Identification of dioxin/furan compounds in sediments collected from the Dai Bai bronze casting village, Bac Ninh province

Abstract

This study aims to determine several dioxin compounds in sediment samples collected from the wastewater channel and wastewater pond of the Dai Bai bronze casting village (Gia Binh commune, Bac Ninh province). Dioxin/furan compounds were extracted and analysed using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS, Thermo, USA) combined with a DFS Thermo Trace 1310 high-resolution mass spectrometer (Thermo, USA). The total concentrations of dioxin/furan in sediment samples ranged from 8.340 to 98.600 ng/kg d.w (mean: 41.290 ng/kg d.w), with the toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations ranging from 0.319 to 6.990 ng TEQ/kg d.w (mean: 2.39 ng TEQ/kg d.w), which did not exceed the thresholds specified in the National Technical Regulation on Sediment Quality (QCVN 43:2017/BTNMT). However, dioxin/furan are persistent organic compounds capable of bioaccumulation in the environment, affecting the growth and development of flora and fauna in surrounding areas and posing potential risks to human health. Therefore, the relevant authorities need to issue appropriate sanctions and measures to monitor and manage the activities of bronze casting villages, thereby minimising emissions and the generation of dioxin/furan compounds that may adversely affect the ecological environment and human health.