Chlorobenzenes and PCDD/Fs emissions from a pilot-scale plasma melting incinerator of simulated radioactive waste: Impacts of waste composition and operational parameters

The efficient and safe disposal of radioactive waste remains a critical global challenge. While plasma technology is widely applied for its efficiency and safety, studies on secondary pollutant emissions remain limited. This research investigated emissions of chlorobenzenes (CBzs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) during the disposal of simulated radioactive waste from a pilot-scale high-temperature plasma melting incinerator in China under different waste conditions with rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and waste resin. Total concentrations of CBzs and PCDD/Fs in stack gas ranged from 3.445 to 117.192 μg/Nm 3 and 0.006–0.408 ng TEQ/Nm 3 , respectively. High-chlorine wastes such as waste resin, PVC, and rubber increase the emissions of CBzs and PCDD/Fs, while co-adding PVC and rubber reduces PCDD/Fs emissions due to synergistic effect. Dominant congeners included 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, and HCBz . Furthermore, correlation analysis exhibited a markedly linear correlation between 1,4-DCBz and PCDD/Fs, and the differential pressure between the quench tower and filter correlated positively with PCDD/Fs, particular when PVC and rubber were added. This research not only explores the impact of waste type and parameters of air pollution control devices on PCDD/Fs emissions, but also provides significant data to enhance the safe disposal of radioactive waste and improves plasma technology processes. • Emissions of PCDD/Fs and CBzs during the disposal of simulated radioactive waste. • Adding waste resin, PVC, and rubber alone increases CBzs and PCDD/Fs emissions. • The co-addition of PVC and rubber leads to a decrease in PCDD/Fs emissions. • Strong correlations found between 1,4-DCBz, differential pressure, and PCDD/Fs.