Temporal Dynamics of PCDD/F and PCB Concentrations in Ambient Air Near a Medical Waste Incineration Facility in Johannesburg
Journal Title: Challenges in Sustainability - Year 2024, Vol 12, Issue 2
Abstract
An extensive assessment of ambient air quality near a medical waste incineration (MWI) facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, was conducted, focusing on the gas-particle phase partitioning and the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). It was found that highly chlorinated congeners, specifically hexa- to octa-chlorinated, predominate in the particulate phase, while tetra- and penta-chlorinated isomers were predominantly observed in the gas phase. The concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs in ambient air ranged from 8.3 to 108.36 fg WHO2005-TEQ/m³, ΣPCBs from 4.43 to 6.06 fg WHO2005-TEQ/m³, and ΣPCDD/Fs in soil from 59.17 to 106.05 pg WHO-TEQ/g. Seasonal variations were marked, with peak concentrations typically occurring in winter and the lowest in summer. Globally, despite a decreasing trend, the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in South Africa remain higher than those reported in other regions. The study further revealed that the daily inhalation intakes of PCDD/F emissions by the local population exceeded the recommended tolerable daily intake levels, underscoring the need for a comprehensive risk assessment that considers all exposure pathways to fully evaluate potential health risks for residents living near the incineration facility.
Authors and Affiliations
Nomathemba Themba, Linda L. Sibali, Tlou B. Chokwe
Keywords
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