Roland Weber

POPs Environmental Consulting

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are widely produced chemicals, with certain CP subgroups facing global restrictions due to their environmental dispersion, persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. To evaluate the effectiveness of these international restrictions, we assessed the homologue group contribution and the mass fraction of short-chain CPs (S...

Fluorinated chrome mist suppressants (CMSs) have been widely used in the electroplating industry globally, including China. In compliance with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, China has phased out perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as CMS, except for closed-loop systems, before March 2019. Since then, several alternatives ha...

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging global pollutants found in environmental matrices, e.g., 3000 tonnes of PHCZs have been detected in the sediments of the Great Lakes. Recognition of PHCZ emissions from ongoing industrial activities worldwide is still lacking. Here, we identify and quantify PHCZ emissions from 13 large-scale industrie...

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/chemicals-plastics-technical-report The report provides state of knowledge on chemicals in plastics and based on compelling scientific evidence calls for urgent action to address chemicals in plastics as part of the global action on plastic pollution. Overview of the report: The “Chemicals in Plastics: A Techni...

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were monitored at 12 sites across four countries (Kuwait, Turkey, Lebanon and, Oman) using validated passive air samplers between January 2018 and December 2018 in an attempt to set up a monitoring network for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) across the Middle East. The highest concen...

Short-chain and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs/MCCPs) are of concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. SCCPs were listed in 2017 as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention for Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. MCCPs are evaluated in the POPs Reviewing Committe...

Editorial to the Special Issue "Legacy and Emerging POPs: Science and Policy Aspects of Implementing International Treaties" https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/emerging-contaminants/special-issue/10X1CZB5980

This review compiles information on PCDD/F- and PCB-contaminated eggs from 20 years of global egg monitoring around emission sources conducted by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and Arnika as well as a compilation of data from scientific literature. IPEN monitored 127 pooled egg samples including samples from 113 chicken flo...

The Stockholm Convention is key to addressing the global threats of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to humanity and the environment. It has been successful in identifying new POPs, but its national implementation remains challenging, particularly by low- and middle-income Parties. Concerted action is needed to assist Parties in implementing th...

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) waste isomers from lindane production are the largest single POPs legacy, with an estimated 4.8 to 7.4 million tonnes of disposed waste. The largest part of this waste – 1.8 to 3 million tonnes – was disposed in Europe, where most producers were located. This paper provides a short overview of projects supported by the E...

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were listed in the Stockholm Convention as POPs because of their bio-accumulative, long-range and toxicity characteristics. Therefore, these should be managed and assessed by Parties of the convention in an environmentally sound manner. This present study assessed the status of PBDEs contamination at e-waste d...

Background In recent years, the widespread presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment and the related exposures and adverse health effects has received increasing attention. However, PFASs are not routinely monitored in drinking water in many parts of the world, including China. PFAS data are mainly generat...

PFAS are a group of organic chemicals, which some presents environmental persistence, dispersion and potential toxicity. Some of them have been listed in the Stockholm Convention as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to have its production and use restricted, namely PFOS, its salts and PFOSF and PFOA, its salts and related substances. As a Party,...

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are chemicals with multipurpose applications. Their global production has increased despite their adverse impacts on the environment and human health. In 2017, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. Yet, specific exemptions were granted f...

Background: Over the last decade, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become one of the most heavily investigated persistent organohalogen compound class of environmental concern. However, knowledge about their toxicology is still scarce, although PFASs as individual compounds and their industrial mixtures were shown to exert effects o...

Background Over the last decade, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become one of the most heavily investigated persistent organohalogen compound class of environmental concern. However, knowledge about their toxicology is still scarce, although PFASs as individual compounds and their industrial mixtures were shown to exert effects on...

While it is well recognized that the frequency and intensity of flood events are increasing worldwide, the environmental, economic, and societal consequences of remobilization and distribution of pollutants during flood events are not widely recognized. Loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and monetary cleanup costs associated with floods are im...

Enabling a circular economy for plastics in Europe and beyond is an ambitious goal. In order to reach a fully closed loop, numerous challenges and knowledge gaps need to be overcome. This review provides a list of more than 6000 chemicals reported to be found in plastics and an overview of the challenges and gaps in assessing their impacts on the e...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) represent an increasingly global challenge for keeping water and soil “non-toxic”. 100 of millions of people are exposed to PFAS levels of concern, in particular, around PFAS production sites and sites where PFASs are/were used and released or disposed. The Stockholm Convention established recommendations...

Releases of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) from industrial or thermal processes to the aquatic environment are considered small compared to emissions to air today. However, industrial processes have occasionally released PCDD/PCDFs into local aquatic environments. . PCDD/PCDF formation and releases were re-examined...

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. It has been established that PBDEs may be released into the environment during improper handling and disposal of e-waste and other products containing PBDEs that is prevalent in developing countries. This research work assessed the...

Within the framework of the Stockholm Convention implementation in Suriname, the first inventory of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been developed. The major stocks of PFOS are firefighting foams with minor stocks in pesticides (ant baits) and possibly carpets. The inventory of firefighting foams assessed the import, current stocks and maj...

The book, Poisons in Our Environment, is a research-based publication having the data (including contaminants in different environment segments) of 38 sites in the country’s three provinces, collected by the SDPI team, not only under the author’s supervision & guidance but also in his presence at each of the visited sites. All data described and di...

The book, Poisons in Our Environment, is a research-based publication having the data (including contaminants in different environment segments) of 38 sites in the country’s three provinces, collected by the SDPI team, not only under the author’s supervision & guidance but also in his presence at each of the visited sites. All data described and di...

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) have been used since the 1950s as chrome mist suppressant (CMS) in the electroplating industry. In this study, various samples within an electroplating factory, the related wastewater treatment facilities and surrounding environment at Hangzhou Bay in Southeast China were investigated for the occurr...

Flammability standards for furniture, building insulation and electronics were established in an attempt to mitigate fire risk. However, research suggests that some of these flammability standards should be reconsidered. High levels of flame retardant chemicals, primarily organohalogens, are added to these products in order to comply with fire safe...

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) have been produced for a wide range of applications, mostly in open uses, such as metalworking fluids, lubricants, coolants or additives in consumer goods. The production volume is more than one million tonnes requiring control of the lifecycle of these persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals. In May 2017, the Stockholm...

A recycling and disposal technology for municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash using high temperature sintering process was evaluated in an industrial scale facility with daily disposal capacity of 100 t/d. The emission, mass balance and distribution characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) as well...

The limit value for emissions of total organic carbon (TOC) for incinerators in the European Union (EU) is 10 mg/m3. However, clinker burning is a material conversion process during which TOC emissions from the fuels occur concurrently with the thermal decomposition of organic material from the raw material mixture (limestone, marl, shale, etc.) in...

The production of chlorine by the chlor-alkali process using graphite electrodes was one of the largest sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) in history with estimates in the kg TEQ range for individual factories. In addition, the chlorine production predecessor processes in the former Leblanc soda factories ge...

Article 5 of the Stockholm Convention requires that each Party shall take measures to reduce the releases from anthropogenic sources of unintentional persistent organic pollutants (UPOPs), with the goal of their continuing minimization and, where feasible, their ultimate elimination. A major source of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofu...

Background Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Recent meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel and the Stockholm Conventions have expressed concerns over the impact of plastic waste, marine plastic litter, and microplastics, and emphasised the importance of reducing consumption and ensur...

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in electronic equipment, as polymers in vehicles or construction, and in textiles. These additive flame retardants are emerging pollutants in Africa, released by the non-environmentally sound disposal of consumer products, often imported as secondhand, that have increasingly reache...

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including PCDD/Fs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are among the most important and hazardous pollutants of soil. Food producing animals such as chicken, beef, sheep and goats can take up soil while grazing or living outdoors (free-range) and this can result in contamination. In recent decades, large...

The production of lindane has resulted in the largest POPs waste legacy due to waste HCH isomers disposed around production sites. Management of this legacy is urgently needed.

Since 31 December 2016, the new "NEC" Directive (2016/2284 / EU) "on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants" is in force, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC. The new NEC Directive obliges EU Member States to reach new reduction tar-gets from 2030 on, beyond the previously regulated air po...

Persistent plastics, with an estimated lifetime for degradation of hundreds of years in marine conditions, can break up into micro- and nanoplastics over shorter timescales, thus facilitating their uptake by marine biota throughout the food chain. These polymers may contain chemical additives and contaminants, including some known endocrine disrupt...

Recently, certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. In this study, a preliminary material and substance flow analysis of commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether (c-PentaBDE) was conducted for motor vehicles—a major use sector for POP-PBDE in polyurethane (PUR) fo...

The current study describes the preliminary assessment and securing activities of the largest and most hazardous POPs-contaminated sites in Kyrgyzstan. In 2010, cattle died and population were found with high pesticide levels in blood, human milk, and placenta. In the first phase of the study, a historic assessment of the pesticide dumping at the l...

Studies on the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution (brine) using graphite or titanium electrodes were carried out at a laboratory scale. High concentrations of PCDFs but no PCDDs were formed in tests using graphite electrodes. With titan...

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were determined by gas chromatography in 241 placentas from cotton-growing regions, 121 placentas from an urban area (city of Osh), and 146 placentas from unpolluted mountain regions of Kyrgyzstan. Manifestations of disease were recorded in the mothers during pregnancy and parturition and in their newborns during th...

Market presence of illegal and counterfeit pesticides is now a global problem. According to data published in 2012 by the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA), illegal products represent over 10% of the global market of plant protection products. Financial benefits are the main reason for the prevalence of this practice. Counterfeit and ille...

In recent years, microbial degradation and bioremediation approaches of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been studied extensively considering their toxicity, carcinogenicity and persistency potential in the environment. In this direction, different catabolic enzymes have been identified and reported for biodegradation of different PCB congener...

In the 1980s, it was demonstrated that semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) accumulate in plant leaves. Plants are at the base of the food chain, and therefore a starting point for transfer of PCBs to animals and related human exposure. For two decades, the Environment Agency of the German federal state of B...

This report gives a summary of the historic use, former management and current release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Germany and assesses the impact of the life cycle of PCBs on the contamination of the environment and of food products of animal origin. In Germany 60,000 t of PCBs were used in transformers, capacitors or as hydraulic oils....

In this study, we analyzed hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) in urine of both PCB transport workers and PCB researchers. A method to monitor OH-PCB in urine was developed. Urine was solid-phase extracted with 0.1% ammonia/ methanol (v/v) and glucuronic acid/sulfate conjugates and then decomposed using β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase. A...

The destruction of persistent organic pollutants(POPs) is a large challenge in particular in developing and emerging economies.

Background Plastic is a waste stream with recycling and recovery potential. However, the recycling rates for plastic in African countries are low. Furthermore, use and production of virgin plastics are increasing. Therefore, a high proportion of plastic waste is being disposed of in landfills and dumpsites. Plastic serves as fuel for open burning a...

This study investigates the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) in oxidation of 4,4' -dichlorobiphenyl (4,4' -DCB) under gas phase conditions over a temperature range of 400-800 °C. The experiments involved an isothermal flow reactor equipped with a sample collection system to adsorb PCDD/F. W...

This report gives a summary of the historic PCB use for Germany and former management and current release and assesses the impact of the life cycle of PCBs on environmental contamination and food producing animals. In Germany 30 to 50% of the 85,000 tonnes of PCBs used were not appropriately managed. From the 24,000 tonnes of PCBs used in open appl...

Over the last 60 years plastics production has increased manifold, owing to their inexpensive, multipurpose, durable and lightweight nature. These characteristics have raised their demand that will continue to grow over the coming years. However, with increased plastic materials production, comes increased plastic material wastage creating a number...

Flame retardants (FRs) are added to foams and plastics to comply with flammability standards and test requirements in products for household and industrial uses. When these regulations were implemented, potential health and environmental impacts of FR use were not fully recognized or understood. Extensive research in the past decades reveal that ex...

This is Part II of a review covering the wide range of issues associated with all aspects of the use and responsible disposal of foam and plastic wastes containing toxic or potentially toxic flame retardants. We identify basic and applied research needs in the areas of responsible collection, pretreatment, processing, and management of these wastes...

Sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) is widely used in China as fire-fighting foam co-formulant and oil production agent, because it is an economical alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), classified as persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention. Such chemical very likely possesses toxicological and bioaccumu...

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs; "Dioxins"), or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widely recognized environmental and food contaminants. More than 90% of PCDD/Fs and PCB exposure of the average population stem from animal based food including meat. While...