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Abstract

In 1996 and 1997, the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in soil and herbage samples taken from 24 sites in the vicinity of an old municipal solid waste incinerator (Montcada, Barcelona, Spain). To determine the temporal variation in the concentrations of PCDD/Fs, recently 24 soil and 24 herbage samples were again collected at the same sampling points and analyzed for PCDD/F levels. In the current survey, PCDD/F concentrations in soils ranged between 0.06 and 127 ng I-TEQ kg(-1) (dry matter), with median and mean values of 4.80 and 9.95 ng I-TEQ kg(-1) (dry matter), respectively. In turn, the levels of PCDD/Fs in herbage samples ranged from 0.40 to 1.94 ng I-TEQ kg(-1) (dry matter), with median and mean values of 0.86 and 0.95 ng I-TEQ kg(-1) (dry matter), respectively. The comparison with the data obtained in 1996 and 1997 show that while PCDD/F concentrations in herbage samples decreased substantially during the last two years, no significant differences in the levels of PCDD/Fs in soils were noted. On the other hand, the potential intake of polluted soils from the vicinity of the plant would not imply any significant health risk for the general population living in the area under influence of the facility.

Monitoring dioxins and furans in the vicinity of an old municipal waste incinerator after pronounced reductions of the atmospheric emissions

“…In recent years, a number of studies have used bioaccumulation of PCDD/Fs in vegetation as a monitor of atmospheric pollution of these pollutants. [17][18][19][20][21][22] Although there is a diversity in the characteristics and structure of leaf surfaces that can influence the relative contributions of different atmospheric deposition pathways, utilization of the same kind of vegetation (Pipatherum paradoxum L.) in our monitoring program, basically eliminates this uncertainty.…”

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Different Uses Case Study: El Minya Governorate, Egypt

“…The harmful effects of dust fall, is characterized via enriched toxic trace elements such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc (Schuhmacher et al, 2002). At low levels some of these elements are essential for human beings, but at high levels they can also mean a toxicological risk (Domingo, 2001).…”