PCDDS, PCDFS, PCBS, CHLOROPHENOLS (CPS) AND CHLOROBENZENES (CBZS) IN SAMPLES FROM VARIOUS TYPES OF COMPOSTING FACILITIES IN THE UNITED-STATES

Composting is fast becoming a major tool for managing the solid waste stream in the United States. Samples from three types of composting facilities: yard waste, municipal solid waste (MSW) and MSW plus sewage sludge (MSW/SS) have been analyzed for the presence of PCDDs, PCDFs, PCBs, chlorophenols and chlorobenzenes. The occurrence of PCDDs and PCDFs, with relatively high levels of HpCDDs and OCDD, is attributed to two factors. First, pentachlorophenol (PCP) containing PCDD/F byproducts may enter the compost feedstock contaminating the final product. Second, high levels of PCP and other chlorophenols in MSW and MSW/SS composts may be converted via biological mechanisms to PCDDs and PCDFs, specifically HpCDDs and OCDD.