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Title: Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans in the soil near the municipal incinerator of Florence, Italy

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00164a003· OSTI ID:5090131

Tetra- to octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and dibenzofuran (PCDF) emissions from the municipal incinerator near Florence were monitored during 1980-1985. Typical PCDD or PCDF series concentrations in vapors and smokes ranged from 10/sup 2/ to 10/sup 3/ ng/m/sup 3/. The more chlorinated congeners generally exhibited levels remarkably higher than the less chlorinated ones. Contrary to earlier findings, fly ash in 1985 contributed <10% of overall PCDD and PCDF emissions. Most topsoil sampling sites in the study area were within approximately 1 km of the incineration plant. Findings from 1979 to 1985 indicated the presence of widespread contamination: this was due to the more chlorinated PCDD and PCDF congeners, in particular. The maximum level found was in the order of 2 x 10/sup 4/ ng/m/sup 2/ of soil surface. In late 1985, five soil sampling sites were selected near the site that had previously shown the highest PCDD and PCDF levels. Each soil specimen was obtained by coring the 20 cm thick upper layer. Results were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent and confirmed the prevailing presence of the more chlorinated congeners. Maximum PCDD content was approximately 7 x 10/sup 4/ ng/m/sup 2/ of soil surface. 18 references, 5 figures, 4 tables.

Research Organization:
Servizio Multizonale di Prevenzione, Firenze (Italy)
OSTI ID:
5090131
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 21:11
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English