The contribution of dioxin-like compounds from platinum mining and processing samples.

Dioxin-like compounds include polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls. The compounds are formed as a result of incomplete combustion during industrial and thermal processes such as the smelting of metals, and bio- concentrate, bio-accumulate and bio-magnify because of their hydrophobicity and persistence in the environment. A Pt mine in Limpopo, South Africa, was studied to determine if it was a possible source. Woodchip samples and samples from the tailings dams, slag and the dump site were collected, extracted and the dioxin load determined by bio- assay. The rate of dioxin formation was relatively small. Slag from the smelter contributed the highest dioxin load (61% of the total) and a more in-depth investigation of the smelting process is recommended.
Dioxin-like compounds include polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls. The compounds are formed as a result of incomplete combustion during industrial and thermal processes such as the smelting of metals, and bio- concentrate, bio-accumulate and bio-magnify because of their hydrophobicity and persistence in the environment. A Pt mine in Limpopo, South Africa, was studied to determine if it was a possible source. Woodchip samples and samples from the tailings dams, slag and the dump site were collected, extracted and the dioxin load determined by bio- assay. The rate of dioxin formation was relatively small. Slag from the smelter contributed the highest dioxin load (61% of the total) and a more in-depth investigation of the smelting process is recommended.