Full title:
Research project on behalf of the German Federal Environmental Agency Intercomparison on PAHs and lindane - IADN method Canada - CAMP method Germany"

Date:
2003 - 2005

Problem:
Intercomparisons have been conducted between members of OSPAR and between the different agencies of IADN for a variety of chemicals. Until 2003 there was not a similar work between Northern America and European POPs networks.

Task:
The objectives of this joint study were to determine if PAHs and lindane concentrations in air and precipitation can be determined with different sampling and analytical methods and to supply data for modelling.

Execution:
The precipitation samples were collected simultaneously following both sampling methods while the sampling schedule for the air samples (gas and particle phase) differed with the OSPAR method requiring a weekly sample while samples for IADN were collected for 24 hours every 12 days. Samples collected by each agency respectively their contractors were analyzed by both their own laboratories methods and the ones from the other network to verify if significant analytical differences were present.

Result:
This is the first time that a North American POPs network methodology is compared to a European network. The agreement between the two networks will enhance data assimilation for Northern hemispherical modelling exercises.

Publication:
P. Blanchard, D. Kallweit, K. A. Brice, F. Froude, C. H. Chan, M. Neilson, J. Holz, H. Millat A comparison of European and North American atmospheric deposition networks: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and lindane; Journal of Environmental Monitoring 2006, 8, 465 - 471