Concentrations of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins (PCDD) and Dibenzofurans (PCDF) in urban runoff and household wastewaters

Urban runoff and household wastewater samples were analysed for PCDD/F. The concentrations in street runoff lay between 1 and 11 pg TEQ/L. A roof runoff sample was less contaminated (< 1.7 pg TEQ/L), with levels at most a factor of 2 higher than in a parallel rain water sample. Household wastewater showed higher PCDD/F concentrations of up to 14 pg TEQ/L. The homolog profile agreed well with the profile found in sewage sludge samples. Washing machine effluent is a major source of PCDD/F in household wastewater. PCDD/F were also quantified in shower water.