Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) in municipal solid waste incinerators

The stack flue gases and the ashes in different units of two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) are sampled to investigate the characteristics of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), and polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Bottom ashes (BA) exhibited much higher PBDD/F (8.11–52.2 pg TEQ/g) and PBDE contents (20.4–186 ng/g) than those of fly ashes (0.0932–2.02 pg TEQ/g and 0.332–25.5 ng/g), revealing that the PBDD/Fs and PBDEs in the feeding waste may not be completely destroyed. The PBDE concentrations/contents in the stack flue gases (26.1–109 ng/Nm 3) and in the BA (20.4–186 ng/g) of the MSWIs could reach three orders higher than those in the atmosphere and reference soils. PBDE contributions to the environment from the stack flue gases or the reutilization of BA of MSWIs should not be ignored from the developing PBDE inventory. Municipal solid waste incinerators contributed PBDEs and PBDD/Fs to the environment through stack flue gases and reutilization of bottom ashes.