| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4425472 | Environmental Pollution | 2011 | 6 Pages |
The study presented the concentrations and distributions of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polybrominated dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) as impurities in some commercial decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDE) mixtures that were produced by several manufacturers. The total concentrations of 12 2,3,7,8-substituted tetra- to octa-BDD/F congeners were found to be in the range of 3.4–13.6 (mean 7.8) μg/g, averagely accounting for 99% of total PBDD/Fs. OBDF was the prevailing congener, followed by 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF. In addition, OBDD and 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxBDF were also obviously detectable. The total concentrations of PBDD/Fs varied both between the manufacturers and between the lots. On the basis of the global demand for the commercial DBDE in 2001, the annual potential emissions of PBDD/Fs were calculated coarsely to be 0.43 (range: 0.21–0.78) tons. The major dioxin congeners, OBDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF, presenting in DBDE, were estimated to be formed from BDE-209, BDE-206, and/or BDE-207 via an intra-molecular elimination of Br2/HBr.
► A new analytical method for separating trace PBDD/F impurities from DBDE. ► Original data of tetra- to octa-BDD/Fs in commercial DBDE. ► OBDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF are the major dioxin congeners. ► OBDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF are formed from BDE-209, BDE-206, and/or BDE-207. ► Commercial DBDE is an important source for PBDD/Fs.
