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Published on: October 21, 2016
Steps towards a European dioxin emission inventory
U Quass1, M W Fermann, G Bröker
1Landesumweltant Nordrhein-Westfalen, Essen, Germany.
Chemosphere
|March 30, 2000
Summary
Municipal waste incineration is the largest European source of dioxins and furans (PCDD/PCDF). Other significant sources include iron ore sintering and domestic burning, highlighting the need for emission control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Pollution Control
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dioxins and furans (PCDD/PCDF) are persistent organic pollutants with significant environmental and health impacts.
- Accurate emission inventories are crucial for developing effective pollution control strategies in Europe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collect and evaluate information on industrial and non-industrial PCDD/PCDF emission sources across 17 European countries.
- To identify and quantify the primary sources of atmospheric PCDD/PCDF emissions in Europe.
Main Methods:
- Review of national emission inventory documents from 1990-1995.
- Derivation of new atmospheric PCDD/PCDF emission estimates for 1994 using emission factors and activity rates.
- Identification of major emission sources contributing to approximately 90% of total emissions.
Main Results:
- Municipal waste incineration identified as the largest European source of PCDD/PCDF emissions.
- Iron ore sintering is a significant secondary source.
- Other notable sources include domestic burning, accidental fires, use of pentachlorophenol, and non-ferrous metal production.
Conclusions:
- Municipal waste incineration and iron ore sintering are key targets for PCDD/PCDF emission reduction efforts.
- Further research is needed to refine emission estimates for sources with high uncertainty, such as domestic burning and accidental fires.
- Targeted control measures in non-ferrous metal production are essential due to high flue gas concentrations.
