Alkylated dibenzothiophenes in pine needles from pulp and paper mill environment

Concentrations of alkylated dibenzothiophenes (CnDBTs) in pine needles in a recipient area of the emissions from a pulp and paper mill where also waste combustion was done were measured. The concentrations (ng/g dry weight) of C1DBTs were in the range of < 0.7 ng/g – 73.0 ng/g, those of C2DBTs in the range of < 0.7 – 273.3 ng/g and those of C3DBTs in the range of <0.7 – 393.0 ng/g. The concentrations increased with the number of alkylcarbons so that [C3DBTs] > [C2DBTs] > [C1DBTs]. The pulp mill could not be shown to be the source of C1---C3DBTs in the pine needles. Other possible sources are situated in the vicinity of the pulp and paper mill. Long-range transport, either, cannot be excluded as a possible source.