PROBLEM OF DIOXIN CONTAMINATION IN SEDIMENTS OF THE PORT OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY

The subject of this paper is the problem of dioxin contamination in sediments of the Port of New York and New Jersey. The term dioxin describes an entire family of chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds. Figure 1 shows the most problematic form of dioxin, 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). When dioxin is referred to in this paper, it is this specific compound. It is a highly toxic chemical often formed as a by-product during the manufacture of herbicides, wood preservatives, and other chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds. Also, it can be formed during paper bleaching processes or due to incomplete pyrolysis of fossil fuels or municipal wastes. Dioxin is extremely insoluble in water and shows a strong affinity to particulate matter, especially organic matter or fine-grained organic-rich sediments. Exceptionally low doses, in the parts per trillion range, have shown a wide range of toxic responses in laboratory test animals including carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, fetotoxicity, reproductive dysfunction, and immunotoxicity.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This article is from 'Managment of Bottom Sediments Containing Toxic Substances: Proceedings of the US/Japan Experts Meeting (14th) Held in Yokohama, Japan on 27 February-1 March 1990,' AD-A250 148, p180- 190.
• Corporate Authors:

  Corps of Engineers Buffalo District.

  Buffalo, NY  United States 
• Authors:
  • Tavolaro, J F
  • Stern, E A
• Publication Date: 1992-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Animals; Chemical properties; Chemicals; Coatings, fillers and paints; Contaminants; Fossil fuels; Fuels; Hazards; Herbicides; Hydrocarbons; Laboratory tests; Particulates; Physiological aspects; Preservation; Pyrolysis; Sediments; Toxicity; Wastes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Contamination
• Geographic Terms: New Jersey; New York (State)
• Old TRIS Terms: Chlorinated hydrocarbons; Dioxins; Preservatives; Toxic hazards
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00666668
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 3 1994 12:00AM