Long-range transport of persistent chemicals and distribution among various environment media – model investigations

Many environmental pollutants are slowly degrading (persistent) and very mobile. Results of simulations using a global multicompartment model which is based on an atmosphere general circulation model are presented. The integration of soils, vegetation, air, ocean and ice is mandatory in order to describe the environmental fate, i.e. transports and transformations, of slowly degrading and semivolatile substances. This class of substances includes the so-called persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other pesticides and industrial chemicals. The investigations elucidate the combined effects of climate and substance properties on transport and distribution of pollutants and allow to quantify persistence and long-range transport potential.