Authors
M Schuhmacher, M Mari, JL Domingo, M Nadal, J Rovira, F Sánchez-Soberón
Publication date
2017
Description
This study was aimed at evaluating the potential impact of a cement plant after 4 years of alternative fuel implementation. In June 2015, concentrations of PCDD/Fs and metals were determined in soil, herbage and air in order to evaluate the potential changes with respect to previous surveys before (July 2011) and after (June 2013) alternative fuel implementation. Human health risks were also assessed. In soils, metal levels were similar to those obtained in June 2013 (p> 0.05). In comparison with July 2011 the increment was only statistically significant for As and Cd (p< 0.05). A notable increase of PCDD/Fs was noted when current levels in soils (1.14 ng WHO-TEQ/kg) were compared with those obtained in July 2011 (0.37 ng WHO-TEQ/kg)(p> 0.05) and June 2013 (0.41 ng WHO-TEQ/kg)(p< 0.05). This increase was mainly caused by the increment of PCDD/Fs in one sampling site, showing the heterogeneity of …