Pollutants of Emerging Concern in Iowa Air

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Project Period: 
2002
Project Investigator(s): 
KC Hornbuckle, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Iowa
Abstract: 

Atmospheric deposition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to agricultural crops is an important process in human exposure to POPs through the food chain. In order to quantify potential human exposure to these compounds, atmospheric monitoring is necessary. More than 100 air samples will be analyzed for trace level concentrations of potentially hazardous air pollutants of emerging concern. Analytical methods will be designed and tested for flame retardants, oil additives, current use pesticides, fragrance materials, plasticizers, and veterinary pharmaceuticals at trace levels in ambient air. The results of this study will be used to examine fate and transport of these pollutants in air, deposition and accumulation in crops; and risks to human and animal inhalation and ingestion.

Publications: 

Hornbuckle K, Green M; The impact of an urban-industrial region on the magnitude and variability of persistent organic pollutant deposition to Lake Michigan. AMBIO. 2003; 32(6):406-411