Abstract

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The concentration of PCDD/F, PCB, HCH, HCB, PCP, DDX and PAH in spruce needles and in the humus layer of 25 Austrian remote forest sites at large distances from emission sources were determined. The concentrations proved to be similar to those found in other remote areas of Europe, confirming an ubiquitous distribution even of substances that have meanwhile been forbidden. The PCDD/F concentrations of some remote sites reached values comparable to those of urban areas or close to emission sources. The results of an altitude profile indicate the unfavourable conditions of high alpine areas for pollution with persistent organic pollutants. The site at the highest altitude showed higher concentrations than the ones below. Differences between the PCDD/F homologue profiles of high alpine sites and sites at lower altitudes indicate that the log-range transport of air masses could be the reason for the higher PCDD/F concentrations of spruce needles at high altitudes. A lot of research is necessary to evaluate the risks of the POP load for forest ecosystems.