The use of isomer specific data to characterize and differentiate sources of dioxins into the environment

In a recent comprehensive study of dioxin levels in the environment with several potential historical manufacturing and combustion sources, a simple but effective pattern recognition technique was developed and successfully used to guide the study. Using isomer specific data on 20 tetra isomer groups, the resulting isomer profiles were able to identify dominant sources of dioxin in various areas. Several specific studies and multi-variant statistical procedures were used to confirm the findings.