Global mass balance for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es950714n· OSTI ID:263219

Brzuzy, L P; Hites, R A ^[1]

---

1. Indiana Univ., Bloomington, IN (United States)

Chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were measured in 107 soil samples globally, and depositional fluxes were determined. Deposition to land surfaces was estimated by dividing the earth into five depositional zones based on climatic and geographical factors. Mean depositional fluxes to these zones ranged from 18 to 610 ng m{sup -2} yr{sup -1}. Low fluxes were observed in most zones not impacted by industrialization. Total global deposition from the atmosphere to land was estimated to be 12500{+-}1300 kg/yr. Based on limited data, deposition to the oceans was estimated to be about 610{+-}1500 kg/yr, yielding a total global deposition of 13 100{+-}2000 kg/yr from the atmosphere. Emissions of PCDD/F to the global atmosphere were estimated by determining emission factors and production rates for the major PCDD/F sources. The major sources considered in this study were municipal waste incineration, biomass combustion, steel and copper mill emissions, cement kiln emissions, medical waste incineration, and emissions from automobiles. Total annual emissions were estimated to be 3000{+-}600 kg. Global deposition (see above) is roughly four times greater than annual emission. This suggests that sources of PCDD/F are not well-characterized. More data are needed on emission factors (particularly from developing countries) and on introduction rates of PCDD/F to the global atmosphere. 46 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 263219
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 30; ISSN 0013-936X; ISSN ESTHAG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DEPOSITION
DIOXIN
FURANS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
MASS BALANCE
MEASURING METHODS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
SOILS