Characterization of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran emissions from joss paper burned in a furnace with air pollution control devices

Sci Total Environ. 2009 May 1;407(10):3290-4. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.01.037. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Abstract

Burning joss paper, a common practice in temples in some Asian countries, can release toxic pollutants. This study investigated polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emissions and profiles from burning joss paper in a temple furnace connected to two wet scrubbers. The mean total PCDD/F content and corresponding toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) in joss paper were 193 ng kg(-1) and 0.645 ng I-TEQ kg(-1), respectively, whereas those in bottom ash from burned joss paper were 18.5 ng kg(-1) and 1.92 ng I-TEQ kg(-1), respectively. The wet scrubbers decreased individual PCDD/F emissions by 26.7-71.0% and those of total PCDD/Fs and I-TEQ by 47.2% and 66.0%, respectively. The total PCDD/F TEQ emission factors before and after the wet scrubbers were 8.14 and 3.42 microg I-TEQ ton-feedstock(-1), respectively. The estimated total PCDD/F and corresponding TEQ emissions were 5.29 g year(-1) and 0.462 g I-TEQ year(-1), respectively, in Taiwan. Burning joss paper in temple furnaces is a significant source of PCDD/F emissions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Air Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Benzofurans / analysis*
  • Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
  • Incineration / instrumentation*
  • Industrial Waste
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Benzofurans
  • Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
  • Industrial Waste
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins