Abstract
Concentrations of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-p-furans (PCDDs/Fs) in ambient air in Košetice, a background locality in the South Bohemia, have been estimated in the period from July to December 1994. The 24-hours samples have been taken by the means of a high-volume sampler. Sample analysis involved Soxhlet extraction of polyurethane foam, extract preconcentration and chromatographic clean-up procedure followed by HPLC determination of PAHs with fluorescence detection, GC/ECD determination of chlorinated pollutants, and GC/MS determination of PCDDs/Fs. The results of this first detailed study undertaken in Czech Republic are compared with the data obtained by similar projects in industrial and/or urban areas in the Czech Republic and in rural or urban areas in other European countries.