Abstract

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) are notorious pollutants classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which even at trace levels can bio-accumulate in the environment and have negative effects on organisms. Due to their adverse health effects, countries around the globe have introduced stringent emission standards to reduce the formation of PCDD/Fs. Using data in the literature over the past two decades (2001 to 2023), this review discussed the PCDD/F emissions from incineration facilities, E-waste recycling, iron sintering, secondary metal smelting plants, and crematories. But the review only focused on pollutants and remediation strategies from the incineration processes. There are two heterogeneous mechanism pathways that lead to the formation of PCDD/Fs, firstly, the De novo phase, using macromolecules of carbon or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to begin the synthesis, and secondly, the condensation reaction beginning with the rearrangement of the molecular structure of the precursor compound. On the remediation strategies, adsorption injections were the most preferred method; however, recent studies reported other strategies such as catalytic filtration systems, an electron beam system, and good combustion practices. This review concluded that a lot has been done to manage and prevent PCDD/F formation efficiently to the level which no longer poses a hazard to human health and the environment.

Graphical abstract