Pesticides in rainwater in Flanders, Belgium: results from the monitoring program 1997-2001.

In 1997 the Flemish Environmental Agency (FEA) started a monitoring program "Pesticides in Rain in Flanders, Belgium". The original purpose of the monitoring program was to examine the possible occurrence of dichlorvos in rainwater and subsequent deposition. However, it was thought necessary from the beginning to monitor a wide range of pesticides.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rainwater.

A study on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in rainwater was carried out over periods of at least one year at two locations in Belgium with different environments. Maximum amounts and concentrations of PAH were reached during the winter period, mainly due to household heating. This influence was also reflected in the relative proportions of the six PAH measured.