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outer German Bight, which are comparable to present values. However, concentrations
in the coastal areas were much higher than today, which proves that pollutant loads in
rivers (especially the Elbe) have decreased considerably during the past years.
Whether other input sources to the North Sea are also relevant presently cannot be
derived from the data because most values were below the detection limit; no spatial
distribution pattern could thus be generated for the North Sea. However, high mean PCP
concentrations of 6 to 100 ng/L, which had been found in estuarine regions in 1983 -
1997 [Eurochlor, 1997] are no longer observed.
Nevertheless, the river Elbe still is an input source of PCP to the North Sea.
In the river Rhine, PCP has been detected occasionally in the past 5 years. The
maximum value, found at Lobith, was 130 ng/L, and the mean value was 30 ng/L
(RIWA, 2004). In general, values were below the LOD of 10 ng/L, though.
Detailed data on manufacturing and use of PCP and derivatives have been summarised
in the OSPAR “Background document on PCP” (OSPAR, 2001). Nevertheless, it is
difficult to derive thereof detailed input data. Today the predominant use of PCP
containing chemicals is in the treatment of wood. In 1996 almost 90 % of the total EU
consumption of PCP was in France, Portugal and Spain (total of ca. 20 - 400 t).
Measured concentrations in sea water are well below the level of toxicity reported for
aquatic organisms; NOEC are reported in the low pg/L range (s. Chapter 2.4). The
observed concentrations of PCP are well below the WFD EQS of 200 ng/L.
Based on these positive findings, the BSH will determine pentachlorophenol on a
voluntary basis during the next two years in order to support the results of this study.
The method should be improved for that purpose, and the LOQ should be lowered to
0.05 ng/L. However, because of the low absolute concentrations, it is not considered
necessary to include pentachlorophenol as a routine parameter in the standard
monitoring program.
