Hazardous Waste Incinerator Research Articles

Long-term monitoring of PCDD/Fs in soils in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator in China: Temporal variations and environmental impacts

Campaigns from 2008 to 2016 are carried out to study temporal variations and environmental impacts of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) in soils in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in China. Results indicate that after 8-year operation of HWI, the geometrical means of both the total concentrations and the TEQ values of PCDD/Fs in soils decrease from 1280 ng·kg−1 and 3.08 ng WHO-TEQ·kg−1 to 568 ng·kg−1 and 2.70 ng WHO-TEQ·kg−1, respectively, showing generally limited impact on soils within 7.5 km. Temporal changes of PCDD/Fs congener profiles trend to profiles in combustion sources. Considering the whole studied area, results of principal component analysis between soils and emission sources show that instead of HWI, other sources including open burning, traffic, and cement plant are more responsible for PCDD/Fs accumulation. The modeling results of AERMOD indicate the dominant roles of wind velocities and directions on the deposition of PCDD/Fs emitted from HWI. The largest PCDD/Fs increase value in soils predicted by integrating AERMOD and a reservoir model is very limited after 25 years (2.03 × 10−5 ng WHO-TEQ·kg−1), indicating relatively minor impacts of HWI on surrounding soils, but the noticeable impact on area downwind from the stack in short distance (e.g., within 0.5 km) should be recognized.

Characteristics of PCDD/Fs in Flue Gas from MSWIs and HWIs: Emission Levels, Profiles and Environmental Influence

ABSTRACT Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the flue gas from two types of waste incinerators (municipal solid waste incinerators and hazardous waste incinerators) the most commonly used in China were investigated in this study. The PCDD/F emissions from the stack gas of the waste incinerators showed a large variation from 0.016 to 0.29 ng I-TEQ m–3 with an average value of 0.103 ng I-TEQ m–3. The emission factors of PCDD/Fs were in the range of 0.056–0.607 µg I-TEQ t–1 (average 0.235 µg I-TEQ t–1) for municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) and 0.07–3.27 µg I-TEQ t–1 (average 1.03 µg I-TEQ t–1) for hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs), respectively. It was estimated that 10.2–88.0 mg I-TEQ (average 35.0 mg I-TEQ) and 1.13–53.0 mg I-TEQ (average 17.1 mg I-TEQ) of PCDD/Fs were annually released to the atmosphere, respectively from MSWIs and HWIs. The level and congener patterns of 17 species of PCDD/Fs in the ambient air and in soil samples around the MSWIs and HWIs were investigated to evaluate the influence of PCDD/F emission on the environment. The PCDD/F concentrations in the ambient air from the 5 MSWIs and 4 HWIs ranged from 0.088 to 13.9 pg I-TEQ m–3 with an average value of 0.185 pg I-TEQ m–3. The soil samples in the vicinity of MSWIs and HWIs presented concentrations between 0.68 and 16.0 ng I-TEQ kg−1 with an average value of 3.98 ng I-TEQ kg–1. This study showed that PCDD/F emission from the incineration plants had an obvious impact on the surrounding ambient air.

Pollution emission characteristics, distribution of heavy metals, and particle morphologies in a hazardous waste incinerator processing phenolic waste

Secondary pollution emitted from hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs) can pose potential risks to the surrounding populations and environment. An investigation was conducted on pollutant emission status in a HWI combusting homogenized phenolic waste, woodchips, and electroplating sludge during the sampling period. Morphologies and elemental compositions of particles in flue gas and indoor air of the incinerator were characterized by TEM-EDS. Eight types of single particles were classified, as organic, soot, K-rich, S-rich, Na-rich, Fe-rich, mineral and fly ash particles. In the indoor air near the fly ash collector, organic and S-rich particles were the two most observed particles, taking 56 % and 30 %, respectively. While near the bottom ash collector, Fe-rich particles took approximately 30 %. Besides, the partitioning behavior of heavy metals in the incinerating process were investigated. Hg, Cd and Pb were mainly enriched in fly ash through evaporation, condensation, and adsorption; while Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni were mostly remained in the bottom ash due to their low volatilities. This study provides information for regional air pollution source apportionment, but also helps understand the partitioning behavior of heavy metals for the secondary pollution control. Meanwhile, the visualized micro-compositions of indoor particles pave a way for occupational exposure risk assessment.

A novel method for salts removal from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash through the molten salt thermal treatment.

The disposal of the hazardous municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration fly ash is a critical environmental issue in China and the high contents of salts in the fly ash make the ash disposal extremely difficult. The present study proposes a novel method for the salts removal from MSW incineration fly ash using molten carbonates and chlorides at moderate temperatures from 773 K to 1073 K. The results showed that molten salts could effectively extract alkali and alkaline earth metals chlorides and sulfates from the fly ash. Other ash components, like Si/Al-compounds, were precipitated from the molten salts and concentrated in residues. By comparison, molten carbonates showed greater capability in the salts extraction while molten chlorides showed better selectivity in chlorides removal from MSW incineration fly ash. These findings suggest that the optimization of molten salts system could further prove the potential applicability of molten salts thermal treatment method for the salts removal from MSW incineration fly ash.

Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Hair of Schoolchildren Living Near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator-A 20 Years Follow-Up.

Since 1998, a monitoring program is periodically performed to assess the environmental and human health impact of air chemicals potentially emitted by a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) located in Constantí (Catalonia, Spain). In 2017, samples of hair were collected from 94 schoolchildren (aged 10–13 years) living nearby and the levels of 11 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined. The concentrations showed the following descending order: Pb > Hg > Ni > Sn > Mn > Cr. In turn, As, Be and Tl were not detected, while Cd and V were found only in a few samples. Some metal levels were significantly, positively correlated. Some significant differences were also noticed according to the gender and the specific zone of residence. Finally, the levels of trace elements showed fluctuations through time. Cr and Pb showed a significant decrease in comparison to the concentrations obtained in the baseline study (1998). According to the current results, metal emissions from the HWI are not relevant in terms of human health impact since their levels were similar and even lower than those reported in other contaminated areas.

Emission characteristics of polychlorinated, polybrominated and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs, and PBCDD/Fs) from waste incineration and metallurgical processes in China

Typical thermal processes are common sources of polychlorinated, polybrominated and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs, and PBCDD/Fs); however, very few reports have investigated their coemission. To clarify the emission characteristics of these DD/Fs, two municipal waste incinerators (MWIs), three hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs), one cement kiln coprocessing municipal waste incinerator (CMWI), one secondary copper smelter (SCu), and one iron and steel sintering smelter (ISS) in China were investigated. In total, 17 congeners of PCDD/Fs, 14 congeners of PBDD/Fs, and 12 congeners of PBCDDs in stack flue gases from these thermal processes were analyzed using a high-resolution gas chromatograph/high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRGC/HRMS) in this study. PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs were detectable in all samples, with total concentrations of 911-5.15 × 103 pg/Nm3 (80.2–414 pg TEQ/Nm3). The concentrations of each DD/F were similar within the same type of facility and varied among different types of facilities. The contributions of PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs to the total concentrations exceeded that of PCDD/Fs in some cases, such as in HWIs and SCu. In general, the ∑Cl4-7 CDFs and ∑Cl7-8 CDDs, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF, and 1-B-2,3,7,8-TeCDD and 2-B-1,3,7,8-TeCDD were the dominant congeners in the PCDD/F, PBDD/F, and PBCDD/F mass concentrations, respectively. Several other congeners present at low mass concentrations, such as 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxBDF, have potential as major contributors to the TEQs due to their high toxic equivalency factors. These results reveal the necessity of synergistically inhibiting the occurrences of PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs, and PBCDD/Fs from these sources and provide valuable information for use in the source identification of these pollutants in the environment.

Assessment of tropospheric ozone at an industrial site of Chennai megacity

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the temporal variation in surface-level ozone (O3) measured at Gummidipoondi near Chennai, Tamilnadu. The site chosen for the present study has high potential for ozone generation sources, such as vehicular traffic and industrial activities. The site is also located near a hazardous waste management facility. The key sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are considered to be an important precursor of O3, include hazardous waste incineration, trucks bringing the hazardous wastes, and vehicles plying on the nearby National Highway 16 (NH 16). The measurements clearly showed diurnal variation, with maximum values observed during the noon hours and minimum values observed when solar radiation was less. The data showed a marked seasonal variation in O3, with the highest hourly average O3 concentration (497.2 µg/m3) in the summer season. Consequently, in order to identify the long-range transport sources adding to the increased O3 levels, backward trajectories were computed using the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. It was found that the polluted air mass originated from the Southeast Asian region and the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The polluted air mass, which advected large amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) plumes, was analyzed using the Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) retrievals. The correlations of O3 with temperature (r = 0.746; P < 0.01) and solar radiation (r = 0.751; P < 0.01) were strongly positive, and that with NOx was found to be negative. Stronger correlation of O3 with NOx was observed during pre-monsoon months (r = 0.627; P < 0.01) and following hours of photochemical reactions. There were substantial differences in concentrations between weekdays and weekends, with higher nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), but lower O3, concentrations on weekdays. A substantial weekday-weekend difference in O3, which was higher on weekends, appears to be attributable to lower daytime traffic activity and hence reduced emissions of NOx to a “NOx-saturated” atmosphere.Implications: The assessment of ground-level ozone in an industrial area with hazardous waste management facility is very important, as there is high possibility for more generation of tropospheric ozone. Since the location of the study area is coastal, wind plays a major role in O3 transportation; hence, the effects of wind speed and wind direction have been studied in different seasons. When compared with the other studies carried out in different places across India, the present study area has recorded much greater O3 mixing ratio. This study can be useful for setting up control strategies in such industrial areas.

Evolution and distribution characteristics of fluorine during the incineration of fluorine-containing waste in a hazardous waste incinerator

Evolution and distribution characteristics of fluorine during the incineration of fluorine-containing waste in a hazardous waste incinerator

Metals in biological tissues of the population living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Two decades of follow-up

During the period 1996–1998, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) was built in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Because of the potential adverse effects of toxic emissions, mainly metals and dioxins and furans, waste incinerators in general have been an important cause of concern for the public opinion. For that reason, to assess its environmental impact on the surroundings, as well as the potential human health risks of the HWI, environmental and biological monitoring studies have been carried out since 1996–1998, when the baseline concentrations were established. This article summarizes all the results corresponding to metals in biological tissues of the population living near the HWI, two decades after the construction of the facility. In 1996–1998, the baseline concentrations of a number of elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined in samples of hair, blood and autopsy tissues (bone, brain, liver, lung and kidney) of subjects living in the area. In successive 5-year periods, new surveys were conducted to periodically measure the levels of metals in the same biological tissues. The daily dietary intake of these metals was also estimated for the population of the area. The results of this surveillance program do no suggest additional adverse health risks of metals for the population living near the HWI. However, special attention should be paid to Cr, due not only to the increases of this element observed in most analyzed biological tissues, but also in its dietary intake.

Quantification of eight bisphenol analogues in blood and urine samples of workers in a hazardous waste incinerator

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. In recent years, producers have started replacing BPA by other chemical analogues, such as bisphenol -S (BPS) and -F (BPF), all of them under the label “BPA-free”. However, despite bisphenol (BP) analogues have a very similar structure, their endocrine-disrupting properties could differ from those of BPA. Unfortunately, information regarding human exposure to BP analogues is very limited, not only as single substances, but also as chemical mixtures. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of 8 BP analogues (A, S, F, B, AF, Z, E, and AP) in biological samples from a controlled cohort of workers in a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) located in Constantí (Catalonia, Spain). Firstly, a chemical method to analyze a mixture of those 8 analogues in total blood and urine was optimized, being samples quantified by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, a biomonitoring study was performed by collecting samples of total blood and urine of 29 people working in the HWI. Among the 8 BP analogues assessed, BPA presented the highest levels in both biological samples, with mean total (free + conjugated) BPA concentrations of 0.58 and 0.86 μg/L in blood and urine, respectively. Free vs. total BPA levels presented a mean percentage of 79% in blood and 19% in urine. Beyond BPA, traces of BPB were also found in a single sample of blood. Furthermore, none of the remaining BP analogues was detected in blood or urine. Despite BPA has been regulated, it is still very present in the environment, being human exposure to this chemical still an issue of concern for the public health.

A field study of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans formation mechanism in a hazardous waste incinerator: Emission reduction strategies

To clarify the dominant formation mechanism of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and reduce PCDD/F emissions in full-scale hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs), three tests were designed by adding different PCDD/F precursors in phenol-containing raw material. Flue gas from three stages of the incineration facility, as well as bottom ash and fly ash were collected to investigate formation pathways, emission characteristics and mass balance of PCDD/Fs. The results showed that in tests A and C, the PCDD/F emission levels were 0.02 and 0.83 ng I-TEQ Nm−3, with adding naphthalene and p-dichlorobenzene, respectively. Test B, the control group, only incinerated raw materials, resulting in 0.72 ng I-TEQ Nm−3 PCDD/F emissions. PCDD/F formation mechanism analysis suggested that high-temperature radical-molecule reaction was the dominate pathway in test A, while for test B, memory effect in the air pollution control devices (APCDs) led to high PCDD/F emissions. With the addition of p-dichlorobenzene in test C, PCDD/F levels at the quenching tower outlet were one order of magnitude higher than those observed at the inlet, indicating that the quenching tower failed to suppress the formation of PCDD/Fs. The PCDD/PCDF ratios indicate that with the abundance of PCDD/F precursors, surface-mediated precursor reaction is the dominant formation mechanism in low-temperature stages. These finding raise the following strategies for industry to control PCDD/F emissions: (1) strict regulation of the organochlorine content in feed material; (2) frequent and thorough cleaning the APCDs; (3) optimizing the injection rate of activated carbon.

Greenhouse gas emission from small clinics solid waste management scenarios in an urban area of an underdeveloping country: A life cycle perspective

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the effects on the environment of small clinics solid waste management by applying a life cycle analysis approach. Samples were collected from 371 private clinics situated in densely populated areas of Hyderabad, Pakistan. The solid waste from surveyed clinics was categorically quantified on daily basis for 30 consecutive days. The functional unit for waste was defined as 1 tonne. System limitations were defined as landfilling, incineration, composting, material recovery, and transportation of solid waste. The treatment and disposal methods were assessed according to their greenhouse gas emission rate. For the evaluation, three different scenarios were designed. The second scenario resulted in the highest emission value of 1491.78 kg CO2 eq/tonne of solid waste due to mixed waste incineration, whereas the first scenario could not offer any saving because of uncovered landfilling and 67.5% higher transport fuel consumption than the proposed network. The proposed third scenario was found to be a better solution for urban clinics solid waste management, as it resulted in savings of 951.38 kg CO2 eq/tonne of solid waste. This integrated design is practicable by resource-constrained economy. This system consists of composting, material recovery, and incineration of hazardous waste. The proposed system also includes a feasible transportation method for urban area collection networks. The findings of the present study can play a vital role in documenting evidence and for policymakers to plan the solid waste management of clinics, as previously no studies have been conducted on this particular case.Implications: This study aims to highlight the impact of small clinics solid waste management scenarios on the environment in a developing country’s urban area. Life cycle analysis is used for comparison of greenhouse gase emission from different scenarios, including the purposed integrated method. Small clinics play a very important role in health care, and their waste management is a very serious issue; however, there are no previous studies on this particular case to the best knowledge of the authors. This study can be considered as forerunner effort to quantify the environmental footprint of small clinics solid waste in urban areas of a developing country.

Hazardous waste incineration in a rotary kiln: a review

Hazardous waste output in the world is increasing every year. To achieve higher efficiency and lower pollution, the incineration technology for hazardous waste needs to be studied further. This study mainly reviews the research progress in incineration, slagging, and pollutant emission in the rotary kiln in China and abroad in the last 10 years, and conducts a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the research. Considering that there are many variables involved in the incineration process, the incineration law cannot be validated in a limited timeframe by experiments. Researchers often use computer simulations to predict and verify the incineration process through experiments and to provide reference opinions for commercial operations. Through the analysis of the research progress in rotary kilns, it is observed that the basic research in rotary kilns is becoming mature. The latest research trend in rotary kilns is interdisciplinary and mixed research. From a new perspective, further research should be focused on a comparative analysis of the rotary kiln and the cement kiln, full life cycle assessment of the impact factors of rotary kiln on the environment, the impact of the factory treatment process on the workers’ health, etc. The research direction of rotary kiln in China and abroad for the future has been predicted reasonably.

Monitoring dioxins and furans in plasma of individuals living near a hazardous waste incinerator: Temporal trend after 20 years

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were analyzed in 40 plasma samples of individuals living in zones under potential influence of the emissions of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Samples corresponded to subjects of different gender, age and specific areas of residence. The levels of PCDD/Fs were compared to those obtained in a baseline study (1998), as well as in previous surveys (2002, 2007 and 2012). The current mean concentration of PCDD/Fs in plasma was 6.79 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, which was significantly lower than the baseline concentration (27.0 pg I-TEQ/g lipid). A significant decrease was also observed in comparison to the results obtained in 2002 and 2007 (15.7 and 9.4 pg I-TEQ/g, respectively), while the current PCDD/F levels were similar to those obtained in 2012 (6.18 pg I-TEQ/g lipid). This important reduction in plasma PCDD/F levels is in accordance with the decreasing trend in the daily dietary intake of PCDD/Fs, which diminished from 210.1 pg I-TEQ (baseline) to 8.54 pg WHO-TEQ (current). OCDD was the predominant congener in plasma, while 2,3,7,8-TeCDD and 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF showed the lowest levels. Based on the above results, as well as other recent data on the levels of PCDD/Fs in human milk, we conclude that the presence of the HWI does not mean additional and significant risks –as regards to PCDD/F exposure-for the population living in the neighborhood of the facility.

Characterization of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs emission from combustion of PCB-containing oil in a fluidized-bed incinerator

Emissions of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs from the combustion of PCB-containing oil in a hazardous waste incinerator are characterized. Flue gas samples are simultaneously taken at three points, including the outlet of ultrasonic wet scrubber, the outlet of heat exchanger and stack. In addition, solid matter samples including incinerator bottom ash, wet scrubber sludge, heat exchanger ash and baghouse ash are also collected. The results indicate that TEQ concentration (PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs) measured in stack from the combustion of PCB-containing oil is 0.51 ng WHO-TEQ/Nm3. For the solid matter, PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations of baghouse ash and wet scrubber sludge are significantly higher than those measured in bottom and heat exchanger ashes. The total removal efficiencies of PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs achieved with bag filtration (BF) + activated carbon injection (ACI) reaches 65.0%. The emission factors of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs from incinerating PCB-containing oil are 1.05 and 0.08 ng WHO-TEQ/L, respectively. The overall PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs destruction efficiencies achieved with fluidized-bed incinerator reach 99.87% and 99.9998%, respectively, which demonstrates that incineration is an effective engineering practice for treating PCB-containing oil. Moreover, this is the first study suggesting the ratios of PCB-114/(PCB-126+ PCB-114) and PCB-157/(PCB-169+ PCB-157) as indicators to distinguish the emission source of dl-PCB from combustion process and technical mixture evaporation in diagnostic ratio analysis.

Study on the evolution and transformation of chlorine during co-processing of hazardous waste incineration residue in a cement kiln.

The co-processing of hazardous waste in a cement kiln can eliminate a large quantity of hazardous wastes, but the excessive existence of chlorine will affect not only the operation of a cement kiln but also the quality of cement products. In this study, the mixtures of hazardous waste incineration residue and raw meal were incinerated in a high temperature tubular furnace. The distribution ratio of chlorine in flue gas, clinker and fly ash under different experiment conditions was obtained and the influence of the co-processing conditions on chlorine evolution and transformation was studied. The results showed that chlorine mainly existed in flue gas and clinker, and only less than 1% of chlorine existed in fly ash. The incineration temperature had a significant influence on the distribution of chlorine. The higher the incinerating temperature, the greater the distribution ratio of chlorine in flue gas and fly ash. The proportion of chlorine in all parts remained basically unchanged while the temperature was higher than 1300°C. With the increase of the retention time, the proportion of chlorine released into the flue gas increased. The distribution ratio of chlorine in each part remained unchanged after about 30 minutes. There were four stages of the rate of chlorine release. In addition, the chlorine content of the sample had little effect on the partition of chlorine. Some suggestions on the co-processing of hazardous waste in a cement kiln are put forward based on these experimental results.

Concentrations of dioxins and furans in breast milk of women living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain

Since 1999, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) is operating in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). In 1996–1998, when the facility was being built, we started a monitoring program aimed at evaluating the impact of the emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) by the HWI on the environment and the human health. This study aimed at determining the current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in breast milk samples of women living nearby the HWI and at comparing these levels and profiles with those obtained in the baseline (1996–1998) and previous surveys (2002, 2007 and 2012). Furthermore, the association between the dietary intake of PCDD/Fs and the congener profiles in breast milk was also explored. Twenty milk samples were collected from women living in Tarragona downtown and near the industrial area where the HWI is placed. The content of PCDD/Fs was analyzed by following a procedure derived from the US EPA methods 1613 and 8290A. The mean concentration of PCDD/Fs was 2.26 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat. No significant differences were found between women living in industrial and urban areas (1.67 pg vs. 2.48 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat). Interestingly, a notable significant reduction (81%) was observed with respect to the concentrations found in the baseline study. The profiles of PCDD/Fs in breast milk were similar independently on the area and period of collection, being mainly influenced by the intake of fish, meat, oils and fats. The decreasing trend of PCDD/Fs in human milk agrees with the reduction observed in the dietary intake of these pollutants. It was also concluded that the current levels of PCDD/Fs in human milk levels are not influenced by the HWI stack emissions.

The compatibility approach for hazardous waste incineration based on grey relational analysis

Incineration compatibility plays an irreplaceable role in the incineration process of hazardous waste. This paper introduces the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) method for the incineration compatibility to empower each hazardous waste. In order to obtain a reasonable incineration compatibility scheme, an index system was constructed from the calorific value, water content, corrosivity and toxicity which affect the incineration effect, and the method model of incineration compatibility was established by using Grey Relational Analysis, and the relevant cases were analyzed. The research results show that the incineration compatibility scheme based on the Grey Relational Analysis method ensures the stability of incineration and improves the efficiency and quality of incineration under the premise of reducing and harmless hazardous waste.

A new solution for destruction of PCDD/Fs by a catalytic filter system at waste incinerators

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are emitted from high temperature combustion processes such as municipal waste incinerators, hazardous waste incinerators, medical waste incinerators, and secondary metal processing plants. Due to their extreme toxicity, stringent regulations on PCDD/Fs emissions have been in effect around the world since the early 1990s. W. L. Gore &amp; Associates, Inc. developed a catalytic filter system in 1997 that can effectively remove and destroy PCDD/Fs in the industrial flue gases. The REMEDIATM Catalytic Filter System has been installed in various industrial facilities around the world. The dioxin emission measurements in these plants achieve more than 98% PCDD/Fs removal efficiencies and reach the European standard. In this paper, three case studies will be presented on the performance of the REMEDIA Catalytic Filter System at municipal, medical, and hazardous waste incinerators. Three cases in the paper demonstrate the efficiency and results.

‘New’ unintentionally produced PCBs in the Arctic

Abstract Contamination of the Arctic by legacy polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is well documented, but the more recent discovery of unintentionally produced (UP) PCBs in the Arctic is a cause for concern. Legacy PCBs are covered by existing international conventions and regular monitoring, and the UP congeners are covered by the Stockholm Convention and the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act, but systematic monitoring and regulatory enforcement of UP-PCBs are lacking. Sources of UP-PCB are by-products of manufacturing (e.g. pigments) and from thermal sources (e.g. incinerators). Estimates of PCB emissions in China now show UP- PCB eclipsing emissions of legacy PCB. Here we discuss the 209 PCB-congener results from surface snow samples from Lomonosovfonna in 2010 and 2014, a glacial site on Svalbard which, in 2014, shows presence of PCB5, PCB11, and an unusually high amount of PCB52. While PCB5 and PCB11 may not be found in legacy PCB mixtures, PCB52 is in many PCB mixtures, yet dominates none of them as in the 2014 snow sample. Is it possible that these congeners are from UP-PCB processes? A search of the literature shows that PCB5, PCB11 and PCB52 are co-synthesis products of pigment production and that PCB5 and PCB11 are found in flue gas and ash from hazardous waste incineration. Of these, PCB11 has received greater attention in the literature. It has recently been consistently detected in the air, snow, soil and biota in the Arctic, evidence that PCB11 and possibly other UP-PCB congeners are global contaminants. Ice core measurements dating from 1957 to 2009 of PCBs in Svalbard reveal PCB11 presence throughout that period, indicating historic presence in the Arctic before being a focus of research elsewhere. Other UP-PCB need to be more fully investigated, especially from thermal sources.