Dioxin emissions from thermal waste management in Medellín, Colombia: present regulation status and preliminary results.
Preliminary results of a study undertaken to characterize dioxin and furan releases from waste incineration plants operating in Medellín-Colombia are presented. Emission and fly ash samples were collected from representative plants burning medical and industrial residues to characterize PCDD/PCDF levels. Analyses were carried out following European standards for stationary gas emissions EN-1948:1996 and US EPA 1613 (fly ashes). Final extracts were analyzed by both high resolution gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS) and high resolution gas chromatography coupled to ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HRGC-ITMS/MS). Preliminary results revealed emission levels of 1-30.3 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 depending on whether or not an air pollution control system (APCS) was installed. Fly ashes contained 8.5-68 ng I-TEQ/g. Critical issues that should be addressed in an assessment and in developing waste management plans in Colombia are discussed.
Aristizábal
B
B
Environmental Catalysis Research Group, Sede Investigación Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia. Calle 62, 52-59 AA 1226 Medellín, Colombia.
Cobo
M
M
de Correa
C Montes
CM
Martínez
K
K
Abad
E
E
Rivera
J
J
D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D060729:Coal Ash; D003105:Colombia; D004147:Dioxins / Q000032:analysis*; D005740:Gases / Q000737:chemistry; D017745:Incineration; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D018505:Waste Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
D060729:Coal Ash; D004147:Dioxins; D005740:Gases; D052638:Particulate Matter; D002244:Carbon