Die Bodenkultur - Journal for Land Management, Food and Environment

G. Puchwein, W. Brodacz, R. Stelzer, A. Eibelhuber, L. Pilsbacher, R. Zeller and K. Fuchs:

Monitoring of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in Austria raw milk, 1989-1995

Summary

Between 1989 and 1995 almost 900 raw milk samples were collected from dairies all over Austria according to a specially elaborated statistical sampling plan in order to monitor the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PHBs). HCB, lindane, α-HCH, pp´ –DDE, ß-heptachlorepoxide and dieldrin were the pesticide residues most commonly detected. Only three out of six key PCB congeners were frequently present, namely PCB No. 138, 153 and 180. For most organochlorine pestidicide residues a distinct reduction took place while only a weak decline of PCB content could be observed at the same time. Seasonal variations overlaid a descending trend in the case of lindane residues. Distinct regional difference still present at the beginning attenuated in the course of the study. Key words:  Monitoring, pesticides, PCB, Austrian raw milk.