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Guo J, Bo X, Xie Y, Tang L, Xu J, Zhang Z, Wan R, Xu H, Mi Z. Health effects of future dioxins emission mitigation from Chinese municipal solid waste incinerators. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118805. [PMID: 37659366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Dioxins (including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, as Group 1 Carcinogen) in the atmosphere mainly originate from incomplete combustion during municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. To significantly reduce dioxins emission from the MSW incineration industry, China has promulgated a set of ambitious plans regulating MSW-related pollution; however, the emission reduction potentials and concomitant environmental and health impacts associated with the implementation of these programs on a national scale remain unknown. Here, we use real measurements from official environmental impact assessment systems and continuous emissions monitoring systems (covering 96.6% of national MSW incinerators) to estimate unit-level dioxins emission and concomitant environmental and health impacts. We find that in 2018, 99.3% and 66.7% of Chinese incinerators met such concentration and temperature standards, respectively, controlling the total emissions to 19.6 g toxic equivalency quantity and maintaining carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks significantly below safety levels nationwide. Fully achieving both current standards and future regulations will reduce emissions and health risks by 67.7% and 62.6%, respectively, with waste sorting program contributing the majority. This study reveals substantial benefits from curbing MSW-related dioxins pollution and underscores the promise of ongoing management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Center for Carbon Neutrality, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, China; School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Bo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; BUCT Institute for Carbon-Neutrality of Chinese Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xie
- School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Tang
- School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruxing Wan
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyun Xu
- China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Zhifu Mi
- The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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Zhang B, Guo M, Liang M, Gu J, Ding G, Xu J, Shi L, Gu A, Ji G. PCDD/F and DL-PCB exposure among residents upwind and downwind of municipal solid waste incinerators and source identification. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 331:121840. [PMID: 37201569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the environmental and human impacts associated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) exposure from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) is challenging because information on ambient and dietary exposure levels, spatial characteristics, and potential exposure routes is limited. In this study, 20 households from two villages located on the upwind and downwind sides of a MSWI were selected to characterize the concentration and spatial distribution of PCDD/F and DL-PCB compounds in ambient and food samples, such as dust, air, soil, chicken, egg, and rice samples. The source of exposure was identified using congener profiles and principal component analysis. Overall, the dust and rice samples had the highest and lowest mean dioxin concentrations, respectively. Significant differences were observed (p < 0.01) in PCDD/F concentrations in chicken samples and DL-PCB concentrations in rice and air samples between the upwind and downwind villages. The exposure assessment indicated that the primary risk source was dietary exposure, especially from eggs, which had a PCDD/F toxic equivalency (TEQ) range of 0.31-14.38 pg TEQ/kg body weight (bw)/day, leading to adults in one household and children in two households exceeding the World Health Organization-defined threshold of 4 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. Chicken was the main contributor to the differences between upwind and downwind exposure. Based on the established congener profiles, the exposure routes of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs from the environment to food to humans were clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min Guo
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Mengyuan Liang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Jie Gu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Gangdou Ding
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Huhhot, 010018, China
| | - Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lili Shi
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Guixiang Ji
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China.
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Bo X, Guo J, Wan R, Jia Y, Yang Z, Lu Y, Wei M. Characteristics, correlations and health risks of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals in surface soil near municipal solid waste incineration plants in Southwest China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 298:118816. [PMID: 35016984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As primary anthropogenic emission source of toxic pollutants such as heavy metals and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration has caused worldwide concern. However, a comprehensive analysis of the pollution characteristics and health risks of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals in soils around MSW incineration plants is lacking. In this study, 17 PCDD/Fs and 11 heavy metals in soil samples collected near MSW incineration plants in Sichuan province were investigated to evaluate their pollution characteristics and potential health risk. Sichuan was selected as the study area because the MSW incineration amount in this province ranks first among all inland provinces in China. The PCDD/Fs concentrations ranged from 0.30 to 7.50 ng I-TEQ/kg, which were significantly below risk screening and intervention thresholds. Regarding heavy metals, principal component analysis suggested that Hg, Pb and Zn were the primary metals emitted from the MSW incineration plants. Cluster analysis of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals showed that of PCDD/Fs homologs and heavy metals (e.g., Hg, Pb, Zn and Cd) were clustered into one group, indicating the coexistence and coaccumulation of heavy metals (especially Hg, Pb, Zn, and Cd) and PCDD/Fs in soil. These heavy metals are thus candidate tracers for PCDD/Fs in soil near MSW incineration plants. A health risk analysis found that the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals (except for Ni) in the soil samples were all within acceptable levels. This study provides new insights into correlations and health risks of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals in surface soil near MSW incineration plants. The findings have implications for future studies of environmental and human health risk analysis related to waste incineration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Bo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing Guo
- School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruxing Wan
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuling Jia
- Sichuan Environment and Engineering Appraisal Center, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhaoxu Yang
- Zhongke Sanqing Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Yong Lu
- Pony Testing International Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Min Wei
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, China.
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Lei R, Liu W, Wu X, Ni T, Jia T. A review of levels and profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in different environmental media from China. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 239:124685. [PMID: 31521928 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This review provides a summary of the levels and profiles of PCDD/Fs throughout China, as reported in peer reviewed literatures since 1997. The literature shows that PCDD/Fs are widespread in various environmental media including air, water, sediment, and soil. PCDD/Fs concentrations in air were relatively low in most regions, with only a few areas considered polluted. Many studies reported seasonal trends, with higher and lower concentrations in winter and summer, respectively. We analyzed the factors affecting the concentrations of dioxins in air and summarized the causes of seasonal changes. As hydrophobic organic compounds, PCDD/Fs readily accumulate in sediments. The distribution of dioxins in sediment in Bohai Sea area was mainly introduced and the factors affecting concentrations of dioxins were studied. The levels of dioxins in soil in different regions varied greatly, with higher levels in areas close to pollution sources. We examined the dioxins concentrations in soil in places where the levels were very low (including the Tibet Plateau and other remote areas), contaminated areas, and other areas. Apart from the contaminated areas, the dioxins concentrations in soil were low. The results of the relatively low number of studies that have investigated PCDD/Fs in water have reported no obvious pollution in some waters, apart from Dongting Lake. PCDD/Fs levels across China are similar to those worldwide. Point sources, mainly related to local geographic, economic, and historical factors, were the most common source of contamination. E-waste dismantling and chemical production has the greatest impact on PCDD/Fs in different media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Taotao Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Tianqi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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Zhou T, Bo X, Qu J, Wang L, Zhou J, Li S. Characteristics of PCDD/Fs and metals in surface soil around an iron and steel plant in North China Plain. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 216:413-418. [PMID: 30384311 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the level of 18 species of metals and 17 species of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were monitored in surface soil samples around an iron and steel plant in the North China Plain. The concentration of PCDD/Fs and metals in the soil ranged from 0.16 to 4.5 ng I-TEQ/kg and 1.2 to 24,182.2 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the prevailing winds were confirmed to influence the spatial distribution of PCDD/Fs and metals concentrations. The highest concentration of PCDD/Fs was located in downwind soil sample 4 (S4), which showed more than 50% of PCDFs in the total PCDD/Fs, and high levels of lower chlorinated PCDFs. Moreover, the highest Cd and Zn concentrations of 18.1 and 2647.8 mg/kg, respectively, were observed in soil collected from S4, which were significantly above the government guidelines for metals in farmland soil. Our results show that a group of metals (Mg, Al, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, Sb and Pb) was well correlated with all PCDD/Fs except three (OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD), which likely originated from iron and steel processes. Additionally, Pb, Zn, Cd and all polychlorinated dibenzofurans showed a good correlation and grouped in one cluster, suggesting anthropogenic sources from sintering process. Therefore, the metallic characteristics in soil, especially the Pb, Zn and Cd tracers, implied evidence of the accumulation of PCDD/Fs from sinter plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xin Bo
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Jiabao Qu
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, HeBei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shibei Li
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
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Rovira J, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Concentrations of trace elements and PCDD/Fs around a municipal solid waste incinerator in Girona (Catalonia, Spain). Human health risks for the population living in the neighborhood. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 630:34-45. [PMID: 29471189 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Previously to the modernization of the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) of Campdorà (Girona, Catalonia, Spain) two sampling campaigns (2015 and 2016) were conducted. In each campaign, 8 soil and 4 air samples (PM10 and total particle phase and gas phase) were collected. The levels of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tl and V, and PCDD/Fs were analysed at different distances and wind directions around the MSWI. Environmental levels of trace elements and PCDD/Fs were used to assess exposure and health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) for the population living around the facility. In soils, no significant differences were observed for trace elements and PCDD/Fs between both campaigns. In air, significant higher levels of As, Cd, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl and V were detected in 2016. Regarding soil levels, only Cd (distances) and As, Cu, Mn, and Ni (wind directions) showed significant differences. No differences were noted in the concentrations of trace elements and PCDD/Fs in air levels with respect to distances and directions to the MSWI. No differences were registered in air levels (elements and PCDD/Fs) between points influenced by MSWI emissions and background point. However some differences in congener profile were noted regarding from where back-trajectories come from (HYSPLIT model results), pointing some influence of Barcelona metropolitan area. The concentrations of trace elements and PCDD/Fs were similar -or even lower- than those reported around other MSWIs in Catalonia and various countries. Non-carcinogenic risks were below the safety limit (HQ<1). In turn, carcinogenic risks due to exposure to trace elements and PCDD/Fs were in acceptable ranges, according to national and international standard regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Exposure to a continuous low dose of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin impairs the development of the tooth root in lactational rats and alters the function of apical papilla-derived stem cells. Arch Oral Biol 2014; 60:199-207. [PMID: 25455135 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ubiquitous environmental pollutants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) cause abnormalities in reproduction and development. TCDD inhibits the development of teeth, and its effects depend on its dose and the developmental stage of the tooth. Our aim here was to investigate the effect of lower doses of TCDD on the development of the tooth root in vivo and in vitro. DESIGN We observed tooth root development in lactational rats exposed to continuous low doses of TCDD starting on postnatal day 6 using Mico-CT analyses and histopathological examinations. And then the characteristics of stem cells derived from the apical papilla (SCAPs) were evaluated and compared with SCAPs induced by lower doses of TCDD both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The results of experiments showed that rat pups exposed to low dose TCDD at prenatal stage developed, dentine hypoplasia, and hypomineralization. Further, TCDD impaired the functions of SCAPs in vivo by inhibiting cell proliferation and osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation. The impairment of SCAPs after TCDD exposure was accompanied by increased expression of AHR, down-regulation of the expression of Runx2, and alkaline phosphatase, suggesting that the AHR pathway mediated the effects of TCDD. CONCLUSION These results provide the first insights into the toxicity of TCDD, which adversely affects the development of the tooth root through indirectly altering the function of SCAPs.
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Municipal Solid Waste Treatment by Integrated Solutions: Energy and Environmental Balances. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.06.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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