May 31 2019
Chinese researchers have created a technique to prevent the production of toxic substances from waste incineration by unraveling the formation mechanism of dioxins.
The study conducted by researchers of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has resulted in the progress of inhibition technologies that can minimize emissions of dioxins by over half in solid waste incineration.
A huge quantity of highly toxic chlorinated aromatic compounds is released during solid waste incineration. Substances, particularly dioxins, are recorded as persistent organic pollutants by the United Nations Environment Program, because of their carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects.
Chen Jiping and Zhang Haijun, the chief researchers leading the study, hailing from northeast China’s Liaoning Province, investigated the effects of metal oxides and chlorides on the chlorination of aromatic compounds by simulating the reaction of incineration smoke.
The chlorination process is a key step to control the formation of the toxic compounds in incineration gas. We found copper and iron chlorides are the key active substances to promote the chlorination of naphthalene.
Chen Jiping, Chief Scientists, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics
With the theory, they have succeeded in preventing the output of dioxins in three large-scale solid waste incineration power plants in China by over half.
The study outcome was reported in the most recent issue of the international science journal Environmental Science and Technology.