PureAlps 2016-2020. Monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in the Alpine region (immission, deposition, biota).

The PureAlps project investigated whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury and other selected pollutants can be detected in alpine areas. In cooperation between the Bavarian State Office for the Environment and the Austrian Federal Environment Agency, data on bioaccumulation of pollutants in ecosystems in the Alps were collected for the first time. Measurements of air and deposition samples at the Zugspitze and Hohen Sonnblick were continued. PureAlps shows that long-lasting pollutants are registered in the Alpine region and can lead to pressures in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. International regulations on problematic chemicals are therefore of great importance for the protection of the Alps.