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The Mediterranean Sea pp 89–149Cite as

Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea

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Abstract

Information on levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the different biotic (e.g. bivalves, fish, marine mammals and sea birds) and abiotic compartments (e.g. air, seawater and sediments) of the Mediterranean Sea is reviewed. Particular emphasis is given to data generated during the last decade on chlorinated compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the most widely studied in the region, although antifouling agents (organotins) and surfactants (alkylphenols) are also considered.

When data permit, hot spots, spatial and temporal trends as well as biological effects have been assessed. Major transport pathways (e.g. atmospheric deposition, riverine discharges and sedimentation) and budgets are summarised, although most of the information is limited to the Western basin. Monitoring activities of regional significance are also described and data gaps calling for a particular regional surveying effort are identified.

The scarcity of emission data from the Mediterranean countries, the shortage of measurements of good quality or the lack of them for certain compartments, and the weaknesses of the models are among the major limitations for understanding the fate of POPs in the region.

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  1. Department of Environmental Chemistry (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18–26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain

    Joan Albaigés

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  1. Joan Albaigés
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Correspondence to Joan Albaigés .

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Alain Saliot

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Albaigés, J. (2005 ). Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea. In: Saliot, A. (eds) The Mediterranean Sea. Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 5K. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/b107145

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