Polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) emissions and characteristics during different secondary copper smelting stages

Abstract

The amounts and characteristics of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) emitted by a secondary copper smelter were investigated. Differences in the amounts and characteristics of PCNs emitted during different smelting stages were investigated, and the main stage during which PCNs were emitted was identified. PCN concentrations in stack gases emitted during secondary copper smelting were 477.0–762.5 ng/m3 (4.4–8.3 pg toxic equivalents/m3). The contributions of the different stages to total PCN emissions decreased in the order feeding–fusion stage (65% of total PCN emissions) > oxidation stage (27%) > deoxidation stage (8%). The main contributor to PCN emissions during secondary copper smelting was the feeding–fusion stage. PCN concentrations and profiles in stack gas, fly ash, and deposit ash collected during different smelting stages were determined. PCNs in stack gases were mainly less-chlorinated homologs, and fly ash and deposit ash were dominated by highly-chlorinated homologs. These results will help improve strategies for decreasing and eliminating PCN emissions during secondary copper production.