Utilization of recycled charcoal as a thermal source and adsorbent for the treatment of PCDD/Fs contaminated sediment

► A low-cost heat treatment method for removal of PCDD/Fs from solid was developed. ► Charcoal was recycled to enable use as both a thermal source and an adsorbent. ► PCDD/Fs concentrations in treated sediment complied with the Japanese standard limit. ► PCDD/Fs are easily released from sediment as ratio of charcoal to sediment decreases. ► The dechlorination degree of PCDDs was amplified at a high air superficial velocity.