Sources of PCDD/PCDF and impact on the environment

• PCDD/PCDF can be formed in a variety of industrial and thermal processes. Especially the combustion sources contribute to the ambient air levels. In addition to the well-investigated emissions from municipal waste incinerators dioxins were measured in the flue gases of other thermal emitters. It was found that some recycling plants can emit high concentrations of PCDD/PCDF. Ambient air concentrations monitored over several years have shown a clear seasonal trend with higher PCDD/PCDF levels in winter and lower concentrations during summer. Thus, results from short-term measurements cannot be used to calculate annual means for ambient air concentations or deposition rates. Dioxins, once concentrated in sewage sludge and compost can re-enter the environment when these ''reservoirs'' are applied onto agricultural and horticultural soils.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD); polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF); emissions; compost; ambient air concentrations; seasonal trends

Kemi

Chemistry

Enviromental Science

Miljövetenskap

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)