Characterization of PCDD/Fs, PAHs, and heavy metals in a secondary aluminum smelter

This study characterizes polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metal concentrations in stack flue gas, workplace air, fly ash, bottom ash, and ambient air of a secondary aluminum smelter. The total PAH concentration in workplace air was dominated by 2- and 3-ring PAHs, accounting for 86.2% of the gas phase in the total PAHs. The PCDD/F concentrations in workplace air are 1-7 fold higher than that in ambient air. The mass distribution ratio for total PCDD/Fs was soil > ash > workplace air > ambient air > flue gas. Aluminum and Zn had the highest concentrations. A positive correlation existed between PCDD/Fs and PAHs concentrations (r(2) = 0.920). The operation of secondary aluminum smelter affects the pollutant concentrations and surrounding air quality. Experimental results suggest that besides the terminal control technologies for stack flue gases, engineering control technologies in the workplace need further improvement.