An overview of wet deposition of micropollutants to the North Sea

Abstract

An overview of the wet deposition of micropollutants (trace metals—Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Zn— and organic compounds—PAHs, PCBs, pesticides) to the North Sea and adjacent areas is presented. The results of (in)direct measurements of the wet flux are compared to modelling results. Attention is given to specific problems like revolatilization, sea-spray, contamination, gas-to-particle ratios in wet deposition of Hg and the organic substances. Also, the importance of wet deposition is weighted to that of dry deposition and non-atmospheric input routes to the North Sea. It is concluded that—especially for organic micropollutants—current knowledge is insufficient to yield an accurate and detailed image of the impact and importance of wet deposition to the North Sea.