Levels of dioxins and furans in urban surface soil in Trondheim, Norway

A study was conducted on polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in surface soil in order to determine the concentration levels and possibly distinguishing between known and potential sources. The concentration levels are low (0.16–14 ng I-TEQ kg −1). The results show a clear pattern where the highest concentration levels were found in the oldest parts of the city. A number of sources were recognised in the soil samples through congener profiles, not all of them active, although similar congener profiles make it extremely difficult to distinguish between different sources. Estimations show that the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and domestic wood burning are the largest PCDD/F pollution sources within the area. PCDD/F levels in soil range between 0.16 and 14 ng I-TEQ kg −1 where the main sources are waste incinerators, domestic wood burning and historical sources.