Reference Guide to Non-Combustion Technologies for Remediation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Stockpiles and Soil

This report provides a high level summary of information on the applicability of existing and emerging non-combustion technologies for the remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in stockpiles and soil. POPs are a set of chemicals that are toxic, persist in the environment for long periods of time, and biomagnify as they move up through the food chain. POPs have been linked to adverse effects on human health and animals, such as: cancer, damage to the nervous system, reproductive disorders, and disruption of the immune system. In addition, restrictions and bans on the use of POPs have resulted in a significant number of unusable stockpiles of POP-containing materials internationally. Deterioration of storage facilities used for the stockpiles, improper storage practices, and past production and use of POPs also have resulted in contamination of soils around the world. Previously, POPs have been destroyed by combustion technologies (incineration). Many interested parties have expressed concern about the potential environmental and health effects associated with this type of treatment technology. Combustion of POPs can create by-products such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (furans) - known human carcinogens.