Perspectives on the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans during municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration and other combustion processes.

The pathways by which polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are formed and the interactions between their aromatic precursors, in particular chlorophenols (ClPhs), and transition metal catalysts are discussed. A literature survey and data from pilot-scale combustion experiments allow conclusions to be drawn on the relations between ClPhs and PCDD/Fs in municipal waste incineration and other combustion processes. The results suggest that the ClPh pathway is among the most important for the formation of PCDD/Fs.