PCDD/F, PCB and PAH content of Brazilian compost.

The level of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycondensated aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in compost of different degree of maturation from 21 Brazilian municipal solid waste (MSW) compositing plants has been evaluated. The study shows that most PCDD/F concentrations are above the levels acceptable in Baden-Württemberg (FRG), being 17 ng I-TE/kg, especially for compost from metropolitan areas. These results are similar to those found for Germany. For PCB, the average of the sum of the concentrations of the six congeners PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180 is about 3 times lower in relation to German samples being less than the value indicated by the Baden-Württemberg legislation (0.2 mg/kg).