Compost polychlorinated dioxins

Similarly, polychlorinated dioxins and furans form in both compost and sewage sludge (1), but the major congeners in both systems are heptachloro- and octa-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and their origin is not understood (2052-2056). Several studies have attempted to elucidate the importance of natural combustion events as a source of polychlorinated dioxins and furans (1), but recent reports indicate that forest fires may not be a significant source of these compounds (227, 2057) despite earlier suggestions to the contrary (1, 2058, 2059). Nevertheless, numerous studies (wood stoves, control bums, etc.) clearly demonstrate that the combustion of wood... 

Laboratory tests have to be performed for materials, intermediates and additives. In these tests the chemical properties are checked, the ultimate biodegradability is verified and the disintegration properties are determined. Chemical testing serves to ensure that neither harmful organic substances, such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dioxins, nor heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, pass into the soil via the compost. 

Laine, M.M., Ahtiainen, J., Wagman, N., Oberg, L.G., and Jprgensen, K.S. 1997. Fate and toxicity of chlorophenols, polychlorinated dibenzo-/ -dioxins, and dibenzofurans during composting of contaminated sawmill sod. Environmental Science and Technology, 31 3244-50. 

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