Inputs of Chemicals from Recreational Activities to the Norwegian Coastal Zone 1. Summer Pilot Study

The purpose of this project is to establish whether chemicals are entering the Norwegian coastal zone from seasonal recreational activities. This will be achieved through performing a pilot survey during summer to establish the occurrence of chemicals der ived from recreational activities in the aquatic environment. For example, the inputs of DEET and Bayrepel used in insect repellents, oxybenzone used in sunscreens, and biocides such as zinc and copper pyrithione used in boat antifouling paints will be in vestigated. This will help establish whether these chemicals are entering the aquatic environment via this pathway and determine whether further work is required to investigate the relevance of these sources on a wider scale. Analysis of samples taken fro m WTW discharge points will determine whether this is also an important pathway for these compounds. The data generated during the summer months will be compared to samples collected during the winter when recreational inputs into the fjord are low. The data resulting from this pilot study will be used to assess the scenarios considered and to determine the point sources of contamination. Data will also be applicable to risk assessments and hazard assessments. The primary benefactors of the data produc ed by this proposal will be the SFT. The project will demonstrate whether recreational activities during the summer is an input pathway that should be considered further when assessing the input loading of chemicals to the coastal zone. In addition, data will also be provided on the occurrence of a number of substances, about which at present very little is known. The data will also be of use to water quality and environmental managers. Internationally, very little environmental occurrence data are availa ble for the substances included. A better understanding of the occurrence of many of these substances would benefit the assessment of the risk posed by such substances to the aquatic environment.