Influence of Fuel Type on Emission Profiles of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans from Industrial Boilers

Abstract

In the present study, the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) emissions from three different industrial boilers that used cashew wood, oil, and coal, respectively, as fuels before implementing Best Available Technique (BAT)/Best Environmental Practice (BEP) were carefully investigated. Although this type of study has been carried out in western countries, the results from developing countries are strictly limited. The total PCDD/PCDF contents achieved the maximum level in a wood-fired boiler, while emissions were significantly lower at a coal-fired boiler. Averages and standard deviations of TCDDs obtained from industrial boilers using coal, cashew wood, and crude oil were 0.884 ± 0.635, 1.08 ± 0.689, and 0.00733 ± 0.00592 ng Sm−3, respectively. It is interesting to note that lower adverse human health impacts related with the employment of grade C heavy oil, whereas the highest risk was connected with the wood-fired boiler. Furthermore, fuel type appears to play a minor role in the PCDD/PCDF formation mechanism. In addition, wood-fired boilers seem to be the major contributor of TCDDs, PeCDDs, HxCDDs, and HpCDDs. Overall, the major principle of this investigation is to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the chemical profiles of PCDDs/Fs from three different industrial boilers using coal, oil, and wood, before implementing any improvements.