In-field Measurements of PCDF Emissions from Coal Combustion and Their Quantitative Analyses

Abstract

In this study, a series of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) emitted to the surrounding soil as the result of the combustion of coal and wood from the industrial steam boilers and household stoves have been identified. Levels of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in soil samples were measured at different sites in proximity to the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) to determine baseline contamination and the contributory role of incinerator emissions. PCDF contaminants were concentrated from soil samples and isolated from other materials by chromatographic methods. PCDF isomers were identified separately by column chromatography utilizing column packed with materials such as Kieselgel/44 vol% H₂SO₄, Macro Alumina B Super 1, Mix. Column, Bio Beads S-X3 Gel Chromatography, Min Alumina B Super 1 + Kieselgel/AgNO₃ and their quantitative determinations were performed by GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy). The PCDF levels were subsequently compared with established values from previous studies.

Keywords:

• incineration
• polychlorinated dibenzofurans
• soil