Results from the Swedish National Screening Programme 2004. Subreport 5: Mirex and Endosulfan

Measurements of the pesticides mirex and ensosulfan were performed in 49 samples of air, deposition, sediment, sludge, water and biota at background sites and at diffuse sources. Mirex was not detected in any of the samples analysed, and was concluded not to occur in elevated concentrations in the Swedish environment. Endosulfan and endosulfan sulphate were detected in air and deposition and the latter also in sediments, biota and leachate water. Endosulfan seems to mainly enter the environment via long-range atmospheric transport. There may be other diffuse emissions resulting in observed levels of endosulfan sulphate. In order to address remaining questions, further analysis of e.g. outgoing sewage water, sewage sludge, biota and/or food stuffs as well as regular air monitoring of endosulfan is suggested.