have determined that PCBs are
probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A, IARC 1987).
3.3.2.3 Unintentional
by-products
3.3.2.3.1 PCDD/PCDFs
Over 90% of human exposure to PCDD/PCDFs is estimated to occur through the diet, with food from animal
origin being the predominant source. The daily intake of PCDD/PCDFs from food has been estimated to be 210
pg I-TE per person in Spain (Domingo et al. 1998) and 97 per person in France (EU SCOOP, 2000). For Italy,
a daily intake of 45 pg I-TE per person has been calculated (EU SCOOP, 2000) considering the only
contributions from food being of animal origin (a daily intake of about 60 pg I-TE may be assumed when
contributions from the other foodstuffs are added).
Toxicological effects reported for PCDD/PCDFs refer to the 2,3,7,8-substituted compounds. A variety of
effects have been reported in animal studies following exposure to these compounds (IARC 1997; WHO,
1998). The most extensive data set is available for 2,3,7,8-TCDD; less information is available for the other
congeners. Among the most sensitive endpoints of 2,3,7,8-TCDD are endometriosis, neurobehavioral,
developmental and reproductive effects and immunotoxic effects.
The lowest doses giving rise to statistically significant effects in the most sensitive endpoints following
exposure, have resulted in body burdens (3 to 73 ng of TCDD/kg) in the exposed animals. These results
overlap, at the lower end, with the range of body burdens expressed as TEQ that are found in the general
population in industrialised countries exposed to background levels of PCDD/PCDFs.
Of the many non-cancer effects evaluated in exposed adult populations (e.g. herbicide producers and subjects
exposed in incidents like Seveso, Italy) many were transient effects disappearing after the end of exposure. The
only effect that correlates consistently with high exposure of humans to TCDDs was cloracne. A few conditions
appear to be in excess among the exposed cohorts when compared to unexposed reference groups including
alterations in metabolic parameters, as well as mortality from cardiovascular and non-malignant liver disease.
PCDD/PCDFs have been classified as substances for which there is evidence of endocrine disruption in an
intact organism (COM, 1999). 2,3,7,8-TCDD has been shown to be carcinogenic in several species of
laboratory animals at multiple sites. In humans, the epidemiological evidence from the most highly exposed
cohorts studied produces the strongest evidence of increased risks for all cancers combined, along with less
strong evidence of increased risks for cancers of particular sites. IARC concluded that 2,3,7,8-TCDD is
carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Other polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans are not classifiable
as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3, IARC 1997).
3.3.2.4 Other PTSs of concern in the region
3.3.2.4.1 HCHs
Diet accounts for over 90% of the total exposure of HCHs in industrialised countries. The total daily intake of
lindane from food has been estimated to be 2.9 µg/day per person in Spain in 1990-91 (Urieta et al. 1996)),
1.75 µg/day in Italy in 1997 (Camoni et al. 2001); and 11.9 µg/day in Egypt in 1995 (Zeinab et al. 1998). In FR
Yugoslavia the total daily intake of lindane in new-borns was estimated in 1993-94 in 0.35µg (Vukavic et al.,
1997). In France, despite the wide occurrence of lindane in the environment and food chain, neither the limit of
maximum residues nor the acceptable daily intake were exceeded in recent years (Bintein and Devillers, 1996).
The acute oral toxicity of lindane is moderate: the central nervous system is the main target of toxicity (EHC
124, 1991). Mutagenicity was not shown in a number of studies. Lindane has been classified as a substance for
which there is evidence of endocrine disruption in an intact organism (COM 1999), and as a possible
carcinogen for humans (IARC, 1987).

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3.3.2.4.2 PAHs
The main sources of general population exposure are: vehicular traffic, residential heating, smoke from open
fireplaces and cooking, tobacco smoke, contaminated food and drinking-water, and the use of PAHs-
contaminated products. The calculated total daily intake of PAHs from food has been estimated to be 3 µg/day
(1.4 µg/day carcinogenic PAHs) per person in Italy (Lodovici et al., 1995).
The acute toxicity of PAHs appears to be moderate to low (EHC 202, 1998). Short-term studies showed
adverse haematological effects. Systemic effects caused by long-term treatment with PAHs have been
described only rarely, because the end-point of most studies has been carcinogenicity. Significant toxic effects
are manifested at doses at which carcinogenic responses are also triggered. In studies of adverse effects on the
skin after dermal application, non- or weakly carcinogenic PAHs were inactive, whereas carcinogenic
compounds caused hyperkeratosis. Benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenz[ah]anthracene, and naphthalene
are embryotoxic to mice and rats. Benzo[a]pyrene also have teratogenic and reproductive effects.
PAHs have also been studied extensively in assays for genotoxicity and cell transformation; most of the PAHs
are genotoxic or probably genotoxic. The only compounds for which negative results were found in all assays
were anthracene, fluorene, and naphthalene. Owing to inconsistent results, phenanthrene and pyrene could not
be reliably classified for genotoxicity. PAHs have generally been reported to have immunosuppressive effects.
Because of the complex profile of PAHs in the environment and in workplaces, human exposure to pure,
individual PAHs has been limited to scientific experiments with volunteers, except in the case of naphthalene
which is used as a moth-repellent for clothing. After dermal application, anthracene, fluoranthene,
phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene induced specific skin reactions, which were classified as neoplasic
proliferations.
IARC (IARC, 1987) has determined the following: benz[a]anthracene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene and
benzo[a]pyrene as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A); benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[j]fluoranthene,
benzo[k]fluoranthene, dibenzo[ae]pyrene, dibenzo[ah]pyrene, dibenzo[ai]pyrene, dibenzo[al]pyrene, and
indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B); and anthracene, benzo[ghi]perylene,
benzo[e]pyrene, dibenzo[h,rst]pentaphene, chrysene, fluoranthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene as not
carcinogenic to humans (Group 3).
3.3.2.4.3 Alkylphenols
Exposure to alkylphenols occurs mainly from food. The dietary daily intake of alkylphenols has been estimated
to be 80 µg/day per person in Italy in 1995 (Ferrara et al. 2001). The acute oral toxicity of alkylphenols is
usually low. Long-term oral exposure causes an increase in liver and kidney weight without significant
histopathological alterations. Alkylphenols are not genotoxic. Nonyl-phenol and 4-tert-octyl-phenol have been
classified as substances for which "there is evidence of endocrine disruption in an intact organism" (COM
1999) because of their estrogenic activity.
3.3.2.4.4 Organomercury
compounds
Mercury compounds are neurotoxic. The clinical manifestations of methylmercury poisoning are quite
extensive and include disturbances in sensory, motor and cognitive functions. As seafood is the main source of
mercury for humans, and because of the often reported high levels of methylmercury in fish and shellfish,
monitoring of the general population exposure is needed. Monitoring should be aimed to define the risk for
some groups of the general population, such as heavy fish consumers and vulnerable groups (in particular
young children and pregnant women). On this basis, a study was initiated by MEDPOL in the early 80's, aimed
to assess the risk for the Mediterranean population in general. Italy, Croatia and Greece were the countries
selected for this study. The investigation was carried out on the high-risk group of fishermen and their families.
After preliminary screening of more than 4000 people through dietary surveys, a total of 1098 hair samples
(659 from Greece, 241 from Italy and 198 from Croatia) were analysed for total mercury and, where
appropriate, for methyl mercury. The results confirmed that there is a positive correlation between seafood
consumption and levels of total mercury and methyl mercury in hair.
On the basis of the levels of methylmecury in hair in relation to blood concentrations consistent with no
detectable adverse effects in the adult population, the individuals from the study in Croatia were not considered
at risk. Only very few people in the other countries exceeded these levels without reaching the hair
concentrations associated with a 5% risk of neurological damage (WHO/FAO/UNEP, 1989).

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The importance of fish as vector of Me-Hg exposure focused the interest of risk managers to the high predators
species, mainly pelagic carnivorous (e.g. tuna, sword fish, etc.). According to the mean annual per capita fish
consumption, the mean weekly mercury intake is of 49.8 µg in Spain and of 19.0 µg in Croatia.
3.4 COMPARISON OF MEASURED DATA
3.4.1 General assessment of ecosystems effects
As shown in the previous sections of this chapter, PTSs are widely spread in the different environmental
compartments of the region. The application of low-tier risk assessment models based on the comparisons
between measured levels of PTSs and accepted environmental quality standards (Table 3.19) or
ecotoxicological thresholds (see Annex II) may provide a primary guideline for the identification of hot spots.
However, the real impact of their occurrence in the environment is more difficult to estimate because the effects
are expected to be in the most cases, the outcome of a multi-factorial stressor where toxic chemicals are just
one of the elements.
Table 3.19. Guideline environmental quality values for PTSs in some compartments.
PTS drinking
Water2
sludge for use on land
Soil3
Air
water1
(EU draft)
(Neth.)
(WHO)
aldrin 0.1
µg/L
10 ng/L

0.0025 mg/kg

endrin 0.1
µg/L
5 ng/L

0.001 mg/kg

dieldrin 0.1
µg/L
10 ng/L

0.0005 mg/kg

heptachlor 0.1
µg/L



chlordane 0.1
µg/L



mirex 0.1
µg/L



toxaphene 0.1
µg/L



DDT 0.1
µg/L 10
µg/L p,p'DDT

0.0025 mg/kg

25 µg/L total DDT
HCB 0.1
µg/L
0.03 µg/L

0.0025 mg/kg

PCBs4 0.5
µg/L

0.8 mg/kg
0.02 mg/kg

PCDD/F


100 ng TEQ/kg


HCH
100
ng/L
0.05
µg/kg

PAHs 0.2
µ/L

6 mg/kg
1 mg/kg
0.087 µg/m3
0.01 µ/L (BaP)
0.7 ng/m3 (BaP)
TBT

10 ng/L (WHO)



Phthalates


100 mg/kg
0.1 mg/kg

Alkylphenols


50 mg/kg


1maximum values allowed in drinking water (Directive 98/83). 2EU quality objectives.
3 target values after remediation. 4 7 cong. (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180)
In general, water and soil concentrations of PTSs are much lower than the reference values. Therefore, at first
glance, no adverse effects would be expected althought some hot-spots can be identified. The case of B(a)P in
air is less evident, although the data quoted in table 3.3 is just representative of a few samples. On the other
hand, the fact that PTSs may accumulate in parts of the environment and, in particular, the elevated capability
of biomagnification through the food web and sub-lethal long-term effects, may represent the true hazard.
Therefore, conceptual approaches for specific exposure routes, such as those associated with suspended matter,
sediments, and food chains, are required as the starting point for any assessment.
It is clear that the exposure of higher organisms to PTSs represents one of the major concerns. This has been
evidenced by measurements and confirmed by biomarkers and related techniques. However, excluding very
local incidents (e.g. imposex in coastal enclosures), no conclusive evidence on cause-effect relationships can be
presented.
As the marine environment is one of the sinks for PTSs, the Mediterranean Action Plan assessed the risks
associated with current levels and loads of organohalogen compounds in marine biota
(UNEP/FAO/WHO/IAEA, 1990). The main conclusions were as follows:
Based on the limited data available on chlorinated pesticides it was concluded to be unlikely that present levels
of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide in the Mediterranean would adversely affect
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marine organisms. It was found equally unlikely that marine seabirds or mammals were at risk. The small
database available indicates levels well below those of concern in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, there is little
cause for concern in relation to the potential impact of HCB and HCHs on the marine organisms in the sea.
Similarly, the maximum concentrations of DDT found in marine species were comfortably below those
reported to cause effects on reproduction or other sublethal effects. With regard to marine birds and
reproduction disturbances associated with egg shell thinning, the assessment document concludes that there is
nothing in concentration levels that suggests that populations of marine birds in the Mediterranean are at risk,
and no indication that their numbers are in decline. However, some recent studies confirm exposure levels to
PTSs in the Region and body burdens of concern have been detected for organochlorinated pesticides and PCBs
(Herrera et al., 2000; Mateucci et al., 2001; Berny et al., 2002) particularly for inland systems.
Very recently, Miniero et al. (2002) have assessed the risk of dioxin-like chemicals for aquatic birds, fish and
marine mammals. The application of mammalian TEFs, derived from rodent bioassays, to the assessment of
risks in aquatic mammals presents some obvious drawbacks. In fact, TEFs should take into account differences
in metabolism, typical of terrestrial organisms fit to aquatic life, their species and endpoint dependency. In
general foraquatic mammals, exposure data are given for blubber concentrations that result approximately two
orders of magnitude more contaminated than the brain. For mammals, 2.8 pg/g ww of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, based on
a maternal body burden, would likely represent this threshold resulting in adverse effects on the reproductive
system. This concentration, expressed in TEQs on a ww basis, is more than one order of magnitude lower than
the concentration found in the blubber of dead specimens of Tursiops truncatus and G. griseus.
By applying the same procedure on a body burden basis to fish LOAEL, a threshold concentration in eggs of 4
pg/g ww of 2,3,7,8-TCDD causing a defined adverse effect is obtained. This level, expressed in TEQs, results
in more than one order of magnitude lower levels than the concentration found in the eggs of the two sharks
Centrophorus granulosus and Squalus bainvillei. In birds, it has been found that Larus audonii eggs exhibit a
concentration of 0.73 ng TCDD/g ww, approximately six times higher than the LD50 of 0.15 ng/g capable to
induce mortality and eliciting a significant increase in the incidence of the developmental abnormalities in
chicken of Gallus domesticus. Apart from the high sensitivity characteristic of this species, the concentrations
found in the herring gull eggs appear to be of concern.
In summary, and based on the small number of toxicological evaluations and on the concentrations of some
PTSs in fish, marine mammals, and aquatic and terrestrial birds, adverse effects on some systems may be
expected. These effects will add to those already described in section 3.3.1 regarding inter-sexual alterations of
aquatic organisms.
3.4.2 General assessment of health criteria
Except for professionally exposed workers, diet is the main route of human exposure to PTS (up to 90 %). As a
consequence, a risk assessment may be carried out by comparing PTS dietary intakes with their pertinent
Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDIs) established at the international level by expert groups considering the
probability of specific health damages. The results for some EU countries are shown in Table 3.20. Additional
data can be found in section 3.3.2.
For PAHs and mercury, the mean exposure is about 30% of TDI but for methylmercury, the food intake is more
close to the TDI. In this case, certain consumers can exceed the TDI, such as young children 3-8 years old
(133%) and the high consumers of pelagic carnivorous old fish (2500%) .For chlorinated compounds, mean
intake levels are far below (less than 5%) the corresponding TDIs, except in the case of PCBs and dioxins for
which recent data available for France and Italy indicate mean intakes close to TDIs. In this regard it is
worthwhile to emphasise that exposure of specific groups of the population (infants, fish consumers) may
largely exceed TDIs (3-4 times as reported by AFSSA).
For DL-PCBs expressed as TEQs, the food exposure is twice the WHO (1998) TDI for dioxins and DL-PCBs.
For total PCBs, the dietary intake based on Italian TDIs study is about 2 times the TDI recently revised by the
WHO and given in Aroclor equivalents. This observation is well correlated with the over-exposure found for
DL-PCBs. Thus, the new TDI of PCBs revised by the WHO appeared to be pertinent for risk-assessment of
total PCBs. The EU SCOOP report indicated that fish and fish products contributed to 70% of the food
exposure of DL-PCBs.

Table 3.20. PTS TDIs vs/ corresponding dietary intakes

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PTS
TDI
Organisation
Food intake
Source
xg/kg/day

Mean
/adults

DDT 20
µg
WHO
16 ng (0.08%)
Italy
HCHs 0.3
µg
WHO
5.3 ng (1.8%)
Italy
Chlordane 0.5
µg WHO


Dioxins (I-TEQ)
1 pg
WHO
1 pg (100%)
Italy



1.03 pg (103%)
France



3.5 pg (350%)
Spain (Catalonia)
PCB-DL (I-TEQ)
1.3 pg
WHO
2.5 pg (192%)
EU
PCB (Aroclor 1260 Eq) 0.02 µg
WHO*
36.8 ng (180%)
Italy
PAHs (BaP Eq)
14 ng
DVS 10-4 RIVM 5 ng (36%)
France
Hg 0.7
µg WHO
0.25
µg (36%)
France
Me Hg
0.47 µg WHO
0.34
µg (72%)
France

*Temporary TDI proposed at the international PCB meeting in Brno, May 2002.
There is no systematic data for most of the other countries of the region. However, an interesting study made in
FR Yugoslavia in 1993-94 concluded that the estimated average daily intake for healthy new-borns was
significantly lower than in 1982-83 for DDE, DDT, total DDT and total PCBs; significantly higher for -HCH
but not for -HCH; and nearly equal in both periods for -HCH. Estimated average daily intake (ADI) of total
DDT and -HCH was below the WHO values in both periods, and decreased to below the limit values for PCBs
in 1993-94 (Vukavic et al., 1997).
The data from the monitoring of PTSs in different areas of the Balkans (see section 3.5) clearly show levels of
some PTSs in environmental matrices (mainly soil and sediment), and eventually biota, higher than the
background levels generally found in the environment. Therefore, the ability of PTSs to enter the foodchain and
to biomagnify along them makes the hypothesis of a high human exposure to these compounds highly
plausible, and the correlated damage for health worthwhile to be explored.
3.5 CASE
STUDIES
The following studies have been selected to illustrate different situations of PTSs sources in the Region which
can also be considered as hot spots. They underline the variety of sources, either urban, industrial or accidental,
and the approaches followed towards a better knowledge of each problem.
3.5.1 PCBs contamination after the war in Kosovo
The long conflict between the different nations of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia throughout the 90's and
NATO's Kosovo intervention in spring 1999, not only had dramatic humanitarian consequences but also
detrimental effects on the environment. The burning or damaging of industrial and military targets resulted in
the release of a large number of hazardous chemical substances, including PTSs. It was estimated, for example,
that over 1000 electro-transformer stations, containing PCBs oil, were damaged during the war.
The karst area of the coast of Croatia was of particular concern for groundwater pollution. A large number of
transformer stations were damaged in Delnice, Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik. In a study performed in
1996, significant levels of PCBs were found in soils from Sibenik (over 2000 mg/kg dw), Zadar and Dubrovnik
areas. Daily PCBs and DDT intakes were studied among fishermen and their families who consume fish from
the coast of Zadar in significant quantities. It was found that many of them (especially those assumed to
consume fish caught from the Marina and Vruljica stations, in Zadar area) ingested more than the acceptable
daily PCBs intake of 1 µg/kg/day (Picer and Picer , 1998).
The cities of Pancevo, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Kragujevac, etc., in Serbia, were also severely attacked during the
NATO's intervention, causing numerous industrial accidents. For example, after the heavy bombardment of
Kragujevac, 2500 kg of PCBs-based oil from the transformers of the automobile industry ZASTAVA were
spilled. Very high levels of PCBs and PCDD/Fs were found in samples taken around the transformers of the
power plant (70-74 g/kg of PCBs and 10200 ng ITEQ/kg of PCDD/Fs). Underground water reservoirs were
found to contain 0.7 mg/L of PCBs, but there were no traces in drinking water in this locality. On the other
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hand, sediments from the Lepenica river (close to the factory) contained high levels of PCBs (2.4 mg/kg), and
the contents in water was 18.7 ng/L. The factory is still storing 5-6 tonnes of waste oil containing PCBs.
The oil refineries of Pancevo and Novi Sad were also destroyed and around 150000 tonnes of crude oil and oil
products were burnt or leaked. Average contents of total PAHs in soils of the Novi Sad region were of 5.5
mg/kg two years after the aggression (2001), a value which is above the lowest risk level (Table 3.25) and
could affect the safety of the crops grown in the area. Residues of DDTs were also found in all soil samples in
levels that exceeded the Maximum Tolerable Concentration, according to the Official Register of the Republic
of Serbia (11/1990), although this area was already heavily polluted before bombing (Vojinovic-Miloradov et
al., 2002).
Water quality of the Sava and the Danube rivers was also assessed right after the accidents by monitoring the
PCBs levels in freshwater fish. The concentrations of PCBs in fish tissues from the Sava river were in the range
of 8-177 µg/kg ww, and from the Danube 2-196 µg/kg ww, which is well below the maximum residue limit for
PCBs in fish (3 mg/kg). However, PCBs have a long half-life in the environment, and it can be expected that
concentrations in fish will rise.
In order to collect and analyse the consequences for the environment and human settlements of the military
actions in the Balkans region, the Balkans Task Force (BTF) was established in early May 1999
(UNEP/UNCHS, 2000). The BTF studied the impact of the conflict on the environmental situation in three
countries: FR Yugoslavia, FYR of Macedonia and Albania, and identified the main environmental concerns.
More recently, the European Commission has recognised these problems and approved the research proposal
APOPSBAL, to be developed in 12 institutions of Croatia (3), Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, FR
Yugoslavia (3), Austria, Czech Republic and Greece. These investigations will provide more precise data about
the pollution, especially by PCBs, of the war-damaged area in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia.
3.5.2 The fate of HCHs close to production sites.
The production and storage of obsolete stocks of lindane have been the cause of severe pollution problems in
the Region, which deserve consideration. Major contamination episodes occurred in the vicinity of three
factories, as a result of the industrial emissions and the disposal of the production residues. The sites were
located in a rural area near the small village of Sabiñanigo (Huesca, Spain), in Durres (Albania) and Skopje
(FYR of Macedonia).
During the 90's a lindane factory was installed close to the village of Sabiñanigo, and close also to the Gallego
river (av. 37.7 m3/s), one of the most important tributaries of the Ebro river. The up and downstream waters
were currently monitored when the factory was still working. No HCHs were found in the upper part of the
river, but high concentrations were found for -HCH (1.06 µg/L) and -HCH (0.76 µg/L) downstream. Both
values were well over the maximum established limit and the factory was definitely closed.
The analysis of suspended solids during the sampling dates showed values of 2.8 mg/kg of -HCH, 4.5 mg/kg
of -HCH and 3.8 mg/kg of -HCH. The analysis of river sediments carried out in the same sampling points
during the same period showed the maximum values also near the factory and the waste dumps. A relative
increase of - and -isomers was observed, the former having the highest content in the solid waste withthe
latter being the least soluble and the most stable. The decrease in the pollution levels along the river was not as
sharp as the variation of the concentration of -HCH.
After 5 months without industrial activity, the same points were monitored again and considerably lower values
were found. In fact, -HCH was lower than 0.08 µg/L and -HCH was below 0.20 µg/L (Nerín et al., 1992).
This gives a timescale for natural environmental recovery.
On the other hand, the Durres chemical plant produced lindane (6-10 tonnes per year) until it was closed in
1990. Since then, families have been living in the area with their houses built using contaminated bricks from
the old indane production buildings 20 m away. They are also keeping domestic animals, such as cows, sheep
and goats, inside the plant area. A well with a depth of about 6 m is located inside the plant and is being used to
water the animals and irrigate vegetables.
A preliminary study of HCH levels conducted during the 90's showed concentrations of 225 mg/kg of HCHs in
the topsoil inside the plant. This level decreased rapidly to about 40 mg/kg at a distance of 200 m from the
plant. However, at a distance of 800 m, a soil sample still showed concentrations of 15 mg/kg of total HCHs.
Sediment samples from the channels and the main collector draining to the Adriatic Sea exhibited
concentrations of 1878 mg/kg of total HCHs at a distance of 100m , and of 226 mg/kg before discharging to the
sea, clearly documenting the spreading of HCH isomers into the environment.

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The further results of HCH analysis conducted within the UNEP assessment (2000) in some samples from the
area are shown in Table 3.21. The conclusion of this assessment was that the former chemical plant in Durres
is one of the worst environmental hot spots in the Balkans.
Table 3.21. Levels of HCHs in samples analysed in UNEP assessment (2000).
Sample Total
HCHs
-HCH (Lindane)
Soil from Lindane production area
8790 mg/kg
3140 mg/kg
Soil from dichromate plant
2.21 mg/kg
0.71 mg/kg
Water from well 6 m deep
4 µg/L
Sheep's milk
12.8 mg/kg
0.13 mg/kg
Sheep's wool
0.31 mg/kg

Pepper from house 20 m away
not detected


Another area of concern was detected in a three-building site located approximately 1.5 km from the former
plant which stores approximately 500 tonnes of HCHs. Leakage from corroded drums, inappropriate storage of
bags containing chemicals, etc. suggest soil and groundwater contamination.
Finally, the Organic Chemical Industry of Skopje (OHIS A.D.) produced for some time technical HCH and
lindane. The production of lindane ceased in 1977 and in the 1980's the plant's equipment was dismantled
leaving behind two empty buildings. The floors and walls were not cleaned and soil remediation did not take
place around the buildings. Most of the remaining residues of production were dumped on site. Approximately
10000 tonnes of technical mixture of HCHs have been stored for 20 years. The HCH dumps were to be covered
with a mixed soil of clay, sand and gravel and covered with grass. The supporting concrete sidewalls were not
as high as the dump and some parts of the walls were missing or damaged. Groundwater analyses performed
between the OHIS site and the Vardar River show high HCH concentrations.
3.5.3 PTS in the Venice Lagoon
The Venice Lagoon (Italy) (Fig. 3.13) is particularly polluted by the presence of an important industrial district
(Marghera Harbour), by the untreated domestic wastes and the motorboats continuously crossing the lagoon.
The lagoon ecosystem is damaged because of severe eutrofication and chemical pollution.
Large projects have been undertaken over the last few years with the aim of providing a comprehensive state of
the environment according to the European Environmental Agency (EEA) guidelines (i.e. DPSIR approach).
The projects were conceived to support regulatory actions and interventions envisaged to reduce the overall
input of PTSs into the lagoon and, particularly, to enforce the definition of the quality objectives for the lagoon
and to set maximum allowable annual loads of PTSs.
The survey of PTSs in the lagoon top sediment (15 cm) included the examination of 150 stations distributed all
over the northern, central, and southern lagoon in both shallow (<1 m deep) and deeper (shipping canals)
bottoms (MAP project). The mean concentrations and loads
of PTS in the shallow bottoms are reported in Table 3.22.
The lagoon canals inside the industrial district of Porto
Marghera, as well as the canals inside the historical centre of
Venice, were identified as hot spots, i.e. concentrations of
PTSs were typically 100-2000 times higher than in the rest
of the lagoon (e.g. PCDD/Fs mean concentration in the
A
B
industrial canals was 83000±307000 ng/kg dw) (Frignani et
\
al., 2001).
C
The transfer of PTSs from the catchment area to the lagoon
was also investigated (DRAIN project). Based on statistical
analysis of time series of rainfall events on the drainage
basin, the 1999 year turned out to be representative of the
average annual rainfall recorded over the last 30 years. The
riverine contributions to the total annual loads of the
selected PTSs are reported in Table 3.13
The contribution of atmospheric deposition was estimated
by collecting monthly bulk (dry and wet) deposition in one
73
Figure 3.13 Map of Venice Lagoon showing
the sampling stations A, B and C.

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site near an industrial area (Porto Marghera), another site in the city of Venice, and the remaining two sites in
the southern and northern ends of the Lagoon (Valle Figheri and Valle Dogà, respectively). Although a
significant variability was observed for the determined PTSs, calculated PCDD/Fs fluxes to the lagoon resulted
to be rather homogeneous, the median range being ~25-35 pg/m2/d, whereas in the station located close to the
industrial zone the flux was ~60 pg/m2/d. PCBs deposition in the industrial fallout sampling site and in the
Venice town centre was ~3-4 ng/m2/d, that is almost three times higher than the value measured at north and
south lagoon stations. HCB loading (~4 ng/m2/d) was almost four times higher in the industrial zone than in the
other sites (~1 ng/m2/d). PAHs loadings in the city of Venice and in the industrial area were 700 ng/m2/d,
respectively. The overall median of 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents (TEQ) of PCDD/Fs was 1.3 pg/m2/d (range 0-
9.2) while dioxin like PCBs contributed for another 0.3-0.4 pg I-TEQ/m2/d.
Table 3.22. Mean concentrations and loads of PTSs in the 15 cm top sediment of shallow lagoon bottoms.



North. Lagoon Central Lagoon South. Lagoon
Whole
(n=21)
(n=31)
(n=29)
Lagoon
Total PCBs
Conc. µg/kg dw
6.6
11.4
7.4
8.2
(Aroclor PCBs) Load tonnes
0.11
0.24
0.17
0.50
OC Pesticidesa Conc. µg/kg dw
1.2
2.6
1.4
1.7

Load tonnes
0.02
0.05
0.03
0.10
Total PAHsb
Conc. µg/kg dw
570
3200
1100
1600

Load tonnes
10
66
25
97
PCDD/Fs
Conc. ng/kg dw
115
340
100
180

Load kg
2.0
7.1
2.3
11.1
Conc. ng/kg
Sum dioxin-like
dw
1600
3300
1200
2000
PCBs
Load kg
28
70
27
120
HCB
Conc. µg/kg dw
0.86
1.11
0.99
0.95

Load kg
15
23
22
58
a aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, DDE, DDD, DDT, -HCH and -HCH
b naphthalene, acenaphtylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz(a)anthracene,
chrysene, benzo(b-k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, indeno(123,cd)pyrene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene and benzo(ghi)perylene.
The estimated external loads of PTSs (i.e. riverine and atmospheric) into the Lagoon of Venice presented in
Table 3.23, suggest that the non-point sources are actually more important than the point ones, which marks the
difference between present and past situation. Both water and air emissions must be included in environmental
protection policy planning.
Table 3.23. Major point (industrial) and non point (riverine and atmospheric) annual loads (kg/year) of PTS
in the lagoon of Venice (year 1999).
Atmospheric
Porto Marghera
PTS Riverine
loads
deposition
effluents
Total PAHs
<100
100±40
5
PCDD/Fs 0.013 0.01±0.004

PCDD/Fs (TEQ)
0.0001
0.0003
0.0044
PCB dioxin-like
0.4
1.0

HCB 0.9 1.7


A large variety of sediment cores were analysed in order to reconstruct the temporal development of PTSs in
the Lagoon. The results concerning PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs, and HCB found in three radio-dated cores
from the central lagoon (Fig. 3.13) allow a close comparison of the first (1930-1960) and second (1960-
nowadays) industrial development periods of Porto Marghera industrial district and the examination of the
contamination development in a canal of the Historical Centre where the last dredging dates back to the 50's.
While a decreasing trend of concentration and fluxes of the halogenated pollutants was found in core A, cores
B and C showed a continued increase over the time of PCBs and HCB fluxes. PCDD/Fs fluxes decreased
significantly in the most recent sediment layers (Marcomini et al., 1999).

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3.5.4 The Seine estuary
Estuarine systems are biologically rich ecosystems subject to complex behaviour patterns. The spatio-temporal
variability of the parameters and processes which characterise these environments complicate both their
scientific approach and their appropriate management. The Atlantic rivers, moreover, are subject to the
consequences of the tidal effect, namely the salinity gradient and the capacity to accumulate suspended
particles in the turbidity maximum zone. Together, these features determine the distribution of biological
communities and the fate of fine particles and associated compounds. These phenomena also modify the
speciation and flux of some chemical pollutants. In fact, estuaries are the zones where generally the highest
concentration of contaminants are found, in the continuum river basin/estuary/coastal waters.
Since the biology of the estuary is rather simple and only some species play an important role in the ecosystem,
it can be used as an excellent field laboratory for testing the "Risk assessment" methodology. The "Seine
Estuary Program" (http://seine-aval.crihan.fr/) has provided important knowledge about the Seine estuary
behaviour and the status of contamination by PTSs, including emission sources, levels in abiotic and biotic
compartments (more than 15 species sampled) and food web transfer, understanding the behaviour of PTSs
crossing estuaries, mathematical modelling, ecotoxicological and epidemiological information for estuarine
species and ecosystem status and dynamics.
On one hand, the program has provided key concepts for understanding the role of an estuary and explaining
the consequences of chemical contamination for biota. On the other, it was proved that an estuary acts like a
good waste treatment plant and plays an important role as a reactor and/or speciation transformer of PTSs.
The Seine estuary offers ample possibilities for developing the PEC/PNEC methodology, intended for
protecting the estuarine ecosystem. However, the PNEC provided today for fresh and marine waters using the
TGD prescriptions are based on ecotoxicological data obtained from fresh water species. Thus, the idea behind
the project is to define a PNEC for estuaries, and use specific ecotoxicological data for estuarine species.
The experience of the Seine program shows that there is a need for:
· More ecotoxicological data on estuarine species, giving preference to chronic tests,
· Standardisation of tests in water and sediment,
· Specific evaluation factors in estuarine environment, because fresh water and sea water factors are not
necessarily adaptable.
In summary, due to the lack of laboratory and field data, research is needed to produce more information for
risk assessment in estuaries.
3.6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.6.1 Levels
A substantial amount of information exists on the distribution of PTSs in the different environmental
compartments of the Region. In consequence, some areas of concern have been identified, which include
estuaries (e.g. Seine, Rhone, Ebro, Po and Nile), coastal enclosures (e.g. Izmit Bay, Venice Lagoon, etc.),
coastal areas (e.g. NW Mediterranean and Northern Adriatic), inland waters (e.g. Po, Ebro, Seine, Kupa and
Lepenica rivers) and dumpsites (e.g. Durres, Skopje, Alger, Mustaganem, etc.). Apart from areas of intense
local contamination, compounds of regional concern are PCBs, DDT, HCHs, PAHs, HCB and TBTs. Other
compounds, e.g., phthalates, alkylphenols and PBDE/PBBs, are suspected to be ubiquitous but data are lacking.
Few spatial and long-term temporal trend monitorings of fish, mussels and seabird eggs have been carried out
in the Northern Mediterranean. A general decline of DDTs has been reported for marine biota along the
Mediterranean coast of France and Italy, and from the Adriatic Sea between 1970's and 1990's, which is
consistent with the regulatory restrictions on production and use of this compound. PCBs, in general, do not
exhibit such clear trend.
Despite the extensive information existing on PTSs levels and trends, data are often missing for some
compartments particularly: atmosphere, ground and drinking waters, sewage sludges and soils, and storages
(industrial products, pesticides). Moreover, significant geographical data gaps occur particularly in the South
and South-eastern Mediterranean basin.
Apparently, data obtained is mainly the result of research campaigns rather than the existence of monitoring
networks. When data exists, particularly in governmental agencies or institutions, they are not easily available
75

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and, in many occasions, data series are discontinued and have not been quality assessed. Most of data for
chlorinated pesticides, for example, was obtained in the 80's and levels usually show an extremely large span
of concentrations, which may reflect more the result of analytical inconsistencies than real differences of level
of pollution.
Available data on PTSs levels in human tissues show a substantial paucity which appears even more striking if
compared to the amount of data available for environmental matrices, biota and food. A representative study of
a general healthy population living in a wide geographic area has never been conducted in any country of the
region. Most countries in the region lack population indicators on the impact that environmental contamination
has on human health.
A major step towards the filling of the existing data gaps in the Region will be the activation of monitoring
programs at three levels:
· Analysis of abiotic samples or sentinel species to identify hot spots and transport pathways. Monitoring
activities should be established in the corresponding countries to fill the geographical data gaps and
ensuring the continuation of existing time trend series. Regional surveys of emerging PTSs and
compounds actually on the market or those difficult to analyse (e.g., PCDD/Fs) should be particularly
envisaged.
· Analysis of food to evaluate the general exposure of the population and to detect abnormal increases
due to different cases of contamination. Monitoring design should allow to assess any correlation of
PTSs body-burden with factors as age and gender groups, dietary habits, occupation and education. In
this context, total diet studies taking into account regional habits are of primary interest.
· Analysis of human tissues (blood, milk) for human body burdens estimation and risk evaluation.
Human tissues are also exposure sources for developing organisms. Although this kind of assessment
poses a series of technical and ethical problems, monitoring of human tissues provides the best
information on human exposure to PTSs. The data obtained should allow the validation of exposure
models.
Domestic and regional monitoring efforts should continue to study multi-media transport across air, rivers,
seas, and soil, and the resultant environmental and human concentration levels.
According to the regional experts, future monitoring strategies should address the following:
· Intensive monitoring of temporal trends in appropriate abiotic and biotic media at a few key locations,
and occasionally over wider areas, and continuation of existing time trend series which have proven to
be useful and informative.
· Standardised sampling and analytical methods in order to compare results in the studies carried out in
different countries must be implemented. Monitoring programs should include improved quality
assurance/quality control protocols, possibly linked to other international programs, and contain
reporting procedures and analysis of data.
· Monitoring strategies need to be adequate to the technical and economical possibilities of the different
countries. Regional accredited laboratories may assist contracted monitoring institutions in the
development of quality assurance systems. In any case, a regional network of national inter-calibrated
laboratories contributing to regional monitoring could better improve data quality and fill data gaps.
The achievement of these goals requires national/regional strategies, which should provide the basic support for
an adequate environmental management of PTS.
3.6.2 Effects
A number of reports have illustrated the development of the ecotoxicology studies in the region. These studies
provide guidelines for the identification of hot spots, particularly in coastal areas (e.g. Adriatic Sea, Seine, Po
and Nile estuaries, Izmit Bay, Venice Lagoon, etc.) and inland waters (e.g. middle Po and Ebro rivers, MSWI
in France, etc.). As a result, a range of symptoms are shown by aquatic organisms exposed to PTSs. In general,
studies referring to metabolism and end-point, deal with growth, endocrine disruption, CYP and drug
metabolism induction, biochemical parameters and genotoxicity. Furthermore, the combination of chemical and
biological methods has provided early identification and response to new emerging problems (e.g. imposex in
gastropods).

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Laboratory studies have shown bird species to be susceptible to exposure to PTSs displaying decreased egg
production, embryotoxicity and thickness of the egg-shell but field evidence in the region is very limited.
Effects of PTSs were also studied in mammals, particularly in laboratory rats and mice. The laboratory findings
appear to be applicable to wild populations of mammals in field observations and experiments. Exposure of
marine mammals to certain PTS has been demonstrated.
Different approaches have been proposed for risk assessment: PEC/PENEC, Toxicity Exposure Ratios (TERs),
Hazard Quotients (HQs), intrinsic properties of chemicals (PBT), development and application of
Environmental Quality Standards (multi media) and Reliable Environmental Data. Lower tier assessments are
generic and can be applied to the region. However, most higher tier scenarios have been developed in northern
European countries and there is a need for their adaptation and testing also in the southern countries.
For humans, the lack of solid data on food PTSs intakes strongly limits the risk-assessment. There is an urgent
need for extensive food exposure study, taking as example the best studies performed in some countries
(market basket and TDS), and the areas more heavily contaminated. Moreover, epidemiological population
survey must take into account not only the morbidity data but also more subtle effects such as parameters
linked to reproduction (histological and functional aspects) and neurologic functions, especially in young
children (brain development, behaviour, etc.).
The following specific recommendations were proposed by the experts:
· There is a lack of toxicological and ecotoxicological data for many PTSs in the region. This holds not
only for new classes of PTSs (e.g. alkylphenols, PBDEs, phthalates, PAHs, etc.) but also for those
which have been under focus for many years. Special attention should be paid to chronic toxicity
studies and to the incorporation of biomarkers/bioassays in environmental quality indices.
· There is need for a uniform approach and framework for evaluation and monitoring of receiving waters
in the region. Water Quality Indices should be improved (various types of indices have been developed
which need to be evaluated and integrated). Multidisciplinary approaches should be applied, especially
for estuaries and deltas.
· Specific research to quantify the role of PTSs on the impacts observed on endangered species and
ecosystems is considered urgent for setting the programmes for maintaining the biovidersity of the
Region.
· Sediment exposure (reservoirs) and effects to aquatic biota are important and should be assessed by the
particular hydrogeographical characteristics of the region. In this respect, mesocosm studies (validation
of biological parameters and biomarkers) should be encouraged.
· Modelling is a complementary tool for risk assessment and is barely applied in the region. Monitoring
and modelling will require much attention particularly for improving the estimates of the fate and
effects of emissions and pools of existing PTSs. A task of particular importance will be the
improvement of communication between existing chemical and toxicological information for PTSs and
ecosystem and trophic web models.
The experience in recent decades in the European Union and the UN/ECE has demonstrated the advantages of
an integrated science based approach, linking population, activities, emissions, transport and effects in a
coherent international co-operative risk assessment framework. Such an approach is cost effective in making
better use of available scientific and technical resources and in helping policy makers to design effective
environmental policy.
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4 ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR PATHWAYS OF PTS TRANSPORT
The objective of this chapter is to provide a basic understanding of the physical processes that contribute to the
transport and determine the global distribution of PTSs in the Mediterranean region. As it has already been
reported in the previo
us section, data on levels of PTSs in the different compartments, although abundant, are rather fragmentary,
both spatially and temporally, to enable the establishment of relationships between the measured environmental
levels with the sources, and the identification of major regional transport pathways. However, from the
available information and using multimedia models, the distribution of pollutants between the main
environmental compartments can be estimated.
A representative picture for soil, sea water and forest litter for the Northern Mediterranean countries has been
obtained by the EMEP/MSC-E Centre and shown in Figure 4.1 (Dutchak et al., 2002). In the diagram it can be
seen that different pollutants tend to be accumulated in proper media. Thus, PCBs, B[a]P and PCDD/Fs are
mainly accumulated in the terrestrial compartment (soil and forest litter) whereas the main reservoir for -HCH
and HCB is the marine environment.

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

HCB
Lindane
B[a]P
PCB
PCDD/ F

sea water
forest litter
soil


Figure 4.1. Distribution of certain PTS between different

environment media within the Northern region by the end of 1998

The atmospheric and aquatic compartments, both marine and continental, may play a major role in the global
distribution of PTSs in the region. The knowledge of the water circulation in the Mediterranean Sea and of the
regional meteorology is well established (see sections 1.2.1 and 1.2.4) but only recently a number of studies
have intended to document processes that connect the general circulations at the Basin level to pollution
episodes. These will be summarised in the following sections, as well as the use of biological indicators for
assessing the long range transport of PTSs.
4.1 ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION AND DEPOSITION OF PTS
4.1.1 Regionally specific features and modelling approaches
The physiographic characteristics of the Mediterranean Region and the prevailing climatic conditions have as a
result, the development of a complicated atmospheric flow pattern. Its main characteristics are the strong
northern component, almost during all seasons. This is due to differential heating between the land of North
Africa (almost bare soil), the Mediterranean waters (daily cycle of SST) and the land of South Europe (with
mixed-type vegetation cover). This northerly flow is pronounced during the warm period of the year. On the
other hand, a second path of transport has been identified from Western towards the Eastern Mediterranean
with a stronger component during the cold period of the year.
During summer, atmospheric circulation patterns are dominated by two large, semi-permanent, weather systems
located at each end of the basin. At the Western edge is the Azores Anticyclone, and over the Eastern borders is the
low pressure system which extends from the Middle East to the whole of South-western Asia, i.e., the Monsoon
system. "Classic" frontal systems approaching from the Atlantic travel mainly North of the Alps and,
approximately mid-way between the two major weather systems, the "average flow" is diverted southwards over
89

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the Great Hungarian Plain and further South, into North Africa, via the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and/or the Black
Sea, Aegean and the Levantine Basin.
Subordinate to these larger weather structures, other meso-scale systems develop during the day with important
compensatory subsidences, i.e., the Iberian, Italian and Anatolian Thermal Low systems, which can strongly
modify the regional flows during the day. In fact, depending on the mountain-coast geometry, their slopes
propitiate the development of strong seabreezes, up-slope winds or combinations of these. Under these conditions
the slopes act as orographic chimneys that link the surface winds directly with their return flows aloft to create
vertical re-circulations. Depending on the surface properties (semi-arid), the same conditions also favour the
formation of extensive and deep convective cells and/or Thermal Lows over the major land masses. Thus, the
development of "mountain gap winds", either as a result of "subsidence aided" drainage flows during the night,
large scale compensatory subsidences during the day and/or large scale channelling, is also a feature of the entire
region (Gangoiti et al., 2001).
Figure 4.2 shows a summary of the specific meteorological processes for the whole Mediterranean Basin in
summer and their links from the local to the sub-continental scales (Millán et al. 1997).
The ozone paths include: (#1) transport along the coast of Portugal under strong subsidence during the day, (#2)
inflow of air into the Gulf of Lions followed by re-circulation along the Spanish East Coast and outflow through
Gibraltar, and (#3) recirculation of air masses along the Italian coast, and transition from the combined sea-
breezes and up-slope winds to storms along the Apennines in the late afternoon. The effects of the Atlas
Mountains may include: upper tropospheric injections over the Northern Atlas of air masses aged along path (#2),
as well as those following path (#4), i.e. transport towards the Canary Islands with deep convective-orographic
recirculations along the Southern Atlas, or combinations of these.













Fig 4.2. Conceptual model of the atmospheric circulations in the Mediterranean Basin in summer.
The graphs show mechanisms which have a diurnal cycle and are well developed by mid-afternoon. The
recirculations represent processes with spatial continuity along the coastal areas (Millán et al., 1997).

A particularly well identified and significant pattern of atmospheric circulation in the Eastern basin is the
consistent flow directed from South and Eastern Europe towards the North African Coast and the Middle East
which results in the transport of polluted air masses from Europe towards North Africa and the Middle East, as
shown in Fig. 4.3 (Kallos et al., 1998).
The main path of such transport of air pollutants has been identified to be from the Eastern part of Europe
towards the Black Sea, initially, and then farther across the Aegean Sea to the Middle East and North Africa. A
secondary path is from the Central and Western part of the Mediterranean towards the East. Because of the
absence of significant wet removal processes and the insolation, the oxidising processes are considered as very
important. It has also been found that the time scales for such transport processes are approximately 2-4 days,
which are shorter than the life cycle of ozone formed during the photochemical processes of urban plumes.
Urban plumes from cities near the coast could be injected into the free troposphere with the aid of the upslope
flows or within the stable marine boundary layer. In both cases, the urban plumes can travel over large

90

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distances (even hundreds of kilometres) keeping most of their characteristics resulting in a massive upward
transport of "aged" pollutants. Such kind of transport, with this time and space scales are considered as very
important for several places in the Mediterranean Region. In addition to the above mentioned processes,
Saharan dust particles play an important role in the atmospheric and aquatic systems, although its influence on
the transport and deposition of PTSs has not been assessed.




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The following conclusions can be drawn from the above observations with potential implications in the
atmospheric fate of PTSs:
· Some locations of the Mediterranean Region act as "temporal reservoirs" where air pollutants are
"concentrated", "aged enough" before they are re-advected again (e.g. Black Sea, Western
Mediterranean).
· In general, the time scales of transport of air masses from Europe towards the Middle East is
approximately 2-3 days.
· The transport from the Western Mediterranean towards SE Europe is in the range of 1-2 days, and
towards the Middle East and NE Africa slightly longer (3-4 days).
· The recirculatory nature of the air masses in the Western Mediterranean Basin requires approximately 5
days for the renewal of 50% of the air mass below ~ 3000m, and 7-10 days for the renewal of 80%.
· The air quality in urban areas of SE Europe, N Africa and Middle East is affected significantly by the
long-range transport patterns described because the time scales are still within the life span of most of
air pollutants.
· Venting of urban or industrial plumes located near the coastal zone occurs through two different paths:


- Towards the free troposphere with the aid of the upslope flows during the day-hours.
- Towards the marine boundary layer where they are trapped and travel long distances until
they reach land.
In order to assess the distribution and transport pathways of PTSs at a regional level, the Meteorological
Synthesising Centre-East has developed a multi-compartment model for the EMEP region, describing processes
in and exchange between basic environmental compartments (atmosphere, soil, seawater and vegetation). For
the calculation of the long-range atmospheric transport of PTSs, a three-dimensional Eulerian transport model
ASIMD (ASymmetric Improved MoDel) is used. The spatial resolution of the model is 150x150 km2 , and at
present there exists a grid modification for B[a]P with a resolution of 50x50 km2.
The model outputs are: distributions of PTSs between environmental media and mass balance calculations;
spatial distribution of concentrations and deposition; long-term trends; and transboundary transport assessment.
Model parameterisations have been elaborated for PAHs (B[a]P), HCHs (-HCH), PCBs, HCB, and PCDD/Fs
(www.msceast.org), although it should be taken into account that the model has been calibrated on only few
sites where PTSs are determined and these are located in Northern Europe.
On the other hand, for an easier characterisation of the atmospheric deposition in the Mediterranean Sea, the
MEDPOL Program has divided the basin into 11 sub-basins, as shown in Figure 4.4 and in data reported below.
91

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Figure 4.4. MEDPOL Mediterranean Sea sub-basins
4.1.2 Organochlorine pesticides and other PTSs
Atmospheric circulation and deposition estimates of PTSs in the Mediterranean Region are scarce. First
calculations were reported by GESAMP (1989) for the Mediterranean Sea, based on very few data, but
concluding that 80-95% of total inputs of PTSs (e.g. HCB, HCHs, DDT, chlordane and PCBs) were
atmospheric. More recently, calculations have been performed for certain semi-volatile PTSs by the
EMEP/MSC-E, using the ASIMD transport model with the limitations already pointed out. The results are
shown below.
4.1.2.1 HCB
Based on published data, average emission and deposition fluxes have been generated (Dutchak et al., 2002)
(Table 4.1). As it can be seen, only France, Italy and Spain account for 82% of the total emission of HCB in
the region which is of 3970 kg/year. The countries of the Balkan area exhibit a negative balance in the sense
that deposition is relatively enhanced with respect to the corresponding emission.

Table 4.1. Mean HCB emission and deposition (dry+wet) estimates for some countries
of the Mediterranean region (1998)
Emission
Total Deposition Total
Country
flux emissions
flux deposition
g/km2/y
kg/y
g/km2/y
kg/y
Albania 1.88
60
0.15
4.46
Bosnia&Herzegovina 0.99 50 0.16 8.03
Croatia 1.28
80
0.18
10.88
France 2.34
1290
0.21
113.91
Greece 1.31
180
0.07
9.63
Italy 2.61
800
0.16
48.33
FYR Macedonia
1.19
30
0.15
3.77
Portugal 1.61
150
0.06
5.42
Slovenia 0.84
20
0.31
5.68
Spain 2.34
1170
0.11
52.90
Turkey 0.00
--
0.05
37.65
FR Yugoslavia
1.34
140
0.20
20.88

Field studies carried out in the region of Paris (France) (Granier et al., 1992) have shown that HCB deposition
has been slightly increasing from 1993 to 2000 to around 2.9 g/km2/y. This figure can be considered as
representative of an urban-industrial area.

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4.1.2.2 PCBs
Simulation of atmospheric deposition of PCBs was performed for the period of 29 years using meteorological
data from 1970-98, with a preliminary run for the period 1940-70 in order to get initial concentrations in the
compartments (Shatalov et al., 2000). The parameterisation of physical-chemical properties of PCBs was
fulfilled on the basis of the PCB-153 congener, which certainly leads to some uncertainties. Therefore, the
results are only indicative. The PCBs deposition map is presented in Figure 4.5 with the maximum rates (20
g/km2/yr) in the centre of Europe, where the maximum emission occurs according to emission estimates. These
amount 113 tons per year for the 41 countries considered.
From this hot area, an apparent north-south gradient is observed with estimated values in the range of 0.1 ­ 1
g/km2/yr over the Mediterranean Sea (UNEP/MAP/WMO, 2001). In the French continental environment,
median concentration values of total atmospheric fallout varied only 2 times in relation with urban locations
revealing the significance of the atmospheric transport. Maximal depositions were observed in Paris (28
g/km2/yr) but equivalent to those found in other rainy areas like the Vosges mountains, in the German border
(Ollivon et al., 2001). Apparently, since the last 15 years, in spite of varying instant contamination, the average
concentration has remained stable (Chevreuil et al., 2001).
During the period 1970-1996 considered in the EMEP study, the total mass in the environment decreased from
3424 tonnes to 2895 tonnes, hence showing a role of re-emission processes. After 1990 re-emission (modelled)
is higher than deposition and adds about 66% to anthropogenic direct emissions (estimated). The mass exported
outside the EMEP grid represents about 75% of the total anthropogenic PCBs emissions during the 28 years,
the degradated mass 28%, and the mass remaining in the system 14%. This remaining mass in 1997 is mainly
in soil and vegetation (42%+43%) and partly in the sea (15%, not only the Mediterranean), only 0.06% remains
in air. Soil appears to be the most inertial reservoir.


Figure 4.5.
Distribution of PCBs deposition in Europe in 1999 (in g/km2/yr).
The estimated average deposition fluxes into each Mediterranean sub-basin is shown in Table 4.2
(UNEP/MAP/WMO, 2001). The maximum deposition value is observed in region V, and the minimum in
region I. The dry and wet fluxes exhibit significant seasonal variations, mainly following the air temperature,
because the distribution of PCBs between the aerosol and gas phases are temperature dependant. Thus, net
gaseous flux over sea probably becomes negative in summer because at high temperatures PCBs tend to
evaporate from sea surface more readily. In any case, over the sea the wet deposition is the main flux and it is
also correlated with the precipitation rate (both for gaseous and particulate phases).
Based on these estimates, the total deposition on the sub-basins has been calculated (Figure 4.6), representing
about 1100 kg/year for the whole basin. However, from field data, Tolosa et al. (1997) have calculated that the
sedimentation rate in the deep Western basin ranges from 0.5 ­ 3 g/km2/y that contributes to the removal of
around 5 tonnes/year from the water column. Moreover, Mandalakis et al. (2002) have determined the
deposition fluxes of PCBs on the Eastern Mediterranean from a station located in the Crete island. The wet-
only deposition flux was 1.40±0.31 g/km2/y and the corresponding dry-only deposition flux was 0.17±0.10
g/km2/y, thus representing a net input of around 700 kg of PCBs/year. The main reason for these major
discrepancies are basically inaccurate emission data and shortage of measurements in the region, as well as the
restricted number of physico-chemical properties of PCB congeners used in the model.
93

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Table 4.2. PCBs deposition fluxes (g/km2/yr) on the Mediterranean Sea and its sub-basins
Sub-basins
Net dry deposition Wet deposition Total deposition
mt1
0.05
0.06
0.10
mt2
0.21
0.44
0.64
mt3
0.10
0.20
0.30
mt4
0.16
0.37
0.53
mt5
0.22
0.67
0.89
mt6
0.11
0.24
0.33
mt7
0.08
0.12
0.19
mt8
0.09
0.22
0.31
mt9
0.07
0.16
0.23
mt10
0.05
0.07
0.13
mt11
0.12
0.35
0.46
Average 0.10
0.22 0.33

kg/y
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
mt1 mt2 mt3 mt4 mt5 mt6 mt7 mt8 mt9 mt10 mt11
Figure 4.6. Mean PCBs deposition (1987-1996) into the Mediterranean sub-basins (mt), in kg/yr.
4.1.2.5. PCDD/PCDFs
The 2002 annual report of MSC-East (Shatalov et al., 2002) presents the calculation of concentrations of
PCDD/Fs in the EMEP region as well as their deposition. In fact the results are given for one indicator
congener, namely 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, after demonstration that it is a good indicator for the overall behaviour of
total PCDD/Fs weighted by their toxicity (I-TEQ). However, the following results are only indicative because
of uncertainties in the emission data and lack of measurements in the region. Calculations were led for 30 years
(1970-1999) and showed typical levels of 1 to 10 fg ITEQ/m3 for air concentrations over land, with higher
levels in Italy (13.7 fg on average), and typical levels of 2 to 20 pg ITEQ pg/L in the Mediterranean Sea, with
higher levels near the coasts of France and Italy.
About 40% of the total amount of PCDD/Fs emitted are transported outside the EMEP region. At the end of the
model run (1999) 77 % of the remaining dioxins/furans are in the soil compartment - where their half-life is
estimated to be 60 years - whereas less than 1% is in the sea and 1% remains in the air. These figures show the
major role of air pollution transfer at a regional and possibly global scales, with a major role of soil as a
reservoir. The significant reduction of direct anthropogenic emissions since 1982 is the cause of an overall re-
emission from soil to air which is superior to deposition, but deposition at sea still exists. In the 1999 EMEP
annual report the total deposition calculated for the Mediterranean Sea is 492 g ITEQ for year 1996.
4.1.2.3 Lindane
Following the same model used for PCBs, and assuming that lindane was present in the atmosphere only in the
gas phase, calculations covering the period of ten years (1987-1996) were performed in order to reveal
accumulation trends in various compartments (UNEP/MAP/WMO, 2001). In another study (Shatalov et al.,
2001) where the time period is 28 years (1970-1997) and the vegetation, as well as sea currents, are added to
the model the results are probably more reliable.

94

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Regions of maximum deposition correspond to regions of maximum emissions. The lindane deposition map is
presented in Figure 4.7 with the maximum rates (80 g/km2/yr) in the centre of Europe, concurrently with the
emission estimates which amount around 900 tonnes per year (see section 2.2).

Figure 4.7. Distribution of lindane deposition in Europe in 1999 (in g/km2/yr).
Concentrations decrease away from emission sources. Thus, the EMEP results show maximum concentrations
of lindane in air in France (3-4 ng/m3), with a decreasing trend towards the rural areas. Air concentrations of
lindane decrease in the southern direction to about 0.5 ng/m3 in the Mediterranean. On the other hand,
deposition appeared to decrease also from 77 to 12 g/km2/yr throughout the 90's (Chevreuil et al., 2001).
The major part of lindane falls at the continental part of the EMEP grid (20% was degraded in the soil and 2%
retained) but a significant part was deposited onto the marine area of the grid (9% was degraded inside the sea
and 8% remained in the sea after 10 years). Therefore, the sea becomes the most important reservoir for lindane
at the continental level, since the half-life in this compartment is higher (five years). A major part of the
emission is transported outside the EMEP grid (64% for 28 years).
Table 4.3 displays the lindane deposition fluxes map for the Mediterranean between 1987-1996. Maximum
densities of dry and wet deposition are characteristic of sub-basin V (Adriatic), because of its location near to
emission sources. The average density of deposition onto Mediterranean Sea is 12 g/km2/year for dry
deposition, 4 g/km2/year for wet deposition, and 16 g/km2/year for total deposition. Figure 4.8 shows the total
deposition on the Mediterranean sub-basins, which follows a similar pattern to that of the PCBs deposition.
During the calculation period an average of about 55 tonnes of lindane (about 4% of annual emission) were
deposited on the Mediterranean Sea each year, the major part of that amount (40 tonnes) corresponding to net
dry deposition.
Table 4.3. Lindane deposition fluxes (g/km2/yr) for the Mediterranean Sea and its sub-basins
Sub-basins Net dry deposition
Wet deposition Total deposition
mt1
2.7
0.7
3.3
mt2
19.0
7.8
26.8
mt3
9.0
2.7
11.6
mt4
17.2
5.7
22.9
mt5
24.1
13.2
37.2
mt6
13.5
4.1
17.6
mt7
9.2
1.5
10.7
mt8
17.9
5.3
23.1
mt9
11.8
2.6
14.4
mt10
8.5
1.0
9.6
mt11
23.0
9.9
32.9
Average 12.33
3.61 16.
4

95

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kg/y
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
mt1 mt2 mt3 mt4 mt5 mt6 mt7 mt8 mt9 mt10 mt11
Figure 4.8 Lindane deposition into the Mediterranean (mt) sub-basins, in kg/yr
4.1.2.4 PAHs
An evaluation of transboundary transport of PAHs between countries of the region has been carried out for
1998 on the basis of the "source-receptor" approach. Calculations have been performed for B[a]P as the most
representative component of this class of compounds. A summary of the preliminary results is shown in Table
4.4 (http://www.msceast.org/countries/index.html).
Table 4.4. B[a]P depositions from some European countries (main sources) to countries (receptors) of
Mediterranean region (receptors) for 1998
Countries-
Depositions from European countries (main sources), kg
receptors
Albania
Bosnia&Herz.
Italy
FYR Macedonia FR Yugoslavia
Other
Albania
25.5
16.74
29
53.55
134
96.51
Bosnia&Herz.
Croatia
Hungary
Italy
FR Yugoslavia
Other
Bosnia&Herz.
981
236
125
85.9
261
364.21
Bosnia&Herz.
Croatia
Hungary
Italy
Slovenia
Other
Croatia
234
753
218
131.6
225
599.42
Bulgaria
Greece
Italy
Romania
Ukraine
Other
Cyprus
1.1
1.5
1.2
1.37
1.7
5.43
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom Other
France
6922
537
218
324.5
297
676
Bulgaria
Greece
Romania FYR Macedonia FR Yugoslavia
Other
Greece
232
343
90.9
96.7
112
301.2
Austria
France
Germany
Italy
Poland
Other
Italy
153
383.5
152
2617
151.5
818.6
France
Italy
Poland
Spain
FR Yugoslavia
Other
Malta
0.1
0.2 kg
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.27
Austria
Croatia
Hungary
Italy
Slovenia
Other
Slovenia
110
93.7
36.2
63.9
383.5
155.2
France
Germany
Portugal
Spain
United Kingdom, Other
Spain
306
26.5
148
2102
47
73.4
Bulgaria
Greece
Romania FYR Macedonia FR Yugoslavia
Other
FYR Macedonia
99.8
19.6
26
306.4
156
84.14
Armenia
Georgia
Romania Russian Federation
Ukraine
Other
Turkey
388
254.6
224
437
416
848.3
Bosnia&Herz.
Hungary
Romania FYR Macedonia FR Yugoslavia
Other
FR Yugoslavia
221
204.7
246
128
2659
754.2
France
Greece
Italy
Spain
FR Yugoslavia
Other
Africa
142
81.2
184.3
131
63.9
469.7

The emissions of some European countries (sources) make a substantial contribution to the depositions of
others (receptors). Greece and Turkey are particularly affected by emissions from the former Eastern European
countries. The Table also includes a first estimate of deposition over the North African countries.

96

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This assessment of transboundary transport has also enabled the consideration of the contributions of
depositions of B[a]P to the Mediterranean Sea (Fig. 4.9). It is shown that most of them take place from Italy
(1499 kg, 24%), France (885 kg, 14%) and Spain (523 kg, 8%).

Figure 4.9. Deposition of B[a]

P to the Mediterranean Sea

Estimated B[a]P depositions to the individual sub-basins have also been calculated and shown in Figure 4.10.
Higher depositions are obtained for Tyrrhenian (mt4, 926 kg), Adriatic (mt5, 942 kg), North-Western (mt2, 829
kg) and Central (mt7, 851 kg) sub-basins.

kg/y

1000

800
600

400

200

0

mt1
mt3
mt5
mt7
mt9
mt11


Figure 4.9. B[a]P depositions to the Mediterranean sub-basins for 1999 (in kg/y)

Despite the uncertainties of these calculations it appears that PTSs sources located in the countries of the region
contribute significantly to the atmospheric deposition in the Mediterranean Sea, and that the maximum
deposition densities correspond to the North-Western basin, the Adriatic and the Marmara Sea, although the
total amount in the latter is small due to the reduced dimensions.
4.2 RIVER AND WASTEWATER DISCHARGES OF PTSs
4.2.1 Regionally specific features
About 100 rivers contributing significantly to the transport of pollutants in the Mediterranean Region have been
identified. The nature and impact of the waters discharged into the Atlantic and the Mediterranean differ
appreciably, depending on both the hydrologic regime and the dominant uses of their respective catchment
areas (Meybeck and Ragu, 1997).
The Mediterranean hydrology is very heterogeneous, ranging from alpine regime with early summer maximum
to the semiarid regime with a gradual increase of summer draught and development of episodic floods. The
Mediterranean rivers are characterised by very high variations of day to day and year to year discharges
(Figures 4.10). Moreover, these have formed deltas in their mouths (e.g. Ebro, Rhone, Po and Nile) whereas the
Atlantic ones (e.g. Seine, Loire, Gironde and Tagus) constitute estuaries of macrotidal type, with the
subsequent differences in transport and deposition of hydrophobic pollutants in the coastal waters. Finally,
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some streams are basically affected by urban/industrial discharges (e.g. Seine) whereas others are by
industrial/agriculture (e.g. Rhône and Po) or urban/agriculture (e.g. Nile) drainages.
Flow (m3/s)
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Jan.
Febr.
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Month

Figure 4.10. Monthly mean flow (1970-2000) of the Rhône River (France) at Beaucaire.
The impact on coastal waters is geographically limited to the continental shelf waters and sediments. The lack
of tides and slow circulation in the Mediterranean basin reduce the advective transport of pollutants from river
inputs and urban run-off to the open sea. In the Atlantic rivers, the mixing waters zones within the estuaries are
the areas most heavily affected. The marine impact, in both cases, depends largely on deposits of suspended
matter and flow conditions which are very variable. General characteristics of representative rivers of the
region are given in Table 4.5. The quoted sediment yields usually refer to the conditions before the existence of
major dams that were constructed in many of the river basins
Table 4.5. Water and suspended sediment discharges of major rivers in the region
River Area Qact
Sediment
Country
103 km2
km3/year
t/km2/y
Po 70.00
48.90 217
Italy
Rhone 95.60 48.07 324
France
Drini 14.17 11.39 1173
Albania
Neretva 10.02 11.01
--
Croatia
Buna 5.19 10.09 486
Albania/Serbia
Ebro 85.55 9.24 214
Spain
Tevere 16.55 7.38 453
Italy
Adige 11.95 7.29 133
Italy
Seyhan 20.00 7.20 236
Turkey
Evros 55.0 6.80 --
Greece/Turkey
Axios 24.7 4.90 1220
Greece
Isser 31.6 6.12 193
Algeria
Moulouya 51.0
1.58
250
Morocco
Nile 2870 6.00 42
Egypt
Seine 78.7 13.72 --
France
Loire 128.0 29.50 --
France
Gironde 80.0 28.38
--
France
Tagus 80.65 12.00 --
Spain/Portugal
Douro 98.0 17.15 --
Spain/Portugal
Guadalquivir 63.97
5.17
--
Spain

In this respect, it is necessary to mention that, although not well established, the water and sediment inputs to
the sea have decreased in the order of 30-40% over the last 50 years in the Mediterranean region due to

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damming and irrigation, thereby also reducing the impact of these rivers on coastal waters. The south Levantine
and south-west Aegean Seas and the central and northern Levantine basins are probably those most affected by
this reduction.
Besides the global transport of pollutants through the open sea waters, which in the case of the Mediterranean
follows the anticyclonic currents, parallel to the coast, the transboundary transport concerns also continental
waters. In the region, however, this potential problem is limited to few cases because the drainage basins of
most of the rivers are within each country. Those are the rivers sourcing in Spain and crossing Portugal in the
lower ends (Douro and Tagus). The Nile goes by Uganda and Sudan before entering Egypt. The Danube is also
crossing the northern part of Serbia in its middle course. Portugal receives 48% of its water in transboundary
rivers from Spain
Intensive and usually inadequate use of river waters for industrial and irrigation activities has resulted in serious
deterioration in the quality of inland waters. The runoff processes are very important in the mobilisation and
transport of PTSs even though these are difficult to quantify. The vulnerability of inland waterways to drought-
related pollution, and the need for measures to protect against domestic and industrial wastewaters, have led
most countries to give priority to reducing sources of river pollution, rather than those affecting coastal waters.
Application of the European directive on wastewaters should soon see a reduction of at least 50% in levels of
pollution caused by domestic discharge, compared with the levels of the 1970's.
4.2.2 Organochlorine pesticides and other PTSs
High pesticide concentrations have been found in some specific studies and are believed to occur in many small
rivers which are affected by intensive agriculture. The type of pesticides may vary from one river to another
and from one country to another. However, most rivers are not adequately monitored for PTSs in order to
assess loads, even though they are very important.
During MEDPOL Phase I (1975­1980), it was attempted through the project MED X to estimate the quantity
and nature of riverine inputs in the region. The project met with considerable difficulties. Country responses
were geographically almost restricted to the northern Mediterranean. Sampling frequency, sample pre-
treatment, analytical methods and reporting formats varied widely. Some pollutants were rarely analysed
(metals, specific organics, organochlorines). Field measurements of domestic sewage and industrial wastewater
were very limited. No field measurements on agricultural run-off were available. From 68 rivers registered,
only 30 were adequately monitored but not for PTSs.
In view of the limitations and difficulties encountered, assessments of the pollution loads from land based
source (LBS) categories have been carried out, largely, by indirect computations and extrapolations. They have
been worked out taking into account demographic statistics, the GNP of the countries, industrial production
and manpower, and agricultural data. The time allowed for this ambitious project was too short for any in-
depth study of each and all pollution sources in the Mediterranean. For this reason and by the fact that the
results were pooled for each of the eleven UNEP Mediterranean regions, the project did not fulfil the
requirements of its first objective, to provide the basis for national management and control plans.
Due to the difficulties and the uncertainties involved in the complex computations and extrapolations carried
out, the results could not be better than rough estimates reliable within an error margin of one order of
magnitude. Some of these results were proved, at a later stage, to be even worse. Only a comparative
assessment of the regional contributions to the pollution load could be made. The results showed that the
heaviest loads are discharged into the north-western basin with one-third of the total pollution load. The
Adriatic Sea receives about one-quarter of the total load. Moderate pollution loads are encountered in the
Tyrrhenian and the Aegean Seas, as they receive each about 10% of the total load. The other Mediterranean
Sea areas each account for no more than 5% of the total.
More recently, accurate estimates have been obtained for some French rivers using linear regression and
average weighted flow models. A survey was carried out during 1994-95 at the lower course of the Rhone
River, far from the any marine influence. An important conclusion was that the large supply of fresh water
(>70%) and consequently of dissolved species, corresponds to the medium-low flow regimes, whereas the
contribution of large flows (>5000 m3/s) represents less than 10% of the total input. On the contrary, these
regimes contribute with about 80% of the total input of suspended particles. All pollutants, and notably PTSs
attached to the particles, are carried to the sea in such episodic events. A preliminary survey has also been
recently conducted in the Seine River, only for dissolved PTSs.
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The calculation included dieldrin, aldrin, endosulfan, heptachlor, HCB, -HCH, -HCH, pp'-DDE and PCBs
(7 congeners) as reported in Table 4.6. The load of lindane was consistent with the use of this compound in
the preceding years (1500 tonnes/year) but the DDE is reflecting the leaching of the existing environmental
stock.
Table 4.6. PTSs inputs (in kg/year) of the Rhone and Seine Rivers into the sea
PCBs
River
Dieldrin
Aldrin
DDTs
HCB

( 7 cong)
-HCH -HCH
Rhone
Dissolved - - 230 - 14 124
360
(1994-95)* Particulate 33 - 51 304 157 23 21
Seine
(2000)
Dissolved 13 6.3 6.3 - 6.5 79 85
* Qualité des Eaux du Rhône, Evolution 1969-1995, July 1999, Agence de l'Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse.
Similar calculations performed in the Ebro River in the 80's gave inputs one order of magnitude lower,
consistent with the difference in water flows (dieldrin and aldrin, 1 kg/year; DDTs, 8 kg/year; chlordane, 2
kg/year; PCBs, 12-25 kg/year; HCB about 30 kg/year; and endosulfan, 1.5 kg/year) (Cid et al., 1990). An input
of 157 kg/year of PCBs (7 cong) has been reported in 1999 for the Guadalquivir (OSPAR, 2001). In a study
carried out in 1993 in Turkey to assess the riverine pollutant loads to the Black Sea has provided figures in the
order of 11 tonnes of aldrin, 31 tonnes of dieldrin, 180 tonnes of endrin and 500 tonnes of DDT per year, being
the Sakarya river the most important source (Tuncer et al., 1998). Considering the other data, it is possible that
these figures are largely overestimated. In fact, the determination of river inputs requires not only reliable
analytical data but also an optimisation of the sampling strategy and statistical evaluation of data (modelling),
due to the large variability of hydrologic regimes of the Mediterranean rivers.
As mentioned before, contaminated coastal sediments arise from freshwater discharges. However, beyond the
zone of influence of these discharges, concentrations drop rapidly reflecting the enhanced sedimentation
processes which take place at the freshwater-seawater interface. In fact, 80% of the terrestrial sediments are
trapped on the continental shelf, and only the finest particles are transported by currents to deep sea basin.
An analysis of general trends in concentrations of some pollutants in French rivers over a decade reveals a
marked stability in measured levels, with irregular tendencies to improvement and deterioration. Compared
with the situation during the 1970's, progress in the reduction of sources of domestic and industrial pollution
has certainly been observed (see section 3.1.6).
4.3 MEDITERRANEAN SEAWATER EXCHANGES
4.3.1 Regionally specific features
The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed basin having interactions with the adjacent Atlantic Ocean and Black
Sea through the Gibraltar and Turkish straits, so that sea water exchanges may play a role in the transboundary
transport of PTSs.
The Eastern Atlantic has a permanent exchange of waters with the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of
Gibraltar (see section 1.2.4). This exchange results from the evaporation of the Mediterranean waters, which
become more dense than those of the North Atlantic, and generate an inflow of fresher and lighter Atlantic
upper waters into the Mediterranean and an outflow of more saline and denser deep Mediterranean water to the
Atlantic (Hopkins, 1999). Despite its initially very high density, the Mediterranean water outflow does not
reach the bottom of the North Atlantic because it entrains a substantial volume of the overlying Atlantic waters
while still in the Gulf of Cadiz. Thus, the resultant mixed Mediterranean waters become neutrally buoyant at
depths between 900 and 1200 m and finally reach the open North-central Atlantic, in the form of water lenses
(eddies).
On the other hand, the Black Sea is connected with the Mediterranean through the Sea of Marmara where there
is a surface outflow of less saline waters from the Black Sea and an inflow of denser Mediterranean waters
which results in the formation of a permanent halocline/pycnocline at depths of 100-150m in the Black Sea.
The annual volume of the outflow (658 km3/y) from the Black Sea is nearly twice of the salty water import

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(337 km3/y) via the Bosphorus undercurrent, but this counterflow system is balanced at the Dardanelles exit
(1331 km3/y upper flow; 1010 km3/y underflow).
The Black Sea has a very large catchment area, receiving extraordinary amounts of nutrients, pollutants as well
as fresh water and sediment inputs from the rivers, draining half of Europe and some parts of Asia. Moreover,
during recent years, the number of tankers as well as the amount of hazardous materials transported across the
Sea and through the Turkish Straits had increased (from 4248 in 1996 to 6093 in 2000), and this will continue
as the amount of oil production from Caspian region increases.
Taking into account these particular hydrogeographical conditions, a major question has raised concerning the
significance of these water exchanges in the transboundary transport of pollutants.
4.3.2 Assessment of PTSs budgets and inventories in the Mediterranean Sea
Although there is a significant lack of data, particularly for certain compartments such as the atmosphere, for
establishing a global mass balance of PTSs in the Mediterranean basin, a first attempt is possible in certain
areas and for certain compounds, like PCBs and PAHs. This is a first step in the identification of the major
processes contributing to their long range transport and persistence in the region.
4.3.2.1 PCBs
From the concentrations reported in the literature and mainly summarised in chapter 3 it can be inferred that:
· coastal sediments account for 55% of the total PCBs accumulated in sediments even though the
continental shelf contributes only to 15% of the total surface area of the Western basin (Tolosa et
al. 1997).
· In seawater, PCBs show a surface enrichment depth-depletion vertical profile, which is consistent
with entry into surface waters followed by a rapid downward transport in association with large
sinking particles. Sediment trap measurements in open sea and coastal waters suggest that the
removal flux of PCBs from the photic zone by sinking particles is much higher than the
accumulation flux in the sediment, which implies recycling in deep waters and at the sediment-
water interface.
· While the coastal zone seems to be a source of PCBs to the atmosphere, the open sea is a sink for
atmospheric PCBs due to the low PCBs concentration in the dissolved phase. However, there are
major uncertainties in the estimations of atmospheric inputs and outputs, mainly due to the very
few available measurements of gas phase concentrations.
Taking into consideration the concentrations and fluxes measured as well as the volumes of the different
compartments, the budgets and inventories shown in Tables 4.7 and 4.8 have been calculated for the Western
Mediterranean (Tolosa et al., 1997). It is interesting to notice that the PCBs inventory in the water column is of
the same order of magnitude as the inventory in surface sediment, but probably much smaller than the complete
sediment inventory, which cannot presently be estimated.
Table 4.7. PCBs and PAHs budgets for the Western Mediterranean Sea.
PCBs* PAHs**
In (kg/y) Out (kg/y)
In (kg/y) Out (kg/y)
Rivers 1000
-
3850
-
Atmosphere Precipitation 4470
-
13350
-
Dry deposition
7930
-
5050
-
Air-water exchange
Absorption
32000
-
-
-
Evaporation
-
22000
-
-
Water exchange
Gibraltar
5100
960
34290
17535
Sicily
1830
5360
10620
27650
Particle flux
14000
-
76600
-
Sediment accumulation Shelf
-
2950
-
41000
Basin
-
2390
-
47600
Total 52330
33660
95480
133785
* 7 ICES congeners. ** phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzofluoranthenes and b(a)pyrene.
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The residence time of PCBs in surface waters (0.6 years) is much shorter than that of deep sea waters (2.2
years) due mainly to the lack of removal processes in the deep waters. This implies that deep sea waters and
sediments are both important sinks for PCBs, contributing to their persistence in the Mediterranean.
The enrichment of organic pollutants in surface sea waters controls the direction of exchange through the
Gibraltar Strait. Apparently, even though concentrations are generally lower in the Atlantic than in the
Mediterranean, they are enriched in surface Atlantic waters that enters the Mediterranean whereas deep waters
with low PCB concentrations exit through Gibraltar Strait to the Atlantic Ocean, giving a net input to the
Mediterranean (Dachs et al., 1997).
A recent study (Marti et al., 2001) has also confirmed the preservation of the Mediterranean water signature at
the Atlantic mid-depths. An input of 1.7 t/y of commercial Aroclor PCB mixture has tentatively been calculated
as the contribution of suspended particles in these Mediterranean waters to the North-eastern Atlantic. Taking
into account that most PCBs are in the dissolved phase (see section 3.1.3.4), the total amount may achieve
about 10 t/y.
Table 4.8. PCBs and PAHs inventories for the Western Mediterranean Sea.



Inventories
Residence time
(kg)
(years)

PCBs
Surface water (0-200 m)
21850
-
Deep water
23560
-

Sediment 38650
-

PAHs
Surface water (0-200 m)
57700
0.6
Deep water
109600
2.2

Sediment 681000
1.35


In the Eastern Mediterranean the following and consistently lower estimates have been made (Mandalakis et
al., 2002). From long range transport 6084 kg of PCBs enter the area each year. Through wet and dry
deposition 1019 kg/y and 219 kg/y are removed, respectively, from the atmosphere, and through photochemical
processes (OH radical reactions) 4140 kg/y are destroyed. Finally, a quantity of 705 kg/y is absorbed by the
sea. The remaining quantity in the atmosphere is 125 kg in the gas and 4.3 kg in the particulate phase.
4.3.2.2 PAHs

Contrary to PCBs and other chlorinated PTSs, the PAHs composition in aerosols from the region has been well
characterised (Sicre et al., 1987, Simo et al., 1991, Lipiatou and Albaiges, 1994). Relatively low concentrations
of alkyl-PAHs suggests that combustion is the prevalent source in the Western Mediterranean, in contrast to the
Eastern basin which show a predominance of uncombusted sources (Gogou et al., 1994).
The PAHs profiles found in the photic zone of the water column are analogous to those found in the gas phase
implying that air-water exchange must play a major role. In contrast, the sediments are dominated by pyrolytic
PAHs such as pyrene, and benzofluoranthenes. A detailed analyses of PAHs concentrations and accumulation
rates in the north-western Mediterranean basin pointed out the importance of coastal sediments as a sink of
PAHs with about half of the accumulation on the continental shelf (Tolosa et al. 1996, Lipiatou et al. 1997).
PAH budgets and inventories for the Western Mediterranean basin are summarised in Tables 4.7 and 4.8. There
is an advective transport through the Gibraltar and Sicily Straits, which results in a net input and output of
16755 and 1730 kg/y, respectively (Dachs et al., 1997). This exchange is strongly influenced by the vertical
distribution in the water column with net input or output being in the direction of the superficial waters. A
recent study (Marti et al., 2001) has also confirmed the preservation of the Mediterranean water signature at the
Atlantic mid-depths. An input of 8 t/y of pyrolitic PAHs has tentatively been calculated as the contribution of
suspended particles in these Mediterranean waters to the North-eastern Atlantic.
The inventory in the water column underscores the importance of deep sea water as a sink and reservoir of
PAHs in this marine environment. Even though deep sea waters contain an important fraction of total PAHs in
the basin, most of the inventory for PAHs is in the sediment, the top few cm accounting for 680 tonnes (Tolosa
et al. 1996).


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In summary, the major evidence are:
· Atmospheric long range transport and deposition into surface waters play a major role in the
widespread distribution of PAHs in the western Mediterranean.
· Phase association explains the high persistence of soot-related PAHs. Sediments provide the dominant
sink for combustion PAHs whereas other PAHs such as alkylated phenanthrene seem to be efficiently
degraded.
· Biological processes, especially the sinking of organically rich particles, contribute to observed
distributions of PAHs in the water column.
· An important fraction of the PAHs inventory is in deep sea waters, where slower degradation may
increase PAH persistence in the environment.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, wet and dry deposition processes are responsible for the elimination of 254
tonnes/y and 79 tonnes/y of PAHs, respectively. Through air-sea exchange processes 1178 tonnes/y are
absorbed from the atmosphere on the sea surface. The remaining quantities in the atmosphere are 32 tonnes in
the gas phase and 1.3 tonnes in the particulate phase (Mandalakis et al., 2002).
As far as the Black Sea is concerned, the inflow of persistent pollutants to the Marmara upper layer and further
to the Mediterranean is not known but recently a first estimate of oil inputs, amounting 463 tonnes/y of
petrogenic PAHs has been made (Yilmaz, 2002). This quantity is almost one order of magnitude higher than
the total annual input from land-based sources (mainly rivers) on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Data also
shows that during 1985-1995 there has been a significant increase in the PAHs concentrations in the Turkish
Straits system.
4.4 BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF LONG RANGE TRANSPORT OF PTS
The assessment of long-range transport of PTSs using biological indicators deserves consideration.
Accumulation of PTSs in biota is a well known process, and it will continue for a long time as a result of the
environmental redistribution pathways after a substance has been banned. Indicator species can be identified
and monitored for spatial and temporal trends assessment. In this respect, the following have been tentatively
used in the region: terrestrial vegetation, fish inhabiting remote places like alpine lakes and the deep sea, and
eggs from sea birds, which constitute large colonies widely distributed in the region.
4.4.1 Vegetation
The ambient temperature has recently been considered to play an important role in the global distribution of
persistent organochlorinated hydrocarbons, such as DDTs, HCHs and HCB (Wania and Mackay, 1996).
Although the latitude span of the region is not large enough to identify the known as the single or multi-hop
transport pathways, the effect of temperature on altitude has been subject to several studies (Tremolada et al.,
1994). Vegetation (pine needles and lichens) has been sampled in the Alps at different altitudes, between 200 m
and 4000 m. The foliage concentration of organochlorinated hydrocarbons showed a dilution effect going from
the plain to the highest altitudes and in function of the distance from emission zones.
4.4.2 Fish

The concentrations of HCB, PCBs and total DDTs have been measured in muscle of different fish species from
remote lakes (Sanchez et al., 1993; Grimalt et al., 2001) and the Mediterranean deep sea basin (Porte et al.
2000), in order to display the long range transport of these pollutants within the region. The selected species
were Salmo trutta for the alpine lakes (2000 m altitude), Mullus barbatus, Serranus cabrilla and Diplodus
annularis, from the coastal area (30-50 m depth), Micromesistius poutassou, Lepidorombus boscii and Phycis
blennoides, hemipelagic species (100-200 m depth.), and Lepidion lepidion and Alepocephalus rostratus, from
the deep-sea basin (1500-2000 m depth) (see section 3.2.3).
Site pollution gradients were clearly observed in coastal fish, particularly in benthic species (e.g. M. barbatus),
whereas no such gradients were detected in species living in more remote habitats (e.g. L. biscii and L.
lepidion). Tissue residues decreased with the distance from the source, although some benthic deep-sea fish
exhibited levels in the range of those observed in fish from shallower waters, directly affected by anthropogenic
activities. The preferential accumulation of highly chlorinated PCB congeners in the deep-sea species and of
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the lower chlorinated congeners in fish from alpine lakes is consistent with the transport pathways of these
compounds.
4.4.3 Sea birds
Median of total DDT levels in the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic and Arctic Sea birds have shown that
levels in the Mediterranean are significantly higher, indicating a regional/local pollutant source.
Median PCB levels are also significantly higher in the eggs of Mediterranean seabirds than elsewhere, only the
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) in the North Atlantic reached higher levels, similar to those found in
Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii) eggs from Capraia Island in the Tuscan archipelago (Italy) (Leonzio et al.
1989). However, when considering the DDT/PCB ratios, the Mediterranean shows an intermediate position
between the heavily industrialised North Atlantic and the pristine Arctic, where DDTs are the predominant
chlorinated pollutants. A spatial West-East concentration trend in the Mediterranean populations has been
observed and already discussed in section 3.2.2.
4.5 SUMMARY AND DATA GAPS
Although the knowledge of the water circulation in the Mediterranean Sea and of the regional meteorology is
well established, only recently a series of studies have started to document processes that connect the general
circulations at the basin level to pollution episodes. These have evidenced the role that the atmospheric and
aquatic compartments may play in the transport of PTSs within the region and outside.
The physiographic characteristics of the Mediterranean Region and the prevailing climatic conditions have as a
result the development of a complicated atmospheric circulation pattern. Its main characteristics is a strong
northern component, particularly pronounced during the warm period of the year, due to differential heating
between the land of North Africa (almost bare soil), the Mediterranean waters and the land of South Europe
(with mixed-type vegetation cover). On the other hand, a second path of transport has been identified from
Western towards the Eastern Mediterranean with a stronger component during the cold period of the year.
Air masses from Europe reach the mid-tropospheric layers of the Equatorial Zone within a time period of 3-4
days. These processes are further complicated by the appearance of desert dust particles, the role of which on
the environmental fate of PTSs is unknown. Moreover, there are indications of a massive upward transport of
various aged pollutants in the coastal zones which may also involve the cycling of PTSs, although this aspect
has not been investigated. Some locations of the Mediterranean Region act as "temporal reservoirs" where air
pollutants are "stored", and "aged enough" before they are re-advected again (e.g. Black Sea, Western
Mediterranean).
Modelling of long range transport of PTSs, namely PCBs, HCB, lindane and B[a]P, has been developed by the
MSC-East Centre, from EMEP data, and deposition values have been estimated. However, the scarcity of data
for the air, soil and seawater compartments, even for well-known PTSs, and the weak data coverage of the
southern part of the region (all EMEP sites are located in Northern Europe, hence outside the Mediterranean
Region), do not allow an accurate assessment of sources and receptors in the region and the transport pathways.
In general, it is difficult to assess what source(s) are controlling environmental levels and whether they can be
further controlled or affected by long range transport processes.
Despite these major uncertainties that may reach to one order of magnitude, it appears that PTSs sources
located in countries outside of the region contribute significantly to the atmospheric deposition in the
Mediterranean Sea, and that the maximum deposition densities correspond to the North-Western basin, the
Adriatic and the Marmara Sea, although the total amount in the latter is small due to its reduced dimensions.
Riverine and urban wastewater discharges have been identified also as major land-based PTSs sources
amenable to transboundary transport. In this respect, it is known that substantially contaminated sediments arise
from freshwater discharges from the major rivers (e.g. Rhône, Po, Ebro, Seine, etc) and sewage outfalls from
highly industrialised and populated cities (e.g. Marseille, Barcelona, Naples, etc.). These pollutant inputs are
greatly influenced in the region by the basin's hydrology which is very heterogeneous, ranging from an alpine
regime of early summer high flows to a typical Mediterranean regime of winter high flows and summer low
flows with its episodic floods. Recent studies indicate that most part of riverine PTSs discharges are linked with
flooding with suspended solids.
The characteristic variations of the water regimes of Mediterranean rivers and the lack of long temporal series
render it difficult to evaluate the impact of these discharges, even though they have been recognised of

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importance. A better knowledge of flows to the coastal areas should imply the definition of sampling strategies
and the subsequent adoption of measurement protocols. A particular improvement of this knowledge is needed
in order to unable a better evaluation of the impact of the some thirty medium-sized rivers on the open sea.
It should be pointed out however, that beyond the zone of influence of these land-based discharges,
concentrations drop rapidly as a result of the enhanced sedimentation processes which take place at the
freshwater-seawater interface. In spite of this, marine currents may transport the pollutants to long distances
and signatures are found in remote sediments and biota. In fact, an important fraction of the PCBs and PAHs
inventories is in deep sea waters, where slower degradation may increase persistence in the environment. The
residence time of PCBs in deep sea waters is higher than in the surface (aprox. 2.2 years) due mainly to the lack
of removal processes. This implies that deep sea waters and sediments are both important sinks for PCBs,
contributing to their persistence in the Mediterranean. Apparently, the Western basin and the Northern Adriatic
may be important sinks for PTSs.
The long-range transport of PTSs to sites where they may be accumulated constitutes, in summary, a potential
environmental threat that deserves consideration. Terrestrial and marine indicator species can be identified and
monitored for spatial and temporal trends assessment. In this respect, the following have been used tentatively
in the region: terrestrial vegetation, fish inhabiting remote places like alpine lakes and the deep sea, and eggs
from sea birds, which constitute large colonies widely distributed in the region.
The scarcity of emission data from the Mediterranean countries, the shortage of measurements of good quality,
and the weaknesses of the models are the major limitations of the present knowledge of transboundary transport
processes of PTSs in the region. To improve it, there is a need to establish an integrated assessment framework
embedded in reporting obligations resulting from binding agreements among concerned parties sharing a
common objective. Existing structures such as MEDPOL and SAP, PIC, LRTAP and the Stockholm
Convention can provide a framework but joint reporting and common work on inventories, transport and
impact models and monitoring should be envisaged in practical and detailed terms and be funded nationally and
internationally
4.6 REFERENCES
Chevreuil M., D.Ollivon, M-J. Teil and L. Le Genti (2001). Polluants organiques persistants (POP) : du compartiment
atmosphérique aux stations d'épuration. Conférence internationale Lyon Fleuves 2001 ; Lyon 6-8 juin 2001.
Cid J.F., R.W. Risebrough, B.W. deLappe, M.G. Mariño and J. Albaigés (1990). Estimated inputs of organochlorines from
the River Ebro into the Northwestern Mediterranean. Marine Pollut. Bull., 21, 518-523.
Dachs J., J.M. Bayona, C. Raoux and J. Albaigés (1997). Spatial, vertical distribution and budget of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons in the Western Mediterranean seawater. Environ. Sci. Technol., 31, 682-688.
Dachs J., J.M. Bayona and J. Albaigés (1997). Spatial distribution, vertical profiles and budget of organochlorine
compounds in W. Mediterranean seawater. Marine Chem., 57, 313-324.
Dutchak S., V. Shatalov and A. Malanichev (2002). EMEP/MSC-E contribution to the Regional Report in the framework
of RBA PTSs project. Region IV ­ Mediterranean. Paper presented at the 2nd UNEP Regional Workshop on Transport
Pathways of PTSs, Rome.
Gangoiti G., M.M. Millán, R. Salvador and E. Mantilla (2001). Long-Range transport and re-circulation of pollutants in the
Western Mediterranean during the RECAPMA Project. Atmos. Environ., 35, 6267-6276.
GESAMP (1989). The atmospheric input of trace species to the World Ocean. Reports and Studies, 30. FAO, Rome, 49pp.
Gogou A., E.G. Stephanou, N. Stratigakis, J.O. Grimalt, R. Simó, M. Aceves and J. Albaigés (1994). Differences in lipid
and organic salt constituents of aerosols from the Eastern and Western Mediterranean coastal cities. Atmospheric Environ.,
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Granier L., M. Chevreuil, A.M. Carru and C. Chestérikoff (1992). Atmospheric fallout by organochlorines and heavy
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Albaigés (1997). Mass budget and dynamics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean Sea. Deep-Sea
Res., 44, 881-905.
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PCBs and PCDD/Fs over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Paper presented at the 2nd UNEP Regional WS on Transport
Patwys of PTSs. Rome, 2002.
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5 PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE REGIONAL CAPACITY AND
NEEDS TO MANAGE PTS
The present chapter gives an overview of the regional capacity to analyse the presence of PTSs in the
environment, the existence of alternatives and reduction measures, and the regulations and their enforcement.
As these issues are pertinent at the national but also at the regional level, both aspects will be considered. The
information indicates that Mediterranean countries have an acceptable level of awareness regarding the
necessity to reduce adverse impacts of the bad management of PTSs. However, implementation and
enforcement of the adequate instruments is lacking in many countries or need to be significantly improved. The
national and regional monitoring programmes and institutional/legal frameworks will be particularly assessed.
5.1 EXISTING CAPACITY TO MONITOR PTS
The data presented in Chapter 3 illustrates the capacity installed in the Region for monitoring PTSs.
Preliminary evidence is that data is primarily produced by academic (research) institutions as a result of
scientific interest or in response to certain pollution incidents (e.g. spills) rather than for environmental
management purposes. This leads to a rather sparse geographical and temporal data coverage. The different
compartments and the chemicals considered are also barely homogeneous in terms of data available. The
MEDPOL Programme for the marine environment, issued from the Barcelona Convention, could be the
exception, although in many cases the monitoring surveys are discontinued and the quality of data is difficult to
assess.
It is clear that the context in which data has been generated do not satisfy the requirements of a monitoring
programme, although it contains some of the necessary technical elements. Even in the countries where
surveillance networks are operational, these do not cover most of the PTSs considered in this assessment. An
adequate implementation relies on instruments that should be developed at the national level and can be
promoted or co-ordinated regionally. The current situation is summarised below.
5.1.1 The National surveillance networks
5.1.1.1 Algeria
Under the auspices of the Ministries for Higher Education and Scientific Research and for Environment,
analysis of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins and furans in water, air, soil and coastal sediment samples have
been implemented in the country at research level (Faculty of Chemistry at Houari Boumediene University,
National Institute for Marine Sciences (ISMAL), etc.). The National Institute of Plants Protection (INPV,
Institut National de la Protection des Végétaux) controls and approves the use of pesticides and provides
technical support and expertise in bio-ecological studies. However, PTSs are not routinely monitored in the
country.
5.1.1.2 Croatia
PTSs monitoring is not conducted at state level. Organochlorine pesticides (e.g. HCB, HCHs, DDTs, drins and
endosulfan) and PCDD/Fs are determined in a limited number of samples for research purposes. These include
human milk, blood and urine, as well as in air, water, food and vegetation. These activities are mainly
conducted by the Institute for Medical Research and Institute Ruder Boskovic, while analysis for control
purposes are conducted by the National and Regional Institutes for Public Health.
5.1.1.3 Cyprus
A comprehensive monitoring program addressing specifically the PTSs in air does not exist. However,
emission limits for dioxins are specified on the permits issued by the competent authority for certain industrial
installations, and therefore these establishments are obliged to provide monitoring data for these compounds.
The main co-ordinated monitoring program for water supply systems (surface and ground water) was designed
in 1988 and jointly undertaken by the State General Laboratory (SGL), the Water Development Department
(WDD) and the Department of Medical & Public Health Services (DMPHS). Since 2001, it is based on an
integrated investigation approach focusing into developing capacities for Early Warning and Response System
for both accidental and emerging pollution.
The monitoring network for the quality of the marine environment, including certain PTSs (PCBs, DDT and
other chlorinated hydrocarbons) in marine organisms, is carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Marine
Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment as part of the MEDPOL Program.
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Recently, the National Food Contamination Monitoring System has been designed, which includes
organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PAHs in milk, potatoes, lettuce, celery, parsley and wheat.
5.1.1.4 Egypt
An Environmental Information Monitoring Program (EIMP) (1998-2002) is implemented by the Egyptian
Environment Agency (EEAA) with support from the Danish international development assistance. The
program aims at establishing national environmental monitoring programs for ambient air and coastal waters.
The program has a site posted on the Internet, however, no data has yet been shown. Other activities addressing
hazardous wastes and including some PTSs are planned (see section 5.2).
5.1.1.5 France
Air monitoring is performed by 39 local associations, under the co-ordination of the Ministry of Environment
and the Laboratoire Central de la Qualité de l'Air but measurements of "new" PTSs are still scarce. In two
cities (Lille and Paris) the measurement of PAHs began more than 15 years ago, and a pilot study in 6 more
cities began in 2001. The measurement of pesticides was also undertaken recently in some networks. Besides,
measurements of dioxins at the vicinity of local sources are carried out, but rarely as a regular monitoring.
The IFEN (French Institute for Environment) and the Ministry of Environment have implemented in 1997 the
monitoring network of pesticides in water, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the six
National Water Agencies. The number of points for surface and ground waters are 400 and 1140, respectively,
and roughly double for drinking waters. Among the 275 substances measured there are: aldrin, endrin, dieldrin,
heptachlor, chlordane, - and -HCH, HCB, endosulfan, DDTs, PCP and atrazine. Besides local studies
performed by different institutions, regular monitoring of PCBs and PAHs is also carried out at national level in
agricultural soils amended by sewage sludges.
The French monitoring network for the quality of the marine environment RNO (Réseau National
d'Observation) is a monitoring program carried out by IFREMER (http://www.ifremer.fr) on behalf the French
Ministry of Environment. The program started in 1974, and included seawater samples until 1978, when
monitoring was extended to biota and sediments. The network encompasses 80 shellfish sampling sites along
the Atlantic and Mediterranean French coasts, which are visited fourth a year. The stations are also sampled
every 10 years for sediments. Contaminants measured are DDT, DDD, DDE, lindane (-HCH), -HCH, PCBs
(7 congeners) and PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene,
fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene,
benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.
The monitoring of biological effects is limited to research studies for the moment: EROD (Ethoxyresorufine-o-
deethylase) in fish in the bay of Seine and different biomarkers in mussels on the Mediterranean coast.
5.1.1.6 Italy
The first Italian Monitoring Programme for marine and coastal environment was made in place from the 1996 ­
2000 and the results can be found in the website of the Ministry for the Environment and Territory
(www.minambiente.it). Italy is also under the provision of MEDPOL monitoring system.
Additionally, every Region, Province and Municipality are responsible of other specific monitoring activities
including urban air and soils. The National Agency for the Environment Protection and Territory (APAT) is in
charge of co-ordinating the regional system of the Agency (ARPA) to investigate acute episodes or to control
specifically air, soil and water. The solid wastes report and the monitoring conducted on disposal sites and
wastes incineration are available in the website: www.sinanet.it.
5.1.1.7 Jordan
Monitoring of organochlorine pesticide residues in drinking water is been conducted by the Water Authority in
the country for over 10 years as part of a national project and in co-operation with the laboratories of the Royal
Scientific Society in Amman. The General Corporation for Environmental Protection (GCEP) has been also in
charge of activities for implementing projects over a number of years that aimed at determining levels of
pesticides in agricultural products, animal products and mothers milk. Those studies were conducted during
early 1990 for three years and repeated again for three years as from 2000. Pesticide residues on agricultural
crops are been tested for and monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture laboratories since early 1980's. Dioxins,
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5.1.1.8 Lebanon
There is neither comprehensive monitoring programme for PTSs nor a national survey of the obsolete
pesticides stocks and their location. The recent ratification of the Stockholm Convention will probably modify
this situation.
5.1.1.9 FYR of Macedonia
There is no monitoring of PTSs in the FYR of Macedonia. The National Implementation Plan, issued from the
GEF project on the implementation of the Stockholm Convention will contain a monitoring plan for POPs in
the country.
5.1.1.10 Malta
Monitoring is carried out by various entities as follows: Ministry of Health - indoor air quality, bathing waters
quality, control of foodstuffs in the market; Ministry of Health and Water Services Corporation - quality of
ground and drinking water; Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries - contamination of soils and vegetation with
plant protection products (tests for pesticide residues on selected vegetables are carried once a month),
veterinary inspection and monitoring; Ministry of Home Affairs and the Environment - air pollution
monitoring, marine pollution studies and any other form of pollution.
5.1.1.11 Portugal
A systematic monitoring programme is being performed in Portugal since April 1999 to identify "hot spots" in
water courses with high concentrations of semi-volatile and volatile organic compounds. Water, sediment and
biota (mussels and fish) are collected and analysed in order to establish:
- the main polluted areas of Portugal
- the most ubiquitous compounds detected
- the geographical and temporal distribution of the pollutants detected in water, sediment and biota
- the agricultural or industrial origin of pollution detected
Compounds analysed are all included in the EU Black List (Directive 76/464/EEC) encompassing, among
others, PAHs, PCBs, organochlorinated pesticides, atrazine and organotin compounds. The stations (46)
covering all the country are sampled monthly for water and annually for sediments and biota.
5.1.1.12 Slovenia
Monitoring responsibilities are distributed in different Departments. However, these activities are not
performed on a comprehensive scheduled basis. They are mainly planned as a result of incidental
circumstances. This was the case of the ecological disaster of the pollution of the River Krupa by PCBs
resulting from wastes dumped during the manufacture of transformers by Iskra in Semic. From 1983 to 1997,
air, water, soil and sediments were monitored, and now water and sediment in the Krupa, Lahinja and Kolpa
rivers are monitored for PCBs twice a year.
From 1987 to 1996, in its system of measures for monitoring the contamination of agricultural products, the
Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (AIS) conducted chlorinated pesticides analysis on 1131 samples of various
edible products and arable soils. A program is underway in Slovenia for monitoring levels of aldrin, dieldrin,
heptachlor, DDT and HCB in food. Finally, measurements of PCDD/Fs are also made in places involving
incineration and smelting processes.
5.1.1.13 Spain
The Spanish Network of Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring was set up to comply with the requirements of the
programs EMEP and CAMP, resulting from the International Conventions of Geneva and OSPAR. The
inventory of emissions of contaminants to the atmosphere is called CORINE - AIRE. It includes measures of
the following PTSs: HCHs, pentachlorophenol, HCB, PCDD/Fs and PAHs. The inventory for the period 1996-
1998 was finalised in 2000.
The integrated network for quality of waters (Red ICA) includes all the existing networks related with the
quality of waters in Spain. It is being revised to respond to the new needs of quality control, mainly those
related with the new European Water Framework Directive. The authorities in charge of each river basin
district control water status and compliance of discharges in inland waters. Marine waters are controlled by the
Regional Authorities. Until now, PTSs have not been routinely included in the surveys.
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According to the European Directive 96/61/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, the European
Pollutant Emission Register (EPER) is being established in Spain. The report will be of open access and it will
include data on emissions to air and water of all pollutants and activities specified in the European Decision
2000/479/EC.
5.1.1.14 Tunisia
The Ministry of Environment had implemented in 1999 a monitoring program of surveillance of the quality of
the Medjerda Oued and the lagoon of Korba (Cap Bon). The aim of this network is the assessment of the levels
and trends of the chemical contaminants and general water quality parameters, and involves sampling of waters
and sediments every year. Analyses include: aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, - and -HCH, DDTs, lindane
and PCBs.
In the framework of the Barcelona Convention, the International Centre of Environmental Technologies of
Tunis (CITET) under the Ministry of Environment and the co-operation of IAEA (Monaco) and the MEDPOL
programme is monitoring organic pollution in the coastal marine environment.
5.1.1.15 FR Yugoslavia
Organised active monitoring network of PTSs still doesn't exist in FRY, although MAC values are regulated for
meat products, vegetables, milk, etc. However, in some regions there exist constant monitoring activities in
some environmental compartments (water, air, soil, biota). Actions are being done to create the organised
monitoring network in accordance with EU standards. The new Ministry of the Environmental Protection and
Protection of Natural Resources is being formed. New Law of the System of Environmental Protection and
Protection of Natural Resources is in the process of verification. The draft law is maximally harmonised with
the EU directives and will certainly enhance the implementation of monitoring activities.
5.1.2 The MEDPOL Programme
5.1.2.1 Monitoring
data
When the Mediterranean Pollution Monitoring and Research Programme (MEDPOL) started in 1975 its main
aim was the establishment of a network of institutions undertaking marine pollution work and the collection of
information regarding the level of pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. The monitoring activities covered heavy
metals in marine biota (mainly mercury and cadmium), halogenated hydrocarbons in marine biota (mainly
PCBs and DDTs), and petroleum hydrocarbons in seawater. The development and maintenance of these
national monitoring programmes was the aim of the second phase (1981), whereas more recently (1996) the
emphasis shifted from pollution assessment to pollution control.



Phase I (1975­1980)
The mandatory programme included analysis of PCBs and DDTs in the following species: the Mediterranean
mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), the fish, red mullet (Mullus barbatus), and the shrimp Parapenaeus
longirostris. Alternative species were also accepted. The pelagic species used were bluefin tuna and swordfish.
Data were received for samples collected from 122 sampling locations which, however, did not cover the
whole Mediterranean basin. For example, DDTs, even though obligatory, were reported from only six areas out
of the ten into which the Mediterranean was divided. Aldrin and dieldrin were reported from four areas and
lindane/HCH from three areas. Thus, data was unable to provide an assessment of the level and extent of
chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination in the various regions of the Mediterranean (UNEP, 1986).
Phase II (1981-1995)
For Phase II, the countries were expected to organise national monitoring programmes that would concentrate
on mandatory parameters which were similar to those in Phase I. Most countries signed agreements and
received assistance for this, although only half of them included monitoring of pollution sources. However,
there was no enforcement mechanism and the compliance of data submission was very limited.
Data covered mostly contaminated areas. Their quality improved through the years but not to the same extent as
that for heavy metals. The first assessments published include averages of all data presented as representative
of the Mediterranean, which makes comparability difficult.

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Phase III (1996-2005)
MEDPOL III was adopted by the Governments in 1995 and became fully operational during the year 2000. It is
objective-oriented and gives more emphasis on the managerial aspects of pollution control while it has a direct
link with the implementation of the relevant protocols especially the Land-based Sources Protocol (UNEP,
1999a).
The programme is divided into the assessment and control components. The assessment component aims at the
accurate evaluation of temporal trends using a small number of fixed coastal stations from the national
monitoring programmes. Trend monitoring will also be organised in areas under the direct influence of
pollution sources: "hot spots" (intensively polluted areas) where control measures have or will be taken.
Monitoring takes place not only for levels of pollutants in the marine environment but also for loads and
biological effects. Under the control component compliance monitoring takes place including health-related
parameters.
As a complement to the MEDPOL monitoring programme, IAEA-MEL/RAF has launched a contamination
assessment project for the south Mediterranean Sea (2000-2003). This project includes 5 North African
countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. This joint effort is helping to develop strategies and
methodologies for marine contamination studies with capacity building in the region. The project is organised
to collect seawater, biota and sediment samples along the coast to assess the levels of contaminants and their
spatial and temporal trends.
5.1.2.2 Quality control of data
The introduction of quality control and common reference methods for the analysis of contaminants in the
various matrices has definitely been the most important achievement of the MEDPOL Programme. The use of
certified reference materials and common analytical methods provided a good approach to the collection of
meaningful data and allowed their comparison on a Mediterranean-wide scale. There are, at least, 2 organisers
of inter-comparison exercises for the Mediterranean Area: IAEA-MEL organises these exercises for
organochlorine pesticides and PCBs since 1975-1976 and for PAHs since 1988. The laboratories of 17
Mediterranean countries are currently participating. On the other hand, the FSR Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen
(Scotland) runs QUASIMEME (quality assurance of information for marine environmental monitoring in
Europe). This project was created in 1996 to support those chemical measurements required for national and
international marine monitoring programmes (e.g. OSPAR Commission, HELCOM and MEDPOL). The
results of these efforts are illustrated by the increasing numbers of analytes measured and less technical errors
in the measurements. The report by Mee et al (1994) showed the considerable improvement obtained by the
participants with time.
5.1.2.3 Capacity
building
When the Mediterranean Action Plan was adopted and the Barcelona Convention signed in the mid-1970's,
information on Mediterranean pollution was almost lacking. In preference to calling in outside expertise, UNEP
and the Contracting Parties decided to give this responsibility to the Mediterranean scientific community and to
generate the necessary information through the MEDPOL programme. However, at the time, no model of an
international scientific programme at the Mediterranean scale was available. Both the tools and co-ordinating
mechanisms had to be built as the programme was unfolding.
At that stage, many of the Mediterranean States lacked the capabilities needed and their research centres were
unable to contribute efficiently to the research and monitoring activities. With the exception of some European
laboratories, there was little experience in this field. Because of this, Phase I of MEDPOL was heavily
burdened with capacity building activities. These included: donation of equipment, training of staff,
consultancies to provide advice, maintenance services for analytical instruments and inter-calibration of
analytical techniques. The quality assurance programme also included other activities such as the preparation of
a number of reference methods.
At the end of Phase I, a Mediterranean-wide network of scientific institutions co-operating with MEDPOL was
in place, the largest co-operative scientific programme ever undertaken in the region. The training, assistance
and capacity building efforts continued during Phase II. From 1982 to 1989, more than 200 junior scientists
from 16 countries were given short-term training through participation to training workshops, inter-calibration
exercises or by on-the-job training in other Mediterranean institutions. During the same period, 530 fellowships
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were granted to Mediterranean scientists to attend workshops convened either by MEDPOL or by other
organisations.
5.2 REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES ADDRESSING PTS
5.2.1 National
Different authorities normally handle the regulation and management of PTSs in the various countries of the
Region. Pesticides are normally under the control of the Ministries of Agriculture, while the rest of PTSs are
normally handled by the Environmental Ministries. The Health authorities are mainly in charge of assessing
and regulating potential health effects.
Pesticide control is mainly carried out by a system of national registration, which limits the manufacture and/or
sale of pesticide products to those that have been approved. In European countries, registration is a formal
process in which pesticides are examined, in particular, for mammalian toxicity and for a range of potential
environmental effects. These are based on the measured or estimated environmental behaviour of the product
related to its physico-chemical properties. Most developing countries have limited capability to carry out their
own tests on pesticides and tend to adopt regulatory criteria from the developed world. Some of these countries,
like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Cyprus and Turkey have their own Pesticide Registration offices that
handle the management of pesticides.
For the other PTSs considered that are mainly of industrial use, the effort has been put in managing their spread
and subsequent destruction. Most of the countries of the Region, for example, have performed inventories of
PCBs with varying degrees of comprehensiveness (see section 2.2.1). Although many of them have developed
the regulation of industrial PTSs, they do not usually have the management capabilities in place.
Some interesting collaborative projects have been set up between some of the countries of the Region and
development agencies to support specific management structures to handle PCBs and pesticide stocks. A more
detailed view of the existing regulation and management structures in each country is given below.
5.2.1.1 Algeria
The management of chemicals in general and of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs in particular is an integrated
part of the Environment Law 30\1983. The list of chemicals that include most of the PTSs is referred in the
article 110 of the Law. The article 111 describes the permit conditions to produce and import chemicals into the
country and the system to be adopted to control these chemicals in the market.
The control of the pesticides, including import, manufacture and sale, has been further regulated by the Law
87/1987 relating to plant protection. The National Commission for pest control products rules on the responses
to give to each request for approval and the National Institute of Plants Protection (INPV) publishes the list of
pesticides for agricultural use authorised to being put on the market.
Special measures are considered under the provisions of the Law 182\1987 regarding the management of PCBs
for import, use, handling, storage and disposal of electrical devices containing PCBs compounds.
The Law 70\1988 describes the measures to be considered for the protection of occupational health during the
handling of chemicals especially the issues dealing with awareness and information campaign concerning the
impact of incorrect handling of the chemicals
5.2.1.2 Bosnia-Herzegovina
The last decade Bosnia and Herzegovina was dominated by political and economic changes, and a four-year
war with devastating consequences. Under these circumstances, there is no effective primary or secondary
legislation relating to the regulation of waste management activities, the emissions to the atmosphere and air
quality, etc. However, the Federation is completing the drafting of a new environmental protection law under
the EEC Project "Preparation of Environmental Law and Policy in B-H".
5.2.1.3 Croatia
Croatia has ratified or is in process of ratification almost all international environment protection conventions
and particularly those related to POPs substances, notably the Stockholm Convention. The strategy of
environmental protection is described in the Law on Environmental Protection (1994). This law is accompanied
with a number of by-laws relevant for specific environment compartments, types of pollution and sources,
which include PTSs, namely the Law on Waste (1995), the Law on Transport of Hazardous Materials (1993),

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the By-law on Conditions for Handling Hazardous Waste (1998), the Law on Air Quality Protection (1995), the
Law on Waters (1990), and the Law on Foodstuffs and Objects of Common Use Safety (1997). An
Environmental Emission Cadaster is being implemented (1996) including: solid waste generation, air pollutants
emissions, wastewater discharges related to air pollution emissions.
In order to facilitate a further action on the implementation of the Stockholm Convention, a 2 year project
funded by UNIDO is preparing the ground for strengthening the national capacity to manage PTSs. The main
activities to be undertaken are: the elaboration of preliminary inventories of sources and emissions of POPs,
including a preliminary assessment of stockpiles and contaminated waste products; the development of an
Action plan for the regular monitoring and reduction of releases of unintentional by-products and to assess the
exposure of the human population and the environment; to build capacity for reporting every five years on
progress in phasing out PCBs; and, to support communication, information exchange, and raising awareness
through a multi-stakeholder participatory processes.
5.2.1.4 Cyprus
The management of chemicals in general, including PTSs, is regulated by the following specific legislation,
which has already been harmonised with the relevant Directives of the European Union:
The Pest Control Products Law of 1993, N1 (I)/93 and the Pest Control Products Regulations of 1993 and
2000. The law and the relevant regulations provide for the marketing, registration, quality control, toxicity
classification, packaging and labelling of all pesticides.
The Food (Control & Sales) Laws 1996-2001, implementing regulations on the Official Control of Foodstuffs
and Hygiene and of Pesticide Residues, form the Cyprus statutory instrument for fixing MRLs and control of
pesticide residues in products of animal and plant origin, including fruit and vegetables. These Regulations, in
force since November 2001, adopt all MRLs related Directives up to 1998 (Directive 98/82) and form the first
phase of the continuous process for Pesticide Residues Regulations fully harmonised with the EU Acquits.
The Fisheries Law Cap. 135 and subsequent amendments (1961-2000) and the Fisheries Regulations (1990 ­
2000) provides maximum limits for certain PTSs, pesticides and heavy metals, in marine captures.
The Dangerous Substances Law of 1981 and 2002 and the issued Regulations on classification, labelling and
packing of dangerous substances and preparations includes provisions for restrictions on the use and the placing
on the market of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
The Atmospheric Pollution Control Law 70/91 and the relevant Regulations and amendments provide for the
control of industrial emissions, including dioxins/furans emissions.
5.2.1.5 Egypt
Chemicals and formulations used to control plant diseases, pest insects, rodents, weeds, and parasites are
regulated by the Agricultural Law no. 53/1966. According to the Article 79, a Pesticide Committee is to be
formed with the task of specifying pesticides to be used in the country, determine their specifications,
procedure of their registration and condition for use. The Minister of Agriculture issues ministerial decrees that
put the articles of the law into action, based on the recommendations of the Committee.
The regulation and control of chlorinated pesticides, PCBs, and other chemicals are specifically under the
provisions of the Law for hazardous materials and wastes (4/1994), which includes a list of 323 hazardous
chemicals. The Law prohibits to import hazardous wastes or to allow its entry into passage through the territory
provided the Ministry of Environment is notified
The Ministry of Environment is responsible for the proper management of the hazardous wastes including the
control of collection, storage, treatment and disposal, in collaboration with the producers. However, Article 5 of
the Law sets up the functions of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA). The competent
ministries, in co-operation with EEAA and the Ministry of Health should develop and promulgate a list of
hazardous substances, which should be controlled and shall be revised from time to time as appropriate. The
Agency is also responsible for the co-ordination with the other competent authorities, of the regulation and
security aspects of the handling hazardous substances.
5.2.1.6 France
The EU directives and derived management structures apply for the EU countries of the Region (see Section
5.2.2.2). The competent body at national level is the "Direction de la prévention des pollutions et des risques"
and the "Bureau des substances et préparations chimiques", which belong to the Environment and Landscape
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Ministry. The Agriculture and Forest Ministry has also competencies on pesticides, particularly through the
"Bureau de contrôle des produits phytosanitaires".
5.2.1.7 Greece
As in the case of France, the EU directives and derived management structures apply for the EU countries of
the Region (see Section 5.2.2.2). The national authority on pesticides is the General Chemical State Laboratory,
particularly the Section of Dangerous Substances and Preparations.
5.2.1.8 Israel
The Hazardous Substances Law of 1993 is the central legal tool for the supervision and management of
hazardous substances. The law obligates anyone dealing with a hazardous substance to apply for a Poison
Permit. The data provided in Poisons Permit applications and the administrative enforcement means established
by the law are important tools in the Environment Ministry's efforts to widen its supervision and control over
hazardous substances found in every industrial plant in Israel.
Hazardous Substances Regulations on the import and export of hazardous wastes were promulgated in 1994
and provide the legal basis for implementing the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. In recent years, a variety of environmental regulations have been
promulgated within the framework of the Businesses Law (1968), including limitations on emissions to the
environment and conditions for the handling of hazardous substances and hazardous waste disposal.
Efforts are currently concentrating on drafting new regulations under the Hazardous Substances Law: on
hazardous waste treatment and disposal with emphasis on recovery and reuse, on the classification of industrial
plants according to quantities and types of hazardous materials, on new criteria for classification and exemption
from the provisions of Poison Permits, and on industrial responsibility during hazardous substance accidents.
5.2.1.9 Italy
As for France and Greece, the EU directives and derived management structures apply for the EU countries of
the Region (see Section 5.2.2.2). There are two national authorities, one for the pesticides, which is the
"Dipartimento di Alimenti, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria" (Health Ministry), and another for the
industrial chemicals the "Dipartimento di Prevenzione" (Health Ministry).
5.2.1.10 Jordan
The General Corporation for Environment Protection (GCEP) is the governmental organisation in charge of
implementing and follow up of actions related with PTSs in Jordan. Moreover Jordan issued several laws
addressing environmental and food safety issues. The Environmental Law No. 12/1995 and the corresponding
by-laws issued in 1998 cover all aspects of environmental protection, monitoring and impact assessment, as
well as classification, registration and transport of hazardous substances. The Agricultural Law No. 20/2000
addresses the protection of natural resources and food safety.
5.2.1.11 Lebanon
The import and use of pesticides which are banned in the countries of origin are forbidden and was formerly
ordered by the Decrees 11/1978, which regulate the use of insecticides and 64/1988, concerning the protection
of the environment and the import of various types of wastes. These regulations were updated for PTS
pesticides in 1992 (decision 108/1) and in 1998 (decision 94/1) but do not include inspection activities within
the country.
However, Lebanon has recently (29/7/2002) ratified the Stockholm Convention and a National Implementation
Plan for the Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants will hopefully set the necessary legislation and
criteria regarding surveillance activities. A collaboration agreement with FAO has also been performed to
dispose a large quantity of obsolete pesticides found in a warehouse as well as a national management plan for
the sound disposal of oil containing PCBs.
5.2.1.12 Malta
The major enabling Acts are the Environment Protection Act and Act Nº XI of 2001 which controls the use of
pesticides. There are various legal notices which empower the respective ministries to inspect, monitor and
control the use of these substances. At the moment further legislation in line with European Union regulations
is being enacted.

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5.2.1.13 FYR of Macedonia
The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning has just established a National Unit which is collecting
information from the different Government bodies in order to develop a legislative and regulatory framework
for persistent organic substances, particularly chlorinated pesticides and PCBs.
5.2.1.14 Morocco
The country possesses a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the control of pesticides. A series
of legal instruments have been elaborated with the appearance of new chemicals in the market, such as the
Laws 13-83 and 466-84 (1984) for controlling the validity and conformity of pesticides, the Law 3073-94
(1994) for the control of pesticides at customs level, the Law n° 42-95 (1997) on control and organisation of the
trade of pesticides used in the agriculture, the Decree n°2-99-105 and 106 (1999) on approval the pesticides
used in agriculture and their import, manufacture and trade, and the Decree n°2-01-1343 (2001) relating to the
establishment of the committee of pesticides, constituted by the concerned departments, to give his opinion on
all pesticides disposed for approval and to propose, if necessary, the reinforcement of legislation.
However, Morocco is lacking the convenient legal framework to control obsolete chemicals. Actually, a draft
text is under discussion for adoption by Moroccan authorities. The text would enable the country to properly
implement the Basel convention, signed in 1996.
5.2.1.15 Portugal
Similarly to the rest of the EU countries of the Region, the EU directives and derived management structures
apply for the EU countries of the Region (see Section 5.2.2.2). Portugal has two national authorities. For
pesticides is the "Direçao Geral de Proteçao das Culturas", and for the industrial chemicals there is the
"Divisao de Riscos Industriais e Compostos Químicas" (Environment Ministry).
5.2.1.16 Spain
The EU directives and derived management structures apply for the EU countries of the Region (see Section
5.2.2.2). The competent authorities in the implementation of European Directives on dangerous substances and
formulations (including plant protection products and biocides) are the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry
of Health and Consumption, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Feeding, the last one related with
plant protection products. A specific National Plan for management of PCBs was approved in 1999.
Environmental risk assessment, classification and labelling is responsibility of the Ministry of Environment.
The Ministry of Health and Consumption is in charge of human health risk assessment, classification and
labelling.
5.2.1.17 Syria
Syria started in 1952 the registration of pesticides by the Ministry of Agriculture (Legislative decree No165/T),
which was developed in 1990 to include clauses of banning or restricted use. In 1988, the Minister of Health
created a register of pesticides used in Public Health. A National Committee on chemical safety and another on
management of wastes have the responsibility of approval and special classification of dangerous wastes and of
developing technical guidelines for their correct management (Decision No 378/2001 of the Minister of
Environment).
In addition to the contents of these regulations, there are several decrees issued by different public
administrative sections, regarding the correct management of chemical, dangerous materials and wastes, that
are also of application. The Minister of Environment issued a decree No. 477/SB/1998 on the prohibition of
dumping, destruction or landfilling of materials or wastes in land, rivers, or sea, without prior consent.
5.2.1.18 Tunisia
The trade, distribution, and use of pesticides for agricultural purposes are regulated in a systematic manner
since 1961. Any pesticide that is imported or formulated in the country has to be registered by the Ministry of
Agriculture and authorisation is given for one or more specific usage. The implementation of these regulations
is not always rigorous, particularly the regulations that govern the labelling, conditioning, handling, transport
and storage of these products. Pesticides used for public health purposes are also subject to registration with the
Ministry of Public Health.
Obsolete pesticides, PCBs, and by-products with PTSs characteristics are considered hazardous wastes (decree
No. 2000-2339) and their management and disposal regulated by Law No. 96-41. The law states that
Companies that produce hazardous wastes have to communicate to the Ministry of Environment details on their
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origin, quantities, destinations and the measures taken to limit their production. Records are maintained for 10
years. New industrial, agriculture and commercial developments are subject to authorisation by the Ministry of
Environment following the conduction of an environmental impact assessment study.
5.2.1.19 Turkey
All pesticides that are produced in Turkey or that will be imported are under the control of the Turkish Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This is in accordance with the Law for Agricultural Pest Control and
Quarantine (No.6968) and regulations based on this law, in terms of their formulation and material content.
The Regulation for the Authorisation of Pesticides and Similar substances used in Agricultural Pest Control,
which constitutes a base for the authorisation of pesticides in Turkey, came into force in 17 February 1999.
This regulation includes a number of items to be taken into consideration in the authorisation of pesticides as in
accordance with the recommendations by the FAO, the European Union and other countries.
5.2.1.20 FR Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)
The Federal Commission for Pesticide registration, registers pesticides for plant protection in agriculture and
forestry, according to the legislative the Law on plant protection (Sl.list SRJ, 24/98). The Federal Ministry for
Health and the Environment is responsible for registration of active substances and their division into poison
groups and for cancellation of licenses for application within the territory, according to the Law of production
and application of toxic substances (Sl.list SRJ, 15/95). However, FR Yugoslavia is in the process of the
identification of responsibilities of all sectors in the application of the international conventions concerning
PTSs and, therefore, of the definition of National Implementation Plans for managing PTSs, with the revision
of the national legislation and the introduction of a cadaster on POPs.
5.2.2 Regional
The different countries of the region are incorporated and therefore constrained by some of the following
institutional and regulatory frameworks, the Barcelona Convention and the EU Directives.
5.2.2.1 The Barcelona Convention and its associated Protocols
In 1975, the Mediterranean countries and the EEC adopted the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and in 1976
the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (the Barcelona Convention).
Being a framework convention, it envisages the preparation of technical protocols. Actually, six protocols have
been adopted by the Mediterranean countries:
· the Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping from Ships and
Aircraft ("Dumping Protocol") (1976),
· the Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by oil and other
Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency ("Emergency Protocol") (1976),
· the Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources
("Land Based Sources Protocol") (1980),
· the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas ("SPA Protocol") (1982).
· the Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution Resulting from Exploration
and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its Subsoil ("Offshore Protocol") (1994),
and
· the Protocol on the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Transboundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal ("Hazardous Wastes Protocol") (1996).
Most of these protocols have been amended as a result of the World summit for environment and development
in 1992 and the GPA in 1995. Actually, discussions are ongoing concerning the appropriate rules and
procedures to be applied for the determination of liability and compensation for damage resulting from
pollution of the marine environment in the Mediterranean Sea. These discussions may result in the
establishment of a new Protocol.
The most important legal instrument regarding PTSs and the reduction of their inputs into the marine
environment is the amended LBS protocol. According to article 5 of the protocol "The Parties undertake to
eliminate pollution deriving from land-based sources and activities, in particular to phase out inputs of the
substances that are toxic, persistent and liable to bioaccumulate listed in Annex I of the Protocol. To this end,

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they shall elaborate and implement, individually or jointly, as appropriate, national and regional action plans
and programmes, containing measures and timetables for their implementation. Annex I contains 30 sectors of
activity to be considered, 13 characteristics of substances to be taken into account and 19 categories of
substances for which action plans should be prepared. These include persistent organic pollutants (POPs), other
organohalogen compounds (e.g chlorinated phenols), heavy metals and organometallic compounds and
hazardous wastes (e.g. used lubricating oils, batteries, etc.).
As a follow up to the provisions of the amended Protocol, the CPs to the Barcelona Convention adopted in
1997 a regional Strategic Action Plan (SAP) to address pollution from land-based activities. The main objective
of SAP is to promote and provide support to the Mediterranean countries for the formulation, adoption and
implementation of relevant National Action Plans (NAPs), as well as a scientifically-based long-term
programme of targets to be achieved and actions to be implemented at national and regional levels.
In addition to activities directly addressing pollution, the SAP envisages the implementation of respective
capacity building actions, provision of external support according to available sources, implementation of the
participatory principle, and of procedures for monitoring, evaluation, reporting, feedback information and
readjustments. Due to the complexity and significance of the defined targets and actions envisaged, as well as
to the resulting financial, institutional and organisational implications, the implementation of an SAP requires
careful planning, harmonisation and integration at national and regional levels.
The SAP operational strategy adopted by the CPs in 2001 proposes a national and regional institutional set up
that would ensure the financial, technical and socio-economic sustainability of the implementation process of
the Plan in the time framework (2001-2025). The strategy establishes the basis on which the Mediterranean
countries would track the reduction to be achieved to comply with the SAP binding commitments. It considers
the year 2003 for the establishment of a Pollutant National Budget Baseline, which is the sum of the releases of
every SAP targeted pollutant that would be released from the coastal areas.
The Mediterranean countries with the support of the secretariat started the implementation, during the years
2001-2003, of a comprehensive capacity building programme financed by the GEF, FFEM and the Contracting
Parties where a set of guidelines for the management of different types of pollutants and their substantial
sources would be prepared, regional and national training courses would be performed together with an active
search for the convenient national and international financial means that would support all the SAP National
Action Plans (NAPs) to be effective in 2005. The NAPs would be elaborated on the basis of the National
Diagnostic Analysis (NDA) that would be implemented by the national authorities during the year 2002-2003.
5.2.2.2 The EU Directives
The general strategy of the EU to address environmental issues of chemicals is part of the general objective of
the Sustainable Development taking place while considering the potential responsibilities of the chemical
industry in relation to the precautionary principle. At the same time, it takes into consideration the rules of the
common market as well as the competitiveness of the European industry. In this respect, over the past two
decades the Commission has proposed wide ranging legislation aimed at directly or indirectly reducing the
release of PTSs into the environment, with the objective of reducing human exposure and protecting human
health and the environment. Emission and source related data for most PTSs in the European countries indicate
a decrease on the release of these chemicals since the legal instruments have been put in place.
Some Directives relevant for the regional PTSs strategy are:
Council Directive 79/117/EEC prohibiting the placing on the market and use of plant protection
products containing certain active substances.
Substances addressed are DDT, lindane, aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, HCHs, hexachlorobenzene,
camphechlor and mercury.
Council Directives 91/414/EEC providing the framework for the authorisation, the placing of plant
protection products on the market and its use in the European Union.
All active substances for agricultural use on the market in member states on 25 july 1993 must undergo a full
evaluation verifying whether they fulfil the obligations of Article 5 and therefore can be listed in Annex I of the
directive. This list contains active substances whose use in plant protection products is considered safe.
Organotins are proposed to be banned as plant protection products.


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Council Directive 98/8/EC on placing on the market of biocides.
After full implementation of this Directive, all active substances have to be assessed and approved at the
Community level and all the biocidal products have to be authorised by the Member States. If the result of the
assessment is that an active substance can be used in a biocidal product, it will be put on a positive list
accompanied with the requirements on that use. Substances addressed are PCP, PAHs (creosote), TBT and
lindane
Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximations of the laws, regulations, and administrative
provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous
substances and preparations.
National information on the import, production, stockpiling, use and export of substances is requested.
Marketing and use restrictions are defined based on evaluation of risk as well as socio-economic
considerations. Four priority lists (containing about 150 substances and identified Rapporteur Member States)
have been established for carrying out the risk assessment work under regulation No. 793/93 (2001).
Council Directive 92/32 amending for the Directive 67/458/EEC on the approximation of the laws,
regulation and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of
dangerous substances.
Dangerous substances, which are placed on the market have to be labelled according to their classification in
Annex I, which in 2001 contains approximately 2350 existing and 214 new substances. For dangerous
substances not in Annex I, the manufacturer, distributor and importer is obliged to apply a provisional
classifications and labelling following the criteria in Annex VI of this directive.
Directive 2000/76/EEC on waste incineration.
Defines limit values on emissions of particles and total organic matter from incineration of all type of wastes.
Substances addressed are, e.g., PAHs, PCDD/PCDFs and mercury.
Directive 96/59/EEC for the elimination of PCBs and PCTs and Directive 1999/31/EEC on the landfill
of wastes.
The Directive 96/59 imposes the elimination of PCBs before December 31, 2010, and the drawing up of a
stock-list of equipments containing PCBs with a volume above 5 L. Also, a national plan for decontamination
and elimination is required. The Directive 1999/31 provides measures, procedures and guidance for preventing
or reducing pollution of surface waters, ground water, soil and air from landfills of wastes.


Council Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the council establishing a framework
for Community action in the field of water policy (Water Framework Directive).
This Directive contains provisions on measures aimed at progressively reducing (for priority substances) and at
ceasing or phasing out (for priority hazardous substances, within 20 years) discharges, emissions and losses as
well as identification of these priority substances and hazardous priority substances (emission inventories
according to Article 13(4)). The EC has two years to propose control measures necessary to reach the
objectives for priority (hazardous) substances. These substances will have to be monitored as mandatory
parameters under the WFD.
Among the substances addressed are:
-
proposed priority hazardous substances: penta-PBDE, HCB, HCHs, Hg, NP/NPEs, PAHs,
Pentachlorobenzene, organotin compounds;
-
proposed possible priority hazardous substances: other PBDEs, dibutyl- and diethylhexylphtalate, PCP,
naphthalene, anthracene, atrazine, endosulfan, octylphenols;
Council Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into
the aquatic environment of the Community.
Established two lists of substances classified as hazardous. List I identified 129 substances to be eliminated
from the inland and coastal waters because of their toxicity and their ability to bioaccumulate. List II contained
those, which have a detrimental impact on the environment but which may be contained within a given area

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depending on the characteristics and location of the area. The Directive required Member States to draw up
authorisation limits for emissions of substances on both lists and set up pollution programmes.
Council Directive 80/68/EEC on the protection of ground water against pollution caused by certain
dangerous substances.
Replaces Article 4 of the previous Directive (76/464/EEC). Its aim is to prevent the direct or indirect
introduction of substances in List I and limit the substances in List II of the Annex to groundwater supplies. It
will become part of the overall approach of the draft Community Water Policy Framework Directive.
Council Directive 86/280/EEC on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of certain
dangerous substances included in List I of the Annex to Directive 76/464/EEC (Council Directive
76/464/EEC of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the
aquatic environment of the Community).
This Directive limit values for emission standards for the substances referred to in Article 2 in discharges from
industrial plants, quality objectives in the aquatic environment, time limits for compliance, reference methods
of measurement. It establishes a monitoring procedure, requires Member States to co-operate and to draw up
programmes to avoid or eliminate pollution arising from the sources referred to in Article 5. The Directive
applies to the waters referred to in Article 1 of Directive 76/464/EEC, with the exception of ground water.
Substances addressed are: DDT, the drins, PCP, hexachlorobenzene.
Council Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC).
The objective is to prevent or minimise air, water and soil pollution by emissions from industrial installations in
the Community, in view of achieving a high level of environmental protection. This Directive requires the
assessment of chemicals used in certain production processes and certain conditions for the licensing of
industrial installations. Article 15 (3) of the Directive requires Member States to inventory and supply data on
principal emissions and responsible sources, that is from all large facilities with one or more activities as
mentioned in Annex I to this Directive. According to this Article 15 the Commission decided on the
implementation of an European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER). Substances addressed include PCP, HCB,
HCHs, PCDD/PCDFs and organotin compounds.

After a revision of the current legislation, the Council of Ministers adopted, in 1999, a White Paper on a new
Chemicals Policy for the Community. The guiding principles of this new strategy are: precaution and
prevention; replacement of dangerous chemicals by safer ones; a greater responsibility of industry to generate
and deliver information on risk assessment of chemicals prior to going on the market. The REACH system
(Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of chemicals), run by an expanded European Chemicals Bureau, is
a key element in the process.
Besides this regulatory framework, the European Community has also acquired new obligations by becoming a
contracting party to several international conventions (see section 4.2.3).
5.2.3 International
PTSs pollution issues are covered by several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) or arrangements
that form an important focus for political efforts aimed at reducing their environmental impacts. The following
have particular relevance to the present assessment.
5.2.3.1 International code of conduct on the distribution and use of pesticides
This Code of Conduct, adopted by FAO and its member countries in 1985, recognises that: "In the absence of
an effective pesticide registration process and of a governmental infrastructure for controlling the availability
of pesticides, some countries importing pesticides must heavily rely on the pesticide industry to promote the
safe and proper distribution and use of pesticides. In these circumstances foreign manufacturers, exporters and
importers, as well as local formulators, distributors, repackers, advisers and users, must accept a share of the
responsibility for safety and efficiency in distribution and use."
The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) is an important component of the Code of Conduct. Under the Rotterdam
convention on PIC, "pesticides that are banned or severely restricted for reasons of health or the environment
are subject to the Prior Informed Consent procedure. No pesticide in these categories should be exported to an
importing country participating in the PIC procedure contrary to that country's decision...".
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Implementation of PIC Convention is carried out jointly by FAO and the International Register of Potentially
Toxic Chemicals (UNEP/IRPTC) and includes almost all countries of the region (see Annex III). Pesticides
under national review for PIC (FAO, 1990) are: aldrin, chlordane, heptachlor, DDT, dieldrin and HCHs (mixed
isomers). The state of compliance of the various countries of Region with the Rotterdam convention is given in
Annex III.
5.2.3.2 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal
The Basel Convention strictly regulates the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and provides
obligations to its Parties to ensure that such wastes are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound
manner when moved across national boundaries.
The so-called Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention bans the export of hazardous wastes for final disposal
and recycling from Annex VII countries (Basel Convention Parties that are members of the EU, OECD,
Liechtenstein) to non-Annex VII countries (all other Parties to the Convention). The Basel Convention on the
Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was adopted in 1989 and
entered into force on 5 May 1992.
Most countries of the Region comply with the Basel convention although some of the southern countries lack
the appropriated management structures to implement the convention.
5.2.3.3 The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade was adopted at a Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Rotterdam on 10
September 1998. The Convention enables the world to monitor and control the trade in very dangerous
substances and according to the Convention, export of a chemical can only take place with the prior informed
consent of the importing party. The Convention covers a list of five industrial chemicals and 22 pesticides,
including aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, HCB and PCBs.
5.2.3.4 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)
The purpose of this Convention issued by the UN Economic Commission for Europe is to prevent, reduce and
control transboundary air pollution both from existing and new sources. By covering mid-latitude regions
which are the origin of a major part of the atmospheric pollution, this regional, binding agreement, and its
related protocols, represents the most appropriate instrument for addressing significant components of the
problem.
The Aarhus Protocol, associated to the Convention, aims at eliminating discharges, emissions and losses of
POPs. It covers 16 substances, encompassing 11 pesticides, 2 industrial chemicals and 3 by-products. The
Protocol bans the production and use of some products outright (aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin,
endrin, hexabromobiphenyl, mirex and toxaphene). Others are scheduled for elimination at a later stage (DDT,
heptachlor, hexaclorobenzene, PCBs). Finally, the Protocol severely restricts the use of DDT, HCHs (including
lindane) and PCBs. The Protocol includes provisions for dealing with the wastes of products that will be
banned. It also obliges Parties to reduce their emissions of dioxins, furans, PAHs and HCB below their levels
in 1990 (or an alternative year between 1985 and 1995). For the incineration of municipal, hazardous and
medical waste, it lays down specific limit values. The protocol will enter into force as soon as it is ratified by
16 countries (10 ratifications registered in August 2002)
5.2.3.5 Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic, 1992 (OSPAR)
Although covering only a restricted segment of the region, the 1992 OSPAR Convention is currently one of the
most applicable international agreements addressing marine pollution from various sources. The objective of
the Convention is to bring to an end the discharges, emissions and losses of all hazardous substances to the
marine environment by 2020. Among the chemicals or chemical groups that have been selected for priority
action there are 15 compounds considered in the present assessment (see www.ospar.org). On both monitoring
and source-related assessment issues, OSPAR represents a relevant agreement to be taken into account in the
context of PTSs control activities.

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5.2.3.6 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the
Protocol of 1978, (MARPOL 73/78)
The MARPOL Convention is a combination of two treaties adopted in 1973 and 1978. It covers all technical
aspects of pollution from ships, except the disposal of waste into the sea by dumping, and applies to ships of all
types. The Convention has five annexes covering oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and harmful substances
carried in packages, portable tanks, freight containers, etc.
5.2.3.7 WMO Environmental Health Criteria
Over the past twenty years, the WMO has published an extensive list of environmental criteria for many of the
PTSs discussed in this assessment. These criteria provide quantitative guidance for human concentrations
including PTDI, TDI and TWI values.
5.2.3.8 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
This is the most relevant in the context of the current assessment. The convention was adopted at the meeting of
the intergovernmental negotiating committee for an international legally binding instrument for implementing
international action on certain persistent organic pollutants in Johannesburg (December 2000). The objective of
this Convention is to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants. The selected
list of POPs is of direct relevance to the UNEP assessment of PTSs. The Convention was opened for
ratification signatures on 23 May 2001 in the Intergovernmental Conference held in Stockholm. The protocol
will enter into force as soon as it is ratified by 50 countries (23 ratifications registered in October 2002, none
from the Region).
5.2.3.9 Relations between existing MEAs
Ten of the twelve POPs covered by the Stockholm Convention (pesticides and industrial chemicals) are
regulated under the Basel and the Rotterdam Conventions. The Stockholm Convention takes into account any
relevant provisions in the existing international instrument on prior informed consent, in such a way that a
chemical listed in Annex A of the Convention can be exported only:
· for the purpose of environmentally sound disposal;
· to a Party permitted to use that chemical under Annex A or Annex B; or
· to a country that is not a Party to the Stockholm Convention which has provided an annual certification
to the exporting Party.
On the other hand, the OSPAR Convention, the Barcelona convention and its protocols, and the Aarhus POPs
Protocol, aim at bringing to an end the discharge to the seas, and the production and use of some of the POPs
substances covered in the Stockholm Convention.
5.3 STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT IN THE REGION
As shown in the previous section, besides the national regulatory structures, the EU directives and the regional
Conventions, namely MAP and OSPAR, are the main driving forces for environmental protection in the region.
However, the Mediterranean region generally lacks strong national environmental leadership and compliance of
regional commitments is, in general, very irregular.
Monitoring in the Region is heterogeneous at the National level ranging from comprehensive monitoring
networks in France to non-existing for many of the Southern and South-eastern countries. The EU member and
proponent countries have made an effort to harmonise the monitoring programs although the degree of
implementation is varying. MEDPOL is a good example of Regional collaboration in monitoring programmes
although it is weakened by the lack of commitment of some of the participant countries. MEDPOL has also
played a key role in developing quality criteria standards throughout the Region and it is a good example of a
capacity building programme.
The regulatory status of the Region mimics the socio-economic and political structure. The legislation for PTSs
management in EU members and the associated countries are regulated by the European directives, although
the degree of compliance is varying within the four member States, and their investment in regional PTSs
issues has been slow. On the other hand, States facing low levels of organisational capacity and weak
economies have serious difficulties in increasing environmental protection and fulfilling international
commitments. In this respect, investigations have shown that old stocks of chlorinated pesticides (e.g. lindane)
continue to be used in practice under no control of the authorities and that even banned products such as DDT
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were still being illegally imported in some of these countries. An overview of the general status of the PTSs
covered in this assessment within the countries of the region is shown in Annex III.
The control and management of PTSs at national levels are quite dispersed among various authorities
depending on the type of PTSs. Pesticides are usually regulated by the corresponding Agricultural Ministries,
Industrial PTSs are usually left as a legacy to the new-born Environmental Ministries, while the levels and
effects of PTSs in biota are either the responsibility of the Environmental or Agricultural (Veterinary)
Ministries. Finally, PTSs control and regulation in foodstuff is always the responsibility of the corresponding
Health Authorities. In addition, in many of the countries of the Region, environmental control and regulation is
quite decentralised which implies that many of the responsibilities are transferred to regional, provincial or
local authorities.
The state of implementation and compliance of the existing regulations concerning PTSs in the Region is quite
varying. The available information indicate that European countries, Malta, Cyprus and Slovenia have more
effective national environmental law and regulations and capabilities to undertake monitoring and enforcement
activities for PTSs national and regional regulations. These countries exhibit several positive signs of high
compliance of substantive obligations through their commitments to EU directives. In fact, implementation of
these commitments could lead directly to implementation of Convention obligations, which takes place via
three overlapping mechanisms:
· conventions sponsored implementation efforts,
· state-driven domestic implementation efforts, and
· EU-driven efforts to harmonise national environmental law and regulations.
Other Mediterranean countries exhibit low commitments to relevant national and regional regulations even
though they have developed a comprehensive national legal and institutional framework for implementation of
national and regional regulations. Furthermore, because these countries have ratified only few of the MEAs,
they are not required to submit reports on several important requirements. As such, information about
compliance of substantive obligations and implementation of the Protocols and common measures concerning
PTSs remains extremely scarce and, where it exists, quite uneven in coverage and quality.
Implementation of MEAs commitments in these countries takes place via three main channels which include:
· Multi-lateral assistance programs such as those sponsored by MAP bodies, UNEP, the GEF, and multi-
lateral development banks;
· State-driven domestic implementation efforts; and
· EU-driven efforts for EU candidate states and non-European countries through the Euro-Mediterranean
partnership.
In general these countries are lacking the necessary technical, financial and human resources to comply with
national and regional regulations. The important numbers of stockpiles of PTSs existing in the jurisdiction area
of these countries could be considered as a relevant indicator that would support these facts.
Ratification of protocols remains a challenge for the region. Most of the existing MEAs have low numbers of
ratifications. As an example, neither the revised Barcelona Convention, nor any of the most recent Protocols
(including the revised ones), have entered into force, despite having been adopted six to seven years ago in
1995 and 1996.
5.4 EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVES OR MEASURES FOR REDUCTION
5.4.1 Chlorinated
Pesticides
Integrated pest management (IPM) appears to be the obvious alternative to reduce the use of chlorinated
pesticides in the Region. The Global IPM facility has been created jointly by FAO, World Bank, UNDP and
UNEP to establish participatory IPM programmes in developing countries. The most important element of a
successful IPM programme is farmer participation and training. IPM should go hand in hand with the
appropriate pesticide management to allow for regulation and control, proper purchasing and marketing, good
technical quality and safe handling and disposal of pesticides (CEC, 1999).
The available options for pest control consist a great deal more than the choice between chemical pesticides or
the total exclusion of synthetic chemical inputs. Some of the strategies which improve pesticide PTSs
management are:

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· Replacement of the more hazardous pesticides with less toxic and less persistent ones.
· Selection of crop varieties which are more pest resistant.
· Improve pesticide application technology to minimise inputs and enlarge safety.
· Crop rotation
· Use of natural enemies for pest control.
· Cost-benefit analysis of the use of pesticides
· Farmer communication and consultation.
A successful IPM programme has been put in place for cotton crops. Cotton crops amount for 25% of the
overall pesticide consumption, hence improved pesticide management in cotton crops has a large impact on the
release of PTSs pesticides. (FAO). This would be particularly relevant for Egypt where cotton production is
still quite extensive. The success of these IPM programmes resides in the fact that farmers constitute the key
decision maker in the process.
The Mediterranean Region has shown a general increase in the use of pesticides due to the explosive
development of protected cultivation systems (greenhouses) in the Region, particularly in South-eastern Spain,
North Africa and the Middle East areas. As a consequence, crop yields have increased substantially, for
instance tomato crops under plastic cover have increased from an average 60 tonnes/Ha up to 200 tonnes/Ha.
This has as a result an increase also of the pest-related problems in the greenhouses. This problem is now being
accelerated due to the increase of water salinity which enhances pest proliferation. To control soil borne pests,
both chemical and non-chemical methods are being used, the most widely used alternative to the present PTSs
uses in greenhouses is Methyl Bromide. (Besri, 2000). This is itself could constitute an additional PTSs
problem in the future. Hence, integrated pest management (IPM) systems should be propagated. In order to do
so, a prerequisite is to conduct a proper survey of the use of pesticides in these particularly intensive
agricultural systems which are prone to generate substantial sources of PTSs.
It is not totally clear if alternative measures to the use of pesticides are being promoted within the European and
Mediterranean Plant Organisation (EPPO). The following Mediterranean countries are members of EPPO:
Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Slovenia,
Spain, Tunisia and Turkey. It is remarkable that Egypt, an important country in terms of agriculture and
pesticide use, is not a member of the EPPO.
Proper handling and disposal of obsolete pesticides is a key measure for the reduction of PTSs sources in the
Region. In this context the FAO has put in place programmes for the disposal and handling of obsolete
pesticides in developing countries. They normally include proper repackaging and in situ storage of the
obsolete pesticides prior to their export to the appropriated thermal treatment facilities in developed countries.
This of course could have as a consequence the transfer of the organochlorinated PTSs to the atmosphere as
secondary PTSs (dioxins and furans). Therefore, the safe storage on site is the preferred option.
5.4.2 Industrial
compounds
5.4.2.1 PCBs
The handling of PCBs includes the pure compound mixtures, those diluted in oil as well as all materials (soil,
metal, paper, etc.) directly or indirectly contaminated by PCBs. Therefore, the management technologies
change according to the different materials. There are two kinds of alternative technologies to the use of PCBs:
replacement alternatives of PCBs and chemical alternatives to PCBs. In addition, destruction is the preferred
alternative to PCBs management.

Replacement alternatives
Dry isolated transformers have been proposed as alternatives to the use of PCBs-containing ones. They could
avoid potential fire risks but are less suitable from the point of view of sensitivity to overload and voltage
spikes. They do not seem to be viable alternatives at present (Öberg, 2002).

Chemical alternatives
The most frequently used alternatives to PCBs are mineral and silicone oils. Other alternatives are barely
suitable from the point of view of PTSs control. For instance, the commercial products Pyralene, Pyrochlor and
Inerteen are mixtures of chlorobenzenes and chlorobiphenyls. Inalec contains chlorinated diphenylethane. R-
TempR contains a mixture of hydrocarbons and additives including perchloroethylene, tetrachlorethylene;
Formel is a mixture of various chlorofluorocarbon (Öberg, 2002).
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Finally, the preferred options for PCBs management are the total replacement of PCBs fluids, either by
retrofilling of the existing materials or by plain destruction. Retrofilling involves the selective recovery and
decontamination of the PCBs fluids of transformers and capacitors and their replacement by non-PCBs fluids.
This enables the conservation of the equipment in place and diminishes the volume of PCB waste to be handled.


Destructive technology
The most diffused destructive technology used throughout Europe is incineration. There are some problems
related to the difficulties in burning substances which are high temperature resistant such as PCB/PCTs. The
main problems that arise from thermal destruction are:
- Incomplete destruction of PCBs due to their thermal resistance which require the use of high
temperature. Destruction Removal
- The generation of dioxins as secondary product. Dioxins are generally formed as recombination of
partially degraded organic fragments after the first PCBs burn up during the cooling process in the
critical temperature range 200-400 C°. It has been discovered that the poor and incomplete combustion
of PCBs and a low speed of effluent gases cooling, can generate significant levels of dioxins.
As a consequence, alternative destruction technologies have been investigated. The current available
technologies are: Gas Chemical Reduction, Electrochemical oxidation, molten metal and molten salt oxidation,
solvated electron processes, supercritical water oxidation, plasma arc, base catalysed dechlorination and
catalytic dehydrogenation. Most of these alternatives are in the R&D phase and none of these is commercially
available in the Region.
Reduction strategy
Reduction strategies may require advanced technology measures involving changes in process conditions or
introduction of entirely different processes. These are particularly important to suppress the generation of
secondary PTSs like dioxins and furans. Reduction strategies would typically consider the following options:
· Measures involving the improvement of the control of the combustion process, these are applied to
all incineration processes to minimise the generation of secondary PTSs. This applies to the non-
adverted generation of dioxins and furans.
· Substitution of materials which are the source of dioxins and furans, e.g. chlorinated pesticides and
chlorine-based materials and avoid chlorinated substances for bleaching. In this case the generation
of dioxins is prevented at the root of the problem.
· Cleaner technology processes (i.e. chlorine free pulp making), again a measure to prevent dioxin
and furan generation by substituting the generating technology.
· Avoidance of the use of additives (e.g. flame retardant in plastic) containing chlorine or bromine;
although this has to be weighted against the much higher risk involved in fires.
· Separation of waste before the incineration (remove chlorine-based materials from the waste and
chlorine treated wood). This would be a particularly important measure to prevent dioxin
generation from garbage fires.
· Waste reduction (recycling/reuse of materials or composting of waste).
These measures have to be weighted against the potential implications related to the disappearance of some of
these products in particular those that play a key safety role in the electrical and electronic equipment.
In the developing countries of the Mediterranean region and due to the lack of PCBs destruction facilities,
interim storage may constitute an important element of the reduction strategy. Some of the key elements to be
considered are: packaging, container preparation for shipping, labelling, transportation, monitoring activities
and storage facilities (UNEP, 1999b).

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5.4.3 Others
The mismanagement and lack of control of marine operations in the Mediterranean constitute one of the main
sources of PTSs in the Region. As a consequence, any action taken to reduce these sources has an immediate
positive consequence.
5.4.3.1 PAHs
There is no doubt that the entering to force of the MARPOL 73/78 Protocol in October1982 and its ratification
by most Mediterranean countries, resulted in the decrease of oil inputs from ship operations. This is witnessed
by the decrease in tar balls arriving on beaches in the Mediterranean Region. For instance, systematic
monitoring of the quantity of tar along the Israeli beaches in 1975-76 showed that the mean tar content was
3600 g/m of beach from the waterline to the coastal cliff of the beach. A survey with the same methodology
carried out in 1984 showed that the mean tar content was only about 139 g/m of beach front (Golik et al.,
1987). The same monitoring was carried out in Cyprus where the amount of tar on beaches in the western part
of the island in 1978 was about 6000 g/m2, while this amount was reduced to 120 g/m2 in 1988 (Loizides,
1994), and to a few grams per m2 beach in 2000. These findings are an indication of the decrease of potential
sources of PAHs in the environment from marine operations.
In addition, the use of BATs in the industrial sectors that are responsible for PAH emissions have also
improved the situation. As an example, the production of coke that involves the carbonisation of hard coal by
heating in absence of oxygen, results in the generation of high levels of PAHs in the oven doors. The
replacement of rigid sealed doors by spring-loaded sealed ones has reduced the emissions from 82 to 13 mg/ton
of coke produced, but the emissions during the oven discharge are more difficult to avoid.
5.4.3.2 TBT
The use of TBT-containing antifouling paints are now controlled or banned in many countries. France banned
their use on boats of less than 25 m long in 1982. Similar regulations on the usage of TBT in paints came into
effect few years later in the European Community (1989) and the Mediterranean region in 1991. The
Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention agreed to ban the use of anti-fouling paints containing
organotin compounds as from 1.7.1991 on (a) hulls of boats having an overall length of less than 25 m and (b)
on all structures, equipment or apparatus used in mariculture. Finally, in October 2001, several countries have
signed at IMO level, a Convention for phasing out TBT from the ships and boat paints and as antifouling in
many other marine applications. This represents a concrete step towards the elimination of an uncontrollable
and diffuse source of an important pollutant from the Mediterranean region.
Viable alternatives to the use of TBTs have been proposed, the most interesting ones are copper based self
polishing coatings which are commercially available. TBT-free self-polishing coatings can now achieve control
for 60 months whereas ablative and conventional paints reach a maximum of 36 months (WWF Toxics
Programme, 2000). A recent visit to the International Boat Fair in Barcelona (November, 2-10, 2002), has
shown that the majority of the recreational boat constructors that operate in the Mediterranean region have
replaced TBT antifouling paints by TBT-free self polishing coats.
5.5 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ISSUES
The Mediterranean region can be divided into three areas: the north side with most developed countries, the
south encompassing developing countries, and the eastern part with some countries with economies in
transition. In this context, there are many difficulties to address regionally the issues and the possible solutions.
Technology transfer could represent a proper tool to reduce the gaps among the three areas mentioned above.
However, it has to be borne in mind that the main sources of PTSs in the Region are located in the developed
countries (see Chapter 2). Hence, the focus of alternative technologies and measures for reduction and control
has to be in these countries, while measures to reduce the impact of stocks of obsolete pesticides and
mismanaged PCBs equipment should be the preferred option for the developing countries of the Region.
Nevertheless, the dimension of future development in the Mediterranean is focused on small and medium
enterprises and in revamping some of the old processes and plants in heavy industries. However, the role of
large multinational conglomerates in these globalisation times cannot be forgotten. This is particularly true in
the context of their growing implementation of Sustainable Development and their associated Social
Responsible Investments. Hence, multinational companies, particularly those primarily responsible of past (and
present) PTSs primary and secondary sources should engage in the technology transfer and capacity building
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programmes in the developing countries of the Region where they operate in conjunction with Governments
and NGOs.
In this context, technology transfer can be defined as the diffusion and adoption of new technical equipment,
practices and know how between actors within a region or from a region to another. Most transfer in the
Mediterranean region is from North to South but more South-to-South transfer needs to be developed.
Technology transfer needs attention within the following aspects: affordability, accessibility, sustainability,
relevance and acceptability. Particular attention should be paid to commercial management, market
development economic competitiveness and technical adaptation to local conditions. Hence, the receiver of the
technology transfer should be the decision maker, rather than the giver.
Technology should be regarded not only as the equipment, but also the information, skills, know-how which
are needed to fund, manufacture, install, operate and maintain the equipment. Transfer should be regarded as
putting the technical concepts into practice locally in a sustainable framework so that local people can
understand the technology, use it in a sustainable manner and replicate projects to speed up successful
implementation. Transfer of technology also includes improvement of existing technology.
In the context of information transfer as one of the main aspects of technology transfer, the availability of
documentation in the languages of the Region is critical to the success of a collaborative programme. All
relevant documentation regarding the risks and alternatives to PTSs should be made available on the Internet
and translated and adapted to the non-European languages of the Region. This could have a very high impact
on improving the awareness of the dangers of PTSs in the Mediterranean.
The key issue for the success of technology transfer is related to capacity building in the technology recipient
countries. In this context there is a clear need to establish intensive and extensive networks of scientists in the
Mediterranean Region, which are able to promote and integrate the technology transfer in their socio-
economical environment.
In the EU countries, companies rather than government own technology. Therefore successful technology
transfer will not happen without the involvement of companies. However, commercial enterprises are at present
driven by short-term profit which is in clear contradiction with any potential sustainable development. The
exception are those corporations that have adhered to sustainable development principles and that could play a
key role in the required changes in the Region. Hence, governments have a clear role in ensuring that
technology transfer is not only driven by the market (lack of) laws but also by the general interest of the
population.
The key actors of the process of the transfer of technology to improve PTSs management in the Mediterranean
region are:
· The governments that have a major role to encourage, enable and ensure the transfer of technology
from country to country.
· The finance institutions that should provide grants, soft loans, invest in feasibility studies,
demonstrations, capacity building, information exchange and infrastructure development.
· The private sector to provide investment and technology and eventually to develop joint ventures
· The civil society to put pressure on governments and companies (through consumer action) to improve
their environmental performance.
· The Regional actors: MAP, Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production (RAC/CP), MEDPOL,
Blue Plan Regional Activity Centre (RAC/BP), EU, World Bank and UNEP.
In the context of technology transfer for PTSs management in the Region, the role of RAC/CP is particularly
relevant, since its main objectives include (Macià, 2002):
· Technical support to the national focal points for Cleaner Production and consequently to advise on
alternatives and reduction measures for industrial PTSs.
· The exchange of information, experiences and experts on Cleaner Production technologies and
consequently the potential assistance in the dissemination of information regarding PTSs management.
· The co-operation on the definition of the Best Available Technologies (BATs) and Best Environmental
Practices (BEPs) in the Mediterranean context. This is a relevant objective in order to ensure that the
Technology Transfer in PTSs management is adequate to the capabilities of the technology recipient.

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· Promoting demonstration projects that could show the management of key PTSs in the Region.
· Organisation and promotion of training activities that could include the required information on the
development of proper guidelines for PTSs management.
· Publication and dissemination of case studies and successful activities carried by industry sectors of the
Region. This could include the translation to non European languages of the relevant PTSs
management information.
5.6 IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS, FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION
The level of commitment and resources dedicated to assessing environmental improvement, associated with the
technical, scientific and policy measures taken, can be used as an indicator of the seriousness of state officials
to improve environmental protection. Three indicators could be considered to evaluate the overall capacities of
the Mediterranean countries to develop proper management systems for PTSs:
· Existence of national definition and regulation of PTSs
· Existence of national inventories of PTSs
· National capacities to manage PTSs
The data clearly indicate that most of the countries do not have yet sufficient resources for an adequate
implementation of these standards. In this context, regional co-operation should be strengthened for the
development of national plans for the management of PTSs. These co-operative efforts can be focused on two
main aspects, namely monitoring capacity and management performance, and in a number of actors, such as
central government agencies, local municipalities, private firms, NGOs, and technical and scientific
communities.
5.6.1 Monitoring
capacity
The definition of the problem in terms of the relevant data needed is a prerequisite to find the proper
management solutions. As already has been pointed out in previous sections, the Mediterranean region exhibits
important data gaps regarding hazardous substances. A more comprehensive understanding of how and where
hazardous substances are used and released, and in what quantities, and the situation regarding disposal and/or
storage of existing stockpiles and major sources of hazardous by-products will need attending to in the region
(Chapter 2). Domestic and regional monitoring efforts should continue to study multi-media transport across
air, rivers, seas, and soil, and the resultant environmental and human concentration levels. Furthermore,
research on environmental and human health effects needs to try and improve our understanding of the short-
term and long-term effects of exposure to hazardous substances to wildlife and humans (chapters 3 and 4).
Regional co-operation may successfully stimulate the production and dissemination of technical and scientific
knowledge, and also expand and sustain regional environmental assessment capacities. Such assessment work
will be instrumental as a basis for prioritising issues and formulating joint policies.
For comparative reasons, further standardisation (or, at least, increased data compatibility) of research and
assessment methodologies and reporting requirements is needed. This would both facilitate the compilation of
reliable regional state of the environment assessments, and cross-country comparisons. However, the efforts
carried out until now in quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) in monitoring programs at regional level are
not reflected in the existence of adequate data banks. For example, a number of problems have been identified
associated with the submission of results by the MEDPOL participating institutions that need to be
conveniently addressed:
· Lack of comparable and transparent information. As no standard format exist to comply with the
reporting obligations, a lack of comparable data is faced by the Secretariat, which encounters great
difficulties when compiling the information.
· Lack of a harmonised reporting system. The Mediterranean Action Plan does not include a reporting
system for the Contracting Parties of the Convention to comply with their reporting obligations. Only
under the Emergency Protocol does a Regional Reporting System exist.
· Lack of a concrete and precise calendar according to which Parties should submit their reporting.
Although a reporting periodicity is stated within the Convention and its Protocols, no specific schedule
exists for the Parties to submit their reports.
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· Lack of compliance by the Parties with respect to their reporting obligations. Submission of incomplete
reports and non-compliance with reporting periodicity. As no binding procedure exists, neither the
Parties nor the Secretariat are worried about compliance with the reporting obligations.
It is arguable that the two main difficulties facing the development of an environmental regional policy are the
lack of funds and reporting obligations. Much valuable work has been carried out but is underused in terms of
practical risk reduction impact due to the difficulties in establishing and maintaining a regional network of
active integrated assessment that works in an iterative manner relating monitoring, modelling, policy making
and compliance. Such processes have been established at a national and European scale and it should be a
priority to extend them to the Mediterranean region. The existence of such long term regular reporting practices
increases the value of the effort of all components and monitoring data are more valuable if they are useful for
modellers and models are more valuable if they are liked with users such as policy makers the public or
scientist doing the monitoring.
Monitoring and modelling will require much attention as both are necessary to estimate the emission of PTSs,
the pools of existing PTSs in the environment and their trends. Concerning modelling there is a task of
particular importance in terms of establishing better working communication between existing laboratory
chemical and toxicological information for PTSs and ecosystem and trophic web models. Recent work
(UN/ECE/LRTAP and WHO) has indicated that for most PTSs, excluding occupational or accidental sources,
the main exposure route is food for humans and wild life. Many models of terrestrial an marine ecosystems
exist but few have been adapted to simulate the flow and impact of PTSs in ecosystems and the human food
chain.
It should be underlined, at the end, that Information Technologies have a great potential for improving access
of users of different profiles (public, scientist, industry, policy, compliance monitors) to large amounts of
dispersed and diverse available information. A much more intense and effective relation between experts and
models, simulating different environmental components (such as chemical toxicological and epidemiological
/ecological/geophysical and transport models) or activity sectors (industry/transport/agriculture), will be needed
and such communication can be simplified with Machine Learning and Evolutionary Computing tools. Similar
current efforts should be spent to harness the information processing resources available in order to extract
"expert common sense" from available models and data for a particular problem or application.
5.6.2 Management
performance
It is obvious that the development of management structures and the implementation of national action plans
cannot take place under the same conditions in all countries. The southern countries of the region are those
facing major problems with regards to hazardous waste treatment capacities and safe handling of obsolete
stocks and, therefore, those primarily requiring external co-operation. The problem fully remains for the
treatment of organohalogen wastes, which have no recycling value and require major investments.
The conclusion, which may be drawn from this point, is that technologies for the treatment of industrial waste
that could be developed are those generating a local economic activity solely based on supply and demand.
Treatment technologies involving costs cannot be developed as long as they are not economically integrated in
production costs. It is therefore evident that any national action plan should be preceded by the establishment of
a pollutant release and transfer register. National and regional action plans should, therefore, consider the
following aspects:
· Development of a systemic approach for the global management of hazardous wastes.
· Extension of registers to production flows
· The issue of environmentally rational management of hazardous industrial waste
All environmental conventions have raised the problem of the treatment of industrial effluents generated by
producers or users of dangerous substances. There are three aspects, which are indivisibly linked to this issue
and which are often overlooked during the implementation of conventions: the Technology/Regulation links,
the Technology/Financing links and the Financing/Regulation links.
The search for solutions should therefore aim at a global approach which would integrate these three
parameters. Today, however, environmental conventions have been implemented according to a pattern that
does not take into consideration the close interrelation between them. It is therefore of primary importance to
encourage in each country the creation of working groups bringing together the national operators of the
different conventions, in order to integrate all the following aspects of the problem in a global manner:

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· Financial capacity
· Technological capacity
· Harmonisation of regulations
As a key element, national action plans should take into account each country's economic situation. In this
respect, the North/South financial responsibilities should be considered for an effective implementation of
environmental conventions in the southern countries.

The North/South pattern as it applies to the Mediterranean region
The large debate that has been opened focuses on the historic responsibility of Northern countries, which in the
absence of precautionary principles that did not exist at the time, have released substances on the market
without being yet aware of their characteristics of persistent pollutants or the by-products generated by their
thermal decomposition. It would be very difficult to convince them of the contrary, in the sense that it is
impossible to make them responsible of the absence of the precautionary principle when they purchased these
products in a situation of total technological dependence. For this reason, the financial instruments that should
be provided in order to allow the countries of the South to meet with their obligations need to take into account
the legitimate demands of the private sector in these countries.
In addition to the historic nature of these products, the increasingly more stringent environmental regulations in
industrialised countries compel private industries in these countries to relocate their production facilities in the
countries of the South and. in doing so, they also relocate emissions and transfer pollutants to these countries.
This is taking place within a globalisation context where trade activities are subject to deregulation rather than
regulation.
Definition of priority actions of National Plans
Experiences under way in the countries of the South demonstrate the difficulties that are associated with the
implementation of PTSs related MEAs. The main difficulty, unquestionably, resides in the absence of financial
instruments. In the face of this situation, priority measures should be adopted, based on cost/effectiveness
criteria.
A number of measures, which meet these cost/effectiveness criteria, could be outlined as follows:
· Institutional capacity building in individual countries.
· Introduce in national environmental regulations, as a priority, the obligation to declare possession
and/or use of dangerous substances which cause emissions and transfers.
· Control and reduction of waste at source. This is normally the case for dioxins.
· Promote non-polluting technologies.
· Develop containment facilities before disposal. This applies in particular to pesticides and PCBs.
· Management of obsolete stocks
5.7 REFERENCES
Besri, M. (2000) Alternatives to methyl bromide for preplant protected cultivation of vegetables in the Mediterranean
developing countries.
CEC (1999). Progressive Pest Management. Controlling pesticides and implementing IPM. DG VIII, CEC.
Golik A. and N. Rosenberg (1987). Quantitative evaluation of beach strand tar ball by means of air photographs Mar. Poll.
Bulletin, Vol. 18 pp. 289-293
Loizides L. (1994) Oil Pollution of the seawaters and coastal waters in Cyprus. In: International Symposium on Pollution
of the Mediterranean, Nicosia Nov. 1994, pp. 132-140
Macià, V. (2002). Presentation at the UNEP Regional Priority Setting Meeting. Barcelona, June 2002.
Mee L.D., M. Horvat and J.P. Villeneuve (1994). Data quality review for MEDPOL: Nineteen years of progress, MAP
Technical Series No. 81, UNEP/MAP, Athens (Greece), 66 pp.
Öberg, T. (2002). Replacement of PCBs and HCB. The Swedish Experience (www.tomasoberg.com).
UNEP (1986). Co-ordinated Mediterranean pollution monitoring and research programme (MEDPOL ­ Phase I). Final
Report, 1975-1980. MAP Technical Series No. 9, UNEP/MAP, Athens (Greece), 276 pp.
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UNEP (1999a). MEDPOL Phase III. Programme for the assessment and control of pollution in the Mediterranean region.
MAP Technical Series No. 120, UNEP/MAP, Athens (Greece), 179 pp.
UNEP (1999b). Guidelines for the identification of PCBs and materials containing PCBs. UNEP Chemicals, Geneva,
Switzerland. 34 pp.
WWF Toxics Programme (2000). www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/toxics/
what_we_do/educating/tbt_alternatives.cfm.

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6 CONCLUSIONS
6.1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE BARRIERS
The wide variation in political and economic systems as well as historic differences has led to great
discrepancies in the level of development between Mediterranean countries. The highly developed industrial
countries in the North (e.g. France, Italy and Spain) and countries on the way to become industrialised (e.g.
Greece and Turkey) stand in stark contrast to the countries in the south. The large spread between the northern-
rim and the southern- and eastern-rim nations is also reflected in other indicators such as the public expenditure
on health and education, the life expectancy at birth and the adult illiteracy rate. On the other hand, the northern
countries are, in general, disbursing official development assistance to third countries not necessarily in the
region, whereas those in the south are primarily receivers.
These differences have significant implications for the establishment of environmental standards in the
countries of the Region because there is a clear relationship between GDP, expenditure in education and the
application of environmental control and environmental management. Countries that cannot satisfy the basic
needs of their citizens cannot afford to digress into environmental management systems and these are only
applied once a certain GDP threshold is attained.
This socio-economic context has also important consequences when addressing the potential technology
transfer issues. Proper technology transfer opportunities can be created by making emphasis on education,
social and environmental awareness and through the creation of long-term networks of scientific and technical
collaboration between the countries of the Region. At the same time, the opportunities created by the increased
internationalisation of the markets have to be monitored by the public administrations of the receiving
countries, as well as by the rest of stakeholders, so that the environmental standards are kept throughout the
process. It is clear that the northern countries bear much of the responsibility of the actions taken, or not taken,
today and over the past two centuries that shape the present state and delineate the future.
In spite of the diverse socio-economic development in the Region many of the countries share quite ancient
cultural roots. In this cultural heritage the environment never played a relevant role, mainly because basic
resources have been abundant to the primitive populations of the Region prior to the industrial era and the
associated migrations. In this context, many Mediterranean countries lack at present adequate capacities and
capabilities to achieve sound management of persistent toxic substances. These include:
· Inadequate institutional capabilities to manage PTSs in particular and toxic and hazardous waste in
general.
· Inadequate legal framework for the proper management of chemicals and the implementation and
enforcement of regulations for industrial and consumer hazardous substances.
· Inadequate technical capabilities to assess the potential toxicity and to control the nature and purity of
imported or domestically produced chemicals.
· The handling of chemicals is normally done by poorly informed or trained personnel, especially
operators in SMEs.
· Lack of capabilities to cope with chemical accidents, including the subsequent rehabilitation of the
environment.
· There are not sufficient guidelines for labelling, packaging, handling, transport, and storage of these
products.
· There is a lack of adequate management system and facilities for treatment and disposal of hazardous
wastes.
· And more importantly most of the countries of the Region have no access to the adequate financial
resources to support various activities for a proper management of PTSs.
There is a very low public awareness and education on the issues of PTSs and consequently no political driving
force to amend the issue.
There are also many barriers, especially in developing countries, from the standpoint of the adoption of
alternative technologies. Some of the alternatives are simply more expensive both in price and in the resources
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required to apply them compared to the older more hazardous compounds. Some alternatives are believed to be
more acutely toxic to the applicator than the PTSs and, therefore, more hazardous to the individual, thus adding
a human health cost dimension.
Other barriers to adoption include education and training. Education and training on both the older compounds
as well as the possible alternatives are necessary for everyone in the consumer chain including the individual
users and vendors.
The infrastructure and regulations that are needed to manage the use of pesticides, as well as educate and train
individuals in the use of possible alternatives is not fully developed in most of the countries of the Region. The
regulatory structure that most of the developing countries of the Region have adopted is based on the developed
countries regulatory structure. This structure is often not adaptable or appropriate to the particular socio-
economical situation in the developing country. In addition, both financial and human resources needed to
make such structures function effectively are often insufficient. Once a regulatory system is in place compatible
with the resources available, then the gradual elimination of older and hazardous compounds can be initiated.
Priority to the implementation of alternative technologies should be given to the PTSs which entail a larger risk
to the Regional environment. For those compounds, pilot projects should be initiated to disseminate the use of
alternative technologies and/or compounds.
6.2 PRIORITY PTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE REGION
The issues identified here are the result of the information collected and reported in the previous chapters of the
report and of the "scoring exercise" performed by the experts participating in the Regional Workshops (Annex
I). The experts were supposed to score the chemicals to be assessed from 0 to 2, for the different sections of the
report (sources, levels, effects and gaps), depending on whether they were of no concern (0), of local concern
(1), and of regional concern (2). The synopsis of the results from this exercise gives an overview of the various
aspects of the occurrence of PTSs within the Region. Nevertheless, precaution should be taken when looking at
this dataset as a basis to prioritise PTSs and hence to orientate future research and actions. In fact, judgements
expressed by the experts necessarily reflect their specific experience and their knowledge/perception of the
problems, also on a Country basis. Moreover, restrictions inherent to the scoring system itself may not
adequately weigh Country based, field-specific information, this possibly resulting in misleading conclusions.
Table 6.1 summarises the responses provided by experts from 18 countries, organised by categories (regional
concern, local concern and no concern). Obviously, a low score may imply either the chemical is of low
concern or there is a data gap preventing any assessment. For example, the Mediterranean EU countries,
Croatia and the FR of Yugoslavia have, in general, a rather acceptable knowledge of the different issues
(sources, levels, ecotoxicological and human effects) for chlorinated pesticides, PCBs and dioxins/furans, since
the experts gave scores "0-1" for the data gaps and "1-2" for the weight of the concern arisen from their
presence in the environment. This was also the case with the southern countries of the region for chlorinated
pesticides, which were scored "1" as well as the data gaps, but scored "2" most of the other compounds
because the lack of data.
Sources: In general, organochlorine pesticides were scored with "0" based on the fact that the use and import of
these compounds is already banned in most countries of the region. However, DDT and HCHs were scored
with "l" because of the existing stocks and illegal use in some countries. For dioxins and furans, most experts
identified a data gap, although their appraisal was based on the usual sources in other countries. Hence, they
were scored with "1-2". For some compounds, such as organomercury, PBB/PBDE, endosulfan, phthalates and
alkylphenols, the scores emphasised a lack of data.
Environmental levels: In general, organochlorine pesticides were scored with "0", excluding DDTs and HCHs
that wer scored with "1", based on the levels detected in different compartments. However, some countries,
especially in Eastern and Southern Mediterranean, noticed the absence of regular monitoring programmes for
these compounds as an important data gap. This was also the case of dioxins and furans. Similar to the scoring
of sources, organometallic compounds, PBB/PBDE, endosulfan, phthalates, alkylphenols and PCP, were only
evaluated by a few experts because of the lack of data.
Ecotoxicological and human effects: The scoring presented in Table 6.1 reflects primarily the existence of
important data gaps for most compounds.
In summary, industrial PTSs including PCBs and dioxins/furans are of Regional concern with respect to their
sources and their potential effect on humans. PCBs are ubiquitous in the Mediterranean region and the status of

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their management is not satisfactory. This would indicate that the measured constant temporal trends are the
result of the widespread distribution of the sources in the Region and the lack of control about PCBs stocks.
Dioxins and furans continue to pose a Regional threat because of the lack of proper control in combustion
facilities and their generation from garbage combustion.
Pesticides are perceived mainly as local scale problems, although their environmental levels in the Region are
quite homogeneous. DDTs, HCHs and HCB remain a perceived regional problem although the environmental
levels indicate a decreasing trend in all vectors and compartments. Other chlorinated pesticides (i.e., "drins",
mirex,...) are categorised of no concern. In fact, mirex and toxaphene have not been used in the region.
The extent and spread of the use of detergents in the Region would indicate that alkylethoxylates could
constitute a Regional scale problem but proper data is lacking. The same occurs with other PTSs, like
phthalates, PBDEs, PCP and organometallic compounds.
Finally, the chronic pollution by the ubiquitous PAHs has been recognised as a problem that needs to be
addressed locally.
Table 6.1. Scoring results of the regionally assessed PTSs, organised by categories
(regional concern, local concern and no concern).

Sources
Environ. levels
Ecotox. effects
Human effects
Regional concern
PCBs
----
----
dioxins & furans
(score 2)
dioxins&furans
Local concern
DDT
DDT
DDT
DDT
(score 1)
HCB
HCB
HCB
HCB
HCHs
PCBs
PCBs
PCBs
PCP*
dioxins&furans
dioxins&furans
org. mercury
PAHs
HCHs
HCHs
compds.
org. mercury compds.*
PCP*
PAHs
org. tin compds.
PAHs
org. mercury compds.
PBB/PBDE*
org. mercury compds.*
org. tin compds.
phthalates*
org. tin compds.

endosulfan*
PBB/PBDE*
alkylphenols*
phthalates*

endosulfan*
alkylphenols*
No concern
"drins"
"drins"
"drins"
"drins"
(score 0)
heptachlor
heptachlor
heptachlor
heptachlor
chlordane
chlordane
chlordane
chlordane
mirex
mirex
mirex
mirex
toxaphene
toxaphene
toxaphene
toxaphene
PCP*
HCHs*
phthalates*
PCP*
endosulfan*
PAHs*
alkylphenols*
org. tin compds*

phthalates*
endosulfan*
alkylphenols*
* Limited concern due to lack of data

Besides these general conclusions, some specific hot spots deserving priority attention have been identified.
The list is intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. Some of them have already been described in
section 3.5.
The elimination of stockpiles of obsolete PTSs and the remediation of abandoned chemical storage facilities
existing in all countries, and many of them not inventoried, is one of the first priorities for action. These exist in
Albania (Durres), the FYR of Macedonia (Skopje), Algeria (Ain Temouchent, Alger, Mustaganem, Sidi bel
Abbas, Tizi Ouzou, Mascara, Tipaza, etc), Syria (Hama), Morocco, Lybia, just to mention a few.
Another priority area concerns the groundwater pollution by PCBs of the karstic region of Eastern Adriatic,
due to inadequate landfilling or accidents. This encompass Slovenia (Semic town, Krupa, Lahinja and Kupa
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rivers), Croatia (the coastal area of Zadar and the River Dubrovacka), FR Yugoslavia (Kragujevac area), etc. In
this respect, comprehensive monitoring programs should be adopted. Compounds of regional concern are
PAHs, PCBs, DDT, HCHs and HCB.
In relation with the cases reported above, the exposure of the population living in these highly contaminated
areas and in their surroundings should be worth to be fully characterised.
Localised inputs of PTSs have been identified from freshwater discharges in coastal areas but they have neither
been quantified nor risk assessed. First, a correct estimate of PTSs loads of the major rivers of the region (e.g.
Seine, Rhône, Po and Nile estuaries) is needed. Second, the environmental quality of some coastal enclosures
(e.g. Izmit and Iskenderun Bays, Thermaikos Gulf, Sfax Bay, Venice Lagoon, etc.) with respect to PTSs loads
should be categorised.
Sewage outfalls from highly industrialised and populated cities such as Marseille, Barcelona, Naples, Nice,
Genova, Alexandria and Algiers, as well as inland waters (e.g. Po, Ebro, Llobregat, Rhone, Seine, Nile, Sava,
Kupa, etc.) and waste waters from representative sewage treatment plants should be fully characterised.
The atmospheric compartment is one of the less studied in the region, and measurements are not really
representative for a global assessment. Therefore, comprehensive monitoring programs in rural and urban areas
should be adopted. Compounds of regional concern are dioxins/furans, PCBs, HCHs, HCB and PAHs.
Finally, field work for improving the modelling of long-range transport and transformation of PTSs over the
Mediterranean Sea should be highly encouraged.
6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES
In order to tackle the problems documented previously the following technical, institutional, social and
economical recommendations are formulated. Some of these recommendations are region-specific, while others
are valid for all regions. Also, some are particular to the management of PTSs, while others are more general
challenges to regional co-operation that have important implications for hazardous substances management, as
well. In particular, five major inter-connected challenges are addressed. It is foreseen that the development is
done depending on the priorities and needs identified by each of the countries of the Region.
6.3.1 Monitoring and data reporting
· A more strong and co-ordinated effort is needed to identify and survey sources, stocks and reservoirs of
PTSs in the Region. This should be a first priority and a substantial part of any monitoring programme.
· It is important to generate the relevant data related to control of PTSs release into inland waters, sea, air
and soil and information on polluted or contaminated sites.
· Monitoring of potential health consequences of PTSs mismanagement in the Region should also be a
priority.
· To achieve the above mentioned goals, national monitoring programmes need to be implemented and
co-ordinated through the existing regional monitoring programmes. Monitoring programs should
include standardised sampling and analytical methods (QC/QA procedures) to improve comparability.
· Concurrently, there is also the need to establish national and internationally accredited laboratories to
assist the monitoring institutions in the development of quality assurance systems. An integral part of
PTSs management is the establishment of database systems within modern information technologies.
· The importance of reporting obligations for the assessment of the situation and its changes over time
and for the monitoring of compliance and progress in approaching the declared objectives need to be
highlighted in any national monitoring plan.
6.3.2 Technical
· Once the existing PTSs inventories are truly identified a key priority is the safe storage and subsequent
disposal and re-use of PTSs in the Region. Stockpiles of PCBs and obsolete pesticides should constitute
the objective of co-ordinated management efforts, technology transfer and international collaboration.
· There is a need to establish a central reserve of expertise, which could co-ordinate and actively manage
the generation of data to establish emission inventories.

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· It would be useful to stress the importance of adopting cleaner production processes. These
include; good housekeeping procedures, toxic waste minimisation, more efficient use raw materials,
substitution of toxic substances by less toxic or less concentrated alternatives and when this is inevitable
proper handling and management of toxic wastes. The resources available through the RAC/CP and
other regional activity centres should be used to promote cleaner alternative processes that exclude the
generation of PTSs.
· Multinational corporations involved in the origin of the PTSs mismanagement problem: electrical
companies, oil producers and shippers, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, etc., that operate at a
Regional scale should play a proactive role in the technology transfer and educational issues as part of
their Social Corporate Programmes.
6.3.3 Institutional and legal frameworks
· The Basel convention should be properly enforced to exclude the illegal transfer of obsolete pesticide
and PCBs stocks between the countries of the Region.
· Update the present legislation on import/export, GATT agreements should include the required
monitoring and enforcement according to the Stockholm and Barcelona Conventions.
· The countries of the Region should be encouraged to ratify related MEAs such as Stockholm and
Barcelona convention.
· The enforcement of reporting obligations for the assessment of the situation and its changes over time
and for the monitoring of compliance and progress in approaching the declared objectives should be a
key consequence of the application of the relevant conventions.
· There is a need to strengthen the co-ordination and co-operation between transnational, regional,
national and local administrations actively involved in the management of PTSs in order to avoid
overlapping responsibilities.
· It is necessary to further develop the co-ordination activities between the various MEAs secretariat at
regional levels to ensure proper harmonisation.
6.3.4 Public
awareness
· It is necessary to integrate the diverse contamination issues for different educational levels in order to
raise the general environmental and scientific literacy and promoting public awareness including the
collective attitude towards municipal and industrial waste management.
· It is very important to strengthen the role of NGOs at regional and national levels. This would ensure an
effective dissemination of information to the public
· Develop the education and training programme of cleaner production concepts that could be co-
ordinated by the RAC/CP.
· Preparation and dissemination of relevant PTSs management information in the languages of the
Region.
6.3.5 Financial
· The development of national economic instruments to support the financial requirements for the proper
management of PTSs, particularly in the least affluent States of the region.
· Initiate contacts and co-operation with regional and international funding institutions to develop and
support financial assistance programmes in the Mediterranean countries facing difficulties in handling
and disposing stock piles of PTSs. There is still a high need for more comprehensive capacity building
efforts in these countries that will require financial resources.
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ANNEX I LIST OF PARTICIPANTS TO TECHNICAL MEETINGS
i. First Regional Workshop on Assessment of PTSs sources and concentrations in the
environment (4-6 February 2002, Athens, Greece)

Fouad ABOUSAMRA
Maria J. GONZALEZ
UNEP/MAP
CSIC
Athens, Greece
fouad@unepmap.gr

Madrid, Spain

mariche@iqog.csic.es

Joan ALBAIGES
Jean Louis GONZALEZ
CID-CSIC
IFREMER
Barcelona, Spain
albqam@cid.csic.es
Toulon, France
Jean.Louis.Gonzalez@ifremer.fr
Triantafyllos ALBANIS
Aldo IACOMELLI
University of Ioannina
Ministry of Environment
Ioannina, Greece
talbanis@cc.uoi.gr
Rome, Italy

iacomelli.aldo@minambiente.
Michalis ANGELIDIS
Durdane KOLANKAYA
University of the Aegean
University of Hacettepe
Mytilene, Greece
magel@aegean.gr

Ankara, Turkey
durdane@hacettepe.edu.tr
Assem BARAKAT
Blanca KRAUTHACKER
University of Alexandria
Inst. for Medical Research and Occupational Health
Alexandria, Egypt abarakat@dataxprs.com.eg
Zagreb, Croatia
bkrautha@imi.hr
Jordi BRUNO
Antonio MARCOMINI
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
University of Venice
Barcelona, Spain Jordi.Bruno@upc.es

Venice, Italy

marcom@unive.it
Saverio CIVILI
Ana M. MASTRAL
UNEP/MAP
CSIC
Athens, Greece
fscivili@unepmap.gr

Zaragoza, Spain
amastral@carbon.icb.csic.es
Marc CHEVREUIL
Jean-François NARBONNE
Univ. P. et M. Curie
University of Bordeaux I
Paris, France

chevreui@biogeodis.jussieu.fr
Talence, France jf.narbonne@lptc.u-bordeaux.fr
Elena DE FELIP
Mladen PICER
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Institute Rudjer Boskovic
Rome, Italy

defelip@iss.it

Zagreb, Croatia
picer@rudjer.irb.hr

Jordi DIAZ
Michael SCOULLOS
Institut Quimic de Sarria
University of Athens
Barcelona,
Spain
jdiaz@iqs.es
Athens, Greece
mio-ee-env@ath.forthnet.gr
Regis FARRET
Paula VIANA
INERIS
Insituto do Ambiente
Paris, France

Regis.Farret@ineris.fr

Amadora, Portugal paula.viana@dga.min-amb.pt

Ana FERREIRA
Mirjana VOJINOVIC
IPIMAR
University of Novi Sad
Lisbon, Portugal
amfer@ipimar.pt
Novi Sad, FR Yugoslavia miloradov@uns.ns.ac.yu
Silvano FOCARDI
Paul WHYLIE
University of Siena
Project manager
Siena, Italy

focardi@unisi.it
UNEP Chemicals
Gabriel GABRIELIDES
Geneve, Switzerland
PWhylie@unep.ch
Ministry of Environment
Uri ZOLLER
Cyprus
ggabriel@cytanet.com.cy University of Haifa
Silvana GALASSI
Tivon, Israel

uriz@research.haifa.ac.il
University of Insubria,
Como, Italy

silvana.galassi@unimib.it
ii. Second Regional Workshop on Assessment of (eco)toxicological impact of PTSs and
transboundary transport (3-5 April 2002, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy)
Fouad ABOUSAMRA
Laila MASSOUH

136

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UNEP/MAP
University of Damascus
Athens, Greece
fouad@unepmap.gr
Damascus, Syria
randoush@netcourrier.com
Joan ALBAIGES
Stella MICHAELIDOU
CID-CSIC
State General Laboratory
Barcelona, Spain
albqam@cid.csic.es
Nicosia, Cyprus
stellacm@spidernet.com.cy
Mahmoud AMR
M. MILLAN
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Mediterranean Centre of Environmental Studies
Cairo, Egypt

m.m.amr@excite.com
Valencia, Spain
millan@ceam.es
Assem BARAKAT
Roberto MINIERO
University of Alexandria
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Alexandria, Egypt
abarakat@dataxprs.com.eg
Roma, Italy

roberto.miniero@iss.it
Sylvain BINTEIN
Abdellatif MOUKRIM
Ministère de l'Aménagement du territoire et de
Université Ibn Zohr d'Agadir,
l'environnement
Agadir, Morocco
moukrim@nomade.fr
Paris, France
sylvain.bintein@environnement.gouv.fr Jean-François NARBONNE
Jordi BRUNO
University of Bordeaux I
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Talence, France jf.narbonne@lptc.u-bordeaux.fr
Barcelona, Spain Jordi.Bruno@upc.es

Mladen PICER
Alessandro di DOMENICO
Institute Rudjer Boskovic
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Zagreb, Croatia
picer@rudjer.irb.hr

Roma, Italy

addeke@iss.it
Miquel PORTA
Elena DE FELIP
IMIM
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Barcelona, Spain
mporta@IMIM.es
Rome,
Italy
defelip@iss.it

Louis-Alexandre ROMANA
Jordi DIAZ
IFREMER
Institut Quimic de Sarria
Toulon, France
Axel.Romana@ifremer.fr
Barcelona, Spain
jdiaz@iqs.es

Euripides STEPHANOU
Sergey DUTCHAK
University of Crete
MSC-E of EMEP
Heraklion, Greece stephanou@chemistry.uch.gr
Moscow, Russia
sergey.dutchak@msceast.org
Vesna TERNIFI
Nur ERGIN
Ministry of Health
Poison Research Centre
Ljubljana, Slovenia
vesna.ternifi@gov.si
Ankara, Turkey zehir@saglik.gov.tr
Emanuela TESTAI
Ramon GUARDANS
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
CIEMAT (on leave)
Roma, Italy

testai@iss.it
Madrid, Spain
ramon.guardans@soundplots.com

Federico VALERIO
Dr. Aldo IACOMELLI
IST, University of Genova
Ministry of Environment
Genova, Italy

valerio@hp380.ist.unige.it
Rome, Italy

iacomelli.aldo@minambiente.it Luigi VIGANÒ
Janja JAN
Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque CNR
University of Ljubljana
Brugherio (Milan), Italy vigano@irsa.rm.cnr.it
Ljubljana, Slovenia
janja.jan@mf.uni-lj.si
Eric VINDIMIAN
Kevin C. JONES
INERIS
University of Lancaster
Paris, France

eric.vindimian@ineris.fr
Lancaster, UK
k.c.jones@lancaster.ac.uk
Aysen YILMAZ
George KALLOS
Institute of Marine Sciences
University of Athens
Erdemli-Icel, Turkey
yilmaz@ims.metu.edu.tr
Athens, Greece
kallos@mg.uoa.gr
Paul WHYLIE
Naji KODEIH
Project manager
Ministry of Environment
UNEP Chemicals
Lebanon, Lebanon
nkodeih@moe.gov.lb
Geneve, Switzerland
PWhylie@unep.ch
iii. Priority Setting Meeting (26-28 June 2002, Barcelona, Spain)


In addition to the Regional Team, the list of participants is
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as follows:
Amel JRAD

CITET
Nageh AKEEL
Tunis, Tunisia

labo@citet.nat.tn
Royal Scientific Sociey
Amman Jordan
nageh@rss.gov.jo
Alia KASKAS
Ministry of Environment
Adib AL-MARSY
Antelias, Lebanon
a.kaskas@moe.gov.lb
Ministry of Environment
Damascus, Syria
env-min@net.sy
Nilgun KIRAN CILIZ
Bogazici University
Michalis ANGELIDIS
Istambul, Turkey
cilizn@boun.edu.tr
University of the Aegean
Mytilene, Greece
magel@aegean.gr
Durdane KOLANKAYA
University of Hacettepe
Alamir BARKAHOUM
Ankara, Turkey
durdane@hacettepe.edu.tr
Hôpital de Bab El Qued
Alger, Algeria
cnt@ibnsina.ands.dz
Josep Enric LLEBOT
IEC
Estefania BLOUNT
Barcelona, Spain
ellebot@iec.es
CCOO
Madrid, Spain
eblount@istas.ccoo.es
Alberto MARCOLINO
Ministry of Environment
Stella CANNA-MICHAELIDOU
Lisbon, Portugal
alberto.marcolino@iambiente.pt
State General Laboratory
Nicosia, Cyprus
stellacm@spidernet.com.cy
Victor MASIA
Regional Clean Production Centre
Emilija CUPEVA
Barcelona, Spain
cleanpro@cema-sa.org
Ministry of Environment
Skopje, FYR Macedonia ema-cupeva@yahoo.com
Marko NOTAR
National Chemical Bureau
Marc CHEVREUIL
Ljubljana, Slovenia
marko.notar@ljubljana.si
Univ. P. et M. Curie
Paris, France

chevreui@biogeodis.jussieu.fr
Andreas PATSIAS
Department of Agriculture
Xavier DURAN
Nicosia, Ciprus
doagrg@cytanet.com.cy
TV3
Barcelona, Spain
xduranl@tvcatalunya.com
Anton PIZZUTO
Cleaner Technology Centre
Nur ERGIN
Malta
apizzuto@arts.um.edu.mt
Poison Research Centre
Ankara , Turkey
nurerg@yahoo.com
Miquel PORTA
IMIM
Régis FARRET
Barcelona, Spain
mporta@ IMIM.ES
INERIS
Paris, France

Regis.Farret@ineris.fr
Arseen SEYS
CEFIC/EUROCHLOR
Ramon GUARDANS
Brussels, Belgium
ase@cefic.be
Madrid, Spain
ramon.guardans@soundplots.com

Adrian VECINO
Snjezana HERCEG ROMANIC
Ministry of Environment
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health
Madrid, Spain

adrian.vecino@sgcips.mma.es
Zagreb, Croacia
sherceg@imi.hr
Mirjana VOJINOVIC-MILORADOV
Mateo JAUME
University of Novi Sad
ANE EUROCHLOR
Novi Sad, FR Yugoslavia miloradov@uns.ns.ac.yu
Barcelona, Spain
mateo.jaume@solvay.com
Gilly ZIMAND
Eric JOVER
Ministry of Environment
Consultant
Israel
giliz@environment.gov.il
Andorra
ejcqam@iiqab.csic.es
Adnan ZAWAHREH

ZEPD

Amman, Jordan
Zawahreh2001@yahoo.com




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ANNEX II GENERAL DEFINITIONS OF PTS
i. Pesticides
Aldrin
Chemical Name: 1,2,3,4,10,10-Hexachloro-1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-1,4-endo,exo-5,8-dimethanonaphthalene
(C12H8Cl6). CAS Number: 309-00-2
Properties: Solubility in water: 27 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 2.3 x 10-5 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW: 5.17-
7.4.
Discovery/Uses: It has been manufactured commercially since 1950, and used throughout the world up to the
early 1970s to control soil pests such as corn rootworm, wireworms, rice water weevil, and grasshoppers. It has
also been used to protect wooden structures from termites.
Persistence/Fate: Readily metabolised to dieldrin by both plants and animals. Biodegradation is expected to be
slow and it binds strongly to soil particles, and is resistant to leaching into groundwater. Aldrin was classified
as moderately persistent with half-life in soil and surface waters ranging from 20 days to 1.6 years.
Toxicity: Aldrin is toxic to humans; the lethal dose for an adult has been estimated to be about 80 mg/kg body
weight. The acute oral LD50 in laboratory animals is in the range of 33 mg/kg body weight for guinea pigs to
320 mg/kg body weight for hamsters. The toxicity of aldrin to aquatic organisms is quite variable, with aquatic
insects being the most sensitive group of invertebrates. The 96-h LC50 values range from 1-200 µg/L for
insects, and from 2.2-53 µg/L for fish. The maximum residue limits in food recommended by FAO/WHO
varies from 0.006 mg/kg milk fat to 0.2 mg/kg meat fat. Water quality criteria between 0.1 to 180 µg/L have
been published.
Dieldrin
Chemical Name: 1,2,3,4,10,10-Hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydroexo-1,4-endo-5,8-
dimethanonaphthalene (C12H8Cl6O). CAS Number: 60-57-1
Properties: Solubility in water: 140 µg/L at 20°C; vapour pressure: 1.78 x 10-7 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW:
3.69-6.2.Discovery/Uses: It appeared in 1948 after World War II and used mainly for the control of soil insects
such as corn rootworms, wireworms and catworms.
Persistence/Fate: It is highly persistent in soils, with a half-life of 3-4 years in temperate climates, and
bioconcentrates in organisms. The persistence in air has been estimated in 4-40 hrs.
Toxicity: The acute toxicity for fish is high (LC50 between 1.1 and 41 mg/L) and moderate for mammals (LD50
in mouse and rat ranging from 40 to 70 mg/kg body weight). However, a daily administration of 0.6 mg/kg to
rabbits adversely affected the survival rate. Aldrin and dieldrin mainly affect the central nervous system but
there is no direct evidence that they cause cancer in humans. The maximum residue limits in food
recommended by FAO/WHO varies from 0.006 mg/kg milk fat and 0.2 mg/kg poultry fat. Water quality
criteria between 0.1 to 18 µg/L have been published.
Endrin
Chemical Name: 3,4,5,6,9,9-Hexachloro-1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-2,7:3,6-dimethanonaphth[2,3-
b]oxirene (C12H8Cl6O). CAS Number: 72-20-8
Properties: Solubility in water: 220-260 µg/L at 25 °C; vapour pressure: 2.7 x 10-7 mm Hg at 25°C; log KOW:
3.21-5.34Discovery/Uses: It has been used since the 50s against a wide range of agricultural pests, mostly on
cotton but also on rice, sugar cane, maize and other crops. It has also been used as a rodenticide.
Persistence/Fate: Is highly persistent in soils (half-lives of up to 12 years have been reported in some cases).
Bioconcentration factors of 14 to 18000 have been recorded in fish, after continuous exposure.
Toxicity: Endrin is very toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and phytoplankton; the LC50 values are mostly less
than 1 µg/L. The acute toxicity is high in laboratory animals, with LD50 values of 3-43 mg/kg, and a dermal
LD50 of 5-20 mg/kg in rats. Long term toxicity in the rat has been studied over two years and a NOEL of 0.05
mg/kg bw/day was found.
Chlordane
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Chemical Name: 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-Octachloro-2,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydro-4,7-methanoindene (C10H6Cl8). CAS
Number: 57-74-9
Properties: Solubility in water: 56 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 0.98 x 10-5 mm Hg at 25 °C; log KOW: 4.58-
5.57.
Discovery/Uses: Chlordane appeared in 1945 and was used primarily as an insecticide for control of
cockroaches, ants, termites, and other household pests. Technical chlordane is a mixture of at least 120
compounds. Of these, 60-75% are chlordane isomers, the remainder being related to endo-compounds including
heptachlor, nonachlor, Diels-Alder adduct of cyclopentadiene and penta/hexa/octachlorocyclopentadienes.
Persistence/Fate: Chlordane is highly persistent in soils with a half-life of about 4 years. Its persistence and
high partition coefficient promotes binding to aquatic sediments and bioconcentration in organisms.
Toxicity: LC50 from 0.4 mg/L (pink shrimp) to 90 mg/L (rainbow trout) have been reported for aquatic
organisms. The acute toxicity for mammals is moderate with an LD50 in rat of 200-590 mg/kg body weight
(19.1 mg/kg body weight for oxychlordane). The maximum residue limits for chlordane in food are, according
to FAO/WHO between 0.002 mg/kg milk fat and 0.5 mg/kg poultry fat. Water quality criteria of 1.5 to 6 µg/L
have been published. Chlordane has been classified as a substance for which there is evidence of endocrine
disruption in an intact organism and possible carcinogenicity to humans.
Heptachlor
Chemical Name: 1,4,5,6,7,8,8-Heptachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene (C10H5Cl7). CAS
Number: 76-44-8
Properties: Solubility in water: 180 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 0.3 x 10-5 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW: 4.4-
5.5.
Production/Uses: Heptachlor is used primarily against soil insects and termites, but also against cotton insects,
grasshoppers, and malaria mosquitoes. Heptachlor epoxide is a more stable breakdown product of heptachlor.
Persistence/Fate: Heptachlor is metabolised in soils, plants and animals to heptachlor epoxide, which is more
stable in biological systems and is carcinogenic. The half-life of heptachlor in soil is in temperate regions 0.75
­ 2 years. Its high partition coefficient provides the necessary conditions for bioconcentrating in organisms.
Toxicity: The acute toxicity of heptachlor to mammals is moderate (LD50 values between 40 and 119 mg/kg
have been published). The toxicity to aquatic organisms is higher and LC50 values down to 0.11 µg/L have been
found for pink shrimp. Limited information is available on the effects in humans and studies are inconclusive
regarding heptachlor and cancer. The maximum residue levels recommended by FAO/WHO are between 0.006
mg/kg milk fat and 0.2 mg/kg meat or poultry fat.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)
Chemical Name: 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethane (C14H9Cl5). CAS Number: 50-29-3.
Properties: Solubility in water: 1.2-5.5 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 0.2 x 10-6 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW:
6.19 for pp'-DDT, 5.5 for pp'-DDD and 5.7 for pp'-DDE.
Discovery/Use: DDT appeared for use during World War II to control insects that spread diseases like malaria,
dengue fever and typhus. Following this, it was widely used on a variety of agricultural crops. The technical
product is a mixture of about 85% pp'-DDT and 15% op'-DDT isomers.
Persistence/Fate: DDT is highly persistent in soils with a half-life of up to 15 years and of 7 days in air. It also
exhibits high bioconcentration factors (in the order of 50000 for fish and 500000 for bivalves). In the
environment, the product is metabolised mainly to DDD and DDE.
Toxicity: The lowest dietary concentration of DDT reported to cause egg shell thinning was 0.6 mg/kg for the
black duck. LC50 of 1.5 mg/L for largemouth bass and 56 mg/L for guppy have been reported. The acute
toxicity of DDT for mammals is moderate with an LD50 in rat of 113-118 mg/kg body weight. DDT has been
shown to have an estrogen-like activity, and possible carcinogenic activity in humans. The maximum residue
level in food recommended by WHO/FAO range from 0.02 mg/kg milk fat to 5 mg/kg meat fat. Maximum
permissible DDT residue levels in drinking water (WHO) is 1.0 µg/L.
Toxaphene
Chemical Name: Polychlorinated bornanes and camphenes (C10H10Cl8). CAS Number: 8001-35-2

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Properties: Solubility in water: 550 µg/L at 20°C; vapour pressure: 3.3 x 10-5 mm Hg at 25°C; log KOW : 3.23-
5.50.
Discovery/Uses: Toxaphene has been in use since 1949 as a nonsystemic insecticide with some acaricidal
activity, primarily on cotton, cereal grains fruits, nuts and vegetables. It was also used to control livestock
ectoparasites such as lice, flies, ticks, mange, and scab mites. The technical product is a complex mixture of
over 300 congeners, containing 67-69% chlorine by weight.
Persistence/Fate: Toxaphene has a half life in soil from 100 days up to 12 years. It has been shown to
bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms (BCF of 4247 in mosquito fish and 76000 in brook trout).
Toxicity: Toxaphene is highly toxic in fish, with 96-hour LC50 values in the range of 1.8 µg/L in rainbow trout
to 22 µg/L in bluegill. Long term exposure to 0.5 µg/L reduced egg viability to zero. The acute oral toxicity is
in the range of 49 mg/kg body weight in dogs to 365 mg/kg in guinea pigs. In long term studies NOEL in rats
was 0.35 mg/kg bw/day, LD50 ranging from 60 to 293 mg/kg bw. For toxaphene exists a strong evidence of the
potential for endocrine disruption. Toxaphene is carcinogenic in mice and rats and is of carcinogenic risk to
humans, with a cancer potency factor of 1.1 mg/kg/day for oral exposure.
Mirex
Chemical Name: 1,1a,2,2a,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b,6-Dodecachloroacta-hydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-
cyclobuta[cd]pentalene (C10Cl12). CAS Number: 2385-85-5
Properties: Solubility in water: 0.07 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 3 x 10-7 mm Hg at 25°C; log KOW: 5.28.
Discovery/Uses: The use in pesticide formulations started in the mid 1950s largely focused on the control of
ants. It is also a fire retardant for plastics, rubber, paint, paper and electrical goods. Technical grade
preparations of mirex contain 95.19% mirex and 2.58% chlordecone, the rest being unspecified. Mirex is also
used to refer to bait comprising corncob grits, soya bean oil, and mirex.
Persistence/Fate: Mirex is considered to be one of the most stable and persistent pesticides, with a half-life is
soils of up to 10 years. Bioconcentration factors of 2600 and 51400 have been observed in pink shrimp and
fathead minnows, respectively. It is capable of undergoing long-range transport due to its relative volatility
(VPL = 4.76 Pa; H = 52 Pa m 3 /mol).
Toxicity: The acute toxicity of Mirex for mammals is moderate with an LD50 in rat of 235 mg/kg and dermal
toxicity in rabbits of 80 mg/kg. Mirex is also toxic to fish and can affect their behaviour (LC50 (96 hr) from 0.2
to 30 mg/L for rainbow trout and bluegill, respectively). Delayed mortality of crustaceans occurred at 1 µg/L
exposure levels. There is evidence of its potential for endocrine disruption and possibly carcinogenic risk to
humans.
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
Chemical Name: Hexachlorobenzene (C6Cl6) CAS Number: 118-74-1
Properties: Solubility in water: 50 µg/L at 20°C; vapour pressure: 1.09 x 10-5 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW: 3.93-
6.42.
Discovery/Uses: It was first introduced in 1945 as fungicide for seed treatments of grain crops, and used to
make fireworks, ammunition, and synthetic rubber. Today it is mainly a by-product in the production of a large
number of chlorinated compounds, particularly lower chlorinated benzenes, solvents and several pesticides.
HCB is emitted to the atmosphere in flue gases generated by waste incineration facilities and metallurgical
industries.
Persistence/Fate: HCB has an estimated half-life in soils of 2.7-5.7 years and of 0.5-4.2 years in air. HCB has
a relatively high bioaccumulation potential and long half-life in biota.
Toxicity: LC50 for fish varies between 50 and 200 µg/L. The acute toxicity of HCB is low with LD50 values of
3.5 mg/g for rats. Mild effects of the [rat] liver have been observed at a daily dose of 0.25 mg HCB/kg bw.
HCB is known to cause liver disease in humans (porphyria cutanea tarda) and has been classified as a possible
carcinogen to humans by IARC.
ii. Industrial compounds
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
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Chemical Name: Polychlorinated biphenyls (C12H(10-n)Cln, where n is within the range of 1-10). CAS Number:
Various (e.g. for Aroclor 1242, CAS No.: 53469-21-9; for Aroclor 1254, CAS No.: 11097-69-1);
Properties: Water solubility decreases with increasing chlorination: 0.01 to 0.0001 µg/L at 25°C; vapour
pressure: 1.6-0.003 x 10-6 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW: 4.3-8.26.
Discovery/Uses: PCBs were introduced in 1929 and were manufactured in different countries under various
trade names (e.g., Aroclor, Clophen, Phenoclor). They are chemically stable and heat resistant, and were used
worldwide as transformer and capacitor oils, hydraulic and heat exchange fluids, and lubricating and cutting
oils. Theoretically, a total of 209 possible chlorinated biphenyl congeners exist, but only about 130 of these are
likely to occur in commercial products.
Persistence/Fate: Most PCB congeners, particularly those lacking adjacent unsubstituted positions on the
biphenyl rings (e.g., 2,4,5-, 2,3,5- or 2,3,6-substituted on both rings) are extremely persistent in the
environment. They are estimated to have half-lives ranging from three weeks to two years in air and, with the
exception of mono- and di-chlorobiphenyls, more than six years in aerobic soils and sediments. PCBs also have
extremely long half-lives in adult fish, for example, an eight-year study of eels found that the half-life of
CB153 was more than ten years.
Toxicity: LC50 for the larval stages of rainbow trout is 0.32 µg/L with a NOEL of 0.01 µg/L. The acute toxicity
of PCB in mammals is generally low and LD50 values in rat of 1 g/kg bw. IARC has concluded that PCB are
carcinogenic to laboratory animals and probably also for humans. They have also been classified as substances
for which there is evidence of endocrine disruption in an intact organism.
iii. Unintended by-products
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)
Chemical Name: PCDDs (C12H(8-n)ClnO2) and PCDFs (C12H(8-n)ClnO) may contain between 1 and 8 chlorine
atoms. Dioxins and furans have 75 and 135 possible positional isomers, respectively. CAS Number: Various
(2,3,7,8-TetraCDD: 1746-01-6; 2,3,7,8-TetraCDF: 51207-31-9).
Properties: Solubility in water: in the range 0.43 ­ 0.0002 ng/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 2 ­ 0.007 x 10-6 mm
Hg at 20°C; log KOW: in the range 6.60 ­ 8.20 for tetra- to octa-substituted congeners.
Discovery/Uses: They are by-products resulting from the production of other chemicals and from the low-
temperature combustion and incineration processes. They have no known use.
Persistence/Fate: PCDD/Fs are characterised by their lipophilicity, semi-volatility and resistance to
degradation (half life of TCDD in soil of 10-12 years) and to long-range transport. They are also known for
their ability to bio-concentrate and biomagnify under typical environmental conditions.
Toxicity: The toxicological effects reported refers to the 2,3,7,8-substituted compounds (17 congeners) that
are agonist for the AhR. All the 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs plus coplanar PCBs (with no chlorine
substitution at the ortho positions) show the same type of biological and toxic response. Possible effects include
dermal toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive effects and teratogenicity, endocrine disruption and
carcinogenicity. At the present time, the only persistent effect associated with dioxin exposure in humans is
chloracne. The most sensitive groups are foetus and neonatal infants.
Effects on the immune systems in the mouse have been found at doses of 10 ng/kg bw/day, while reproductive
effects were seen in rhesus monkeys at 1-2 ng/kg bw/day. Biochemical effects have been seen in rats down to
0.1 ng/kg bw/day. In a re-evaluation of the TDI for dioxins, furans (and planar PCB), the WHO decided to
recommend a range of 1-4 TEQ pg/kg bw, although more recently the acceptable intake value has been set
monthly at 1-70 TEQ pg/kg bw.


iv. Regional specific
Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs)
Chemical Name: 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (mixed isomers) (C6H6Cl6). CAS Number: 608-73-1 (-
HCH, Lindane: 58-89-9).

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Properties: -HCH: solubility in water: 7 mg/L at 20°C; vapour pressure: 3.3 x 10-5 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW:
3.8.
Discovery/Uses: There are two principle formulations: "technical HCH", which is a mixture of various
isomers, including -HCH (55-80%), -HCH (5-14%) and -HCH (8-15%), and "Lindane", which is
essentially pure -HCH. Historically, Lindane was one of the most widely used insecticides in the world. Its
insecticidal properties were discovered in the early 1940s. It controls a wide range of sucking and chewing
insects and has been used for seed treatment and soil application, in household biocidal products, and as textile
and wood preservatives.
Persistence/Fate: Lindane and other HCH isomers are relatively persistent in soils and water, with half lives
generally greater than 1 and 2 years, respectively. HCHs are much less bioaccumulative than other
organochlorines because of their relatively low liphophilicity. On the contrary, their relatively high vapor
pressures, particularly of the -HCH isomer, determine their long-range transport in the atmosphere.
Toxicity: Lindane is moderately toxic for invertebrates and fish, with LC50 values of 20-90 µg/L. The acute
toxicity for mice and rats is moderate with LD50 values in the range of 60-250 mg/kg. Lindane resulted to have
no mutagenic potential in a number of studies but an endocrine disrupting activity.
Endosulfan
Chemical Name: 6,7,8,9,10,10-Hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-
oxide (C9H6Cl6O3S). CAS Number: 115-29-7.
Properties: Solubility in water: 320 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 0.17 x 10-4 mm Hg at 25°C; log KOW: 2.23-
3.62.
Discovery/Uses: Endosulfan was first introduced in 1954. It is used as a contact and stomach insecticide and
acaricide in a great number of food and non-food crops (e.g. tea, vegetables, fruits, tobacco, cotton) and it
controls over 100 different insect pests. Endosulfan formulations are used in commercial agriculture and home
gardening and for wood preservation. The technical product contains at least 94% of two pure isomers, - and
-endosulfan.
Persistence/Fate: It is moderately persistent in the soil environment with a reported average field half-life of
50 days. The two isomers have different degradation times in soil (half-lives of 35 and 150 days for - and -
isomers, respectively, in neutral conditions). It has a moderate capacity to adsorb to soils and it is not likely to
leach to groundwater. In plants, endosulfan is rapidly broken down to the corresponding sulphate, on most
fruits and vegetables, 50% of the parent residue is lost within 3 to 7 days.
Toxicity: Endosulfan is highly to moderately toxic to bird species (Mallards: oral LD50 31 - 243 mg/kg) and it
is very toxic to aquatic organisms (96-hour LC50 rainbow trout 1.5 µg/L). It has also shown high toxicity in rats
(oral LD50: 18 - 160 mg/kg, and dermal: 78 - 359 mg/kg). Female rats appear to be 4­5 times more sensitive to
the lethal effects of technical-grade endosulfan than male rats. The -isomer is considered to be more toxic than
the -isomer. There is a strong evidence of its potential for endocrine disruption.
Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Chemical Name: Pentachlorophenol (C6Cl5OH). CAS Number: 87-86-5.
Properties: Solubility in water: 14 mg/L at 20°C; vapour pressure: 16 x 10-5 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW: 3.32 ­
5.86.
Discovery/Uses: It is used as insecticide (termiticide), fungicide, non-selective contact herbicide (defoliant)
and, particularly as wood preservative. It is also used in anti-fouling paints and other materials (e.g. textiles,
inks, paints, disinfectants and cleaners) as inhibitor of fermentation. Technical PCP contains trace amounts of
PCDDs and PCDFs
Persistence/Fate: The rate of photodecomposition increases with pH (t1/2 100 hr at pH 3.3 and 3.5 hr at pH
7.3). Complete decomposition in soil suspensions takes >72 days, other authors reports half-life in soils of 23-
178 days. Although enriched through the food chain, it is rapidly eliminated after discontinuing the exposure
(t
1/2 = 10-24 h for fish).
Toxicity: It has been proved to be acutely toxic to aquatic organisms and have certain effects on human health,
at the time that exhibits off-flavour effects at very low concentrations. The 24-h LC50 values for trout were
reported as 0.2 mg/L, and chronic toxicity effects were observed at concentrations down to 3.2 µg/L.
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Mammalian acute toxicity of PCP is moderate-high. LD50 oral in rat ranging from 50 to 210 mg/kg bw have
been reported. LC50 ranged from 0.093 mg/L in rainbow trout (48 h) to 0.77-0.97 mg/L for guppy (96 h) and
0.47 mg/L for fathead minnow (48 h).
Hexabromobiphenyl (HxBB)
Chemical Name: Hexabromobiphenyl (C12H4Br6 ). CAS Number: 59536-65-1
Properties: Solubility in water: 0.6 µg/L at 25°C; vapour pressure: 10-7 mm Hg at 20°C; log KOW: 6.39.
Discovery/Uses: The production of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) began in 1970. HxBB was used as a fire
retardant mainly in thermoplastics for constructing business machine housing and industrial (e.g. motor
housing) and electrical (e.g. radio and TV parts) products. Smaller amounts were used as a fire retardant in
coating and lacquers and in polyurethane foam for auto upholstery.
Persistence/Fate: HxBB is strongly adsorbed to soil and sediments and usually persist in the environment.
HxBB resists both chemical and biological degradation. HxBB has been found in several sediment samples
from the estuaries of large rivers and has been identified in edible fish.
Toxicity: Few toxicity data are available from short-term tests on aquatic organisms. The LD50 values of
commercial mixtures show a relatively low order of acute toxicity (LD50 range from > 1 to 21.5 g/kg body
weight in laboratory rodents). Oral exposure of laboratory animals to PBBs produced body weight loss, skin
disorders, and nervous system effects, and birth defects. Humans exposed through contaminated food
developed skin disorders, such as acne and hair loss. PBBs exhibit endocrine disrupting activity and possible
carcinogenicity to humans.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
Chemical Name: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (C12H(10-n)BrnO, where n = 1-10). As in the case of PCBs the
total number of congeners is 209, with a predominance in commercial mixtures of the tetra-, penta- and octa-
substituted isomers. CAS Number: Various (PeBDE: 32534-81-9; OBDE: 32536-52-0; DeBDE: 1163-19-5)
Properties: Solubility in water: 0.9 ng/L at 25°C (PeBDE); vapour pressure: 3.85 x 10-3 to <10-7 mmHg at 20-
25 °C; log KOW: 4.28 - 9.9.
Discovery/Uses: Since the 1960s, three commercial PBDE formulations are in production. The
pentabrominated product is used principally to flame retard polyurethane foams in furniture, carpet underlay
and bedding. Commercial octa is a mixture of hexa- (10-12%), hepta- (44-46%), octa- (33-35%) and
nonabromodiphenyl (10-11%) ethers. It is used to flame retard a wide variety of thermoplastics and is
recommended for injection moulding applications such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS). The deca product (a
single congener) is used predominantly for textiles and denser plastics such as housings for a variety of
electrical products in particular TVs and computers.
Persistence/Fate: Data on environmental fate, although limited, suggest that biodegradation is not an important
degradation pathway, but that photodegradation may play a significant role. They have already been found in
high concentrations in marine birds and mammals from remote areas. The half-lives of PBDE components in rat
adipose tissue varies between 19 and 119 days, the higher values being for the higher brominated congeners.
Toxicity: The available data suggest that the lower (tetra- to hexa-) PBDE congeners are likely to be
carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and/or neurodevelopmental toxicants. Studies in rats with commercial
PeBDE indicate a low acute toxicity via oral and dermal routes of exposure, with LD50 values > 2000 mg/kg
bw. In a 30-day study with rats, effects on the liver could be seen at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw/day, with a NOEL at
1mg/kg bw/day. The toxicity to Daphnia magna has also been investigated and LC50 was found to be 14 µg/L
with a NOEC of 4.9 µg/L. Although data on toxicology is limited, they have potential endocrine disrupting
properties, and there are concerns over the health effects of exposure.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Chemical Name: PAHs is a group of compounds consisting of two or more fused aromatic rings. CAS
Number: Various
Properties: Solubility in water: 0.00014 -2.1 mg/L at 25ºC; vapour pressure: from 0.0015 x 10-9 to 0.0051
mmHg at 25°C; log KOW: 4.79-8.20

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Discovery/Use: Most of these are formed during incomplete combustion of organic material and the
composition of PAHs mixture vary with the source(s) and also due to selective weathering effects in the
environment.
Persistence/Fate: Persistence of the PAHs varies with their molecular weight. The low molecular weight
PAHs are most easily degraded. The reported half-lives of naphthalene, anthracene and benzo(e)pyrene in
sediment are 9, 43 and 83 hours, respectively, whereas for higher molecular weight PAHs, their half-lives are
up to several years in soils/sediments. The BCFs in aquatic organisms frequently range between 100-2000 and
it increases with increasing molecular size. Due to their wide distribution, the environmental pollution by PAHs
has aroused global concern.
Toxicity: The acute toxicity of low PAHs is moderate with an LD50 of naphthalene and anthracene in rat of 490
and 18000 mg/kg body weight respectively, whereas the higher PAHs exhibit higher toxicity and LD50 of
benzo(a)anthracene in mice is 10mg/kg body weight. In Daphnia pulex, LC50 for naphthalene is 1.0 mg/L, for
phenanthrene 0.1 mg/L and for benzo(a)pyrene is 0.005 mg/L. The critical effect of many PAHs in mammals is
their carcinogenic potential. The metabolic action of these substances produce intermediates that bind
covalently with cellular DNA. IARC has classified benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, and
dibenzo[ah]anthracene as probable carcinogenic to humans. Benzo[b]fluoranthene and indeno[123-cd]pyrene
were classified as possible carcinogens to humans.
Phthalates
Chemical Name: They encompass a wide family of compounds. Dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate
(DEP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), benzylbutylphthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)(C24H38O4) and
dioctylphthalate (DOP) are some of the most common. CAS Nos.: 84-74-2 (DBP), 85-68-7 (BBP), 117-81-7
(DEHP).
Properties: The physico-chemical properties of phthalic acid esters vary greatly depending on the alcohol
moieties. Solubility in water: 9.9 mg/L (DBP) and 0.3 mg/L (DEHP) at 25°C; vapour pressure: 3.5 x 10-5
(DBP) and 6.4 x 10-6 (DEHP) mm Hg at 25°C; log KOW: 1.5 to 7.1.
Discovery/Uses: They are widely used as plasticisers, insect repellents, solvents for cellulose acetate in the
manufacture of varnishes and dopes. Vinyl plastic may contain up to 40% DEHP.
Persistence/fate: They have become ubiquitous pollutants, in marine, estuarine and freshwater sediments,
sewage sludges, soils and food. Degradation (t1/2) values generally range from 1-30 days in soils and
freshwaters.
Toxicity: The acute toxicity of phthalates is usually low: the oral LD50 for DEHP is about 25-34 g/kg,
depending on the species; for DBP reported LD50 values following oral administration to rats range from 8 to
20 g/kg body weight; in mice, values are approximately 5 to 16 g/kg body weight. In general, DEHP is not
toxic for aquatic communities at the low levels usually present. In animals, high levels of DEHP damaged the
liver and kidney and affected the ability to reproduce. There is no evidence that DEHP causes cancer in humans
but they have been reported as endocrine disrupting chemicals. The EPA proposed a Maximum Admissible
Concentration (MAC) of 6 µg/L of DEHP in drinking water.
Nonyl- and Octyl-phenols
Chemical Name: NP: C15H24O; OP: C14H22O. CAS Number: 25154-52-3 (NP).
Properties: Solubility in water: 6.3 µg/L (NP) at 25°C; vapour pressure: 7.5 x 10-4 mm Hg at 20°C (NP); log
KOW: 4.5 (NP) and 5.92 (OP).
Discovery/Uses: NP and OP are the starting material in the synthesis of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), first
used in the 60s. These compounds are highly effective cleaning agents or surfactants that have been widely
used in a number of industrial sectors including textiles, pulp and paper, paints, adhesives, resins and protective
coatings. Alkylphenols can also be used as plasticisers, stabilisers for rubbers, lube oil additives, and the
alkylphenol phosphite derivatives can be used as UV stabilisers in plastics.
Persistence/Fate: NP and OP are the end degradation products of APEs under both aerobic and anaerobic
conditions. Therefore, the major part is released to water and concentrated in sewage sludges. NPs and t-OP are
persistent in the environment with half-lives of 30-60 years in marine sediments, 1-3 weeks in estuarine waters
and 10-48 hours in the atmosphere. Due to their persistence they can bioaccumulate to a significant extent in
aquatic species. However, excretion and metabolism is rapid.
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Toxicity: NP and OP have acute toxicity values for fish, invertebrates and algae ranging from 17 to 3000 µg/L.
In chronic toxicity tests the lowest NOEC are 6 µg/L in fish and 3.7 µg/L in invertebrates. The threshold for
vitellogenin induction in fish is 10 µg/L for NP and 3 µg/L for OP (similar to the lowest NOEC). Alkylphenols
are endocrine disrupting chemicals also in mammals.
Organotin compounds
Chemical Name: Organotin compounds comprise mono-, di-, tri- and tetrabutyl and triphenyl tin compounds.
They conform to the following general formula (n-C4H9)nSn-X and (C6H5)3Sn-X, where X is an anion or a
group linked covalently through a hetero-atom. CAS Number: 56-35-9 (TBTO); 76-87-9 (TPTOH)
Properties: Solubility in water: 4 mg/L (TBTO) and 1 mg/L (TPTOH) at 25°C and pH 7; vapour pressure: 7.5
x 10-7 mm Hg at 20°C (TBTO) 3.5 x 10-8 mmHg at 50ºC (TPTOH); log KOW: 3.19 - 3.84. In sea water and
under normal conditions, TBT exists as three species in seawater (hydroxide, chloride, and carbonate).
Discovery/Uses: They are mainly used as antifouling paints (tributyl and triphenyl tin) for underwater
structures and ships. Minor identified applications are as antiseptic or disinfecting agents in textiles and
industrial water systems, such as cooling tower and refrigeration water systems, wood pulp and paper mill
systems, and breweries. They are also used as stabilisers in plastics and as catalytic agents in soft foam
production. It is also used to control the shistosomiasis in various parts of the world.
Persistence/Fate: Under aerobic conditions, TBT takes 1 to 3 months to degrade, but in anaerobic soils may
persist for more than 2 years. Because of the low water solubility it binds strongly to suspended material and
sediments. TBT is lipophilic and tends to accumulate in aquatic organisms. Oysters exposed to very low
concentrations exhibit BCF values from 1000 to 6000.
Toxicity: TBT is moderately toxic and all breakdown products are even less toxic. Its impact on the
environment was discovered in the early 1980s in France with harmful effects in aquatic organisms, such as
shell malformations of oysters, imposex in marine snails and reduced resistance to infection (e.g. in flounder).
Molluscs react adversely to very low levels of TBT (0.06-2.3 ug/L). Lobster larvae show a nearly complete
cessation of growth at just 1.0 ug/L TBT. In laboratory tests, reproduction was inhibited when female snails
exposed to 0.05-0.003 ug/L of TBT developed male characteristics. Large doses of TBT have been shown to
damage the reproductive and central nervous systems, bone structure, and the liver bile duct of mammals.
Organomercury compounds
Chemical Name: The main compound of concern is methyl mercury (HgCH3). CAS Number: 22967-92-6
Properties: Solubility in water: 0.1 g/L at 21°C (HgCH3Cl) and 1.0 g/L at 25ºC (Hg(CH3)2); vapour pressure:
8.5 x 10-3 mm Hg at 25°C (HgCH3Cl); log KOW: 1.6 (HgCH3Cl) and 2.28 (Hg(CH3)2).
Production/Uses: There are many sources of mercury release to the environment, both natural (volcanoes,
mercury deposits, and volatilisation from the ocean) and human-related (coal combustion, chlorine alkali
processing, waste incineration, and metal processing). It is also used in thermometers, batteries, lamps,
industrial processes, refining, lubrication oils, and dental amalgams. Methyl mercury has no industrial uses; it is
formed in the environment by methylation of the inorganic mercurial ion mainly by microorganisms in the
water and soil.
Persistence/Fate: Mercury released into the environment can either stay close to its source for long periods, or
be widely dispersed on a regional or even world-wide basis. Not only are methylated mercury compounds
toxic, but highly bioaccumulative as well. The increase in mercury as it rises in the aquatic food chain results in
relatively high levels of mercury in fish consumed by humans. Ingested elemental mercury is only 0.01%
absorbed, but methyl mercury is nearly 100% absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The biological half-life
of mercury is 60 days.
Toxicity: Long-term exposure to either inorganic or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain,
kidneys, and developing foetus. The most sensitive target of low level exposure to metallic and organic
mercury following short or long term exposures appears to be the nervous system.



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ANNEX III STATUS OF COUNTRIES TO PIC

Substance
Banned for Plant Protection Use
No Consent (year)
No information available
Aldrin
European Union (95): For uses other than plant Cyprus (93), Jordan (93), Lebanon (93), Malta
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt,
protection written authorisation is required for
(93), Morocco (93), Slovenia (98), Syrian Arab Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisia.
import into France, Italy and Spain
Republic (93), Turkey (97)
Dieldrin
European Union (95): For uses other than plant Cyprus (93), Jordan (93), Lebanon (93), Malta
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt,
protection written authorisation is required for
(93), Morocco (93), Slovenia (98), Syrian Arab Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisia.
import into France, Italy and Spain
Republic (93), Turkey (94)
Chlordane
European Union (95): For uses other than plant Cyprus (97), Jordan (95), Lebanon (93), Malta
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt,
protection written authorisation is required for
(93), Morocco (95), Slovenia (98), Syrian Arab Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisia.
import into France, Italy and Spain
Republic (93), Turkey (94)
Heptachlor
European Union (95): For uses other than plant Cyprus (97), Jordan (95), Lebanon (93), Malta
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt,
protection written authorisation is required for
(93), Morocco (95), Slovenia (99), Syrian Arab Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisia.
import into France, Italy and Spain
Republic (93), Turkey (94)
For other uses than plant protection, national
authorisation schemes apply
DDT
European Union (95):For uses other than plant Cyprus (93), Jordan (93), Lebanon (93), Malta
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt,
protection written authorisation is required for
(93), Morocco (93), Syrian Arab Republic (93), Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisia.
import into France, Italy and Spain
Turkey (94)
Slovenia (98): Not registered
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Substance
Banned for Plant Protection Use
No Consent (year)
No information available
HCB

Bosnia and Herzegovina (97)
Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon,
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Tunisia.
Cyprus: There are no registered pesticides
containing HCB as an active ingredient.
According to national legislation, imports into
Cyprus (of any pesticide containing HCB) are
not allowed.
European Union (00)
Jordan (01), Malta (98), Slovenia (98), Syrian
Arab Republic (98), Turkey (97)
Gamma-HCH Cyprus
(97) Severely restricted pesticide.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (97)
Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon,
Small quantities of this chemical are still

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta, Morocco,
imported from time to time for specific uses, i.e.
Tunisia
wood preservative.
Jordan (01)
European Union For import prior written

authorisation is required: France, Greece, Italy, Turkey (97)
Spain and Portugal.

Slovenia (98) Prohibited for Plant Protection
Use
Syrian Arab Republic (98)
HCH
European Union (95) Prohibit for Plant
Cyprus (93)
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Mixed
Protection Use. For uses other than plant
Jordan (93), Lebanon (93), Malta (93), Morocco Egypt, Israel, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,
isomers
protection, written authorisation is required for (93),
Slovenia, Tunisia
import into France, Italy, and Spain.
Syrian Arab Republic (93),
Turkey (94)



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United Nations
Environment Programme
Chemicals
Mediterr
Mediterranean
REGIONAL REPORT
anean
RBA PTS REGIONAL REPOR
Regionally
Based
Assessment
T
of
Persistent
Available from:
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Switzerland
Phone : +41 22 917 1234
Fax : +41 22 797 3460
Substances
E-mail: chemicals@unep.ch
December 2002
http://www.chem.unep.ch
UNEP Chemicals is a part of UNEP's Technology, Industry and
Printed at United Nations, Geneva
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GE.03-00149­January 2003­500
UNEP/CHEMICALS/2003/4
G l o b a l E n v i r o n m e n t F a c i l i t y

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