The reduction of dioxin emissions from the processes of heat and power generation

J Air Waste Manag Assoc. 2011 May;61(5):511-26. doi: 10.3155/1047-3289.61.5.511.

Abstract

The first reports that it is possible to emit dioxins from the heat and power generation sector are from the beginning of the 1980s. Detailed research proved that the emission of dioxins might occur during combustion of hard coal, brown coal, and furnace oil as well as coke-oven gas. The emission of dioxins occurs in wood incineration; wood that is clean and understood as biomass; or, in particular, wood waste (polluted). This paper thoroughly discusses the mechanism of dioxin formation in thermal processes, first and foremost in combustion processes. The parameters influencing the quantity of dioxins formed and the dependence of their quantity on the conditions of combustion are highlighted. Furthermore, the methods of reducing dioxin emissions from combustion processes (primary and secondary) are discussed. The most efficacious methods that may find application in the heat and power generation sector are proposed; this is relevant from the point of view of the implementation of the Stockholm Convention resolutions in Poland with regard to persistent organic pollutants.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis
  • Air Pollutants / toxicity
  • Air Pollution / prevention & control
  • Environmental Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Environmental Monitoring / standards
  • Humans
  • Incineration / methods
  • Incineration / standards
  • Poland
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins* / analysis
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins* / isolation & purification
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins* / toxicity
  • Power Plants / standards
  • Refuse Disposal / methods
  • Refuse Disposal / standards
  • Wood / analysis
  • Wood / toxicity

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins