Regionally Based
Assessment of Persistent
Toxic Substances
GEF
Region XI
Minutes
of the
First Regional Workshop
on
Sources and Environmental Levels of PTS substances
4-6 March 2002, Campinas (Brazil)
Raporteur:
Dr. R.Barra
Regional Coordinator
EULA-Chile Center
University of Concepción
Concepción, Chile
E-mail:ricbarra@udec.cl
Organizational details
The Workshop was held in Campinas Brazil, at the Cassa do Profesor Visitante de
FUNCAMP, from 4-6 March 2002, with the technical assistance of the local coordinator
prof. Wilson Jardim, Team member.
The Workshop was attended by 20 participants (Annex 1) who contributed with oral
presentations and discussions within the working groups.
The Agenda of the Workshop was as follows:
Agenda of 1st TW:
Sunday March 03, 2002
Afternoon or
Arrival, accommodation
Casa do Professor Visitante da
evening
FUNCAMP
Monday, March 04, 2002
09.00-10.15
Introduction and Welcome to the
participantsDr. Celio Pasquini Director
IQAM. 10 min
Local Organizer welcome Wilson
Jardim 10 min
Introductory words: Ricardo Barra
Regional Coordinator Region XI South
America 15 min
Overview of GEF RBA PTS Project
P.Whylie Advances at global level
(UNEP-Chemicals) 15 min.
Overview of Stockholm Convention
R.Romero Chile 10 min.
Background document No. 1) . Wilson
Jardim, Structure of Final report related
to Sources 20 min
10.15
Coffee break
10.35 - 11.30
Background document No. 2 (Juan
Carlos Colombo) Structure of final report
related to Environmental Levels of PTS
substances 30 min
Discussion
11.30 - 12.00
Sources of Persistent Toxic
Substances in Latin American
Countries Claudio Zaror
12.00-13.00
Lunch
13.00-18.00
· The contribution of participants (themes) (15-20 min.):
Sources and levels of PTS in the patagonian zone of Argentina. José Luis
Estevez (Argentina)
Persistent Toxic Substances in the Wide Bahía Blanca Region (Argentine
Republic) Hugo Freije, Argentina
An overview of certain persistent organic pollutants in Brazil: 30 years of
research".Heloisa Toledo (Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Brazil)
Sources of Dioxins and Dioxin-like compounds to the Environment Fernanda
V. de Almeida (UNICAMP, Brazil)
Polychlorinated biphenyls and Chlorinated pesticides in Chile: A review of
existing data Ricardo Barra (Chile)
Polychlorinated biphenyls in urban environments: The case of Santiago de
Chile. Rodrigo Romero (Chile)
National Survey of PCBs in Chile Gonzalo Mendoza (Chile)
Informe de acopio de datos sobre Sustancias Tóxicas Persistentes en Perú
Nadia Gamboa, PUCP Perú.
Gestión de Sustancias Tóxicas Persistentes en el Perú, Evaluación de
Fuentes y Niveles Ana María González DIGESA Perú.
PTS Sources and Environmental Concentrations in Uruguay: A Review
Gabriela eguren, Uruguay
You can use for your presentation overheads or LVD projector, please prepare a copy
of your presentation for the rest of participants
15.00 15.15
Coffee break
17.00-17.15
18.00 18.30
The participants will be broken into two (or three) groups to analyse the
presentations and make recommendations to plenary regarding sources and
environmental concentrations priority PTS and key data gaps
Working group 1 (Barra, Jardim)
Working group strategy (WG 1
Working group 2 (Colombo, Eguren,
by compounds; WG2 by
Gamboa)
compartments) based on the
structure of Final Report
evaluation of existing/lack of
information, hot spots
Tuesday, March 5,2002
09.00-12.30
Working group 1 (chairs Barra, Jardim
Working group 2 (chairs Colombo,
Air, deposition, water/sediments
Eguren, Gamboa)
12.30-14.00
Lunch
14.00-17.00
Working group 1 (chairs Barra, Jardim)
Working group 2 (chairs Colombo,
Soils, biota
Eguren, Gamboa)
17.00-18.00
Plenary session overview of working
group results chairs
19.30
Common dinner
Wendsnesday, March 6, 2002
09.00-12.30
Working group 1 (chairs Barra, Jardim)
Hot spots, regional priorities...
Working group 2 (chairs Colombo,
Eguren, Gamboa)
12.30-14.00
Lunch
14.00-18.00
The presentation of group reports, final
discussion
Thursday, March 7, 2002
Morning
Departures of participants
Working Groups
Two WG were established, one for sources, and one for environmental levels in biotic and
abiotic compartments.
According to the topics presented in the previous sessions, the following issues to be
discussed were identified:
- Sources:
· Emission factors (strengths and weaknesses)
· Existing Inventories
· Data gaps
General conclusions
Sources:
Working Group: Sources
C.Zaror (Chile)
W.Jardim (Brasil)
Antonio Barbosa (Brasil)
Ana Maria Gonzalez (Perú)
Maria Lourdes Maya(Ecuador)
Gloria León (Paraguay)
Fernanda Vasconcelos (Brasil)
José Luis Estévez (Argentina)
Hugo Freije (Argentina)
Group Discussion starts with the analysis of the scoring system proposed by UNEP, it was
agreed in to use this tool to facilitate the discussion. The analysis starts with dioxins and
furans.
Dioxins and Furans
The working group recognizes the existence of all know sources of emission of dioxins and
furans in all countries within the region, therefore the emission problem could potentially be
considered as a regional problem. In that sense it is widely acknowledged that the absence on
environmental data that confirms effectively the existence of a relationship between sources
and environmental levels.
The working group indeed discussed on the type of sources more relevant to the region, it
was agreed that one of the most important sources is the combustion of biomass used as
energy source extensively along the countries within the region. In particular due to the
technologies used in these process are of low performance. Burning of agricultural and
forestry residues is other commonly used practice within the region, indeed exist a growing
evidence that forest fires affected surface is increasing, even thought is not totally clear that
this process releases dioxins and furans to the environment being a controversial matter.
If wood burning is a source of dioxins and furans to the environment, then the wood burning
is a very important source at regional level, together with waste burning. In practice there is
no segregation of wastes within the countries of the region, therefore, the burning of these
products and emissions from landfills or waste disposal sites could be an important source.
Wood burning of Pentachlorophenol treated wood was recognized as an important source of
emission of dioxins and furans within the region.
Other widely distributed problem within the region is the combustion of hospital residues,
under poor conditions, however a quantitative figure was difficult to obtain.
Summarizing and probably as a characteristic of the region XI, it was considered that
uncontrolled combustion process as a potential emission of dioxins and furans to the regional
environment.
Other potential sources within the region are: petrochemical industry, cellulose industry,
chloro-soda production, steel industry were coal are burned mixed with oils.
Main emissions should be the atmosphere and in residual ash remaining combustion.
One of the recommendations made by this group was the use of the Toolkit proposed by
UNEP-Chemicals, even though is recognized that a validations of emission factors should be
made.
Within the region some countries are advancing in an emission inventory
Dr. Claudio Zaror, starting with official information regarding coal and wood consumption
made a preliminary estimation of emissions within the countries of the region, starting with
information presented at the workshop (Zaror, 2002)
Emissions of Dioxins and Furans, TCDD,TCDF
Sources:
Wood combustion
Solid waste combustion
Cellulose production
Coal consumption
Using the UNEP-Chemicals Toolkit and production data from FAO
Table Estimated Emissions of TCDD/TCDF (Kg TCDD/TCDF TEQ /year)
Air (kg)
Water (kg)
Solid waste (kg)
Wood combustion
0.008-15.5
-
0.02-0.08
Solid waste
0.04-14
-
<0.01-0.31
combustion*
Coal combustion
0.02-0.2
-
0.004-0.007
Cellulose production -
0.001-0.04
0.002-0.04
TOTAL
0.12-30
<0.04
0.03-0.40
* assuming that 10% of total urban residues are subjected to combustion.
In synthesis it is estimated that as superior threshold regional emissions accounts 30 kg TEQ
TCDD/year. This is a preliminary estimation that should be improved at national level with
other available information.
PAHs
Associated to combustion process it was discussed the emission of PAHs to the environment,
in general it was observed from country presentations that PAHs levels are much higher than
reported chlorinated compounds levels. It is considered main emission sources, both pyrolitic
and petrogenic. It was established that emission factors are well validated and better known.
Considering only the potential emissions of PAHs from wood and coal burning and using
USEPA emission factors , the following results are obtained.
Table 2 Estimated emissions of Benzo (a)pyrene in the XI region
Ton/year
Wood
16-465
Coal
36-94
Total
52-509
PCBs
At global level production of PCBs reached 1.200.000 tons, 70-80% are still in use.
Other problem considered of regional level is referred to as PCBs, they have been widely
used within the region, however is difficult to obtain a quantitative figure of the total amount
both in use or stored in the countries within the region, even several countries are beginning
surveys or inventories such as Argentina, Peru and Chile. In Peru for instance a preliminary
estimation accounted about 11 ton of PCBs stored and about 1000 tons in use. In general it is
important to note that countries within the region have not a prohibition to import PCBs.
It was discussed that main uses of PCBs are as dielectric fluids, however one of the potential
pathways of entry into the environment are the recycling of used oils deriving in multiple
uses as wood impregnators and thermal fluids etc.
This is a widely geographically distributed compound , besides the uncertainties in the
knowledge of how they are circulating. Some hot spots given by environmental levels or
stored amounts found in huge metropolitan areas within the region and other ares where the
industry requires huge amounts of energy.
Chlorinated Pesticides
In general the group recognized that problems associated to chlorinated pesticides has
relevance during the eighties and nineties within the region, nowadays in practice almost all
countries has adopted the prohibition of these products.
Besides the previous consideration one problem that can have regional implications is the
illegal use of these products within the region, there were several examples in that sense, but
also it was considered that this kind of problems are highly related to human health causing
problems.
Other general problem is the complete absence of data regarding old non-used pesticides
stored since the 80's being some of them permitted under restrictive use regime. Probably
most of them have been almost used in agricultural activities since most of the prohibitions
had a progressive application.
DDT
In some countries within the regions DDT is still used for sanitary reasons, in the rest of the
countries DDT is forbidden, however it has been informed of illegal entry of DDT in other
countries which final destination is unknown This illegal circuit of DDT cycling can
potentially be a problem at local or regional level, unfortunately there are no quantitative
figures on the use of DDT within the region.
The are a opinion that pesticides use to be a problem at regional level, but probably not
anymore with the same intensity. However it was discussed that other pesticide products such
as DICOFOL could contain certain impurities as DDT traces. DICOFOL volumes are
unknown and it could be a recent source of entry of DDT to the environment.
Some contributors thinks that the problem of ciclodienes could be afforded by estimating the
amount of production/import of ciclopentadiene compounds, solving the uncertainties
regarding production or national level uses.
HCB
In general, HCB was not used as pesticide within the region, but as industrial product in PVC
and rubber production . It was discussed the emission of HCB derived as plastic combustion,
and it was mentioned that exist a good correlation between dioxin emissions and HCB
emissions
MIREX
This product is not forbidden in some countries within the region, because there were not
registered at all. In some countries has produced some local problems.
TOXAPHENE: There is no evidence of use within the region (Need to be confirmed)
LINDANE
In old factories of HCH it might exist environmental passives (please ask for data on
production, functioning period etc.). Main uses are unknown for attendees (livestock, public
health) We need data from all region countries.
PCP
Was used in important amounts, taking into account that 100,000 to 200,000 tonn of saw
wood as minimun it is important t have an idea of the amount of impregned wood. In several
coutries PCP was forbidden (Chile,Paraguay). One of the mentioned problems was the
storage of wood contaminated with PCP in open deposits and the use of
ENDOSULFAN:
It is not forbidden, but still presents some problems due to unadequate use.
SCORING PRELIMINAR
DRAFT
REGIONALLY BASED ASSESSMENT OF PERSISTENT TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Table 1. Scoring for Prioritising PTS for Sources, Environmental Levels, Effects and
Data gaps
Country/Region:
Chemical
Sources
Data
Comments
Gaps
Aldrin
1
2
It is not made and is
forbidden in all countries
within the region. Amounts
used are unknown
Chlordane
1
2
DDT
2
2
Some use for health reasons,
illegal circulation of the
products within the region.
Other pesticides could act as
new sources (i.e. dicofol) but
this is unknown
Dieldrin
1
2
Endrin
1
2
Heptachlor
1
2
HCB*
2
2
Associated to emissions of
plastic burning , there were
mentioned correlations with
dioxin emission (please add
references)
Mirex
0
2
It is not used in most of the
countries within the region
Toxaphene
0
2
Not recorded use within the
region
PCBs
2
1
Disperse use within the region,
scarce information about
amounts, however countries
are advancing in national
inventories.
Dioxins*
2
2
All described sources exist
within the region, one
importan difference with other
regions could be the biomass
burning that should be an
important source
Furans*
2
2
Idem
HCH
1
1
Still used in several countries,
agricultural uses are
restricted, but it is unknown
HCH uses.
PCP
2
2
Saw wood
PAHs
2
1
Combustión widely distributed
within the region
Phthalates
Endosulphan
1
1
Still used, but few data on
amounts
*Assuming that combustion process is important and that emission factors used are correct
Home work
Ø Completing important lacking quantitative information. Amount of pesticides used by
country, if they were fabricated how much were produced. How much it was used in
agriculture.
Ø Dicofol uses at national level
Ø Specific uses of each pesticide within the country (lindane, Endosulfan, PCP)
Ø Estimate the amounts of PCBs at national level
Ø To indicate the amount of industrial process associated to Dioxins and furans
emissions, production volumes
Ø % of saw wood treated or impregnated with PCP
- Levels:
· UNEP Scoring system
· Selection riteria for accepting data
· Report format
· Quality Assurance issues for comparing data
· Establishment of a limit data for sending information
Participants : JC Colombo (raporteur), G. Eguren, H.Toledo, J.Torres, R.Romero,
N.Gamboa, Mbissinoti. C.Resabala,N. de Fernicola, A.Barbosa
Levels of PTS
1. Scoring System: the discussion was centred on environmental levels and countries
presentation, and the regional perception of data presented. Results are then qualitative,
susceptible to be changed in function of new data coming from different countries. The
proposed score is therefore internally relative i.e. assigned numbers reflects the best or worst
situations of each compound within the region. It is expected that scoring of environmental
levels have a good relationship with ecotox and tox effects.
2 Discussion on criteria for acceptability/selection on data for questionnaires
Considering the relative lack of data regarding quality control/quality assurance of lab
gathering data of PTS substances within the region, that constitutes a good amount of
information for the region, it was decided to adopt a qualitative system of three catagories: a)
QA/QC assigned to data gathered in peer reviewed journals or indexed journals b)
Accreditation, corresponding to laboratories of long trajectories and recognized prestige c)
Intercalibration assigned to reports from governmental agencies, with the assumption than
any laboratory has a minimum quality control (standards, replicates, blanks etc.) Considering
these criteria It was considered of utmost importance to perform an intercalibration excersise
within the region.
3. Discussion about the report format
It was decided that report format should include a chapter on statistics of submitted data
(formularies grouped by environmental compartment and by geographical areas). Besides, it
was agreed a internal structure based on the discussion by compartment , for each individual
country including tables and figures with a final discussion on trends and countries
differences for each compartment. Data tables will be compiled by average data ± standard
desviation for each area according UNEP codes. Individual data will be annexed from
information stored in Geneva. Accepted formats are included below:
4.Establishment of report format, norms systems and deadlines
The table format is shown in section 3. Results discussion must include spatial and temporal
patterns, acknowledgments of critical points by comparison with levels reported according
USEPA , Canada or UE regulations. Each country must prepare the report and send it as soon
as possible to Juan Carlos Colombo in Argentina.
Scoring for Prioritising PTS for Sources and Environmental Levels
South American Region
Chemical
Environ.
Data gaps
Levels
Dieldrin and Aldrin
1
1
Endrin
1
1
Chlordane
1
1
Heptachlor
1
1
DDT
1
0
Toxaphene
0
2
Mirex
0
1
Hexachlorobenzene
1
1
PCBs
2
1
Dioxins and Furans
1
2
HCH
1
0
Endosulfan
1
1
PCP
1
1
PAHs
2
1
Org. Mercury
1
1
Compds.
Org. Tin Compds
0
2
PDBE
0
2
Phtalates
0
2
Atrazine
0
2
Chlordecone
0
2
Octylphenols
0
2
Octylphenols
0
2
Nonylphenols
0
2
Chlorinated Paraffins
0
2
Annex 1. List of participants
Dr.Claudio Zaror
Chemical Engineering Department
University of Concepción
CHILE
czaror@diq.udec.cl
Dr. Rodrigo Romero
Private Consultant
Santiago
CHILE
rromerom@entelchile.net
Dr. Juan Carlos Colombo
Universidad de la Plata
Laboratorio de Química Ambiental
La Plata
ARGENTINA
laqab@arnet.com.ar
Prof. Dr. Wilson Jardim
Universidad de Campinas
Campinas
BRAZIL
wfjardim@iqm.unicamp.br
Dr. Jose Luis Esteves
esteves@cenpat.edu.ar
Conicet
Puerto Madryn
ARGENTINA
Mirtes Suda
ABIQUIM
BRAZIL
mirtes@abiquim.org.br
Marcia Bissinoti
University of Campinas
Campinas
BRAZIL
bisinoti@iqm.unicamp.br
Nilda A.C.G. de Fernicola
CETESBI,
Sao Paulo
BRAZIL
nilda@cetesb.sp.gov.br
Fernanda Vasconcelos
University of Campinas
Campinas
BRAZIL
falmeida@iqm.uniamp.br
Heloisa de Toledo
Instituto Adolfo Lutz
SP.
BRAZIL
hetoledo@hotmail.com
Maria de Lourdes Maya
Ministry of Environment
Environmental Management
Guayaquil
ECUADOR
mariadelourde10@hotmail.com
Carola Resabala
ESPOL
Guayaquil
ECUADOR
cresabal@goliat.espol.edu.ec
Dr. Nadia Gamboa
PUCP
Lima,
PERÚ
ngamboa@pucp.edu.pe
Ana María González del Valle
DIGESA
Lima,
PERU
agonzale@digesa.sld.pe
Gloria León
SEAM, Asunción
PARAGUAY
gloriabeatrizleon@yahoo.es
Antonio Carneiro Barbosa
IBAMA, Brasilia
BRAZIL
bantonio@sede.ibama.gov.br
Joao Paulo Machado Torres
Universidad Federal do Rio de Janeiro
BRAZIL
jptorres@biof.ufrj.br
Gabriela Eguren
University of La Republica
Montevideo
URUGUAY
geguren@fcien.edu.uy
Gonzalo Mendoza
University of Concepción
Concepción
CHILE
rmendoza@udec.cl
Ricardo Barra
University of Concepción
Concepción
CHILE
ricbarra@udec.cl