In-silico analysis of atmospheric diffusion, crop planting degrading scheme and health risk of dioxins from a domestic waste incineration plant

Based on a domestic waste incineration power generation project, the dioxin emission from the waste inciner-ation plant (WIP), phytoextraction and microbial degradation of dioxins, and dioxins human health risks reduction were investigated through in-silico methods. Based on the dioxins concentrations in soil (9.97 x 10- 9-7.00 x 10-5ng/g) predicted by atmospheric dispersion model system and the Level-III fugacity model, planting schemes under different wind directions were designed considering the dioxin absorption capacity and the economic benefits for crops (i.e., barley, peanut, pea, maize and wheat). The dioxins in soils can be further degraded by five crops' rhizosphere microorganisms and fertilizers, simulated through molecular dynamic simulations. The enhanced degradation rates of dioxin by rhizosphere microorganisms of five crops reached 15.70 %-28.66 %. Finally, healthy dietary plans were developed to reduce the risk of dioxin exposure to the sensitive populations living around WIP. Results showed that the consumption of maize, fungus, mushroom and bamboo fungus could effectively reduce dioxins toxicity to humans by 58.13 %. The systematic approach developed in this study provided theoretical support for soil remediation and human health risk control of dioxins-contaminated sites.

Automated summary

This study investigated the dioxin emissions, phytoextraction, and microbial degradation of dioxins, as well as reducing human health risks in a domestic waste incineration power generation project using in-silico methods. Planting schemes were designed based on predicted dioxin concentrations in soil and economic benefits, enhancing degradation rates of dioxins by rhizosphere microorganisms. Healthy dietary plans were developed to reduce dioxin exposure risks for sensitive populations. The systematic approach provided theoretical support for soil remediation and human health risk control.