The determination of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins in pentachlorophenol and wood treatment solutions

Abstract

Analytical methods were implemented to measure levels of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorodibenzofurans in pentachlorophenol solutions used in the Boulton wood treatment process. When normalized against the pentachlorophenol (PCP) [pesticide] content, the octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin level was 34% higher in the recirculating PCP solution than in the fresh PCP solution, and in the sludge it was 90% higher. A smaller concentration increase was observed for the heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the recirculating solution, but a similar increase was observed in the sludge. The presence of these impurities in technical PCP raises concerns about their possible health hazards.