A study of highly toxic organic pollutants of the environment emitted from uncontrolled combustion sources with the use of coupling techniques and chromatographic methods

Project manager: Małgorzata Szewczyńska Ph.D.

Project summary:

The aim of this research task was to determine what organic pollutants are emitted from uncontrolled combustion sources into the environment of people working or present in the vicinity of those sources.The aim was to develop analytical procedures with the use of coupling techniques and chromatographic methods to conduct identification and quantitative determination during waste incineration in open spaces and at a stoker's post in a waste incinerator. Identification and quantitative analysis was directed at specific groups of compounds: volatile organic compounds, including carbonyl compounds, PAHs as well as dioxins and furans, which are probably present in the studied samples.A selective method of isolating analytes with converting them into derivatives was used to isolate carbonyl compounds from the air. HPLC with spectrophotometric detection in the visible spectrum was used to determine their presence in air samples. PAHs were determined with HPLC with fluorescent detection. GC with MS in the SIM system was an alternative. The quantitative studies confirmed that most chemical compounds were emitted during incineration of unsegregated household waste, which included plastic containers, bags, packaging and building materials. 70 volatile organic compounds were identified and quantitatively determined in air samples.This research task resulted in the development of a brochure and information materials for posting on CIOP-PIB's website.

Unit: Department of Chemical and Aerosol Hazards

Duration: 01.01.2005 – 31.12.2007