First assessment of dioxin emissions from coal-fired power stations in Spain

In this work, the findings of the first assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in emissions releases to the atmosphere from coal-fired power plants are given. A total of five plants were selected for the study located at different provinces in Spain.In all the cases, the results revealed very low levels, in the range of 0.41 pg I-TEQ/N m3. The profile indicated in the majority of the cases predominance of highly chlorinated congeners being OCDD the most important contributor.The findings were also used to estimate contribution of PCDDs/PCDFs emitted from coal-fired power plants in Spain. Individual plant results revealed values below 0.02 g I-TEQ per year and plant. Nevertheless, considering the total coal consumption in Spain in 1997, the values are comparable to those reported in other countries in the range of 0.6–0.7 g I-TEQ per year. Moreover, emission factors were determined considering operating conditions of evaluated plants. In general, large variability was observed and values below 1–5 pg I-TEQ/kg coal were early reached.