Priority Organic Pollutant Monitoring Inventory and Relative Risk Reduction Potential for Solid Waste Incineration.

Incineration is a promising sustainable treatment method for solid waste. However, the ongoing revelation of new toxic pollutants in this process has become a controversial issue impeding its development. Thus, identifying and regulating high-risk pollutants emerge as pivotal strides toward reconciling this debate. In this study, we proposed a workflow aimed at establishing priority monitoring inventories for organic compounds emitted by industries involving full-component structural recognition, environmental behavior prediction, and emission risk assessment, specifically focusing on solid waste incineration (SWI). A total of 174 stack gas samples from 29 incinerators were first collected. Nontarget full organic recognition technology was then deployed to analyze these samples, and 646 organic compounds were identified. The characteristics, i.e., toxicity effects, toxicity concentrations, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential, of these compounds were assessed and ranked based on the TOXCAST database from the US Environmental Protection Agency and structural effect models. Combined with consideration of changes in seasons and waste types, a priority control inventory consisting of 28 organic pollutants was finally proposed. The risks associated with SWI across different regions in China and various countries were assessed, and results pinpointed that by controlling the priority pollutants, the average global emission risk attributed to SWI was anticipated to be reduced by 71.4%. These findings offer significant guidance for decision-making in industrial pollutant management, emphasizing the importance of targeted regulation and monitoring to enhance the sustainability and safety of incineration processes.

Emission, distribution and formation characteristics of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans during co-disposal of hexabromocyclododecane-containing waste in cement kiln.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)-containing waste was co-disposed in a cement kiln to evaluate its destruction removal efficiency (DRE) and its impact on polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) formation. The DRE of HBCD exceeded 99.9999 %. The residual HBCD after disposal was mainly found in kiln head ash and clinker. Stack gas at kiln head and tail exhibited average PBDD/Fs emission levels (sum of 13 2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs congeners) of 0.36 and 0.42 ng m-3, respectively, with octa-BDD predominating. However, in the kiln tail ash, hexaBDF and hepta-BDF were secondarily generated, leading to an increase in PBDFs concentration. Notably, most HBCD underwent debromination and ring-opening in the calciner, with released bromine absorbed and removed by CaO. Its decomposition products such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, biphenyls and their derivatives served as carbon sources for PBDD/Fs synthesis. However, co-disposal of HBCD did not significantly raise PBDD/Fs emissions but altered their homolog distribution from PBDDs to PBDFs. Emission factors of HBCD and PBDD/Fs were the highest in the clinker at 6.55 × 102 and 0.55 × 102 µg t-1, respectively. Therefore, attention was needed for the potential secondary release of pollutants during the transportation and utilization of clinker. These findings enhanced understanding of the distribution and formation pathways of PBDD/Fs during cement kiln co-processing, providing insights for their source control.

Variation profiles, formation mechanisms, and emission risks of brominated flame retardant compounds during cement kiln co-processing of hexabromocyclododecane-containing waste.

Cement kiln co-processing technique has been suggested as a promising disposal method for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)-containing construction wastes. However, concerns persist regarding the potential emissions of secondary brominated flame retardant (BFR) compounds. To address this, we conducted both field and laboratory experiments to elucidate the emission characteristics and formation mechanisms of BFRs during the co-processing of HBCD-containing waste in cement kilns. In the field experiments, which examined a range of HBCD disposal dosages from 0 to 400 kg/day, the concentrations of new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in the stack gas were 0.57-0.80, 0.68-51.56, 0.62-1.79 ng/Nm3, respectively. Over 77 % of the emitted BFRs can be sequestered within solid materials. Further laboratory experiments revealed that the alkaline substances present in cement kilns can absorb HBr thus inhibiting the formation of BFRs. The transformation mechanisms from HBCDs to BFRs were further explored to involve processes including structural re-arrangement, de novo synthesis, and precursor formation. Furthermore, the national annual emission risk associated with the disposal of HBCD-containing construction wastes via cement kilns has been assessed. The findings of our study furnish a critical scientific basis for the development of strategies for managing HBCD-containing waste in the future.

Chemical mechanisms of hexachlorobutadiene reactions in the environment.

Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (HCBD) has received increasing attention because of its adverse effects on human health. Although HCBD is regulated under the Stockholm Convention, it is still widely detected in the environment. However, detailed reports on the chemical mechanisms of HCBD reactions in the environment are lacking. This review comprehensively summarizes HCBD's unintentional industrial sources and formation mechanisms, and chemical reactions and transformations in different media (gas, water, and biological phases). Photochemical reactions in the atmosphere can degrade and transform HCBD and potentially form other toxic compounds, such as phosgene. Aerobic pyrolysis of HCBD can generate complex byproducts. Further research is essential to fully understand the environmental behavior of HCBD.

Applying molecular oxygen for organic pollutant degradation: Strategies, mechanisms, and perspectives.

Molecular oxygen (O2) is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and non-toxic oxidant. Activation of O2 generates various highly oxidative reactive oxygen species (ROS), which efficiently degrade pollutants with minimal environmental impact. Despite extensive research on the application of O2 activation in environmental remediation, a comprehensive review addressing this topic is currently lacking. This review provides an informative overview of recent advancements in O2 activation, focusing on three primary strategies: photocatalytic activation, chemical activation, and electrochemical activation of O2. We elucidate the respective mechanisms of these activation methods and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we thoroughly analyze the influence of oxygen supply, reactive temperature, and pH on the O2 activation process. From electron transfer and energy transfer perspectives, we explore the pathways for ROS generation during O2 activation. Finally, we address the challenges faced by researchers in this field and discuss future prospects for utilizing O2 activation in pollution control applications. This detailed analysis enhances our understanding and provides valuable insights for the practical implementation of organic pollutant degradation.

Unintentionally-produced persistent organic pollutants in the aquatic environment contaminated from historical chlor-alkali production.

Historical chlor-alkali production has led to substantial concentrations of persistent organic pollutant residues in the environment. This study systematically investigated the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated/brominated-PAHs (Cl/Br-PAHs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) in sediment, lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), and fish samples from Ya-Er Lake, which is a site in China with historical chlor-alkali contamination. The average concentrations [(4.97-1.47) × 103 ng/g dry weight (dw)] of these pollutants in backfill sediments, which were dredged from the lake after chlor-alkali production stopped, were 2.68-70.87 times those in fresh lake sediments (0.622-218 ng/g dw) and reported concentrations in other areas. Correlation analyses indicated that Cl-PAHs, Br-PAHs, and PCNs likely originated from halogenation of parent PAHs in the study area, and the chlorination ratios were larger than those of bromination. The Cl(1/2/3)-PAHs/PAHs and Br(1)-PAHs/PAHs ratios were higher than those for PAHs with more halogen atoms. This contamination extended into the biota, with notable pollutant burdens found in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera, 0.305-77.3 ng/g dw) and even higher concentrations in fish (2.20-345 ng/g lipid weight). Estimated biological soil accumulation factors revealed significant enrichment in lotus organs (mean: 7.19) and fish muscle (mean: 10.65), especially the latter, which highlighted bioaccumulation and potential food chain transfer risks. The estimated daily intakes of PAHs, Cl/Br-PAHs, and HCBD through fish consumption currently pose negligible risks, while dietary intake of PCNs may present health concerns. Continuous monitoring and impact assessments are crucial for developing appropriate risk management strategies to safeguard public health.

Free radical mechanisms of ammonium sulfate as intensively used industrial materials on suppressing organic pollutants.

Organic free radicals are critical intermediates for the generation and inhibition of organic pollutants during industrial processes. Clarifying the free radical mechanism of pollutant inhibition is significant for their efficient control. Ammonium sulfate is intensively used in industrial materials to suppress organic pollutants. In this study, organic free radical intermediate species in metal-catalyzed reactions inhibited by ammonium sulfate were identified using continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, providing direct evidence for the free radical mechanisms of organic pollutants inhibition. The transverse (T2) and longitudinal (T1) relaxation time variations catalyzed by different metal catalysts in the presence of ammonium sulfate were compared using pulsed-wave EPR. Consequently, after the addition of ammonium sulfate, the observed increase in T2 suggests that ammonium sulfate leads to radical concentration reduction. A decrease in the T1 relaxation time suggests the enhanced interaction between organic radicals and metals, which is an obstacle to subsequent radical reactions. Therefore, ammonium sulfate dominantly changed the free radical intermediates species, concentrations, and their reactivity, and then inhibited the organic pollutants formations. The inhibition mechanisms of ammonium sulfate on metal-catalyzed pollutants were then proposed combining EPR analysis, X-ray characterization, and high-resolution mass spectrometry screening. As a result, (1) occupying the active sites of metal catalysis and (2) inhibiting free radical intermediates are the two main intrinsic inhibition mechanisms of ammonium sulfate. The findings provide new perspectives on the efficient inhibition of organic pollutants in industrial processes involving various metal catalysts.

Linking industrial emissions and dietary exposure to human burdens of polychlorinated naphthalenes.

Relationships between toxic pollutant emissions during industrial processes and toxic pollutant dietary intakes and adverse health burdens have not yet been quantitatively clarified. Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are typical industrial pollutants that are carcinogenic and of increasing concern. In this study, we established an interpretable machine learning model for quantifying the contributions of industrial emissions and dietary intakes of PCNs to health effects. We used the SHapley Additive exPlanations model to achieve individualized interpretability, enabling us to evaluate the specific contributions of individual feature values towards PCNs concentration levels. A strong relationship between PCN dietary intake and body burden was found using a robust large-scale PCN diet survey database for China containing the results of the analyses of 17,280 dietary samples and 4480 breast milk samples. Industrial emissions and dietary intake contributed 12 % and 52 %, respectively, of the PCN burden in breast milk. The model quantified the contributions of food consumption and industrial emissions to PCN exposure, which will be useful for performing accurate health risk assessments and developing reduction strategies of PCNs.

Atmospheric emissions of particulate matter-bound heavy metals from industrial sources.

Although industrial activities are significant contributors to atmospheric releases of particulate matter (PM) and associated toxic substances that lead to adverse human health effects, a knowledge gap exists concerning the human health risk resulting from such activities owing to lack of evaluation of industrial emissions. Here, we comprehensively characterized and quantified PM from 118 full-scale industrial plants. The dominant (97.9 %) PM showed diameters of <2.5 µm; 79.0 % had diameters below 1 µm. Annual atmospheric releases of Fe and heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) contained in fine PM from these global industrial activities are estimated to be 51,161 t and 69,591 t, respectively. Emissions of heavy metals from these industries cause increased cancer risk, estimated to range from 1461 % to 50,752 %. Five crystalline compounds (ZnO, PbSO4, Mn3O4, Fe3O4, Fe2O3) that can indicate specific industrial sources are identified. Global annual emissions of these toxic compounds in fine PM from the industrial sources are estimated to be 78,635 t. The Global South displayed higher emissions than the Global North. These results are significant for recognizing regional health risks of industrial emissions.

Atmospheric emissions of hexachlorobutadiene in fine particulate matter from industrial sources.

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is a concerning chemical that is included in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Stockholm Convention. Knowledge of the sources of HCBD is insufficient and is pivotal for accurate inventory and implementing global action. In this study, unintentional HCBD release and source emission factors of 121 full-scale industrial plants from 12 industries are investigated. Secondary copper smelting, electric arc furnace steelmaking, and hazardous waste incineration show potential for large emission reductions, which are found of high HCBD emission concentrations of > 20 ng/g in fine particulate matter in this study. The highest HCBD emission concentration is observed for the secondary copper smelting industry (average: 1380 ng/g). Source emission factors of HCBD for the 12 industries range from 0.008 kg/t for coal fire power plants to 0.680 kg/t for secondary lead smelting, from which an estimation of approximately 8452.8 g HCBD emissions annually worldwide achieved. The carcinogenic risks caused by HCBD emissions from countries and regions with intensive 12 industrial sources are 1.0-80 times higher than that without these industries. These results will be useful for formulating effective strategies of HCBD control.

Formation of persistent free radicals from epigallocatechin Gallate in tea processing and their implications on DNA damage and cell cytotoxicity.

Tea is widely consumed in both beverages and food. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most crucial active ingredient in tea. Currently, knowledges on transformation processes of EGCG during tea processing are lacking. Understanding the chemical reactions of EGCG and its products during tea processing is important for assessing the safety of tea-containing food. Here, we revealed the formation of persistent free radicals (PFRs) from EGCG under the influence of heating and light irradiation, which was substantiated with evidence. These PFRs exhibited stability for >30 min in simulated gastric fluid. Furthermore, we observed potential effects of these PFRs on DNA damage and cell cytotoxicity in vitro. By combining electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, we elucidated the pathways involved in free radical formation. These findings are expected to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of free radical chemistry in tea-containing food.

Unexpected hydroxyl radical production in brewed tea under sunlight.

Tea is one of the world's most popular and widely consumed beverages. It is a common pastime to enjoy a cup of tea in the sunshine. However, little attention has been given to understanding the possible photochemical reactions occurring beneath the calm surface of brewed tea. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is widely used in food and beverages, is the most significant active ingredient found in tea. In this study, we investigated the presence of free radicals in both an aqueous EGCG solution and brewed tea under simulated sunlight conditions. To our surprise, we unexpectedly observed the production of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in brewed tea. It was found that sunlight irradiation played a critical role in the formation of •OH, independent of the presence of metal ions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the •OH generated from the EGCG aqueous solution induced cell cytotoxicity and DNA damage in vitro. Considering the crucial role of •OH in various fields, including human health and the environment, it is important to further explore the practical implications of •OH production in brewed tea under sunlight. In summary, our study unveils the unexpected formation of •OH in brewed tea and emphasizes the significance of sunlight-induced reactions. The observed cytotoxic and DNA-damaging effects of •OH emphasize the importance of understanding the potential health consequences associated with tea consumption. Further research in this area will contribute to a better understanding of the broader implications of •OH production in brewed tea under sunlight.

Target Analysis of Polychlorinated Naphthalenes and Nontarget Screening of Organic Chemicals in Bovine Milk, Infant Formula, and Adult Milk Powder by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Infant formula is intended as an effective substitute for breast milk but is the main source of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) to nonbreastfed infants. We performed target and nontarget analyses to determine PCNs and identify other organic contaminants in infant formula. The mean PCN concentrations in infant formula, milk powder, and bovine milk were 106.1, 88.8, and 78.2 µg kg-1 of dry weight, respectively. The PCN congener profiles indicated that thermal processes and raw materials were probably the main sources of PCNs in infant formula. A health risk assessment indicated that PCNs in infant formula do not pose health risks to infants. Using gas chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry, 352, 372, and 161 organic chemicals were identified in the infant formula, milk powder, and bovine milk samples, respectively. Phthalate esters were detected in all four plastic-packed milk powder samples. The results indicated milk becomes more contaminated with organic chemicals during manufacturing, processing, and packaging.

Global squid contamination by halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its trade induced risk transfer.

Squid is traded globally as an important food resource. However, the occurrence of carcinogenic halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs) in squid and the risk of their transfer through trade is little understood or recognized. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the occurrence and risk transfer by quantifying the congener-specific concentrations of HPAHs in 121 squid samples collected from the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. This was the first time that nine of the 36 target chlorinated and brominated PAH congeners had been detected in squid. The HPAHs exhibited growth-dilution effects in the squid. The lipid content of squid was the most significant factor influencing HPAH bioaccumulation, while differences in squid growth and local ocean contamination influenced by geographical distribution also affected HPAH bioaccumulation. The redistribution and risk transfers of HPAHs in squid as a food could be affected by international trading. The cancer risks from squid consumption in China and Mexico were increased by 50 % and 30 %, respectively, because of international squid trading.

[Characteristics of Organic Matter Composition and Oxidation Potential in Road Dust in Winter in Xi'an].

Roads are the main places where urban people are exposed to atmospheric particulate matter from outdoor activities, and certain oxidatively active substances contained in road particulate matter are important components that induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn endanger human health. Here, we explored the characteristics of organic matter composition in water-soluble (WSM) and methanol-soluble fractions (MSM) of road dust in Xi'an and its oxidation potential (OP). Additionally, we investigated the organic fractions and their distribution based on parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and analyzed the correlation between organic matter types and OP. The results showed that the water-insoluble fraction of road dust in Xi'an contained more chromophoric organic matter with an average total concentration of (4.71±1.27)×104 R.U., which was 12 times higher than that of WSM[(3.96±1.10)×103 R.U.], of which low-oxidizing humic-like substances (HULIS) were the main organic matter (34.8%-43.7% of the total organic matter). The results of cluster analysis showed that the important sources of organic matter in road dust in Xi'an were fuel combustion and industrial production. The mean value of dust oxidative toxicity was (0.34±0.08) pmol·(min·µg)-1, with the water-insoluble fraction providing 70% of the total oxidative toxicity of dust particles, which was 2.4 times higher than the water-soluble fraction. The main precursors of oxidative toxicity of dust particles were metal elements, and special types of organic substances were also one of the important oxidative toxicity precursors, among which chromophore organic matter was the main cause of OP production in the WSM fraction (r=0.35, P<0.01), and protein-like organic matter and highly oxidized HULIS in WSM may have been the main two types of organic substances for OP production. However, there was no significant correlation between organic matter concentration in MSM and water-insoluble OP (OPTotal-OPWSM) (r=-0.04, P>0.1), so the oxidative toxicity of the water-insoluble particulate matter fraction was mainly generated from non-organic matter.

Industrial source identification of polyhalogenated carbazoles and preliminary assessment of their global emissions.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging global pollutants found in environmental matrices, e.g., 3000 tonnes of PHCZs have been detected in the sediments of the Great Lakes. Recognition of PHCZ emissions from ongoing industrial activities worldwide is still lacking. Here, we identify and quantify PHCZ emissions from 13 large-scale industries, 12 of which previously have no data. Congener profiles of PHCZs from investigated industrial sources are clarified, which enables apportioning of PHCZ sources. Annual PHCZ emissions from major industries are estimated on the basis of derived emission factors and then mapped globally. Coke production is a prime PHCZ emitter of 9229 g/yr, followed by iron ore sintering with a PHCZ emission of 3237 g/yr. China, Australia, Japan, India, USA, and Russia are found to be significant emitters through these industrial activities. PHCZ pollution is potentially a global human health and environmental issue.

Occurrences and spatial distributions of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in chlorobenzene and chloroethylene manufacturing processes in China.

As a group of pollutants listed in the Stockholm Convention, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) should be eliminated and their releases should be controlled. For this purpose, a complete PCB emission inventory is urgently required. Current unintentional releases of PCB were dominantly focused on waste incineration and non-ferrous metal production industries. The formation of PCB in chlorinated chemical manufacturing processes is poorly understood. In this study, occurrences and inventory of dioxin-like PCB (dl-PCB) in three typical chemical manufacturing processes, including chlorobenzene and chloroethylene production processes, were investigated. The bottom residues, which were high boiling point by-products after rectification tower, contained higher concentration of PCB than other stage samples in monochlorobenzene production and trichloroethylene production processes. The PCB concentrations were as high as 1.58 ng/mL and 152.87 ng/mL, respectively, which should be further concerned. The toxic equivalent quantities (TEQ) of dl-PCB in monochlorobenzene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene products were 0.25 µg TEQ/t, 1.14 µg TEQ/t, and 5.23 µg TEQ/t, respectively. The mass concentration and TEQ of dl-PCB determined in this research can be used for the further development of dl-PCB emission inventory from these chemical manufacturing industries. In addition, temporal and spatial trends of PCB releases from typical chemical manufacturing processes from 1952 to 2018 in China were clarified. The releases increased rapidly in the latest two decades and presented an expansion tendency from the southeast coastal areas to northern and central areas. The continuing upward trend for the output and the high dl-PCB TEQ of chloroethylene indicated significant releases of PCB from chemical manufacturing processes and should receive more attention.

An updated global overview of the manufacture and unintentional formation of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs).

This review updates information on the historical manufacture and unintentional production of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). The direct toxicity of PCNs as a result of occupational human exposure and through contaminated feed in livestock was recognised decades ago, making PCNs a precursor chemical for consideration in occupational medicine and occupational safety. This was confirmed by the listing of PCNs by the Stockholm Convention as a persistent organic pollutant in the environment, food, animals and humans. PCNs were manufactured globally between 1910 ∼ 1980, but reliable data on the volumes produced or national outputs are scarce. A total figure for global production would be useful for the purposes of inventory and control and it is clear that combustion related sources such as waste incineration, industrial metallurgy and use of chlorine are current major sources of PCNs to the environment. The upper bound estimate of total global production has been put at 400,000 metric tons but the amounts (at least, many 10 s of tonnes) that are currently emitted unintentionally every year through industrial combustion processes should also be inventoried along with estimates for emissions from bush and forest fires. This would however require considerable national effort, financing and co-operation from source operators. The historical (1910-1970 s) production and resulting emissions through diffusive/evaporative releases through usage, are still reflected in documented occurrence and patterns of PCNs in human milk in Europe and other locations worldwide. More recently, PCN occurrence in human milk from Chinese provinces has been linked to local unintentional emissions from thermal processes.

Integrated in silico-in vitro rational design of oncogenic EGFR-derived specific monoclonal antibody-binding peptide mimotopes.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is strongly associated with malignant proliferation and has been established as an attractive therapeutic target of diverse cancers and used as a significant biomarker for tumor diagnosis. Over the past decades, a variety of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been successfully developed to specifically recognize the third subdomain (TSD) of EGFR extracellular domain. Here, the complex crystal structures of EGFR TSD subdomain with its cognate mAbs were examined and compared systematically, revealing a consistent binding mode shared by these mAbs. The recognition site is located on the [Formula: see text]-sheet surface of TSD ladder architecture, from which several hotspot residues that significantly confer both stability and specificity to the recognition were identified, responsible for about half of the total binding potency of mAbs to TSD subdomain. A number of linear peptide mimotopes were rationally designed to mimic these TSD hotspot residues in different orientations and/or in different head-to-tail manners by using an orthogonal threading-through-strand (OTTS) strategy, which, however, are intrinsically disordered in Free State and thus cannot be maintained in a native hotspot-like conformation. A chemical stapling strategy was employed to constrain the free peptides into a double-stranded conformation by introducing a disulfide bond across two strand arms of the peptide mimotopes. Both empirical scoring and [Formula: see text]fluorescence assay reached an agreement that the stapling can effectively improve the interaction potency of OTTS-designed peptide mimotopes to different mAbs, with binding affinity increase by [Formula: see text]-fold. Conformational analysis revealed that the stapled cyclic peptide mimotopes can spontaneously fold into a double-stranded conformation that well threads through all the hotspot residues on TSD [Formula: see text]-sheet surface and exhibits a consistent binding mode with the TSD hotspot site to mAbs.

Emission reduction of PCDD/Fs by flue gas recirculation and activated carbon in the iron ore sintering.

One of the main sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the environment is the sintering of iron ore. Both flue gas recirculation (FGR) and activated carbon (AC), which have the impact of decreasing both PCDD/Fs and conventional pollutants (NOx, SO2, etc.), are significant technologies for the abatement of PCDD/Fs from the sintering exhaust gas. This work involved the first measurement of PCDD/Fs emissions during FGR and a thorough analysis of the impact of PCDD/Fs reduction following the coupling of FGR and AC technologies. According to the measured data, the ratio of PCDFs to PCDDs in the sintered flue gas was 6.8, indicating that during the sintering process, the PCDD/Fs were primarily produced by de novo synthesis. Further investigation revealed that FGR initially removed 60.7% of PCDD/Fs by returning it to the high temperature bed, and AC further removed 95.2% of the remaining PCDD/Fs through physical adsorption. While AC is better at removing PCDFs and can efficiently remove tetra-to octa-chlorinated homologs, FGR is more effective at removing PCDDs and has higher removal efficiency for hexa-to octa-chlorinated PCDD/Fs. Together, they complement each other with a removal rate of 98.1%. The study's findings are instructional for the process design of combining FGR and AC technologies to reduce PCDD/Fs in the sintered flue gas.