Contamination from Waste-to-Energy Facilities (Incinerators): New Studies in Europe Show High Dioxin, PFAS, and Heavy Metals Levels in Soil, Water, Vegetation, and Food

     I had assumed that WTE facilities in Europe, especially the more advanced ones, had adequate pollution abatement systems. A series of new independent studies in France, Spain, and the Netherlands suggests that the systems are not adequate. The studies were conducted by ToxicoWatch Foundation with support from Zero Waste Europe. Global Data reports that:

“Dioxin concentrations in soil, moss, and backyard chicken eggs exceeded EU safety limits at all three locations.”

“In Paris’ Ivry-sur-Seine district, a schoolyard playground was found to contain contamination levels exceeding legal thresholds. In Harlingen, PFAS levels in water reached 138 times the Dutch legal limit for drinking water.”

“Meanwhile, in Zubieta, a backyard egg sample from Hernani recorded the highest dioxin concentration measured by the ToxicoWatch Foundation in over a decade.”

“Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic were also found in areas close to homes, parks, and schools. The presence of these hazardous substances in public spaces raises concerns about long-term exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.”

At one sight they found that dioxin levels in soil had increased sevenfold since 2013.

“The Zubieta incinerator, which became operational in 2020, showed significant environmental pollution. Moss samples contained dioxin levels up to 300 times higher than baseline measurements taken before the plant began operating.”

    Thus, we can see that this pollution is coming from new modern facilities. This is concerning. Based on these studies there are new calls for more monitoring and regulations. Zero Waste Europe is advocating for real-time monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from WTE plants, particularly during non-standard operations, which are often linked to emission spikes. Due to its presence in consumed food, they also want to implement regular biomonitoring in affected areas.

     The ongoing debate between landfilling and WTE might be affected by these studies. Both can be highly polluting, but WTE pollution seems to get into the environment and in foods and human bodies much faster. This is certainly a serious public health concern.

     The conclusions from the 2024 interim report of the areas around the WTE plant at Zubetia, Spain are given below.

     “The findings of this interim biomonitoring study (2024), conducted in the region surrounding the Zubieta incinerator, reveal exceedances of dioxins, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals in the environment. 

     The results from backyard chicken eggs analysed using the DR CALUX bioassay show a significant increase in dioxins, including PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs). At Hernani, located 3,500 metres east of the waste incinerator, the highest dioxin concentration ever recorded in backyard chicken eggs during 13 years of TW biomonitoring across Europe was measured. 

     At Zubieta Press Site - where this five-year study began in 2019 with zero-measurements - a clear upward trend in dioxin levels is evident since the start of the waste incinerator's operations in 2020.  PFAS were detected in all examined backyard chicken eggs. In Hernani and Andoain, PFAS concentrations exceed the EU’s maximum permissible limits.  In 2024, PFAS were also detected in a drinking water source located on a hill near Andoain, an area previously considered pristine. 

     In 2019, no dioxins were found in mosses (Bryophytes) or pine needles (Pinus radiata). In the years that followed, dioxin levels in the moss increased by up to a factor of 300. Although levels have since decreased, PCDD/F concentrations in mosses remain 30 times higher than in 2019, prior to the incinerator’s operation. 

     Rising trends in heavy metals were also observed in water, soil, mosses, and sediment. In water samples, elevated concentrations of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) were detected. In soil, increases in cadmium (Cd), silver (Ag), manganese (Mn) and mercury (Hg) were noted.  In moss, elevated levels of arsenic (As), barium (Ba), nickel (Ni) and tin (Sn) were observed. In sediment, the presence of cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) was remarkable.

     The contamination by Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) such as dioxins, PFAS and heavy metals – is not limited to eggs or moss but reflect a broader issue of persistent organic pollutant (POP_ deposition in the environment of Zubieta. This rising pollution trend underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the semi-continuous flue gas measurement data from the Zubieta incinerator. Such an investigation is essential to determine whether the facility complies with legal obligations to eliminate or at least minimise emissions of hazardous substances - including dioxins (PCDD/F/dl-PCB), heavy metals and PFAS - into the environment.”

 

  

 

References:

 

European incinerators linked to dioxin and PFAS pollution. Mohamed Dabo. Global Data. April 1, 2025. European incinerators linked to dioxin and PFAS pollution

ToxicoWatch Foundation. ToxicoWatch | Toxicology

Biomonitoring research on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the surrounding environment of the WtE waste incinerator in Zubieta 2024. Interim report. ToxicoWatch. 8b2c54_cb08f19250ee4ef89ae354aab2eb1e51.pdf