Methodological Insights into the Occurrence, Conversion, and Control of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins/Dibenzofurans from Waste Incineration

Abstract

With the acceleration of global urbanization, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), as a by-product of solid waste incineration, have attracted more and more attention for their environmental pollution and health hazards. By describing the generation and transformation mechanism of PCDD/Fs, this review focuses on the methods to control the generation of PCDD/Fs and reduce their environmental pollution. Initially, the study analyzes the formation mechanisms of PCDD/Fs, and it emphasizes that variations in incineration conditions, feedstock compositions, and technological approaches substantially influence PCDD/F formation. Subsequently, the review examines existing PCDD/F control technologies—including optimization technology of high-temperature pyrolysis and incineration, photocatalytic degradation technology, supercritical water oxidation technology and biodegradation—and evaluates their respective advantages and limitations. The current challenges and future research directions, such as the development of novel monitoring technologies, the development of industry standards, and the enhancement of policy support, are finally presented. Effective PCDD/F control requires advanced real-time monitoring (e.g., AI-enhanced mass spectrometry), unified global standards, and policy support (e.g., subsidies, phased regulations). Future solutions lie in multiscale modeling, international collaboration, and adaptive technologies for sustainable risk reduction.