Regionally Based
Assessment of Persistent
Toxic Substances
GEF
MEDITERRANEAN REGION
Minutes
of the
First Regional Workshop
on
Assessment of PTS sources and concentrations in the environment
4-6 February 2002, Athens (Greece)
Raporteurs:
Prof. J. Albaigés
Dr. F. Abousamra
Regional Coordinator
MED POL Programme Officer
Department of Environmental Chemistry (CSIC)
UNEP/MAP
Barcelona, Spain
Athens, Greece
E-mail:albqam@cid.csic.es
Email: fouad@unepmap.gr
Organizational details
The Workshop was held in Athens (Greece) at the DIVANI ACROPOLIS PALACE Hotel,
from 4-6 February 2002, with the technical assistance of the Mediterranean Information
Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) and the
cooperation of the Coordinating Unit of the Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MEP).
MIO-ECSDE is a Federation of Mediterranean NGOs for Environment and Development
based in Athens under the chairmanship of Prof. M. Scoullos (University of Athens).
The Workshop was attended by 32 participants (Annex 1) who contributed with oral
presentations and discussions within the working groups.
The Agenda of the Workshop was as follows:
Agenda of the 1st TW
Sunday, February 03, 2002
Afternoon or
Arrival, accommodation
DIVANI ACROPOLIS
evening
PALACE Hotel
Monday, February 04, 2002
09.00 - 10.30
Opening addresses
S. Civili (UNEP-MAP, Athens)
P. Whylie (UNEP-Chemicals, Geneva)
M. Scoullos (University of Athens)
Overview of the GEF RBA PTS Project
The Mediterranean Region.
J. Albaigés
Project Status report
The Mediterranean Action Plan. A
comprehensive environmental strategy for
the Region S. Civili
10.30 - 11.00
Coffee break
11.00 - 11.30
The MEDPOL data base
G. Gabrielides and F. Abousamra
11.30 - 13.00
Overview of the region regarding sources
J. Bruno, A. Iacomelli and M. Angelidis
Discussion
13.00 - 14.30
Lunch
14.30 - 16.00
Overview of the region regarding levels:
Air and deposition: A.M. Mastral, M. Chevreuil and R. Farret
Soils and vegetation: J.F. Narbonne
Marine environment: J. Albaigés
Aquatic biota: S. Focardi
16.00 - 16.30
Coffee break
16.30 - 18.00
Levels (cont.):
Food: M.J. Gonzalez, B. Krauthacker
Humans: E. de Felip
Dioxins and PCBs: J. Diaz
Alkylphenols: U. Zoller
Organometallic compounds: G. Gabrielides
Tuesday, February 05, 2002
09.00 - 10.30
Country studies:
The Balkan Task Force on PTS: M. Vojinovic
The Venice Lagoon: A. Marcomini
France (RNO): J.L. Gonzalez
Portugal: A. Ferreira
Italy: S. Galassi
Greece: T. Albanis
10.30 - 11.00
Coffee break
11.00 - 13.00
Country studies (cont.):
Egypt: A. Barakat
Turkey: D. Kolankaya
Croatia Adriatic: M. Picer
Yugoslavia: M. Vojinovic
13.00 - 14.30
Lunch
14.30 - 16.00
Working groups. The participants will be divided into two groups to analyse
the presentations and the background documents, to identify hot spots and
temporal trends, and make recommendations to plenary regarding PTS of
major concern and key data gaps.
16.00 - 16.30
Coffee break
16.30 - 18.00
Working group 1 (chairs M. Chevreuil,
Air, deposition,
A. Barakat)
water/sediments
Working group 2 (chairs E. de Felip,
Soils, biota, food
T. Albanis)
19.30 - ....
Common dinner
Wednesday, February 06, 2002
09.00 - 10.30
Working group 1 (chairs J. Diaz,
Air, deposition,
M. Vojinovic)
water/sediments
Working group 2 (chairs J.F. Narbonne,
Soils, biota, food
B. Krauthacker)
10.30 - 11.00
Coffee break
11.00 - 13.00
Working groups
13.00 - 14.30
Lunch
14.30 - 16.00
Plenary session (chairs J. Bruno,
Issues of major concern,
M. Picer)
hot spots, trends,
overview of working group results
recommendations.
16.00 - 16.30
Coffee break
16.30 - 18.00
Plenary session (chairs J. Albaiges,
Scoring of chemicals
P. Whylie)
(see Annex 2)
overview of working group results
18.00 - 18.30
Final recommendations
Regional network of experts
and Closing address
19.00 - 20.30
Meeting of the Regional Team
Review of the First Draft of the
Report, identification of gaps,
invited speakers for next WS,
assignment of responsibilities
List of contributions
Besides the background document prepared by the Regional Team, which incorporated all
regional contributions received by the end of December, the following ones were delivered at
the WS and will also be considered.
- Assessment of PTS sources in the Mediterranean Region
J. Bruno. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Barcelona, Spain
- PTS releases in the Mediterranean region from industrial sources: data sources and gaps
M. Angelidis. University of the Aegean. Mytilene, Greece
- Emission inventories of PTS in Italy
A. Iacomelli. Ministry of Environment, Rome Italy
- Persistent toxic substances in the Adriatic Sea and his hinterland.
M. Picer. Rudjer Boskovic Institute. Zagreb. Croatia.
- Environmental levels of PTS in Greece.
T. A. Albanis. University of Ioannina. Greece.
- Sources and environmental levels of PTS in Egypt.
A. Barakat. University of Alexandria. Egypt.
- Levels of PTS in food and humans in Egypt.
A. Barakat. University of Alexandria. Egypt.
- An overview on the PTS in Turkey.
D. Kolankaya* and Z. Ayas. Haccetepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Studies conducted by the Balkans Task Force (Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Albania).
J. Diaz. Instituto Químico de Sarriá. Barcelona. Spain.
- POP's in Portugal: an overview.
A. Ferreira*. IMIPAR, Lisbon, Portugal
P. Viana. Institut of Environment, Lisbon, Portugal
- Organochlorine, atrazine and PAH contamination of ambient air and atmospheric fallout in
France: behaviour and trends from 1986 up to now.
M . Chevreuil. Univ. P. et M. Curie. Paris, France.
- Atmospheric PAH in the Mediterranean Region.
A.M. Mastral. CSIC. Zaragoza, Spain.
- Levels of PTS in humans.
E. de Felip. Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Rome. Italy.
- Levels of PTS in food in Italy.
E. de Felip. Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Rome. Italy.
- Levels of PTS (dioxins) in abiotic compartments of the Region.
J. Diaz. Instituto Químico de Sarriá. Barcelona. Spain.
- PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in food samples collected in Spain (1993-2001).
M. A Fernández, B. Gómara, L. Herrero, L. R. Bordajandi, L.Ramos, M.J. González*.
IQOG (CSIC), Madrid.
E. Abad, E. Eljarrat, J. Rivera. IIQAB (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Sources and occurrence of PTS in the Lagoon of Venice (Italy).
A.G. Bernstein, A. Barbante, G. Ferrari, A. Marcomini*, S. Guerzoni, R. Zonta.
Venezia, Italy
- Case study for PAHs levels in bulk precipitation and surface waters of Northern Greece.
T. A. Albanis. University of Ioannina. Greece.
- Case study for PCBs and organochlorine pesticide residues in the eggs of the Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax carbo sinesis): In four Greek wetlands of international importance.
T. A. Albanis. University of Ioannina. Greece.
- Case study for the PCBs and organochlorine pesticide residues in eggs of Audouin's Gull
(Larus audouinii) in the North-Eastern Mediterranean.
T. A. Albanis. University of Ioannina. Greece.
- The impact of the industrial production of Lindane in Huesca (Spain). A case study.
C. Nerin. University of Zaragoza. Spain.
- A recent case of industrial DDT pollution of Lake Maggiore (Italy).
S. Galassi. University of Insubria. Italy.
- PTS levels in food and humans in Croatia
B. Krauthacker. Inst. for Medical Research and Occupational Health. Zagreb, Croatia
- Persistent organic pollutants in marine biota.
S. Focardi. Università di Siena. Siena, Italy
- PTS in Yugoslavia, Albania and Macedonia
M. Vojinovic. University of Novi Sad. Novi Sad, Yugoslavia
- PTS: Food contamination
J.F. Narbonne. University of Bordeaux I. Talence, France
- Compilation of unpublished data concerning organic micropollutants in Greek aquatic
ecosystems (1992-2001)
M. Scoullos et al., University of Athens, Athens, Greece
These contributions are available upon request
Working Groups
Three WG were established, one for sources, and two for 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
Participants: J.Bruno (raporteur), F. Abousamra, M. Angelidis, J. Diaz, R. Farret and A.
Iacomelli.
- Levels:
· Data qualification (representativeness, harmonization, the use of
indicators, ...)
· Monitoring activities (conceptual approaches)
· Geographical and temporal coverage (hot points,...)
· Data gaps
Participants (abiotic): M. Chevreuil (raporteur), A. Barakat, A.M. Ferreira, J.L. Gonzalez, A.
Marcomini, A.M. Mastral, M. Picer and U. Zoller
Partcipantes (biotic): J.F. Narbonne (raporteur), T. Albanis, E. de Felip, G. Gabrielides, S.
Galassi, M.J. Gonzalez, D. Kolankaya, B. Krauthacker and M. Vojinovic.
General conclusions
Sources:
The major PTS sources identified in the region covered the industrial and the agriculture
sectors together with the stock piles of obsolete chemicals. Data of these sources are lacking
in many countries where industrials are reluctant to report to the national authorities the
necessary data.
The consideration of emission factors as a method for the quantitative estimation of releases
from point and diffuse sources could be relevant in the actual context of the region, although
the uncertainties of this approach should be taken into account, due to the heterogeneity of
the industrial sectors in the region.
The group discussed the methodology to assess PTS sources in the Mediterranean region and
identified the areas of major concern where source estimates are essential. These are pointed
out in the following Table where priorities are indicated as major, medium and minor.
PTS
Air Sources
Water Sources
Soil Sources
Sea
Pesticides
Agric. usage,
Agric.
Production,
Major rivers,
sprying/land
use/runoff,
wastes, misuse.
coastal runoff
application.
production
Stockpiles
Production
(MEDPOL)
PCB's
Emission
Accidents.
Equipments.
Major rivers,
inventories
Leakages
Landfills
coastal runoff
(UNECE)
Dioxins &
Emission
By-products of
Coastal runoff.
Furans
inventories
PCB's
Major rivers
PAH's
Combustion
Urban runoff,
Timber protection Harbours.
(forests), energy, Oil spills
Oil spills
traffic, heating
Alkylphenols
Urban runoff
Major rivers.
Coastal runoff
TBT's
Release factors
Levels of PTS
Data reporting
Data available are generally from research and control laboratories with the following
characteristics:
- Research Laboratories : The results are currently published in the literature and so
evaluated and qualified by reviewers. Moreover, these laboratories are often
involved in intercalibration and round-robin tests. The subjects of the research
usually deal with local and limited studies, or hot spot situations. In some cases,
the laboratories are involved in monitoring programs at the local, national or
international levels, and then data are not always published.
- Control institutions : The analyses are performed by accredited laboratories of
public institutions or private organisations. The results in most cases are not open
to free publication and not available in terms of individual values. The results are
generally referred to regulatory limits (+/- or % conformity). In some cases the
results are the basis of national monitoring programs (especially for food
exposure).
The use of these data in the regional report will face major problems of harmonisation and
representativeness and certain criteria should be adopted for reporting.
a) Harmonization
PTS should be reported in terms of individual compounds whenever possible. Agreement on
the aggregation of individual congeners/homologs/oligomers is necessary (e.g. dioxin-like
congeners and Aroclors for PCB, PAHs, alkylphenols, etc.).
In studies dealing with mixtures, one compound or a specific ratio may be used as a source
indicator (e.g. 2,4' DDE, fluoranthene,...), to evaluate the metabolism activity (4,4'
DDD/44' DDT) or to follow the transfer trough the food chain (PCB 153).
Concentrations should also be reported on a homogeneous basis (e.g. dry weight for
sediments, fresh or dry weight and to lipid content for organisms, etc.). In case of large data
sets, the range of values and the mean/median value should be given. An important aspect
refers to the non detectable compounds (nd=0, DL,QL, ½DL). This indication must be
absolutely associated to the measurements.
The results may also be expressed as toxic equivalents (in reference to the most toxic
component). TEFs are available for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. For PAHs, some
scales have been proposed and yet adopted by some countries. For non dioxin like PCBs,
TEFs are object of studies by research groups.
In fact, the expression of results is related to the objective of the analysis. The profile of a
mixture is relevant to evaluate its environment fate and hazard (i.e. knowledge of the transfer
and metabolism through the food chain). The estimate of the potential toxicity of the mixture
towards target organisms (including humans) also require toxic equivalent expression.
b) Representativeness
Information on GPS coordinates (if any) and time of sample collection, the spatial density of
sampling (number of samples/km2), the sampling repetition over the time in the same area
(historical data set), etc. should be provided.
Local and or regional findings/results cannot be presented in isolation without dealing with
the interrelationships to the system-at-large. Single data are usually not representative and
should not be considered unless specific reasons exist.
From concentrations to loads
It is suggested to include in the reports the average annual discharge of pollutants carriers
(e.g., rives, effluents, rainfalls) in order to provide at least preliminary information on annual
fluxes. For existing annual loads, it would be desirable to know the contribution of incidental
events (e.g. floods) vs. the contribution of baseline conditions.
Partitioning of PTS between phases
The knowledge of PTS partitioning between phases, both in water (e.g. suspended
solids/water phase) and in air (aerosol and vapour phase) is very important for assessing
health effects (human and biota), transport pathways and persistence range. If the available
knowledge would allow it (e.g. sediment and organism concentrations are known), it is
suggested to apply simple models to predict the environmental pathways.
Overall evaluation of analytical and environmental reliability of data
It is envisaged the need to undertake a joint evaluation of the analytical quality (QC/QA
procedures) of the data and their environmental representativeness (both in space and time).
Whenever possible, the use of existing data for model calibration/validation is suggested. For
instance, modelling may predict results that are not confirmed by experimental
measurements.
Historical data
The group also pointed out the difficulty of assessing historical data due to changes in
analytical methodology and results expression. So, the recommendation is that results of
analytical studies published include the maximum information available on the qualitative
and quantitative compositions.
Monitoring activities
Monitoring programs are carried out at different levels :
- Analysis of abiotic samples or sentinel species in the environment to evaluate the
background situation and identify hot spots. The variability of the compartment
(e.g. water courses) is a key factor in the interpretation of results.
- Analysis of foods to evaluate the general exposure of the population and to detect
abnormal increases due to different cases of contamination (hot spots, local uses,
feed contamination, accidents,...). In case of risk assessment for human health an
accurate knowledge of diet composition for classes of population is needed.
- Analysis of human tissues is a key point for human risk evaluation and validation
of exposure model. Although this kind of assessment presents a number of both
technical and ethical problems, monitoring of human tissues (mainly breast milk
and blood) provides the best information on human exposure to PTS.
It was suggested to propose explicitly the conceptual frameworks for the interpretation of the
actual monitoring results and for the design of future monitoring activities. The DPSIR
(Driving forces, Pressures, State, Impacts and Reactions) proposed by the EEA (European
Environmental Agency) and the ERA (Environmental Risk Assessment, based on sources-
routes-targets schematic proposed by EPA and SETAC) approaches are recommended
because of their wide acceptance by scientific and technical communities.
Due to the lack of monitoring activities in most countries it would be strongly recommended
to activate or initiate monitoring programs. Therefore, the group recommends to stimulate
exchange of experiences between Mediterranean countries. This should be carried out with
particular attention to the need of adequating monitoring strategies to technical and
economical possibilities of countries. Supporting networks between institutions could be a
valuable initiative.
Data gaps
No data is a problem, but punctual data are also a problem, because it is difficult to compare
different punctual data, or to conclude about trends from too few data. If available, regular
monitoring is highly preferable, and should be given a higher significance in the regional
(and global) assessment.
The groups realized that data are often missing in some compartments, particularly:
- groundwaters
- drinking waters
- sewage sludges
- storages (industrial products, pesticides).
Environmental data should be linked with data on sources. The presence or absence of a local
source should also be reported. Yet, data on sources such as PCB in landfills, PDBE and
phthalates in many commercial items or voluntary or accidental release of pesticides or
industrial products will always difficult to get.
Prioritization of PTS of concern
Some suggested criteria:
- lack of regulatory legislation
- no enforcement/application of regulations
- first/second/third generation pesticides
- increased global background
- simultaneous detection in environmental compartments including groundwaters
Specific points
The group pointed out that most of the monitoring programs are related to products banned
on trade. The main difficulties are for compounds actually on the market due to lack of
standardized methodology, standard availability, reference materials. The group stressed the
importance of focus international action on them.
Scoring of chemicals and mapping should be carried out on a country basis. The proposal
was made of including also Atrazine in the list. The Table below shows the values given by
the different country participants to the chemicals subject to assessment. Values are listed
from west to east along the region. It was also agreed that more data is necessary for all
chemicals in all compartments.
Scoring for Prioritising PTS for Sources and Environmental Levels
Mediterranean Region
Chemical
Sources
Data gaps
Environ.
Data gaps
Levels
Dieldrin and Aldrin
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
0,0,0,1,1,1,0,1,1,0
1
Endrin
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
0,0,0,1,1,1,0,1,1,0
1
Chlordane
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
0,0,0,1,1,1,0,1,1,0
1
Heptachlor
0,0,0,1,0,0,1,0,1,0
1
1,0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
DDT
0,1,0,1,0,1,1,0,1,0
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
Toxaphene
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
Mirex
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
Hexachlorobenzene
0,1,0,1,1,0,1,0,1,0
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,1,1
1
PCBs
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
Dioxins and Furans
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,1
1
1,1,1,1,0,1,0,1,0,1
1
HCH
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,1,1
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
Endosulfan
1,0,0,1,1,1,0,1,0,0
1
1,0,0,0,0,1,0,1,0,0
1
Chlorinated Paraffins
0,0,1,1,0,1,1,0,0,0
1
0,0,1,1,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
PCP
1,1,1,1,1,0,1,1,0,0
1
1,1,1,0,1,0,1,1,0,0
1
PBBs and PBDEs
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
1
PAHs
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
1
Phthalates
0,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0
1
0,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0
1
Alkylphenols
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,1
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,0,1,0,1
1
Org. Tin Compds.
1,1,1,1,0,1,1,0,1,1
1
1,1,1,1,0,0,1,1,1,1
1
Org. Mercury
0,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0,1
1
0,0,1,1,1,1,0,1,0,1
1
Compds.
Others?
Atrazine
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0
1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,1
1
Scores:
Score = 0 chemical is of no concern
Score = 1 chemical has local concern
Annex 1. List of participants
Dr. Fouad ABOUSAMRA
UNEP/MAP
Athens, Greece
fouad@unepmap.gr
Prof. Joan ALBAIGES
CID-CSIC
Barcelona, Spain
albqam@cid.csic.es
Prof. Triantafyllos ALBANIS
University of Ioannina
Ioannina, Greece
talbanis@cc.uoi.gr
Prof. Michalis ANGELIDIS
University of the Aegean
Mytilene, Greece
magel@aegean.gr
Prof. Assem BARAKAT
University of Alexandria
Alexandria, Egypt
abarakat@dataxprs.com.eg
Prof. Jordi BRUNO
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Barcelona, Spain
Jordi.Bruno@upc.es
Dr. Saverio CIVILI
UNEP/MAP
Athens, Greece
fscivili@unepmap.gr
Dr. Marc CHEVREUIL
Univ. P. et M. Curie
Paris, France
chevreui@biogeodis.jussieu.fr
Prof. M. DASSENAKIS
University of Athens
Athens, Greece
edasenak@cc.uoa.gr
Dr. Elena DE FELIP
Istituto Superiore di Sanità
Rome, Italy
defelip@iss.it
Dr. Jordi DIAZ
Institut Quimic de Sarria
Barcelona, Spain
jdiaz@iqs.es
Dr. Regis FARRET
INERIS
Paris, France
Regis.Farret@ineris.fr
Dr. Ana FERREIRA
IPIMAR
Lisbon, Portugal
amfer@ipimar.pt
Prof. Silvano FOCARDI
University of Siena
Siena, Italy
focardi@unisi.it
Dr. Gabriel GABRIELIDES
Ministry of Environment
Cyprus
ggabriel@cytanet.com.cy
Dr. Silvana GALASSI
University of Insubria,
Como, Italy
silvana.galassi@unimib.it
Dr. Maria J. GONZALEZ
CSIC
Madrid, Spain
mariche@iqog.csic.es
Mr. Jean Louis GONZALEZ
IFREMER
Toulon, France
Jean.Louis.Gonzalez@ifremer.fr
Dr. Aldo IACOMELLI
Ministry of Environment
Rome, Italy
iacomelli.aldo@minambiente.it
Dr. Durdane KOLANKAYA
University of Hacettepe
Ankara, Turkey
durdane@hacettepe.edu.tr
Dr. Blanca KRAUTHACKER
Inst. for Medical Research and Occupational Health
Zagreb, Croatia
bkrautha@imi.hr
Prof. Antonio MARCOMINI
University of Venice
Venice, Italy
marcom@unive.it
Dr. Ana M. MASTRAL
CSIC
Zaragoza, Spain
amastral@carbon.icb.csic.es
Prof. Jean-François NARBONNE
University of Bordeaux I
Talence, France
jf.narbonne@lptc.u-bordeaux.fr
Dr. Mladen PICER
Institute Rudjer Boskovic
Zagreb, Croatia
picer@rudjer.irb.hr
Prof. Michael SCOULLOS
University of Athens
Athens, Greece
mio-ee-env@ath.forthnet.gr
Prof. Michael SISKOS
University of Athens
Athens, Greece
siskos@chem.uoa.gr
Ms. Petropoulou SYRAGO-STYLIANI
University of Athens
Athens, Greece
petropulou@chem.uoa.gr
Dr. Paula VIANA
Institut of Environment
Lisbon, Portugal
mpv@dga.min-amb.pt
Dr. Mirjana VOJINOVIC
University of Novi Sad
Novi Sad, Yugoslavia
miloradov@uns.ns.ac.yu
Mr. Paul WHYLIE
Project manager
UNEP Chemicals
Geneve, Switzerland
PWhylie@unep.ch
Prof. Uri ZOLLER
University of Haifa
Tivon, Israel
uriz@research.haifa.ac.il