Airborne Dioxins and Dibenzofurans: Sources and Fates
Czuczwa JM and Hites RA. 1986. Airborne Dioxins and Dibenzofurans: Sources and Fates. Environmental Science & Technology. 20(2):195-200
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) were found in urban air particulates and Great Lakes sediments. In all samples, octachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin predominated. Combustion of municipal and chemical wastes was the most likely source of these compounds. When these data were compared with dioxins and dibenzofurans found in combustion sources, the authors found evidence for the loss of the less chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans. Using principal components analysis, the authors found that the most likely source of PCDD and PCDF to a western Lake Ontario site was pentachlorophenol production. Historical fluxes of dioxins and dibenzofurans to sediment cores from Lake Erie and Siskiwit Lake, Isle Royale suggest that the incineration of chloro aromatics has been an important source of dioxins and dibenzofurans.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Czuczwa, Jean; Hites, Ronald
- Units
- ISRO
- Keywords
- Acid Deposition, Atmospheric Sciences, Dioxin, Human Impacts, Incineration, Waste Management