Disposition of polychlorinated dibenzo-p- dioxins from soils to the aquatic environment

The contamination of many sites in Missouri with 2, 3, 7, 8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is without doubt the single most publicized and pressing environmental issue in Missouri. This contamination is centered around the past improper disposal of waste from a hexachlorophene production facility at Verona, Missouri (1). Due to its extremely high toxicity to a number of mammals TCDD has drawn considerable attention and has been the focus of extensive research in many parts of the world (2-4). Large data bases for the compound in terms of toxicity and incidences of environmental contamination are available (5,6); however, certain important basic data are still required for realistic assessment of hazards posed by this compound in soil to human health and environment. Furthermore, there exists a need for fundamental environmental physiochemical studies directed towards gaining an understanding of the chemical processes and fates of TCDD and similar molecules in the environment.Project # G-916-04 Agreement # 14-08-0001-G-916-0