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A study was conducted on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in surface soil in order to determine the concentration levels and possibly distinguishing between known and potential sources. The concentration levels are low (0.16-14 ng I-TEQ kg(-1)). The results show a clear pattern where the highest concentration levels were found in the oldest parts of the city. A number of sources were recognised in the soil samples through congener profiles, not all of them active, although similar congener profiles make it extremely difficult to distinguish between different sources. Estimations show that the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and domestic wood burning are the largest PCDD/F pollution sources within the area.

Although PCB is a globally recognised pollutant, an understanding of its transport from man-made building materials to the environment is poorly constrained. This paper presents data from a study that was conducted in order to determine the extent of PCB usage in plaster on building façades in the Bergen area, Norway. The study was to determine whether PCB concentrations vary according to building usage type and age. One aim was also to determine the nature and extent of displacement of PCB from the façade into the surrounding soil. Buildings built between 1952 and 1979 were chosen for the study. Three different media were sampled during the study; surface soil, plaster and paint. Samples were then analysed for PCB7 content. The results show that there is a difference in PCB usage in buildings of different age and usage type. Residential buildings and schools demonstrated higher PCB concentrations in both soil and plaster than buildings designated for office use, storage, or for industrial purposes. Buildings erected in the 1950s and 1960s also show a higher PCB concentration than buildings from a later date. It appears that the usage of PCB for these purposes decreased in the 1970s. Thirty percent of the soil samples showed a higher PCB concentration than the Norwegian action level. The soil samples tend to have a higher concentration than the corresponding plaster from the adjacent wall, which probably has its cause in the high soil organic matter contents that retains PCB. Plaster has not been considered a pollution source in previous studies; therefore this study demonstrates a new source that needs to be considered in emission calculations., (Copryright 2003 Elsevier B.V.)