Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (GAPS) Network and the Dioxin Monitoring Project

Anita Wong, Environment CanadaSources and Measurements WorkshopCEC North American Strategy for Catalyzing Cooperation on Dioxins, Furans and HCBOctober 28th, 2010Mexico City, Mexico

Acknowledgement: Dr. Tom Harner, Environment Canada

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Overview

• GAPS originated in Canada in 2004/05; ~ 60 sites

• GAPS is the only global-scale program reporting to the Global Monitoring Plan (GMP) of the Stockholm Convention on POPs.

• Target analytes: legacy POPs and emerging chemicals (endosulfan and other current use pesticides; PCNs; PFASs; PBDEs; flame retardants)

• GAPS data integrated with global transport models to assess long range transport.

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GAPS NetworkGAPS Network

2010 sampling sitesModified: October 15, 2010

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Objectives of GAPS Network

• Demonstrate the feasibility of passive samplers for POPs

• Determine spatial and temporal trends for POPs in air

• Contribute useful data for assessing regional and global long-range atmospheric transport of POPs

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GAPS Network Process

• Passive Air Samplers (PAS) are being used due to low costs, simple and electricity-free operation and no maintenance

• Samplers require no daily operation

• Two types of samplers shipped to each site 1. PUF-disk sampler - requires the sampling medium to be changed every

3 months.2. XAD sampler - changed once a year

• Site operators are sent standard operating procedures (SOP) and are recommended to check site periodically to look for damage or loss and to change sample disks as required.

• All samples shipped to Environment Canada for analysis– No hazardous products so samples can be shipped by courier or mail.

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Site Selection for GAPS Network

• Site identification– relied on existing meteorological stations operating under World Meteorological

Organization – Global Atmosphere (WMO-GAW) and similar programs – relied on research contacts in some regions.

• Site location – sites to be located 2 m above ground in an open area with unobstructed airflow – away from potential sources of contamination (exhaust vents, electronics,

sources of combustion or human activities)

• Site selection and number of sites selected is based on a balance of:– laboratory capacity, – Environment Canada’s operating budget and – Representation of background sites around the globe and be useful for model

validation.– Availability and willingness of countries to participate– Regions where there are data gaps to get global spatial coverage

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Location Country Site TypeLa Palma* Cuba Background

Veracruz* Mexico Rural

Tapanti NP Costa Rica Background

Arauca Colombia Rural

Huayna Potosi* Bolivia Background

Chungara Lake* Chile Background

Indaiatuba Brazil Background

Bahia Blanca* Argentina Agricultural

Coyhaique* Chile Background

Tlahuac* Mexico Urban

St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks Brazil Background

Ragged Point Barbados Background

Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos Islands)

Ecuador Background

Porto Velho Brazil Urban

Puruzinho Brazil Background

Valley of the Yaqui Mexico Agricultural

Celestún Mexico Background

Monitoring Sites in GRULAC Region (2010)

* Currently not operating

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PCDD/F Monitoring Project

• In response to the first Global Monitoring Plan (GMP) report that identified a lack of air measurement data for PCDD/Fs in the GRULAC (Group for Latin America and the Caribbean) region, the UNEP Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention on POPs initiated a project to investigate PCDD/Fs at ten GAPS sites operating in the GRULAC region.

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PCDD/F Monitoring Project

• The GAPS Network have agreed to undertake this study and intends to begin sampling in January 2011

• As a GAPS partner in the GRULAC region, Canada has sent out a solicitation to existing GRULAC GAP sites to participate

• Canada is coordinating this project and analyzing the samples through UNEP funds

• Canada will send out an additional PUF disk sampler for each site and separate PUF disks for the PCDD/F study to be mounted in the same area as the regular GAPS sampler.

• The PCDD/F sampler will be deployed for six-month periods starting January 2011 ending December 2012.

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GRULAC Sites that Confirmed Participation in PCDD/F Monitoring Project

Location Country Site TypeTapanti NP Costa Rica Background

Arauca Colombia Rural

Porto Velho Brazil Urban

Valley of the Yaqui Mexico Agricultural

Celestún Mexico Background

Quito (begin in Jan/11) Ecuador Urban

- Two non-GRULAC sites in Argentina will participate

- Waiting for response from two GAPS sites

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Environment Canada Contact for GAPS Network

Dr. Tom Harner

Environment Canada

Science and Technology Branch

4905 Dufferin Street

Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4 Canada

Tel.: +1 416 739 4837

E-mail: Tom.Harner@ec.gc.ca