MOUNTAINS ECOSYSTEMS AS A TEMPORAL SINK FOR PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

Abstract

In this chapter the role of mountain ecosystems in the dynamics and fate of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) will be described. POPs are a group of chemicals released into the environment by anthropogenic processes, characterized by an elevated persistence, high bioaccumulation and toxicity. Recent research has shown an increasing trend of POP levels in mountain ecosystems all over the world, in various environmental media such as soils, ice, snow, vegetation and animals. Short term POP accumulation in snow and ice may occur in different mountain systems depending on atmospheric circulation, temperature patterns and precipitation rates. On a long term basis accumulation of POPs in mountain lake sediments may be used for reflecting temporal and spatial trends in deposition. Passive air sampling and bioindicators are now being used for demonstrating altitudinal trends, where cold condensation processes may cause higher levels of some POPs at higher altitudes. Geographical trends will be also discussed, considering research performed in the major mountain ranges around the world (the Alps, Pyrinees, Andes, Rocky Mountains etc.)