In a previous study we determined that the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal (IHSC) is a source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the air above it. We hypothesized that the PCBs emitted to the air over the IHSC are continuously dispersed into the surrounding atmosphere. We addressed this hypothesis by using an atmospheric dispersion model, AERMOD. This model allowed us to predict hourly air concentration of total and individual PCB congeners (ca. 160) for the year 2008. In addition, we employed the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WFR) to predict local vertical as well horizontal hourly meteorological conditions at a fine grid scale (1.3 km). Results show that the IHSC is not only a source of airborne PCBs to East Chicago, but also to Lake Michigan. Annual 1 h average air concentrations of total PCBs ranged from 12 to 4700 pg m-3. We also found a strong effect of the local meteorological conditions into the dispersion and transport of these chemicals during the year. For example, under the conditions of low planetary boundary layer and high vertical convective velocity, high concentrations are predicted. Predicted concentrations are compared against measured values. Figure 1. <img src='https://acs-archive-assets2.s3.amazonaws.com/se_sw_rm/uploads/65165_new-water-soluble-2.jpg' alt='' />

Transport modeling of PCB airborne emissions from Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal into the local atmosphere

248th National Meeting (2014)

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