Distribution of organochlorine pesticides in pine needles of an oceanic island: The case of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)

The distribution of persistent organochlorine pesticides (HCB, HCH, DDT and its metabolites) was studied by analyzing pine needles in the oceanic island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). Tenerife is a subtropical oceanic island, characterized by the presence of a high mountain ( Pico de Teide, 3,718 m a.s.l.) and by a peculiar climatic condition. The southern side is warm and sometimes during the year influenced by dry winds coming from Africa, while the northern side is cool and wet, with an almost persistent cloudiness (called 'mar de nubes'), due to winds coming from the northern Atlantic. Furthermore a developed agricultural area is present at sea level. Pine needle samples were collected on both sides of the island, from the sea level up to the upper level of pine distribution (2,100 m a.s.l.). The distribution patterns of organochlorine pesticides seem to be affected mainly by local emissions. Up to the considered altitude layer, the influence of global circulation of persistent organic pollutants seems to play a negligible role. The behavior of chemicals is consistent with their physical-chemical properties, with some influence due to climatic conditions.