Latitudinal distribution of OCPs in the open ocean atmosphere between the Argentinian coast and Antarctic Peninsula.

Long-range atmospheric transport is one of the most important ways in which persistent organic pollutants can be transported from their source to remote and pristine regions. Here, we report the results of the first Argentinian measurements of organochlorine pesticides in the Antarctic region. During a 9665-km track onboard OV ARA Puerto Deseado, within the framework of Argentinian Antarctic Expeditions, air samples were taken using high-volume samplers and analyzed using GC-µECD. HCB, HCHs, and endosulfans were the major organic pollutants found, and a north-south gradient in their concentrations was evident by comparing data from the Argentinian offshore zone to the South Scotia Sea.

UV characterization and photodegradation mechanism of the fungicide chlorothalonil in the presence and absence of oxygen.

An experimental and theoretical study of the UV spectrum of chlorothalonil (CT) was carried out and the vibrationally resolved HOMO→LUMO transition is presented for the first time. The fluorescence spectrum has also been recorded. Furthermore, preparative photolysis allowed a detailed study of the photoproducts formed with recognition of different isomers. In the presence of oxygen only the first reductive dechlorination-decyanation occurred, while in its absence a successive dechlorination-decyanation takes place.