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Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs)



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Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs)


Dioxins encompass two main structural families, the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and the polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), which are members of class of chemicals known as the halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs). PCDFs and PCDDs are distinct compounds, however they have similar molecular structures, physical, and chemical properties (Inserm 2000).

PCDDs are a group of 75 congeners, and PCDFs are a group of 135 congeners (Shiu et al. 1988). Both classes of compounds contain a triple ring structure; an oxygenated ring connected to two benzene rings. PCDDs are connected by a pair of oxygen atoms (1,4-dioxin ring) and contain between 1 and 8 chlorine atoms (C4H4O2Clx) (WHO 2000). PCDFs are connected by a single oxygen atom (a furan ring) and contain between 2 and 8 chlorine atoms (C12H8OClx) (WHO 2000).



Figure 1. Structure of basic PCDD/Fs. Numbers represent positions of substitution of chlorine atoms. The structure on the left is a PCDD, the one on the right is a PCDF.

The physical and chemical properties of each congener vary depending on the location and number of chlorine atoms (US EPA 2000). Due to the high variability in chemical characteristics and high toxicity of the PCDD and PCDF congeners, there is limited research available to determine their individual physical and chemical properties. The majority of research has been conducted on the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) congener as it is the most toxic, and the majority of reported chemical properties is based on those for TCDD (WHO 2000).

PCDDs and PCDFs are only slightly water-soluble; while there is a broad range of available solubilities, the accepted solubility value for 2,3,7,8-TCDD is 19.3 ng/L (Marple et al. 1987). They are only slightly volatile as well, with a recommended vapor pressure for 2,3,7,8-TCDD of 1.50 x 10-9 mm Hg at 25 oC (Mackay et al. 1992a). Directly measured Henry’s Law constants range from 1.99 x 10-5 to 9.4 x 10-5 atm-m3/mol (Santl et al. 1994; Dunnivant and Elzerman 1988). Log octanol-water partition coefficients (log Kow) are congener specific, and range from 5.6 to 8.0 for both PCDDs and PCDFs (US EPA 2000). The accepted value of the log organic carbon partition coefficient (log Koc) is 7.39 (Marple et al, 1987).

Once released into the atmosphere, PCDDs and PCFS become widely dispersed via atmospheric transport and deposition (Hites and Harless 1991). Due to the low water solubility and high hydrophobicity, PCDDs and PCDFs associate with particulate and organic matter in sediment, soil and particulates in the water column (Muir et al. 1992). Congeners with more chlorine atoms (4+) are very stable under most environmental conditions, although they may undergo atmospheric photo-oxidation and photolysis. Certain species of bacteria and fungi can degrade PCDDs and PCDFs, typically via dechlorination (Field and Sierra-Alvarez 2008).

Both PCDDs and PCDFs are not produced commercially; rather they are formed as trace impurities in the manufacture of other chemicals (e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], chlorinated phenols). They can also be produced during combustion (waste incineration), during the production of certain metals (iron and steel) and in the bleaching of pulp and papers (Ballschmiter 1986; Beck et al. 1989; Rappe 1994). They can also be formed naturally, for example in garden composting and in sewage (Öberg et al. 1992; Öberg et al. 1993).



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