METAL RECLAMATION PRODUCES SULFUR ANALOGS OF TOXIC DIOXINS AND FURANS

Polychlorinated dibenzothiophenes (PCDBTs), polychlorinated thianthren es (PCTAs) and polychlorinated diphenylsulphides (PCDPSs) which are su lphur analogues for polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorin ated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PC DEs), were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS in different samples from a metal rec lamation plant. The samples were gas phase samples from an aluminium s melter and a car shredder and ash and slag from processes where differ ent temperatures (300-850-degrees-C) were used. Tri-, tetra-and pentaC DBTs were most abundant sulphur chloroaromatics at amounts comparable to PCDDs and PCDFs in emissions and wastes. Small amounts of tri- and tetraCTAs were identified in car shredder samples. Occurence of PCDPSs remained uncertain due to interferences even in GC/HRMS analyses.