Potential sources of 1,2,8,9-tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin in the aquatic environment.
A recent study reported elevated levels of 1,2,8,9-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,2,8,9-TCDD) in crustaceans and finfish collected from Newark Bay, New Jersey (Rappe et al., 1989). The authors suggested that the presence of this compound in biota was due to operations at a former 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4,5-T) manufacturing facility located on the lower Passaic River. Since 1,2,8,9-TCDD had been identified in two soil samples claimed to be associated with the site, it was concluded that the former manufacturing plant was the source of this compound. A review of the scientific literature was conducted to evaluate whether this isomer is associated with the formulation of 2,4,5-T and to determine whether 1,2,8,9-TCDD is commonly found in the aquatic environment. Measurements and chromatographic data from known sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins indicate that incinerator fly ash, soot from wood-burning chimneys, and the combustion of polychlorinated biphenyls and some chlorophenoxy herbicides are sources of 1,2,8,9-TCDD. This isomer has never been found in samples of 2,4,5-T. We conclude, therefore, that the presence of 1,2,8,9-TCDD in Newark Bay biota is not associated with 2,4,5-T manufacturers but, rather, the result of various commercial, residential, municipal, and industrial combustion processes.
Wenning
R J
RJ
ChemRisk-A Division of McLaren/Hart, Portland, Maine 04102.
Harris
M A
MA
Paustenbach
D J
DJ
Bedbury
H
H
D000818:Animals; D007536:Isomerism; D009515:New Jersey; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014481:United States; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical