Persistent Organic Pollutants in Semi-permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs) Deployed in the Ambient Air of Alaska

Triolein containing semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were deployed in the ambient air of Alaska at five locations (Barrow, Poker Flat Research Range, Denali National Park and Preserve, Trapper Creek and Homer) during a one year study. Samples were screened for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine compounds (OCPs). Total PCBs ranged from 5-30 ng/SPMD for three-month time-integrated samples. Measurements of selected PAH ratios suggest mixed sources (petrogenic and pyrogenic) at the five locations. The percent ratio of pp-DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane] to total DDT (DDT and all metabolites) ranged from 17-66%. A higher percentage may indicate the presence of a fresh input of DDT into the atmosphere or non-metabolized DDT that has remained in the environment. Ratio of trans-chlordane (TC) to cis-chlordane (CC) varied from 0.7-1.2. Higher ratios of TC to CC may indicate fresh input into Alaska from various source regions during deployment of SPMDs.