Gas-Phase Absorption and Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements of Representative Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans, and a Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon

Abstract

Dioxins and furans are believed to be among the most toxic chemicals known to man. The presence of these compounds in the emission gases of municipal solid waste incinerators and other combustion sources has raised debate over the location and the ultimate utility of incineration as an approach to waste management. Current methods used to measure dioxins and furans in combustion source emissions do not provide the real-time monitoring necessary to track average incinerator performance or upset emission levels. A study to design and develop a laser-induced fluorescence/continuous emission monitoring system to detect and quantify these compounds is being conducted. This paper reports the results of the study to date. Vapor-phase ultraviolet absorption spectra, absorption cross sections, and laser-induced fluorescence profiles are presented for three dioxins and two furans. These spectral data are needed for initial design and evaluation of the laser-induced fluorescence/continuous emission monitoring system approach.