Polychlorinated Dioxin and Furan Discharge During Carbon Reactivation

Abstract

Analyses are performed on samples collected from various effluent streams of a fluidized‐bed and infrared furnace during reactivation of granular activated carbon (GAC) used in treatment of drinking water. These analyses show that polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are produced during GAC reactivation. No detectable concentrations of PCDD or PCDF are seen in the spent carbon fed to the reactivation furnaces. Although the total amount of organic halogens on the spent GAC ranges from 416–657 mg/kg, only small fractional amounts of PCDDs and PCDFs are formed. The low levels of PCDDs and PCDFs emitted into the atmosphere during GAC reactivation and the resulting cancer risks to the exposed population are minimal and negligible.