Theoretical and experimental evidences of medium range atmospheric transport processes of polycyclic musk fragrances

Abstract

This study investigates some aspects of the environmental fate of galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) musk fragrances, paying particular attention to the phenomenon of atmospheric transport of these substances. The problem was addressed theoretically and experimentally. Firstly, the application of a multimedia model allowed the analysis of their potential atmospheric transport. The obtained results argued in favor of a possible phenomenon of medium range atmospheric transport for both substances. These theoretical findings were supported by the experimental results, which showed their presence both in the fresh fallen snow and in water samples taken from the Frodolfo, a glacial stream that originates from the Forni Glacier (Alps, Northern Italy). Furthermore, the analysis of the air back-trajectories highlighted the prevalence of air masses of local origins that reached the sampling area passing through a densely anthropized area of Northern Italy. Finally, the experimental results discussed here gave evidences of accumulation of these two compounds in the glacier.