Screening of Organic Contaminants in Urban Snow

Abstract

Snowmelt is known to cause peak concentrations of pollutants, which may adversely affectreceiving water quality. High concentrations of metals and suspended solids in snow have beenreported, whereas studies on organic pollutants are rare. This study aims at investigating theoccurrence of anthropogenic organic compounds in urban snow in Gothenburg (Sweden). The mostfrequently detected organic pollutants in the collected snow samples were polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons (PAHs), high molecular-weight phthalates, 4-nonylphenol and 4-t-octylphenol.Brominated flame retardants and chlorinated paraffins were only sporadically detected. In severalsnow samples, the concentrations of specific PAHs, alkylphenols and phthalates were higher thanreported stormwater concentrations and European water quality standards. Pollutant sourceidentification and sustainable management of snow are important instruments for the mitigation oforganic contaminants in the urban environment