PCDD/F emissions to atmosphere in the UK and future trends

Abstract An emission inventory for the UK has been developed and additional information incorporated. It estimates annual releases between 560 and 1100 g I-TEQ. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incinerators are the dominant source of PCDD/F emissions to atmosphere and are responsible for up to 80% of the inventory. This demonstrates the need for good, reliable data relevant to the type and practices of the industries concerned. Short-term predictions have been made on the basis of planned improvements reducing the atmospheric input to 110 – 350 g I-TEQ per annum. However, the assumptions of unchanged throughput may not prove to be realistic for the longer term hence, for some categories, long-term estimates to the years 2000 and 2005 have been made indicating the type of change that may be occur.