Comparative evaluation of techniques for controlling the formation and emission of chlorinated dioxins/furans in municipal waste incineration

Chlorinated dioxins and furans are highly toxic micropollutants emitted from combustion sources, in particular, municipal solid waste incinerators. Because of concerns over their adverse health effects, a number of countries have introduced stringent emission limits for chlorinated dioxins and furans. The technologies for reducing their formation and emission in incineration processes have been studied extensively. In this paper, the state of the art in this technical field is reviewed including techniques for (i) removal of PCDD/Fs in flue gases; (ii) treatment of fly ash for destruction of PCDD/Fs; (iii) prevention of PCDD/F formation in the postcombustion zone of incinerators; (iv) combustion measures to reduce PCDD/F formation; and (v) control of waste composition and properties. For these techniques, comparative data are given, the theories are discussed and recommendations are made.