The aim of this project is to compile information and create a computerized database of historical and present global lindane and endosulfan usage data as well as emission data for gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) and endosulfan with 1 degree x 1 degree lat/long resolution. The objectives of this project are: A) to create global gridded g-HCH and endosulfan emission inventories; B) to study the linkage between global g-HCH and endosulfan use trends and g-HCH and endosulfan concentration trends in the Arctic; and C) to assist in comparing concentrations and ratios of different HCH isomers in the Arctic biotic and abiotic environments.
Specific POPs: lindane, gamma-HCH, endosulfan
The references listed above explain the three phases in producing emission inventories of alpha-HCH. In Phase 1 technical HCH usage data is compiled using temporal and spatial interpolation (Li 1999a). In Phase 2, the usage data is gridded by using global gridded cropland data as a surrogate (Li 1999b). In Phase 3, emission inventories of alpha-HCH with 1 degree x 1 degree lat/long resolution are created (Li et al. 2000).
As there is no central register for these toxic chemicals, the information in the inventories was obtained through literature survey, contacts and contracts with international agencies and discussions with researchers. Sources of data include published papers, proprietorial surveys, special regional studies, contracted studies, United Nations reports and reports from several countries. These data are carefully screened before being entered into our database. In order to grid the usage data, the best surrogates are selected in order to reduce the uncertainty. The results from our calculation will also be compared with monitoring data of concentrations in air, water, and other compartments for consistency. All necessary precedures will be undertaken in order to reduce the uncertainty of the results.
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU); - World Wildlife Fund Canada. Please refer to the Canadian National AMAP Implementation Plan for other information.
- Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Northern Contaminants Program; - Environment Canada, Canada's federal environmental agency
HCH had been manufactured as two predominant products: technical HCH (60-70% alpha-HCH, 5-12% beta-HCH, 10-15% gamma-HCH) and lindane (almost pure gamma-HCH). Only gamma-HCH displays significant insecticidal properties.